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To get money or credit for an old Mac, compare a current private-sale estimate with Apple’s trade-in offer for your exact model, configuration, condition, and region. A private sale may bring a different amount, but it takes more work and can involve fees; Apple Trade In is more direct, but its value can change after inspection. Neither option is guaranteed to pay more.
Should you sell your Mac or trade it in?
Start by getting both estimates while your Mac is still available to inspect. Compare the likely proceeds from a private sale—not just the asking price—with Apple’s current trade-in estimate. For a private listing, account for any platform or payment fees and the time and uncertainty involved in finding a buyer and arranging the handoff. Apple’s estimate can be applied toward a purchase or issued as an Apple Gift Card, and Apple may revise it after inspecting the device.
Apple’s program page explains how trade-in and recycling work, but it does not establish a universal price for every Mac. Check the current offer and terms for your region and device at Apple Trade In.
- Choose a private sale if you prefer money from a buyer and are willing to handle the listing, questions, payment, and handoff. Calculate your expected net proceeds after any fees.
- Choose Apple Trade In if you value a more direct handoff and can use Apple credit—either toward a purchase or as a Gift Card. Be prepared for the inspected offer to differ from the estimate.
There is no evidence-based way to say one route always pays more. The answer depends on your Mac, its condition, your location, current offers, and how you value convenience versus cash.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Check the trade-in offer and its conditions
Use the model and condition details Apple requests to get an estimate, then review the terms for your region. Apple says the value may be revised if inspection finds that the Mac’s condition differs from the description. If the revised offer is lower, Apple says you can accept or reject it; rejecting cancels the trade-in and the device is returned under the process described on the program page. Confirm the live terms before sending the Mac, since program details can change.
If Apple finds the Mac ineligible for trade-in value, it says you can still recycle it for free. That provides a disposal option, not money or purchase credit.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Back up your data before erasing the Mac
Make a backup of anything you want to keep before resetting the computer. Apple warns that its preparation steps erase the Mac’s data and recommends backing up first; it specifically recommends Time Machine. A backup destination is your choice: an external drive is one option, not a requirement. You can use the backup to restore files to a replacement Mac or transfer them.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use the erase procedure that matches your Mac
Apple silicon or T2 Mac with macOS Monterey 12 or later
Apple says to use Erase All Content and Settings on an Apple silicon Mac or a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip running macOS Monterey 12 or later. Follow the on-screen prompts. If that option is unavailable, use Apple’s instructions for your specific Mac instead.
Other Macs or Macs without Erase All Content and Settings
Apple’s separate process includes signing out of accounts where applicable, erasing the Mac in macOS Recovery, and reinstalling macOS. Intel Mac owners should follow Apple’s instructions for their model, including the NVRAM step Apple specifies for that route. When installation finishes, leave the Mac at the setup screen rather than completing setup for the next owner. Because the correct steps depend on hardware and software, check Apple’s instructions for your Mac before erasing.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
AppleCare
If the Mac has an AppleCare plan, Apple says it may be possible to cancel the plan or transfer it to the new owner. Check the plan’s terms and decide what to do before the handoff.
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Pack an Apple mail-in trade-in correctly
Apple’s Mac laptop trade-in kit includes a box and a return postage label or commercial invoice. Pack the Mac itself; Apple says accessories such as the power adapter, cables, and case will not be returned if included. For multiple devices, use one device per kit and match each return label’s Quote ID with the confirmation for that device. Follow the current instructions supplied with your kit.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
