Borrow, Rent, or Buy: The Best Way to Get Expensive Tech Without Going Broke
You don’t need to go broke chasing the latest iPhone or laptop. In 2025, savvy users are borrowing, renting, or buying tech smarter — here’s how you can do the same.
Image from bing.ai
Do You Really Need to Own That Gadget?
In 2020, my cousin in Toronto paid nearly $4,000 for a MacBook Pro — and within 24 months, Apple had already released a faster, lighter M2 model. He was frustrated, not because his MacBook broke, but because owning it suddenly didn’t feel like an asset.
Fast-forward to 2025, and more consumers are asking: “Do I actually need to buy this?”
Thanks to tech rentals, subscription models, peer-to-peer lending platforms, and global marketplaces, owning gadgets is no longer the only (or smartest) option. In fact, many now argue that in a world where devices become outdated in two years or less, borrowing, renting, or leasing is often the better move.
The Psychology of Tech Ownership
Before we dive into numbers, let’s address the emotional layer.
For years, owning the latest phone, console, or laptop signaled status. It was proof that you were “ahead of the curve.” But the new social currency isn’t having the shiniest thing — it’s using the smartest system to get what you need without wasting money.
“Don’t buy stuff to impress people you don’t like. Rent it, use it, return it. Be smarter than the algorithm.” — someone wise in 2025
A Quick Comparison: Borrow vs. Rent vs. Buy
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Borrow | Short-term or one-off needs (e.g., camera for trip) | Free or cheap, peer-based, fast | Limited availability, trust-based |
| Rent | Trying before buying, freelance work | No commitment, access to premium tech | Costs add up if used long-term |
| Buy | Daily-use, long-term investment | Full control, resale value | Expensive upfront, fast depreciation |
Global Platforms Making Tech Accessible
Here’s how the world is shifting in 2025:
Borrowing Platforms
- Fat Llama (UK, US): Peer-to-peer borrowing for everything from cameras to gaming consoles.
- Uptoborrow (Nigeria, Kenya): Lets you borrow gadgets and electronics from trusted networks.
- NextDoor Tech Exchange (Global): Local borrowing groups, great for one-time needs.
Pro Tip: Join tech subreddits or Facebook groups in your city — many now have “borrow or lend” days.
Renting Platforms
- Grover (Germany → global): Rent phones, laptops, consoles with monthly plans. Option to buy later.
- Rentomojo (India): Started with furniture, now includes phones, TVs, and gaming rigs.
- Raylo (UK): Popular for renting iPhones and other Apple products affordably.
Buy Smarter
- Back Market (EU/US): Certified refurbished electronics at huge discounts.
- Swappa (Global): User-to-user marketplace for used phones, watches, tablets.
- Jumia Refurbished (Africa): Rising player in refurbished laptops, especially for students.
Case Studies: What People Actually Do
The Gamer
Need: High-end GPU for 3 months (game design bootcamp)
Solution: Rented from Grover for €50/month instead of spending €1,200
Result: Finished project, returned GPU, no debt
The Bride
Need: DSLR for wedding weekend
Solution: Borrowed from Fat Llama for $60 total
Result: Professional-looking photos at 10% the cost of hiring a photographer
The Remote Worker
Need: M2 MacBook for a new remote job
Solution: Rented with option to buy later via Raylo
Result: Saved over $500, and can upgrade after 18 months if needed
When You Shouldn’t Rent or Borrow
There are times when buying is still your best bet:
- If you use it daily (e.g., smartphone, personal laptop)
- If you live in an area with few rental/borrowing options
- If you want to claim ownership for tax/asset purposes (e.g., for business)
Even then, buying refurbished or at the end of a product cycle can still save you big.
Best Tech to Borrow or Rent in 2025
| Category | Best Option | Why |
| Phones | Rent or Lease | New models drop yearly |
| Laptops | Rent (short-term) / Buy Refurbished | High upfront cost vs use case |
| Cameras | Borrow | Use occasionally |
| Consoles | Rent | Avoid paying $500+ for trends |
| Drones | Borrow/Rent | High cost + niche use |
| VR/AR Gear | Rent | Evolving too fast to own |
Subscription Tech: A Middle Ground?
Some companies now offer tech-as-a-service.
- Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program
Monthly payments → yearly upgrades → no lump sum
- Samsung’s Try & Buy Model (2025)
Rent devices for 30 days before committing
These are especially helpful if you want flexibility and support, without the debt or pressure of ownership.
Market Trends: Why Borrowing Tech Is the Future
- Over 38% of Gen Z users in the US and Europe prefer renting tech (Statista, 2025)
- Africa’s tech leasing market is growing by 21% annually, thanks to digital banks and microcredit
- Startups like Grover and Raylo raised over $1B combined to scale rental models globally
The verdict? The ownership era of tech is fading — flexibility is the new frontier.
External Sources
The Smarter Way to Stay Up to Date
In 2025, access beats ownership. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, parent, or tech enthusiast, there’s no shame in borrowing a camera, renting a MacBook, or buying a refurbished phone.
You’re not broke — you’re just budget-smart in a rapidly changing world.
And that’s what winning looks like.
