The demand for refurbished laptops in the U.S. is booming in 2025. With inflation driving up the cost of new tech, more Americans are turning to reliable, affordable refurbished options, especially students, remote workers, and business owners.
Whether you're flipping laptops online, stocking a resale shop, or just trying to get the most value for your money, here’s a detailed look at 5 refurbished laptops that consistently sell fast in the U.S. market.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
The 2020 MacBook Air with Apple’s M1 chip remains a top seller in the refurbished market and for good reason. It was the first Mac to feature Apple’s in-house silicon, delivering impressive performance and battery life at a lower price point.
Why It’s Popular in the U.S.:
Extremely lightweight and portable
Strong resale value thanks to the Apple brand
macOS support for years to come
Silent (fanless) operation with powerful multitasking
Ideal Buyers:
College students, content creators, remote workers, and anyone who wants premium Apple quality without the new price tag.
Where It Sells Best:
Amazon Renewed, Back Market, and Facebook Marketplace
2. Dell XPS 13 (10th/11th Gen Intel)
The Dell XPS 13 is often referred to as the “Windows MacBook,” and in the refurbished market, it sells just as quickly. With a near borderless screen and high-end build quality, it offers great value for professionals who don’t want to compromise.
Why It’s Popular in the U.S.:
Sleek, durable aluminum design
InfinityEdge display with FHD+ or 4K options
Great performance for office, streaming, and editing
Trusted Dell brand with strong U.S. support
Ideal Buyers:
Tech professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone working on the go.
Where It Sells Best:
eBay Certified Refurbished, Swappa, local resellers
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 7 or 8)
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon has long been a favorite among business users, and that reputation carries over to its refurbished versions. Known for reliability and performance, this machine is built to last and resells fast.
Why It’s Popular in the U.S.:
Military-grade durability
Excellent keyboard for writers and coders
Lightweight carbon fiber chassis
Solid security and business features
Ideal Buyers:
Freelancers, remote employees, IT professionals, and businesses are looking to equip their staff.
Where It Sells Best:
B2B marketplaces, wholesale electronics suppliers, and refurbished business tech stores
4. HP EliteBook 840 G6/G7
If you're selling in bulk or looking for value-focused buyers, the HP EliteBook 840 is the ideal choice. It’s durable, affordable, and reliable, ideal for high-volume resellers working with schools or small businesses.
Why It’s Popular in the U.S.:
Budget-friendly and enterprise-ready
Built-in privacy and security features
Long battery life and good build quality
Great for Windows 11 compatibility
Ideal Buyers:
Educational institutions, nonprofits, remote teams, and bulk IT buyers
Where It Sells Best:
GovDeals, school auction platforms, refurb wholesalers, bulk IT suppliers
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3/4
The Surface Laptop is sleek, stylish, and optimized for Windows, making it a strong seller in the U.S., especially among college-age users and creative professionals. It combines the portability of a tablet with the power of a laptop.
Why It’s Popular in the U.S.:
High-resolution touchscreen (13.5" or 15")
Thin, modern design with great build quality
Long battery life and smooth performance
Microsoft brand trust
Ideal Buyers:
Students, designers, freelancers, and modern office workers
Where It Sells Best:
Back Market, Amazon Renewed, Best Buy Outlet, college campus tech stores
Final Thoughts
These five laptops aren't just popular, they’re proven sellers in the refurbished laptop market across the United States. Whether you're running a resale business or just hunting for a great deal, focusing on models with strong brand recognition, high durability, and user trust will help you make quick sales and satisfy buyers.