At a Glance
- Swappa tops the list for high payouts and direct-to-consumer sales.
- Amazon, Apple, and Best Buy offer trade-in credits for new purchases.
- ItsWorthMore, BuyBackWorld, and BackMarket provide quick cash or gift-card rewards.
- Why it matters: Turning old gadgets into cash or discounts can free space, boost your budget, and help you upgrade responsibly.
With new iPhone and AirPods releases, many tech owners find themselves with surplus devices. Selling or trading them can earn quick money or discounts, and several platforms make the process straightforward.
Top Platforms for 2026
In 2026, a handful of services dominate the used-electronics market. Swappa lets sellers list at their own price and receive direct payments, while Amazon, Apple, and Best Buy provide trade-in credits for new gear. Other options like ItsWorthMore, BuyBackWorld, and BackMarket offer quick payouts or gift-card rewards.
- Swappa – Direct-to-consumer listings, PayPal-only, high payout, requires negotiation.
- Amazon – Free shipping label, Amazon eGift card credit, limited hardware, 2-day shipping fee.
- ItsWorthMore – PayPal, Zelle, gift card, or check, optional 2-day shipping, 72-hour processing.
- Best Buy – In-store or online trade-in, Best Buy gift card credit, slower turnaround, wide hardware range.
- BuyBackWorld – Custom quotes, PayPal or other payout, inspection-based offer adjustment.
- Apple – Trade-in credit for new Apple gear, direct deposit, 2-3 week turnaround, free recycling for non-offered devices.
- BackMarket – Free shipping, quick inspection, payouts up to $700 depending on product.
How to Get the Best Deal
To maximize value, compare offers before shipping, keep devices in good condition, and choose the payment method that suits you. Fast shipping and prompt inspections can shave days off the payout timeline.
| Service | Payment Method | Speed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swappa | PayPal | Quick | Direct sale |
| Amazon | eGift card | 2-day fee | Limited hardware |
| ItsWorthMore | PayPal, Zelle, etc. | 72 hrs | Optional 2-day |
| Best Buy | Gift card | Slower | In-store option |
| BuyBackWorld | PayPal | Inspection-based | Custom quote |
| Apple | Direct deposit | 2-3 wks | Free recycling |
| BackMarket | Direct transfer | Quick | High payout |
Most services give a pre-sale estimate, but actual payouts can vary with condition and demand. Swappa’s direct-to-consumer model often yields the highest price, though it requires more seller effort.
Key Takeaways
- Swappa offers the highest potential payout but needs negotiation.
- Trade-in programs from Amazon, Apple, and Best Buy give instant credit for new gear.
- Services like ItsWorthMore and BackMarket provide quick cash or gift-card options.
By evaluating these platforms and following a few simple steps, you can turn your unused tech into cash, a discount, or a responsible recycling option.
