Take a look at the best iPad to buy in 2025

July 17, 2025


9 mins read


Miguel G.

Sr. Tech Copywriter (US)

In the world of technology, when it comes to what to buy and when to buy it, Back Market steps in to make your choice easier. With fast-paced technological advancement and endless choices, you can rely on Back Market to find the best iPad for you to buy in 2025 without doing all the research yourself or worrying about paying an arm and a leg for a new device. These refurbished devices are a fraction of the cost, with premium capabilities and guarantees.

  • iPad Pro M4 13-inch 

    The iPad Pro M4 (13-inch, 2024) delivers top performance with its advanced M4 chip and bright Liquid Retina display. Perfect for creative work, it efficiently supports video editing, graphic design and multitasking.

  • Apple iPad Air M2 

    The iPad Air (M2, 2024) merges Apple’s powerful M2 chip with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, USB-C, up to 1TB of storage, 10-hour battery life and Apple Pencil support, and is ideal for creatives and productivity. 

  • iPad mini 7 (2024) 

    The iPad mini 7 (2024) offers compact power with its A17 Pro chip and 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. It is perfect for reading, note-taking and gaming, delivering reliable portability and efficient performance. 

  • iPad (11th Generation) 

    The iPad (11th Generation, 2025) is a budget device with an A16 Bionic chip and 11-inch Liquid Retina display. It delivers performance for browsing, streaming and gaming at a competitive price.

Why you can trust this guide 

Back Market is widely recognized as a trusted source for refurbished electronics, including iPads. We maintain strict quality control standards by certifying and testing each device before it reaches customers. Transparent product descriptions and customer reviews are there to give you clear insight into performance and reliability.  

Comprehensive warranties and dedicated support guarantee dependable after-sale service, while established partnerships with reputable refurbishers and a commitment to sustainability further strengthen Back Market’s reputation.  

This guide reflects Back Market’s long history of reliability and accurate information, making it a trusted resource for choosing the best iPad to buy in 2025 and beyond with proven value. 

iPad Pro M4 13-inch (2024)

Verdict: 5/5 

The iPad Pro 13-inch is one of the most powerful models and is well-suited to users who need all the high-end capabilities.

iPad Pro M4 13-inch specifications 

  • Display: 13-inch Liquid Retina XDR with ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) 

  • Processor: Apple M4 chip 

  • Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 

  • Camera: 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-wide rear cameras with LiDAR scanner; 12MP Ultra-wide front camera 

  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback 

  • Colors: Silver and Space Gray 

  • Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard with trackpad 

iPad Pro M4 13-inch pros and cons 

Pros ✅ 

Cons ❌ 

Advanced performance with the Apple M4 chip  

Premium price point may be high for some users 

High-resolution 13-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion  

Larger size can affect portability  

Multiple storage options (up to 2TB)  

May offer more power than needed for casual tasks  

Supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Magic Keyboard Advanced camera system with LiDAR scanner 

Battery life is capped at around 10 hours  

Available in Silver and Space Gray 

 

"The iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) is the best tablet Apple has ever made, and the company has clearly thrown everything at it. "

- Tech Radar

iPad Pro M4 13-inch: features and benefits 

The iPad Pro M4 (13‑inch, 2024) sets a new benchmark in tablet performance and design. Powered by the advanced M4 chip, it delivers exceptional speed and efficiency for creative professionals and multitaskers alike. Its Ultra Retina XDR display produces stunning colors and deep contrasts, making it ideal for graphic design, video editing, and immersive media consumption. The sleek, slim design offers portability without sacrificing power. Enhanced camera features and improved battery life add to its appeal, even as its premium price may challenge budget-conscious buyers. Overall, the iPad Pro M4 (13‑inch, 2024) is engineered for those who demand the best in performance and visual quality. It remains a top choice for innovators. 

iPad Air M2 (2024) 

Verdict: 3.5/5 

The iPad Air M2 balances affordability with performance and suits students and casual users beautifully.

iPad Air M2 (2024) specifications 

  • Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina with True Tone 

  • Processor: Apple M2 system-on-chip: 8-core CPU 

  • Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 

  • Camera: Rear 12MP ƒ/1.8 wide with Smart HDR and up to 4K video at 60fps; front 12MP ƒ/2.4 Ultra-wide with Center Stage and 1080p video 

  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours 

  • Colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue 

  • Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, Smart Folio, USB-C charging cable

iPad Air M2 (2024) pros and cons 

Pros ✅ 

Cons ❌ 

Solid performance with the Apple M2 chip 

No Face ID; relies solely on Touch ID in the power button 

Ultra-slim, lightweight design 

Base model’s 128GB storage can fill up quickly for heavy users 

More affordable while still offering strong capabilities 

Only one USB-C port limits simultaneous wired connections 

Bright, color-accurate Liquid Retina IPS display with P3 wide-color gamut and True Tone 

Standard 60Hz refresh rate lags behind Pro models’ 120Hz smoothness 

Full support for Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard 

 

Good camera setup for everyday use 

 

“It's a great option for students or content creators who don't need to harness the power of the iPad Pro but want a bigger screen”

- Wired 

iPad Air M2 (2024): features and benefits 

The 2024 iPad Air powered by the Apple M2 chip delivers laptop-class performance in a nimble tablet design. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS display features P3 wide color, True Tone, and up to 500 nits of brightness for rich visuals in any lighting. At just 0.24 in thin and weighing 1.02 lbs, it slips effortlessly into any bag. Choose from 128GB up to 1TB of SSD storage and 8GB of unified RAM for smooth multitasking. The 12MP rear camera shoots sharp photos and 4K video, while the 12 MP Ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage keeps you framed during video calls. Touch ID in the top button means you can secure your device with a tap. It offers up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback and USB-C charging, and is built for all-day use. 

iPad mini 7 (2024)

Verdict: 4/5

The iPad mini 7 (2024) packs advanced technology into a compact form that’s easy to carry around.

iPad mini 7 (2024) specifications 

  • Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina (approximately 2266 × 1488 resolution) 

  • Processor: Apple A17 Pro chip 

  • Storage options: 64GB, 256GB 

  • Camera: 12MP rear and 12MP Ultra-wide front 

  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback 

  • Colors: Space Gray, Silver, and a limited edition (e.g. Product Red) 

  • Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)

iPad mini 7 (2024) pros and cons 

Pros ✅ 

Cons ❌ 

Highly portable with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display 

Smaller display may limit multitasking and detailed work 

Powerful performance for its size with the Apple A17 Pro chip 

Limited storage options (64GB, 256GB) 

Compact design ideal for on-the-go activities 

Shorter battery life due to the smaller form factor 

Supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) 

Not designed for heavy creative or professional tasks 

Lightweight and easy to carry 

 

iPad mini 7 (2024): features and benefits 

The iPad mini 7 (2024) packs advanced technology into a compact form factor that’s perfect for on-the-go use. Powered by the A17 Pro chip, it offers a significant performance boost, so gaming, streaming, and productivity tasks run smoothly. Its 8.3‑inch Liquid Retina display produces sharp, vibrant images that bring media to life. The device supports the Apple Pencil for creative expression and note‑taking wherever you are. Enhanced connectivity and fast charging further improve the user experience. Despite its small size, the iPad mini 7 (2024) delivers power and convenience in a compact design, so it’s perfect for students and busy professionals.

iPad (11th Generation, 2025) 

Verdict: 3/5 

The iPad (11th Generation, 2025) is designed for everyday users who need something affordable and reliable.

iPad (11th Generation, 2025) specifications 

  • Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD (approximately 2388 × 1668 resolution) 

  • Processor: Apple A16 Bionic chip 

  • Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 

  • Camera: 12MP rear and 12MP front 

  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback 

  • Colors: Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Blue 

  • Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil (1st Gen) and Smart Keyboard 

iPad (11th Generation, 2025) pros and cons 

Pros ✅ 

Cons ❌ 

Budget-friendly option for everyday use 

Performance is lower compared to the Pro and Air models 

Reliable performance with the Apple A16 Bionic chip 

Display resolution is not as high as that of the Pro 

11-inch Liquid Retina IPS display provides clear visuals 

Limited accessory support (only Apple Pencil 1st Gen) 

Multiple storage options available 

Not ideal for intensive creative tasks or professional work 

Supports Apple Pencil (1st Gen) and Smart Keyboard 

 

Offered in several colors (Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Blue) 

 

“The iPad is a great tablet, and it’s very good at most of the things most people need from their iPads.”

- The Verge 

iPad (11th Generation, 2025): features and benefits 

The iPad (11th Generation, 2025) is designed for everyday users who need a reliable and affordable tablet. Powered by the efficient A16 Bionic chip, it handles browsing, streaming, and light gaming with ease. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display produces bright and clear visuals for both work and play. The design is familiar yet refined, offering improved battery life and faster charging. Though it lacks the advanced features of higher-end models, its versatility makes it ideal for students, professionals and casual users. With its dependable performance and accessible price, the iPad (11th Generation, 2025) remains a practical choice for daily use

Comparing the best iPads to buy in 2025 

Feature 

iPad Pro M4 (13-inch, 2024) 

iPad Air M2 (2024) 

iPad mini 7 (2024) 

iPad (11th Generation, 2025) 

Display 

13-inch Liquid Retina XDR with ProMotion  

11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina with True Tone 

8.3-inch Liquid Retina 

11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD 

Processor 

Apple M4 chip 

Apple M2 chip 

Apple A17 Pro  chip 

Apple A16 Bionic chip 

Storage options 

256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 

64GB, 256GB 

128GB, 256GB, 512GB 

Camera 

Rear: 12MP wide, 10MP Ultra-wide, LiDAR scanner; front: 12MP TrueDepth 

12MP rear and 12MP front Ultra-wide with Center Stage 

12MP rear and 12MP Ultra-wide front 

12MP rear and 12MP front 

Battery life 

± 10 hours 

± 10 hours 

± 10 hours 

± 10 hours 

Accessories 

Supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Magic Keyboard 

Supports Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard 

Supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) 

Supports Apple Pencil (1st Gen) and Smart Keyboard 

The best iPad to buy in 2025 shopping tips 

If you’re looking for the best time to buy an iPad, seasonal sales are a great way to get even more savings, like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, late November, end‑of‑year promotions, or the occasional flash deals. 

But if you’re shopping for an iPad in 2025 and don’t want to wait, consider a refurbished model from Back Market. Refurbished iPads undergo rigorous testing and repairs to ensure premium functionality, and they come with warranties and significant cost savings compared to brand new models.  

In many cases, refurbished devices offer improved value as they are thoroughly inspected and repaired by certified technicians. Buying refurbished also supports sustainability by reducing electronic waste. Back Market’s strict quality control and verified seller network make it a reliable option.  

For budget-conscious buyers looking for performance and quality, a refurbished iPad from Back Market is a smart and responsible choice for 2025. Studies confirm reliable longevity, matching the lifespan of new units and a sustainability factor that isn’t there with new models.    When it comes to the type of iPad to buy, think about what you need it for. If you're looking for something powerful but easier to lug around, check out the iPad mini 7 with improved connectivity. The iPad Air M2, on the other hand, is the ideal starter tablet with all the features you need and a much lower price tag. For top-of-the-mill tablets for the high-performing creatives and business people out there, the iPad Pro M4 or the iPad (11th generation, 2025) are the ideal choices.  

Written by Miguel G.Sr. Tech Copywriter (US)

Miguel is always looking for new ways to provide unique perspective on popular tech and has taken his writing to the refurbished industry to promote sustainability. Outside of creating content, you might find him travelling the globe, coaching a fitness class, or cheering on his favorite sports teams (Go Dolphins!)

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