15 Best Ways To Get Free Electronics
Maybe you need a new laptop for an upcoming semester. Or, perhaps your TV isn't working too well these days and you're looking for an upgrade.
Whatever the case, we all need to get electronics sometimes. However, the latest tech often comes with a hefty price tag, which isn't good news if you're trying to save more money.
Thankfully, there are several ways you can get free electronics if you know where to look. And at the very least, you can often find massive discounts in your quest to get some new gear.
Where To Get Free Electronics
1. Amazon Trade-In Program
Do you have electronic devices that you no longer use? If so, you might be able to get credit towards free electronics by trading them in with the Amazon Trade-In program.
With Amazon Trade-In, you ship off your old electronics to Amazon. Depending on the type, age, and condition of your device, you can get free Amazon gift cards as well as a 25% discount to use towards the purchase of a new device.
I recently traded in several older Amazon devices and this program helped cover almost the entire cost of my new Kindle. So while this isn't getting electronics for free, it's at a massive discount.
I also like this program since you can trade in a wide variety of items, including:
- Headphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- Video games
- Gaming consoles (PS5 and Xbox)
- Textbooks
- DVDs and CDs
Gazelle and Buyback Boss also buy used devices, including some devices that no longer work. Selling older phones and other devices can be a great way to pay for new items that you need.
2. Computers With Causes
Do you or your child need a PC or laptop for work or school? If so, one excellent way to get free electronics is to apply to Computers With Causes.
This charitable organization helps people in need get free laptops and computers. Specifically, it focuses on assisting teachers, students, and parents in getting new laptops. And there's a special emphasis on military families, disabled veterans, and foster homes.
This organization does a background check on applicants, so be sure to be honest about your finances and information you provide on the application.
If your family is low-income, you may also qualify for assistance with free computers from other organizations. Here are some additional places to check out:
- On It Foundation: Students in grades K through 12 and their families can receive free electronics. Make sure you read the requirements and qualify before you apply.
- Everyone On: Low-income families can apply for low-cost internet and computers with Everyone On.
- Lifeline Assistance Programs: This government funded program helps low-income individuals with free or discount phones and service.
3. Electronics Product Testing Gigs
Another method you can use to get electronics for free is to become a product tester for different manufacturing companies.
Product review gigs are pretty popular, and as a product tester, you often get to keep the products you test. This holds true for testing the latest gadgets, so you can snag free electronics once in a while with this side hustle idea.
Some popular electronics product testing gigs you can try include:
- Philips Product Testing Program: Interested in Philips electronics? This manufacturer has a product testing program. To become eligible, sign up and keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities. I did not see any new product tests available during the writing of this post, but I recommend signing up and then checking back frequently as new campaigns become available.
- Microsoft Product Testing: This leading tech brand also has a product testing program where you receive Microsoft electronics for free and then provide your honest feedback.
- Product Testing USA: This marketing research firm frequently offers free electronics in exchange for feedback and product testing. Past opportunities have included high-end products from different leading brands like Samsung, Sony, Dell, and others.
- Pinecone Research: This well known research firm offers product testing and research opportunities. And it also lets you answer surveys for cash!
Overall, if you want to make money writing reviews and by testing products, this is one of the best ways to get free electronics.
4. Amazon Vine
Did you know that Amazon has a product reviewer program? Known as Amazon Vine, this invitation-only program offers free products for product testing.
To get into Amazon Vine, you have to regularly write Amazon reviews that are helpful. From there, Amazon can invite you to join its exclusive Vine program.
As an Amazon Vine member, you receive a lot of different products, not just free electronics. But this is a fun way to get free tech as well as things like household products and everyday essentials.
5. Microsoft Rewards
Another way to earn free electronics and other prizes is to use Microsoft Rewards.
This rewards program lets you earn passive income for doing things like browsing the internet with Bing and by completing short online tasks.
Points you earn with this program are redeemable for a variety of gift cards, sweepstakes, and free electronics from Microsoft. And the program is completely free to join and very easy to use.
You can also win some high-end prizes if you get lucky in the sweepstakes. And my teenager enters the sweepstakes often for Xbox and other video game type rewards, so it's quite fun.
6. Start A Tech Blog
Another way to get free electronics and also make money online is to start a tech-based blog.
As a blogger, there are lots of ways to work with brands where you receive free products in exchange for reviewing them. And one of Tom's friends Grant actually has a tech blog and has gotten free monitors before to test them out for a review.
What's nice about blogging is that you can also make serious money if you grow your audience.
For example, WebMonkey made about $1,700 in its first year of blogging. But in 2022, WebMonkey made $272,000 through a combination of Mediavine ads and affiliate income.
These days, the blog makes $1,000 a day or even more. And Tom gets offers all the time to try free electronics like phones or gaming gear in exchange for reviewing them.
Becoming a social media influencer in the tech space can also help you get electronics for free, so you have plenty of options!
7. Facebook Marketplace
If you're still wondering how to get free electronics, you can always try searching for them on the Facebook Marketplace and various local groups.
Most communities have “free” Facebook groups where individuals offer items that they no longer need. While it can take some patience and searching, you might spot the exact items that you're looking for.
To start searching, join the free items Facebook groups for your area and keep an eye out for available items.
Area mom and parent Facebook groups can also be a useful resource, especially for child-related electronics like baby and toddler learning tools. Some groups also allow you to post “looking for” posts where you can see if anyone has what you need available.
8. Use Reward Websites
If you're willing to hustle a little bit, another method for getting free electronics is to use reward apps and get-paid-to sites to earn cash that you exchange for the tech you need.
Tom has been using these types of money making apps and sites since college. And if you need a quick buck, they're a reliable option that can help you out.
Some leading apps and sites you can try include:
- Swagbucks: This site pays you for answering surveys, downloading apps, shopping online, playing trivia for money, and more.
- Branded Surveys: Another online survey site that lets you earn free PayPal cash and gift cards.
- Survey Junkie: This site lets you earn free gift cards and cash for completing online surveys.
- Rakuten: This shopping extension is a great way to get paid to shop and snag discounts on electronics and everyday essentials.
- InboxDollars: Another survey site with a variety of ways to earn and a nice $5 sign up bonus.
Tom also made a YouTube video that covers some of his favorite paid survey sites that you can also check out.
You won't get rich by using these sorts of websites. But if you put in a bit of effort, you can translate that effort into free electronics and gift cards!
9. Neighborhood Junk Days
Does your community have clean up days where large items can be placed on the curb for trash pickup? Many towns and cities offer these special days to help residents dispose of items they no longer need like furniture, old appliances, and more.
Many of the items left on the curb are still in good and working condition. So if you have a way to transport them like a pickup truck or cargo van, you're in luck!
Cruise around town a day or two before the official junk pick up and see what treasures that you can find. Electronics might not be in great condition, but you might be able to repair them for a fair price. And if you're lucky, the gadgets you find will be working just fine.
My teens found a cool and pretty much new electronic game with basketball, foosball and more during a recent neighborhood junk day. All it needed was a good dusting off and it kept them entertained for months.
10. Freecycle
Looking for free electronics or other items? In this case, Freecycle offers totally free merchandise that include home items, appliances, clothing and more.
Different pages are available for various communities to help you find items in your area. Overall, the platform is similar to free listings on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Generally, you have to pick up the items you're getting for free. So, make sure you have a decent vehicle if you're picking up a lot of free electronics.
When I did a quick search on Freecycle for my area, I found a free washer and dryer, a free deep freezer, computer monitors, and more.
Also note that other popular apps like OfferUp have a free section that’s worth keeping an eye on for free items in your area.
11. Start A YouTube Tech Channel
Like blogging, one method for getting free electronics you can try is to start a YouTube channel.
The idea is the exact same here; start creating content about tech, grow an audience, and then try to land sponsorships for free tech products.
This happens all the time on YouTube. Plus, YouTube is a nice side hustle since it can eventually make money on autopilot through advertisements.
For example, Tom started his own YouTube channel in 2020. It now has over 19,000 subscribers and makes $50 a day or so in revenue.
Granted, making money with YouTube can take a while since you have to grow your channel.
But you can start filming videos with your smartphone or a basic camera. And a single semi-viral video can take your channel to the next level overnight!
12. Craigslist
Like Facebook Marketplace, you can potentially get electronics for free by looking under the “for free” section on classified websites like Craigslist.
What you find depends on luck and where you live. But you might be able to find free or heavily discounted electronics in your area.
Just be careful with potentially buying stolen goods or deals that seem too good to be true! If someone is selling brand-name electronics that are in perfect condition for an unbelievably low price, it might be best to walk away.
Extra Reading – The Best Jobs You Can Do With A Phone.
13. Follow Electronics Manufacturers Online
Are there certain brands of electronics that you love? If so, make sure that you are showing them love on social media.
Many major manufacturers share all kinds of giveaway opportunities on their social media pages including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. By following them and checking their pages frequently, you can spot various sweepstakes, calls for product testing gigs, and other ways to try out these brands that you might not have been aware of.
Some popular brands you can consider following include:
- Apple
- Canon
- Asus
- Nikon
- Nintendo
- LG
- Sony
- Samsung
- Toshiba
In addition to following your favorite brands on social media, be sure to also visit their websites. Subscribe to their email newsletters for special promotions and be sure to join any reward programs that might be available.
14. PCs for People
Another excellent electronics program for low-income families is PCs for People.
This non-profit offers refurbished electronics to those who are actively on government assistance programs and are below 200% of the poverty level.
Just note that this method to get free electronics is only available in the United States.
Extra Reading – How To Get $500 By Tomorrow.
15. OfferUp
One final way you can potentially get electronics for free is to look for them on OfferUp.
This local selling app and marketplace is similar to Facebook Marketplace. It's a popular way to sell things like clothing, shoes, toys, watches, and electronics. But you can also find free electronics and gadgets if you get lucky.
Extra Reading – The Best Things To Sell On OfferUp.
Final Thoughts
Is it possible to get free electronics? Yes, if you know where to look.
With a little bit of patience and searching, you may be able to find the electronics that you need. Items may be refurbished or need a bit of TLC, but they can be a lifesaver if it is something you need.
Of course, you can also try other methods to get electronics for free if you put in a bit of effort.
For example, I use apps like Fetch Rewards and Ibotta almost daily and use the gift cards that I earn to get electronics, clothing, groceries and other items my family needs for free. Similarly, you can use high-paying apps like Branded Surveys and Swagbucks to snag some free money and gift cards.
Best of luck with getting your free electronics!
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