If you’re wondering whether your old tech is worth selling or should be recycled, understanding hardware value is key. Some devices, like Apple products, hold high resale value, while others, like outdated office desktops, may be better suited for recycling. Here’s a breakdown of different types of hardware and what you can expect when selling or disposing of them.
1. Apple Products – The Gold Standard of Resale Value
Apple devices consistently retain their value better than most other brands due to strong demand, premium materials, and software longevity.
- MacBooks & iMacs – Even models that are 3-5 years old can sell for hundreds of dollars, especially if they have upgraded specs.
- iPhones & iPads – Older models can still fetch a decent price, particularly in good condition. The latest models depreciate slower than Android counterparts.
- Apple Watches & Accessories – Some accessories, like AirPods and Magic Keyboards, also hold value.
Resale Tip: Factory reset your Apple devices and remove Find My Iphone and MDM locks to recover maximum value
2. Gaming Laptops, Consoles, and GPUs – Strong Demand in Secondary Markets
Gaming hardware holds value longer due to demand for performance components.
- High-End Gaming Laptops (Alienware, Razer, ASUS ROG, etc.) – These maintain resale value, especially if they have high end GPUs and RAM components.
- Graphics Cards (GPUs) – Due to shortages and demand in crypto mining/gaming, GPUs often resell for a premium.
- Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) – The latest models have high resale value, while older ones can still be sold for parts or collectors.
Resale Tip: Packaging and original accessories increase resale value.
3. Enterprise & Office Equipment – Depreciation Hits Hard
Business laptops, desktops, and office printers depreciate quickly but can still have some value.
- Business Laptops (Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook) – High-end models retain value better, but lower-end models lose resale potential fast.
- Office Desktops & Servers – Unless they have powerful components, most office desktops aren’t worth much.
- Printers & Scanners – Older office printers have little resale value but might be worth something if they use popular ink/toner.
Resale Tip: Bulk sales to ITAD providers often yield better returns than individual sales.
4. Outdated & Low-End Consumer Hardware – Little to No Resale Value
Many low-end electronics depreciate rapidly, making them better suited for responsible recycling.
- Budget Laptops (Acer, Chromebook, HP Pavilion, etc.) – Low-end models from 3+ years ago often have no resale value.
- Outdated Smartphones & Tablets – Anything over 6-7 years old may not have market demand unless it’s a collector’s item.
- Old Networking Equipment (Routers, Modems, Switches) – Depreciates fast, but some businesses buy bulk networking gear.
Best Option: Recycle through an R2-certified ITAD provider to ensure responsible disposal.
5. POS Equipment and Barcode Scanners – Niche Market with Varying Value
Point-of-sale (POS) systems, barcode scanners, and receipt printers have fluctuating resale value depending on model, condition, and demand.
- POS Systems (Square, Clover, etc.) – Modern cloud-based POS systems retain some value, while outdated proprietary models may be harder to resell.
- Barcode Scanners & Handheld Terminals – Higher-end models from brands like Zebra and Honeywell have resale value, while older models are often recycled.
- Receipt Printers & Payment Terminals – Portable newer models have some resale value particularly in bulk while older models are recycled.
Resale Tip: Units with the latest PCI version are worth more