Key findings

• For basic use, expect to pay at least $499 for a 10th generation iPad.
• The sweet spot is probably an iPad Air for $599.
• An iPad Pro is usually expensive, so you shouldn’t spend more than $999 unless you have high demands.

Apple’s iPad lineup isn’t that out of whack these days. In 2010, there was just one model – the only options were how much storage you wanted and whether you wanted 3G cellular. By late 2024, there’s not just the base iPad, but also the iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro, some of which have different size options in addition to their storage and cellular configurations. The Pro lets you choose what type of glass covers the display.

All of this can be confusing if you’re on a budget but want a tablet that gets the job done. So how much money do you really need to spend to get a good iPad?

The absolute minimum

How much you should spend depends on your purpose. If all you want to do is read, browse the web, use social media, and stream videos, the 10th-generation iPad will be fine for you—but I recommend skipping the cheapest configuration at $349. That’s limited to 64GB of storage, which is frankly unacceptable on a modern tablet without an SD card slot. iPadOS alone takes up several gigabytes, not to mention the apps, books, music, or videos you want to download.

So realistically, you’re looking at at least $499, which will get you a 256GB, Wi-Fi-only iPad. For the casual uses mentioned above, you don’t need a cellphone, an Apple Pencil, or even an external keyboard. Of course, if you’re an illustrator, you’ll need a stylus, and it would be hell to complete school or work projects without a keyboard. Cellphones are rarely useful – if you have a smartphone, you can use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

A better experience

For many people, a $599 11-inch, 128GB, Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad Air is the way to go. While the 10th-generation iPad uses an outdated A14 processor, the Air upgrades to the M2. While that’s still not Apple’s latest processor, it’s a MacBook-level chip that’s far more suited to tasks like video editing and 3D gaming. You’ll be able to run any app available for iPads, and probably smoothly.

The M2 is the main reason we’d recommend an Air as an entry-level model for someone looking for a laptop replacement, but there are other reasons. For one, only iPads with M-series chips can run Stage Manager on an external monitor. This gives you a lot more window real estate, so you might consider this mandatory for a workstation setup.

You also get an anti-glare screen coating – so you can work in any environment – and support for Apple’s best iPad accessories, namely the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. In some cases, you might be better off buying a cheaper Magic Keyboard clone from Amazon, but the Apple Pencil Pro is a must-have if you’re a professional illustrator. If you want one, it costs $169.

If you plan on loading up a lot of games and media, you’ll want to upgrade the storage to 256GB. There are also 13-inch configurations of the tablet, but think twice unless you really need more screen real estate—even the cheapest 13-inch Air costs $799, and that size can be unwieldy if you’re on the go or lugging a backpack from class to class.

Should you consider an iPad Pro?

Let’s be blunt: you probably shouldn’t buy a Pro. It’s an even better laptop replacement than the Air, but for most people, the Pro’s upgrades are a luxury. You don’t need need a 120Hz ProMotion display for everything, and you don’t need four speakers, Face ID, or “nanotexture” (frosted) glass either. The iPad Pro also comes with Apple’s cutting-edge M4 processor, but that’s overkill if all you want to do is browse the web or play Stardew Valley.

There are a few exceptions. If you’re working with video, photography or illustrations, the Pro’s OLED display will provide the best possible brightness and color reproduction. The M4 will certainly speed up any 3D or video rendering, and support for Thunderbolt/USB 4 peripherals lets you connect powerful docks, drives and monitors. Only the Pro has an option for 2TB of internal storage, which is obviously handy if you’re editing 4K video, 3D models or large audio projects.

If you’re desperate to buy a Pro, don’t spend more than $999 on an 11-inch, 256GB model with Wi-Fi unless you have specific needs. If an iPad is going to be your only computer, you could consider a 13-inch Pro with 512GB or 1TB of storage, but the former is already $1,499 and isn’t a good deal compared to a laptop unless you need maximum portability and a touchscreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What about the iPad mini?

Most people should avoid the Mini for now. It hasn’t been updated recently, but it still costs $499 for a 64GB Wi-Fi version. Professionals like pilots and nurses might want to take a look if size really trumps all.

Q: Should I buy a refurbished iPad?

Refurbished iPads can potentially be a smart way to save money, but be careful when buying a device directly from Apple—while the company offers a new battery and a one-year warranty, it often overestimates the price of old hardware. You may be better off buying a refurbished device from a third-party seller.