Top 10 Buy and Sell Apps

The beauty of these apps is their flexibility. Some focus on local deals where you meet the buyer in person, like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. Others, like eBay or Mercari, give you a global audience with built in shipping tools. If you’re selling clothes, fashion-focused apps such as Poshmark, Depop, and Vinted help you reach buyers who are specifically looking for stylish, pre-loved items. And if you’re clearing out gadgets or DVDs, Decluttr offers instant quotes and free shipping.

Quick Comparison: Best Buy and Sell Apps

Sell Apps How We Chose the Best Buy and Sell Apps

Not every buy and sell app is worth your time. Some charge high fees, others don’t have enough buyers, and a few lack proper safety measures. To make this list genuinely helpful, we looked at the factors that matter most to both buyers and sellers.

Factors Considered

• Audience Reach: An app is only as good as its users. We prioritised platforms with large, active communities. For example, eBay offers a global audience, while Facebook Marketplace taps into millions of local users instantly.
• Fees & Commissions: Selling should put money in your pocket, not drain it. Apps with transparent, reasonable fees scored higher. We also highlighted platforms like Vinted and Craigslist that minimise or eliminate seller fees.
• Security & Buyer Protection: Trust is everything in online selling. That’s why we looked at apps offering features such as buyer protection, verified profiles, or secure payment systems. These safeguards reduce the risk of scams.
• Ease of Listing: The process of uploading photos, adding descriptions, and setting prices should be fast and intuitive. Apps like Mercari and OfferUp make listings simple, which helps sellers move products quickly.
• 5. Specialization: Some apps shine because they serve a niche. Poshmark focuses on fashion, while Decluttr specialises in electronics. These platforms made the list because they connect sellers directly with buyers interested in specific categories.
  

The Top 10 Buy and Sell Apps

1. eBay: Best for Collectibles and Global Selling

eBay has been around since the late ’90s and still leads when it comes to selling online. Whether it’s rare coins, vintage toys, or the latest gadgets, eBay’s global marketplace ensures your listings get attention from millions of buyers. Sellers can set fixed prices or run auctions to let buyers bid. Fees average around 10–15%, but in return, you get strong buyer protections, secure payment processing, and international shipping options. If you have collectables, electronics, or items with niche appeal, eBay is hard to beat.

• Ratings:  iOS 4.2 and Android 3.7
  
• Founding Year: 1995.
  
• Categories: Electronics, fashion, collectibles, home & garden, automotive, toys, and more.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web.
  

2. Amazon: The All-in-One Marketplace

Amazon isn’t just the world’s largest e-commerce platform; it’s also one of the best places to buy and sell used or new items. Millions of shoppers visit the site daily, which means sellers get unmatched visibility. From books and electronics to fashion and home essentials, almost everything has a market on Amazon. 

• Ratings: 4.8 ios and android 4.5
  
• Founding Year: 1994
  
• Categories: Books, electronics, fashion, home, groceries, beauty, furniture, automotive, more
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

3. Facebook Marketplace: Best Free Local Selling App

Facebook Marketplace has quickly become one of the most popular ways to sell items locally. It’s built right into the Facebook app, making it easy to list items with just a few photos and a short description. There are no selling fees for local pickups, which makes it great for selling furniture, appliances, or everyday items. You can also ship products to expand your reach. While it doesn’t have the same buyer protection as eBay or Mercari, the fact that listings connect directly with Facebook profiles adds a layer of trust.

• Ratings: Android 3.7
• Founding Year: 2016 (launched as part of Facebook app).
  
• Categories: Furniture, clothing, vehicles, electronics, home goods, appliances, local services.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web (inside Facebook app/website).

4. OfferUp: Simple Local Deals with In-App Chat

OfferUp is designed for local transactions but also offers a shipping option for sellers who want more reach. The app makes it easy to snap a photo, upload a listing, and chat directly with buyers through its built-in messaging system. Ratings and reviews help build trust, while buyer protection applies when items are shipped. There’s a 12.9% service fee for shipped items, but local sales are free. It’s a go to choice for people who want to sell things fast in their own neighbourhoods.

• Ratings: iOS 4.8 and Android 4.4
  
• Founding Year: 2011.
  
• Categories: Furniture, clothing, electronics, vehicles, sports gear, home goods.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android.
  

5. Mercari: Easy Listings + Flat Shipping Rates

Mercari is a user-friendly app that lets you sell almost anything. Listing an item takes only a few minutes, and the app provides prepaid shipping labels, which makes delivery hassle-free. Sellers pay a 10% fee plus a small processing charge, but in return, they get built-in buyer protection and smooth payment handling. Mercari’s simplicity appeals to beginners, and its focus on convenience makes it one of the best all-in-one buy and sell platforms for clothes, gadgets, toys, and home goods.

• Ratings:  iOS 4.8 and Android 3.9
  
• Founding Year: 2013 (Japan), 2014 (U.S.).
  
• Categories: Fashion, electronics, toys, home décor, beauty, sports, collectibles.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web.

6. Poshmark: Best for Fashion & Accessories

Poshmark is tailored for fashion resale. Sellers can list clothing, shoes, and accessories while engaging with a community of style enthusiasts. It works like a social network, where sharing and following closets boost visibility. Shipping is simple, with prepaid labels provided for every sale. Poshmark charges a 20% commission on items over $15, but the app’s large fashion-focused audience ensures items sell quickly. For anyone looking to refresh their wardrobe while making extra money, Poshmark is one of the top choices.

• Ratings:  iOS: 4.8 and Android: 3.6
  
• Founding Year: 2011.
  
• Categories: Fashion, shoes, bags, accessories, beauty, home goods, select electronics.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web.

7. Depop: Gen-Z Favorite for Vintage & Streetwear

Depop has built a reputation as the go to app for young sellers and buyers, especially Gen Z. It combines the feel of a social media platform with a resale marketplace, making it ideal for selling vintage clothing, handmade pieces, and streetwear. Sellers can showcase items in a creative way, while buyers scroll through curated feeds much like Instagram. Depop charges a 10% fee per sale, plus a small payment processing charge. Its community driven approach helps niche fashion items sell quickly, especially if you build a following.

• Ratings: iOS: 4.6 Android 3.1
  
• Founding Year: 2011 (Italy).
  
• Categories: Vintage clothing, streetwear, handmade items, accessories, shoes.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web.

8. Vinted: Zero Seller Fees for Clothes & Shoes

Vinted stands out by charging no fees to sellers. Instead, buyers cover a small fee, which makes it attractive if you want to maximize profits. The platform is focused on clothes, shoes, and accessories, making it one of the best apps for clearing out wardrobes. Vinted also offers built-in shipping solutions and buyer protection, which adds peace of mind. It’s especially popular in Europe and has been growing steadily in the U.S. For anyone who wants a cost free way to sell fashion items, Vinted is a smart pick.

• Ratings: iOS 4.8 and Android 4.1
  
• Founding Year: 2008 (Lithuania).
  
• Categories: Clothes, shoes, accessories, kids’ items, small home goods.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web.

9. Craigslist: Classic Classifieds for Local Buyers

Craigslist may look old school, but it remains one of the easiest ways to sell locally. You can list almost anything, furniture, cars, appliances, or even event tickets without paying a fee. Its broad reach makes it popular for bigger items that are impractical to ship. However, unlike newer apps, Craigslist doesn’t offer built-in payments or buyer protection. This means you’ll need to meet in person and handle transactions carefully. Despite its limitations, it’s still one of the fastest ways to sell bulky or second hand goods in your city.

• Ratings: iOS 4.8 and Android 4.7
  
• Founding Year: 1995.
  
• Categories: Furniture, cars, electronics, housing, jobs, services, general goods.
  
• Available Platforms: Web (mobile-friendly site + apps via third parties).

10. OLX: Leading Marketplace in India & Emerging Markets

OLX is widely trusted across India, Latin America, and several other regions where local selling apps dominate. It lets you post items for free and offers premium ad options to boost visibility. People use OLX for everything from cars and bikes to electronics and household goods. While it doesn’t provide the same level of buyer protection as apps like eBay or Mercari, its reach in emerging markets is unmatched. If you’re targeting local buyers in these regions, OLX is one of the strongest platforms to use.

• Ratings: iOS 4.5 and Android 4.2
  
• Founding Year: 2006.
  
• Categories: Cars, bikes, real estate, electronics, home goods, jobs, services.
  
• Available Platforms: iOS, Android, Web.

Niche Winners (Special Picks)

1. Decluttr: Best for Electronics & Media

Decluttr is a specialised marketplace for tech and media. Instead of waiting for a buyer, you get an instant valuation for items like smartphones, tablets, laptops, DVDs, CDs, and video games. The app provides a prepaid shipping label, so all you do is pack your items and drop them off. Once Decluttr receives and checks your goods, payment is processed quickly via direct deposit or PayPal. It’s a hassle-free option if you want to clear out old electronics without negotiating or dealing with buyers directly.

2. Chairish: Designer Furniture with a Premium Audience

Chairish caters to people looking to buy and sell high-end furniture, home décor, and art. Sellers benefit from an audience that values design and quality, which often means higher selling prices compared to local classifieds. Chairish offers shipping assistance, white-glove delivery, and a curated shopping experience. While the commission fees are on the higher side, the platform’s upscale audience makes it ideal for those selling vintage or designer pieces.

3. AptDeco: Seamless Furniture Resale with Delivery Options

AptDeco focuses on furniture resale in major U.S. cities. The standout feature is its logistics support AptDeco arranges pickup and delivery for both buyer and seller, removing one of the biggest headaches of selling bulky items. It also manages payments securely, so you don’t have to worry about scams. For anyone in cities like New York or San Francisco, AptDeco makes selling used furniture both safe and effortless.

4. Kaiyo: Eco-Friendly Marketplace for Secondhand Furniture

Kaiyo is another niche app for furniture lovers, with a strong sustainability angle. It accepts pre owned furniture, inspects it, and then lists it for sale on your behalf. Sellers don’t need to worry about photography, listing descriptions, or delivery. Kaiyo handles it all. The brand emphasises recycling and reducing waste, making it appealing to eco-conscious buyers. If you’re looking for a hands off way to sell large home items, Kaiyo is a wise, green choice.

How to Choose the Right Buy and Sell App?

Not every buy and sell app works for every type of seller. The best choice depends on what you’re selling, how fast you want to sell, and whether you prefer local pickup or shipping. Here are a few things to consider before listing your items.

1. Local vs. Shipping Options

If you’re selling large or bulky items like furniture, bikes, or home appliances, local apps such as Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, OLX, or Craigslist are the best fit. They let buyers pick up items directly, saving you the hassle of shipping. But if your items are small and easy to ship, platforms like eBay, Mercari, or Poshmark open up a much larger audience beyond your city.

2. Fashion vs. General Goods vs. Electronics

Different apps excel in various categories. For fashion, Poshmark, Depop, and Vinted connect you directly with buyers looking for clothes and accessories. For general resale items, Mercari, OfferUp, and Carousell work well since they cover multiple categories. And if you’re selling electronics or gadgets, Decluttr or eBay are far more effective than general purpose platforms.

3. Understanding Fees & Safety Policies

Every app has its own fee structure. Free platforms like Craigslist or Vinted maximise your profits but come with fewer protections. Apps that charge higher commissions, like eBay or Poshmark, often provide stronger buyer protection, dispute resolution, and secure payment handling. If you value safety and trust, paying a small fee may be worth it.

Safety Checklist for Online Selling

Selling online can be rewarding, but it’s essential to stay safe. While most buyers and sellers are genuine, a few bad actors can cause trouble if you’re not careful. Following these simple tips can help you avoid scams and keep your transactions smooth.

1. Meeting in Public Places

If you’re handing over items locally, always choose a safe, public location like a café, shopping mall, or police station parking lot. Avoid secluded spots and never invite strangers to your home unless necessary.

2. Using Secure Payment Methods

Stick to in-app payments, PayPal, or verified digital wallets when possible. Cash may seem simple, but it leaves you with no proof if something goes wrong. Avoid sending money upfront to buyers or sellers you don’t fully trust.

3. Checking Buyer & Seller Ratings

Most apps include a rating or review system. Please take a moment to check how long the person has been active and what past users say about them. A seller with consistent positive feedback is usually a safer bet.

Conclusion: The Best App Depends on What You Sell

There’s no single “best” buy and sell app for everyone; it all depends on your needs. If you want to reach buyers around the world, eBay is hard to beat. For quick local deals, Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp make the process fast and simple. Fashion sellers thrive on Poshmark, Depop, and Vinted, while tech-savvy users find instant value with Decluttr. And if you’re trying to move bulky furniture, specialised apps like Chairish or AptDeco save time and effort.