Holding onto an unwanted Xmas present? Survey reveals every UK household has unused devices worth selling
A new survey has revealed that every single person in Britain owns at least one unused tech device lying idle, with over half (55%) admitting they have three or more gathering dust.
Research from Back Market, the leading marketplace for refurbished tech, highlights just how valuable these forgotten devices can be. Instead of letting them go to waste, Brits could sell their unused tech to give it a second life and earn some extra cash in the process.
What happens to unwanted Christmas gifts?
The survey explored what people typically do with unwanted gifts, including tech items, received during the Christmas period.
Responses included:
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Keep them: 41%
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Donate them to charity: 35%
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Re-gift them to someone else: 34%
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Return them for a refund or exchange: 16%
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Sell them online or at a garage sale: 16%
With 2 in every 5 people saying they’re most likely to keep their unwanted presents, there is a significant opportunity to encourage people to sell these items instead, turning clutter into cash while reducing waste.
What tech are we hoarding?
Back Market’s data shows that unused devices could collectively be worth millions across the UK.
Among the tech items most commonly held onto, smartphones top the list (72%), followed by laptops (59%), tablets (38%), gaming consoles (29%), and wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers (15.8%). Despite their value, these devices often remain forgotten in drawers and cupboards.
Interestingly, 68% of respondents said they would act on selling old tech if they knew its value.
Data is available as a graphic here.
The hidden value of old tech
Back Market’s data shows that unused devices could collectively be worth millions across the UK. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are the most common gadgets left unused, and they retain significant resale value even if they’re a few years old.
Here are some examples of older tech that could still fetch you a pretty penny, based on Back Market data in 2025:
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iPhone 12 Pro Max, 256GB – up to £146
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iPhone 13, 256GB – up to £154
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iPhone 14 Pro, 256GB – up to £192
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iPhone 15 Pro, 256GB – up to £540
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iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB – up to £590
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Galaxy S24 Ultra, 256GB – up to £203
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Macbook Air, 256GB – up to £402
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Airpods Max – up to £223
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Nintendo Switch, 32GB – up to £127
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PlayStation 4 Slim, 500GB – up to £85
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Playstation 5, 825GB – up to £275
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Xbox series X, 100GB – up to £258
Data is available as a graphic here.
How to get the value out of your old tech
“The post-Christmas period is the perfect time to declutter and make use of unwanted tech. By selling unused devices, not only can people earn some extra cash, but they’re also helping to reduce e-waste and promote sustainability. It’s a win-win.
“At Back Market, we make it easy for people to turn their forgotten gadgets into real value. Our platform provides instant valuations and quick payments, ensuring that selling old tech is not just simple but also rewarding. Plus, by giving these devices a second life, we’re contributing to a circular economy that benefits everyone – from the environment to consumers.
“Our mission is to change the way people think about used tech. Every device sold through Back Market is either refurbished to be resold or responsibly recycled. This means fewer gadgets end up in landfills, and more people can access high-quality tech at an affordable price. Selling unused tech is more than just a decluttering exercise, it’s a step toward a more sustainable future.”
Luke Forshaw at Back Market.
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