The Most In-Demand Used Devices Right Now

There was a time when buying used electronics felt like a gamble. Today, it is often the smartest way to get a reliable device without paying the premium attached to the latest release. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and gaming consoles, millions of people are turning to the secondhand market for devices that still have plenty of life left in them.

Not every used device attracts the same level of attention, though. Some models disappear from resale listings almost as quickly as they appear, thanks to their performance, durability, software support, and overall value. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, refurbish, or recycle electronics, knowing which devices are currently in demand can help you make better decisions. In this guide, we take a closer look at the used devices buyers are actively searching for right now and what makes them so popular.

What Makes a Used Device Highly Sought After?

Not every used device enjoys the same level of demand. Some sit on resale marketplaces for weeks, while others are snapped up almost as soon as they are listed. The difference usually comes down to a handful of practical factors that matter to buyers.

Performance is often the first consideration. A device that can still handle everyday work, streaming, gaming, or multitasking without feeling sluggish will naturally attract more attention. Long-term software support also plays a major role. Buyers are more willing to invest in a used device when they know it will continue receiving updates and security patches for years to come.

Reliability matters just as much. This is one reason why used business laptops remain so popular. Models originally built for corporate environments are designed to withstand years of daily use, making them a safer purchase than many budget consumer devices. In fact, Lenovo ThinkPad, Dell Latitude, and HP EliteBook models account for approximately 68% of all refurbished business laptop transactions worldwide.

Repairability and parts availability are other advantages. Devices with easily accessible replacement batteries, screens, and storage drives tend to retain their value longer because they can be repaired and resold more easily.

The growing demand for refurbished technology is reflected across the broader market as well:

• Smartphones accounted for nearly 48% of global refurbished electronics revenue in 2025, making them the largest segment in the secondary market.
• Laptops and PCs accounted for roughly 23% of the global refurbished electronics market, underscoring continued demand from both businesses and consumers.
• The global refurbished laptop market is projected to grow from $13.1 billion in 2024 to $22.7 billion by 2030.
• Analysts expect the refurbished smartphone market to grow by more than 15% in 2026 as buyers increasingly look for affordable alternatives to rising new-device prices.

When a device combines strong performance, dependable build quality, long software support, and a healthy resale market, it tends to remain in demand long after its original release. The devices in the following sections check most, if not all, of those boxes.

Most In-Demand Used Smartphones

The smartphone category continues to dominate the secondhand electronics market, with certain models holding their value far better than others. Buyers are increasingly choosing proven devices over the latest releases, while many owners opt for cash over fixing used iPhone models when repair costs start to outweigh resale value.

1. iPhone 13

Few smartphones have maintained their popularity quite like the iPhone 13. It offers strong performance, excellent cameras, and battery life that still holds up well years after launch. For buyers, it hits a sweet spot between price and capability, making it one of the safest choices in the used market.

Why buyers want it:

• Reliable day-to-day performance
• Strong battery life
• Continued iOS support
• More affordable than newer iPhones

According to trade-in market data, the iPhone 13 was the most frequently traded-in smartphone during the first quarter of 2025, highlighting its continued demand in the resale market.

2. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro

As prices continue to soften, the iPhone 14 series has become an attractive option for buyers who want newer features without paying flagship prices. These models are also increasingly appearing in refurbishment channels as owners sell their iPhones before the next upgrade cycles.

Why buyers want it:

• Newer hardware at reduced prices
• Excellent camera performance
• Long software support runway
• Strong resale value

The iPhone 14 and 14 Pro consistently rank among the fastest-selling refurbished smartphones across major resale platforms.

3. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Galaxy S22 Ultra remains one of the most desirable used Android devices available. Its premium build, advanced camera system, and integrated S Pen help it stand out from many competitors, even several generations later.

Why buyers want it:

• Flagship camera capabilities
• Built-in S Pen functionality
• Large high-resolution display
• Premium design and build quality

Industry trade-in reports regularly place the Galaxy S22 Ultra among the most traded Android flagship devices in secondary markets.

4. Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

The Galaxy S23 lineup has quickly become a favorite among used smartphone buyers looking for a modern Android experience. With years of software support still remaining and performance that rivals many current devices, it offers strong value in the refurbished market.

Why buyers want it:

• Powerful processors
• Extended software support
• Excellent cameras
• Premium features at lower used prices

Data point: Refurbished market analysts have identified the Galaxy S23 series as one of the fastest-growing Android segments as more devices enter the secondary market.

Most In-Demand Used Laptops

While smartphones dominate the resale market by volume, laptops remain some of the most valuable devices in the secondary electronics industry. Buyers are often looking for dependable machines that can handle work, study, or creative tasks without the cost of a brand-new model. Understanding the depreciation curve of laptop brands can also help sellers identify the best time to sell a laptop before its resale value drops more sharply.

5. MacBook Air M1

The MacBook Air M1 marked a major milestone in the evolution of MacBooks. By introducing Apple Silicon, it delivered a significant leap in battery life and efficiency while maintaining the lightweight design that made the Air lineup so popular. Years later, it remains one of the most sought-after laptops in the used market.

Why buyers want it:

• Excellent battery life
• Fast everyday performance
• Fanless and lightweight design
• Long software support lifecycle

The MacBook Air M1 remains one of the most searched and purchased refurbished laptops globally due to its combination of performance, reliability, and affordability.

6. MacBook Air M2

For buyers who want a newer design and additional performance, the MacBook Air M2 has become a popular choice in the used market. It offers many of the benefits of current-generation laptops while costing significantly less than a new model.

Why buyers want it:

• Modern design
• Improved performance over M1
• Strong battery efficiency
• High resale value

Apple devices continue to retain value better than many competing brands, helping support strong MacBook resale prices across the secondary market.

7. Lenovo ThinkPad T-Series

The ThinkPad name has built a reputation for durability over decades, and that reputation carries into the used market. Models such as the T480 and T14 are especially sought after by professionals, students, and developers looking for dependable performance.

Why buyers want it:

• Business-grade durability
• Comfortable keyboard
• Easy servicing and upgrades
• Proven reliability

Lenovo ThinkPad models account for a significant share of global refurbished business laptop sales, making them one of the most actively traded used business laptops worldwide.

8. Dell Latitude 5000 and 7000 Series

Dell Latitude laptops, such as 5490, 5400, and 7420, are common in corporate fleets, which means large numbers enter the resale market when businesses refresh their hardware. Their build quality and reliability keep demand consistently high.

Why buyers want it:

• Enterprise-grade construction
• Reliable performance
• Strong availability of replacement parts
• Excellent value for money

Dell Latitude systems remain among the most frequently purchased refurbished laptops by small businesses and remote workers.

9. HP EliteBook 800 Series

The HP EliteBook line offers premium features without the premium price tag typically associated with new business laptops. For many professionals, organizations, and Gen Zs, this is one reason they choose refurbished laptops over new devices. EliteBook models deliver the durability, security, and performance needed for everyday work while offering significantly better value.

Why buyers want it:

• Durable aluminum construction
• Strong security features
• Good battery life
• Business-focused design

HP EliteBook models consistently rank among the top-selling refurbished enterprise laptops across North America and Europe.

Most In-Demand Used Tablets

Tablets occupy a unique space in the secondhand electronics market. They are often kept longer than smartphones, yet many models continue to perform well years after release. As a result, buyers looking for affordable devices for work, education, entertainment, or creative tasks frequently turn to the refurbished market, where older premium tablets can offer excellent value.

10. iPad (9th Generation)

The iPad 9th Generation remains one of the most popular tablets thanks to its balance of performance, affordability, and long-term software support. It handles everyday tasks with ease and continues to be a go-to option for students, families, and casual users.

Why buyers want it:

• Affordable entry into the iPad ecosystem
• Reliable everyday performance
• Long software support lifecycle
• Ideal for education and home use

Apple’s iPad lineup continues to dominate the global tablet market, helping older models maintain strong demand and resale value.

11. iPad Air (4th and 5th Generation)

The fourth and fifth-generation iPad Air models offer many of the features found in higher-end tablets without the premium price tag. Their lightweight design and powerful processors make them particularly attractive to students and professionals.

Why buyers want it:

• Slim and lightweight design
• Strong performance for productivity tasks
• Apple Pencil support
• Excellent value compared to newer models

Refurbished iPads consistently rank among the most sought-after tablets due to Apple’s long software support and strong ecosystem.

12. iPad Pro (2020–2022 Models)

For buyers seeking premium performance, used iPad Pro models remain highly desirable. These devices offer features that are still competitive with many current tablets, making them especially popular among designers, content creators, and business users.

Why buyers want it:

• Powerful processors
• High-quality displays
• Advanced multitasking capabilities
• Strong support for creative workflows

Premium tablets such as the iPad Pro retain value longer than many competing devices because of their performance longevity and continued software support.

Most In-Demand Used Gaming Devices

Gaming devices have a unique advantage in the secondhand market. Unlike smartphones or laptops that are often replaced for performance reasons, gaming consoles can remain relevant for years thanks to strong game libraries and active player communities. Buyers are often less concerned about chasing the latest hardware and more focused on overall value, which helps many consoles retain demand longer than expected. Similar factors can influence a gaming laptop’s value, but consoles tend to have broader appeal in the resale market because every user gets the same gaming experience regardless of system configuration.

13. PlayStation 4

More than a decade after its launch, the PlayStation 4 continues to attract buyers worldwide. Its extensive game library and affordable resale prices make it one of the most accessible gaming consoles in the used market.

Why buyers want it:

• Massive library of games
• Affordable compared to newer consoles
• Strong multiplayer community
• Wide availability of accessories and games

Sony sold more than 117 million PlayStation 4 units worldwide, creating one of the largest install bases in gaming history and helping sustain demand in the resale market.

14. PlayStation 5

As more owners upgrade storage or purchase newer console variants, additional PlayStation 5 systems are entering the secondary market. Buyers are eager to purchase used PS5 consoles because they still deliver current-generation gaming at a lower cost than buying new.

Why buyers want it:

• Current-generation gaming performance
• Fast loading times with SSD storage
• Strong lineup of exclusive games
• Growing availability in the used market

Sony has sold more than 77 million PlayStation 5 units globally, contributing to a growing supply of used consoles entering resale channels.

15. Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch remains one of the strongest performers in the secondhand gaming market. Its ability to function as both a handheld and home console continues to appeal to a wide range of players, from families to dedicated gamers.

Why buyers want it:

• Hybrid handheld and console design
• Family-friendly gaming library
• Strong first-party game lineup
• Portable gaming experience

The Nintendo Switch has surpassed 150 million lifetime unit sales, making it one of the best-selling gaming systems ever and a consistent favorite in the used market.

16. Xbox Series X and Series S

Microsoft’s latest Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles have become increasingly common in the refurbished market as gamers upgrade or rotate devices. The combination of strong hardware and Game Pass compatibility makes them attractive options for value-conscious buyers.

Why buyers want it:

• Access to Xbox Game Pass
• Strong performance for modern games
• Backward compatibility with older titles
• Lower used prices than new systems

Xbox Series X and Series S continue to benefit from Microsoft’s growing subscription ecosystem, which helps maintain interest in both new and used consoles.

Yesterday’s Tech, Today’s Best Deals

The demand for used electronics shows no signs of slowing down. From iPhones and MacBooks to iPads, business laptops, and gaming consoles, buyers continue to seek devices that offer reliable performance without the cost of buying new. For sellers, understanding which products hold their value can help maximize returns before depreciation takes its toll.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade, clear out unused equipment, or find a quality device at a better price, CashForUsedLaptop makes the process simple. Buy or sell used devices with confidence and get the most value from your technology.