Americans replace their cell phones every 2.5 years on average, and that old device sitting in your junk drawer still has real value. In 2026, the secondhand electronics market in the United States is worth over $80 billion, with used smartphones alone accounting for $13 billion in annual trade-in volume. Whether it is a phone, tablet, laptop, gaming console, or smartwatch, someone will pay cash for your used tech — if you know where to sell it and how to maximize your payout.
Selling old electronics is a smart one-time cash grab, but smart earners pair it with consistent passive income to keep money flowing in. With I am Beezy, you can earn an additional $5 to $15 per day from your phone just by viewing content — no selling required, no inventory to manage. That means your one-time electronics sale becomes the starting point for a daily income habit. Here is how to squeeze every dollar from your old devices.
Where to Sell Electronics for Cash in 2026
Buyback platforms: fast cash, minimal effort
Buyback services give you an instant quote, ship a prepaid label or box, and pay you within days of receiving your device. They are the fastest path from old phone to cash in your pocket. Decluttr is the most popular buyback site in the US — enter your device model and condition, get a quote in seconds, ship for free, and receive payment via direct deposit, PayPal, or Venmo within one business day after inspection. Gazelle specializes in smartphones and tablets, offering competitive quotes and a 30-day price lock so you can shop around without losing your offer. ItsWorthMore handles laptops, desktops, and enterprise hardware at prices typically 10 to 20 percent higher than trade-in programs from carriers.
Peer-to-peer marketplaces: higher prices, more work
Swappa is the gold standard for selling used electronics directly to buyers. Unlike eBay, Swappa charges no seller fees — buyers pay a small commission instead. Listings require verification (ESN check for phones, serial number confirmation for laptops) which builds buyer trust and justifies higher asking prices. Expect to get 15 to 30 percent more on Swappa than on buyback sites, but you will need to create a listing, communicate with buyers, and ship the item yourself. Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp work well for local cash sales where the buyer picks up the device, eliminating shipping risk entirely.
Carrier and retailer trade-in programs
Apple, Samsung, Best Buy, and major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) all offer trade-in programs, but the payout typically comes as store credit rather than cash. Apple's trade-in for an iPhone 14 Pro in 2026 averages $350 in Apple Store credit versus $420 to $480 on Swappa for the same device in good condition. Carrier trade-ins make sense only when you are already upgrading through that carrier and the credit applies toward your new device purchase. For pure cash, independent platforms consistently pay more.
| Platform | Payment Type | Speed | iPhone 14 Pro (Good) | Samsung S23 (Good) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decluttr | Cash (PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit) | 1-2 business days | $310-360 | $200-240 |
| Gazelle | Cash (check, PayPal, Amazon gift card) | 3-5 business days | $330-380 | $210-250 |
| Swappa | Cash (PayPal) | Instant on sale | $420-480 | $280-320 |
| Facebook Marketplace | Cash (local pickup) | Instant | $400-460 | $260-300 |
| Apple Trade-In | Store credit only | Instant in-store | $350 credit | N/A |
| Best Buy Trade-In | Store credit only | Instant in-store | $280-340 credit | $180-220 credit |
How to Maximize Your Payout
Clean and reset your device properly
Before selling any electronic device, back up your data, sign out of all accounts (especially iCloud, Google, and Samsung accounts), and perform a full factory reset. For phones, remove your SIM card and any SD cards. Wipe the screen and case with a microfiber cloth. A clean, well-presented device consistently gets 10 to 15 percent higher offers than an identical dirty one. If your screen has minor scratches, a $3 screen protector applied before listing photos can make the device look dramatically better in pictures.
Compare at least 3 platforms before selling
Prices vary wildly between platforms. A quick 10-minute comparison across Decluttr, Gazelle, and Swappa can mean the difference between $310 and $480 for the same phone. Use comparison tools like SellCell.com or BankMyCell.com that aggregate quotes from dozens of buyback sites simultaneously. Always check Swappa's recently sold listings to see what buyers are actually paying in the current market — asking prices and sale prices are often different.
Timing matters: when to sell your electronics
The best time to sell a used phone is right before the next model launches. iPhone values drop 15 to 25 percent in the two weeks following a new Apple release. Sell your iPhone 15 in August before the iPhone 16 announcement, not in October after everyone has upgraded. Laptops hold value better year-round, but back-to-school season (July through August) drives the highest demand. Gaming consoles peak in value during November and December when holiday shoppers hunt for deals.
Stack your electronics income with passive earnings
Selling electronics generates excellent one-time cash, but the devices run out eventually. That is where building a consistent income stream alongside your sales makes sense. I am Beezy turns your current phone into an earning tool — spend 20 to 30 minutes daily viewing content and generate $150 to $300 per month passively. You sell the old phone for $400, then earn that same amount again every 6 to 8 weeks through the app without selling anything else. The referral program adds even more — each friend who signs up through your link generates additional income for both of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my electronics are worth selling?
If the device turns on and functions, it has value. Even cracked-screen phones sell for $30 to $80 on buyback sites. Laptops older than 5 years may only fetch $20 to $50, but that is still better than throwing them away. Enter your device into Decluttr or SellCell to get an instant free quote — it takes 30 seconds and there is no obligation to sell.
Is it safe to sell my phone to a stranger online?
Yes, if you take basic precautions. Always factory reset your device and sign out of all accounts before handing it over. For local sales on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, meet at a public location like a police station lobby or coffee shop during daylight hours. For mail-in buyback services like Decluttr and Gazelle, the risk is minimal — they are established companies with millions of transactions and buyer protection policies.
Do I owe taxes on electronics I sell?
If you sell personal electronics for less than you originally paid (which is almost always the case), you do not owe any federal income tax on the sale. The IRS considers this a personal loss, not taxable income. However, if you regularly buy electronics specifically to flip them for profit, that becomes self-employment income reported on Schedule C, and you will owe income tax plus self-employment tax on the net profit.
What should I do with electronics that have no resale value?
Electronics recycling is free at Best Buy, Staples, and most municipal recycling centers. Apple stores accept any Apple product for free recycling regardless of condition. Some recyclers like EcoATM (kiosks found in Walmart and grocery stores) pay small amounts ($1 to $10) for devices with minimal value. Never throw electronics in the trash — they contain hazardous materials and valuable metals that can be recovered through proper recycling.
Cash Out Your Old Tech and Build Ongoing Income
Every old phone, tablet, laptop, and gaming console in your home is money waiting to be collected. Compare at least 3 platforms, clean your devices thoroughly, time your sales before new model releases, and choose the selling channel that matches your effort level — buyback for speed, peer-to-peer for maximum price.
Once you have cashed out your old electronics, put your current phone to work earning money every day. Sign up for I am Beezy for free and turn 20 minutes of daily screen time into $150 to $300 per month. Your old tech pays you once — Beezy pays you every single day.
