Market valuation in 2025 is forecast at USD 21.7 billion, rising to USD 57.3 billion by 2035, based on a 10.2% CAGR. The Refurbished Laptops segment is estimated to hold 74.0% share in 2025, while Windows OS is expected to make up 66.1% share in 2025.
In a Guardian interview published on September 1, 2024, Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys, urged the UK government to reduce or eliminate VAT on refurbished electronic devices to encourage recycling and curb landfill waste. He stated, “It has already been charged once on these products. I would like to see a radical reduction or entire cut on these products.” This insight highlights the market’s emphasis on sustainability and regulatory support for the circular economy.
The market is being propelled by heightened environmental awareness and the need to reduce electronic waste. Consumers-including individuals, businesses, and schools-are increasingly choosing refurbished devices for their affordability and certification-backed quality. Online and retailer-backed refurbished programs (e.g. Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, Apple Certified Refurbished) are bolstering consumer confidence through warranties, quality checks, and return policies.
Technological enhancements are fueling market expansion. Customization options (such as upgraded memory and storage) and pre-installed Windows OS configurations are enhancing product appeal. Additionally, OEM-certified refurbishment by leading brands-such as Dell, HP, Apple, and Lenovo-is improving product reliability and market credibility.
Regionally, North America remains the largest market, supported by robust e‑commerce infrastructure and strong sustainability awareness. Asia-Pacific is forecast to be the fastest-growing region, driven by widespread digital adoption and rising demand in emerging economies. Europe benefits from impactful right-to-repair initiatives and vigorous e‑waste regulations.
Key market participants include Apple (Apple Certified Refurbished), Dell Technologies, HP Inc., Lenovo, Amazon Renewed, Back Market, and Best Buy Refurbished. Partnerships between OEMs and third-party refurbishers are improving product variety and quality assurance.
Regulatory movements-such as UK discussions on VAT reduction, EU’s right-to-repair legislation, and EPR regulations-are fostering a favorable policy environment for the refurbished segment. Emerging trends include modular device designs, enhanced parts support, circular economy initiatives, and increased certification standards. These developments are expected to strengthen consumer trust and support sector maturation. Enhanced GUI and Windows OS ease-of-use features will continue to support dominance in the refurbished Windows laptop segment.
Market Metrics
Attribute | Detail |
---|---|
Industry Size (2025E) | USD 21.7 billion |
Industry Size (2035F) | USD 57.3 billion |
CAGR (2025-2035) | 10.2% |
In 2025, the Refurbished Laptops segment will dominate the Refurbished Computers and Laptops Market, capturing a commanding 74.0% market share, driven by growing demand for affordable, portable computing devices. Windows OS is set to lead the operating system category, holding a substantial 66.1% share, owing to its widespread acceptance among individual and enterprise users globally.
The Refurbished Laptops segment is projected to dominate the product type category in 2025 with an impressive 74.0% market share. This supremacy stems from the rising demand for portable, cost-effective computing solutions across educational institutions, small businesses, and price-sensitive consumers. Laptops provide flexibility and mobility that desktop systems cannot match, making them a preferred choice for remote working professionals, students, and mobile sales personnel.
Furthermore, global sustainability trends have encouraged the recycling and refurbishing of electronics to reduce e-waste, driving demand for refurbished laptops over desktops. Market leaders such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple are expanding their certified refurbished product lines, offering high-quality, warranty-backed laptops at reduced prices.
Educational sectors, especially in developing economies, are increasingly adopting refurbished laptops to bridge the digital divide and promote affordable digital learning. As hybrid and remote work models become standard practice globally, refurbished laptops will remain central to meeting demand for budget-friendly computing devices with reliable performance.
Windows OS is forecasted to maintain its dominance in the operating system segment with a 66.1% market share in 2025. The widespread popularity of Windows across both personal and commercial computing environments fuels its supremacy in the refurbished computer market. A vast majority of refurbished laptops and desktops are pre-installed with Windows OS due to its compatibility with a wide array of enterprise software, productivity tools, and gaming applications.
Corporate buyers, educational institutes, and government agencies prefer Windows-powered systems for their ease of integration with existing IT infrastructure, further driving market demand. Leading refurbishers and OEMs-including HP, Dell, and Lenovo-focus on Windows-based offerings to cater to global consumer preferences.
Additionally, regular updates and extensive driver support from Microsoft ensure that even older hardware operates smoothly with the latest software releases. Despite the presence of Mac OS and Linux OS in niche segments such as creative design or software development, Windows remains the dominant choice in the refurbished market owing to its familiarity, affordability, and broad ecosystem support.
Growing Concerns for Environmental Sustainability Driving Demand in the United States
According to Future Market Insights, the United States refurbished computers and laptops market size is forecast to reach USD 6503.7 million in 2035. From 2025 to 2035, refurbished computer and laptop demand in the United States is set to rise at 9.5% CAGR.
Rising environmental concerns and high acceptance of refurbished electronics among environmentally conscious customers are expected to fuel market expansions.
The United States government is emphasizing the reduction of electronics waste. As a result, various regulations are being introduced which will allow the market for refurbished computers and laptops to flourish.
In the United States, numerous businesses are purchasing refurbished desktops and laptops for their offices. This decision is helping businesses to reduce costs, eradicate electronic wastage, and improve company’s ESG ratings.
The concern for reducing electronic waste is promoting the use of refurbished computers and laptops. By encouraging businesses to invest in these renewed devices, the government can help to support the growth of the refurbished electronics industry.
Due to the alliance of government regulations and environment conscious consumers, the market for refurbished computers and laptops is expected to thrive rapidly in the upcoming years.
Presence of Numerous Key Players Providing Refurbished Laptops Boosting China Market
China has emerged as a key player in the refurbished computers and laptops industry, with numerous vendors and manufacturers operating in the country. These vendors offer a wide range of refurbished devices, from low-cost entry-level laptops to high-performance workstations, making them a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
Various China-based vendors also offer customization services, allowing businesses to tailor their devices to their specific needs and requirements.
With China's reputation as a hub for electronics manufacturing and innovation, these vendors are well-positioned to provide high-quality refurbished devices that meet the needs of businesses around the world.
China's role in the refurbished computers and laptops market is anticipated to continue to increase in the coming years. As per the latest analysis, China refurbished computers and laptops industry is expected to thrive at a CAGR of 10.2%.
The refurbished computers and laptops market is an emerging market for refurbished manufacturers and retailers as it is providing consumers with a cost-efficient option to have their requirements fulfilled. Online retailers are accumulating a vast customer base over the internet by shipping refurbished computers and laptops around the world.
Leading manufacturers and suppliers of refurbished computers and laptops are also establishing new stores as well as adopting the merger & acquisition strategy to expand their presence.
Recent Developments:
Attribute | Detail |
---|---|
Industry Size (2025E) | USD 21.7 billion |
Industry Size (2035F) | USD 57.3 billion |
CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.2% |
Forecast Period | 2025 to 2035 |
Historical Data | 2018 to 2024 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Quantitative Units | Value in USD billion, Volume million Units Sold |
Segments Covered | Product, Operating System, Sales Channel, Region |
Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Central Asia, Russia, Balkan & Baltics, Middle East & Africa |
Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, GCC Countries, South Africa |
By Product | Refurbished Laptops, Refurbished Desktop Computers |
By Operating System | Windows OS, Mac OS, Linux OS |
By Sales Channel | Online/eCommerce, Offline/Brick & Mortar Stores |
Key Companies Profiled | Apple Inc., Lenovo, HP, Dell, Asus, Samsung, Acer, Sony, LG, Microsoft, Toshiba |
Competition Deep Dive (Major Retailers) | Amazon, Flipkart, Walmart, eBay, Reboot-IT, Best Buy |
Additional Attributes | Market share by sales channel, unit volume of laptops vs. desktops, top regions for demand, price positioning, consumer buying preferences, OS-specific refurbished demand, and major suppliers. |
The sales of refurbished computers and laptops may grow at 10.2% annual rate until 2035.
The overall market is projected to reach almost USD 57.3 billion by 2035.
The Windows OS system is mostly sought-after and holds almost 66.1% of the overall sales.
Sales of refurbished laptops account for almost 74% of the total sales worldwide.
Lower price as well as environmental responsibility.
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