The short version
- Typical range: £25 – £180
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Electronics
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used headphones is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for headphoness, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £180 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £153 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £117 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £81 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £45 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a headphones
- Recognised models with replaceable ear pads
- Working noise cancellation on models that offer it
- Original case, cable and adapters
- Headband padding with no flaking or splitting
What lowers it
- Flaking or crumbling ear pads, the most common fault
- Cracked headband hinges, which are often unrepairable
- A battery that no longer holds charge on wireless models
- Intermittent audio in one ear from a worn cable joint
How to work out what yours is worth
- Test both channels at low and high volume for crackle
- Check the pads and headband for flaking
- On wireless pairs, charge fully and time real playback
Once you have those three answers you can place your own headphones on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Do used headphones sell well?
Yes, particularly well-regarded over-ear models where replacement pads are available. Buyers know a cheap pad swap can refresh a good pair.
Are flaking ear pads a dealbreaker?
Not usually, provided replacements exist for that model. Say so in the listing and buyers will factor in the small cost.
Should I include the original case?
Yes. Cases protect headphones in transit and their absence is noticed on premium models.
More value guides: electronics guides · all value guides · browse live electronics listings.