The Best Refurbished Desktop Computer of 05 / 2025: Rankings

Our pick: Dell OptiPlex 7060 Tower

The Dell OptiPlex 7060 Tower (Renewed) is a solid performer for professionals, home office users, and power users alike. Refurbished yet well-equipped, this desktop packs impressive hardware into a reliable chassis. During testing, it handled everything from multitasking with multiple Chrome tabs and Office apps to video conferencing and file management without any noticeable lag.

This model comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro and features an Intel Core i7-8700 processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a fast 512GB NVMe SSD. These specs provide smooth day-to-day performance and responsiveness. Dual DisplayPort outputs and WiFi 6E support further enhance its flexibility in a modern work setup.

Pros

• Strong multitasking performance with i7-8700 and 32GB RAM

• Fast boot and file access with NVMe SSD

• Dual 4K monitor support via DisplayPort

• Built-in WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

Cons

• No USB-C ports

• Lacks modern GPU for intensive graphics workloads

The Dell OptiPlex 7060 Tower (Renewed) offers excellent value for professionals seeking a capable, budget-friendly desktop. While it’s not tailored for gaming or high-end creative work, its performance, expandability, and modern OS support make it a smart choice for productivity-focused users.

Also great: Dell Optiplex 5060 Desktop Computer

The Dell OptiPlex 5060 (Renewed) strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it a great fit for home offices, general productivity, and even light content creation. During testing, the Hexa-Core Intel i5-8500 paired with 32GB of DDR4 RAM delivered smooth multitasking, web browsing, and photo/video editing using mainstream applications.

With a 1TB SSD and pre-installed Windows 11 Pro, this desktop boots quickly and handles file operations with ease. While it’s not built for high-end gaming or professional-grade editing, the Intel UHD 630 graphics provide decent support for creative work at 1080p or even light 4K workloads. The added bonus of a USB-C port and Wi-Fi connectivity improves modern usability.

Pros

• Fast 1TB SSD for responsive system performance

• Strong multitasking with 32GB RAM and 6-core i5 CPU

• USB-C and DisplayPort outputs for modern connectivity

• Quiet operation and energy-efficient design

Cons

• Integrated graphics limit high-end video editing

• Basic external Wi-Fi adapter instead of built-in Wi-Fi

The Dell OptiPlex 5060 is a well-rounded refurbished desktop for users who need a dependable PC for office work, light media editing, or digital content management. It delivers excellent value and functionality for its price, especially for creators or professionals who don't need discrete graphics.

Also great: Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop

The Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF (Renewed) delivers impressive performance in a small form factor, making it ideal for office users, remote workers, and those who need a reliable, space-saving desktop. With its 7th Gen Intel Core i7-7700 processor and 32GB of DDR4 RAM, it handles daily tasks, multitasking, and even moderate content editing smoothly. In our real-world usage, it remained responsive across a range of productivity tools and browser-based applications.

This refurbished unit includes a 1TB SSD, ensuring fast boot times and quick file access. Dual 4K monitor support via DisplayPort and HDMI boosts productivity for users who benefit from multi-display setups. While it doesn’t feature the newest internals, it remains a dependable and cost-effective solution—especially with its certified refurbished quality and added accessories.

Pros

• Compact SFF design with strong quad-core i7 performance

• 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for fast multitasking and storage

• Dual 4K display support via HDMI and DisplayPort

• Certified refurbished with keyboard, mouse, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth adapters included

Cons

• Older 7th-gen CPU limits upgrade path

• External USB Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters instead of integrated options

The Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF (Renewed) offers excellent value for professionals seeking reliable desktop performance in a small footprint. It may not suit power users or gamers, but for day-to-day office tasks, web use, and multitasking, it remains a solid and efficient choice.

Source: Amazon

Is it good to buy a refurbished desktop computer?

Buying a refurbished desktop computer can be a cost-effective way to get a high-quality system at a lower price. Refurbished computers are typically returned to the manufacturer or retailer due to minor defects or cosmetic issues, which are then repaired, tested, and certified to meet original manufacturer specifications. However, it's essential to purchase refurbished computers from reputable sellers with a warranty or return policy to ensure reliability and customer protection.

Which brand of desktop is most reliable?

Several desktop computer brands are known for their reliability, but it ultimately depends on individual experiences and specific models. Brands such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo often rank high in reliability surveys and customer satisfaction ratings due to their build quality, performance, and customer support. When considering reliability, it's essential to research customer reviews, warranty coverage, and service and support options for the specific models you're interested in.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished computer from Best Buy?

Buying a refurbished computer from Best Buy can be safe as long as you purchase from their certified refurbished program or a reputable seller. Best Buy's certified refurbished products undergo rigorous testing and inspection to ensure they meet manufacturer standards and come with a warranty or return policy for added peace of mind. However, it's essential to read the product descriptions carefully, check the warranty coverage, and research customer reviews before making a purchase.

What is the difference between a renewed computer and a refurbished computer?

In general, the terms "renewed" and "refurbished" are often used interchangeably to describe products that have been restored to like-new condition. However, there can be subtle differences between the two:

• Refurbished computers typically refer to products that have been returned to the manufacturer or retailer due to defects or issues, repaired, and certified to meet original manufacturer specifications.

• Renewed computers may refer to products that have been returned to the seller, tested, and restored to working condition but may not have undergone the same level of refurbishment as certified refurbished products. Renewed products may still come with a warranty or return policy, but it's essential to verify the seller's refurbishment process and warranty coverage before purchasing.

Read more:

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• The Best Desktop Computer of 2025 I SHR

Refurbished desktop computers offer a smart, budget-friendly alternative to buying brand new—without sacrificing performance or reliability. Whether you're a student, remote worker, gamer, or casual user, there's a quality refurbished option that fits your needs and saves you money. Just make sure to buy from a trusted seller, check warranty terms, and match the specs with your intended use.

If you found this review helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with friends, coworkers, or anyone looking for a great deal on a reliable desktop. Your share might just help someone make a smarter tech purchase today!