Why the Secondhand Laptop Market Is Surging in 2026

Rising Costs Are Reshaping Laptop Demand

The global laptop market is undergoing a dramatic shift, and high‑quality refurbished technology is benefiting significantly. With memory shortages and rising CPU costs substantially increasing the price of new equipment, buyers are increasingly turning to refurbished and second‑life laptops as a practical, affordable alternative to new devices.

Refurbished Laptop Sales Accelerate Across Europe

Sales of refurbished laptops across major European markets grew 7% in the last quarter, with the UK becoming the fastest‑growing region for second‑life computing. Budget-conscious consumers are driving much of this demand, particularly lower tier laptops, which now account for roughly 40% of all refurbished laptop sales. Even the mid-tier models are gaining traction, signaling that buyers are willing to pay a bit more for higher performance without absorbing the steep premiums now attached to new hardware.

Memory Shortages and AI Demand Are Driving Price Increases

The underlying cause is clear: memory shortages are reshaping the entire PC ecosystem. RAM prices continue to climb with no relief in sight, driven by manufacturers prioritizing high‑value memory production for AI data‑center applications rather than consumer‑grade DRAM. This has created a supply imbalance that makes new laptops significantly more expensive – and in some cases, hard to find at all. For many buyers, a refurbished device offers the best combination of performance, availability and cost stability.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Right to Repair Fuel Adoption

This shift isn’t just about affordability; it’s also about practicality. With component shortages expected to persist, refurbished laptops provide a reliable workaround for retailers and consumers navigating supply chain disruptions. The upcoming EU Right to Repair legislation, set to take effect in July 2026, is poised to further accelerate this trend by increasing access to spare parts and improving device repairability across the region.

Refurbished Laptops Deliver Significant Sustainability Benefits

Beyond the economic advantages, the shift toward refurbished laptops carries a powerful sustainability impact. Every device that is reused rather than replaced avoids the significant carbon emissions associated with manufacturing a new unit – calculated by SLS at an average of 332.5 kg of CO₂e per laptop, depending on model and components. By extending the life of existing hardware and reusing components wherever possible, organizations dramatically reduce their environmental footprint while supporting a more circular technology ecosystem.

A Growing Opportunity for ITAD and Circular Economy Leaders

For ITAD providers and circular economy leaders, the opportunity is substantial. Devices that were once considered obsolete are now valuable assets in a supply-constrained market. With supply pressures unlikely to ease soon, the momentum behind second‑life laptops is only expected to grow.

How SLS Maximizes Value Through Remarketing

SLS specializes in transforming retired IT equipment into high-quality, market-ready technology through a comprehensive testing, cleaning and refurbishment process designed to maximize resale value. Repairs, hardware enhancements, new operating systems and product warranties drastically increase value and give buyers added confidence. We redeployed over 8 million assets in the past year alone, delivering tens of millions of dollars in recovery value to our clients.