Finding a straight answer on what you’ll actually pay for a tablet at a big-box store can be a nightmare. You go to the website, see a price, then realize it's for a "Restored" model from 2018 that won't even run the latest version of Netflix. Kinda frustrating, right? Honestly, if you're wondering how much are ipads at walmart, the answer changes depending on whether you want the shiny new 2025 M3 Air or a reliable "workhorse" that’s seen a few previous owners.
Walmart is basically the wild west of iPad pricing because they mix their own inventory with third-party sellers. You've got brand-new units, "Restored" (Walmart’s fancy word for refurbished), and "Open Box" deals all fighting for your attention.
The Current Price Tags for New iPads
If you want that "new car smell" but for a tablet, you're looking at the 2024 and 2025 lineups. Apple recently pushed out the M3 iPad Air and the M5 iPad Pro, which has shifted the older M2 and M4 stock into the "discount" category.
As of January 2026, here is the breakdown of what you'll typically pay at Walmart for a factory-new device:
- iPad (11th Gen, 2025): This is the "budget" king. It usually starts around $329, though Walmart often shaves twenty bucks off to hit $309 during weekend sales.
- iPad Air (M3, 2025): The 11-inch model sits right at $572 to $599. If you want the big 13-inch screen, expect to fork over at least $799.
- iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Still the only choice for small-hand enthusiasts. You'll find this for $499 pretty consistently.
- iPad Pro (M5, 2025): This is where it gets expensive. The 11-inch starts at $899, while the 13-inch beast can easily clear $1,200 depending on the storage.
Sometimes you'll see a random price like $253 for a 10.9-inch iPad. Look closely. It’s almost always an "Open Box" 10th Gen. It's new-ish, but someone else probably took it home and realized they couldn't afford their rent that month.
Why "Restored" iPads are Walmart’s Best Secret
Let’s be real. Most people don't need an M5 chip to scroll through TikTok or check emails. This is where the Walmart Restored program shines. These aren't just used tablets from some guy's basement; they’re inspected and cleaned, though they might have a tiny scratch on the back that you'll cover with a case anyway.
The price gap is massive here. You can pick up a Restored iPad 9th Gen (2021) for about $189 to $202. That’s a steal for a student who just needs to take notes. If you're okay going even older, an iPad 6th Gen—which is admittedly getting a bit long in the tooth—goes for as low as $105.
Pro Tip: If you buy "Restored," make sure it says "Sold and Shipped by Walmart" or a highly-rated Pro Seller. It makes the 90-day return policy way easier to handle if the battery turns out to be a dud.
Comparing the 9th vs. 10th Gen Prices
This is the most common dilemma. The 9th Gen has the home button (old school), and the 10th Gen has the all-screen design.
- 9th Gen (New/Refurb): New is getting rare, but Refurbished is roughly $190.
- 10th Gen (New/Refurb): New is $329, but "Restored" versions are hovering around $242 to $307.
Is the 10th Gen worth the extra hundred bucks? Probably. You get USB-C charging, which means you can stop hunting for those annoying Lightning cables that always fray at the ends.
The Hidden Costs: Accessories and Protection
Walmart loves to bundle. You’ll see "iPad Kid Bundles" for $139 to $189. These usually include an older iPad 7 or 8, a chunky foam case, and some cheap headphones. It’s a great "sanity saver" for parents, but the tech inside is usually 4-5 years old.
Also, don't forget the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil Pro is currently sitting at $94 at Walmart (down from $129), which is actually one of the better deals on the site right now. If you’re buying an iPad for drawing, you have to factor that extra hundred into your budget.
Is the Walmart+ Membership Worth It for iPads?
Honestly, only if it's Black Friday or a "Big Save" event. Members get early access to the deep discounts. If it’s just a random Tuesday in January, the price you see is the price everyone gets. However, the free shipping is nice since these boxes are light but expensive enough to require signature tracking.
Actionable Steps for Your Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger, follow this checklist to ensure you don't get ripped off:
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- Check the "Sold By" field: If it's not Walmart.com, check the seller's ratings.
- Verify the Generation: "Latest Model" is a marketing term. Look for the actual chip (M2, M3, A16) to know what you're getting.
- Compare to the Apple Education Store: If you're a student, Apple's direct price is often $329 for the iPad and $549 for the Air, which might beat Walmart's "new" prices.
- Inspect the Battery: If you buy a Restored model, download an app like "CoconutBattery" or check the settings immediately. If the maximum capacity is under 80%, send it back.
Walmart remains one of the cheapest places to grab an iPad, especially if you're willing to go the "Restored" route. Just keep your eyes peeled for the model year so you don't end up with a high-tech paperweight.