Skip the Apple Store: BackMarket's pre-loved MacBooks and iPads can save you up to $400 — perfect for thrifty students

Headed off to college soon? No doubt you're looking for a reliable machine for study or work. And, no doubt Apple is right at the top of your list if you're already thinking about brands. There is just one issue — the best Apple tech can set you back a pretty penny.

There is one solution I'd like to float, however, and that's buying a 'pre-loved' model. Specifically from BackMarket, which is a specialist site that lets you pick up professionally refurbished products with a very healthy discount versus new.

BackMarket has some great options right now, such as the MacBook Air 13 M4 for $854 (was $999). That's a fantastic choice for any student because the MacBook Air 13 balances performance with excellent portability and battery life. Even though this isn't the latest model anymore, it's still very powerful and features an identical design to the 2026 iteration.

If you need a tablet, I'd highly recommend the iPad Pro M2 for $615 (was $999) or the iPad Air 5 for $305 (was $599). Again, neither is the latest model, but these both hold up great in 2026, with designs that are just as good as the most modern models. You can read more about these iPads in detail below.

BackMarket Apple deals

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4): was $999 now $854 at Back Market (US)

Regardless of whether you're headed out to college or just want a great laptop, the MacBook Air 13 (M4) is still an amazing choice. Outwardly, this model is functionally identical to the latest iteration, and the M4 chipset still holds up great for everything from the basics to more intensive applications. Right now, BackMarket has a fantastic deal on this model, making it significantly cheaper than the latest model, and there's also the option to trade in your old laptop for an even bigger discount.

View Deal

Apple iPad Pro (2022, M2): was $999 now $613 at Back Market (US)

The iPad Pro from 2022 is an older device now, but it's still a fantastic tablet if you need something with plenty of power. The differences between this one and the latest model drill down to the chipset and display, mostly. It's a little slower than the newer model, but still wildly quick, and you get an LCD display rather than an OLED panel. Considering BackMarket's current price, this one is definitely a strong choice for students.

View Deal

Apple iPad Air 5 (2022, M1): was $599 now $305.72 at Back Market (US)

The iPad Air 5 rocks the legendary M1 chipset — a much older processor now, but one that massively surprised us when it first debuted. It's a chipset that's still very capable for the wide majority of tasks and provides good battery life, too. While the Air isn't as powerful as the Pro, it's a good mid-tier option between the standard iPad and the higher-end models. It's lightweight, powerful, and features a great display.

View Deal

Picking up a device at BackMarket is more favorable than buying a second-hand device on an auction site simply because they check every device, use official parts for refurbishment, and also include a one-year warranty. It can be a little pricier than some options, but it's definitely worth it if you want peace of mind.

While you're at BackMarket, be sure to check out the retailer's excellent trade-in rebates and flash deals. I've listed the standard prices for each device here, but I've also seen the retailer offer limited-time flash deals on products that have offered even cheaper deals.