The 7 best refurbished tablets of 2025

The best tablet is one that meets your needs and budget. In 2025, tablets can be anything from super-powerful creative tools to budget-friendly, durable video screens. We've reviewed some of the best refurbished tablets of 2025, from premium Apple and Samsung powerhouses to budget-friendly Amazon Fire models.

The good news? There's a tablet out there for you, no matter your budget. If you're ready to dive into the cyclical economy of technology, let's explore the top seven best tablets of 2025 that nail speed, style, and battery life.

Why you should trust this guide 

Back Market has distilled years of industry insight, performance benchmarks, and user feedback to offer a transparent roadmap to excellent refurbished tablets. Each tablet listed here passes a rigorous 25‑point inspection, including battery health checks, port and sensor tests, and visual assessments to ensure at least 80 % battery capacity and like‑new functionality.

Back Market's certified sellers stick to strict refurbishment standards, from IMEI blocklisting to component compatibility tests, that guarantee reliable, secure devices. This guide is supported by a 1-year seller warranty and 30‑day return policy, and empowers you to buy with confidence, knowing every recommendation meets top‑tier performance, value, sustainability, and reliability benchmarks. 

Best overall tablet: Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation) 

The iPad Pro (6th Generation) commands every task with a hush of raw power. Its 6-core M2 chip takes lag off the table, letting you juggle Procreate layers, video edits, and split-screen research like a circus performer. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display paints each pixel with theatrical precision, while the stereo speakers almost offer surround sound. Despite weighing under 18 oz, the tablet feels like it's built to last thanks to its sturdy metal frame. The Face ID helps to quell security concerns and unlocks in a flash when you need it.  

Pros and cons 

Pros 

• Lightning-fast performance 

• Crisp 11-inch Liquid Retina display 

• Face ID for easy unlocking 

• Up to 10 hours of battery life 

Cons 

• Price is a bit of a splurge, but it's a bang for your buck 

• Headphone jack may be missing, but the Bluetooth's got it handled 

• Accessories sold separately 

"Received my refurbished iPad Pro 12.9" in flawless condition. It works as expected. The process to copy apps and data from the existing iPad 32 GB to the new one took a little bit of time. It was necessary to erase everything on the new machine back to the Hello screen. Ordering from Back Market was very seamless. I received the device well packed with new Apple USB-C charger and cable. The item was received within 4 business days after ordering. Trackable on FedEx. Have not tested camera or battery life as yet, so not reviewing those aspects, I'm sure they are acceptable."  

James F. - Purchased on May 3, 2025 

New: $799| Refurbished: $507 -----------> How about you take the extra $292 in savings and upgrade to a Magic keyboard, or throw in a handy stylus? Grab something else you want out of this deal.

Best budget tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9

With a price tag that won't trigger panic in your wallet, the Galaxy Tab A9 handles daily tasks surprisingly easily. A quad-core processor powers your web browsing, video calls, and light gaming without so much as a stutter. The 10.1-inch LCD stays bright under lamps or midday glare. Storage starts at 32 GB, but the microSD slot lets you stash photos, music, and apps as high as you want. Its 8MP rear camera grabs clear snaps when you need them the most. Parents, students, and casual users can enjoy reliable performance wrapped in a lightweight package that slides into backpacks and briefcases easily. 

Pros and cons 

Pros 

• Affordable without skimping on basics 

• MicroSD slot for extra storage 

• Decent 10-hour battery life 

Cons 

• Modest speaker quality  

• Display lacks HDR support 

• A little slow when it's working too hard 

"Arrived quickly and price was phenomenal. I was surprised how spotless it was when it showed up and how well it works. I've been using it for about 3 weeks now and have had no issues. It connects really well with my other Samsung devices, and I haven't had any connection, speed, or storage issues. I would highly recommend it, and it is definitely substantially better than the tablet that it replaced! Thank God!" 

Christopher S. - Purchased on March 11, 2025 

New: $219 | Refurbished: $129-------> You can take the $90 you would have spent and put it in a piggy bank, or towards something you've been looking forward to for a while, the choice is yours. 

Best Android tablet for streaming: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (12.4-inch) 

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE gives us premium flair at a price point that is friendlier than some of the others. Its 12.4-inch TFT display spreads vivid colors across games, films, and productivity tools. Under the hood, a Snapdragon processor blinks through multitasking, while up to 8 GB of RAM keeps your tabs nippy. Launch DeX mode for a desktop-like interface when paired with a keyboard. The included S Pen slides into its slot, ready for sketches, annotations, or scribbles in OneNote. The battery life stretches beyond a full workday, and the fingerprint scanning sits neatly under the power button for quick unlocks.  

Pros and cons 

Pros 

• Large, vivid 12.4-inch display 

• Built-in S Pen included 

• Samsung DeX for productivity 

Cons 

• Built on the heavier side 

• Gotta be firm with the fingerprint scanner 

• Camera quality is mid 

"I've been enjoying using it. It's nice to have a useful tablet for everything I normally use a laptop." 

Gordon E. - Purchased on April 8, 2025 

New: $549 | Refurbished: $268 ------> Take advantage of the $281 savings and pay for a few more streaming sites, to binge-watch more of your favorite shows 

Best for creatives: Apple iPad Air M2 (10.9-inch)

The iPad Air M2 marries agility and muscle in a sturdy, feather-light body. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display has True Tone and wide P3 color, so your illustrations and edits shine with authenticity. The M2 chip easily slices through 4K video rendering and complex Procreate canvases, while the Neural Engine powers on-device AI for background removal or smart layer blending. The Apple Pencil 2 (sold separately) attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, transforming the screen into a limitless sketchbook. The stereo speakers add immersive sound to your favorite shows. 

Pros and cons Pros 

• Potent M2 performance 

• Support for Apple Pencil 2 

• Lightweight and slim 

Cons 

• Apple Pencil 2 sold separately  

• Who needs Face ID when your thumb works perfectly fine? 

• Be vigilant with your port usage 

"I'm really loving my new, to me, iPad! My old one had become obsolete, with apps not working correctly and stuck at OS 15.8.4. This one is so awesome! It's fast and beautiful! It has all the new updates! One of my favorite features is the Apple Weather app. My old one couldn't get it. - So very happy! This is the second device I've purchased through Backmarket. I won't shop anywhere else for tech! 👍🏼" 

Laura K. - Purchased on May 14, 2025 

New: $599 | Refurbished: $454 --------> That's an extra $145 that you can put towards your creative endeavors, whether you're learning something new or on the hunt for some new tools. 

Best for kids: Amazon Fire HD 10 (Kids Edition) 

Parents, meet the tablet that stands up to sticky fingers and boundless energy. The Fire HD 10 Kids Edition wraps a 2.5-meter drop-proof bumper around a 10.1-inch screen tuned to 1080p (this doesn't come with the standard edition). The kid-safe profiles keep content on point, from interactive books to educational games. The parental controls let you set screen time and filter content, and a 1-year warranty means you get a working replacement if it ever stops working. With up to 12 hours of mixed-use battery life and up to 64 GB of expandable storage, it's a trusty portal to cartoons, creativity, and the occasional peace and quiet. 

Pros and cons 

Pros 

• Rugged, kid-proof case in Kids Edition 

• Built-in parental controls 

• Worry-free guarantee 

Cons 

• Fire OS may not live up to Android 

• Ads on the lock screen  

• 32 GB base-level storage  

"I waited a while to leave a review. I am pleased with the service." 

Allen M. - Purchased on December 28, 2024 

New: $149 | Refurbished: $117 --------> There's $32 in your back pocket for you to put back into savings or spend it on something else the little ones have been craving. 

Best for readers: Apple iPad mini 6 (8.3-inch) 

Timeless, portable, and undeniably charming, the iPad mini 6 slips easily into every bag and even some deep pockets. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display dazzles with True Tone, anti-reflective coating, and wide color, making it ideal for readers. The A15 Bionic chip powers intensive tasks like PDF annotation and augmented-reality apps without breaking a sweat. The Touch ID nests in the top button for quick unlocks, and the USB-C port handles fast charging and accessory connections. And on your downtime, the stereo speakers pump out clear audio.  

Pros and cons 

Pros 

• Ultra-portable form factor 

• Solid performance with the A15 chip all the way through 

• Side-mounted Touch ID 

Cons 

• An 8.3-inch display is small for a tablet 

• Accessories cost extra 

• Bluetooth earpieces have to replace a standard jack 

 "Shipping was super quick. Once it arrived, I honestly didn't even notice any imperfections even though I ordered the iPad in what was considered "fair" condition. It works perfectly, haven't had a single issue with it. Overall 10/10 purchase." 

Amaya A. - Purchased on May 19, 2025 

New: $499 | Refurbished: $279 --------> You can take the $220 saved and run for the hills, where you can sit under a blossoming tree and read the latest release on your iPad mini 6. 

Best convertible tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 

The Surface Pro 9 easily flips from tablet to laptop, deploying its adjustable kickstand to find the perfect angle, then snapping on the Type Cover (sold separately) for full-blown productivity. A 13-inch PixelSense display dazzles at 2880 × 1920 resolution. The Intel Evo Core processors give you laptop-grade performance while saving battery, and the Thunderbolt 4 ports let you attach monitors or fast SSDs. The Windows 11 Home offers touch-friendly apps alongside solid software. 

Pros and cons 

Pros 

• Versatile kickstand design 

• Full Windows 11 experience 

• Sharp 13-inch PixelSense display 

Cons 

• Type Cover costs extra 

• Decent 8-hour battery life 

• Keep messy fingers off the screen to avoid smudges 

"The device is literally in Mint condition as described + Quick shipping, such a professional business… Back Market, you are doing a perfectly great job! I am really impressed … I rarely write a review on any product, but this definitely deserves a 5 Stars rating." 

Mohamed S. - Purchased on April 4, 2025 

New: $1,000 | Refurbished: $639 -------> That's a whopping $361 in savings you can spend however you like.    

Why last year's tech is this year's smartest buy? 

Previous years' tablets have started to shine as the smartest buy because time has ironed out their kinks, slashed their prices, and proven their enduring value. Early adopters tested every feature, leaving you with focused hardware that offers optimum performance without the premium price tag. Refurbished on Back Market and sold as Verified Refurbished, these devices combine tested reliability with sustainability, keeping competent machines in play instead of in a landfill. Investing in previous years' tech means superior savings, reduced waste impact, and confidence that every component has already stood the test of time. You gain cutting‑edge specs like powerful processors and vivid displays at bargain rates. Our refurbished units come road-tested and renewed, so you won't notice any difference, apart from the lighter price tag. 

Why buying refurbished makes sense 

Refurbished devices undergo a rigorous multistep refurbishment process that includes complete diagnostics, defective part replacement, and battery health checks. Industry professionals restore each device to meet or exceed original performance benchmarks, then back it with a 1-year warranty. By choosing refurbished from Back Market, you can slash your tech spend by up to 50% and keep functional electronics out of landfills.  

Every device you buy lowers e-waste and reduces the mining of precious metals, reducing the toxic waste released into the air. In 2025, smart spending and environmental responsibility should walk hand in hand, so give a device a second life and feel good about every swipe. 

Shopping smart and circular: Our final thoughts 

Whether you crave raw power, creative tools, or family-friendly longevity, a refurbished tablet on Back Market fits your needs and budget. These devices deliver tested performance and eco-friendly credentials from the pocket-sized iPad mini to the desktop-grade Microsoft Surface Pro. Save up to 50% by shopping refurbished on Back Market instead of new from retailers. Embrace circular living, keep your wallet happy, and sketch or scroll on a renewed and reliable device.