That drawer full of old phones, the laptop gathering dust in the corner, and the games console you haven't touched in months – they're not just clutter, they're hidden cash. But figuring out where to sell old electronics for the best price and least hassle can feel a bit overwhelming. Do you go for a quick online quote, trade it in with a retailer, or try your luck on a marketplace?
This friendly guide cuts through the confusion. We've compared the seven best UK options for 2025, breaking down the top instant-cash specialists, high-street giants, and online marketplaces. We’ll show you exactly what to expect from each service, covering everything from how much you'll get paid to how easy it is. Each option includes screenshots and direct links to help you get started straight away.
Before you get cash for your old tech, it's really important to make sure your personal data is secure. For many devices, you'll need to securely prepare your device by reinstalling the operating system to wipe it completely clean.
Whether you're after a top payout or a business upgrading your team's kit, we'll help you find the perfect fit. And if you're in Redhill, Merstham, or the surrounding Surrey area, you'll discover a great local specialist who offers an incredibly fast and personal service. Ready to get started? Let’s find the best new home for your old gadgets.
1. EXE
EXE has become a go-to place for anyone in the UK wondering where to sell old electronics for quick, secure cash. With over a decade of experience, EXE offers a super simple, customer-friendly service that makes the whole process a breeze, from getting a quote to receiving your money. This platform is perfect for people who value speed, convenience, and good prices, making it a brilliant choice for clearing out that tech drawer.
Unlike many others, EXE gives you the best of both worlds: easy online service and friendly local support. Whether you have a new phone, a used laptop, a broken tablet, or a games console, they can handle it all. Their reputation is backed by hundreds of five-star Google reviews, showing they're a trusted and caring company.
Why EXE is a Top Choice
What really makes EXE stand out is its commitment to instant payment and flexible collection. If you live within a six-mile radius of their Redhill shop, including nearby towns like Merstham, EXE offers a free collection from your home or office. A team member pops over, checks your device on the spot, and sends the money straight to your bank. In many cases, the payment is in your account before they even leave your doorstep, so you don't have the usual long waits.
The platform is also really clear and honest. It uses a simple, four-tier grading system (New, Good, Fair, Broken) so you know exactly how your device is valued. This is especially helpful if you’re selling something that's faulty, as EXE happily accepts devices with cracked screens or dead batteries, offering a fair price where others might not. Just fill out their online form to get started.
Key Takeaway: EXE is fantastic because it combines instant, on-site payments with free local collection and a clear grading process, making it one of the fastest and safest ways to turn your unwanted electronics into cash.
Getting the Most from EXE
To make your sale smooth and profitable, just follow these simple steps:
- Provide Accurate Details: The price you're offered depends on the info you give. Be honest about your device's condition to get an accurate, no-obligation quote from their online form.
- Prepare Your Device: Before collection, back up your data and, most importantly, sign out of all your personal accounts like iCloud or Google. Devices that are still locked to an account might only be paid at parts value.
- Choose Your Method: If you're near our shop in Redhill, take advantage of the free collection or pop in to see us. If you're further away, you can post your items to us securely.
EXE often pays more than high-street giants like CEX and Mazuma, making it a great option for everyone. With GDPR-compliant data wiping and ID checks, you can be sure your personal information is handled safely.
- Website: https://www.exe.co.uk
- Best for: Instant cash, local collection, and selling broken or faulty devices.
2. musicMagpie
If you're looking for a simple, one-stop shop to sell old electronics and lots of other clutter, musicMagpie is a household name in the UK for good reason. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to declutter their home in one go. They give you instant prices not just for tech but for CDs, DVDs, games, books, and even LEGO®. This makes it one of the most versatile platforms if you want to clear out lots of different things at once.
The process is refreshingly easy. You get an instant price on their website or app, pop your items in any box you have, and send it off for free using one of their partner services like Royal Mail or Evri. For those in Redhill or nearby towns like Merstham, finding a drop-off point is usually very simple.
Key Features and User Experience
What makes musicMagpie stand out is its Tech Price Promise. If their team checks your device and offers a lower price than your first quote, you can say no to the new offer and they'll post your item back to you for free. This takes away the risk of getting a low offer after you’ve already sent your tech away, which is a common worry when selling electronics online.
Payment is also really fast. Once your items arrive and pass their quality checks, the money is sent to your bank account the very same day.
Pros and Cons of Using musicMagpie
Practical Tip: Use the musicMagpie app to scan the barcodes on your CDs, DVDs, and games. This is much faster than typing them in and helps you quickly build up your basket to meet the £5 minimum.
Website: musicMagpie
3. Mazuma Mobile
If you mainly want to sell old phones, tablets, or smartwatches quickly and without any fuss, Mazuma Mobile is one of the most established and trusted names in the UK. They specialise in mobile tech, so they're experts at valuing popular gadgets. This focus means they have a super-smooth process designed to get you from quote to cash as fast as possible, making it a great option if speed is your main priority.
The process is incredibly simple. You find your device on their website, answer a few questions about its condition to get an instant price, and then post it to them for free. For anyone in Redhill or the surrounding areas like Merstham, dropping a package off at a local Post Office is easy. Once Mazuma gets and checks your device, they pay you the same day.
Key Features and User Experience
Mazuma’s best feature is its efficiency. The whole journey is built for speed, from the instant online quote to their same-day payment promise (on weekdays) once your device is processed. They also offer a 14-day price guarantee, locking in your quote from the moment you register, which protects you if the market value drops while your device is in the post.
Their communication is also excellent. You get updates as your device moves through their system, so you’re never left wondering what's happening. This, combined with their strong Trustpilot rating, gives sellers a lot of peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of Using Mazuma Mobile
Practical Tip: Be really honest when assessing your phone's condition. Saying it's in better shape than it is will only lead to a lower offer later. Check for screen scratches, battery health, and scuffs to get the most accurate first quote and avoid disappointment.
Website: Mazuma Mobile
4. CeX (WeBuy)
For those who like having a high-street shop and the option for instant, in-person sales, CeX is a giant in the world of used electronics. Operating as "WeBuy," it offers a mix of online and in-store service where you can get a quote online before heading to a physical store for immediate payment. This makes it a perfect choice if you want the security of having your device tested right in front of you. CeX accepts a huge range of tech, from the usual phones and consoles to more niche items like PC parts, retro games, and camera lenses.
The process is flexible. You can either sell completely online, using their free postal service, or visit one of their hundreds of stores across the UK. For people in Redhill and surrounding areas, having a physical store nearby means you can walk in with an old laptop and walk out with cash on the same day, which is a big plus over online-only services.
Key Features and User Experience
A great feature of CeX is its multiple payout options. You can choose to get cash, a bank transfer, or a PayPal payment. However, they also offer a CeX voucher which gives you a higher value for your items. This is perfect if you plan on upgrading and want to buy your next device from them, as it gives you more to spend.
Their "Drop & Go" service also makes the in-store process easier. You can start your sale online, get a quote, and then drop your items at a local store to be tested later, saving you from waiting around during busy times.
Pros and Cons of Using CeX (WeBuy)
Practical Tip: Before you go to a store, check the stock of the item you want to buy on their website. If you plan to take the higher-value voucher, you can make sure the store has your desired upgrade available, making it a smooth one-trip visit.
Website: CeX (WeBuy)
5. Apple Trade In (UK)
If you're already an Apple fan and are planning your next upgrade, going directly to them is often the easiest option. The Apple Trade In programme is designed to be simple and secure, letting you get credit for your old iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch and put it straight towards a new device. It’s a great solution for anyone looking for a hassle-free way to lower the cost of their next Apple purchase.
The process is built right into the Apple buying journey. You can get an online estimate in minutes, and if you accept, Apple sends you a prepaid trade-in kit with everything you need. For those in Redhill who prefer an in-person experience, you can also do the trade-in at a nearby Apple Store. The value is then applied as credit or given as an Apple Gift Card, making it a simple part of your upgrade.
Key Features and User Experience
What makes the Apple Trade In programme stand out is its simplicity and security. Apple gives you detailed checklists to help you wipe your personal data, making sure your information is safe before the device leaves your hands. This official process provides peace of mind that you might not get from third-party sites.
The convenience of getting a prepaid mail-in kit with clear instructions removes all the guesswork. Once your device is received and its condition is checked, the credit is applied to your purchase or issued as a gift card, creating a smooth and trustworthy sale from start to finish.
Pros and Cons of Using Apple Trade In
Practical Tip: Before sending your device, take clear photos of it from all angles. This gives you a personal record in the rare case there's a disagreement about its condition after inspection.
Website: Apple Trade In (UK)
6. eBay (UK)
For those willing to put in a bit more effort to get the highest possible price, eBay is the undisputed champion. As the UK’s largest peer-to-peer marketplace, it offers a massive audience for almost any electronic item you can think of, from the latest smartphones to vintage hi-fi gear. It's the perfect platform if you think your item is worth more than what instant buyback sites are offering and you’re happy to manage the sale yourself.
Unlike buyback services, you are in complete control of the listing, pricing, and description. While this takes more work, it gives you the chance to get the most money back, especially for in-demand electronics. For UK private sellers, eBay has recently made it even better by removing selling fees, meaning it’s now free to list and sell your items.
Key Features and User Experience
A big advantage of eBay is its huge reach. You’re not just selling to one company; you’re selling to millions of potential buyers across the country. This competition can drive up prices through auctions or lead to a quick sale with a well-priced 'Buy It Now' listing.
The platform has also made shipping easier with its Simple Delivery service. You can buy and print tracked postage labels directly from the site, which also gives you some seller protection. Your money is usually sent to your bank account just two days after the item is confirmed as delivered.
Pros and Cons of Using eBay (UK)
Practical Tip: Research is key on eBay. Before listing, search for your exact item and filter by 'Sold Items' to see what it has actually sold for. This gives you a realistic price range and helps you create a competitive listing that will attract buyers.
Website: eBay (UK)
7. Currys Trade-In
If you’re already planning your next tech purchase, using a retailer's trade-in service can be one of the most convenient ways to sell old electronics. Currys, a major UK electronics retailer, offers a simple trade-in programme that lets you turn your old devices into either cash or a discount on a new gadget. This makes it a great choice for loyal customers or anyone looking for an easy upgrade.
The service is designed for simplicity. You can get an instant online estimate for your phone, tablet, or wearable, and if you're happy with the price, Currys provides a freepost kit to send it in. This is really handy for anyone in Redhill or surrounding areas like Merstham who might prefer the ease of posting from home.
Key Features and User Experience
A great feature of the Currys Trade-In service is the flexibility in payout. While many retailers lock you into store credit, Currys offers the choice of a bank transfer after your device is assessed online. Alternatively, you can take your device into a store and get an e-gift card to use straight away, which is perfect if you’ve already picked out your next purchase.
They also offer a data wipe service, giving you peace of mind if you forget to erase your personal information before sending your device. The process is clear, with good communication about when your bank transfer will arrive, which is usually within a few working days.
Pros and Cons of Using Currys Trade-In
Practical Tip: Before heading to a Currys store, get your quote online first. This gives you a clear idea of the value and means you have a benchmark figure before you commit to the trade-in.
Website: Currys Trade-In
Where to Sell Old Electronics — 7-Platform Comparison
The Smartest Choice for Selling Your Tech
We’ve looked at lots of great platforms, from instant-buyback specialists like musicMagpie and Mazuma Mobile to the huge marketplace of eBay and the handy trade-in schemes at Apple and Currys. The big question of where to sell old electronics doesn’t have just one answer; it really depends on what's most important to you. Are you chasing the highest price, looking for speed, or do you just want the easiest experience possible?
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Let's break it down to help you decide. If getting the most money is your number one goal and you don’t mind putting in some effort, then an auction site like eBay is a great choice. However, this does require a bit of patience. For those who are big fans of a particular brand, a direct trade-in with Apple or Currys offers amazing convenience, though you'll often get store credit instead of cash.
On the other hand, if you want a guaranteed price with no fuss, buyback services are your best bet. You get a quote, send your device, and get paid. But even here, there are differences. National services are efficient but can feel a bit impersonal, often meaning you have to post your valuable tech and wait for it to be checked before you see any money.
The Local Advantage: A Smarter Way to Sell
This is where a local specialist like EXE really shines, especially for those in and around Surrey. If you're in Redhill, Merstham, or the surrounding towns, you get the best of both worlds. You receive a competitive cash offer, but with the trust and ease of a local business. There’s no need to package up your laptop or smartphone and trust it to the post. Instead, you can get a free local collection or simply pop into our shop in Redhill for an instant, on-the-spot payment. It’s the perfect mix of a great price, total security, and unbeatable simplicity. You can get a quote by filling out our online form. For sellers looking to professionalise their efforts across multiple platforms, exploring the best apps for resellers can provide valuable tools for inventory management and market analysis, helping you streamline the entire process.
Ultimately, the best place to sell your old electronics is the one that fits your needs. By thinking about speed, value, and convenience, you can turn that drawer full of forgotten gadgets into a welcome bit of cash, safely and easily.
Ready to discover what your old tech is worth without the hassle? Get a fast, free, and no-obligation quote from EXE today. As a trusted local business in Redhill, we offer competitive prices and instant payments, making us the smartest choice for selling your electronics. Visit EXE to fill out our simple form and turn your clutter into cash.
