What iPad models cost at Best Buy right now

Best Buy carries four main iPad lines, and prices start at $329 for the base iPad and go up to $1,599 for the largest iPad Pro. The exact price you see depends on storage capacity, whether you want Wi-Fi only or cellular connectivity, and which generation is currently in stock. Best Buy's prices match Apple's official pricing, so you won't find a cheaper iPad there than you would buying directly from Apple.

The base iPad (10th generation as of 2024) starts at $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi. Adding cellular capability costs about $130 more. iPad Air models begin around $599 for the base storage, and iPad Pro models start at $999 for the 11-inch version. Each step up in storage capacity adds $100 to $200 to the price, depending on the model.

Best Buy also sells previous-generation iPads at reduced prices when new models arrive. These older models work fine for most tasks, but you may see them discounted by $50 to $150 from their original price. Availability of older stock varies by location and changes frequently.

Key Takeaways

  • Base iPad models at Best Buy start at $329 for Wi-Fi only, with cellular versions costing roughly $130 more.
  • iPad Air and iPad Pro models cost significantly more—$599 and $999 respectively—but offer larger screens, faster processors, and more RAM.
  • Storage capacity increases the price by $100 to $200 per tier, so a 256GB model costs more than a 128GB model of the same type.
  • Best Buy prices match Apple's official pricing exactly, so comparing prices between retailers won't save you money on new models.
  • Previous-generation iPads sometimes appear at Best Buy with modest discounts when new versions launch, though availability is unpredictable.

Understanding the four iPad lines and their price differences

The base iPad is the entry point and costs the least because it has the smallest screen (10.9 inches), the slowest processor, and the least RAM. It's designed for reading, watching video, light web browsing, and basic productivity tasks. If you're buying an iPad for a child, for casual use, or to test whether you'll actually use a tablet regularly, this is the model most people choose.

The iPad Air sits in the middle. It has a larger screen (11 inches or 13 inches depending on which size you pick), a faster processor, and more RAM than the base model. The Air is better for photo editing, note-taking with a stylus, and running multiple apps at once. The price jump from base to Air is substantial—roughly $270 more—but you get noticeably better performance.

The iPad Pro is the most expensive and most powerful. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, has the fastest processor available in any iPad, the most RAM, and the best screen technology. Professionals who use iPads for design work, video editing, or complex software development typically choose Pro models. The price difference between Air and Pro is another $400 to $500.

The iPad mini is a smaller, lighter option with a 8.3-inch screen. It costs slightly less than the Air but offers similar processing power. People who want portability or prefer a smaller device often choose the mini, even though it costs nearly as much as the Air.

Storage capacity and how it affects the price

Every iPad at Best Buy comes in multiple storage sizes, and each step up costs money. The base iPad starts at 64GB, then jumps to 256GB. iPad Air and iPad Pro models typically start at 128GB or 256GB and go up to 512GB or 1TB. Each increase adds $100 to $200 to the final price.

Storage matters because you cannot add more space later—there's no memory card slot on any iPad. If you plan to store photos, videos, or large apps, you need to buy enough storage upfront. For most people, 128GB or 256GB is enough. You only need 512GB or more if you work with video files, store thousands of photos, or keep large design projects on the device.

Best Buy's website lets you see the exact price for each storage tier before you buy. The price difference is consistent: if 128GB costs $599, then 256GB will cost $699, and 512GB will cost $899, for example.

Wi-Fi versus cellular models and the cost difference

Every iPad comes in a Wi-Fi-only version and a Wi-Fi + Cellular version. The cellular model has a built-in modem that lets you connect to the internet using a mobile data plan from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. The Wi-Fi-only model can only connect to the internet through Wi-Fi networks.

Adding cellular capability costs about $130 to $150 more than the Wi-Fi-only version, regardless of which iPad model you choose. You also need to pay a carrier for a data plan—typically $10 to $25 per month, though some carriers offer temporary passes for shorter periods. Most people buy Wi-Fi-only iPads because they're usually near Wi-Fi at home or work, and they can use their phone as a hotspot when they need internet elsewhere.

Buy the cellular model only if you regularly need internet access away from Wi-Fi and don't want to rely on your phone's hotspot. The extra cost adds up quickly over time when you factor in the monthly data plan.

Where Best Buy's prices compare to other retailers

Best Buy's iPad prices are identical to Apple's official prices. You won't find a new iPad cheaper at Best Buy than you would at Apple.com, Target, Walmart, or Amazon. All major retailers are required to charge the same price for new iPad models.

The main reason to buy at Best Buy instead of Apple is convenience—Best Buy has physical stores in most areas, so you can see the iPad in person and take it home the same day. Best Buy also offers a return window and sometimes runs promotions on accessories like cases or keyboards, though not on the iPad itself.

If you're looking for a discount on a new iPad, your best options are waiting for a holiday sale (Black Friday, back-to-school season) or buying a previous-generation model when Best Buy clears out old stock. These discounts are usually modest—$50 to $150 off—but they're the only way to pay less than the standard price.

What's included in the box and hidden costs to know about

When you buy an iPad at Best Buy, the box contains the tablet itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. That's it. You don't get a stylus, keyboard, case, or screen protector. If you want any of those accessories, you'll pay extra.

The Apple Pencil stylus costs $129 for the standard version and $349 for the Pro version. A keyboard case runs $150 to $350 depending on the model and whether it's made by Apple or a third-party manufacturer. A basic protective case costs $30 to $80. Screen protectors are optional and cost $15 to $40.

Budget for accessories if you plan to use the iPad for work or school. A stylus and keyboard can easily add $200 to $400 to your total cost. If you only plan to hold the iPad and watch video, you might skip the keyboard but still want a case to protect it from drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Buy ever discount iPads?

Best Buy does not discount new iPad models below Apple's official price. However, during major sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school season, Best Buy sometimes offers modest discounts of $50 to $150 off. Previous-generation iPads occasionally appear at reduced prices when new models launch, though availability is unpredictable and varies by location.

Is it cheaper to buy an iPad at Best Buy or directly from Apple?

The price is identical. Best Buy and Apple charge the same amount for new iPad models. The choice comes down to convenience—Best Buy has physical locations where you can see the device in person, while Apple offers online ordering and delivery. Neither option is cheaper than the other.

What's the difference between iPad Air and iPad Pro?

iPad Pro has a faster processor, more RAM, a better screen, and larger size options (up to 13 inches). iPad Air is slower but still powerful enough for most tasks and costs $400 to $500 less. Choose Pro if you do professional design or video work; choose Air for everyday use, note-taking, and light creative work.

Do I need cellular if I have a smartphone?

Most people don't need cellular. Your smartphone can create a hotspot that the iPad connects to, which is free after you pay for your phone's data plan. Buy cellular only if you want the iPad to have its own independent internet connection and don't want to rely on your phone's hotspot.

How much storage should I buy?

For most people, 128GB or 256GB is enough. Choose 128GB if you mainly browse the web, watch video, and use basic apps. Choose 256GB if you take lots of photos, store videos, or use design software. Only buy 512GB or more if you work with large video files or keep extensive photo libraries on the device.