An all-in-one is a computer glued to a monitor. That is convenient on a desk and awkward on the used market: you cannot upgrade the panel, and a failed screen usually totals the machine. Apple iMacs hold up better than most Windows AIOs because the used Apple channel is thicker.
Live catalog: 1,298 all-in-one PCs · offers $10–$765 · average $132 (displayed listings, working-condition quotes).
Typical first-year loss for a working all-in-one: about 45%. Year two lands near 63%; year three near 75%.
| Time owned | Value lost | On a $1,000 device | Est. on average offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | −14% | $860 | $113 |
| 6 months | −27% | $730 | $96 |
| 9 months | −37% | $630 | $83 |
| 1 year | −45% | $550 | $72 |
| 1.5 years | −54% | $460 | $61 |
| 2 years | −63% | $370 | $49 |
| 2.5 years | −69% | $310 | $41 |
| 3 years | −75% | $250 | $33 |
| 5 years | −88% | $120 | $16 |
“Est. on average offer” applies the curve to today’s average catalog offer — a sketch of age, not a quote for your serial number.
Why all-in-one PCs lose value
- Display technology moves (1080p → 4K → higher refresh). A beautiful 2019 panel looks ordinary next to a current one.
- RAM and storage are often soldered or hidden behind a glued panel. Spec at sale is spec at birth.
- Shipping risk is higher. Heavy glass plus a thin chassis means more “cracked on arrival” stories, so buyers pad their offers.
What still holds a price
- iMacs with Apple silicon, or Windows AIOs with a named CPU (not only a Celeron) and 16 GB RAM.
- Uncracked panel, working webcam, stand intact.
- iCloud / firmware lock off.
When to sell
For iMacs, the same Apple event calendar as MacBooks applies. For Windows AIOs, sell when the panel is still bright and the machine still meets current Windows hardware expectations — waiting for “one more year” rarely helps.
How this is built
Percentages are category research (resale studies + typical buyback movement), not IRS MACRS. Dollar ranges are live from our displayed all-in-one PCs. Your instant quote still depends on exact model, storage, cosmetic grade, and defects — including account locks.
Sources
- Apple Trade In
- AssetPanda IT asset depreciation guide
- IRS Publication 946 (MACRS 5-year property)
- IRS Publication 946 — computers as 5-year property (accounting contrast, not a street bid).
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FAQ
Do iMacs depreciate like Windows all-in-ones?
Slower, on average. iMacs behave more like MacBooks (−35% class in year one). Windows AIOs track closer to generic desktops (−45% class) because there are more substitutes.
Does cosmetic wear change the depreciation table?
The percentages describe typical working devices in good shape. Heavy wear, missing parts, account locks, or dead boards are extra deductions on top of age. A clean, unlocked unit tracks the curve much more closely.