What to look for in a refurbished iMac

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When buying a refurbished iMac, focus on the chip generation, screen size, RAM, storage, and cosmetic condition. Apple Silicon iMacs (M1 and later) offer the best combination of performance, efficiency, and long-term software support. Here is what to prioritize.

Chip: Apple Silicon vs. Intel

The most important decision is whether to buy an Apple Silicon or Intel iMac:

Apple Silicon (M1, M3, M4): Faster, more energy-efficient, and will receive macOS updates for years. The M1 iMac (2021) is an excellent entry point at refurbished prices.
Intel iMacs (2017-2020): More affordable, but some models are nearing the end of macOS support. Only consider these if you need a budget option and are comfortable with limited future updates.

Screen size

iMacs come in two sizes:

24-inch (Apple Silicon): The current standard. Thin, lightweight design with a Retina 4.5K display.
27-inch (Intel, discontinued): Larger screen, still available refurbished. Great for creative work, but no longer manufactured.

RAM and storage

RAM: 8 GB is the minimum on Apple Silicon iMacs. For multitasking, video editing, or running multiple apps, look for 16 GB or more. On Apple Silicon, RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Storage: 256 GB is the base. If you work with large files (photos, video, music production), choose 512 GB or 1 TB. External storage via USB-C is always an option.

Cosmetic condition

Since an iMac sits on a desk, cosmetic condition matters mostly for the screen. Check that the seller guarantees no dead pixels or significant screen blemishes. Grade A (Excellent) units will look nearly new.

Included accessories

Check what comes with your refurbished iMac. Apple-refurbished units include the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse (or Magic Trackpad). Third-party sellers may not include peripherals.