The best apples make the best cider. However out of season there is little difference between what is marketed as cider vs juice.
At this point everything will be from concentrate or have a large dose of preservatives.
To me cider is seasonal, many stores will sell good raw cider between September and November. Sometimes you have to look hard for it and other times it is right up front next to the fresh apples. I typically make a for my Christmas party every year.
However you can make good hard cider from store brand apple juice and frozen concentrate. A little mulling spice can give it a little more flavor if you are lacking, but remember less is more. My favorite recipe is 1 can of frozen concentrate per 1 gallon of juice/cider. You are aiming for 1.05-1.06 OG, this will get you to the top end of this range.