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) hitting your account after the device arrives. Here are some of the best trade-in programs currently available (plus one you should avoid).

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 Trade-in: Gazelle

Gazelle has stepped up its game recently, going from middle-of-the-pack to one of the best overall places for trading in your electronics. You can get a better deal with other sites if you’re willing to take in-store credit rather than cold, hard cash, but if you want money in your hand, Gazelle has risen to the top.

  • Doesn’t buy e-readers like Kindle or Nook.

  • Doesn’t buy non-Apple laptops or desktops.

  • Free shipping with a printable label.

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

  • Immediate trade-in offers.

  • No trade-ins for laptops or desktops.

  • 10 business days to process payments.

Best Trade-In for Apple Products: Apple

  • Accepts Apple and other brands.

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

  • Pre-paid trade-in kits and shipping labels.

  • 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 2-3 weeks.

Best Alternative: Glyde

Glyde isn’t actually a trade-in program, but it tries to make the process of selling your iPhone similar enough that it deserves a mention on this list. It should also be noted that Glyde only accepts iPhones, not iPads. If you like the prospect of getting more cash for your phone but you find eBay a little imposing, Glyde could be your solution.

  • Buy or sell price guaranteed through TessaB blockchain technology.

  • Payments in cash or cryptocurrencies.

  • Quick quiz tells you how much your device is worth.

  • Glyde accepts Apple and Samsung devices for trade-in only.

  • International shipping is not available.

  • Trade-in credit applicable to certain Glyde devices only.

  • Only accepts iPhones.

It simplifies the buy-sell process by using a blockchain-powered ecosystem called TessaB. You can use TessaB to directly sell your device or you can trade it into Glyde for credit towards a higher-quality pre-owned device.

Best for Gamers: GameStop

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

  • Many locations throughout the U.S.

  • Must bring items to store for trade-in.

  • Most trades are paid with in-store credit.

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

Best In-Store Trade-In: Best Buy

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. But, 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Best Trade-In Shopper: Flipsy

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.  

  • Finds the best prices for your trade-ins from over 20 sites.

  • Lists the best places to donate used cell phones.

  • Displays device condition, payment type, and processing time.

  • Does not take trade-ins.

  • Not a reseller; brokers for other vendors.

  • It doesn’t list all trade-in services.

Best to Avoid: MaxBack

MaxBack’s focus on the environment sounds nice, but it makes this list as a warning rather than a recommendation. The program stinks of a way to take advantage of those who want a “green” alternative. But, here’s the thing: All trade-in programs are “green” ways to cash in on your device, because someone else buys your electronics and uses them. MaxBack’s offers are lower than other websites on this list as well.

  • Free shipping for items that have a value.

  • Businesses can trade in bulk.

  • Companies can sell electronics in bulk.

  • Monetary offers are low.