Okay, when you hear rent-to-own (RTO), you probably think of dusty old furniture showrooms where everything smells like commitment issues and stale popcorn. But guess what? The rent-to-own world has evolved, and now you can rent-to-own all kinds of stuff—from bougie tech to backyard upgrades—and it makes sense to rent to own in some cases.

Whether you’re in your “soft saving” era or just hate big upfront costs, here’s a list of random but genius things you can rent to own that might low-key improve your life.

1. Gaming consoles—for the gamers with commitment issues (or just broke besties)

Don’t want to drop $500 on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox upfront? You can rent-to-own it and level up slowly. Some places even bundle in games, extra controllers, or warranties.

Ideal for gamers, casual button mashers, or that one friend who keeps “borrowing” your console and never gives it back.

2. Appliances—because your fridge shouldn’t sound like a dying lawnmower

Big appliances like washers, dryers, and fridges? Rent-to-own is a solid move if you’re not ready to fork over thousands right away. Especially useful if you’re setting up a new place or replacing a disaster of a hand-me-down.

It’s like a grown-up starter pack, but with weekly to monthly rental payments and fewer regrets.

3. Tools and equipment—because DIY dreams don’t need to be expensive

Planning a home project but don’t want to blow your budget on a tool you’ll only use once every lunar eclipse? Rent-to-own setups for power washers, chainsaws, drills, and even full toolkits are out there.

Now you can build that bookshelf, fix that fence, or pretend you’re in a Home Depot ad without going broke.

4. E-bikes and scooters—because gas prices can feel like a scam

E-bikes are expensive, but rent-to-own gives you that sweet two-wheeled freedom without the financial jump scare. Brands like Fly E-Bike have monthly plans that eventually lead to full ownership, so you’re not just throwing money into the wind.

Great if you’re flirting with the idea of being “that person” who commutes by bike but still likes a little pedal assist. (We all like that assist.)

5. Luxury handbags—for when your tote bag era isn’t cutting it

Yes, you can rent-to-own designer bags. Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Gucci. Real ones. Some services you can straight up just rent, and if you’re obsessed with the bag, you can rent-to-own. No judgment if you just want to live your best “I’m just grabbing a matcha” life in style. (But do think hard about this one—luxury items aren’t need-to-haves, so make sure you can afford the cost of renting to own things like that.)

High fashion, low pressure.

6. Mattresses—because sleep is expensive now??

Gone are the days of buying a mattress like a normal human. Now you get to test them, rent them, and eventually own them without putting $1,200 on a card and pretending you’ll pay it off in 3 months.

Sealy, Nectar, Sierra—all the fancy foam you want, without the buyer’s remorse.

RTO: not just for couches anymore

Rent-to-own has quietly glowed up. It’s not just about recliners and televisions. Whether you’re moving, upgrading, testing out a hobby, or just financially allergic to commitment, it’s worth looking into. You know your situation best, so you can decide what’s a good idea to rent-to-own and what isn’t.

Is it always the cheapest long-term option? No. But does it let you try-before-you-marry with some big purchases? Absolutely. Plus, early purchase options are pretty common, which allow you to purchase it for less than you can by making more rental payments.

So go ahead. Live your best semi-committed life.