Best iPads for students

A student’s best too without breaking the bank

Whether you’re in school or university, being a student today means living in a digital world. From taking notes in class and writing essays to joining video lectures and sketching your next big idea, an iPad can replace your notebook, textbook, and even your laptop. But let’s face it, brand new iPads can get pricey, and most students don’t have hundreds of euros to spare.

That’s where refurbished iPads from Swappie come in. Swappie offers premium Apple tablets at up to 40% less than new, all professionally refurbished in-house, and backed by a 24-month warranty and 14-day free return policy. Our devices go through a rigorous 52-step testing process, so you don’t just save money, you get real peace of mind.

As experts in Apple devices, we’ve tested these iPads ourselves, and will guide you through the best models for students in 2025, covering performance, battery life, accessories, and overall value.

Best iPads for students in 2025

Each student’s needs are different. That’s why we’ve picked four top iPads, depending on what you study and how you use your tech.

iPad 9 (2021) – The best all-rounder for students

From €249 at Swappie
If you’re looking for a powerful iPad that won’t drain your bank account, the iPad 9 is your go-to. With its A13 Bionic chip, it handles all school apps with ease,  including Notion, Microsoft Word and Google Docs. The 10.2-inch Retina display is bright and crisp, which is great for reading and watching lectures.

Apple Pencil (1st gen) compatibility makes it perfect for handwritten notes and annotations. Add a Bluetooth keyboard and you’re set for class, libraries, or studying on the go.

Why students love it:

• Great performance for multitasking
• Long battery life (up to 10 hours)
  
• Budget-friendly and reliable.
  

iPad 8 (2020) – Best for students who need more storage

From €249 at Swappie
The iPad 8 is similar to the iPad 9 in size and function, but comes at a slightly lower price point. That means you can store more documents, videos, apps, and even creative projects without needing to rely on cloud storage.

With the A12 Bionic chip, it’s slightly older, but still fast for everyday student work. Like the iPad 9, it also supports the Apple Pencil (1st gen).

Ideal for:

• Students who store lots of files locally on their device
• Offline productivity (PDFs, textbooks, video lectures)
• Budget-conscious shoppers.
  

iPad Air 4 (2020) – Best for productivity and portability

From €449 at Swappie
Looking for laptop-level performance in a lightweight tablet? The iPad Air 4 might be your answer. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip and a gorgeous 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, it’s ideal for writing, researching, presenting, or video calling.

It supports the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Magic Keyboard, so you can turn it into a full workstation, perfect for uni life, especially if you move between your classrooms, the library, and your home.

Ideal for:

• University students juggling multiple tasks
• Students who prefer to type long papers on a keyboard
• Those who want USB-C charging and faster data transfer.
  

iPad Air 5 (2022) – Best for creative students

From €529 at Swappie
With the M1 chip (yes, the same one in some MacBooks!), the iPad Air 5 is built for more than just notes and docs. It’s a dream for digital art, design, 3D modeling, and even video editing on the go.

Pair it with the Apple Pencil (2nd gen), and you’ve got a tool that rivals professional creative setups. Despite the power, it’s slim, lightweight, and battery efficient.

Ideal for:

• Graphic design, architecture, digital art
• Video and music editing
• Students in creative fields who want speed and precision.
  

Accessorise your iPad life

Every iPad from Swappie is compatible with a wide range of student-friendly accessories, which can transform how you work:

Accessory	Best for…	Compatible Models
Apple Pencil (1st gen)	Handwritten notes, sketching, annotations	iPad 8, iPad 9
Apple Pencil (2nd gen)	Advanced design and note-taking	iPad Air 4, Air 5
Bluetooth or Magic Keyboard	Typing essays, multitasking	All models
Folio cases and screen protectors	Protection for everyday use	All models

Swappie also offers affordable accessories like:

• Shockproof folio cases
• Trifold slim tablet cases
• Tempered glass screen protectors
  Starting from just €19.95.
  

Comparison table: Which iPad is right for you?

iPad Model	Best for	Display	Storage Options	Chip	Apple Pencil	Keyboard Support	Price from
iPad 8	Budget + storage	10.2″ Retina	128 GB	A12 Bionic	1st gen	Yes	€219
iPad 9	Best value	10.2″ Retina	64 / 256 GB	A13 Bionic	1st gen	Yes	€249
iPad Air 4	Portability + power	10.9″ Liquid Retina	64 / 256 GB	A14 Bionic	2nd gen	Yes (Magic)	€339
iPad Air 5	Creative power	10.9″ Liquid Retina	64 / 256 GB	M1	2nd gen	Yes (Magic)	€379

Note on pricing:
Prices listed are based on current offers on Swappie Germany and refer to the lowest available configurations. Prices may vary depending on device condition (e.g. “Very Good”, “Like New”) and stock availability. 

FAQs: choosing your iPad as a student

Is a refurbished iPad safe to buy?

Absolutely. At Swappie, every iPad is fully tested, cleaned, and repaired by our own team, no outsourcing. You get a 24-month warranty and 14 days to return it, no questions asked.

Can I take handwritten notes with an iPad?

Yes. With the Apple Pencil (sold separately), you can use apps like GoodNotes or Notability to take notes just like on paper, but smarter.

Which iPads work with a keyboard?

All Swappie iPads support Bluetooth keyboards. The iPad Air 4 and Air 5 also support the Apple Magic Keyboard, turning your iPad into a mini laptop.

How long do iPads last?

Even older iPads get years of software support. With Swappie’s quality control, your device is ready to last through your whole academic year , and maybe beyond.

What if I change my mind?

No worries. You’ve got 14 days to return your iPad for free. Try it, test it, and if it’s not right for you, send it back.

Start your student journey the smart way

Whether you’re just starting high school or diving into your master’s degree, there’s a Swappie iPad that fits your study style and your wallet.
Save money, reduce waste, and get a device you can trust, with no compromise on quality.
Browse all refurbished iPads at Swappie: swappie.com/ie/ipad