Getting a refurbished iPad can save you a substantial amount of money while delivering a tablet that performs exactly like a brand-new model, warranty included. In May 2026, refurbished iPads start at $257 for the iPad 10 and reach $715 and above for the iPad Pro 11" M4, giving you a wide range to match any budget. To make your search easier, this guide covers seven of the best refurbished iPads you can buy in 2026, evaluated by budget-friendliness, performance, size, and ease of use.
The best refurbished iPads at a glance
| Model | Release year | Screen size | CPU | RAM | Best price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11″ M4 | 2024 | 11″ | M4 9-core | 8GB, 16GB | |
| iPad Air 11″ M3 | 2025 | 11″ | M3 8-core | 8GB | |
| iPad Air 11″ M2 | 2024 | 11″ | M2 8-core | 8GB | |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (6th gen) | 2022 | 12.9″ | M2 8-core | 8GB, 16GB | |
| iPad Air 5 | 2022 | 10.9″ | M1 8-core | 8GB | |
| iPad 10 | 2022 | 10.9″ | A14 Bionic 6-core | 4GB | |
| iPad mini 6 | 2021 | 8.3″ | A15 Bionic 6-core | 4GB |
Why choose a refurbished iPad?
Apple's iPads have dominated the global tablet market share for years, and for good reason. The platform offers an excellent set of tablet-focused apps, top-tier games, an intuitive operating system, outstanding performance, and the seamless integration that comes with the Apple ecosystem. iPads are also built to last: most models receive software updates for six to eight years, making them a reliable long-term investment. For more on lifespan by model, see our guide on how long iPads last.
If you want the Apple experience without the Apple price tag, a refurbished iPad is the smart move. In short, you save money and still get a device that works exactly as intended.
Refurbished iPads are not significantly different from new ones. Apple-certified refurbished products are restored to full working order by Apple itself, whether they were previously owned or used as display models. They remain eligible for AppleCare protection and arrive in like-new condition with a one-year warranty.
It is also worth keeping in mind that a refurbished device is not the same as a used device. A refurbished iPad goes through rigorous testing and cleaning by certified technicians and always includes a warranty. A used iPad sold privately may offer neither.
Demand for refurbished units of a given model typically rises after its successor launches, which pushes prices down further. That means some older models now represent excellent value and will serve you well for years. That is also why we sometimes exclude the very newest models: the refurbished supply has not yet built up, so discounts are slim.
To catch the best deal the moment it appears, set up a price alert on RefurbMe, and you will be notified instantly when the price drops.
Learn more: How to Set Up and Use an iPad: A Complete Guide
For a complete record of every iPad model with full specs and pricing history, see the iPad release dates and generations, iPad Air timeline, and iPad Pro timeline.
Without further ado, here are seven of the best refurbished iPads you can buy in 2026.
1. iPad Pro 11″ M4
| Release year | 2024 |
| Screen size | 11″ |
| OS | iPadOS 18 |
| CPU | Apple M4, 9-core |
| Main camera | 12 MP wide + Dual Pixel |
| Storage and RAM | 256GB / 8GB RAM, 512GB / 8GB RAM, 1TB / 16GB RAM, 2TB / 16GB RAM |
| Price | Starting at |
The iPad Pro 11" M4, released in 2024, is the most powerful iPad available in the refurbished market today. It is powered by Apple's M4 chip, which delivers a nine-core CPU capable of handling photo editing, video production, graphic design, and the latest games without breaking a sweat. Refurbished units currently start at $715 from certified sellers, compared to a new retail price of $999 for the base 256GB model.
The display is an Ultra Retina XDR OLED panel, a first for the iPad Pro line, offering exceptional contrast and color accuracy. The thinnest iPad Apple has ever made, it also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard with trackpad.
With refurbished units now appearing from reputable sellers, the iPad Pro 11" M4 offers serious performance at a meaningful discount over the retail price. If you prefer a larger workspace, you can opt for the 13-inch model instead.
2. iPad Air 11″ M3
| Release year | 2025 |
| Screen size | 11″ |
| OS | iPadOS 18 |
| CPU | Apple M3, 8-core |
| Main camera | 12 MP wide + Dual Pixel |
| Storage and RAM | 128GB / 8GB RAM, 256GB / 8GB RAM, 512GB / 8GB RAM |
| Price | Starting at |
The iPad Air 11" M3 arrived in early 2025 and brings a meaningful chip upgrade over its predecessor. The M3 processor is built on a three-nanometer process, which translates to better performance per watt and improved graphics compared to the M2. For the majority of users, this is the sweet spot: faster than the older Air while costing less than the Pro. Refurbished units currently start at $459, representing a solid saving over the new price of $599.
The Liquid Retina display remains bright and sharp, and the device supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard. Because it launched in 2025, refurbished stock is still building up, but certified sellers are already offering excellent condition units at competitive prices.
If you want even more screen space, the 13-inch iPad Air M3 offers the same internals in a larger form factor.
3. iPad Air 11″ M2
| Release year | 2024 |
| Screen size | 11″ |
| OS | iPadOS 18 |
| CPU | Apple M2, 8-core |
| Main camera | 12 MP wide + Dual Pixel |
| Storage and RAM | 128GB / 8GB RAM, 256GB / 8GB RAM, 512GB / 8GB RAM, 1TB / 8GB RAM |
| Price | Starting at |
The iPad Air 11" M2 of 2024 remains an excellent refurbished pick in 2026. Now that the M3 model has launched, prices on refurbished M2 units have dropped to $418 or less, making it one of the best value propositions in the entire iPad lineup. That is more than $180 off the original retail price of $599. The M2 chip handles everyday tasks, creative projects, and gaming without hesitation.
Learn more: 5 Best Apple Pencil Accessories
The vibrant Liquid Retina display works well for video, web browsing, and drawing with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The thin and light design makes it easy to carry, and it comes in several colors with multiple storage options. Both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations are available.
For more screen real estate with the same chip, consider the 13-inch model.
4. iPad Pro 12.9″ (6th gen)
| Release year | 2022 |
| Screen size | 12.9 inches |
| OS | iPadOS 18 |
| CPU | Apple M2, 8-core |
| Main camera | 12 MP Dual Pixel, 10 MP ultrawide |
| Storage and RAM | 128GB / 8GB RAM, 256GB / 8GB RAM, 512GB / 8GB RAM, 1TB / 16GB RAM, 2TB / 16GB RAM |
| Price | Starting at |
The sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro launched in 2022 with Apple's M2 chip and a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display running at 2732 x 2048 resolution. Refurbished prices now start at $562, compared to an original retail price of $1,099 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. That is a saving of nearly 49% for a device that still runs iPadOS 18 and handles professional workloads with ease.
The M2 CPU is up to 15% faster than its M1 predecessor and the ProMotion display adapts smoothly between 24 Hz and 120 Hz. ProRes video recording, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and storage options of up to 2TB round out the specification list.
This is the right choice for designers, illustrators, and anyone who uses their iPad as a near-laptop replacement. If you do not need the raw power of a Pro or the enormous display, keep looking.
5. iPad Air 5
| Release year | 2022 |
| Screen size | 10.9 inches |
| OS | iPadOS 18 |
| CPU | Apple M1, 8-core |
| Main camera | 12 MP wide, Dual Pixel |
| Storage and RAM | 64GB / 8GB RAM, 256GB / 8GB RAM |
| Price | Starting at |
The iPad Air 5 of 2022 punches well above its current asking price. Refurbished units now start at $266, down from an original retail price of $599, making this one of the steepest discounts in the current iPad lineup. It carries the same M1 chip found in the MacBook Air of that era, delivering performance that competes with older iPad Pro models at a significantly lower price point. It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, the Smart Keyboard Folio, and the Magic Keyboard.
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display runs at 2360 x 1640 resolution with 264 ppi. The device also supports 5G on cellular models, and battery life runs to around ten hours of typical use.
Learn more: How to Save Battery on iPad: 30 Easy Tips
Available in multiple colors, the iPad Air 5 is one of the best options for anyone who wants the best balance between performance and cost. It also makes a capable choice for students or anyone who wants a productive daily driver without the Pro price tag.
Related review: iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 5: The Key Differences
6. iPad 10
| Release year | 2022 |
| Screen size | 10.9 inches |
| OS | iPadOS 18 |
| CPU | Apple A14 Bionic, 6-core |
| Main camera | 12 MP ultrawide |
| Storage and RAM | 64GB / 4GB RAM, 256GB / 4GB RAM |
| Price | Starting at |
The tenth-generation iPad represents the best entry point into the iPad ecosystem for budget-focused buyers in 2026. Refurbished units start at just $257, nearly 57% off the original retail price of $599, making it the most affordable way to own a modern iPad. It brought the regular iPad lineup into the modern era with a 10.9-inch all-screen design, a USB-C port, a landscape front camera, and support for Apple's Smart Folio keyboard.
The A14 Bionic chip handles web browsing, streaming, note-taking, and light creative work with ease. It is not a powerhouse compared to the M-chip models above, but it runs iPadOS 18, receives app support from the full App Store catalog, and provides reliable battery life for everyday use.
For students, casual users, or anyone gifting a tablet to a family member, the iPad 10 is a well-rounded option that won't break the budget. To find the right accessories, see our picks for best iPad accessories.
7. iPad mini 6
| Release year | 2021 |
| Screen size | 8.3 inches |
| OS | iPadOS 18 |
| CPU | Apple A15 Bionic, 6-core |
| Main camera | 12 MP standard |
| Storage and RAM | 64GB / 4GB RAM, 256GB / 4GB RAM |
| Price | Starting at |
The iPad mini 6 occupies a unique position in the lineup: a pocket-friendly tablet with a fast A15 Bionic chip, Apple Pencil (2nd gen) support, and a sharp 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Refurbished units now start at $302 from certified sellers, down from an original retail price of $499. If portability is your top priority, no other Apple tablet comes close to this form factor.
The laminated display with True Tone and P3 wide color makes writing and drawing feel precise. For travel, commuting, reading long-form articles, or watching content on the go, the mini 6 is hard to beat. Its compact size also makes it one of the most popular choices as a good iPad for kids and younger users.
With the iPad mini 7 now available as new, refurbished prices on the mini 6 have come down noticeably, making this generation an even stronger value proposition than it was at launch.
Review: iPad Air 4 vs. iPad mini 6: Which One Should You Get?
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
A refurbished iPad is a smart way to save money, provided you choose a reputable seller with a professional restoration process. All products shown on RefurbMe are sold by trusted merchants and include a warranty.
In May 2026, the refurbished iPad market offers more choice than ever, with prices ranging from $257 for the iPad 10 up to $715 and above for the iPad Pro M4. Whether you are a student on a tight budget, a creative professional who needs maximum performance, or someone looking for the most portable option, there is a model in this guide for you.
Some iPads take longer than others to reach the refurbished market after a new generation launches. If the model you want is currently unavailable, you can create an availability alert and be notified the moment it goes on sale or comes back into stock.
Learn more: 5 Best Places to Buy a Refurbished iPad
Also useful: Best Note-Taking Apps for iPad
From the iPad Pro M4 of 2024, with its class-leading performance, to the compact iPad mini 6 that slips into a jacket pocket, this guide covers the full range. Check back as new generations launch and refurbished prices shift.
For the complete live inventory of refurbished iPads available right now, see below:
Last updated: May 29, 2026 · First published: Dec 13, 2024