Have an old laptop collecting dust in the closet? Maybe it’s too slow or you’ve upgraded already. Good news — it could still be worth cold, hard cash! Whether it’s working or not, there are lots of easy places to sell your old laptop for money.
TLDR: Got an old laptop lying around? You can sell it on online marketplaces, to trade-in programs, or even local buyers. Make sure it’s clean, remove personal data, and shop around for the best price. Even broken laptops have some value!
Why Sell Your Old Laptop?
Old laptops take up space. They get outdated. But someone else might actually want that dinosaur — for parts, a budget machine, or a project. Plus, you get some extra cash! Win-win.
Rather than letting it rot, let’s find the best spot to turn that clunky machine into money.
Steps Before You Sell
Before you put it up for sale, do these things first:
- Back up your files – Save your documents, photos, and anything else personal.
- Do a factory reset – Wipe your info out clean.
- Clean the laptop – A quick wipe makes it way more attractive to buyers.
- Check what works – Know if the battery holds a charge, if the screen crackles, etc.
Alright, now you’re ready for the good stuff — where to sell your old laptop for cash.
1. Online Marketplaces
These are perfect if you want the most cash and don’t mind chatting with buyers.
- Facebook Marketplace – List locally, avoid shipping, cash in hand.
- eBay – Great for rare or higher-value laptops. Lots of exposure.
- Craigslist – Old-school but still works. Stick to cash-only deals.
When using these platforms:
- Always meet in a public place.
- Be honest about the condition of your laptop.
- Include clear photos and important details (RAM, storage, screen size).
2. Trade-In Programs
Don’t want the hassle of talking to buyers? Trade-in services are fast and simple.
Many big-name brands offer trade-in options:
- Best Buy – Instant online offer, or do it in-store.
- Apple – If you’re trading in an old MacBook, get Apple store credit or a gift card.
- Amazon Trade-In – Trade in electronics for Amazon credit.
Pros: Fast and safe.
Cons: Usually pays less than selling directly.
3. Dedicated Tech Buyback Websites
These sites buy your old laptops and handle all the boring stuff for you.
Top options include:
- Gazelle – Known for buying phones, but they also take laptops.
- Decluttr – Instant quote, free shipping, and quick payment.
- BuyBackWorld – Competitive prices and good for all laptop brands.
You usually get a quote online and then ship it for free. Once they inspect it, you get paid — often through PayPal or check.
4. Local Computer Shops or Repair Stores
Your nearby repair shop might bite! Many of them buy parts or refurbish laptops.
Ask around. Small local stores often offer quick cash or store credit. Just know — they’ll likely pay less than an online buyer since they’ll flip it themselves.
5. College or Tech Forums
Students love a cheap laptop for class. Try:
- Reddit – Subreddits like r/hardwareswap or r/TechMarket.
- University Bulletin Boards – Digital or physical. Great spot to post a listing.
Tip: Be detailed, post real specs, and show pictures.
6. Pawn Shops
In a hurry? A pawn shop gives you immediate cash. But — they lowball hard.
Still, if your laptop looks good and powers up, it might be worth a quick offer.
7. Sell for Parts
Got a laptop that’s dead-dead? No worries — salvage what you can.
Many buyers look for:
- RAM
- Hard drive or SSD
- Screen
- Keyboard
- Motherboard (if working)
Try eBay or electronics recycling sites. Broken doesn’t mean worthless!
Extra Tips for Selling Your Laptop
- Be honest about condition – Mention scratches, battery life, and speed.
- Take great photos – A clean laptop always sells faster.
- Include charger and box – It helps sweeten the deal.
- Compare prices – Browse similar listings to set a fair price.
What’s It Worth?
Laptop values vary a lot. Here’s what affects the price:
- Brand – Apple and gaming laptops usually sell for more.
- Age – Newer is better. 2-3 years old? Still solid value.
- Specs – RAM, processor, and storage matter big time.
- Condition – Clean, working devices fetch higher offers.
Pro tip: Look up your laptop model on eBay and filter by “sold listings” to see real-world sale prices.
Payment Options
Depending on where you sell, payments can include:
- Cash
- PayPal
- Venmo or Zelle
- Gift cards (Apple, Amazon, etc.)
- Bank transfers
Trade-in sites = usually gift cards or PayPal. Marketplaces = choose your method.
What If Nobody Wants It?
You tried all the above, and still no bites? Don’t toss it just yet.
Try recycling:
- Local e-waste events – Search for electronic recycling days near you.
- Big-box stores like Best Buy or Staples – They’ll take old tech.
Better than dumping it in the trash — and it helps the planet!
Final Thoughts
Selling your old laptop doesn’t have to be painful. From online marketplaces to trade-in programs, your old device can still bring in decent cash.
Shop smart, clean it up, and take your time finding the best buyer. Even if it’s old or broken, there’s a market out there.
So what are you waiting for? Go turn that dusty laptop into dollars!
