Top 10 Electronics with the Highest Resale Value in 2026
Not all electronics depreciate equally. Some devices fall off a value cliff within months, while others quietly hold their worth for years—even after newer models hit the market.
If you’re buying tech with resale in mind (or wondering which old gadgets are actually worth selling), this list breaks down the electronics that consistently retain value in 2026—and the reasons behind it.
Because resale value isn’t about hype. It’s about demand, longevity, and flexibility.
What Makes an Electronic Device Hold Value?
Before the list, here’s the short version of the math behind resale value:
Devices tend to retain value when they:
- Receive long-term software support
- Have strong secondary-market demand
- Are easy to reset, unlock, and resell
- Exist within ecosystems people actively want to enter
Specs matter less than market behavior. With that in mind…
1. Apple iPhones (Recent Models)
iPhones consistently top resale charts, but not simply because they’re popular. Their value retention is driven by long software support windows, global demand across primary and secondary markets, and relatively predictable annual release cycles. Buyers know exactly what they’re getting, sellers know roughly what to expect, and that shared understanding keeps prices stable even as newer models are introduced. As a result, recent-generation iPhones tend to lose value more slowly—and more evenly—than almost any other consumer device.
- Software support lasts years
- Demand is global
- Carrier unlocking is straightforward
- Replacement parts and repairs are widely available
Even models one or two generations old tend to command strong prices compared to similarly aged Android phones.
2. Apple MacBooks (Especially M-Series)
MacBooks have become one of the most reliable high-resale electronics of the past several years, especially models powered by Apple’s M-series chips. Performance longevity plays a major role here: many M-series MacBooks remain more than capable years after purchase, which keeps demand strong among students, creatives, and professionals. Combined with durable build quality and long software support, this makes MacBooks one of the rare laptops that retain meaningful value well beyond the typical depreciation curve.
Why?
- Excellent performance longevity
- Strong demand among students and creatives
- Clear product tiers that age predictably
A well-maintained MacBook often holds more value after three years than many Windows laptops do after one.
3. Sony PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 continues to hold its value unusually well for a gaming console, even several years into its lifecycle. This is largely due to sustained demand, a massive active user base, and a relatively slow cadence of hardware refreshes compared to other consumer electronics. Because the console remains central to many households’ entertainment setups, resale demand stays strong—especially for systems in good condition with original accessories.
Factors include:
- Ongoing demand
- Limited mid-cycle hardware refreshes
- A massive active user base
Consoles with active ecosystems outperform nearly all other consumer electronics in resale.
4. Apple iPads (Especially Pro & Air Models)
iPads occupy a unique middle ground between phones and laptops, and that positioning works in their favor on the resale market. Higher-end models like the Pro and Air balance power, portability, and longevity in a way that appeals to students, creatives, and casual users alike. They also tend to age gracefully, as most buyers aren’t chasing cutting-edge specs—just reliable performance—making them surprisingly resilient to depreciation.
- Less fragile than phones
- Less spec-sensitive than laptops
- Highly desirable for education and creative work
iPad Pro and Air models in particular tend to retain value well beyond expectations.
5. Apple Apple Watches (Higher-End Models)
While entry-level smartwatches tend to depreciate quickly, higher-end Apple Watch models often retain value far better than expected. Ongoing demand for health and fitness tracking, combined with ecosystem integration and predictable upgrade cycles, keeps the resale market active. When sold within one or two generations, these models frequently command respectable prices—especially when battery health and physical condition are well maintained.
- Ongoing health and fitness demand
- Ecosystem lock-in
- Regular but predictable upgrade cycles
They’re especially valuable when resold within 1–2 generations.
6. DJI Drones
Drones, particularly from established manufacturers, consistently outperform expectations on the resale market. Their value is driven by a combination of strong brand trust, relatively limited competition at comparable quality levels, and clear differentiation between consumer and professional use cases. Well-maintained drones with complete accessories tend to sell quickly, as buyers place a premium on reliability and readiness rather than chasing the latest release.
Why?
- Strong brand trust
- Limited competition at similar quality levels
- Clear differentiation between consumer and professional models
Well-kept drones with intact accessories sell quickly—and often at surprising prices.
7. Nintendo Switch (and Switch OLED)
Nintendo hardware has long followed its own resale rules, and the Switch is no exception. Its broad appeal across age groups, family-friendly positioning, and evergreen game library help maintain steady demand year after year. Unlike many consoles that feel dated quickly, the Switch’s design and use cases remain relevant, allowing it to resist depreciation better than most gaming hardware.
- Appeal to casual and family buyers
- Maintain demand across age groups
- Resist aggressive depreciation
Nintendo devices historically age better than almost any other gaming hardware.
8. High-End Noise-Canceling Headphones
Premium noise-canceling headphones tend to hold value when they’re built for longevity rather than disposability. Models with replaceable ear pads, durable construction, and slow refresh cycles perform especially well on the resale market. Because these headphones serve practical, everyday needs—travel, work, focus—they benefit from consistent demand even as newer versions are released.
- Ear pads are replaceable
- Batteries aren’t sealed beyond repair
- Model refresh cycles are slow
These devices benefit from portability, durability, and lifestyle demand.
9. Unlocked Flagship Smartphones (Non-Apple)
While Android phones typically depreciate faster than iPhones, unlocked flagship models still retain meaningful value under the right conditions. Devices that are carrier-free, sold earlier in their lifecycle, and supported by brands with strong update policies perform significantly better on resale markets. Flexibility is the key advantage here—unlocked phones appeal to a wider range of buyers and secondary markets.
- Sold early
- Kept carrier-free
- Backed by known brands with long update cycles
Unlocked devices always outperform carrier-locked equivalents.
10. Professional Cameras & Lenses
Professional cameras and lenses follow a different resale logic than most consumer electronics. Camera bodies depreciate as technology advances, but high-quality lenses often retain value far longer due to durability, niche demand, and cross-generation compatibility. Sellers who understand their gear’s audience—and keep equipment well maintained—can often recoup more value than expected, especially when selling lenses separately.
In many cases:
- Lenses retain value longer than camera bodies
- Niche demand stabilizes pricing
- Accessories matter
This category rewards informed sellers who understand their gear’s audience.
The Pattern You Should Notice
The highest-resale electronics share three traits:
- Strong ecosystems
- Predictable upgrade cycles
- Clear second-life use cases
Devices that lack these qualities lose value fast—no matter how impressive they looked at launch.
Buy Electronics Like You’ll Sell Them Someday
Most people don’t think about resale value when buying tech—but the market does. Choosing devices with strong secondhand demand can quietly save (or earn) you hundreds of dollars over time.