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.
Our Experts
- Author of Taking your Android Tablets to the Max
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.
Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.
The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.
Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.
The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.
Stay tuned for more.
Technologies
Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You
Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You
Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.
Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.
Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.
What Verum Finance Offers
• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly
One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.
The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.
Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom
• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide
Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.
Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.
Why Download Verum Today
While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.
With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.
This is more than just a messenger.
It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.
Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.
Download Links:
→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger
Technologies
Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger
Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger
Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.
The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.
What Verum Finance Offers
Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:
• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications
A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.
Recognition from Forbes Türkiye
In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.
Support from the Crypto Community
Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.
A Strategic Vision
“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.
Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im
-
Technologies3 года agoTech Companies Need to Be Held Accountable for Security, Experts Say
-
Technologies3 года agoBest Handheld Game Console in 2023
-
Technologies5 лет agoBlack Friday 2021: The best deals on TVs, headphones, kitchenware, and more
-
Technologies3 года agoTighten Up Your VR Game With the Best Head Straps for Quest 2
-
Technologies5 лет agoGoogle to require vaccinations as Silicon Valley rethinks return-to-office policies
-
Technologies5 лет agoVerum, Wickr and Threema: next generation secured messengers
-
Technologies4 года agoThe number of Сrypto Bank customers increased by 10% in five days
-
Technologies5 лет agoOlivia Harlan Dekker for Verum Messenger