Your 2014 Apple iPhone trade-in guide
On Tuesday, Sept. 9 Apple will unveil the company’s 2014 iPhone lineup. When they do, millions will begin unloading their older handsets, including the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5s.
How much is your old iPhone worth? That depends on the vendor you choose.
While you can certainly try your chances on Craigslist and elsewhere to get more money, we recommend using one of the following six online services to sell your handset: Amazon, Apple, Gazelle, Glyde, NextWorth, or Swappa.
The following is a look at what each service is offering for iPhones in “good” condition as of today, Sept. 4, 2014. The prices listed are for iPhones with 32GB of storage. In other words, expect to get a little bit less for your 8GB or 16GB models, and more for 64GB devices.
These prices are for iPhones with normal wear and tear. Plus, all assume the iPhone is free of water damage, and comes with its original cables and AC adapter. You may get more or less than the price quoted.
For a quicker sale:
Want some guaranteed cash as quickly as possible? Consider selling your phone through Amazon, Apple, Gazelle, or NextWorth.
Amazon
The Fire Phone maker loves to buy iPhones — assuming that you don’t mind receiving an Amazon gift card in exchange. Amazon offers among the highest prices in the industry on iPhone trade-ins.
- Pros: They typically offer the best prices.
- Cons: You can’t buy a new iPhone with an Amazon gift card, at least on launch day.
Apple
Apple accepts old handsets online and through its retail stores as part of the company’s Reuse and Recycle Program. For each sale, customers receive an Apple gift card that is usable online and in Apple retail stores.
- Pros: Convenient, especially in stores.
- Cons: Prices being offered tend to be lower than others. Quotes are not yet available for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.
Gazelle
Gazelle offers three ways to receive your cash: through check, PayPal, or an Amazon gift card. If you choose Amazon, you’ll receive 5 percent more than the quoted price. You can also give to charity.
- Pros: Great and reliable service that has been around for a long time. Quotes are good until Oct. 10.
- Cons: Prices typically drop quickly as we get closer to the release date of new handsets.
NextWorth
This popular service offers four types of payments: PayPal, check, NextWorth Discover Prepaid Card, and Target gift card.
- Pros: If you’d rather talk to someone face-to-face, the Target tie-in could be important since you make the trade in the store. Prices are very competitive. Quotes are good for 30 days.
- Cons: There really isn’t any.
Extra: AppAdvice readers can receive a 10 percent bonus on their trade using the promo code “APPADVICE” at checkout. This special offer expires on Friday, Sept. 19.
Set your own price
Unlike the other four options, Glyde and Swappa attempt to match buyers with sellers. Meaning, if no one likes the price you set, you’re out of luck. Luckily, both sites offer tools that help you set the best price, based on current market conditions and recent sales data.
Glyde
We’ve used Glyde many times over the years and really enjoy what it has to offer. Its upgrade tool is impressive and sales tend to be completed very quickly, although that is not guaranteed. Proceeds go directly into your bank account.
- Pros: You set the price and get paid once the buyer receives the iPhone. Site is easy to navigate.
- Cons: It might take longer to find a buyer. Watch those seller fees.
Swappa
A newcomer on our trade-in guide this year, Swappa is similar to Glyde since it matches buyers with sellers. Yes, this could delay your sale, but we found that the recommended prices are significantly higher than most of the other sites.
- Pros: A thorough website with no listing fees. Has a great selection of broken phones to buy in the Boneyard.
- Cons: Like with Glyde, it might take longer to find a buyer.
Apple is expected to unveil a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch “iPhone 6″ on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Preorders could begin the following day, with at least one of the models arriving in stores on Friday, Sept. 19.
