Top refurbished iPad picks

Refurbished iPad 2023 - What to look for

Do you want to buy an iPad but feel a bit overwhelmed by the selection? No problem, we put together a list of the best refurbished iPads for you, which will not only impress you with their performance but also with their low price. 

In general, you should think about what you want to do with the iPad before purchasing: is it more for personal use or do you also want to do a lot of your work with it? 

Which size is sufficient for you: 9.7", 10.5", 11" or 12.9"? If you're not sure, and you can't go to a shop right now, use this simple trick: cut out the different sizes from a cardboard box and hold them in your hand one by one. Which one feels good? Which one fits in your bag?

How much memory do you need on an iPad? Most new models offer different memory sizes: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB. Note: not all models offer all storage sizes. If you're more into surfing and streaming series, you won't need more than 64GB. But if you use larger applications or edit films, you shouldn't buy an iPad with less than 256 GB. Otherwise, you'll quickly reach the limits of your iPad's storage. 

Now that you know what to look out for, let's dive into our top 4 refurbished iPads of 2023!

#1: The iPad 6 (2018)

The 2018 iPad 9.7" is the 6th generation of the classic iPad range. Up until this model, users could only use the Apple Pencil on the Pro version, but it is now finally possible on the standard iPad model. The Apple Pencil gives you more versatility for different tasks like graphic design, taking handwritten notes and easily jumping back and forth between apps. The Retina display has a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, giving you a clear, bright and vibrant display.

How much is a refurbished iPad 6? At the time of writing this, you can buy the 6th generation iPad from 2018 starting around $120 and save more than 50% compared to the original price. Prices vary depending on the condition and storage capacity (32 and 128 GB). Note: The Apple Pen is not included and must be purchased separately.

Conclusion: With the iPad 6 you get a practical and handy iPad that is still supported by iOS software updates for about another year. For private use and as an entry-level model or for online teaching, the iPad 6 with its 9.7" screen is absolutely a great buy.

#2: The iPad 7

Now let's move on to the 2019 iPad 7, which marks the 7th generation. Starting in 2019, Apple began making the iPad slightly larger. So instead of 9.7", the iPad 7 has a screen size of 10.2". The touch button is still there, so you'll have the original iPad vibe. The battery lasts just under 13 hours when playing back video with an average brightness.

Some users find the thick edges a bit old-fashioned, but the aesthetic is just fine in our opinion. If you are a fan of the iPhone 8 or iPhone SE 2020, you will also be happy with the iPad 7. If you want a bezel-less design, you have to go in the direction of the iPad Air or iPad Pro. The current cost of an iPad 7 refurbished with 32 GB of memory starts around $184 - depending on the condition and color availability. 

Conclusion: If you don't own an iPad yet and 9.7" is a little too small for you, then the 7th generation iPad is the perfect model for you. The low price and A10 chip, which is also in the iPhone 7, still allows you to run your applications smoothly in 2023 at a reasonable cost.

#3: The iPad Air 3

Between the iPad Air 3 and its predecessor lie a proud 5 years, in which a lot has happened in the iPad world. Many iPad fans complained that the gap between the Pro and the normal iPad had become too wide. Apple finally closed it in 2019 with the introduction of the iPad Air 3. Its display size grew from 9.7 to 10.5" and yet did not lose its elegant and slim design. Inside is the A12 processor from the iPhone XS, which is plenty fast for most users.

The iPad Air supports the more powerful Bluetooth 5.0, whereas the standard iPad only supports version 4.2. Another advantage that the Air has over the normal iPad is that the display has an anti-reflective coating and thus reflects less in bright light. In addition, the iPad Air 3 scores with True Tone technology: this means that the screen display adjusts automatically to ambient light.

Conclusion: The iPad Air 3 is simply a great iPad - light, slim and full of power. For all those who want something more than just surfing, this is a great option to experience some of Apple's newer age technology without breaking the bank.

#4 The iPad Pro 3

The iPad Pro 12.9" is now in its 5th generation, and is updated almost annually by Apple. Our recommendation, looking at the price-performance ratio, is the iPad Pro 3, which was launched at the end of 2018.

What are the differences between the iPad Pro 3 and iPad Pro 4? There have been some improvements, like the increase to 6 GB of RAM or the use of the A12Z Bionic processor, but honestly, the 3rd generation A12X Bionic processor will run all your apps just as fast and you won't notice a difference in everyday use. Both models have 1 TB storage options and both are equipped with the Retina Display. The 2nd generation Apple Pen is also compatible with both generations. The refurbished 3rd generation iPad Pro with 64 GB is currently priced starting at $465 on Back Market - in other words, you can save around 30% compared to a new device. 

Conclusion: Are you looking for a refurbished iPad Pro that can handle all your needs and is the size of a laptop? Then you'll be very well served by the 2018 12.9” iPad Pro 3 with purchase options under $500.

Choosing the right iPad for you

Which refurbished iPad should you buy? Hopefully we've helped you make your decision a little easier, and we're glad that you are considering buying a second-hand tablet. Most Apple iPads are probably going to serve you well unless you need it for more extensive work or projects that require heavy processing speeds. But rest assured, you'll be able to save a good bit of money by buying refurbished without sacrificing the performance you expect from a new tablet.

If you're still not sure, the best thing to do is to go through the questions from the first paragraph again and write down exactly what you want from a tablet to help narrow down your options. Have fun with your new-ish tablet :)