Whether you’re ready to upgrade your current cell phone or get rid of older unused devices, consider selling them for cash before recycling them yourself or throwing them away.
In this article, we’re going to look at eight places where you can sell your old cell phone for the most value. I’ve browsed the current selection of pre-owned phones and went through the process of attempting to sell an iPhone X on each of these sites to see where you’re likely to get the most cash back.
How to Make Money Selling Your Cell Phone
If you aren’t looking to trade in your phone, selling it for cash back is the next best option. Luckily, there’s no shortage of places to sell your old devices.
When you decide to sell your cell phone, the first step is to get quotes from several different places so that you know you’re getting the most cash back.
To get an idea of where you’ll get the most value for your old cell phone, I gathered quotes from eight different companies that buy used devices. I looked at offers for an iPhone X in average condition with 68GB of storage on an AT&T network.
Offers on an iPhone X, 68GB
| BuyBackWorld | $255 |
| Gazelle | $199 |
| Decluttr | $301 |
| ecoATM | $155 |
| Gizmogul | $247 |
| MaxBack | $274 |
| NextWorth | $210 |
| Swappa | $385-$475 |
Based on these quotes, here are the top five places I’d consider selling my phone:
- Swappa
- Decluttr
- MaxBack
- BuyBackWorld
- Gizmogul
Of course, offers will vary depending on the type of phone you’re selling and its condition.
Where to Sell Your Phone
The best way to decide where to sell your cell phone is by gathering quotes and choosing the company that will offer the most cash back.
I took a closer look at each of the eight companies mentioned above to see if they are accredited or highly-ranked by the Better Business Bureau, which phones they currently accept and whether or not shipping is included once you’ve sold your phone.
Swappa
Better Business Bureau: Accredited
Phones Accepted: iPhone, Android and more
Swappa offered the highest range of cash back for the iPhone X, but the final price depends on the buyer.
I had to create a free account to make a listing for my phone, but you can browse phones similar to yours available for sale to see what price you’re likely to get.
Before you can make a posting, you’ll be asked to link your PayPal account for payments. On the same page, you can see the lowest current listed price for your device and any sale fees. Note that you will have to include seller-paid shipping costs.
Decluttr
Better Business Bureau: Accredited
Phones Accepted: iPhone, Android and more
Decluttr offered the second-highest price on the iPhone X, as well as free shipping.
To sell your phone on Decluttr, simply choose or search for your device and select the specifications. You’ll be asked to choose your phone’s carrier and rate your phone’s condition.
On the final page, you’ll see the offer price to the right. To proceed, click “sell this device.”
MaxBack
Better Business Bureau: Accredited
Phones Accepted: iPhone, Android and more
MaxBack offered the third-highest return for the iPhone X.
After choosing the phone you’re hoping to sell and selecting all of the specifications, you’ll be able to see quotes for each condition. You’ll even be able to get a relatively good price for a damaged phone on this site.
Once you’ve made your selection, click “add to cart” and proceed to sell your device. You’ll have to sign in or create a free account to continue. MaxBack will provide a pre-paid USPS label for shipping.
BuyBackWorld
Better Business Bureau: Accredited
Phones Accepted: iPhone, Android and more
BuyBackWorld also offered one of the highest returns for the iPhone X, in addition to free shipping.
To get a quote on your old cell phone, choose which type of phone you have by selecting the model, carrier and storage. You’ll be asked to indicate the condition of your cell phone whether it’s poor/broken, average, excellent or new.
From there, you’ll have the option to sell it at a locked or unlocked price. You can also choose the “quick pass” option for a slightly lower amount of cash the day after your phone is received.
Gizmogul
Better Business Bureau: “A-” rating
Phones Accepted: iPhone and Android
Gizmogul was another website that offered one of the highest prices for the iPhone X.
To sell your phone or get a quote, simply choose the type of phone you have, your carrier, the model, storage size and condition.
Once you’re given a quote, you can choose to add another device or checkout. You’ll get paid with a check or via PayPal, and you can print a free shipping label or get a shipping kit mailed to you for return.
NextWorth
Better Business Bureau: “A+” rating
Phones Accepted: iPhone
NextWorth only accepts Apple smartphones at this time. If you have an iPhone to sell, be sure to get a free quote.
Once you choose the device you’re selling, you’ll be asked a series of questions about the phone’s condition including its power capacity, cracks or chips, LCD discoloration and more.
Click “get a quote” at the bottom of the screen. If you decide to sell your phone, click “add to cart” and create a free account to proceed. NextWorth will provide a free shipping label to print, and you can drop your packaged device off at your nearest UPS location.
Gazelle
Better Business Bureau: “A” rating
Phones Accepted: iPhone, Android and more
To sell your phone on Gazelle, choose the type of cell phone you have, the model, carrier and storage size. You’ll be asked a few follow-up questions about how your phone functions and looks before receiving an offer. Gazelle covers shipping on electronics worth more than $1.
ecoATM
Better Business Bureau: Accredited
Phones Accepted: iPhone, Android and more
ecoATM stands out from the other options on this list because it’s an in-person kiosk service. You can use the online locator to find the nearest kiosk, which is most likely located in a Kroger, Walmart or shopping mall.
Although you can’t sell your phone online with this option, you can still get a quote. Click “price your device” and choose your phone’s brand, model, storage capacity and carrier.
You’ll be asked to rate the condition of your phone before receiving a quote. Note that the price is subject to change based on your phone’s condition review at the kiosk.
What to Know Before Selling Your Cell Phone
Once you’ve gathered quotes and have an idea of where you’d like to sell your phone, it’s important to read the fine print.
For some of the online options, you may have to set up a PayPal account if you don’t already have one. Other companies offer to mail you a check, and the ecoATM kiosks offer cash on the spot.
Once you’ve accepted an offer, be sure to restore your phone to factory settings and take the time to package it well. You don’t want any accidental damage taking place on its way to the receiving center. Be honest about the condition of your phone to ensure you’ll receive the payment you’re expecting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to sell your old cell phone, each of these companies is worth checking out. Take the time to get quotes from a variety of places and go with the one that offers you the most overall cash back.
When I attempted to sell my 64GB iPhone X, I received the best offer from Swappa even after seller-paid shipping costs. Still, be sure to check out Decluttr, MaxBack, BuyBackWorld, Gizmogul and others for competitive pricing and free shipping.
Have you sold an old cell phone recently? Let us know where you sold it and how it went in the comments below!
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