iPad prices range from $329 to $1,099 depending on the model and storage

Apple sells five main iPad lines right now, and the price you pay depends on which one you choose and how much storage you want. The entry-level iPad starts at $329 for 64GB of storage. The iPad Air runs $599 to $749. The iPad Pro begins at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch. The iPad mini costs $499 to $649. Each model also offers a larger storage option — usually 256GB or 512GB — which adds $100 to $200 to the base price.

The price you see at Apple's website is what you pay if you buy directly from them. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart sometimes discount older iPad models or run sales during holidays, but the official retail price is your baseline. If you are buying used or refurbished, prices drop significantly — a used iPad Air from last year might cost $400 to $500, depending on condition and where you buy it.

Key Takeaways

  • The cheapest new iPad costs $329 for the base model with 64GB storage, while iPad Pro models start at $999.
  • Storage upgrades to 256GB or 512GB add $100 to $200 to the price of any iPad model.
  • Prices at Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart are usually the same as Apple's official price, though sales and discounts appear during holiday periods.
  • Used and refurbished iPads cost 30 to 50 percent less than new models but come with less warranty protection.
  • Accessories like the Apple Pencil ($129) and Magic Keyboard ($349 for iPad Pro) are sold separately and add to your total cost.

What each iPad model costs and who it is for

The base iPad at $329 is the entry point if you want an Apple tablet for reading, video, and light work. It has a 10.2-inch screen, runs the same iPadOS as the expensive models, and works with the Apple Pencil (1st generation, $99). This model refreshes every year or two, so the exact specs change, but the price stays around $329.

The iPad Air at $599 to $749 sits in the middle. It has a larger 11-inch or 13-inch screen depending on the generation, a faster processor than the base iPad, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro ($129) and Magic Keyboard ($349). If you plan to use your iPad for photo editing, note-taking, or creative work, the Air is where most people land.

The iPad Pro at $999 and up is the most powerful. The 11-inch model starts at $999 for 256GB storage (Apple does not sell a 64GB Pro). The 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099. Both have the fastest chips, the brightest screens, and support for the full range of accessories. If you are replacing a laptop or doing professional design work, the Pro is built for that. If you are browsing the web and watching Netflix, you are paying for power you will not use.

The iPad mini at $499 to $649 is the smallest option, with an 8.3-inch screen. It costs less than the Air but more than the base iPad. People choose it when they want portability and do not need a large screen, or when they already own a bigger iPad and want something to carry in a bag.

Storage size and what it costs you

Every iPad comes in at least two storage sizes. The base iPad starts at 64GB and jumps to 256GB for an extra $100. The Air, mini, and Pro offer 256GB as the starting point, with 512GB or 1TB options adding $100 to $200 per step. Storage does not upgrade after you buy — you cannot add more later — so think about what you actually store before you choose.

If you stream movies and music instead of downloading them, and you do not store thousands of photos, 64GB or 128GB is usually enough. If you edit video, store large photo libraries, or keep many apps installed, jump to 256GB. Professional users or anyone doing serious creative work should consider 512GB or higher.

The storage you choose affects resale value too. A used 64GB iPad sells for less than a used 256GB model of the same age and condition, so if you think you might sell it later, the larger size holds value better.

Where to buy and whether prices differ

Apple sells iPads directly through apple.com and Apple retail stores. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target all stock the same models at the same official prices most of the time. The difference is not usually in the price but in the return policy, warranty options, and whether you get a discount for trading in an old device.

Best Buy offers a trade-in program where you can put the value of an old iPad toward a new one. Apple does the same through apple.com and in stores. Amazon and Walmart typically do not offer trade-ins, but they may have sales during Black Friday, back-to-school season, or other promotional periods. These sales usually knock $50 to $100 off the price, not more.

Costco and Sam's Club sometimes sell iPads at a discount if you are a member, but the selection is smaller — they usually carry only the base iPad and iPad Air, not the Pro or mini. If you are not a member, the membership cost may not be worth it just to save on one tablet.

Used and refurbished iPads cost significantly less

If you do not need the latest model, buying used or refurbished cuts the cost by 30 to 50 percent. A refurbished iPad Air from Apple's own refurbished store might cost $450 to $500 instead of $599. A used iPad Pro from eBay or Facebook Marketplace could run $600 to $800 depending on age and condition.

Apple's refurbished products come with a one-year warranty and have been tested and cleaned by Apple. Third-party refurbished sellers vary — some offer 30-day returns, others offer nothing. Used devices sold by individuals have no warranty at all unless the seller offers one. Before you buy used, check the battery health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging) because a worn-out battery is expensive to replace.

Refurbished is safer than used because you know what you are getting and have some protection. Used is cheaper but riskier. If the device has a cracked screen or a battery that holds charge for only two hours, you may have no recourse.

Accessories add to the real cost

The iPad price is just the tablet itself. If you want to use it productively, budget for accessories. The Apple Pencil (1st generation) costs $99 and works with the base iPad and Air. The Apple Pencil Pro costs $129 and works with newer Air and Pro models. If you want to type on your iPad, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro costs $349, while the Magic Keyboard Folio for the base iPad costs $149.

A basic case runs $20 to $50. A screen protector costs $10 to $30. If you buy a keyboard, a case, and a pencil, you are adding $200 to $500 to the tablet's price. Many people do not need all of these, but if you are considering an iPad as a laptop replacement, factor in the keyboard cost.

Financing and payment plans

Apple offers a monthly payment plan through Apple Card Monthly Installments, which lets you pay for an iPad over 12 months with no interest if you have an Apple Card. Best Buy offers similar financing through their credit card. Amazon and other retailers may offer their own payment plans, though these sometimes charge interest if you do not pay off the balance within a promotional period.

Monthly payments make the cost feel smaller, but you are paying the same total price. A $599 iPad Air costs $599 whether you pay it all at once or $50 a month for 12 months. The only advantage is if the retailer offers a 0% interest promotion — otherwise, you are just spreading out the same bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an iPad for less than $329?

Not new from Apple or major retailers. Older iPad models sometimes drop in price when a new version launches, and used or refurbished iPads from the previous generation cost $200 to $300. Avoid extremely cheap tablets from unknown sellers — they are often counterfeit or stolen.

Is the base iPad good enough, or should I pay more?

The base iPad handles email, web browsing, video, and most apps without any problem. If you want to use the Apple Pencil for drawing or note-taking, or if you plan to edit photos or video, the Air or Pro are worth the extra cost. For casual use, the base model is fine.

Do iPad prices ever go down?

Apple's official prices stay the same year to year. Retailers discount older models when new ones launch, and holiday sales sometimes offer $50 to $100 off. Used and refurbished prices drop as models age. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale or buying last year's model saves money.

What is the difference between 64GB and 256GB storage in real terms?

64GB holds roughly 50 to 100 apps, 5,000 to 10,000 photos, or 20 to 40 movies. 256GB holds 200+ apps, 30,000+ photos, or 100+ movies. If you stream everything and do not read files, 64GB is enough. If you store a lot locally, 256GB is safer.

Should I buy from Apple directly or from a retailer?

The price is the same, so choose based on convenience and return policy. Apple offers a 14-day return window and can help with setup. Best Buy has a 15-day return window and offers trade-ins. Amazon has a 30-day return window. If you want the longest return period, Amazon is the safest choice.