iPad prices range from $329 to $2,099 depending on the model and storage

Apple sells five main iPad lines, and the price you pay depends on which one you choose and how much storage you need. The entry-level iPad starts at $329 for 64GB of storage. The iPad Air costs $599 to start. The iPad Pro begins at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 12.9-inch. The iPad mini runs $499 to start. Each model also comes in higher storage tiers — usually 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB — and each step up adds $100 to $200 to the price.

The actual price you pay may differ from Apple's list price. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart often discount iPads by $50 to $150, especially on older stock or during sales events. Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T) sometimes bundle iPad discounts with phone plans. If you buy a used or refurbished iPad from Apple's own refurbished store, you can save 15 percent off the new price, though the selection is limited to what Apple has in stock.

Key Takeaways

  • The cheapest new iPad costs $329; the most expensive iPad Pro costs $2,099 before tax.
  • Storage size matters — each step up (64GB to 128GB, 128GB to 256GB, and so on) typically adds $100 to $200 to the price.
  • Retailers and carriers often discount iPads by $50 to $150 below Apple's official price.
  • Apple's refurbished store sells returned or open-box iPads at 15 percent off, with a one-year warranty.
  • Cellular models (with built-in mobile data) cost $130 to $180 more than Wi-Fi-only versions of the same iPad.

What each iPad model costs and who it's for

The standard iPad at $329 is the entry point. It has a 10.9-inch screen, runs the same software as all other iPads, and handles email, web browsing, video, and light creative work. It's the right choice if you want a tablet mainly for reading, streaming, or basic productivity. Storage starts at 64GB, which is tight if you read many apps or videos; 256GB costs $429.

The iPad Air ($599 to start) sits between the standard iPad and the Pro. It has a faster processor, a slightly larger 11-inch screen, and support for more advanced features like external storage and a wider range of accessories. Choose this if you do photo editing, video work, or run multiple apps at once. The 256GB model costs $699.

The iPad Pro is Apple's most powerful tablet. The 11-inch model starts at $999; the 12.9-inch starts at $1,299. Both have the fastest chips, the brightest screens, and support for the most demanding software. The 12.9-inch is closer to a laptop replacement. Storage jumps in bigger increments — 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB — and each step costs $200 more. A 1TB 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs $1,699.

The iPad mini ($499) has a 8.3-inch screen and is designed to fit in a bag or large pocket. It costs the same as the Air to start but has less screen space. Pick it if portability matters more than screen size.

Storage size and how it affects price

Every iPad comes in multiple storage sizes, and the jump between each tier is consistent. A 64GB iPad costs $100 less than a 128GB version of the same model. A 128GB costs $100 less than a 256GB. From 256GB onward, each step up (to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB on Pro models) costs $200 more.

Storage matters because you cannot add more later — there is no memory card slot on any iPad. If you plan to store many apps, photos, or videos on the device itself, buy the larger size upfront. If you use cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive) for most files and mainly keep apps installed, 64GB or 128GB is usually enough. Streaming video and music do not take up storage space.

Wi-Fi versus cellular models

Every iPad comes in two versions: Wi-Fi only, or Wi-Fi plus cellular. The cellular model has a built-in mobile modem and a SIM card slot, so you can use mobile data from a carrier even when you are not near Wi-Fi. The cellular version costs $130 to $180 more than the Wi-Fi version of the same iPad.

You do not have to buy a cellular plan to use the cellular model — it works on Wi-Fi alone just like the Wi-Fi-only version. But if you want the option to use mobile data, you will need to add a plan from a carrier. Most carriers offer iPad data plans that cost $10 to $25 per month, or you can buy a one-time data pass for a few dollars. Decide whether you actually need mobile data before paying the extra cost upfront.

Where to buy and how to save money

Apple's own website and retail stores sell iPads at full price with no discount. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target often have discounts of $50 to $150 on current models, especially on the standard iPad and iPad Air. Discounts are deepest on older models when new ones launch, usually in spring and fall.

Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) sometimes offer iPad discounts bundled with phone plan deals. The discount is real, but the total cost of the bundle may not be cheaper than buying the iPad separately and keeping your current phone plan. Do the math before committing.

Apple's refurbished store sells iPads that were returned, had minor cosmetic damage, or were open-box returns. These are tested, cleaned, and repackaged by Apple and come with a one-year warranty — the same as a new iPad. A refurbished iPad costs about 15 percent less than new. The selection changes daily and is limited to what Apple has in stock, so you may not find the exact model and storage size you want.

Accessories and the real total cost

The iPad price is just the tablet itself. Most people also buy a case, screen protector, or keyboard, which add to the total. A basic case costs $20 to $50. A keyboard case (which turns the iPad into something closer to a laptop) costs $150 to $350 depending on the model. A stylus (Apple Pencil) costs $99 to $129. None of these are required, but many people find them worth the cost.

If you plan to use the iPad for work or creative tasks, budget for accessories. If you just want a tablet for reading and video, the iPad alone is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPad should I buy if I have a tight budget?

The standard iPad at $329 is the cheapest option and handles most everyday tasks — email, web, video, reading, and light work. If you can stretch to $429, the 256GB version gives you more room for apps and files. Avoid the 64GB model if you plan to install many apps or read videos.

Is the iPad Air worth the extra $270 over the standard iPad?

The Air has a faster processor, a larger screen, and support for more advanced features. If you do photo or video editing, run many apps at once, or want the tablet to last longer before feeling slow, the Air is worth it. If you mainly browse, stream, and read, the standard iPad is fine.

Do I need the cellular model?

Only if you need mobile data when you are away from Wi-Fi. Most people have a phone for that. The cellular model makes sense if you travel often, work in the field, or want a second device with its own data connection. Otherwise, Wi-Fi only saves you $130 to $180 upfront and avoids a monthly carrier bill.

Can I use an iPad for work instead of a laptop?

It depends on the work. An iPad Pro with a keyboard case and stylus can handle writing, spreadsheets, photo editing, and design work. It cannot run desktop software like Photoshop (full version), Final Cut Pro, or specialized industry tools. If your work requires those programs, you need a laptop. If your work is mostly web-based or uses iPad apps, an iPad Pro can replace a laptop.

Should I buy refurbished to save money?

Yes, if you can find the model you want. Apple's refurbished iPads come with a one-year warranty and are indistinguishable from new ones. You save about 15 percent. The downside is limited selection — you may have to wait or choose a different storage size than you planned.