iPad prices start at $329 for the base model and go up to $2,099 for the largest Pro

The price you pay depends on which iPad model you choose and how much storage you want. Apple makes four main iPad lines, each aimed at different uses and budgets. The entry-level iPad starts at $329 with 64GB of storage. The iPad Air costs more but gives you a faster processor. The iPad Pro is the most expensive and comes in two sizes. A fifth option, the iPad mini, sits between the base iPad and the Air in both price and screen size.

Storage size matters to your final cost. Every iPad model lets you choose between two or three storage amounts — typically 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB. Each step up costs $100 to $150 more. If you want cellular connectivity (the ability to use mobile data without Wi-Fi), add another $130 to $150 on top of the Wi-Fi-only price.

Key Takeaways

  • The base iPad costs $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi only, and the most expensive iPad Pro reaches $2,099 before you add storage or cellular.
  • Storage upgrades cost $100 to $150 per step, so a 256GB model costs that much more than the 64GB version of the same iPad.
  • Adding cellular connectivity costs $130 to $150 extra on any model, regardless of which iPad you choose.
  • Prices stay the same whether you buy from Apple directly, Best Buy, Amazon, or other retailers, though sales and discounts appear during back-to-school season and around holidays.

The four iPad models and what each one costs

The base iPad is the cheapest option. It starts at $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi only. The next storage tier, 256GB, costs $429. This model has a 10.9-inch screen and works for web browsing, email, video watching, and light creative work. It uses the A14 chip, which is fast enough for most everyday tasks.

The iPad Air starts at $599 for 64GB Wi-Fi. The 256GB version is $699, and the 512GB version is $799. It has a 11-inch screen and uses the M1 chip, which is noticeably faster than the base iPad. The Air is a good middle ground if you want better performance without paying Pro prices.

The iPad mini costs $499 for 64GB Wi-Fi, $599 for 256GB, and $699 for 512GB. It has a 8.3-inch screen — much smaller than the others — and uses the same M1 chip as the Air. Choose this if you want portability and power in a compact size.

The iPad Pro comes in two sizes and is the most expensive. The 11-inch Pro starts at $999 for 128GB Wi-Fi, $1,099 for 256GB, $1,299 for 512GB, and $1,499 for 1TB. The 13-inch Pro starts at $1,299 for 128GB and goes up to $1,999 for 1TB. Both use the M4 chip, which is the fastest processor Apple puts in any iPad. The Pro is built for video editing, graphic design, and other demanding work.

When to add cellular and what it costs

Cellular lets you use mobile data on your iPad without connecting to Wi-Fi. You pay for it two ways: first, you pay extra when you buy the iPad, and second, you pay a monthly bill to a carrier like Verizon or AT&T.

Adding cellular to any iPad costs $130 to $150 depending on the model. The base iPad with cellular is $459 for 64GB. An iPad Air with cellular is $729 for 64GB. An 11-inch iPad Pro with cellular is $1,129 for 128GB. You do not have to buy cellular when you buy the iPad — you can add it later, but the hardware cost stays the same.

Once you own a cellular iPad, you choose a carrier and a plan. Most carriers offer iPad-specific plans that cost $10 to $25 per month, though some offer pay-as-you-go options. You can switch carriers or cancel anytime — cellular is not locked to one provider the way it sometimes is on phones.

Where prices are the same and where they differ

Apple sets the official price for every iPad model, and that price is the same at Apple.com, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart. You will not find one retailer charging less than another for the same model and storage amount. This is different from many other products, where prices vary by store.

What does vary is when sales happen. Best Buy and Amazon often discount iPads during back-to-school season (July through August) and around Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November). Target and Walmart run similar sales at the same times. Apple itself rarely discounts iPads, though it sometimes offers trade-in credit if you bring in an old device. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for one of these sale periods can save you $50 to $150.

Refurbished and older models cost less

If you do not need the newest iPad, buying a refurbished model or last year's version can cut your cost significantly. Apple sells refurbished iPads directly on its website at 15 percent off the new price. A refurbished base iPad that normally costs $329 would be around $279. These are returned devices that Apple has tested and repaired, and they come with the same one-year warranty as new iPads.

Older iPad models also drop in price once a new version comes out. A previous-generation iPad Air or iPad mini might cost $100 to $200 less than the current model. The performance difference is usually small for everyday use. Check the specs carefully, though — older models sometimes have smaller storage options or older processors that may matter for what you plan to do.

What affects the total cost beyond the sticker price

The price you see is what you pay at checkout if you buy Wi-Fi only. But several things can add to that cost. If you want cellular, add $130 to $150. If you want AppleCare+ (Apple's extended warranty and support plan), add $79 to $129 depending on the model — this covers accidental damage and gives you two years of support instead of one.

Accessories are separate. A keyboard case costs $150 to $350. A stylus (Apple Pencil) costs $79 to $129. A screen protector costs $10 to $30. None of these are required, but many people budget for at least one or two. If you are buying an iPad for work or school, factor in what extras you actually need.

Sales tax varies by state and sometimes by county. In most places it is 6 to 10 percent of the purchase price. If you buy online from a retailer outside your state, you may not pay tax at checkout, though some states now require it anyway.

How to decide which iPad fits your budget

Start by thinking about what you will actually use it for. If you mainly watch videos, read, and browse the web, the base iPad at $329 does all of that well. If you want something faster and do not mind spending more, the iPad Air at $599 is a solid step up. If you do photo editing, video work, or other demanding tasks, the iPad Pro at $999 and up is worth the cost.

Next, think about storage. Most people are fine with 64GB for everyday use — that holds hundreds of apps, photos, and documents. If you store a lot of videos or work with large files, jump to 256GB. You rarely need 512GB or 1TB unless you are a professional doing heavy video or photo work.

Finally, decide if you need cellular. If your iPad stays mostly at home or you always have Wi-Fi nearby, skip it and save $130 to $150. If you travel often or want to use your iPad in places without Wi-Fi, cellular is worth the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an iPad with just Wi-Fi, or do I need cellular?

You can use Wi-Fi only — that is the standard option and costs less. Cellular is optional and only matters if you want mobile data when you are away from Wi-Fi. Most people buy Wi-Fi only and add cellular later if they decide they need it.

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

The base iPad handles email, web browsing, video, and most apps without any problem. Spend more only if you need faster performance for video editing, graphic design, or other demanding work. For everyday use, the base model is plenty.

Do prices ever go down, or should I buy now?

Prices stay the same year-round at official retailers, but sales happen during back-to-school season and around Black Friday. If you can wait until July or November, you might save $50 to $150. If you need an iPad now, the price will not be lower if you wait.

What is the difference between 64GB and 256GB storage?

64GB holds hundreds of apps, photos, and documents — enough for most people. 256GB gives you more room for videos, large files, or if you keep years of photos. Unless you work with video or store a lot of media, 64GB is usually sufficient.

Should I buy AppleCare+ with my iPad?

AppleCare+ adds $79 to $129 and covers accidental damage like drops and spills, plus gives you two years of support instead of one. It is optional. Buy it if you are worried about damage or want peace of mind, but it is not required to use your iPad.