If you need a laptop, other tech item, or something as simple as a good charging cord, most peoples’ first thought is Amazon or Best Buy. But! There are a lot of other options, including more sustainable and eco-friendly ones.
Local: If you have a local electronics store, definitely go there! Local computer repair shops are awesome, they generally offer great customer service and can be more helpful than the corporate outlets.
Direct: If you’re shopping online and know what you want to order, check to see if they have an option to buy direct and cut out the middle man.
Non-shopping/Thrifting/Refurbished: If you have a local electronics thrifting/refurbishment option, definitely go there! Poshmark (supports DEI, C.O.T.S. approved) has electronics if you’re looking for something secondhand.
Micro Center: Founded by two ex-Radio Shack employees in 1979, Micro Center has since expanded nationwide. Beyond a comprehensive selection of computer and electronics products, Micro Center also has a Knowledge Bar in each store, their equivalent of the Apple Genius Bar or Best Buy’s Geek Squad. If you need your computer or other tech repaired and don’t have a local option, Micro Center might be able to help. They also offer computer builds and upgrades.
The Details: Privately owned. I could not find anything on their website regarding diversity, but they do have a 4.2/5 stars rating for DEI on Glassdoor out of 590 ratings. I tend to take Glassdoor reviews with a grain of salt, because usually people taking the time to leave a review either really love or really hate the company. But, with limited information and the volume of reviews this felt like a decent way to look at it. They have not spent any money on lobbying since 2020, when they spent $20K to lobby for COVID-19 relief.
What they have: Anything computer related – laptops, Chromebooks, PC parts, etc; iPads and tablets, smartwatches, TVs, headphones and earbuds, video games & consoles, cell phones and accessories, cameras and drones, routers, smart home and home security, 3D Printers and accessories
In store locations: Yes, with 18-Min In-store Pickup options
Framework: If you are sick of having to get a new laptop every few years and want to be able to make upgrades to your existing one, Framework is for you. Their laptops (and one desktop model) are designed to be upgradeable and repairable, so you can keep using it year after year. Their budget model, Laptop 12, is available for pre-order and has rolling shipping dates through the end of September. Depending on the customizations you add, the price for Laptop 12 starts at $549 but totals to around $783 if you need all the basic components. They also offer the Laptop 16 which has higher graphics processing capabilities for gaming or creative work, and the Laptop 13, a more mid-range option. Framework also uses recycled materials in their products where possible.
The Details: Privately owned and funded through venture capital. They unfortunately do not have a diversity policy listed on their website, and do not have a profile on OpenSecrets.
Where to shop: Online only
BackMarket: Founded in Paris in 2014, BackMarket sells refurbished tech that’s inspected through their Verified Refurbished program. If you need a less-than-new tech item, I’d check these guys out.
The Details: BackMarket is owned privately and backed by venture capital funding. They are a Certified B Corp and support the Right to Repair. BackMarket has a robust DEI program with localized goals for each office, including focusing on ethnic/racial diversity and veterans in the US (see page 55 of their 2024 sustainability report). More women in leadership roles is a focus for them, and they support employees through resource groups and are adding groups around neurodiversity and parenthood. As someone with ADHD, the neurodiversity one is especially interesting and cool to me. They do not have a profile on OpenSecrets.
What they have: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, smartwatches, headphones, even home appliances and smaller items like vacuums, electric toothbrushes and beard trimmers
Where to shop: Online only
Costco: Covered them in this article. Costco has a pretty decent electronics department online.
What they have: Laptops (PC, Mac, Chromebooks), iPads & tablets, smartwatches, headphones and earbuds, TVs, video games & consoles, cell phones and accessories, cameras and drones, routers, smart home and home security
In-store locations: Yes
Not so great:
Best Buy: I was SO close to recommending Best Buy. They’re publicly traded with institutional investors as their largest shareholders. Best Buy shareholders successfully voted down an anti-DEI proposal in June 2025. While they rebranded it to “Inclusion and Belonging” versus DEI on their website, they still partner with United Negro College Fund and have it listed clearly. They also operate Teen Tech Centers where teens can go to learn the latest technology and build a foundation for college or careers. Their CEO is a woman – Corie Barry! She’s one of the only 11% female CEOs in the Fortune 500 list.
BUT: they did spend $2.52 MILLION in lobbying the last two years on issues related to corporate taxes (not cool, doubt they were lobbying for higher taxes), and digital health and connected healthcare (likely related to their weird tech & health service). So unfortunately that’s a no from me dawg.
Circuit City: Still alive, surprisingly, but backed by private equity.
Anker: They create innovative, fast charging products that are build to last that aren’t crazy expensive. Their products are consistently ranked highly on review sites like The Strategist. Anker’s Recharge the Future effort has a commitment to zero-plastic packaging by 2027 (though I take any corporate goals with a grain of salt) and are utilizing more bio-based or recycled plastic materials in their products.
The Details: Founded in 2011 by an ex-Google employee, Steven Yang, and now headquartered in China. Anker is owned by Anker Innovations, it’s holding company, which also owns Eufy, Soundcore, and Nebula. Traded on the Chinese stock market, company founders and directors are the largest shareholders with approximately 40% of total shares. They support DEI with goals to increase national & cultural diversity amongst their employees and management, gender diversity, and enhanced rights protections for women both pre- and post- pregnancy (noted on page 44 of their 2024 sustainability report). They do not have a profile on OpenSecrets.
What they have: Charging cables, wireless chargers, power banks, hubs and docks, basically anything related to power or charging
Where to Buy: You can shop their website, or they’re sold at these retailers.
Nimble Electronics: If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, Nimble might be your best bet. They make charging products using sustainable materials, ship in 100% plastic-free packaging, and if you buy one of their products you can send them your old tech for free.
The details: Founded by Ross Howe, Kevin Malinowski, & Jon Bradley and funded through venture capital. They are a Certified B Corp. I can’t find anything on their site about diversity, which is frustrating. They do not have a profile on OpenSecrets.
What they have: Charging cables, portable charges, wireless chargers, wall chargers
Where to order: You can shop their website, and they’re also sold at other retailers.
Ugreen: Ugreen makes affordable, high-quality charging products, tech accessories and laptop stands. If you’re looking for something on the lower-end price wise but don’t want to end up with junk, I’d check these guys out. They also have a cool retractable charging cord product line.
The Details: Owned by Ugreen Group Limited, which is traded publicly on the Chinese stock exchange. Their majority shareholders are Chinese management funds. They don’t mention anything on their website about diversity, which isn’t super uncommon for international companies. There’s no profile for them on OpenSecrets.
What they have: Charging cables, wireless chargers, power banks, hubs and docks, laptop stands, phone car mounts, and other accessories
Where to order: You can shop their website, and they’re also sold at other retailers
Less great:
Native Union: Founded in 2009 by John Brunner and Igor Duc in Hong Kong, but have expanded to offices in Paris and LA. Native Union focuses on creating well-designed, long lasting products with sustainability in mind. They’re known for their charging cables durability, though it does come with a higher price tag.
The Details: Native Union is privately held. It’s funded through a Hong Kong based private equity firm that seems to operate more like venture capital as they seek “innovative or disruptive business models.” I feel like this is a bit more of a grey area than being owned by private equity outright, but they also don’t have any mentions of diversity on their site.
My thoughts: I think you’d be better off getting something from Anker at a cheaper price and similar durability, but wanted to share the research for those interested.
What they have: Charging cords, power banks, charger plugs, magnetic chargers, and other tech and desk accessories like iPhone and Airpod cases, Apple Watch bands and laptop stands.
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