We’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops at SlashGear over the decades. In that time we’ve seen innovative features, slimmer form factors, and of course, plenty of price hikes. Buying a used laptop can definitely help you save money when it’s time to replace your current one; depending on the brand you go with, it could offer features and specs that easily rival those of new products.
Some laptop brands have gained a reputation for bad customer service and poor repair options, while others stand out for creating computers that last, make it easy to fix long-term issues, or both. Though, no matter how reliable a brand is, there are things you need to check for
If you’re looking for a used laptop, Dell is a solid choice. The company consistently ranks high in terms of reliability, and it’s the second best major PC brand in terms of customer satisfaction, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Dell scored 82 out of 100 on the ACSI, wich is still very good. Like HP, Dell also provides guides on how to repair its laptops, including battery replacements.
Dell’s Latitude series is known for its durability, and the XPS line is popular for its sleek design and performance. If you’re looking for a used Dell laptop, these two lines are good places to start. Dell also offers a wide range of business-class laptops, which are often built to withstand more wear and tear than consumer-grade models.
The company also has its own guide on how to replace HP laptop batteries. This is critical, as the battery tends to be the laptop component that fails first, no matter which brand you may have. you can replace the battery on pretty much any HP laptop, though the exact process can vary from unit to unit. HP recommends the Pavilion Plus Laptop 14 and the Elitebook 845 14 G11 as those with the best battery life, so check out these two models first when shopping for a used HP laptop.
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Lenovo loves to experiment and debut innovative concept devices at major industry events, like the laptop with a rollable display it showcased at CES 2026. While Lenovo excels in delivering plenty of flashy laptop models with premium features (frequently enough at the cost of battery life) and budget-friendly gems that may only last a few years, the company also has a few tried-and-true laptops that tend to last years before calling it quits; the ThinkPad and Legion both come to mind.
If you’re looking for a used gaming laptop with a good mix of top-notch specs and great features, Lenovo’s Legion lineup might be worth looking into. We loved the Lenovo Legion 9i, though its price tag is certainly not for the faint of heart.Thankfully, buying a used model will help bring down its expensive retail price to a more reasonable amount.
On the hunt for more of a workhorse or a daily driver? Lenovo’s ThinkPad models are a smart pick for remote workers, business professionals, or even students. We’ve reviewed a variety of ThinkPad laptops here at SlashGear over the years, and they generally tend to be solidly constructed, offer decent battery life, and come with a satisfyingly clacky keyboard.
framework
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Framework is a relatively new laptop brand, but the company’s plans to create upgradeable and repairable tech, paired with build quality that aims to compete with leading laptops, make it a worthy contender. We reviewed the 2022 Framework Laptop 13 and loved it, awarding an 8 out of 10 overall score and praising its performance, thin and lightweight design, and most importantly, its upgradeability and reparability. Actually, it’s this last bit that the Framework 13 snagged it a perfect reliability score of 10 from the iFixit team.
Framework is dedicated to its user base. The company’s online guides are free, helpful, and easy to navigate, and every single component within the laptop can be accessed, replaced, and/or upgraded when necessary. the only component that’s pricier to swap out is the processor as it’s soldered to the motherboard, so you have to purchase an entirely new mainboard if you’re looking to upgrade.
Framework is to computers as Vitamix is to blenders. Laptops made by the company are durable enough to be handed down, helping to reduce the overall amount of e-waste headed to landfills. expandability is the name of the game: You can easily switch up your port setup, add more RAM or storage, slide in a 10-key number pad when it’s time to rework your budget, or even add a discrete GPU down the line if you want to take up gaming.
Apple
Multiple SlashGear team members, and plenty of Apple fans across Reddit and other forums, have dubbed the Apple MacBook one of the most reliable laptops you can buy used. Whether you’re choosing between a Most Reliable Used Laptop Brands
If you’re in the market for a used laptop, choosing a reliable brand is crucial. Several manufacturers consistently stand out for their durability and longevity. According to SlashGear’s experts and years of testing, Apple and Lenovo are top contenders.Dell, Acer, and HP also offer dependable options, though some models are more reliable than others. MacBooks, particularly the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, are known for lasting years. They’re solidly constructed and well future-proofed, especially newer models with M-series chips. Users consistently praise the keyboard,speakers,and webcam. Apple’s M-series chips deliver strong performance and impressive battery life. Though, it’s best to avoid base MacBook models with only 8GB of RAM. While sufficient for older chips, 16GB is a smarter investment for future-proofing, as MacBooks are challenging to upgrade. Their longevity makes spending more upfront worthwhile. Lenovo consistently earns high marks for reliability. The ThinkPad series, in particular, is renowned for its robust build quality and durability. Many SlashGear writers have personal experience with lenovo laptops lasting for extended periods. Dell offers a range of laptops, and certain models, like those in the Latitude and XPS lines, are known for their reliability. dell’s business-focused laptops frequently enough prioritize durability and long-term performance. Acer provides a good balance of affordability and reliability. While not always as premium as Apple or lenovo,certain Acer models,especially those in the Aspire and Swift lines,can offer excellent value and longevity. HP also offers reliable laptops, particularly in its Spectre and Envy lines. These models frequently enough feature solid build quality and dependable performance. This list was compiled using the combined expertise of SlashGear’s product review and writing teams, drawing on decades of laptop testing experience. We also consulted iFixit’s laptop reparability scores, dating back to 2010, and reviewed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) documentation for laptop life extension tips. For specific model recommendations, see our list of the best used laptops available in 2025. The brands listed above provide a solid starting point for your search.Apple MacBooks
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