If you’ve traded in or at least tried to trade in your smartphone online before, there’s a big chance that you’ve come across Gazelle at least once.
While Gazelle is a top player when it comes to trading in your used phone online, other alternatives are beginning to outdo the industry big boy, offering higher and faster payouts, smoother support, and an overall better service.
So in this article, we’ll look at the top 3 Gazelle Alternatives that give you more dollars when you sell your old iPhone (and other devices) online.
Top 3 Gazelle Alternatives for Selling iPhones Online
The Whiz Cells
The Whiz Cells is the best Gazelle alternative and simply the best place to sell your iPhone online for the most money.
Like Gazelle, selling your iPhone to The Whiz Cell only takes a few minutes, but what sets The Whiz Cells above Gazelle is the higher & much faster payouts, and The Whiz Cells buy a much wider catalogue of devices, so you can sell all your different devices in one go.
The Whiz Cells Benefits vs. Gazelle
- Higher payouts on iPhones – The Whiz Cells pays more than Gazelle, especially for newer models and devices in good condition. For example, at the time of writing this, Gazelle offers $356 for the iPhone 15 Plus and $390 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max, while selling your iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max to The Whiz Cells would get you $400 & $370, respectively.
Note: Data was taken on Sept 23rd, 2025, and reflects the offers for said devices in their best condition
- Faster payments – The Whiz Cells issues payments within 24 hours of receiving your device. Gazelle, on the other hand, takes a week after receiving your device to issue payments. Also, The Whiz Cell offers wider and more modern payment options: PayPal, Gift Card, Instant Bank Transfer & Check payment. Gazelle’s payment options are: Amazon, PayPal, and Check.
- Hassle-free process – The Whiz Cells makes selling simple with instant quotes, free shipping, and quick turnaround. The reviews speak for themselves; The Whiz Cells has an excellent 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot compared to Gazelle’s 3.8.
Apple Trade-In
Apple Trade-In is another excellent Gazelle alternative for people who want to sell used iPhone devices directly to Apple. This is Apple’s official program that allows iPhone owners to trade in their old devices in exchange for credit toward a new Apple product. Apple Trade-in is a convenient option for anyone planning to upgrade within the Apple ecosystem, allowing you to easily exchange your old iPhone for store credit without the need to sell it elsewhere.
Strengths:
- Seamless upgrades: If you’re buying a new iPhone or Apple device, the trade-in process is straightforward and seamless.
- Flexible options: You can complete the trade-in online or physically in any Apple Store near you, allowing you to choose what works best for you.
- Instant credit: Once Apple evaluates your device, you receive immediate store credit that can be applied directly to your next purchase, making it quick and easy to upgrade.
Limitations vs. Gazelle:
- Credit-only payouts: Apple only offers in-store credit, so if you prefer cash, this might not be the best option.
- Lower payouts: Compared to third-party resellers like The Whiz Cells, Apple Trade-In often offers significantly less money for the same device, especially for older or high-demand iPhones.
- Limited device variety: The program is only for Apple devices, so if you’re looking to sell other gadgets alongside your iPhone, Apple Trade-In won’t cover them.
Last but not least on our list of top Gazelle alternatives is;
Swappa
Swappa is an online marketplace that lets you sell used electronics, including iPhones, directly to buyers. Unlike traditional trade-in platforms, Swappa connects sellers with actual buyers, giving you more control over the price and letting you potentially earn more from your device.
Strengths:
- Higher potential payouts: Because you’re selling directly to buyers, you can negotiate higher prices than trade-in platforms like Gazelle.
- Wide device acceptance: You can sell iPhones of all models, as well as other electronics such as Android phones, tablets, and smartwatches on Swappa.
- User-friendly platform: Listings are simple to create, and Swappa provides a clear step-by-step process for selling safely.
- Secure transactions: Swappa handles payment protection, ensuring that sellers get paid once the buyer receives the device.
- Condition flexibility: Even devices with minor damage can be sold, as long as the issues are disclosed, giving you more options than strict trade-in programs.
Limitations vs. Gazelle:
- Requires much more effort: Unlike The Whiz Cells, selling on Swappa involves creating a listing, communicating with buyers, avoiding scammers, and shipping the device yourself.
- Payment speed varies: Payouts depend on when the buyer completes the purchase and receives the device, so it’s not instant.
- Marketplace fees: Swappa charges a seller fee, which can slightly reduce your total payout compared to trade-in platforms.
- Scammers: You always have to be on alert when selling on Swappa because scammers are on the platform looking for their next victim. Read our article on how to avoid scammers when selling your iPhone online to see how to avoid them.
3. Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Payout Potential | Payment Speed | Accepted Devices |
| Gazelle | Medium | 1 week | Select phones & iPad |
| The Whiz Cells | High | 24 hours | Phones, tablets, Smartwatches |
| Apple Trade-In | Low-Medium | 2-3 weeks | Apple devices only |
| Swappa | High | Varies by buyer | Phones, tablets, laptops, etc |
Tips to Get the Best Price for Your iPhone
- Clean your iPhone thoroughly (no dust, smudges, or debris).
- Include original accessories if available (charger, cable, box).
- Ensure your iPhone is unlocked and ready for resale.
- Timing matters when selling iPhones. Sell before the new iPhone release to beat steep depreciation.
- Backup and erase all personal data.
- Check for minor damages and disclose them honestly.
Pro tip: Avoid common pitfalls when selling your iPhone. Learn the five biggest mistakes people make so you don’t unknowingly reduce your payout.
How to Sell Your iPhone to The Whiz Cells
- Go to TheWhizCells.com.
- Search for your device.
- Select your device details: carrier (network status), storage, condition, and whether or not the device is paid off.
- Receive your offer and click checkout.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Conclusion
Being more popular doesn’t always equate to being the best choice. And in Gazelle’s case, alternatives like The Whiz Cells provide better service and more value for the same devices, similar to other services like Swappa and Apple Trade-in.
So, don’t wait any longer; Sell your iPhone to The Whiz Cells and get the most cash for your used iPhone.
Faqs about Best Gazelle Alternatives
1. What is the best Gazelle alternative?
The Whiz Cells is widely considered the best Gazelle alternative. It offers higher payouts for iPhones, faster payment options like same-day PayPal, and a hassle-free selling process with free shipping. Unlike Gazelle, it also accepts a wider range of devices, so you can sell multiple gadgets at once making it the best way to sell iPhone online..
2. What is the best site to sell my iPhone?
The Whiz Cells is an excellent choice for selling your iPhone online. You can check your iPhone’s value instantly, get an immediate quote, and receive fast payment once your device is received. Other options include Apple Trade-In for store credit or Swappa if you prefer selling directly to buyers.
3. What is the best place to sell a used iPhone?
For getting the most money with minimal hassle, The Whiz Cells is the best place to sell a used iPhone. It combines high payouts, fast payment, and a smooth selling experience, ideal for anyone who wants to sell old iPhone without stress. Apple Trade-In is a good option if you’re upgrading within the Apple ecosystem, and Swappa works well if you want to sell directly to buyers.
4. What is the best online platform to sell phones?
The Whiz Cells stands out as the top online platform for selling phones because it’s fast, reliable, and offers competitive payouts. Swappa is also a strong option for those comfortable with managing listings and interacting with buyers, while Apple Trade-In works best for Apple users looking for store credit.