Renting vs. Buying

For decades, buying technology was the default. You saved up, bought the device, and held onto it until it broke or became obsolete. But in 2025, the equation has changed. Tech evolves faster than ever, budgets are tighter, and sustainability matters more than ever. The question isn't just what device to get, it's whether to own it at all. In this guide, we break down the key differences between renting and buying, helping you decide what’s right for your lifestyle, your finances, and the future of our planet.

1. The True Cost of Ownership

Buying a laptop or smartphone might feel like a one-off payment, but hidden costs add up quickly:

• Repairs and maintenance
• Upgrades every few years
• Rapid depreciation (most tech loses 50%+ of its value in 12 months)

When you rent, these costs are absorbed into a predictable monthly fee. You don’t have to worry about your tech becoming outdated or damaged, it’s covered.

2. Financial Flexibility with Tech Rentals

Renting a MacBook for $99/month vs. buying one for $2,500 outright gives you:

• Freedom to manage cash flow
• Access to better tech without debt
• The ability to swap or upgrade without stress

For students, freelancers, or growing startups, this flexibility can make a world of difference.

3. Environmental Impact: Ownership vs. Circular

EconomyOwning tech contributes to the 50 million tonnes of e-waste generated globally each year. Many devices end up in landfills long before their full potential is used.

• Renting through a platform like Sloop supports a circular economy. Devices are:
• Maintained and reused across multiple users
• Repaired and refurbished when needed
• Eventually recycled responsibly

4. Tech on Your Terms

Ownership locks you into a single product until you can justify replacing it. Renting means:

• Switching between brands or models as your needs change
• Scaling up or down for short-term projects
• Staying current with the latest devices

Whether you need an iPad Pro for design work or a basic laptop for study, you can get what you need when you need it.

5. Convenience and SupportBought tech?

You’re on your own when things go wrong. Rented tech? You get:

• Free technical support
• Easy replacement in case of damage
• Return or upgrade options with minimal hassle

At Sloop, our support team helps customers troubleshoot, upgrade, or return their devices without the usual headaches.

Rent vs. Buy: Head-to-Head

Time to Rethink Tech Ownership

Renting isn’t just a stopgap, it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to experience technology. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a creative professional upgrading gear, or someone who wants to reduce their footprint, renting gives you control, flexibility, and peace of mind.

At Sloop, we believe in a future where tech works for you, not the other way around. Explore our range of devices and join the growing movement towards access over ownership.

Explore more. Own less. Live flexibly.