The Right iPad for Your Budget

The iPad comes in a variety of sizes and prices. A brand new iPad can cost as little as $329 for a regular iPad and as high as $1,700 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This puts an iPad model within almost any budget's reach, and when you consider used or refurbished devices, the price can be even lower.

The first question to ask is how much you want to spend on an iPad. In general, the more you spend, the larger the storage, screen size, and computing power. Which size and options are right for your needs and budget is what we'll take a look at to help you decide.

Apple introduced an iPad with a huge 12.9-inch display to bridge the gap between tablets and laptops. The iPad Pro is definitely a tablet with the processing power of a PC. The A9X chip is about as powerful as a mid-range laptop, and with 4 GB of RAM for apps to go along with that expansive display, it's a multitasking beast. It can also be a great family iPad, with a screen that won't have you missing your HDTV when streaming to it. The iPad Pro starts at $799 and can range all the way up to $1,700 for the 1 TB model with WiFi+Cellular.​

Just as powerful as the 12.9-inch Pro with a few features that even surpass it, the 11-inch iPad Pro is great for those who want a Pro-level iPad but don't want to spend as much as a higher end laptop. It has a 12-megapixel back-facing camera that can compete with your smartphone and it has a screen capable of displaying a wider array of colors than past iPads. The base model with 64 GB storage and WiFi connectivity costs $799.

The third-generation iPad Air boasts Pro-level features, such as the Apple A12 Bionic chip, an upgraded Retina display, and support for the Apple Pencil. It starts at $499 for 64 GB storage and WiFi connectivity and seems to hold a comfortable middle ground between price and power.

The iPad Mini is for anyone that wants a smaller tablet but doesn't want to skimp on specs. It's as powerful as an iPad Air, with an A12 Bionic chip, 64 GB or 256 GB storage, an upgraded Retina display, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil. The 64 GB starts at $399, while the 256 GB model starts at $549. If you don't want a smaller screen, though, you're probably better off spending the extra $100 for the iPad Air.

Apple's most popular tablet, the 7th-generation iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display, an Apple A10 Fusion chip, and either 32 GB or 128 GB storage. While it's slightly less powerful than other models, its affordable starting price of $329 makes it an attractive option for people just looking for a tablet that can accomplish basic everyday tasks like email and streaming video.

The retail prices listed here come from Apple's online store, and it's wise to shop around for a good deal. Retailers often put the iPad on sale as the holiday season approaches. This makes it worthwhile to check places like Amazon, Best Buy, and Frys.

It's tempting to buy an older model used iPad, but sometimes the short-term savings cost more when you find yourself needing to upgrade the tablet after only a few years. 

If you're looking to save a little money, Apple's refurbished iPads have the same 1-year warranty as the new ones. Refurbished products at a discount backed by Apple's work reconditioning it and it's warranty is a smart way to to buy a cheaper iPad.