iPad prices in 2026 run from $349 for the entry model all the way past $1,500 for a maxed-out Pro. The good news: most people are looking at the bottom of that range, and with the right retailer and timing you can pay noticeably less than Apple's list price. Here's what every iPad actually costs, where to buy it cheapest, and how carrier and payment options change the math.
Quick Answer: iPad Prices in 2026
| Model | Starting price (Wi-Fi) |
|---|---|
| iPad (A16, 11th gen) | $349 |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) | $499 |
| iPad Air (M3, 11") | $599 |
| iPad Air (M3, 13") | $799 |
| iPad Pro (M4, 11") | $999 |
| iPad Pro (M4, 13") | $1,299 |
These are Apple's list prices for base storage. Street prices at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target are often lower — the entry iPad in particular regularly drops to $299–$329.
Full Price List by Model and Storage
iPad (A16, 11th generation)
- 128GB — $349
- 256GB — $449
- 512GB — $649
The value pick of the lineup. Our full breakdown of colors, storage, and specs is in the iPad A16 guide.
iPad Air (M3)
- 11-inch from $599, 13-inch from $799
- Storage up to 1TB; Pencil Pro support
iPad Pro (M4)
- 11-inch from $999, 13-inch from $1,299
- OLED display, up to 2TB storage — prices climb steeply with upgrades
Not sure which model fits? Our which iPad should you buy guide matches each model to a type of user.
Best iPads Under $500
Searching for an iPad under $500 gives you real choices:
- iPad A16, 128GB ($349): the obvious pick — a current-generation full-size iPad with room to spare in budget.
- iPad A16, 256GB (~$449): still under $500, with double the storage for offline video and games.
- iPad mini ($499): if you want the small, portable form factor and can live with 128GB.
On sale, even a 256GB entry iPad or a refurbished Air can slip under $500. If your budget is firm, the base iPad A16 is the safest way to get a current iPad and stay well under the line.
Where to Buy Cheapest
| Retailer | What to know |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Frequent discounts below list; easy returns |
| Walmart | Often matches or beats sale prices; wide color stock |
| Best Buy | Good trade-in program; My Best Buy member deals |
| Target | Circle member discounts and gift-card promos |
| Costco | Occasional bundles with cases or extended returns |
| Apple | Full color/config choice; education discount for students |
No single store is always cheapest — prices move week to week. The winning move is to check two or three of these before buying, and to note that Apple's education pricing gives current students and teachers a genuine discount plus occasional gift-card promos during back-to-school season.
Cellular and Carrier Costs
A Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad costs about $150 more than the Wi-Fi model, and then you add a data line. In the US, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer tablet data plans, typically $10–$20/month, or you can add the iPad to an existing phone plan for less.
Carriers frequently run promotions on cellular iPads — trade-in credits, monthly bill credits, or discounted hardware if you add a line. These can be a good deal if you want cellular anyway, but always check the total cost over the plan term, since bill-credit deals usually require you to stay on the line for 24–36 months.
Monthly Payment Plans
If you'd rather spread the cost, there are three common routes:
- Apple Card Monthly Installments / retailer financing: 0% interest over 12 months on many iPads — the $349 entry model works out to roughly $29/month.
- Carrier device payments: spread a cellular iPad over 24–36 months, often with bill credits, but tied to keeping the line active.
- Buy-now-pay-later (Affirm, Klarna): offered at checkout by several retailers; watch for interest beyond the promo period.
Financing an iPad at 0% is reasonable if it fits your budget; just make sure any "monthly" carrier deal isn't locking you into more months of service than you want.
Bottom Line
The entry iPad A16 starts at $349 and regularly sells for less — it's the answer for most people asking what an iPad costs. Check Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy before buying, time it to a sale if you can, skip cellular unless you truly need data on the go, and use 0% financing only if it genuinely helps your budget. For the model breakdown, see our which iPad guide; for the entry model in detail, the iPad A16 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest iPad in 2026?
The iPad (A16, 11th generation) at $349 list is the cheapest current iPad — and it frequently sells for $299–$329 during sales. It's a full-size, current-generation iPad, not a stripped-down model, which makes it the best value in the lineup.
Why do iPad prices vary between stores?
Apple sets a list price, but authorized retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target) set their own sale prices and run member or seasonal promotions. That's why the same iPad can be $349 one place and $299 another the same week. Checking a few retailers before buying reliably saves money.
Is it cheaper to buy an iPad from a carrier?
Sometimes for cellular models — carriers offer trade-in and bill-credit deals that can lower the effective price. But those deals usually require keeping a data line active for 2–3 years, so calculate the total cost including service before deciding. For a Wi-Fi iPad, a retailer is almost always simpler and cheaper.
Are refurbished iPads worth it?
Often yes. iPads age slowly and hold up well, so a certified-refurbished unit from Apple or a reputable seller can save money. The exception is the entry model — refurbished 9th/10th-gen iPads sometimes cost close to the new $349 A16, in which case new is the better buy.
When is the best time to buy an iPad?
Prime Day (summer), back-to-school (late summer), and Black Friday (November) consistently bring the deepest iPad discounts. If you're not in a hurry, timing your purchase to one of these events is the easiest way to pay well under list price.