Walk into an Apple Store today and you’ll see a sea of glass and aluminum. It's tempting. But honestly, figuring out how much is the iPad you actually need—versus the one the guy in the blue shirt wants to sell you—is a bit of a minefield.
Prices aren't just a single number anymore. They're a sliding scale of storage tiers, cellular chips, and "Pro" features that most people never touch. As of January 2026, the entry point is lower than it used to be, but the ceiling? It's practically in the stratosphere.
📖 Related: Apple Refund Apple Music: How to Actually Get Your Money Back
The Basic iPad: Cheap for a Reason
The 10th-generation iPad is basically the "everyman" tablet. Apple officially lists it starting at $349, but you’ve got to be careful. That’s for the 64GB model.
In 2026, 64GB is tiny.
If you plan on downloading more than three movies for a flight or keeping a few years of photos on the device, you’ll likely find yourself looking at the 256GB version, which jumps the price to $449.
- Official Starting Price: $349
- Education Discount: $329
- The "Real" Price: Usually $299 on Amazon or Best Buy during a random Tuesday sale.
I've seen these dip as low as $262 on the secondary market or refurbished sites like Swappa recently. It’s the best "couch tablet" for Netflix and checking emails, but don't expect it to replace your laptop.
The Mid-Range Muddle: iPad Air and Mini
This is where things get tricky. The iPad Air now comes in two sizes, mimicking the Pro lineup. You have the 11-inch model starting at $599 and a larger 13-inch version at $799.
They use the M3 chip now. It's fast. Way faster than you need for browsing Reddit.
Then there’s the iPad mini 7. It’s the "niche" choice. Starting at $499, it’s actually more expensive than the base iPad despite being smaller. You’re paying for the portability and the A17 Pro chip, which handles Apple Intelligence features much better than the base model.
Honestly? Most people buying the Air would be just as happy with the base iPad, but the Air’s compatibility with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro makes it a "Pro-lite" that lures in students and office workers.
The iPad Pro: Paying for the Best Screen on Earth
If you’re asking how much is the iPad Pro, brace yourself. The new M5 models just hit the shelves, and they are expensive.
The 11-inch Pro starts at $999. The 13-inch starts at $1,299.
But wait, there's more.
If you want the Nano-texture glass to stop glare? You have to buy at least 1TB of storage. That configuration will set you back at least $1,699. If you max out a 13-inch iPad Pro with 2TB of storage and cellular connectivity, you are looking at nearly $2,300.
For a tablet.
You’re paying for the "Tandem OLED" display. It is, without exaggeration, the best screen I’ve ever seen on a portable device. If you’re a professional colorist or a photographer, maybe it’s worth it. For everyone else, it’s a luxury.
Current Price Tiers (Base Models)
- iPad (10th Gen): $349
- iPad mini (7th Gen): $499
- iPad Air (11-inch): $599
- iPad Air (13-inch): $799
- iPad Pro (11-inch, M5): $999
- iPad Pro (13-inch, M5): $1,299
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
The "price" of an iPad is never just the iPad. Apple has mastered the art of the upsell.
If you want the Apple Pencil Pro, add $129.
The Magic Keyboard? That’s another $299 to $349 depending on the size.
Suddenly, your $599 iPad Air is a **$1,000 setup**.
And then there's AppleCare+. For the Pro models, it's roughly $10 a month or $199 upfront. Given that these things are basically thin sheets of glass, many people find it's a "mandatory" extra.
How to Actually Save Money
Don't buy from the Apple Store.
Seriously.
Third-party retailers like Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy almost always have the base iPad and the Air for $50 to $100 less than Apple's MSRP.
Also, check the Apple Refurbished Store. These aren't just "used" iPads. Apple replaces the outer shell and the battery, and you get the same one-year warranty as a new one. I’ve seen refurbished 10th-gen iPads for $249 and M2 iPad Airs for $469. That is where the real value lives.
What should you do next?
- Check your storage usage: Look at your current phone. If you're using more than 50GB, skip the 64GB iPad. It will be a headache within six months.
- Verify your "Pro" needs: Do you actually need a 120Hz ProMotion screen? If you don't know what that is, you don't need it. Buy the Air or the base model instead.
- Hunt for the education discount: If you’re a student (or know one), Apple’s education store knocks $50 to $100 off most models and often throws in a gift card during "Back to School" season.
- Consider the "Used" route: Reliable sites like Swappa are currently seeing 10th-gen iPads move for around $260, which is a steal for a device that will get software updates for another four or five years.