SmartphonesPLUS vs EcoATM vs Apple Trade-In: Which Pays More?
Upgrading your iPhone is exciting. Deciding what to do with the old one? Not so much.
Two options usually stand out immediately: Apple Trade-In and EcoATM.
Apple offers a polished, familiar experience with store credit toward your next purchase. EcoATM promises something different with its quick, in-person kiosks and instant cash on the spot.
So which one actually pays more? Is instant cash worth it, or does Appleโs store credit stretch further in the long run? And are either of them really the best option?
The truth is, the best place to trade in your iPhone isnโt always the most obvious. Understanding how these options actually work is the key to getting the most value from your device.
To help you make the right call for your next trade-in, letโs take a closer look at how each option really compares.
How Apple’s Trade-In Program Works
Appleโs trade-in program is relatively straightforward, especially if youโre already planning to buy a new Apple device. So if youโre upgrading to a new iPhone, Mac, or iPad, trading in your old phone fits neatly into the checkout process.
You can start online or handle everything in person at an Apple Store. After answering a few questions about your iPhoneโs model and condition, Apple gives you an estimated trade-in value. If you accept the offer, that value is applied right away as credit toward your new purchase.
For online trade-ins, Apple sends you a kit with a prepaid shipping label to return your old device. Once it arrives and passes inspection, the credit is then finalized and either applied to your purchase or issued as an Apple gift card.
The Pros and Cons of Apple Trade-In
The primary advantage of using Apple’s program is its convenience and the trust associated with the Apple brand. There is no need to find a third-party buyer, and the credit can immediately lower the upfront cost of a new device.
However, this convenience comes with significant limitations. The most notable drawback is the payment method, as the terms specify that you will only ever receive an Apple gift card or store credit. This locks you into their ecosystem and removes the flexibility to use the money for anything else.
Apple’s trade-in values are also notoriously low. Their business is selling new products, not buying used ones, so their offers are often much lower than what you could get from a company specializing in the secondary market.
The Final Verdict on Apple: Appleโs trade-in program makes sense if your main goal is to lower the cost of a new Apple product with as little effort as possible.
How EcoATM Works
EcoATM is all about speed and convenience. With thousands of kiosks located in malls, grocery stores, and other public places, itโs designed for people who want cash for their phone right away.
The process itself is fully automated. All you have to do is place your phone into the kiosk, and it scans the device to check the model and condition, including things like screen damage. Within minutes, youโre shown a cash offer on the screen. If you accept, youโll verify your identity with a state ID and thumbprint, and the machine pays you on the spot.
EcoATM even accepts phones that are broken or wonโt turn on, making it a convenient option for devices that might not qualify for other trade-in programs.
The Pros and Cons of EcoATM
The appeal of instant cash is powerful, and for someone needing money immediately, EcoATM is undeniably the fastest option.
There is no shipping, no waiting for an inspection, and no dealing with online listings. However, this speed and convenience come at a steep cost. Payouts from EcoATM are consistently among the lowest in the industry. The automated assessment cannot account for nuanced differences in condition, and the business model is built on acquiring devices at a low price point.
While EcoATM does provide a valuable service for recycling non-functional phones, using an EcoATM for a recent, high-value device (like an iPhone 11, 12, or 13) means you are likely leaving a significant amount of money on the table.
The Final Verdict EcoATM: EcoATM makes sense if you need cash immediately and convenience matters more than payout. But for newer, high-value iPhones, itโs one of the lowest-paying options.
The Third Option: Online Trade-In With SmartphonesPLUS
Beyond the immediate choices of Apple and EcoATM lies a third, often more lucrative, option: SmartphonesPLUS.
At SmartphonesPLUS, we focus entirely on buying and reselling used electronics, which allows us to offer more competitive payouts than traditional trade-in programs.
The process is simple, usually starting with an instant online quote based on your phoneโs model, storage size, and condition. If you like the offer, youโre then sent a prepaid shipping label to mail in your device. Once it arrives, our trained technicians inspect your phone to confirm its condition, and payment is issued through your preferred method (often within just a few days).
Why SmartphonesPLUS Often Pays More
Online buyback platforms consistently offer higher payouts because our business model is fundamentally different.
Unlike Apple, our goal is not to upsell you on a new product. And unlike EcoATM, weโre not limited by the overhead of physical kiosks.
Instead, we operate with a direct line to the refurbished electronics market, allowing us to capture more value from each device and, in turn, pass more of that value back to you. We also offer a variety of payment options, including cash via
PayPal or Venmo, direct deposit, or a check, so you can use the money however you like.
Comparing the Three Trade-In Options
If youโre still weighing your options, it can be helpful to see how these three choices stack up side by side. The table below breaks down the key differences across the factors that matter most: payout, payment method, speed, convenience, and flexibility.
EcoATM vs. Apple Trade-In vs Online Buyback Programs
| Feature | EcoATM | Apple Trade-In | SmartphonesPLUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payout Value | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Payment Method | Cash Only | Apple Gift Card Only | Multiple (Cash, PayPal, Venmo, etc.) |
| Payment Speed | Instant | Instant Credit (or after mail-in) | Within Days of Receipt |
| Convenience | High (In-Person Kiosks) | High (In-Store or Mail-In) | High (Online Quote, Free Shipping) |
| Flexibility | Low (Cash Only) | Low (Apple Credit Only) | High (Multiple Cash Options) |
Which is the Best iPhone Trade-In Option for You?
The right choice really comes down to what matters most to you:
- Choose EcoATM if you need cash immediately and donโt mind accepting a much lower payout for the sake of speed and convenience.
- Choose Apple Trade-In if youโre already buying a new iPhone and want a quick, hassle-free way to lower the upfront cost, even if it means getting less overall value.
- Choose an online buyback platform (like SmartphonesPLUS) if your priority is getting the most cash for your iPhone, with the flexibility to use that money however you want.
For most people, online buyback services offer the best balance of payout, security, and convenience, making them the smartest option for maximizing your return.
One Last Piece of Advice on Getting the Most From Your Trade-In
No matter which option you choose, a little preparation can make a big difference. Before trading in your iPhone, take a few minutes to back up your data, sign out of your Apple ID, and factory reset the device. These steps protect your personal information and help prevent delays or unexpected reductions in your payout.
And if your goal is to sell your phone for cash, donโt settle for the first offer you see. Trade-in values can vary widely, and comparing options takes just a few minutes. That small extra step can easily mean getting significantly more money instead of locking yourself into store credit or a low instant payout.
Ready to see what your old iPhone is worth? Get a free, no-obligation quote from SmartphonesPLUS today and make sure youโre getting the most for your device!
FAQs About EcoATM vs. Apple Trade-In
Is EcoATM or Apple Trade-In better?
Neither is definitively “better,” it depends on your goals. EcoATM is better for instant cash, while Apple Trade-In is better for instant store credit toward a new Apple product. However, if your goal is the highest cash payout, an online buyback service is typically the superior choice.
How much does EcoATM pay for iPhones?
Payouts from EcoATM vary widely based on the model and condition, but they are generally lower than other trade-in options. The EcoATM business model prioritizes convenience and speed over maximum value, so you should expect a lower offer in exchange for instant cash.
Can I get cash from Apple’s Trade-In program?
No, Apple’s trade-in program does not offer a cash option. You will only receive value in the form of an Apple gift card or an instant credit applied to the purchase of a new device.
What is the best way to get the most money for my old iPhone?
To get the most money for your old iPhone, your best bet is to use a reputable online buyback company. These services specialize in the secondary electronics market and consistently offer higher cash payouts compared to Apple, EcoATM, and mobile carriers.
Is it safe to use an online phone trade-in service?
Yes, when you choose a reputable company, online phone trade-ins are very safe. Trusted services (like SmartphonesPLUS) use certified data erasure software to completely wipe your device and provide prepaid, trackable shipping to secure facilities. Just be sure to work with a company that has a solid reputation and positive customer reviews.
