All of the best Apple Labor Day deals: AirPods, Mac, charging gear, accessories, more

If you're open to waiting a few months after a new Apple release instead of getting the first shiny models on launch day, the company's refurbished store is an excellent choice. Apple typically takes about three months to roll out refurbished versions of its products. Competitors like Amazon Renewed and Walmart Restored also offer refurbished items, but there are some differences to consider.

Purchasing from Apple's Certified Refurbished store typically saves you around 15% compared to buying new. The refurbished items are virtually impossible to tell from brand-new products. Apple backs these items with a guarantee covering all aspects of their condition. The only visible difference is that they come in plain white boxes rather than the original packaging.

Amazon Renewed might present slightly lower prices, but the quality guarantees are not as robust as Apple's. Amazon offers three distinct tiers for their Renewed products: Refurbished Plus, Refurbished, and Renewed. The higher tier, Refurbished Plus, allows for three tier quality grades, but marks and scratches are more acceptable in lower tiers.

Walmart Restored, on the other hand, provides less clarity about the specifics of what you're purchasing. The seller warranty varies from one year for the Premium tier to just 90 days for the Like New, Good, and Fair tiers. The company does not clearly define what each tier signifies.

If you're aiming for a product that looks and performs just like new, with the same Apple warranty, Apple's refurbished store is undoubtedly the best option. Amazon Renewed can provide better prices if you're okay with accepting some compromises, such as a higher likelihood of visible wear and tear. Walmart Restored has the caveat of extremely vague promises, but they offer a return policy if you're unhappy. For more Apple news, check out 9to5Mac on YouTube.