iPad prices at Best Buy range from $329 for the base iPad to $1,599 for the highest-end iPad Pro, depending on storage and model year

Best Buy stocks four main iPad lines, each at a different price point. The standard iPad starts at $329 for 64GB and goes up to $529 for 256GB. iPad Air models begin around $599 for 64GB and reach $749 for 256GB. iPad Pro comes in two sizes — 11-inch starting at $799 and 12.9-inch starting at $1,099 — with storage options up to 2TB pushing the price to $1,599. iPad mini sits between the base model and Air, starting at $499 for 64GB.

Prices shift when Apple releases new models, usually once a year. Best Buy typically discounts the previous generation by $50 to $150 when the new version arrives. Storage capacity is the biggest price variable within each line — jumping from 64GB to 256GB adds $100 to $150 depending on the model. Wi-Fi-only models cost less than cellular versions by roughly $130 to $150.

Key Takeaways

  • The base iPad at $329 is the cheapest option and works for reading, video, and light work; iPad Air and Pro cost more but offer larger screens and faster processors.
  • Storage capacity determines most of the price difference within each model line, with 64GB being the entry point and 256GB or higher adding $100 to $150.
  • Cellular models cost $130 to $150 more than Wi-Fi-only versions across all iPad lines.
  • Best Buy discounts previous-generation iPads by $50 to $150 when Apple releases new models, usually in spring or fall.
  • Refurbished and open-box iPads at Best Buy are typically 10 to 20 percent cheaper than new units and come with the same return policy.

Base iPad versus iPad Air: Which price difference matters

The standard iPad costs $329 to $529 depending on storage. It has a 10.9-inch screen, runs the same software as pricier models, and handles email, web browsing, video streaming, and document editing without lag. The processor is older than what you get in Air or Pro, but for most people that makes no practical difference in daily use.

iPad Air starts at $599 for 64GB and reaches $749 for 256GB. You get a slightly larger 11-inch screen, a faster processor, and a better camera. If you edit photos, run design software, or use multiple apps at once regularly, the Air's speed advantage is real. If you mostly consume content and do light work, the base iPad's $270 price gap is worth keeping.

iPad Pro pricing and what the extra cost buys

The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for 64GB and goes to $1,099 for 256GB. The 12.9-inch model begins at $1,099 and reaches $1,599 at the highest storage tier. Both have the fastest processors Apple makes, the brightest screens, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro stylus and Magic Keyboard.

The price jump from Air to Pro is steep, but the hardware difference is substantial. Pro models have mini-LED displays that show deeper blacks and brighter highlights than Air's standard LCD screen. The processor is noticeably faster for video editing, 3D rendering, and other demanding work. If you use your iPad as a laptop replacement for professional work, the Pro's cost is justified. If you want a tablet for everyday use, you are paying for capabilities you will not use.

Wi-Fi versus cellular: When the extra cost makes sense

Adding cellular connectivity costs $130 to $150 more than Wi-Fi-only across all iPad models. A Wi-Fi iPad works anywhere you have a wireless network — home, coffee shop, library, office. A cellular iPad connects to the internet through a mobile carrier's network, the same way a phone does, and requires a monthly data plan.

Cellular is worth the upfront cost if you travel frequently, work outside an office, or need internet access away from home regularly. If your iPad mostly stays at home or you use your phone as a hotspot when you are out, Wi-Fi-only saves you money both at purchase and every month you skip the cellular plan.

Storage capacity and real-world needs

Every iPad line offers 64GB as the base storage, with 256GB as the next step up. The price difference is $100 to $150 depending on the model. Larger capacities — 512GB, 1TB, 2TB — are available on iPad Pro only and cost progressively more.

64GB is enough for most people. It holds hundreds of photos, dozens of apps, and several movies or TV shows downloaded for offline viewing. You run into limits only if you store large video files locally or keep your entire photo library on the device. If you stream music and video, use cloud storage for documents, and read apps as needed, 64GB is sufficient. If you edit video, store raw photo files, or keep your entire media library on the device, 256GB or higher makes sense.

When Best Buy discounts iPads and how much to expect

Best Buy runs sales on iPads year-round, but the biggest discounts happen when Apple releases new models. That typically occurs in spring for iPad Air and iPad Pro, and in fall for the base iPad and iPad mini. When a new generation arrives, Best Buy marks down the previous year's model by $50 to $150.

Seasonal sales around Black Friday and back-to-school also bring discounts of $50 to $100 on current models. Best Buy occasionally runs bundle deals pairing an iPad with a keyboard case or stylus at a reduced combined price. Checking Best Buy's website or signing up for their email alerts tells you when the next sale is coming.

Refurbished and open-box iPads at Best Buy

Best Buy sells refurbished iPads at 10 to 20 percent below the new price. These are returned units that Best Buy has tested, cleaned, and repackaged. They come with the same one-year warranty as new iPads and the same 15-day return window. Refurbished units are a legitimate way to save money if you do not mind a device that may show minor cosmetic wear.

Open-box iPads are customer returns that have been opened but not heavily used. Best Buy prices these at 5 to 15 percent off new. The discount is smaller because the device is newer, but the return window is shorter — usually 10 days instead of 15. Both refurbished and open-box come with a Best Buy protection plan option if you want extended coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Buy price match other retailers?

Best Buy matches prices from major online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. You need to show the competitor's current price at the time of purchase. This applies to new iPads at their regular price, not to clearance or open-box items.

Can I trade in an old iPad toward a new one at Best Buy?

Best Buy accepts trade-ins of older iPads and applies the value as a credit toward your purchase. The trade-in value depends on the model, age, and condition. You can check the estimated value on Best Buy's website by entering your device details, or ask in-store for an exact quote.

What is the difference between the iPad Air and iPad Pro in real use?

iPad Air handles everyday tasks, photo editing, and light video work smoothly. iPad Pro is faster and has a brighter screen, which matters most if you edit video professionally, use design software regularly, or need the largest screen size. For reading, web browsing, and document work, Air and Pro feel equally fast.

Is it worth buying an iPad now or waiting for a new model?

If you need an iPad now, buy it. The performance difference between generations is small for most users. If a new model is expected within a month or two, waiting may get you a discount on the current model or access to the new one. Best Buy's website shows when the last model was released, which helps you guess when the next one might arrive.

Do iPad prices ever drop below the amounts you listed?

Occasionally, yes. Refurbished models, open-box returns, and clearance sales can push prices lower than the standard amounts listed here. Best Buy's website shows current pricing and any active discounts. Signing up for price drop alerts on specific models tells you when the price changes.