Buying a used TV can help you avoid tariffs, but don't pull the trigger just yet

Summary

Tariffs on electronics and semiconductors could impact the price of TVs in the US.
Purchasing a used or refurbished TV is a great way to avoid tariffs and save yourself some money.
When buying a used TV, always check the condition of its screen, ports, and sound system.

Concerns about how tariffs might affect the prices of new electronics are widespread. Nintendo delayed pre-orders of the Switch 2 in the US and Canada because of tariffs, and now Sony is hiking the price of the PS5 in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand because of a “challenging economic environment.”

The costs of smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and TVs could surge in the US if tariffs are levied on imports from countries like China and Vietnam. Although the Trump Administration has now exempted electronics from tariffs, officials have signaled that these exemptions won’t last long.

Depending on the tariff level, the potential impact on prices could be significant for TVs, especially if a tariff is placed on semiconductors. However, one effective strategy to avoid the impact of tariffs now and into the future is to buy a used or refurbished TV.

Fortunately, purchasing a used TV is very easy nowadays, and with the right knowledge, you can find a fantastic TV at a significantly lower price.

PS5 price hikes begin rolling out across the globe, and the US is probably next

If I was thinking about buying a PS5, I wouldn’t wait much longer.

What’s the difference between used and refurbished?

Good places to look for refurbished TVs are Amazon and Best Buy

Govee T3 TV Backlight showing live sports.

You’ll primarily encounter three types of second-hand TVs: refurbished, used, and open box. Refurbished TVs are units that have been returned to the manufacturer, either due to an issue or because the original buyer decided to send them back. The manufacturer repairs these TVs, resets them to their factory default settings, and then sells them at a reduced price. Depending on the refurbished TV, it can sometimes look and feel like a brand-new TV.

The quality of a used TV depends largely on how well the previous owner maintained it, which is usually reflected in the price.

In contrast, used TVs are typically sold by their previous owners after they have been used. You’ll find these TVs on online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and others. Unlike refurbished TVs, used TVs have not been repaired or reset to factory default settings by the manufacturer. The quality of a used TV depends largely on how well the previous owner maintained it, which is usually reflected in the price.

The advantage of buying a refurbished TV is that it usually includes a limited warranty. This means that if you have any issues with it, you can return it or exchange it with the retailer from whom you bought it. For instance, refurbished TVs from Amazon (which the company refers to as Renewed) come with Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee, which means if you aren’t happy with it, you can get a full refund or replacement within 90 days of purchase. If you’re looking to buy a refurbished TV, always check to see what kind of warranty is being offered.

Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Micro Center are some retailers I recommend checking out for refurbished TVs.

Some retailers also sell TVs marked “open box.” Typically, this means they have been opened and then returned shortly afterward. For example, at Best Buy, this indicates the product was opened and returned, and then verified by Geek Squad to ensure it works and is restored to factory settings. Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Micro Center are some retailers I recommend checking out for refurbished TVs.

The biggest risk of buying a used TV rather than a refurbished TV is that it typically doesn’t come with a warranty, especially if it’s more than a year old. However, there are ways to mitigate risk when buying a used TV; you just need to know what to look for.

An HDMI cable with the letters ARC on it to the right of a thumbdrive with the letters CEC on it.

How I use CEC and ARC to get the best TV sound possible

A pair of technologies do heavy lifting to effectively move audio through your devices.

What to look for when buying a used TV

Always double-check the screen for scratches and dead pixels, and see if the ports work

If you’re planning to buy a refurbished TV online, the retailer typically discloses its condition. For example, Best Buy offers three condition types at different price points: excellent, good, and fair. Double-check the TV’s condition from the retailer before purchasing it so you know what to expect upon receiving it.

If you’ve found a second-hand TV you’re interested in buying from an online seller, such as on Facebook Marketplace, there are some things to consider before committing to the purchase (these are also good things to check when you first take a refurbished TV out of the box).

1. Check the screen quality. Are there any defects? Cracks? Scratches? Dead pixels? If possible, ask the seller to plug in the TV so you can verify that the screen is functioning properly.

2. Ensure it has the necessary ports and that they work. When examining a used TV, confirm it includes essential ports, such as HDMI and USB, and, most importantly, that they are functional. If the seller is hesitant to allow you to test the TV, it may indicate potential issues with it.

3. Test the sound quality. If you plan to use the TV’s speakers without an additional sound system, ensure they are working properly and not damaged. Look out for distorted or crackling audio, as those are the two biggest signs something is wrong with the TV’s speakers.

4. Lastly, check the TV’s age and see if it’s still eligible for software updates. Most smart TVs come with their own firmware and apps installed, so it’s best to verify if they’re still being updated and supporting current streaming apps. If it no longer receives updates but you still want the TV, you could invest in a streaming device for it, like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, for access to up-to-date streaming apps.

Although there are many factors to consider when purchasing a used TV, don’t let this deter you. With some research and determination, you can find an excellent used TV that saves you a ton of money. While tariffs are a big concern right now, buying used offers a smart way to avoid their impact.