Technologies
We Found the 7 Best Places to Sell Your Used and Unwanted Electronics in 2025
Your old tech devices don’t have to go in the trash after an upgrade. We’ve found the top marketplaces that will pay you for your used electronics.
What to consider
Know the value
Before you decide to sell, you can check any trade-in service to get an idea of the value of your electronics.
Check multiple services
There’s no such thing as one price. Check around at multiple trade-in stores to see if the value changes.
Beware of scams
Only sell your electronics at places with buyer and seller protections so you can keep your cash.
Be honest
If you aren’t totally honest about the condition of your device, you won’t get the kind of money you thought you were going to get.
Technology is constantly evolving, and companies are always pushing new and more innovative gadgets. If you want to keep up with the latest wave of tech, you’ll need to upgrade often, from iPhones to wireless earbuds. And that’s definitely true right now following Apple’s recent iPhone 17 and AirPods Pro 3 releases. But what happens to our old devices when we upgrade to something new and shiny? Usually, they just end up cluttering our drawers. From previous-gen phones to old headphones and aging gaming consoles, we all have stuff we no longer use, taking up space we don’t have.
The good news is that retired devices aren’t entirely useless. Several online marketplaces exist where you can sell them for a few extra bucks. If you’ve recently upgraded to a new phone, replaced your laptop or want to save up for a new one, selling your unwanted devices can be a great way to declutter and make some money. And if a gadget still works, you can also consider trading it for a discount on a new one.
Selling your old gadgets is a smart move. Even if you don’t plan to buy something new right away, having a little extra money never hurts, and recycling responsibly is a bonus.
From Apple gear and smartwatches to gaming consoles and fitness trackers, I’ve rounded up the best places for you to sell used electronics. These services offer competitive rates and various ways to cash in, whether you’re looking for trade-ins or straight-up payments. Our team at CNET has personally used many of these platforms, giving us a solid foundation to help you choose the right one.
What is the best place to sell used electronics?
Regarding value, ease of use and knowing you’re protected against scams, Swappa is one of the best options out there. 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 selling for. When you sell on Swappa, you sell directly to another person. If someone is interested in making a purchase but would like additional photos or details, they can request them directly from you.
When it’s time to make a purchase, Swappa ensures you are paid quickly and the buyer is assured that you’ll ship the product promptly. Everyone wins and the Swappa staff are involved in the whole process to avoid scams.
Best places to sell used electronics for 2025
Pros
- Very few limits on hardware you can sell
- Extremely helpful staff
- Protections for buyers and sellers
- Quick payout
Cons
- Frequently requires negotiating with the buyer
- PayPal-only
Where many of the other services on this list have you send hardware to them for evaluation and payout, Swappa is a direct-to-consumer service. You list the hardware you want to sell with photos and whatever price you want to start at and, once the listing is approved by staff, you’ll be listed for any buyer looking to make a purchase. If you’re buying, Swappa is sure to enforce timelines on shipping and payment so everyone is treated fairly. While this method requires a little more work on behalf of the seller, the result is frequently a much higher payout and the Swappa team protects both sides of the transaction from any shady behavior.
Pros
- Quick payout
- Decent seller protections
Cons
- Amazon-only payout
- Limited hardware accepted
Amazon’s trade-in program works a lot like its retail store. You do an easy search for an electronic item, enter any necessary details (storage, screen size and so on) and then select the device’s condition. Amazon will then make an offer for your electronic gadget and, if you accept it, provide a free shipping label for the item. The number of items Amazon accepts spans a wide spectrum, including video doorbells, wireless routers and other home security devices.
Once you ship the item, Amazon will inspect it to ensure the item matches your original description. If it all checks out, your Amazon account will be credited with an Amazon eGift card for the offer amount. If the item is in better condition than you described, Amazon’s customer service promises to pay you more. If you’d rather trade in a device in person, Amazon has a list of locations where you can take Amazon devices and select phones. Amazon states that even nonworking devices can be accepted. The drawback? Your money is sent exclusively to your Amazon account.
Pros
- Multiple payment options
- Great hardware library
Cons
- 2-day shipping costs more
Unlike the previous services for selling electronics online, ItsWorthMore will pay you through your choice of PayPal, Zelle, gift card or an old-fashioned paper check. The process for selling electronic goods entails answering some questions about the old cell phone, tablet, Apple Watch (or other Apple device) or computer you’re selling. ItsWorthMore will then give you an offer and, if you accept it, provide you with a prepaid shipping label. During the checkout process, you can select how you want to receive your payment.
You also have the option to pay $15 for two-day shipping as well as a 24-hour processing time. Otherwise, standard shipping and a turnaround target time of 72 hours. Processing can take up to five business days. When your device is received, ItsWorthMore will verify if the indicated working condition is accurate, which means checking whether it’s in good condition, fair, broken and so on. If there’s a discrepancy, you’ll have a chance to ask for the device back or accept the revised offer.
Pros
- In-store experience is super convenient
- Recycling options are available if the value is low
- Many kinds of hardware accepted
Cons
- Best Buy gift card only
Getting a quote from Best Buy is as simple as picking a product category, manufacturer, model and condition. Once you’ve filled out the questionnaire, the tool will estimate the unwanted device and give you an instant quote. The offer amount, if you choose to accept it, will only be awarded as store credit in the form of a Best Buy gift card. The company lists a handful of stores that don’t participate in the trade-in program.
Best Buy’s payment turnaround time is slower than other services, but the company accepts a wider variety of gadgets, matching nearly every type of electronic device it sells. This includes various laptop options, smartphone options, wearables, digital camera options and video game consoles. You can trade in your gaming system, video games and an iPhone or iPad at the same time, for example.
Pros
- Fast turnaround after a quote is made
- Custom quotes for unlisted hardware
- Multiple payout options
Cons
- Offer adjustment process after delivery can take a while
BuyBackWorld will buy a range of products, including phones, tablets, iPods, cameras, game consoles, computers, headphones, drones and more. You can even get a custom quote for products that aren’t listed on the site. After getting a quote and selecting how you want to be paid, send your items to BuyBackWorld. Once they receive your shipment, they’ll inspect your items and you’ll get paid. If the quote is adjusted after inspection, you can accept the new offer or have your device returned to you.
Pros
- In-store experience is convenient
- In-store recycling is helpful
Cons
- Apple gift card only
- Limited non-Apple trade in opportunities
Apple’s trade-in program will take devices from a range of companies, not just its own. Currently, Apple will accept your laptop, smartphones, tablets, watches and «other» devices and old equipment. If the company doesn’t have a trade-in offer for your device, like iPods or AirPods, Apple will recycle it free of charge. Apple states it will take two to three weeks to complete the online trade-in process.
If you want to place your order for a new device right now, the company will credit your payment method with the trade-in value once it’s processed. Alternatively, if Apple Stores are open in your area, you can visit the store and get an instant store credit for your trade-in. It’s especially helpful with the launch of the iPhone 16. Using Apple’s trade-in service makes sense if you’re already planning on buying a new iPhone or Mac. It’s not a worthwhile option for someone who wants to buy the latest Samsung Galaxy, for instance.
Pros
- Many hardware types accepted
- Direct Deposit payments
Cons
- Turnaround time is a little long
BackMarket makes it very easy to trade in your old gear for cash in your account, quickly. The company accepts phones, tablets, game consoles, and even headphones with payouts of up to $700 depending on the product and its condition. Getting started is quick and easy, all you have to do is answer a few questions and then you’ll see the offer. If you accept, you ship your device out (which is free), and then once it’s inspected they send you the money.
Factors to consider when selling your used electronics
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 tech. 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.
Used electronics FAQs
Are used electronics worth anything?
Broadly speaking, if you have something less than five years old and it’s in good condition, there’s a good chance you could sell it. With 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 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.
Technologies
We May Know What the Next Nintendo Switch 2 Pokemon Game Will Be Called
A massive leak reveals potential details about the 10th generation of Pokemon games coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, including big changes.

A new Pokemon game, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, will be released for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on Thursday, but a recent leak might have revealed info about what’s coming next from the creators of the franchise. The names of the next games headed to the Switch 2, as well as some of the big changes to the Pokemon formula, may have been part of the leak.
The leak showed up on X Monday from the account Centro Leaks, as first spotted by Insider Gaming. Data about the upcoming games reportedly stems from a hack of the servers of the franchise developer Game Freak that happened in August 2024, referred to online as the Teraleak, that included the source code for the upcoming Pokemon Legenda: Z-A.
Among the information shared by the account was the possible name for what would be the 10th generation of Pokemon games that would come to the Switch 2 next year: Pokemon Wind and Pokemon Wave.
The Pokemon Company didn’t immediately respond to a request for confirmation about this leak.
Pokémon Gen 10:
Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves
Theme: Infinity
Directed by Shigeru Ohmori— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) October 13, 2025
According to the leak, Pokemon Wind/Wave is inspired by the Southeast Asia region and will feature a jungle-themed environment. It could also feature a new mechanic referred to as a Seed Pokemon, which is reportedly a special Pokemon that is heavily involved in the story and must be raised by the player. As it evolves, it will have a unique look that is procedurally generated, and once it’s fully evolved, it will allow the player to gain access to an island where they can find the main legendary Pokemon of the game.
The main theme of Pokemon Wind/Wave is the concept of infinity, according to the leak. This would match with the reported focus of procedurally generated content, not only with the special Seed Pokemon, but also with the islands of the game being procedurally generated, so each game is unique and could continue to grow with no end.
Also included in the leak were other details, including Pokemon on the overworld being interactable, weather affecting gameplay in some way, 18 new challenges for players instead of traditional gyms, and a few screenshots of the game in development that are still available to see at the PokeLeaks subreddit. There was also info that the 11th-generation Pokemon game could be released in 2030.
It is unlikely that Nintendo, The Pokemon Company or Game Freak will confirm the details of the leak. Expect to see the official announcement early next year, with the fall being the most likely release window for Pokemon Wind/Wave.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Wednesday, Oct. 15
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Oct. 15.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It includes both the first and last name of one of my favorite chefs of all time — maybe yours, too. Read on for the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Chromebooks, but not MacBooks
Answer: PCS
4A clue: «Yippee!»
Answer: WAHOO
6A clue: Reveal, as juicy gossip
Answer: SPILL
7A clue: With 2-Down, chef who helped popularize chicken cordon bleu in the U.S.
Answer: JULIA
8A clue: Toss in
Answer: ADD
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Toss in
Answer: PAPUA
2D clue: See 7-Across
Answer: CHILD
3D clue: State of matter for most elements at room temperature
Answer: SOLID
4D clue: Business-focused newspaper, for short
Answer: WSJ
5D clue: Hello, in Portuguese
Answer: OLA
Technologies
Want to Watch a Podcast? Netflix and Spotify Partner to Bring Video Podcasts to Streaming
Starting in early 2026, Netflix subscribers in the US will be able to watch select Spotify Studios and Ringer podcasts directly on the streaming platform.

Netflix and Spotify are teaming up to blur the line between streaming and podcasting. The two companies announced a new partnership that will bring a curated slate of Spotify’s top video podcasts, including shows from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, to Netflix starting in early 2026. The goal is to make popular podcasts as watchable as TV, expanding both services’ reach into sports, culture, lifestyle and true crime.
Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
The deal marks Spotify’s most significant distribution push beyond its own platform, and for Netflix, it’s a new way to keep audiences engaged with talk-driven, low-cost programming. Early titles include The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Rewatchables, Dissect, Conspiracy Theories and Serial Killers, among others. You can find the complete list here.
More shows and genres are expected to be added over time.
Netflix says the partnership complements its library of documentaries and talk shows, offering «fresh voices and new perspectives.» Spotify, meanwhile, described it as «a new chapter for podcasting,» giving creators access to Netflix’s global audience while expanding discovery for listeners who prefer watching podcasts.
The rollout will begin in the US early next year, with additional markets to follow in 2026.
-
Technologies3 года ago
Tech Companies Need to Be Held Accountable for Security, Experts Say
-
Technologies3 года ago
Best Handheld Game Console in 2023
-
Technologies3 года ago
Tighten Up Your VR Game With the Best Head Straps for Quest 2
-
Technologies4 года ago
Verum, Wickr and Threema: next generation secured messengers
-
Technologies4 года ago
Black Friday 2021: The best deals on TVs, headphones, kitchenware, and more
-
Technologies4 года ago
Google to require vaccinations as Silicon Valley rethinks return-to-office policies
-
Technologies4 года ago
Olivia Harlan Dekker for Verum Messenger
-
Technologies4 года ago
iPhone 13 event: How to watch Apple’s big announcement tomorrow