Are you looking for ways to sell your old phone? We can help. There are many ways to sell old devices, including laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and even video games.
For phones, most people typically go to their phone subscribers, end up paying hundreds more for a new phone, and get very little for a trade-in. When it comes to selling your phones, you have options. Continue reading to learn which option best fits you.
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Top Places to Sell Your Cell Phone
In today’s market, you can use one of the companies listed below to sell your phone. Answer questions about your phone’s model, capacity, and current conditions to generate your free online quote.
If you accept their offer, you’ll receive a prepaid shipping label. Then, you’ll mail off your device to the company, ensuring the phone is up to par. Then, you’ll receive payment using the option you selected.
The benefit of this option is that it requires little effort, you can shop for the best deal, and if your device is up to par, you can make top dollar. The downside is that you will need to shop around for the best price.
1. SellCell
Our top pick isn’t actually a site that purchases your phone directly. Instead, it’s a site that compares prices instantly for many different sites and guarantees you the best purchase price for your phone! If you want a one-stop shop to compare all sites, then try SellCell. Instead of spending hours looking at each site, SellCell created a site that does it for you. I wish I had thought of that!
Think of SellCell as the Hotwire or Travelocity of the gadget reseller industry. Simply look up your phone and then they will show you who has the best offer. We also checked individually to make sure it was a legit price. Once you decide which site to go with, select that store and it takes you to their site to complete the sale.
Bottom Line: SellCell is a smart one-stop shop that compares all the “major players” looking to purchase your used phone. We found the prices we were offered lined up the same when we looked individually.
2. Buyback Boss
We checked out Buyback Boss and felt it was one of the best places to sell your used phone because they offer the highest prices guaranteed. If you find a higher price at another site, you can return to your offer and challenge it like a boss. No questions asked, provide them the email copy with the higher offer.
The process of getting a quote is pretty simple. You simply click on the “Start Now” button and select your device. From here, it will ask you a series of questions, including model, carrier, storage, and condition. When it comes to condition, be honest. Next, you should see a viable offer.
To confirm your offer, simply provide them with your email. Buyback Boss will email you confirmation of the offer and a pre-paid shipping label. Simply print the label and place it in a box or padded envelope. You will get paid once they receive your order and confirm the condition.
Bottom Line: BuybackBoss is a reliable instant purchase site with the highest price guarantee.
3. OCBuyBack
Are you looking to get rid of old or new mobile devices? OCBuyBack is great for selling both older and new models. Its competitive prices make it a viable option. They even take tablets.
Their service is fast, reliable, and payment is hassle-free. They use USPS, which helps guarantee shipping. Payment for your device is via PayPal or check, and once they receive it, it typically takes a few days.
Bottom Line: OCBuyBack is a great option if you are looking for competitive pricing and simple, guaranteed shipping.
4. Decluttr
As a relatively young company, Decluttr boasts some $300 million in payouts to over 6 million customers. This trusted online service is simple to use, offers various payment options, and more often than not, the most bang for your buck.
You can choose between PayPal, check, direct deposit, or even a donation to a charity of your choosing. The process is straightforward; no photos or listing creativity are required. Here’s how it works: Use the Decluttr website or mobile app to answer a few questions about your phone, including storage capacity, carrier, and condition.
Decluttr generates a quote and emails you a free shipping label to send in your phone for inspection. Once both parties accept, you’ll get same-day payment via PayPal, while direct deposit or check takes longer.
Bottom Line: Decluttr is our top pick for fast cash, multiple payment options, and seems to pay a bit more than competitors, even if your phone is in less-than-perfect shape.
5. Swappa
Swappa is an eBay-like (but significantly more trustworthy) user-to-user service allowing sellers to create listings for phones, tablets, laptops, and more in exchange for cash. Sellers can get the best price by making a bit more effort in taking photos and creating a listing, since Swappa completely eliminates the middleman.
They improved the eBay model by lowering seller fees, making buyer-seller communication easier, and vigilantly eliminating low-quality listings. They also took the time to review every item sold on the platform.
However, while their rigorous criteria for listing effectively deters substandard devices, this service is best for fully functional smartphones with no damage. Also, shipping isn’t included, so factor this cost into your listing price.
The service is nearly free to use, but if sellers want to give their listing a leg up on the competition, there’s also a featured listing option available.
Bottom Line: Like eBay but reliable, Swappa is a great pick for sellers to create listings to earn PayPal cash. However, it requires a bit more effort and is best for phones in good shape.
6. BuyBackWorld
Launched in 2010, BuyBackWorld offers sellers one of the most extensive buyback programs for smartphones and much more.
Their process is simple: just a few clicks to describe your device, and you’ll have a quote generated. The questions are specific, so the price is tailored just for you. Upon request, you’ll receive a free shipping label and box.
Most importantly, prices are better than those of many other sellers. They offer a wide range of payment options: check, PayPal, direct deposit, prepaid debit card, or even a Gift Card to the BuyBackWorld store (with 5% more cash). A 30-day price lock guarantees your quote for a month.
Bottom Line: With excellent prices and many payment options, BuyBackWorld is a versatile option for selling your mobile phone.
7. Gadgetgone
Gadgetgone has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau. Sell your phones, tablets, watches, games, and MacBooks. To sell your phone, click on the phone image, and then the site will ask you to choose your brand (Apple, Samsung, etc). The next step is to choose your model.
Using my Apple 11 model to see how much they would offer, I found the page super easy to use with pictures. The obligation-free offer was very competitive as well. To get paid, simply follow the process mentioned above.
When you accept the offer, the next screen will provide you with a pre-paid shipping label. You will have to use your own box. Once Gadgetgone receives the phone, it is reviewed and approved; an e-gift card or PayPal pays you.
Bottom Line: Super-simple site with quick turnaround and competitive pricing.
8. EcoATM
If you’re looking for an in-person evaluation or just don’t want to bother with the shipping process, EcoATM has 4000+ kiosks across the country where you can deposit your old device, have it analyzed, and receive cash instantly.
Even if your phone has a cracked screen or won’t power on, EcoATM may still accept it – they’re all about going green and saving money.
All you’ll need is your device and a valid state ID, and then head to your local kiosk. This is the best option for fast money since you won’t have to wait weeks for an inspection, as you might with an online buyer.
Bottom Line: If you don’t want to deal with shipping or prefer an in-person analysis of your phone, EcoATM is the fastest way to earn cash, even for a broken phone.
9. uSell
For broken cell phones or those that will no longer hold a charge, uSell offers some of the best prices via PayPal or check. With this service, you’re selling to buyers through the uSell service, but in practice, it works similarly to the companies above.
They’ll even send you a free shipping kit with a box included.
Bottom Line: If your phone is severely broken or damaged, uSell is a direct-purchase service that offers reasonable prices and will even send you a shipping kit.
10. Ebay
eBay has been a go-to for many years. You can find new and old on eBay. You can sell your phone directly or use eBay Instant Selling. To sell your phone on our account, make sure you have all the information about your phone (make, model, condition) ready to go.
In 2018, e-commerce giant eBay launched its own service, eBay Instant Selling, to offer an instantaneous voucher for old electronics. Unlike traditional eBay sales, you’ll sell to eBay rather than a third-party buyer, which affords more seller protection than traditional eBay sales do.
The trade-off is a smaller payment; you’ll be paid with a voucher, not cash. Just enter all the necessary information for your device. If it’s eligible, upload a few photos of your mobile phone.
You’ll receive an instant voucher for the offered amount, which you can use to buy a new device on eBay. Finally, send off your old phone with a free shipping label provided by eBay.
Bottom Line: The eBay instant selling page works similarly to other sites and offers competitive pricing.
How Do These Sites Compare?
| Company | Trustpilot |
| SellCell | 4.3 |
| Buyback Boss | 4.8 |
| OCBuyback | 4.8 |
| Decluttr | 4.6 |
| Swappa | 4.9 |
| BuyBackWorld | 4.3 |
| Nextdoor | 2.4 |
| EcoATM | N/A |
| uSell | 3.2 |
| Ebay | 1.3 |
Trade It In
Take advantage of trade-in programs offered by major brands. These programs give customers credit for returning their old device to use towards a new purchase.
One Advantage of trading in is definitely the convenience. The downside is a lower profit or even in-store credit.
Check with your supplier to see if they are running any trade-in specials. Similar to car sales, trade-in specials happen at certain times of the year, especially with new product releases.
Here are a few companies that offer trade-ins.
Apple Trade-In Program
For Apple users likely to invest in a new device in the future, the Apple Trade-In Program is an excellent way to get the most out of old iPhones.
While you’ll likely get a better deal by selling yourself (Apple doesn’t even ask about storage capacity, giving you the exact quote for 64 GB as 256 GB), this program is an easy, risk-free alternative to the abovementioned services. You can get top prices, but your phone will have to be in near-perfect condition.
For diehard iPhone loyalists who must have the latest as soon as it hits the market, you might want to check out Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program.
This program works like a subscription, ensuring you’ll get a new phone every year while saving you from purchasing a brand-new model with each new release. Additionally, sites to sell your iPhone besides Apple are another option.
Amazon Trade-In Program
With Amazon’s Trade-In Program, you’ll receive payment via an Amazon Gift Card when you send in your old smartphone. It’s not as competitive as other trade-in programs, but it does offer valuable Amazon credit, which one might argue is nearly as versatile as cash itself.
That’s because Amazon will still need to profit by reselling it. If you decide to go the Amazon route but don’t have the time to create a listing, consider selling it yourself to a third-party buyer. You’ll get a better price this way and will be paid in hard, cold cash.
Best Buy Trade-In Program
Another decent option is Best Buy’s Trade-In Program, especially if you’re a frequent Best Buy shopper. This scheme offers valuable store credit for your old mobile device, as with Apple. Customers can generate their quote online or, to speed up the process, can head directly to select participating stores.
Note that the program is best for phones in good shape, as it doesn’t accept damaged devices.
Carrier Trade-In
For another route, consider that the largest service providers like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile also have buy-back programs. You won’t find any deals but it’s a safe way to earn a few bucks.
Other Trade-In Programs
Modeled after Apple, the Samsung Trade-In also offers a decent alternative for Android users.
Other programs include Walmart, Target, and GameStop, but these are more limited and prices are less than stellar (although, notably, GameStop is one of the few to offer cash).
Sell It Yourself
Create a listing for your device on a marketplace website that allows you to sell directly to a buyer.
- Pros: Highest prices, cash payments, no obligation to accept offers
- Cons: Risky, can fall prey to scammers, requires in-person transactions, and effort to create listings
Selling your old phone to third-party buyers using online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, and Facebook can reap the most cash for your device. With no middleman, no one can skim from the top of your earnings.
However, it’s also more of a hassle: it’s up to you to create an enticing listing, pay seller fees, and differentiate legitimate buyers from scammers (plus deal with the consequences if anything goes awry).
eBay
If you’re willing to work to create an attractive listing, pay for shipping and seller fees, and take on the risk of a buyer scam, eBay can offer hard, cold cash and more protection than Craigslist.
But with more freedom comes higher fees. Seller and PayPal fees aren’t insignificant, and you’ll also be responsible for shipping costs, so be sure to factor that into your sale price. Search for other listings of your phone’s model and storage capacity to get an idea of competitive prices.
The e-commerce platform offers certain protections to sellers, but there are many ways to become a scam victim on eBay. The platform usually errs on the buyer’s side in a dispute, and scammers know this. So be aware.
eBay Instant Sale is a safer bet, and the price is guaranteed, although it is lower since eBay must then resell your device.
Craigslist
Of all the choices listed, Craigslist can net you the most profit but carries the highest risk. Craigslist gives you the freedom to name whatever price you choose, and unlike eBay, there are no seller fees. However, scams are common, and Craigslist offers no protection from them.
While finding a customer isn’t hard, finding a reliable buyer who will show up to your meeting place can be challenging. For some, the need for an in-person meetup is a deterrent. If you choose Craigslist, always meet your seller in a public place.
Facebook Marketplace
Consider listing your old smartphone on Facebook Marketplace for a set price, no fees required. Potential buyers can make offers, which you can reject, accept, or negotiate.
You can even limit the viewing audience to specific groups or friends to find a reliable buyer in your network and eliminate the risk of dealing with strangers. However, you’ll likely have to meet in person to complete the exchange.
You can also try buying and selling groups in your area, which is how business was conducted before Facebook introduced the Marketplace feature. These groups are usually themed by product type (“Buying and Selling Used Electronics”) or by region (“Buying and Selling in Phoenix”).
There are also more generic “yard sale” groups with hobbyists who are interested in a good bargain.
Bottom Line
Take your time to find the right place to sell your phone. To maximize your profit, hopefully, our article has provided you with some insight on how and where to sell your phone. As we mentioned, you have options. You can sell it directly to a buy-back site, sell it yourself, or even trade it in. Make sure to use good judgment when working with buyers.
Many of these buyers also let you sell them your video games and other devices. This may be a great way to maximize your sales. Remember to trust your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t the right deal.