4 reasons to buy a refurbished iPad (and where to get one)

Apple products: can’t live without them, hate buying them at full price. The company has done such a spectacular job of establishing themselves as the leading brand for phones, tablets, smartwatches and more that they set the market for all of their competitors and demand a premium. We’re not going to argue whether Apple stuff is worth what they ask for it — that’s a complicated question — but we will say that saving money is always top of mind when we write buyer’s guides for you guys.

One of the absolute best ways to get an Apple iPad for cheap is to pick one up refurbished. The company has a long-running program where they take returned hardware and restore it to nearly factory-new condition, then resell it. If you’ve never bought a refurbished electronic device before, here are some great reasons to try it with an iPad.

1 Refurbished iPads are less expensive

Save around 20%

This is absolutely the main reason that most people opt for a refurbished iPad. You can save as much as $320 on some models of the tablet, with the minimum discount being $70. In general, you can expect to save around 20% of the purchase price of a new iPad. That’s a really significant amount. When the tablets go on sale at a discount, refurbished models typically also drop by the same amount to keep pace. Purchasing from Apple also includes free shipping and returns, as well as a one-year warranty.

2 Refurbished iPads are almost identical to new iPads

Rigorous quality control process

If you didn’t know that the tablet was refurbished, you would never be able to tell by looking at it. Apple puts each returned iPad through a rigorous quality control process where they test its components, thoroughly clean them inside and out, and install their original operating system or the latest OS they can support. They’re shipped in identical boxes and packaged with all the accessories and cables they were originally sold with. The only reliable way to tell if an iPad has been refurbished is to go into the device’s Settings menu and check the model number. Refurbished units have model numbers that begin with the letter F.

3 Refurbished iPads have new components

Maximum value

One of the best aspects of Apple’s refurbishment program is that they replace the two parts of the tablet that get the most wear and tear — the outer casing and the battery. Those elements come factory new and are installed around the internal chips and frame of the iPad. In addition, any other parts that may be defective are also replaced, and the unit is rigorously tested to ensure that it’s operating at 100%.

Replacing the battery ensures that your new iPad will have a lifespan roughly equal to a new one. These new components are a great compromise, letting the processor, RAM, SSD and other parts still be used for maximum value.

4 Refurbished iPads are environmentally conscious

Refurbishing devices results in 78% CO2 savings

Apple has been consistently working to reduce the environmental impact of their operations, with a goal to be carbon neutral by 2023. Extending the life cycle of their products is a key element in meeting that goal. Refurbishing returned iPads means less materials need to be mined and transported and fewer components need to be made. This saves raw materials, water, energy and more. A study from Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH conducted on behalf of Refurbd found that refurbishing devices results in 78% CO2 savings, with similar benefits seen in energy and water consumption.

Purchasing a refurbished iPad also helps reduce e-waste. Instead of the older unit being sent to a landfill, most of its components are returned to use. This both eliminates the need to dispose of them in a landfill and extracts additional value from their manufacture.

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FAQ

Q: Are there downsides to buying a refurbished iPad?

Limited stock

Because the return and repair cycle takes time, it’s not common for the latest model iPads to turn up as refurbs until a while after they’re released. If you’re the type of person that needs to have the latest technology as soon as possible, you’re locked into buying one new. We know that a lot of Apple diehards meet that description. Supplies are often limited, and if you’re looking for a specific model and configuration there’s no guarantee that Apple will have it in stock refurbished.

Used vs. refurbished

There’s also a distinction between a “used” iPad and a “refurbished” one. Many stores, as well as online auction sites like eBay, sell “used” tablets that have been returned and given a cursory screening but not undergone a full diagnostic and repair. You often get what you pay for in those scenarios, including lower lifespan and lack of an extended warranty.

It’s also important to note that not all resellers have the same refurbishment process that Apple does. You can buy refurbished iPads at a number of sites, including Amazon and Best Buy. Each of those companies has their own process for restoring devices.

The closest to Apple’s quality standards is Best Buy. iPads labeled “Open-box Excellent Certified” have been cleaned and extensively tested, but have not had the battery or screen replacement that Apple does. They also have a one-year warranty. Amazon’s “Amazon Renewed” label is similar. Be careful purchasing from “marketplace” sellers on sites like Amazon, as they may not have the same requirements.

Q: Where can you buy a refurbished iPad?

Sites like BackMarket and Gazelle deal exclusively in refurbished hardware. BackMarket employs both internal repairpeople as well as contracting with Apple for refurbishment. There’s no stigma to purchasing refurbished hardware. It’s good for the environment and good for your wallet.

Q: Which old iPad model should you buy?

The best choice for an old iPad model would be one that is compatible with the latest iPadOS version (currently iPadOS 17.2) and fits within your budget.