The second-hand iPad market in 2026 is unusually healthy. Apple's long software support cycles mean older models keep their value in use even when they lose it in price. A £60 iPad on eBay can genuinely be the best purchase you make this year — as long as you know what you're getting.
This guide covers the full picture: where to buy, what condition grades mean, and specific model recommendations at each price point — including which devices still run iOS 26 and which have hit their update ceiling.
Where to Buy: The Three Main Options
Amazon Renewed
Amazon's refurbished programme tests devices for functionality and appearance, and includes a 90-day return policy. The quality is generally reliable — "Renewed" listings typically match the descriptions. Prices run 10–20% higher than eBay for equivalent condition, but the buyer protection is worth it if you're not comfortable bidding on unknown sellers.
Browse refurbished iPads on Amazon →
Best for: buyers who want peace of mind, gift purchases, business use.
eBay
The widest selection and lowest prices, with the most variability. Private sellers and specialist refurbishers both list here. Look for sellers with 99%+ positive feedback, "Seller refurbished" or "Good" condition listings, and ideally photos of the actual device rather than stock images. eBay buyer protection covers most disputes.
Best for: experienced buyers who want the best price and know what to look for.
Back Market
A curated marketplace of professional refurbishers with standardised condition grades and a 12-month warranty on most listings. Prices sit between Amazon Renewed and eBay. Their grading is more consistent than eBay's individual sellers.
Best for: buyers who want longer warranty coverage than Amazon Renewed offers.
Understanding Condition Grades
Condition grading varies between platforms but generally maps as follows:
- Pristine / Like New / Excellent — Minimal or no visible wear. Often ex-demo or very lightly used. Premium price.
- Very Good / Good — Light scratches, may have minor marks on the back. Screen typically clean. The sweet spot for value.
- Fair / Acceptable — Noticeable cosmetic wear. Screen may have scratches. Battery likely more degraded. Cheapest but risky for anything other than a spare device.
For a child's device or casual use: Good condition is fine. For a primary device: aim for Very Good or above. For a gift: Pristine.
🔋 Battery health: Not all listings state this, but a battery at less than 80% capacity will noticeably affect daily use. Good refurbishers replace batteries below threshold. When in doubt, ask the seller before buying, or check on arrival and return if it's poor — Amazon Renewed and Back Market both support this.
Best Picks by Price
iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 4
The cheapest functional iPads you can buy with a decent screen. Both cap at iOS 15, which means YouTube and Spotify apps don't install fresh — but BBC iPlayer, games, music production apps, and reading all still work. Ideal as a dedicated kitchen or bedside display, or for a young child's media device where cost matters more than capability.
The iPad Air 2 is preferred at this price for its larger 9.7" screen. The mini 4 wins on portability. Both are equally limited by iOS 15. Don't pay more than £55 for either.
£35–55 on eBay (Good condition) · Search Amazon →
iPad 6th or 7th Generation
The strongest all-round recommendation at this price. Both run modern iOS (17/18), support essentially every family and children's app, and are robust enough for daily use. The 7th gen is marginally preferred (10.2" screen, iOS 18 vs 17, Smart Keyboard support), but the 6th gen is fine if it's cheaper. Apple Pencil 1st gen compatible.
This is the right choice for a child's primary iPad, a kitchen device, or a secondary tablet for a household with multiple users.
£55–85 on eBay or Amazon Renewed · Search Amazon →
iPad Pro 10.5" (2017)
The standout recommendation at this tier. The A10X Fusion is meaningfully faster than the A10 in the 6th/7th gen iPad. The ProMotion 120Hz display is noticeably smoother than every 60Hz tablet in this price range. With 4GB RAM, it handles Procreate, video editing, and serious productivity apps without hesitation.
Apple Pencil 1st gen support and Smart Keyboard compatibility make this a genuinely capable creative and productivity device at well under £200 for device + accessories. Runs iOS 17 — most mainstream apps still support this as of mid-2026.
£90–130 on eBay or Back Market · Search Amazon →
iPad 9th Generation (2021)
If budget stretches to £150–160, this is an entirely different proposition: a fully current iPad that runs iOS 26 and receives ongoing security updates. The 9th gen is Apple's longest-selling entry-level iPad and is widely available refurbished. No iOS ceiling concerns for the foreseeable future.
The tradeoff vs the iPad Pro 10.5" at similar price: no ProMotion, older chip, no Apple Pencil support (uses gen 1 but not gen 2). For general use and content consumption, the 9th gen is the right choice. For creative work, the Pro 10.5" wins on display quality.
£130–160 on Amazon Renewed or Back Market · Search Amazon →
What to Avoid
⚠️ Avoid: iPad mini 1st, 2nd, 3rd gen (iOS 9 max — most apps won't install); iPad 1–4 (too old, iOS 5–10); iPad Pro 9.7" 2016 (only 2GB RAM despite "Pro" branding — poor value vs other options at similar price); any device sold as "for parts" or with a cracked screen unless you're comfortable with DIY repair.
Quick Summary Table
| Budget | Best pick | iOS | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under £55 | iPad Air 2 | iOS 15 | Kitchen, reading, media |
| Under £85 | iPad 7th gen | iOS 18 | Kids, family, second device |
| Under £130 | iPad Pro 10.5" | iOS 17 | Creative, Pro apps, Pencil |
| Under £160 | iPad 9th gen | iOS 26 | General use, future-proof |
Check app compatibility for your device
Once you have your iPad, use AppCompat to find exactly what apps are available for your model and iOS version.
Find compatible apps →