The Honest Truth About CRT TVs

Remember that chunky 32-inch Sony Trinitron taking up half your garage? Yeah, we need to talk about what it's actually worth. The short answer: probably not much, but there's a weird pocket of value if you know where to look.

CRT TVs (cathode ray tube, for those keeping score) are basically the opposite of an investment. They're heavy, they take up space, and newer TVs are so cheap that most people would rather buy a new 50-inch flat screen than haul a 60-pound tube TV up their basement stairs. But before you drag it to the curb, let's see if there's any real money here.

What Different CRTs Actually Sell For

Vintage Sony Trinitron 27-inch (1990s-2000s): These tend to be the darlings of the retro gaming community. Expect $80-$150 if you can actually find a buyer. A mint 27-inch Trinitron recently sold for around $120 on eBay.

Samsung or LG 20-24 inch from early 2000s: The more common models go for $30-$75, and that's being generous. Most are lingering at $25-$40 because there are just so many of them.

Specialty CRTs (arcade monitors, professional displays): Now we're talking. A vintage arcade monitor or a professional-grade Sony PVM can fetch $200-$500+ because collectors and retro arcade enthusiasts actually want these. But these aren't your parents' living room TV.

Really old wood-paneled console TVs from the 1970s-80s: Ironically, these might be worth more as vintage furniture ($100-$300+) than as working TVs, especially if they're in decent shape and actually work.

The Shipping Problem Nobody Talks About

Here's where reality kicks in: shipping a CRT TV costs between $75-$150, sometimes more depending on size and your location. A 25-inch TV weighs about 80 pounds. A 32-inch? Try 120+ pounds. So that $100 Trinitron? After shipping, you're netting maybe $30-$40. It's brutal math.

Local pickup solves this, but good luck finding someone willing to come get a massive TV in 2024. Local Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are your best bets here—people will only buy these if they don't have to ship them.

Where Your CRT Actually Might Sell

Retro gaming communities are your real market. Reddit's r/crtgaming, Facebook retro gaming groups, and specialized forums care about these things. If your TV has a good reputation (Trinitron, BVM, PVM lines), mention that specifically. People know what they're looking for.

Goodwill and Salvation Army will take them for free if selling feels like too much effort, and you get a tax deduction.

What You Should Actually Do

If it's a basic Samsung or RCA from 2005: donate it. Seriously. The hassle-to-money ratio isn't worth it. If it's a Trinitron or other quality name brand and it works perfectly: list it locally for $80-$100 and see what happens. Set a 2-week deadline, then donate it. If you've got something truly specialized, do your homework on the specific model—some things are worth the effort.

The CRT TV era is over, but your parents' old set isn't completely worthless. It's just worth a lot less than the effort of selling it usually requires.