Updated September 2026 by the Dreamlinkstore.com team in Ottawa. Prices in CAD.
Open-box Formuler boxes are the cheapest way to get a current Formuler in Canada without buying from a marketplace seller you cannot verify. This guide explains what open box means at Dreamlinkstore, what we check before a unit goes back on sale, which open-box deals are worth it right now, and when you should pay for a sealed unit instead.
What open box means here
An open-box unit is a Formuler whose carton has been opened. Most are 15-day returns from customers who changed their mind or bought the wrong model; a few were opened for a demonstration in our Ottawa store. They are not refurbished: a unit that comes back with a fault is not resold as open box. What you get is a working box with cosmetic wear on the packaging, sold complete, at a lower price.
What we check before it goes back on sale
- Power-on and boot to the home screen on a 4K TV over HDMI.
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connect and hold a stream.
- The remote pairs (Bluetooth models) or responds (IR models), and every key works.
- Factory reset, so the previous owner's accounts and playlists are gone.
- Contents check: box, remote, power adapter, HDMI cable, and any accessory listed on the page.
Current open-box deals vs the new price
| Model | Open box | New | You save | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition | $239.99 | $294.99 | $55 | Main TV, 4 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6, voice remote |
| Formuler Z11 Pro Max | $199.99 | $249.99 | $50 | Same hardware with the IR1 remote |
| Formuler Z11 Pro | $169.99 | $219.99 | $50 | Second TV, 2 GB / 16 GB, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Formuler Z10 Pro Max | $159.99 | $219.99 | $60 | 4 GB / 32 GB on Android 10, the biggest saving |
| Formuler GTV 4K | $189.99 | $199.99 | $10 | Google-certified Android TV with Chromecast built in |
| Formuler Z8 Pro | $139.99 | $179.99 | $40 | Previous-generation box for a basic setup |
| Formuler Z8 | $139.99 | – | – | Legacy model, sold as remaining stock |
| Formuler Z+ Neo | $80.99 | $109.99 | $29 | Cheapest working Formuler, 1 GB RAM |
| Dreamlink Dlite+ 5G | $109.99 | $119.99 | $10 | Last Dreamlink units |
Stock changes weekly because these are returns, so if a row above shows sold out on the product page, check the open-box collection for what is in today.
When to buy new instead
- You want the newest software. The Z12 Ultra SE and Z12 Pro run MYTVOnline 4 and are sold new only.
- You want Dolby Vision. Only the Z12 Ultra and Z12 Ultra SE have it, and neither shows up open box yet.
- It is a gift. Sealed packaging matters more than a $50 saving.
- The saving is small. At $10 off, the GTV 4K and Dlite+ open-box units only make sense if the new unit is out of stock.
Returns and warranty
Open-box units get the same 15-day return window as sealed units, unused and in the original packaging. Warranty coverage is stated on each open-box listing, so read the product page before you order. Every unit ships from 1807 Carling Ave in Ottawa; questions go to 613-255-2702.
Open-box FAQ
What does open box mean at Dreamlinkstore?
An open-box Formuler is a unit whose retail box has been opened, usually a customer return or a unit used for a demonstration. Each one is tested, factory reset and sold complete with its remote, power adapter and HDMI cable, at a lower CAD price than a sealed unit.
Is open box the same as refurbished?
No. A refurbished unit has been repaired. Our open-box Formuler boxes are working units that were opened, not repaired. If a returned unit shows a fault it is not resold as open box.
Does an open-box Formuler include the remote?
Yes. Every open-box listing includes the original remote, power adapter and HDMI cable. Some listings also let you pick a free accessory at checkout.
Can I return an open-box unit?
Yes. Open-box units are covered by the same 15-day return policy as new units (unused, in original packaging). Warranty terms are listed on each open-box product page.
Which open-box Formuler is the best value in 2026?
The Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition open box at $239.99 CAD, $55 under the new price, gives you 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, Wi-Fi 6 and the Bluetooth voice remote. For a second TV, the Z11 Pro open box at $169.99 is the sweet spot.
Are there open-box Z12 Ultra or Z12 Pro units?
Not yet. The Z12 Ultra SE and Z12 Pro launched in late August 2026 and the Z12 Ultra rarely comes back, so the Z12 line is sold new only. Open-box units appear on the open-box collection as returns come in.
See today's open-box Formuler deals → · New Formuler boxes in CAD · Dreamlink owners: your upgrade guide