Thinking of selling your laptop but not sure what it is worth? The value depends on the brand, specs, age, and condition. Here is how to figure out a fair price and where to sell it for the most money.
Factors That Affect Laptop Value
1) Brand
Apple MacBooks hold resale value better than most Windows laptops. Brands like Dell, Lenovo, HP, and ASUS also have decent resale value. Lesser-known brands tend to fetch less.
2) Specs
Higher-end specs mean higher resale value. Buyers pay more for newer processors, more RAM, SSD storage, and a dedicated GPU. A 2023 laptop with 16GB RAM and an RTX GPU will be worth far more than a 2019 budget model.
3) Age
Laptop value drops significantly after 3 to 4 years. A 1 to 2 year old laptop in good condition can still fetch 50 to 70% of its original price. A 5+ year old laptop is usually worth $50 to $200 unless it has high-end specs.
4) Condition
Scratches, cracks, dead pixels, or a failing battery all reduce value. A clean laptop with no physical damage always sells for more. Clean it up, replace a cheap battery if needed, and make sure Windows is up to date before selling.
How to Find Out What Your Laptop is Worth
1) Check eBay and Amazon
Search your exact model on eBay and filter by “Sold Listings” to see what people actually paid, not just what sellers are asking. This gives you a real-world price benchmark.
2) Use a Price Checker
Sites like SellBroke let you enter your laptop brand, model, and condition to get an instant estimate. They also handle the sale if you want a quick transaction.
3) Check Manufacturer and Retailer Sites
Look at what the same model sells for refurbished on sites like Apple Certified Refurbished, Dell Outlet, or Back Market. Subtract 10 to 20% from those prices to account for selling privately.
Tips to Get a Better Price
- Sell before a new model releases — demand drops after newer versions launch
- Clean the laptop — wipe it, delete all files, and do a factory reset
- Update the OS — a laptop running Windows 11 sells better than one on Windows 10
- Include the original charger and box — adds perceived value
- Take clear photos — good listing photos lead to faster sales and better prices
Best Places to Sell Your Laptop
- eBay — largest audience, best for getting top dollar
- Facebook Marketplace — fast local sales, no shipping hassle
- Amazon — good for newer models
- SellBroke or Gadget Salvation — instant offers, easy process
- Local pawn shops or laptop retailers — quick cash but usually lower prices
FAQ
How much can I sell a laptop for?
A basic older laptop with an i3 processor and 4GB RAM typically sells for $20 to $100. A mid-range laptop with an i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD can fetch $150 to $400. High-end models with current specs can sell for $500 to $1,000+.
Can I sell a laptop with a cracked screen?
Yes, but expect a much lower price. Some buyers purchase broken laptops for parts. You can also get the screen replaced first if the repair cost is less than the price increase it would bring.
How much should I ask for my MacBook?
Check recent sold listings on eBay for your exact MacBook model and year. MacBooks generally hold value well — a 2022 MacBook Air in good condition can still sell for $600 to $900 in 2026.
Should I wipe my laptop before selling?
Yes, always. Do a factory reset to erase all personal data. On Windows go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. On Mac go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
Knowing your laptop’s worth before listing it saves you from underpricing and helps you negotiate confidently. For help finding your exact laptop model to use in your listing, check our guides on finding your Dell model, Acer model, or Samsung model.