Where to find a free or low-cost computer

You can get a computer without spending money through donation programs, refurbished equipment resellers, and community organizations. Libraries often lend laptops or let you use computers on-site for free. Nonprofits like World Computer Exchange, Computers for Communities, and local Goodwill locations give away working machines to people who need them. Some programs ask for proof of income or residency; others do not.

Refurbished retailers like Back Market and Decluttr sell used computers for $100 to $300, which is far less than new. If even that is out of reach right now, a library card solves the when ready problem — you can check email, explore for jobs, take classes, and do schoolwork without owning a machine.

School districts sometimes give laptops to students at no cost. If you are a student, ask your school's IT department or counselor whether a device is available. Some employers offer computers to remote workers or cover the cost as a work expense.

Key Takeaways

  • Libraries provide free computer access and often lend laptops to cardholders, so a library card is the fastest option if you need a computer today.
  • Nonprofits like World Computer Exchange and Computers for Communities give away refurbished computers to people who meet basic residency or income requirements.
  • Goodwill and Salvation Army locations sell used computers for $30 to $100, and some locations have donation programs for people with low income.
  • Refurbished marketplaces like Back Market sell used machines for $100 to $300, which costs less than new but more than donation routes.
  • Schools, employers, and government workforce programs sometimes provide computers at no cost to students, workers, or people in job training.

Nonprofit computer donation programs and how they work

Computers for Communities operates in several states and gives away refurbished machines to low-income households. You contact them through their website, provide proof of residency and income, and they either mail you a computer or arrange pickup. The process typically takes two to four weeks. They focus on desktop computers and laptops that are three to five years old but fully functional.

World Computer Exchange collects donated computers from businesses and schools, refurbishes them, and distributes them through partner organizations in your area. You do not contact them directly — instead, you find a local partner (often a community center, school, or social services office) and pick up a machine there. No shipping, no waiting for mail.

TechSoup connects nonprofits and schools with donated software and hardware, but you have to be part of an organization to receive items. If you work at or volunteer with a nonprofit, community center, or school, ask whether they are registered with TechSoup and can request computers on your behalf.

Freecycle and Buy Nothing groups are neighborhood networks where people give away items for free. Search for your city or zip code on Freecycle.org or Facebook Buy Nothing groups. People regularly post working computers, monitors, and keyboards. You arrange pickup yourself, usually within a few days.

Using your library's computers and borrowing programs

Public libraries let you use computers on-site for free, usually for two to four hours per session. You need a library card, which is free in most places — bring an ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency works). Some libraries let you reserve a computer in advance online so you do not have to wait.

Many libraries now lend laptops and tablets to cardholders for one to three weeks at a time, the same way you would borrow a book. The device comes with a charger and a return important date. If you damage it, you may owe a replacement fee, but normal wear is covered. Ask your library whether they have a device lending program and what the checkout process is.

Libraries also offer free Wi-Fi, so if you have a smartphone or tablet, you can sit in the library and use it without using your phone's data plan. Some libraries have quiet study areas and longer hours than you might expect — check your local branch's website for their schedule.

Refurbished computers and budget retailers

Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores sell used computers for $30 to $100 depending on age and condition. These machines are tested before sale and usually come with a basic warranty (30 to 90 days). Visit the store in person to see the computer working and ask about the warranty before you buy. Some locations have donation programs for people with very low income — call ahead and ask.

Back Market is an online marketplace for refurbished electronics. Computers there range from $100 to $400 depending on specs and condition. Sellers are rated by other buyers, and Back Market guarantees the device or your money back within 30 days. Shipping is included in the price. You can filter by price, brand, and warranty length.

eBay has a "Refurbished" category where you can find used computers from individual sellers and businesses. Prices are often lower than Back Market, but you have less protection if something goes wrong. Read the seller's feedback and return policy carefully before bidding.

School and employer computer programs

If you are a K-12 student, ask your school's IT department or counselor whether they have a device lending program or a program for students who cannot afford a computer. Many districts now provide Chromebooks or laptops to all students, especially after remote learning became common. You may have to sign an agreement to return it at the end of the school year.

College students should check with their school's financial aid office and IT department. Some schools include a computer in financial aid packages or have low-cost purchase programs through the bookstore. Others have device lending libraries where you can borrow a laptop for the semester.

If you work remotely or are training for a job, your employer or a workforce development program may provide a computer. Ask your manager or the HR department. Some government job training programs (run through your state's workforce agency) include computer equipment as part of the training.

What to look for in a used computer

A used computer should have a working keyboard, screen, and trackpad or mouse. Turn it on and let it run for a few minutes — it should not overheat, make loud fan noise, or freeze. Ask the seller how old it is and what operating system it has (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Older machines may be slower, but they still work for email, web browsing, and document editing.

Check the battery if it is a laptop. Ask the seller how long it holds a charge. A battery that lasts only 30 minutes is less useful than one that lasts three hours, but you can replace a battery for $50 to $150 if you need to later.

Ask whether the computer comes with the original charger and whether the seller can wipe the hard drive before you take it. A wiped drive means no one else's files are on it, and you start fresh. If the seller cannot wipe it, you can do it yourself using free tools, but it takes time.

Free and low-cost software for your computer

Once you have a computer, you do not need to buy software. LibreOffice is free and works like Microsoft Office — it opens Word documents, creates spreadsheets, and makes presentations. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are free online tools that work in any web browser. Both are powerful enough for school, work, and personal use.

For web browsing, use Firefox or Chrome, both free. For email, Gmail and Outlook are free. For video calls, Zoom and Google Meet are free for basic use. For antivirus protection, Windows Defender (built into Windows) and Avast (free version) both work.

Your library may also offer free access to software through their website. Log in with your library card and you can use Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and other paid programs for free while you are logged in. Ask your librarian what software is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a free computer if I am not a student?

Yes. Computers for Communities, World Computer Exchange, and Freecycle do not require you to be a student. You need proof of residency and sometimes proof of income, but age and student status do not matter. Libraries lend computers to anyone with a card, regardless of age or income.

How long does it take to get a computer from a nonprofit?

Freecycle and Buy Nothing are fastest — you can pick up a computer within days. Computers for Communities takes two to four weeks because they refurbish machines before sending them. World Computer Exchange depends on your local partner organization, but usually one to three weeks.

What if I need a computer right now?

Go to your public library today. You can use a computer there for free without waiting. If you need to borrow one, ask whether they have a device lending program. If they do not, ask whether they know of a local Freecycle group or Buy Nothing page where you might find one quickly.

Do refurbished computers work as well as new ones?

Refurbished computers work fine for most tasks — email, web browsing, video calls, schoolwork, and job applications. They are slower than new machines and may have a shorter battery life, but they do the same work. The main difference is speed, not reliability.

What happens if a donated computer breaks?

That depends on the program. Computers for Communities and library lending programs usually cover repairs or replacement if the computer breaks during normal use. Freecycle and Buy Nothing sales are usually "as is" — once you take it, repairs are your responsibility. Always ask about warranty before you take a machine.