The Best Trade-in Programs for Your iPhone, iPad, or Laptop of 2023

Gazelle is the best overall trade-in program

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Best-ipad-trade-in-programs-1994521

Getty Images / andrii zakoliukin

While the best bang for your buck is selling your device yourself, electronics trade-in programs can be convenient for those who don't have the time to sell, don't want to deal with the hassle of selling, or want the safest overall option to receive cash for their iPhone, iPad, or laptop.

Trade-in programs tend to make the process simple, either by mailing you packaging to send your device in or letting you print out a mailing label to ship it for free, with cash or store credit provided after the device arrives. Here are some of the best trade-in programs for iPads, iPhones, laptops, and more currently available.

Best Trade-in Programs for Your iPhone, iPad, or Laptop of 2023
  • Best Overall Trade-in: Gazelle
  • Best Trade-In for Store Credit: Amazon
  • Best Trade-In for Apple Products: Apple
  • Best for Gamers: GameStop
  • Best In-Store Trade-In: Best Buy
  • Best Trade-In Shopper: Flipsy
Expert Tip

In preparing this list, we used an iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi only with 16 GB of storage to compare prices across the most popular programs. Prices of other electronics will vary, so you may want to check several trade-in programs for the best price.

Best Overall: Gazelle

Gazelle

Gazelle

Key Specs

  • Trade-In Value: Cash
  • Turnaround Time: 3-5 days
  • Shipping: Free

Why We Chose It

Gazelle makes trading in your used devices easy with mail-in services and cash offers rather than store credit.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Accepts cellphones, tablets, and broken iPhones

  • Payment by Amazon gift card, Paypal, or check

  • Free shipping

Cons
  • Doesn't buy e-readers like Kindle or Nook

  • Doesn't buy non-Apple laptops or desktops

Overview

Gazelle has stepped up its game recently, going from middle-of-the-pack to one of the best places for trading in your electronics. Users can mail their device in via Gazelle's website for evaluation and payment after confirmation.

You can get a better deal with other sites if you're willing to take in-store credit rather than cash, but if you want money in your hand, Gazelle has risen to the top.

Best for Store Credit: Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

Key Specs

  • Trade-In Value: Amazon credit
  • Turnaround Time: Immediate offers become available for use within 10 days
  • Shipping: Free

Why We Chose It

Amazon's device trade-in program offers store credit that can be used towards all of the site's many items, plus discounts on new qualifying Amazon products.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free shipping with a printable label

  • Accepts Kindle e-readers, tablets, cellphones, and other electronics

  • Immediate trade-in offers

Cons
  • No trade-ins for laptops or desktops

  • 10 business days to process payments

Overview

Amazon doesn't offer cash for your devices, but considering the wide range of products sold by the largest online retailer, Amazon credit is the next best thing. On top of your trade-in credit, you'll also receive a discount toward qualifying new Amazon devices. All credits and promos are automatically applied to your account.

While you don't get credits immediately, you will be provided with an offer for your device. Once you ship it in, Amazon verifies its condition and applies the offer to your account automatically within 10 days.

This trade-in service generally offers as much or more than other trade-in programs, and it does a fairly good job on the customer service side. 

Best for Apple Products: Apple

Apple

Apple

Key Specs

  • Trade-In Value: Apple gift card or credit
  • Turnaround Time: 2 to 3 weeks for mail-in orders
  • Shipping: Free

Why We Chose It

Apple's device trade-in program has the best value for Apple products, offering store credit and gift cards towards purchasing new devices from the company.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Accepts Apple and other brands

  • Recycles other brands if a trade-in isn't offered

  • Pre-paid trade-in kits and shipping labels

Cons
  • Accepts limited manufacturers and models for trade-ins

  • Payment by Apple Store Gift card or as store credit toward an Apple device

  • Trade-in process takes two to three weeks by mail

Overview

Apple has one of the best iPad and iPhone trade-in programs around. The trade-in actually offers more value than Gazelle or Amazon, but Apple pays out in-store credit toward a purchase or Apple Store gift cards only. This makes it an excellent choice if you're planning to upgrade to the latest and greatest Apple gadget, but not if you're looking to buy a non-Apple product with the money.

Once you get a quote for your device on Apple's website, you'll receive instructions to transfer your data and wipe your current device for a secure trade-in. After Apple receives your device in the mail, the company will issue store credit or a gift card to use toward new devices.

Best for Gamers: GameStop

Game Stop

Game Stop

Key Specs

  • Trade-In Value: GameStop credit or Visa prepaid card
  • Turnaround Time: Immediate offer in-store
  • Shipping: N/A

Why We Chose It

GameStop allows users to trade in their devices for store credit or a Visa prepaid card. Values are low for prepaid cards, but GameStop's store credit offers are a great value for gamers to purchase new games and accessories instead of keeping unwanted devices.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Trade in games, electronics, consoles, and more

  • Many locations throughout the U.S.

Cons
  • No mail-in service available

  • Only GameStop credit and Visa prepaid cards available for payment

  • Some trade-in offers available to PowerUp Rewards members only

Overview

If you're a gamer, GameStop is a good option. Its baseline store credit isn't as good as you might find with Amazon, and you won't get the cash Gazelle gives you, but if you join the PowerUp Rewards program you'll get some decent deals.

GameStop has lots of locations throughout the U.S., and some offer Visa prepaid cards instead of store credit (you won't get nearly as much value for your trade this way, though). Users can get an offer via the website, then bring their devices to a local store to receive their credit.

Best In-Store: Best Buy

Best Buy

Best Buy

Key Specs

  • Trade-In Value: In-store credit
  • Turnaround Time: Immediate for in-store trades, several business days for mail-in trades
  • Shipping: Standard ground shipping costs

Why We Chose It

Best Buy offers trade-ins by mail, but this company's in-store credit program is great for users to purchase a large range of new tech items on the same day.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Accepts a large variety of devices

  • Trade in devices at a local store or by mail

  • Pre-paid shipping labels

  • Will recycle devices with no trade-in value

Cons
  • Trade-ins are limited to three of the same item in a 12-month period

  • Part of your offer includes the cost of shipping

  • Offers less value than other sites on this list

Overview

Best Buy's trade-in program is middle-of-the-pack, with prices slightly lower than what you can get from other trade-in companies on this list. They also deal in store credit rather than cash. If you have a Best Buy around the corner, this may be the fastest of the bunch if you plan on trading in a device and upgrading to a new one.

Mail-in trades are not as desirable, as Best Buy does not offer free shipping. Since the offer prices are lower than other companies, it's best to use this program to purchase new items from the store (especially if you'd like to buy them on the same day).

Best Trade-In Shopper: Flipsy

Flipsy

Flipsy

Key Specs

  • Trade-In Value: Check, PayPal, store credit, Venmo
  • Turnaround Time: 1-3 days
  • Shipping: Free

Why We Chose It

If you're unsure of the best value for your specific device, Flipsy is a great place to start: This online trade-in shopper helps you find different options by providing a list of vendors.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Finds the best prices for your trade-ins from over 15 sites

  • Lists the best places to donate used cell phones

  • Displays device condition, payment type, and processing time

Cons
  • Does not take trade-ins

  • Not a reseller; brokers for other vendors

  • It doesn't list all trade-in services

Overview

If you want to get the absolute best price for your trade-in, you need to shop all of the trade-in programs. Just because one may offer more for an iPad Air 2 doesn't mean they offer the best for an iPhone 6 or a Samsung Galaxy S smartphone.  

That's where Flipsy comes into the picture. It's not a trade-in program, but it searches trade-in programs for the best price. Unfortunately, it can't search every service, so you won't see price comparisons from retailers like Amazon or Apple. 

Final Verdict

Gazelle is our best overall pick when it comes to trade-in companies for iPads, iPhones, laptops, and more. Gazelle makes it easy to get cash for your old devices. While some other companies offer a better value for in-store credit, Gazelle is the best choice for convenience and cash value to use your payment on any items you'd like.

Compare the Best Trade-in Programs for iPhones, iPads, or Laptops

Company Trade-In Value Turnaround Time Shipping
Gazelle Best Overall Cash 3-5 days Free
Amazon Best for Store Credit Amazon credit Immediate offers become available for use within 10 days Free
Apple Best for Apple Products Apple gift card or credit 2 to 3 weeks for mail-in orders Free
GameStop Best for Gamers GameStop credit or Visa prepaid card Immediate offer in-store N/A
Best Buy Best In-Store In-store credit Immediate for in-store trades, several business days for mail-in trades Standard ground shipping costs
Flipsy Best Trade-In Shopper Check, PayPal, store credit, Venmo 1-3 days Free
FAQ
  • Where Is the Best Place to Trade In Apple Products?

    The best trade-in value for Apple products typically comes from Apple itself. The company offers higher trade-in values than many others, and while it only issues store credit or gift cards as payment, this option is best for purchasing new devices. If you'd like to receive cash for your Apple products, companies like Gazelle are a better pick.

  • How Much are iPads Worth to Trade?

    The trade-in value of iPads depends on the device model and issue dates of the newest iPads. Values drop for older devices as new devices are released. According to Apple, most iPads have trade-in values between $160 and $445.

  • How Do I Get the Most Money for My Old iPad?

    Selling your iPad yourself is always the best way to get the most money for an old device. However, if you don't want to sell your iPad online or locally, you can use trade-in programs through companies like Gazelle, Apple, GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and more to receive cash or store credit for the device.

  • Can Old iPads Be Traded In?

    Yes, old iPads can be traded in. Many companies only offer store credit for trade-in devices (often a better value than cash), but you can also receive cash for old iPads through companies like Gazelle.

Methodology

To find the best trade-in companies for iPads, iPhones, laptops, and other devices, we researched top options and compared them based on their trade-in value, average turnaround time for mail-in orders, and in-person trade options. Additionally, we compared shipping rates and options for cash or store credit.

Was this page helpful?