Apple's tablet portfolio has grown dramatically in recent years. Later on Apple'south 14 September upshot, the line-upwards has grown further.

The latest line-up includes a new iPad mini (6th generation), iPad ten.2in (9th generation) and new M1 iPad Pros and 2020's iPad Air (fourth gen). With and then many options, the refurbished market for Apple's tablets seems to exist ever-expanding, with newer and newer devices to choose from – in fact, you can already find discounts on the M1 iPad Pros (see our deals section below).

But which is the best style to buy an iPad: new, second-hand, or refurbished? And what's the difference? In this article, we walk you through your options and point you lot to some of the best deals around too.

What does refurbished mean?

Beginning of all, let'southward analyze that refurbished, or reconditioned, Apple products are second-hand, really – but they've been rigorously tested and repaired to work just similar new.

In contrast, buying second-hand and non refurbished, say off eBay or GumTree, means that you lot're buying the device as is with no afterwards buy protection, which makes information technology slightly riskier if y'all don't know the seller. If the previous owner has forgotten to dissociate their Apple ID from the device, you may potentially exist locked out permanently from the device. Apple's customer service won't exist able to help y'all unlock it without the original Apple ID details due to their strict security policies.

To avoid such troubles, buying refurbished is a squeamish halfway house betwixt new and second-mitt.

If the device is factory refurbished or certified refurbished, as in the instance if y'all buy an Apple tree-certified refurbished iPad, yous tin can be confident the quality and reliability will match a new device. Refurbished prices are up to 15% cheaper at the Refurbished Store compared to prices from the standard Apple store.

Apple tree Refurbished products undergo a rigorous cleaning, testing, and repairs process. Parts that don't piece of work or are damaged are replaced so that the last product works but like new.

Some of the pre-owned iPads at the Apple Refurbished Shop may take but been used once. Perhaps it'due south a unit of measurement that was loaned to a journalist, or it was returned promptly past a customer who decided they wanted a different model, or maybe in that location was a pocket-sized fault with it, but Apple has now rectified this as part of the refurbishment process.

Best refurbished iPad deals correct at present

What'due south the difference between a refurbished (or reconditioned) iPad vs. a brand-new iPad?

If you buy a refurbished iPad from Apple, y'all'll get the aforementioned i-year warranty as if you bought a brand-new iPad, all of the manuals and accessories that come up with a new iPad, a brand new battery and outer shell and a new white box for it too.

The new box is not the same as the box you would get if you purchased a new iPad, and we assume that this is to foreclose people from buying a refurbished iPad and attempting to sell it on every bit new. However, we think you'll struggle to spot anything different most the contents of that box.

Apple promises that all refurbished iPads it sells are in full working condition, and they have each been fully tested to ensure this. Any parts that were lacking when the iPad was returned by its previous possessor will take been replaced, and the entire iPad will take been cleaned and inspected to make sure it'southward in elevation-notch condition.

If y'all'd prefer to take a longer warranty than the one-year version that'south included, you tin can purchase AppleCare+ for your refurbished iPad. AppleCare+ extends your warranty to two years, allows additional technical support, 24/7 access to Apple experts, and hardware coverage for up to 2 accidental damage incidents. Each damage claim will toll an additional £39/$49, though.

Should I buy a refurbished iPad?

What iPad models can I buy from Apple tree's Refurbished store?

The products in Apple's Refurbished Shop can alter quite ofttimes, so you'll want to check dorsum regularly if the particular production you're after isn't available. Stock may vary depending on whether you lot're buying from the UK or Usa, besides.

At the time of writing, we can see:

  • Up to £370 off the iPad 12.9in iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
  • Upwardly to £290 off the 11in iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
  • Up to £230 off the iPad Pro x.5in (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
  • £70 off iPad Air

Should I buy a refurbished iPad? Is it worth buying a refurbished iPad?

We remember it is absolutely worth because ownership a refurbished iPad earlier purchasing a brand-new one. Even if yous don't buy it directly from Apple, there are plenty of other retailers that offering refurbished iPads that are worth checking out. If you're happy with an older generation of iPad, you lot may find you can become a bigger capacity model or a Wi-Fi + Cellular model for less coin.

In that location are merely a few things to keep in mind before you striking purchase – especially if you lot do opt for a third-party reseller.

First off, await at the refurbished grade. Often you lot'll see this noted as Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Every bit you've guessed, this correlates with the condition of the device. Information technology's not an verbal science, as each retailer will have its ain standards for each grade, merely it mostly indicates what to expect (especially if you're ownership online).

Grade A refurbished device should look just similar new or take very, veryfaint signs of use. Meanwhile, Grade B devices may have minor scratches or wear, while Class C devices volition testify obvious signs of wear.

Second, ensure the refurbished iPad comes with a warranty. This shouldn't exist also difficult as most resellers volition tout coverage for at least i twelvemonth. A warranty allows you to go repairs and other technical help should the device have whatsoever issues.

Pros and cons of buying a refurbished iPad

Pros

  • Much cheaper than buying new
  • Includes later purchase warranty services (vs simply buying second-hand)
  • Some retailers like Music Magpie and Handtec offer money-back returns within 14 days

Cons

  • Refurbish quality tin vary from retailer to retailer
  • Might be difficult to get boosted tech support after the warranty expires
  • Resale value of a refurbished device won't be very loftier if you want to sell the iPad after purchase

Best places to buy (and sell) iPads refurbished or 2d-hand

While the Apple Refurbished Store is an first-class place to buy a reconditioned iPad, you may find stock is limited – and in some cases, other retailers offer newer models second-manus or refurbished at better prices too. Here are a few retailers worth checking out (in alphabetical order):

  • Amazon - Amazon has a rigorous refurbishing process (see our Tech Counselor's explainer) which ensures that devices await and work just like new. About importantly all devices from Amazon Renewed are backed with a 1-yr Guarantee, which means you tin go a refund or replacement inside a year of receiving the iPad.
  • Music Magpie (Decluttr in the US) - Music Magpie is an excellent destination for refurbished tech. Non just does it ofttimes have competitive prices, you can also reduce prices further by trading in your one-time tech, books, CDs and other media. You can besides find discounts on new iPad models from 2020.
  • The iOutlet - The iOutlet is like to MusicMagpie: y'all tin trade in your old gadgets such as gaming consoles, phones, tablets or watches to earn cash towards other purchases. Y'all may non find the absolute latest iPad models, only the iOutlet has an extensive range of Apple tree products and prices that are pretty much on par with MusicMagpie
  • Envirofone - Envirofone also buys your old phones and tech, including damaged devices. If you lot choose to get paid in Envirofone credits called "Envirocash", you can get an extra 12% back to spend towards a refurbished device.
  • 4Gadgets - 4Gadgets oftentimes has sales on refurbished tech including iPads. You lot won't detect the 2020 models but you can find options from 2018 and 2019 at competitive prices.

We'd also suggest checking out the following refurbished retailers:

  • Affordable Mac
  • AWD
  • Big Phone Store
  • eBay
  • Gumtree
  • Handtec
  • Laptops Direct
  • Preloved
  • Smartfone Store

Where to get refurbished Apple iPad deals

Some of the all-time iPad offers available correct now are from Music Magpie, which likewise has up to 10% off select refurbished iPads as a part of its Green Leaf Event. The iOutlet too has competitive offers, though may not take the latest iPads in stock.

If you lot yet desire to pick upward the device brand new, see our article on the best iPad deals of the month, along with the best 10.2in iPad deals and iPad Air deals) deals right now.

Nosotros also have split up guides on Where to Buy the iPad mini (sixth generation) and iPad 10.2in (8th generation).

1. Apple 11in iPad Pro (M1, 2021, 128GB) - WiFi

From: Amazon US

Was: $1099

Now: $999 ($100 off)

View Deal

Amazon has $100 off the brand new iPad Pro with M1 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

2. Apple iPad mini (2019, 256GB) Wi-Fi + Cellular - Refurbished

Now: £429 (£69 off)

View Deal

The 5th-gen iPad mini has been around a while, but it'southward even so the all-time compact tablet money can purchase - and this well-nigh £70 disbelieve on an Amazon Renewed model means you don't need to part with quite as much.

three. Apple iPad 10.2in (32GB, 2020, Refurbished) Wi-Fi + Cellular

From: MusicMagpie

Was: £459

Now: £384.99 (£74 off)

View Bargain

MusicMagpie has a total of £74 off the 2020 iPad (8th gen) with cellular connectivity in 'Pristine' status, compared to buying new.

4. Apple iPad 10.2in (2020, 32GB) Wi-Fi - Refurbished

From: Music Magpie

Was: £329.99

Now: £299.99 (£xxx off)

View Bargain

Apple'southward entry-level iPad has £30 off from Music Magpie with an automatic disbelieve applied at checkout. It's graded in a "Very Skilful" status.

5. Apple iPad Air 4 (64GB, 2020) Wi-Fi Only - Refurbished "Very Skilful"

From: Music Magpie

Was: £579

Now: £441.99 (£137 off)

View Deal

Music Magpie has £137 off a refurbished iPad Air 4 (2020) in "Very Good" condition. Information technology includes a costless 12-month warranty for peace of listen and free delivery too.

See where to buy the iPad Air at the all-time price, including the new iPad Air 5.

6. Apple iPad Mini 4 (2015, 64GB) Wi-Fi + Cellular

From: MusicMagpie

Now: £224.99

View Deal

MusicMagpie has the best price right now on the last-gen iPad mini. It beats Amazon'southward price for the aforementioned model.

vii. Apple tree iPad Pro 11 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 512GB) - Refurbished

From: Apple Refurbished Store

Was: £1,119

Now: £859 (£260 off)

View Deal

Pick up the final generation iPad Pro 11 with 4G and 512GB storage directly from Apple but with £260 off the RRP. Commitment is free.

8. Apple iPad Pro 10.5in (256GB, Wi-Fi only)

From: Apple Refurbished Store

Was: £679

Now: £489 (£190 off)

View Deal

The 10.5in iPad Pro with 256GB storage has £190 off from the Apple Refurbished Store, which means its exactly like buying new. If you prefer greater storage, there's too £230 off the Wi-Fi + Cellular model with 512GB.

ix. Apple iPad Pro 12.9in (Wi-Fi, 512GB) - Refurbished

From: Apple Refurbished Shop

Was: £1,169

Now: £849 (£320 off)

View Deal

You can besides save an incredible £320 on the 12.9in iPad Pro (2018) from the Apple Refurbished Store!

10. Apple iPad Air (2020, 64GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular) - Refurbished

At present: £479 (£230 off)

View Bargain

Amazon's price on a refurbished iPad Air (4th gen) with 4G connectivity is now £479 – that's £230 off!

Further reading

All being well, the advice higher up has helped you reach a decision about how to buy your iPad. If you lot're still not certain which model to go for, take a look at our iPad ownership guide, too as our guide to the best iPad deals.

Nosotros await at the process of selling an iPad in far more than detail in a separate article: How to sell an iPad.