iPad prices start at $329 for the base model, but the final cost depends on storage size, which model you choose, and whether you buy it outright or on a payment plan
Apple sells several different iPad lines at different price points. The cheapest is the standard iPad, which starts at $329 for 64GB of storage. The iPad Air costs more — currently $599 to start. The iPad Pro is the most expensive, beginning at $999. Each of these can cost $100 to $200 more if you choose the larger storage option (256GB or 512GB instead of the base amount).
If you add cellular connectivity so the iPad works on mobile networks without Wi-Fi, add another $130 to $150 to the price. If you buy through a carrier like Verizon or AT&T instead of directly from Apple, they may offer monthly payment plans that spread the cost over 24 or 36 months, but the total you pay is usually the same or slightly higher.
Prices vary slightly by retailer — Best Buy, Costco, and Amazon sometimes run sales or bundle discounts — but the official Apple Store price is what most other places match. Refurbished iPads from Apple's official refurbished store cost 15% less than new ones and come with the same warranty.
Key Takeaways
- The base iPad starts at $329 for 64GB storage; iPad Air at $599; iPad Pro at $999, with prices rising if you choose more storage.
- Adding cellular capability (so it works on mobile networks) costs an extra $130 to $150 on top of the Wi-Fi-only price.
- Monthly payment plans through carriers or Apple spread the cost over 24 to 36 months but usually total the same amount as paying upfront.
- Refurbished iPads from Apple's official store cost about 15% less and include the same one-year warranty as new models.
- Prices are set by Apple and matched by most retailers, though occasional sales at Best Buy, Costco, or Amazon may offer small discounts.
Understanding the three main iPad lines
Apple makes three distinct iPad models for different uses, and each has a different starting price. The standard iPad is the entry-level choice — it has a 10.9-inch screen and works for web browsing, email, video, and basic apps. It starts at $329 for 64GB.
The iPad Air sits in the middle. It has a larger 11-inch or 13-inch screen (depending on which version you pick), a faster processor, and better speakers. It starts at $599 for 64GB. The iPad Pro is the top tier, designed for creative work like photo editing or video production. It has the largest screens (11-inch or 13-inch), the fastest processor, and the best display. It starts at $999 for 256GB — note that the Pro doesn't come with a 64GB option.
Each model comes in silver, space gray, or other colors, but color doesn't change the price. The choice between them comes down to what you plan to use it for and how much you want to spend.
How storage size affects the total cost
Every iPad comes in at least two storage sizes, and the larger one costs more. For the standard iPad and iPad Air, you choose between 64GB and 256GB. The jump from 64GB to 256GB adds $100 to the price. For the iPad Pro, the options are 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, and each step up costs $100 to $200 more.
Storage size matters because it determines how many apps, photos, and files you can store on the device. If you mainly use cloud storage (like iCloud or Google Drive) and stream videos rather than read them, 64GB or 256GB is usually enough. If you read a lot of movies, edit large video files, or store thousands of photos locally, you may want more.
You cannot add storage later — it's built into the device and cannot be upgraded. So think about your actual needs before you buy, because upgrading to a larger model later means buying a whole new iPad.
Wi-Fi versus cellular: what the extra cost covers
Every iPad comes in a Wi-Fi-only version, which connects to the internet through home or public Wi-Fi networks. If you want the iPad to work on cellular networks (4G LTE or 5G) the way a phone does, you pay extra for the cellular model. That adds $130 to $150 to the price, depending on the iPad model.
The cellular version includes the hardware (a modem and SIM card slot) but not the monthly service. You still have to pay a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile for a data plan, which typically costs $10 to $25 per month depending on how much data you use. Some carriers let you add the iPad to an existing phone plan; others require a separate line.
Most people buy Wi-Fi only and use their phone as a hotspot when they need internet away from home. That costs nothing extra and works well if you don't mind tethering. Cellular makes sense if you want the iPad to work independently without your phone nearby.
Payment plans and where to buy
Apple offers its own monthly payment plan through Apple Card, which spreads the cost over 12 months with no interest. You can also buy through carriers like Verizon or AT&T, which offer 24-month or 36-month plans. The monthly payment is the total price divided by the number of months, so a $329 iPad on a 24-month plan costs about $14 per month (plus any carrier fees).
Best Buy, Costco, Amazon, and Walmart all sell iPads at the same official price, but they occasionally run sales or bundle deals — for example, a discount if you buy a case or keyboard at the same time. If you have a Costco membership, Costco sometimes offers modest discounts on electronics. Best Buy occasionally runs sales around holidays or back-to-school season.
Apple's official refurbished store sells previous-generation iPads and returned models that have been tested and cleaned. These cost about 15% less than new and come with a one-year warranty, the same as a new iPad. Refurbished is a real option if you don't need the latest model.
What affects the price you actually pay
The sticker price is only part of what you spend. If you buy through a carrier on a payment plan, you may pay set up fees or other charges — these vary by carrier and plan. If you buy a case, screen protector, or keyboard, those add to the total. AppleCare+ (extended warranty and support) costs $79 to $129 depending on the model and adds another layer of cost.
Sales tax is charged at checkout and varies by state and local jurisdiction — it's typically 6% to 10% of the subtotal. If you live in a state with no sales tax (like Oregon or New Hampshire), you pay less. If you buy online from outside your state, tax rules vary by retailer and your location.
Trade-in programs let you give Apple or a retailer an old device in exchange for a discount on the new one. The trade-in value depends on the age and condition of your old device — typically $50 to $200 for an older iPad. This reduces your out-of-pocket cost but doesn't change the official price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cheaper iPad I should know about?
The standard iPad at $329 is the cheapest current model. Apple sometimes discounts older iPad models when new ones come out, so checking Best Buy or Amazon during sales season may find lower prices on previous generations. Refurbished models from Apple's official store are also cheaper than new.
Do I need cellular if I have a phone?
No. Most people use Wi-Fi only and tether their iPad to their phone's hotspot when they need internet away from home. Cellular makes sense only if you want the iPad to work independently without your phone nearby, or if you travel frequently and don't want to rely on your phone's battery.
Can I return an iPad if I change my mind?
Apple and most retailers offer a 14-day return window if you change your mind. Carrier return policies vary — check with your carrier before you buy. If you bought a payment plan, returning the device ends the plan, but you may owe a restocking fee depending on the retailer.
What's the difference between iPad storage sizes in real terms?
64GB holds roughly 50 to 100 apps, 5,000 to 10,000 photos, or 20 to 30 hours of video. 256GB holds roughly 200 apps, 20,000 photos, or 100+ hours of video. If you stream most content and use cloud storage, 64GB is usually enough. If you read movies or edit large files, 256GB or more is safer.
Will the price drop if I wait?
iPad prices rarely drop unless there's a sale or a new model is announced. New iPad models typically launch in spring or fall, and older models get discounted at that time. If you need an iPad now, waiting for a possible future sale may not be worth the delay — but if a new model is expected within a month or two, waiting might save you money.