It’s tricky to go anywhere these days without taking some kind of tech with you. A phone, wireless headphones, a smartwatch, even smart glasses. And when it comes to keeping active, we’re asking those devices to do more and more for us.

It’s one of the more interesting areas of consumer tech at the moment. A watch that once counted your steps can now track your sleep, heart rate and workouts. Our phones can plan a hiking route, track a bike ride and take photos when we get there. And there’s an ever-growing number of apps promising to coach us through a run, workout or even a meditation session.

For people who are into their health and fitness, there’s a lot to get excited about. The downside is that keeping up with it all can get expensive.

New devices are arriving all the time, often alongside apps and subscriptions that come with costs of their own. For consumers, refurbished tech can offer an alternative way to access the features they actually want without paying full price for the latest device.

Technology for healthier, more active lifestyles

Devices such as Apple Watches, Garmins and Fitbits have completely changed the way we track our fitness. Smartwatches have fast become one of the most popular pieces of lifestyle tech, combining everyday smartphone functionality with health tracking.

You can track a morning run, keep an eye on your heart rate during the day and look at how you've slept that night, without needing separate bits of kit for each.

Our phones have become just as useful when we're out and about. Better cameras make it easier to capture everything from a hike in the countryside to a weekend cycling trip, while features such as battery life and GPS can make them handy tools for day trips out.

Headphones have also become a big part of the picture too. Whether you’re heading out for a run, walking to work or winding down after a busy day, they have become part of how we soundtrack our everyday routines, from listening to music and podcasts to following guided runs or meditation sessions.

Where refurbished tech can support an active lifestyle

For anyone looking to track their fitness without paying full price for the latest phone or smartwatch, there are a few options worth considering.

Apple Watch Series 10: £219.99 refurbished vs £429 new

For someone looking to add some fitness tracking to their everyday smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a useful starting point. It covers the basics, including activity, heart rate and sleep tracking, alongside GPS for running, walking and cycling.

AirPods Max 2: £429.99 refurbished vs £499 new

Headphones have also become a product used to support an active lifestyle, despite not being specifically designed for exercise. Apple’s AirPods Max can be used for music and podcasts, as well as guided running, workouts and meditation.

iPhone Air: £659 refurbished vs £999 new

A smartphone is one of the most versatile devices for an active lifestyle, whether you use it for directions on a walk, tracking a bike ride or taking photos along the way. At £659 refurbished compared with £999 new, it's a key example of where choosing refurbished can make a significant difference to the cost.

What to look for when buying refurbished

For consumers looking to upgrade their tech without the hefty price tag, refurbished tech is a great option. Here are a few things worth checking out before making a purchase: 

1. Check the condition

Refurbished devices can vary in quality and condition, so I’d recommend looking at the grading carefully and considering how much wear and tear you’re comfortable with. It could be worth paying a little extra for a higher grade if appearance is important to you.

2. Check the battery

Battery condition is particularly important for phones and smartwatches, as you don’t want to be caught in the lurch mid-bike ride or run. Refurbished devices will typically come with a battery health guarantee of 80% or above, but I’d always recommend checking the product information to see what’s included before making a purchase. If you’re unhappy with the health of your battery, you can also source a new one to replace the existing unit and extend the life of your device.

3. Think about what you'll actually use

Whether you’re looking to buy a new watch, phone or pair of headphones, you don't necessarily need to choose the latest, most expensive model. Consider the features that matter most for your lifestyle, whether that's GPS for running, a good camera for hiking trips or health tracking for monitoring daily activity.