iPad pricing starts at $329 and goes up to $2,499 depending on the model and storage

Apple makes five main iPad lines, and the price you pay depends on which one you choose and how much storage you want. The cheapest entry point is the standard iPad at $329 for 64GB of storage. The most expensive is the iPad Pro with 2TB of storage at $2,499. Between those two are the iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro in smaller storage sizes — each one costs more than the last because of faster processors, better screens, or both.

Storage is the biggest price driver after you pick your model. A 64GB iPad costs less than a 256GB iPad of the same type. The jump from 256GB to 512GB or 1TB adds $100 to $200 per step. If you plan to store video, photos, or games, the larger sizes fill up fast — but you also pay for capacity you might not use.

The prices listed here are what Apple charges directly. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart sometimes discount older models or run sales, especially when new versions launch. Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T) also sell iPads with cellular connectivity, which costs $130 to $180 more than the Wi-Fi-only version.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard iPad starts at $329 for 64GB and is the cheapest way to get an Apple tablet for reading, video, and light work.
  • iPad Air ($599 base) and iPad mini ($499 base) sit between the standard iPad and iPad Pro in price and performance.
  • iPad Pro models begin at $999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 12.9-inch, with the fastest processors and brightest screens.
  • Adding cellular connectivity costs $130 to $180 extra, and each storage tier jump ($64GB to $256GB, $256GB to $512GB) adds $100 to $200.
  • Retailers and carriers sometimes discount iPads, especially older models, so prices can be lower than Apple's listed amount.

Standard iPad: the $329 baseline

The standard iPad is Apple's entry-level tablet and the one most people should start with if they are not sure what they need. At $329 for 64GB, it handles email, web browsing, video streaming, and basic document editing without strain. The screen is 10.9 inches, the processor is fast enough for most apps, and the battery lasts all day with normal use.

The main trade-off is that the standard iPad does not have the brightest screen or the fastest chip compared to the Air or Pro models. If you plan to edit photos or video, or if you want a tablet that feels snappy when you open 20 apps at once, you will notice the difference. For casual use — reading news, watching shows, taking notes in meetings — the standard iPad is the better value.

Storage comes in 64GB and 256GB. The 64GB model is $329; the 256GB is $429. Most people run out of 64GB within a year or two if they store photos and video, so the 256GB option often makes sense even though it costs $100 more.

iPad Air and iPad mini: the middle ground

The iPad Air sits between the standard iPad and the iPad Pro. The 11-inch Air costs $599 for 64GB and $699 for 256GB. It has a faster processor than the standard iPad, a brighter screen, and support for the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. If you use your tablet for design work, photo editing, or running multiple apps at once, the Air is worth the extra $270 over the standard model.

The iPad mini is a smaller tablet — 8.3 inches — that costs $499 for 64GB and $599 for 256GB. It is the same price as the Air for the base model, but the screen is much smaller. The mini is good if you want something portable that fits in a bag or backpack, or if you prefer a smaller device for reading and note-taking. The processor is the same as the Air, so performance is identical; you are paying for the smaller size.

Both the Air and mini come in Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi plus cellular. Adding cellular costs $130 for the Air and $130 for the mini, so a cellular iPad Air 256GB runs $829 total.

iPad Pro: the high-end option

iPad Pro models are the fastest and most expensive. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 for 256GB (Apple does not sell a 64GB Pro). The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299 for 256GB. Both have the M4 processor, which is the same chip in some MacBooks, and a screen so bright it is hard to match on any other tablet.

The Pro is built for professionals who edit video, design graphics, or run heavy software. If you are doing casual work — email, documents, web browsing — the Air or standard iPad will do the same job for a fraction of the cost. The Pro shines when you need raw speed and a large, bright canvas to work on.

Storage on the Pro jumps in bigger increments: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Each step up costs $200. A 1TB iPad Pro 11-inch runs $1,399; a 2TB model is $1,499. Cellular adds $130 to $180 depending on the model.

Cellular connectivity and what it costs

All iPad models except the standard iPad come in Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi plus cellular versions. Cellular means the tablet has a SIM card slot and can connect to a mobile network without needing Wi-Fi. You pay for the hardware ($130 to $180 extra) and then a monthly data plan from a carrier.

Monthly plans vary by carrier. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer iPad data plans that typically start around $10 to $20 per month for a small amount of data and go up from there. Some carriers let you add the iPad to an existing phone plan; others require a separate line. Check with your carrier before you buy to understand what the monthly cost will be.

Most people do not need cellular. If you have a phone with a hotspot, you can share that connection with your iPad for free. Cellular is worth the extra cost only if you are often away from Wi-Fi and do not want to drain your phone battery running a hotspot.

Storage: how much you actually need

iPad storage comes in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB depending on the model. The jump from 64GB to 256GB costs $100. The jump from 256GB to 512GB costs $100 to $200. Each step up gets more expensive.

A 64GB iPad holds roughly 50 to 100 apps, thousands of photos, and a few hours of video before it fills up. If you store a lot of photos, video, or games, 64GB runs out fast. A 256GB iPad gives you room to breathe and is the minimum most people should buy. Anything larger than 256GB is for people who store large video files or use their iPad as a portable hard drive.

You can also store files in iCloud, Apple's cloud service, and access them from your iPad without taking up local storage. A free iCloud account gives you 5GB; paid plans start at $0.99 per month for 50GB. This means you do not have to buy the largest storage option if you are willing to use cloud storage instead.

Where to buy and what discounts look like

Apple sells iPads directly from apple.com and from Apple Stores. Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target also sell iPads at the same price as Apple, but they sometimes run sales or discounts on older models when new ones launch.

Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) sell iPads with cellular and sometimes offer discounts if you sign up for a data plan. The discount is usually $50 to $150 off the tablet price, but you lock into a contract or a monthly plan, so the total cost over time may not be lower.

Refurbished iPads from Apple are cheaper than new ones — typically 10 to 15 percent off — and come with the same one-year warranty as new models. If you are budget-conscious, a refurbished iPad Air or Pro can save you $100 to $300.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPad should I buy if I am on a tight budget?

The standard iPad at $329 is the cheapest way to get an Apple tablet. It handles everyday tasks like email, video, and web browsing without any problem. If you can stretch to $429 for 256GB, you will have more room for photos and apps without running out of space quickly.

Do I need to pay extra for apps or software?

No. iPadOS, the operating system, is free. Most apps in the App Store are free or cost a few dollars. You do not need to pay a subscription to use your iPad, though some apps offer optional subscriptions for extra features.

Can I use an iPad with a keyboard and mouse?

Yes. Apple makes the Magic Keyboard ($349 for the Air, $599 for the Pro) and sells the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad separately. Many third-party keyboards and mice also work with iPad. The standard iPad works with the Magic Keyboard Folio ($199), which is cheaper than the full Magic Keyboard.

What is the difference between iPad Air and iPad Pro?

The Pro has a faster processor, a brighter screen, and support for more advanced accessories. The Air is $400 cheaper and handles most work tasks just as well. Buy the Pro only if you edit video, design graphics, or need the extra speed for heavy multitasking.

Do iPad prices ever drop?

Yes, but not often on current models. Apple rarely discounts new iPads. Retailers sometimes discount older models when new ones launch, and refurbished models from Apple cost 10 to 15 percent less than new ones. Carrier stores occasionally offer discounts if you sign up for a data plan.