Best Platform for Selling Electronics Online in 2026

February 20, 2026 · 19 min read

Selling electronics online is one of the most profitable reselling niches — but the platform you choose can make a $50-100 difference on every sale. Fees, audience size, buyer trust, and return policies vary wildly between eBay, Mercari, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, and others.

We compared every major platform for selling phones, laptops, gaming consoles, headphones, and other electronics in 2026. Here's where to list each type of electronic for maximum profit.

Quick Comparison: Electronics Selling Platforms

1. eBay — The King of Electronics Reselling

Best for: Everything electronic, especially phones, laptops, consoles, and parts

eBay remains the #1 platform for selling electronics. The buyer base is massive, search traffic is strong, and electronics are one of eBay's top categories.

Fees: ~13.25% final value fee (category dependent). Electronics category is 12.9% + $0.30.

Why eBay wins for electronics:

• Largest audience: 130+ million active buyers, many specifically searching for electronics
• Search traffic: eBay listings rank well in Google. "iPhone 15 Pro Max used" often shows eBay results on page 1
• Global reach: Sell internationally with Global Shipping Program
• Auction option: Great for rare/limited electronics (retro consoles, sealed items)
• Best for parts: eBay is the go-to for electronic components and parts

Selling tips for eBay electronics:

• Include exact model number in title (buyers search by model)
• List storage capacity, color, carrier (for phones)
• Note condition precisely (screen condition, battery health, scratches)
• Photograph all sides, ports, screen-on, and any defects
• Use Buy It Now with Best Offer for fastest sales
• Include original box and accessories when possible (increases value 10-20%)

Watch out for: eBay's return policy heavily favors buyers on electronics. INAD (Item Not As Described) claims are common. Describe flaws in detail and photograph everything.

2. Swappa — Best Fees for Phones and Laptops

Best for: Phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches

Swappa is the electronics-focused marketplace that serious resellers love. The key difference: the buyer pays the fee, not the seller.

Fees: ~3% fee paid by the BUYER. You keep your full listing price minus PayPal processing (~2.9%). Total seller cost: ~3% vs. eBay's 13%.

Let's put that in perspective:

That's $55-90 more per sale. Over a month of selling 20 phones, that's an extra $1,000-1,800 in your pocket.

Pros:

• Lowest effective seller fees of any platform
• Buyers are specifically shopping for electronics
• Moderated listings (every listing reviewed before going live)
• No IMEI/ESN fraud — Swappa verifies devices
• Strong buyer trust due to verification process

Cons:

• Smaller audience than eBay (longer time to sell)
• Limited to phones, tablets, laptops, watches, cameras
• Strict listing requirements (specific photos needed)
• Can't sell broken or parts-only items

3. Mercari — Easy Selling for Budget Electronics

Best for: Video games, accessories, headphones, budget electronics

Mercari is simple, fast, and has lower fees than eBay. It works well for electronics under $200.

Fees: 10% selling fee.

Pros:

• Simple listing process (5 minutes per listing)
• Prepaid shipping labels available
• Good for video games, controllers, accessories
• Make Offer feature drives sales
• Lower fees than eBay

Cons:

• Lower prices than eBay (Mercari buyers expect deals)
• Smaller buyer pool for expensive electronics
• No auction option
• Three-day rating window (slower payment release)

Best items to sell on Mercari:

• Video games ($10-60 range)
• Gaming controllers and accessories
• Earbuds and headphones
• Phone cases and accessories
• Older model phones and tablets
• Cables, chargers, adapters

4. Facebook Marketplace — Best for Local Electronics Sales

Best for: TVs, monitors, desktops, heavy/bulky items, local sales

Facebook Marketplace shines for electronics that are expensive or difficult to ship. Meeting locally means zero shipping costs and zero fees.

Fees: 0% for local pickup. 5% for shipped items.

Why it works for electronics:

• TVs and monitors are expensive to ship — local eliminates this
• Buyers can test the item before paying
• Instant cash (no waiting for payment to clear)
• Zero fees on local transactions
• Huge local audience

Safety tips for local electronics sales:

• Meet at a police station or bank lobby
• Bring a friend for high-value items
• Accept cash or Venmo/Zelle (no checks)
• Test the item together before completing the sale
• Screen buyers — check profile age and marketplace reviews

5. Back Market — Best for Refurbished Electronics

Best for: Refurbished phones, laptops, tablets (professional refurbishers)

Back Market is a marketplace specifically for refurbished electronics. If you professionally refurbish devices, this is where your buyers are.

Fees: 10-15% commission depending on category and seller level.

Pros:

• Buyers specifically want refurbished (willing to pay fair prices)
• Growing platform with strong marketing
• Quality standards build buyer trust
• Recurring business from repeat buyers

Cons:

• Must be a professional refurbisher (not for casual sellers)
• Strict quality and warranty requirements
• Application process to become a seller
• Customer service expectations are high

6. Amazon — Best for New and Like-New Electronics

Best for: New in box electronics, popular models

Amazon's massive buyer base and trust make it ideal for selling new or like-new electronics at premium prices.

Fees: 8% for electronics over $100 (Amazon Renewed has different rates). Plus $39.99/month Professional seller fee.

Pros:

• Highest buyer trust of any platform
• Prime shipping drives sales
• Buyers often pay more on Amazon than eBay
• FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) handles shipping

Cons:

• Ungating required for many electronics categories
• Strict condition requirements
• Returns are very easy for buyers (higher return rate)
• Professional account required ($40/month)
• Complex fee structure

7. Walmart Marketplace

Best for: New electronics at competitive prices

Fees: 8% for electronics — lower than eBay and Amazon.

Walmart Marketplace is newer and less competitive. For new electronics, the lower fee and growing audience make it worth testing.

Platform Recommendations by Electronics Type

Tips for Selling Electronics on Any Platform

1. Include exact model numbers. Buyers search by model. "iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Natural Titanium Unlocked" beats "iPhone for sale."
2. Photograph the screen on and off. Screen condition is the #1 concern for buyers.
3. Report battery health. For phones and laptops, battery health percentage significantly affects price.
4. Factory reset before selling. Protects your data and the buyer's trust.
5. Include original accessories. Box, charger, and documentation increase sale price 10-20%.
6. Note any flaws precisely. "Small scratch on bottom left corner, 2cm, only visible at angle" beats "good condition." Precision prevents returns.
7. Price competitively. Check sold listings on eBay for exact model/condition. Price within 5% of average for fastest sales.
8. Ship with insurance. Electronics are high-value and fragile. Always insure shipments over $100.

Bottom Line

For most electronics resellers, the winning strategy is:

• Phones and laptops: List on Swappa first (best fees). If it doesn't sell in a week, cross-list to eBay.
• Everything else: eBay as primary, Mercari for budget items, Facebook Marketplace for heavy/local items.
• New in box: Consider Amazon or Walmart Marketplace for premium pricing.

The platform choice alone can mean $50-100 more per sale on electronics. Do the math before you list, and always check your take-home with a fee calculator.