How to sell AirPods, headphones and speakers for cash

Audio gear is upgraded constantly. Earbuds get replaced, over-ear headphones get swapped for a newer model, and speakers become surplus after a move. Good audio equipment holds value, so it's well worth selling rather than leaving it in a drawer.

Audio gear that sells well

• AirPods — AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
• Noise-cancelling headphones — Sony WH and WF series, Bose QuietComfort, Sennheiser Momentum.
• Wireless speakers — Sonos, Bose, Bang & Olufsen, JBL and Marshall.
• Soundbars — within postable size limits.
• Hi-fi — amplifiers, DACs, turntables and bookshelf speakers within 30kg.
• Studio headphones and monitors.

A note on earbuds and hygiene

Earbuds go in your ears, so buyers care about cleanliness. Clean them gently before selling: use a dry cotton bud or soft brush for the mesh, and a slightly damp cloth (with a little isopropyl alcohol for the outer surfaces, avoiding the openings). Replace silicone tips with clean or new ones if you can.

Resetting AirPods

1. Remove them from your Apple ID: on your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info button next to the AirPods and choose Forget This Device. Make sure they're removed from Find My too.
2. Put them in the case, open the lid, and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes amber, then white.

AirPods still linked to someone's Apple ID can't be used by a new owner, so this is essential.

Resetting other headphones and speakers

Most headphones have a reset button combination in the manual. Remove them from companion apps (Sony Headphones Connect, Bose app and so on). For Sonos, remove the speaker from your system in the Sonos app and factory reset it.

What affects the value

• Model and generation.
• Battery health — earbuds and headphones with short battery life are worth much less.
• Condition — ear cushion wear, scratches on the case.
• Accessories — charging case, cable, carry case and box.
• Authenticity — counterfeit AirPods are common, and we can't accept them.

Selling

Describe your audio gear on SendForCash and get an instant cash offer. Accept and we email a free postage label. We pay the same day we inspect.

Packing

Small items go in a small box, not an envelope. Large speakers and hi-fi need a strong box and padding on every side. See our packing guide.

Checking battery health

Battery life is the main thing that separates a good pair of wireless earbuds or headphones from a disappointing one.

• AirPods: connect to an iPhone and look at the battery widget after a known period of use. If one earbud drains much faster than the other, or a full charge lasts noticeably less time than when new, mention it.
• Over-ear headphones: charge fully, then use them for a few hours with noise cancelling on, and see how much charge has been used compared to the manufacturer's stated battery life.
• Speakers: charge fully and play at moderate volume.

Modest battery wear is normal for used audio gear. A battery that only lasts a short time, or a device that won't charge, counts as a fault.

Spotting counterfeit AirPods

Fake AirPods are very common. Signs to look out for include:

• A serial number that doesn't check out on Apple's coverage check website.
• No pop-up animation on an iPhone, or an odd one.
• Poor build quality, misaligned case lids, or weak magnets.
• Missing features like proper noise cancelling on "Pro" models.

If you bought from an unofficial seller and aren't sure, mention it. We can't buy counterfeit products.

Ear cushions, tips and cleanliness

Ear cushions on over-ear headphones wear out over time — flaking faux leather is common. Replacement cushions are widely available for popular models from Sony, Bose and others, and fitting new ones can make headphones much more appealing. For earbuds, include clean or new silicone tips in all the sizes you have.

To clean headphones:

1. Wipe the headband and outer surfaces with a slightly damp cloth.
2. Gently wipe the ear cushions, avoiding soaking them.
3. Use a dry cotton bud for crevices.
4. Never run water through speaker grilles or charging ports.

Speakers and multi-room systems

Sonos, Bose and other multi-room speakers need to be removed from your system before selling:

• Sonos: in the Sonos app, go to settings, select the speaker and remove it from your system. Then factory reset it — the button combination varies by model and is on Sonos's support site.
• Bose: remove from the Bose app and perform a factory reset.
• Smart speakers: remove from the Alexa or Google Home app, then factory reset.

Soundbars should be within our size limits — many are, but measure longer models.

Hi-fi separates

Amplifiers, CD players, DACs and bookshelf speakers are welcome if they work properly and are within 30kg. Test both channels, every input and the volume control for crackles. Floor-standing speakers are often too big or heavy to post.

What to include

• Charging case (for earbuds) and charging cable.
• Carry case for headphones.
• Audio cable and any adapters.
• Spare ear tips.
• Original box if you have it.

Upgraded your phone too?

Audio upgrades often come with a new phone or watch. See our guides to selling an old phone, selling an Apple Watch and selling a Samsung Galaxy.

FAQ

Can I sell one AirPod?

A single AirPod on its own isn't a complete product. We buy complete sets with the case.

Do you buy headphones with worn ear pads?

Yes, if they work properly. Replacement pads are often cheap and can improve the offer.

Do you buy old hi-fi?

Working hi-fi within size limits is welcome. Describe it and get an instant offer.

What about vinyl and turntables?

Yes — see our guide to selling DVDs, CDs and vinyl.