Consumer Reports: Buying refurbished headphones

Whether for work or working out, so many of us use headphones nearly every day. But the often tiny tech can cost big bucks. So, Consumer Reports suggests trying used headphones.

Think that's not for you? Wait until you find out how much you can save.

Keeping up with technology is expensive. Even when it comes to headphones. But would you ever buy used? It's not as unusual as you might think.

"An easy way to save money on headphones is to buy refurbished," said Consumer Reports Thomas Germain. "You can get a great pair in perfectly good working order for a lot less than what you'd pay for new ones."

Consumer Reports has recommended refurbished products for years. It's a great way to save on electronics, like phones and computers. And they say some of Consumer Report's highly-rated headphone models can be as much as 50-percent off regular price.

"Refurbished headphones have usually been returned by another person," Germain said. "It could be because they didn't like them, or, in some cases, they needed a repair. But no matter what was wrong with them originally, by the time you get them they should be good as new."

But they may not be in their original packaging. So, where can you find them?

"When you're shopping for refurbished headphones, the best case scenario is you can get them directly from the manufacturer," Germain said. "But we've seen the best selections at places like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart."

Some retailers even have programs for refurbished products.

"Amazon has an entire Renewed Department with products that are guaranteed to look and function just like new," Germain said.

Best Buy has its Geek Squad Certified Refurbished program with the company's standard 15-day return policy. No matter where you shop, make sure to check the details out before buying and make sure you can return them if something is wrong.

Consumer Reports does caution consumers to do their research before buying anything refurbished from a company they've never heard of because it can be hard to know exactly what you're getting.

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