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If you’re a tech lover, you probably like having the latest and greatest devices as soon as they’re released. The issue is that once you buy something new, the older gadgets often get neglected. But despite not using these gadgets anymore, we sometimes still feel attached and can’t decide what to do with them. Hoarding them can cause clutter, so it’s best to find a new home for your used electronics when you no longer need them. It’s also a great way to make some extra money (which you can use later to treat yourself). Whether you’re a hoarder or just someone who doesn’t know how to dispose of vintage gadgets, there are great online marketplaces that pay cash for used gadgets, including old Apple products, fitness trackers and gaming consoles. We’ve put together this list of the best places to sell electronics to help you pick the right service for your needs.
CNET is full of tech-obsessed folks who buy new gadgets all the time. Many of us trade or sell our used personal gear to keep that habit going, which has given us the unique experience needed to put this list together. Here are the best places to sell used electronics that offer competitive prices, from trade-in programs to online marketplaces.
What is the best place to sell used electronics?
When it comes to value, ease of use and knowing you’re protected against scams we have found one of the best options out there is Swappa. There are some great options available if all you want to do is put your phone or tablet in a box and get paid a few days later, but if your goal is to make the most money and do so quickly you’ll find this is the ideal option. Swappa allows you to list your own tech at whatever price you think is fair, and the company helps you make that decision by giving you a look at what other versions of your products are currently selling for.
When you sell on Swappa, you’re selling directly to another person. If someone is interested in making a purchase but would like additional photos or details, they can request them from you directly. When it’s time to make that purchase, Swappa ensures you are paid quickly and the buyer is assured you’ll be shipping the product quickly. Everyone wins, and the Swappa staff are involved in the whole process to avoid scams.
Best places to sell used electronics for 2025
Know the value: Nearly every service will tell you the value of your tech before you actually list it, by asking a series of questions about the current state of your phone. Using any of those services will let you know what you can expect to make before you make any decisions.
Check multiple services: Every service offers a different price for just about everything, and while most of the time those differences are only a couple of dollars in either direction you will occasionally find significantly better offers depending on the time of year. For example, if you’re selling a phone its value is typically at its highest just before a new phone is released.
Beware of scams: If you’re using a service that lets you talk directly to a person who might be buying, it’s important to keep that conversation on the service you’re using. Don’t start separate conversations, especially if that person is promising to pay you more or help you avoid seller’s fees.
Be honest: If your tech has some scratches or damage, be sure to claim this damage. Failure to do so will end in not getting the amount you were promised, and in some cases can result in your getting banned from selling other tech in the future.
Are used electronics worth anything?
Broadly speaking, if you’ve got something less than five years old and it’s in good condition there’s a good chance you could sell it. When it comes to smartphones and tablets, anything made by Apple tends to sell for more even when it’s slightly older.
What do I do if I can’t sell my used electronics?
If you’ve looked up the value of your tech and it’s not much, but you still want to get it out of the house, you can still recycle that tech responsibly instead of throwing it away. We recommend using the Best Buy recycling service, which can be used either in the store or online.
What if my used electronics have swollen or damaged batteries?
If you’re trying to get rid of something with a swollen or puffy battery, please do not throw it away or attempt to ship it to a sales facility. Swollen batteries represent a significant fire risk, and should be disposed of quickly and correctly. The best way to do this is to look up e-waste facilities in your area and safely deliver either just the battery or the whole device to that facility.