Sitting on an old phone gathering dust? You're not alone. That drawer of forgotten tech is a hidden cash reserve waiting to be unlocked. But with so many options, from instant buyback specialists to online marketplaces, finding the best place to sell old phones can feel overwhelming. You want the highest price, the fastest payment, and a process you can trust. This guide cuts through the noise.
We've analysed the top 7 UK services for 2025, detailing their unique processes, payment speeds, and what they offer for devices in any condition, from pristine to broken. For a general approach to converting your old device into cash, refer to this comprehensive guide on how to sell your mobile phone for the best price.
Our roundup provides the clear, actionable insights you need to turn your old mobile into money in the bank securely and without hassle. Whether you prioritise same-day doorstep collection or maximising your payout on a marketplace, this detailed comparison will help you choose the right platform. We include screenshots and direct links for each option to make the process as simple as possible. Let's get that unused tech sold.
1. EXE: Best for Instant Doorstep Payouts and Personal Service
For sellers in the South East who prioritise speed, security, and a personal touch, EXE presents a uniquely compelling option. It masterfully combines the efficiency of an online service with the assurance of face-to-face interaction, making it one of the best places to sell old phones if you value immediate payment and convenience. Their standout feature is an instant doorstep payout service, a game-changer for anyone wary of postal delays or revised quotes.
This model eliminates the typical waiting game. If you're within their six-mile collection radius, a team member will visit you, conduct a swift on-the-spot evaluation of your device, and initiate an immediate bank transfer. You receive your funds before they even leave, providing unparalleled peace of mind.
Why It Stands Out
EXE's reputation is built on transparency and trust. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of five-star Google reviews, they are praised for professionalism and offering higher payouts than high-street giants like CEX. This is supported by a clear, four-tier grading system (New, Good, Fair, Broken), so you understand exactly how your device is valued. They also accept a wide range of electronics, from phones and tablets to high-end gaming laptops and consoles, in any condition.
Security is another cornerstone of their service. Every device undergoes GDPR-compliant data wiping to protect your personal information, and mandatory ID checks ensure a secure and legitimate transaction for all parties.
How to Use EXE Effectively
- Get Your Quote: Visit their website and enter your device details to receive an initial quote based on their clear grading criteria.
- Free Collection: If you are within the 6-mile radius, schedule a free home or office pickup for the fastest payment.
- In-Store Drop-off: Visit their physical location for an immediate in-person appraisal and payout.
- Postal Service: If you are outside the collection zone, you can post your device to them.
- Prepare Your Device: For the best valuation, ensure your device is charged and you have logged out of all personal accounts like iCloud or Google.
- Speed and Convenience: Same-day payments and instant kiosk options are ideal for quick cash.
- Strong Reputation: A high volume of positive Trustpilot reviews speaks to its reliability.
- Tech Price Promise: No risk involved, as you can get your device back for free if the price is revised.
- Quote Revisions: Valuations can be lowered after their technical inspection.
- Fluctuating Prices: Like all trade-in sites, prices can change, so locking in a quote early is wise.
- Guaranteed Price Promise: You get the price you were quoted or your phone back for free, eliminating any nasty surprises.
- Established and Trusted: A long-standing brand with consistently strong customer feedback and reviews.
- Fast, Same-Day Payments: Payment is made on the day your phone is processed, ensuring you get your cash quickly.
- Shorter Quote Validity: The 14-day price lock is shorter than some competitors, such as musicMagpie's 21 days.
- Potential Fees for Blocked Devices: While returns are free for grading disagreements, fees may apply if a device is found to be network-blocked.
- Instant In-Store Payout: Walk in with a phone and walk out with cash or a voucher, no waiting required.
- Widespread Availability: With stores in most UK towns and cities, the in-person option is widely accessible.
- Multiple Payout Options: Choose between cash, bank transfer, PayPal, or a higher-value store voucher.
- Lower Cash Offers: Cash prices can be lower than some online-only recyclers due to their retail overheads.
- Voucher is Final: Once you choose the voucher, you are locked into spending it at CeX.
- Accepts Damaged Phones: A great option for devices with cracked screens or other faults.
- Fast, Same-Day Payments: Once checks are passed, payment is sent promptly on weekdays.
- Free and Insured Postage: Simplifies the shipping process and adds a layer of security.
- 14-Day Quote Validity: Shorter than some competitors, so you need to post your device quickly.
- Revised Offers Possible: As with all recyclers, the initial quote can be lowered after inspection.
- Maximises Payout: You can quickly find the highest offer from a wide range of buyers.
- Broad Device Coverage: Excellent for selling older, niche, or less common phone models.
- Informed Choices: User ratings for each recycler help you avoid unreliable companies.
- Varying Service Levels: The actual transaction is with a third party, so the quality of service, quote validity, and returns policies will differ.
- Extra Step: You must read the specific terms and conditions of the recycler you choose.
- Highest Potential Sale Price: Direct-to-buyer sales often yield the best financial returns compared to trade-ins.
- No Seller Fees (Typically): Private sellers in the UK generally pay no selling fees in most categories, as a buyer protection fee is now part of the item price.
- Full Control: You manage every aspect of the sale, from the listing details to the final price.
- More Effort Required: You are responsible for creating the listing, communicating with buyers, and arranging postage.
- Delayed Payouts: Payment is only released after the phone is confirmed as delivered.
- Risk of Disputes: Buyers can raise issues or attempt returns, which you will have to manage.
- For Maximum Payout: If you have the time and are comfortable managing listings, shipping, and customer queries, eBay gives you direct access to the market and often yields the highest prices, especially for newer or rarer models.
- For Instant Cash In-Hand: If you need money today and prefer a face-to-face transaction, walking into a CeX store allows you to leave with cash or a voucher in minutes.
- For Price Comparison: Unsure where to start? A comparison site like Compare and Recycle does the legwork for you, pulling offers from multiple recyclers so you can spot the best deal at a glance.
- For Damaged or Older Phones: Services like Envirofone are often well-regarded for accepting devices in less-than-perfect condition, giving you a viable option for phones that other services might reject.
Insider Tip: While EXE accepts broken devices, those with severe damage or locked accounts may only receive a valuation based on their parts. To maximise your payout, ensure all accounts are removed before the evaluation.
Website: https://www.exe.co.uk
2. musicMagpie
As one of the UK's most recognised names in tech trade-ins, musicMagpie has created a streamlined and trustworthy process for selling your old phone. Its reputation is built on making the experience as simple as possible, whether you choose to post your device or use one of its in-person options. This straightforward approach makes it a strong contender for the best place to sell old phones, especially for those who value convenience and speed.
What Makes It Stand Out?
The platform's main appeal lies in its flexibility. You can get an instant online quote, lock it in for 21 days, and post your phone for free using a tracked service. For those wanting immediate payment, musicMagpie’s SMARTDrop kiosks in ASDA stores across the country are a game-changer. Simply take your device to a kiosk, get it assessed on the spot, and receive payment directly into your bank or PayPal account within minutes.
The Process and Payout
The online process is simple: find your device, select its condition (Good, Poor, or Faulty), and get an instant valuation. If you accept, they send you a free postage pack. Once your phone arrives and passes their checks, payment is made the same day.
Insider Tip: Always be brutally honest about your phone's condition. If musicMagpie’s assessment differs from your description, they will send a revised offer. Thanks to their Tech Price Promise, you can reject the new offer and they will post your phone back to you completely free of charge.
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Website: https://www.musicmagpie.co.uk/sell-mobile-phones/
3. Mazuma Mobile
As one of the UK’s longest-running and most trusted phone recyclers, Mazuma Mobile has built its reputation on a simple, transparent promise. The company focuses on providing a no-fuss, reliable service, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a straightforward and guaranteed price for their old phone. Its commitment to paying the full quoted value or returning the device for free makes it a standout contender for the best place to sell old phones.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Mazuma Mobile’s core appeal is its Price Promise. Unlike many services that might lower your offer after inspection, Mazuma guarantees to pay 100% of the quoted value as long as your phone matches the condition you described. If their assessment differs, they will return your device to you completely free of charge. This removes the risk and uncertainty often associated with online trade-ins. Your online quote is locked in for 14 days, giving you plenty of time to send your device.
The Process and Payout
The process is refreshingly simple. Search for your phone model, answer a few questions about its condition, and receive an instant quote. If you accept the offer, Mazuma will send you a free sales pack, which includes a secure, padded envelope and a Freepost label. You can also print your own label if you prefer. Once they receive and check your device, payment is processed the very same day (Monday to Friday, if it arrives before 2 pm).
Insider Tip: Mazuma provides detailed data-wiping guides on its website. Although they perform a professional data wipe on every device they receive, following their steps beforehand gives you an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
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Website: https://www.mazumamobile.com/
4. CeX (weBuy / uk.webuy.com)
As a familiar high-street name across the UK, CeX offers a reliable and straightforward way to sell your tech, blending the convenience of online selling with the immediacy of in-person trade-ins. Its dual approach allows you to either post your device or walk into any of its hundreds of stores for an on-the-spot transaction. This physical presence makes CeX an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best place to sell old phones without the hassle of postage and waiting.
What Makes It Stand Out?
The primary advantage of CeX is its accessibility and the choice between selling online or in-store. If you need cash fast, you can simply take your phone to a local branch for an immediate assessment and payout. For those who prefer to post, the online system is equally simple. CeX also stands out for its payment flexibility, offering cash, PayPal, bank transfer, or a CeX voucher, which gives you a higher value to spend on other tech in-store or online.
The Process and Payout
The process is consistent whether you start online or in-store. You find your phone model, select its condition grade (A, B, or C), and receive an instant price for both cash and voucher options. If you sell online, you can post your device for free. Once received, it is typically tested the same or the next day, and payment is processed quickly. For in-store sales, the process happens there and then, with payment issued immediately after successful testing.
Insider Tip: The CeX voucher option consistently offers more value than cash. If you plan on buying games, a new phone, or other gadgets, always opt for the voucher. However, be certain about your choice, as you cannot convert a voucher to cash later.
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Website: https://uk.webuy.com/
5. Envirofone
With a strong focus on sustainability and giving old tech a new life, Envirofone has established itself as a reliable and straightforward option in the UK phone recycling market. It's an excellent choice for those looking to sell working, damaged, or even faulty phones, offering a process designed for ease and peace of mind. This commitment to accepting a wide range of conditions makes it another top contender for the best place to sell old phones.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Envirofone’s key differentiator is its clear, customer-friendly process combined with a strong environmental ethos. When you get a quote, it’s locked in for 14 days, giving you ample time to send your device using their free, tracked, and insured postage pack. The platform also prides itself on its thorough 70-point software and hardware checks, ensuring that every device is professionally assessed for its next life, whether that's refurbishment or responsible recycling.
The Process and Payout
Getting started is simple: find your phone model, answer a few questions about its condition, and receive an instant online valuation. If you accept the offer, Envirofone sends you a free sales pack, including a secure box and a returns label. Once they receive and test your phone, payment is processed the same day via bank transfer, provided it arrives on a weekday and passes their checks. Their price promise means if they offer a revised quote, you can have your phone returned for free.
Insider Tip: The free postage pack provided by Envirofone comes with a certain level of insurance cover. If your phone is particularly valuable, double-check this cover amount and consider using Royal Mail Special Delivery for added protection and peace of mind.
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Website: https://www.envirofone.com/en-gb/sell
6. Compare and Recycle
Instead of being a direct buyer, Compare and Recycle acts as a powerful comparison engine, aggregating offers from dozens of UK phone recyclers in real-time. This approach empowers you to see the entire market in one place and choose the highest possible price for your device. For anyone prioritising the maximum payout, it’s arguably the best place to sell old phones as it does the hard work of shopping around for you.
What Makes It Stand Out?
The platform’s core strength is comprehensive price discovery. It covers over 4,000 device models and lets you filter offers based on your priorities, such as payment speed, postage options, or the recycler’s user rating. This transparency helps you make an informed decision by comparing not just the price but also the reputation and service level of each potential buyer. It’s an indispensable tool for finding great deals on less common or older phone models that direct trade-in sites may not even list.
The Process and Payout
The process begins on the Compare and Recycle site, where you find your phone and select its condition. You’ll then see a list of offers from different companies. After choosing the best deal, you click through to the recycler’s own website to lock in your quote and complete the transaction. The chosen recycler will then handle postage and payment according to their specific terms and conditions.
Insider Tip: Pay close attention to the user reviews and ratings displayed next to each offer. A slightly lower price from a highly-rated, reliable recycler might be a better choice than the top offer from a company with a poor service history.
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Website: https://www.compareandrecycle.co.uk/mobile-phones
7. eBay UK
For those willing to put in a little extra effort for a potentially higher payout, selling directly to a buyer on eBay UK is a classic option. As a global marketplace, it gives you access to a massive audience, allowing you to set your own price and control the entire sale from start to finish. While it requires more hands-on work than a trade-in service, eBay remains one of the best places to sell old phones if your goal is to maximise your return.
What Makes It Stand Out?
The primary advantage of eBay is the potential to earn more money than you would from an instant buy-back service. You are in complete control of the listing, including the photos, description, and price. You can choose a fixed "Buy It Now" price or run an auction to let bidders compete, which can sometimes drive the final price higher than expected. Its Money Back Guarantee offers protection for both parties, creating a more secure transaction environment.
The Process and Payout
To sell, you create a listing with photos and a detailed description of your phone's model, storage, and condition. Once the item sells, you ship it directly to the buyer. Payouts for private sellers are typically processed after delivery is confirmed by tracking information. A key change from February 2025 is that buyers now pay a Buyer Protection fee included in the price, which often means private sellers in most categories face no final value fees.
Insider Tip: Always use a tracked and insured postage service like Royal Mail Special Delivery. This not only protects you if the phone gets lost in transit but also provides the proof of delivery needed for eBay to release your payment promptly.
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Website: https://www.ebay.co.uk/
Top 7 Places to Sell Old Phones — Comparison
Making the Right Choice for Your Old Phone
Finding the best place to sell old phones isn’t about discovering one single "perfect" service, but rather identifying the perfect service for your specific needs. Throughout this guide, we've explored a range of excellent options available in the UK, each with unique strengths. Your final decision will hinge on what you value most: speed, price, convenience, or trust.
Let's recap the core takeaways. If your priority is a seamless, hassle-free experience with a personal touch, a specialist service like EXE, with its convenient doorstep collection and instant bank transfer, is hard to beat. For those who prefer dropping off a device at a local supermarket, musicMagpie's extensive network of kiosks and lockers offers unparalleled accessibility. Meanwhile, if you're worried about your quote being revised downwards, Mazuma Mobile's Price Promise provides valuable peace of mind, locking in your offer.
Matching the Service to Your Situation
Choosing the right platform is a strategic decision. To make it easier, consider these scenarios:
Final Checks Before You Sell
Regardless of which service you choose, a few final steps are non-negotiable to protect your privacy and ensure a smooth transaction. Always back up your photos, contacts, and important files to a cloud service or your computer. After that, sign out of all your accounts, particularly your Apple ID or Google account. Finally, perform a full factory reset to wipe your personal data from the device completely. This simple checklist is your best defence against potential data security issues.
For businesses or individuals with a large number of devices, the process involves more than just a simple reset. Beyond just selling, understanding how to properly dispose of your old device, particularly in a secure and environmentally sound manner, is crucial. For insights into enterprise-level considerations, you might look into secure and compliant corporate phone disposal solutions to ensure you are compliant with data protection regulations.
By weighing your personal priorities against the strengths of each platform and following the essential security steps, you're now fully equipped to find the best place to sell your old phones. You can turn that forgotten gadget into cash confidently, securely, and with minimal fuss.
Ready for a trade-in experience that values your time and security? Get an instant, competitive quote from EXE and discover the convenience of our free doorstep collection and on-the-spot payment. Visit EXE to see how much your old tech is worth today.
