Apple tablet prices range from around $329 for a base iPad to over $2,000 for a high-end iPad Pro, depending on the model, storage capacity, and whether you choose Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity
Apple sells several tablet lines at different price points. The standard iPad starts at $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi storage. iPad Air models begin around $599. iPad Pro tablets—the largest and most powerful—start at $1,099 for the 11-inch model and $1,499 for the 12.9-inch model. iPad mini tablets fall between the standard iPad and iPad Air, starting around $499. These are the manufacturer's suggested retail prices, though you may find discounts at retailers or during sales events.
Storage capacity and connectivity options affect the final price. Adding 256GB of storage instead of 64GB typically costs $100 to $150 more, depending on the model. Choosing cellular connectivity (LTE or 5G) instead of Wi-Fi-only adds $130 to $150 to the price. A high-end iPad Pro with maximum storage and cellular can exceed $2,000.
Key Takeaways
- The base iPad starts at $329 for Wi-Fi with 64GB storage, making it the most affordable Apple tablet option.
- iPad Air and iPad mini occupy the middle range, priced between $499 and $799 depending on storage and connectivity.
- iPad Pro models are the most expensive, starting at $1,099 for the 11-inch and $1,499 for the 12.9-inch version.
- Adding cellular connectivity or upgrading storage capacity increases the price by $100 to $150 per step.
- Prices listed here are Apple's standard retail prices; actual costs may vary at third-party retailers or during promotional periods.
Understanding the iPad lineup and what each model costs
Apple organizes its tablets into four main product lines, each aimed at different users and budgets. The standard iPad is the entry-level choice—it runs the same operating system as the others but has a smaller screen (10.2 inches) and less powerful processor. It starts at $329 for Wi-Fi with 64GB storage and goes up to $479 for Wi-Fi with 256GB. Adding cellular connectivity costs $130 more at each storage tier.
The iPad mini has a 8.3-inch screen and faster processor than the standard iPad, making it portable for reading, note-taking, and light work. It begins at $499 for Wi-Fi with 64GB and reaches $649 for Wi-Fi with 256GB. Cellular versions cost $130 more. The iPad Air sits between the mini and Pro—it has a 10.9-inch screen and a faster chip than the standard iPad. iPad Air pricing starts at $599 for Wi-Fi with 64GB and goes to $749 for 256GB, with cellular adding $130.
The iPad Pro is the premium line, designed for professionals and power users. The 11-inch model starts at $1,099 for Wi-Fi with 128GB storage. The 12.9-inch model begins at $1,499 for the same storage. Both lines offer 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, with each step up costing $100 to $200 more. Cellular versions of iPad Pro cost $130 to $150 more than Wi-Fi-only models.
How storage capacity affects the price you pay
Every Apple tablet comes in multiple storage sizes, and each step up costs money. On the standard iPad, going from 64GB to 256GB adds $150 to the price. On iPad Air and iPad mini, the same jump costs $150. iPad Pro models offer more storage options—128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB—and each step typically costs $100 to $200 more than the previous tier.
Storage capacity matters because you cannot add more storage later through an external card or upgrade. Choose based on what you actually store: if you mainly use cloud storage, email, and streaming apps, 64GB or 128GB may be enough. If you read movies, store large photo libraries, or work with video files, 256GB or more makes sense. Remember that the operating system and built-in apps take up space before you store anything yourself.
Wi-Fi versus cellular: what the extra cost covers
Every Apple tablet can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi. If you want to use cellular data (LTE or 5G) without a Wi-Fi network, you need the cellular version, which costs $130 to $150 more than the Wi-Fi-only model. The cellular version includes a SIM card slot and the hardware to connect to your mobile carrier's network.
Choosing cellular means you pay two costs: the tablet itself (the higher price) and a monthly data plan from your carrier. Most carriers charge $10 to $25 per month for tablet data, though some offer shared plans that may cost less. If you mostly use your tablet at home or in places with Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi-only model saves you money upfront and avoids the monthly carrier fee. If you travel frequently or need internet everywhere, cellular may be worth the extra cost.
Where prices vary and what affects them
The prices listed above are Apple's official retail prices on Apple.com. Third-party retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart sometimes offer discounts, especially during holiday sales, back-to-school promotions, or when new models launch. The discount is usually $50 to $150 off the original price, though it varies by retailer and timing.
Refurbished or previous-generation iPad models cost less than current models. Apple sells refurbished tablets directly through its website at 15% off the new price. Older iPad models—ones Apple no longer manufactures—may be cheaper on the used market, but they receive fewer software updates and may have shorter battery life. If you buy used, check the battery health and whether the device is still covered by Apple's warranty.
Comparing iPad models side by side
| Model | Screen Size | Starting Price (Wi-Fi, Base Storage) | Cellular Add-On Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad | 10.2 inches | $329 | +$130 | Reading, email, light browsing |
| iPad mini | 8.3 inches | $499 | +$130 | Portability, note-taking, travel |
| iPad Air | 10.9 inches | $599 | +$130 | Everyday work, creative apps, balance of power and price |
| iPad Pro 11-inch | 11 inches | $1,099 | +$150 | Professional work, video editing, design |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch | 12.9 inches | $1,499 | +$150 | Large-screen work, media consumption, professional use |
What you should know before buying
Apple tablets hold their value reasonably well compared to other tablets, but they do depreciate. A tablet you buy today will be worth 40% to 60% of its original price in two to three years. If you plan to upgrade frequently, budget for that loss. If you keep a tablet for five years or longer, the cost per year becomes lower.
Consider whether you need a keyboard or stylus, as these are sold separately and add to the total cost. iPad Pro models work with the Apple Pencil (around $129) and Magic Keyboard (around $349 for the 11-inch model, $399 for the 12.9-inch). iPad Air and iPad mini support the Apple Pencil but not the Magic Keyboard. The standard iPad works with the Apple Pencil but requires an adapter. These accessories can double or triple the total cost of your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find Apple tablets cheaper than the prices listed?
Yes. Third-party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon sometimes discount tablets by $50 to $150, especially during sales events. Apple also sells refurbished models at 15% off the new price. Previous-generation models cost less than current ones, though they receive fewer software updates. Prices vary by retailer and timing, so comparing before you buy can save money.
What is the cheapest Apple tablet I can buy?
The standard iPad with 64GB Wi-Fi storage is the least expensive Apple tablet at $329. If you need portability, the iPad mini starts at $499. Both are full-featured tablets that run the same apps and operating system as more expensive models.
Do I need cellular, or is Wi-Fi enough?
Wi-Fi is enough if you use your tablet at home, at work, or in places with internet access. Cellular costs $130 to $150 more upfront plus a monthly carrier fee ($10 to $25 per month). Buy cellular only if you need internet everywhere—while traveling, commuting, or working outdoors regularly.
Is it worth paying more for a larger iPad Pro?
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs $400 more than the 11-inch model but offers more screen space for creative work, video editing, or reading. If you mainly browse and email, the 11-inch is usually enough. If you do professional work or watch a lot of video, the larger screen may be worth the extra cost.
How much storage should I buy?
If you use cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive) and stream music and video, 64GB or 128GB is usually enough. If you read movies, store large photo libraries, or work with video files, choose 256GB or more. You cannot add storage later, so think about your actual needs before buying.