What You'll Pay for iPads at Best Buy

Best Buy carries four main iPad lines, and prices range from around $329 for the base iPad to $1,599 or more for the iPad Pro with the largest screen and most storage. The exact price you see depends on which model you choose, how much storage it has, and whether you pick the Wi-Fi version or the one with cellular data. Best Buy's prices match Apple's official pricing, so you won't find a cheaper iPad there than anywhere else — but you also won't overpay.

The current lineup includes the standard iPad (the most affordable), iPad Air (mid-range), iPad mini (smallest screen), and iPad Pro (largest and most powerful). Each comes in multiple storage sizes, and adding cellular connectivity costs extra. Best Buy also runs sales on older iPad models and sometimes discounts the current generation, especially during holiday shopping periods.

Key Takeaways

  • The base iPad starts around $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi, while iPad Pro models with 1TB storage and cellular can exceed $1,599.
  • Best Buy prices match Apple's official retail prices, so comparing between retailers won't save you money on the device itself.
  • Adding cellular connectivity to any iPad costs between $130 and $200 extra, depending on the model.
  • Best Buy occasionally discounts iPads during sales events, particularly on previous-generation models or during major shopping holidays.
  • Storage options range from 64GB on the base iPad to 2TB on the iPad Pro, with each step up costing $100 to $200 more.

iPad Base Model Pricing

The standard iPad is Best Buy's entry point and costs $329 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model. If you need more storage, the 256GB version runs $429. This model works well for reading, web browsing, video watching, and light creative work. It has an older processor than the Air and Pro lines, so it's slower at demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, but for everyday use it handles most things smoothly.

The base iPad doesn't support the newest Apple Pencil models or the Magic Keyboard, which limits what you can do if you want to use it for detailed drawing or typing. If you think you'll want those accessories later, the iPad Air might be a better choice despite the higher upfront cost.

iPad Air and iPad Mini Pricing

The iPad Air sits between the base model and the Pro, with Wi-Fi starting at $599 for 128GB and going up to $749 for 256GB. It has a faster processor than the base iPad and supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, making it a solid choice if you want to draw, take notes, or use it like a laptop. The cellular versions cost $130 more than the Wi-Fi prices listed above.

The iPad mini is the smallest option at $499 for 128GB Wi-Fi and $649 for 256GB. It has the same processor and features as the Air but in a 8.3-inch screen instead of 11 inches. The mini is easier to hold one-handed and fits in a large bag, but the smaller screen makes typing and detailed work harder. Cellular adds $130 to the price.

iPad Pro Pricing and Storage Options

iPad Pro models come in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. The 11-inch Wi-Fi model starts at $999 for 256GB and goes up to $1,499 for 1TB. The 13-inch starts at $1,299 for 256GB and reaches $1,799 for 1TB. Both sizes have the same processor and features — the only difference is screen size. Adding cellular connectivity costs $200 to the price of any Pro model.

The iPad Pro is the fastest iPad Best Buy sells and handles professional video editing, 3D design, and heavy multitasking without lag. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, and the larger screen makes these tools more practical. However, you're paying a significant premium for performance you may not need unless you're doing professional creative work.

When Best Buy Discounts iPads

Best Buy rarely discounts current-generation iPads below Apple's official price, but it does mark down older models when new ones arrive. If you're flexible about which generation you buy, waiting a few weeks after a new iPad launches can save you $50 to $150 on the previous version. Best Buy also runs occasional sales during Black Friday, back-to-school season, and holiday shopping periods.

The best way to track discounts is to check Best Buy's website directly or sign up for their email alerts. Prices can change weekly, and sales on specific models come and go. If you see a discount on a model you want, it's worth buying right away — iPad sales don't last long.

Cellular vs. Wi-Fi: What the Extra Cost Covers

The cellular version of any iPad lets you connect to the internet through a mobile carrier (usually Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile) without needing Wi-Fi. You pay for the cellular hardware upfront — that's the $130 to $200 extra — and then you pay the carrier separately for a data plan, which typically costs $10 to $25 per month depending on how much data you use.

Most people don't need cellular. If you have a smartphone with a hotspot, you can share its internet connection with your iPad for free. Cellular makes sense if you travel frequently, work outside the home regularly, or want internet access without carrying your phone. If you mostly use your iPad at home or in places with Wi-Fi, save the money and stick with Wi-Fi only.

Storage: How Much You Actually Need

Storage size affects both price and how much you can store on the device. The base iPad starts at 64GB, which is tight if you read movies, store lots of photos, or install many apps. For most people, 128GB or 256GB is more comfortable and doesn't cost much more. The jump from 256GB to 512GB or 1TB is expensive and only necessary if you work with large video files or store your entire photo library on the device.

Remember that iPads can't expand storage with a memory card — whatever size you buy is what you get. If you're unsure, 256GB is a safe middle ground that handles photos, apps, and a few downloaded movies without running out of space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Buy ever have iPad sales or discounts?

Best Buy occasionally discounts older iPad models when new versions arrive, and runs sales during Black Friday and back-to-school season. Current-generation iPads rarely drop below Apple's official price. Check Best Buy's website regularly or sign up for email alerts to catch discounts when they happen.

Is it cheaper to buy an iPad somewhere other than Best Buy?

No. Best Buy's iPad prices match Apple's official retail pricing. You won't find a lower price on a new iPad at Best Buy than at Apple, Amazon, or other retailers. The only way to save money is to buy an older model or wait for a sale.

What's the difference between Wi-Fi and cellular iPad prices?

Cellular iPads cost $130 to $200 more than the Wi-Fi version of the same model, depending on which iPad you choose. Cellular lets you connect to mobile data networks without Wi-Fi, but you also pay a monthly carrier fee ($10 to $25) on top of the hardware cost.

Can I return an iPad to Best Buy if I change my mind?

Best Buy's standard return window is 15 days for most electronics. Check the receipt or Best Buy's website for the exact return important date on the model you buy. Some special promotions have different return periods, so ask at checkout if you're unsure.

Do iPad prices change often at Best Buy?

iPad prices stay the same most of the time because Best Buy matches Apple's pricing. Prices change when Apple releases new models or when Best Buy runs sales. New iPad models typically arrive once or twice a year, usually in spring and fall.