- Apple has several iPad models in its tablet lineup, including a few iPad Pro, iPad Mini, and iPad Air models.
- There’s also a new iPad Pro that launched in March 2020 with prices starting at $799.
- We break down the prices for every iPad you can buy online to answer the question: How much does an iPad cost?
Although they’re not for everyone, the enduring popularity of tablets stands as a testament to their appeal. Tablets inhabit a middle zone between a smartphone and a laptop, giving you more computer-like capabilities for work and entertainment without the bulk. Apple virtually pioneered the tablet market and still leads the way with its excellent iPad lineup.
Apple hardware can get pretty expensive, but the good news is that compared to other tablets, iPads actually aren’t terribly pricey anymore. There is certainly a plethora of cheap Android tablets available today, including the very budget-friendly Amazon Fire lineup, but you’ll typically pay around the same price for most iPad models as you would for a sufficiently name-brand Android tablet.
Apple’s tablet family runs the gamut in pricing from as low as $249.99 (on sale) for a standard iPad to around $1,900 for the latest iPad Pro with all the bells and whistles. So, whatever you’re looking to spend, there’s probably an iPad out there for you. Below, we’ve rounded up all of the current iPad models available online right now so you can find the right Apple tablet for your needs and budget.
For more shopping advice, check out our full buying guide to the best iPads.
How much does the iPad cost?
- 10.2-inch iPad (2019): $329+
- 9.7-inch iPad (2018): $269.99+ (frequently on sale for less)
- iPad Mini (2019): $399+
- iPad Air (2019): $499+
- iPad Pro: $799+ (price varies by size)
Updated on 03/18/2020 by Joe Osborne: Added new information regarding the newly-released iPad Pro for 2020. Checked all prices and links for accuracy.
10.2-inch iPad (2019)
At its iPhone launch event in early September, Apple squeezed in a surprise product: a new 10.2-inch iPad. The tablet looks to be the best new iPad for most people's needs. It's got a 10.2-inch screen that packs in 3.5 million pixels. And it's powered by Apple's A10 Fusion chip, the same system that powers the iPhone 7 (hey, remember the iPhone 7?).
The iPad 10.2-inch starts at $329.99 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model. You can get the 128GB Wi-Fi model for $429.99, the 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model for $459.99, and the 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model for $559.99. These are the prices on Apple's website; keep an eye on third-party sellers for deals and discounts.
9.7-inch iPad (2018)
It might be the "standard" model, but the 9.7-inch iPad is anything but run-of-the-mill. The 2018 iPad has a slimmed-down design, solid hardware, great Retina display, easy-to-use software, and a very reasonable price. It is still the best iPad for most people - while supplies last. Apple is phasing it out in favor of the new 10.2-inch model, but they actually have the same processor, so if you can still find the 9.7-inch one, it's still a good buy.
The iPad is also surprisingly affordable for an Apple product, starting at $330 roughly. If you're lucky to catch it on sale, the iPad fairly frequently drops down to an even more attractive price of $250 or so.
iPad Air
It took so long for Apple to release a new iPad Air that many people thought Apple would discontinue the Air lineup altogether. But on March 18, Apple announced a new iPad Air, and it is a fantastic tablet.
With a starting price of $499.99, it's a solid middle option between the standard iPad and the costly iPad Pro.
iPad Mini
One of the main draws of getting an iPad is its size. Tablets are smaller and lighter than laptops, but they still offer more screen real estate than your smartphone for things like streaming and gaming. Even the 9.7-inch iPad isn't exactly a small device, though.
It's been years since Apple launched a 7.9-inch iPad Mini, but on March 18, it finally refreshed the line with a new small tablet.
It's a great deal at $399.99, so if you're one of the tablet hunters who wants one that's small but mighty, you'll want a new iPad Mini.
iPad Pro (2018)
The iPad Pro is the most high-end tablet in Apple's iPad lineup. Because it's got the power of a high-end laptop, the Pro models are expensive, but the Pro is built for those who are looking for something that's more than just a tablet.
The iPad Pro really shines when paired with peripherals like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio. The 2018 iPad Pro models (available in two screen sizes: 11 and 12.9 inches) are effectively designed to do double duty as laptops. If you want the beefiest iPad on the market right now that can run advanced software like Photoshop and games, then the iPad Pro is the one for you.
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is the oldest of the bunch, but it's still a great tablet. However, we would recommend the newer 11- or 12.5-inch iPad Pro models instead, since you'll be using it as a laptop as well as a tablet.
iPad Pro (2020)
While all of these 2018 iPad Pro models are just fine to work and play with, Apple has just announced brand-new versions of its 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. These now come with enhanced rear cameras with LiDAR depth sensing, Apple's newest A12Z Bionic processor, and a brand new Magic Keyboard accesory - now with a trackpad - that gets the iPad Pro closer than ever to replacing your laptop.
Just like before, the 11-inch model starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch version calls for $999 to start. Orders made by 5:00 pm will be delivered on the next day.
Buy the Apple iPad Pro (2020) at the Apple Store starting at $799
We also recommend the Apple Pencil Stylus
The Apple Pencil officially works with every iPad Apple currently sells. The first-generation Apple Pencil works with the new iPad Mini and iPad Air, as well as the older 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the 2018 and 2019 standard iPads.
If you buy the new 11- or 12.5-inch iPad Pros, you should buy the second-generation stylus, which was made for those tablets and is even better than the original.
Over the years, I've tested a lot of styluses from companies like Adonit, 53, Wacom, and more. None of those styluses can hold a candle to the Apple Pencil. Whether you buy the first-generation Pencil or the second, you're getting a stylus that was made by Apple in tandem with the iPad.
As such, the Pencil works with the iPads' screens in special ways that no other stylus can. The result is improved pressure sensitivity and an impressively low level of latency. You won't even notice a lag because it's imperceptible. When you use an Apple Pencil, you actually feel like you're using a normal graphite pencil.
There are a few differences between the first- and second-generation Pencils: The second-gen model has wireless charging and magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad and it was made for the new 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, while the first-gen Pencil is for the older 9.7-inch iPad and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The first-gen Pencil charges with a lightning port on the end and doesn't attach to your iPad. It's also a bit cheaper.
Choose whichever works for the iPad you buy.- Malarie Gokey
