You’re looking for a deal. I get it. The iPad lineup in 2026 is, frankly, a bit of a mess if you’re trying to save a buck. Between the "standard" models, the Minis, and the refurbished market that moves faster than a TikTok trend, finding where is the cheapest iPad isn't as simple as walking into an Apple Store and pointing at the smallest box.
Usually, people assume the "cheapest" means the oldest thing still sitting on a shelf. Not anymore. If you buy a 9th-generation iPad today because it's $150 on eBay, you're basically buying a paperweight that won't run the latest iPadOS 26 features.
Let's talk real numbers. Right now, the crown for the cheapest brand-new iPad belongs to the iPad 11th Gen (2025), which features the A16 Bionic chip. Apple lists it for $349, but if you're paying that, you're doing it wrong. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have been consistently dropping it to **$299** or even $279 during flash sales this month.
Hunting Down the Absolute Lowest Price
If you want the absolute bottom-dollar price, you have to look at the refurbished market. But don't just search "used iPad" on Facebook Marketplace—that's a recipe for a cracked screen and a locked iCloud account.
Apple’s own Certified Refurbished store is the gold standard. They give you a brand-new battery and a fresh outer shell. As of January 2026, you can snag a refurbished iPad 10th Generation for $249. That’s the "all-screen" design with USB-C, which is honestly 90% of the experience of the newer model for a hundred bucks less.
The Best Places to Check Right Now
- Amazon Renewed: You can often find the iPad 10th Gen for around $220. It’s not "Apple Certified," but they have a solid 90-day guarantee.
- Best Buy Open-Box: This is a hidden gem. People buy an iPad, realize they wanted the Pro, and return it two days later. You can find "Excellent" condition iPad 11th Gen units for $270-$285.
- Walmart: They still have some lingering stock of the iPad 9th Gen (the one with the Home button) for about $199 brand new. It’s cheap. It’s also old. I wouldn’t buy it unless it’s for a toddler to watch Bluey.
The Student Discount Loophole
If you or anyone in your household has an .edu email address, the Apple Education Store is your best friend. They don't just lower the price; they often throw in gift cards. Currently, the iPad 11th Gen is $329 through the education portal.
While $329 sounds higher than the $299 Amazon price, Apple usually bundles a **$50 or $100 gift card** during "Back to School" or winter promotions. If you were going to buy an Apple Pencil anyway, that makes the iPad significantly cheaper than any other retail option.
What about the iPad Mini?
People think small means cheap. Nope. The iPad Mini (A17 Pro) starts at $499. It’s a powerhouse built for Apple Intelligence, but it is definitely not the "budget" choice. If you see an iPad Mini for under $300, it’s likely the 6th Gen or older. It’s a great device, but at this point in 2026, the A15 chip in the Mini 6 is starting to feel its age when multitasking.
Why "Cheapest" Can Be a Trap
Let's be honest for a second. There is a huge difference between "lowest price" and "best value."
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The cheapest iPad right now is a used 6th or 7th generation model for maybe $90. Don't do it. Those models won't support the new AI-driven features in iPadOS 26, and the batteries are likely shot.
If you want the "smart" cheapest buy, you go for the refurbished iPad 10th Gen. It has the modern design, works with the Magic Keyboard Folio, and uses USB-C. You won't feel like you're using a relic from 2019.
Final Advice for Your Wallet
Stop looking at the Apple Store's main page. They want you to buy the M5 iPad Pro for a grand. Instead, go straight to the bottom of their website and click "Refurbished."
If you need a brand-new unit with a full warranty, set a price alert on CamelCamelCamel for Amazon. The iPad 11th Gen hits $299 almost every other week. That is currently the sweet spot for anyone wondering where is the cheapest iPad without sacrificing performance.
Your Strategy
- Check Apple Refurbished for the iPad 10th Gen ($249).
- Check Best Buy Open-Box for the iPad 11th Gen ($270+).
- Check Amazon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays; that’s usually when their "limited time deals" on Apple gear go live.
Skip the 9th Gen. Skip the ancient used models. Stick to the 10th or 11th Gen, and you’ll get a tablet that actually lasts the next four years.
Actionable Next Step: Go to the Apple Certified Refurbished page and filter by "iPad." If you see a 10th Gen for $249, buy it immediately—those specific SKUs usually sell out within hours of being restocked.