The Best iPad Deals Right Now (Save Up to $200 in January 2026)
Let’s be honest. iPads aren’t cheap. You’ve probably been eyeing one for months, waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger. Maybe you need it for school, work, or just want something better than your phone for watching Netflix in bed (no judgment here).
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to pay full price. Right now, there are some seriously good iPad deals floating around, and I’m going to show you where to find them.
No fluff. No confusing tech talk. Just real deals that’ll help you save real money.
Why iPad Deals Matter (And Why Timing Is Everything)
Look, Apple products hold their value like crazy. That’s great if you’re selling one, but not so great when you’re trying to buy one on a budget.
But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: iPad prices drop all the time. New models come out, retailers want to clear inventory, holidays roll around, and suddenly that $500 iPad is going for $349.
The trick? Knowing where to look and when to jump on a deal.
Quick Guide: Which iPad Do You Really Need?
Before we dive into deals, let’s make sure you’re looking at the right iPad. There’s no point in saving $100 on an iPad that won’t do what you need.
iPad (Regular/Base Model) This is your everyday iPad. Perfect for browsing, streaming, casual gaming, and taking notes. If you’re not doing heavy video editing or professional design work, this is probably all you need. It’s like the Honda Civic of iPads: reliable, affordable, gets the job done.
iPad Mini Same power as the regular iPad, just smaller. Love reading on the couch? Travel a lot? Want something that fits in a purse? This is your pick. Think of it as the iPad’s cute little sibling.
iPad Air The middle child that gets attention. It’s more powerful than the base iPad, has a better screen, and supports the fancy Apple Pencil. Great for students, creative folks, and anyone who wants something a bit more premium without going broke.
iPad Pro This is the beast. Crazy powerful, gorgeous display, can basically replace a laptop. Only get this if you’re doing serious work like video editing, 3D modeling, or professional design. It’s overkill for Netflix and email (but hey, if you’ve got the budget, go for it).
The Best iPad Deals Available Right Now
Best Overall Deal: iPad (10th Generation)
Regular Price: $449 Deal Price: $329-$349 (depending on retailer) Where: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart
This is the sweet spot for most people. You’re getting a modern iPad with a good screen, decent power, and all the basics you need. At this price, it’s an absolute steal.
What makes this deal special? You’re saving over $100 on a brand-new model, not some ancient version from 2018. This iPad will last you years.
Best for: Students, casual users, gift-givers, anyone who wants an iPad without overthinking it.
Best Budget Pick: iPad (9th Generation)
Regular Price: $329 Deal Price: $249-$279 Where: Apple Refurbished Store, Amazon, Target
Okay, so this is the older model with the home button. But it’s still awesome for one simple reason: it works perfectly fine for 90% of what people do on an iPad. Browsing? Check. YouTube? Check. Reading? Gaming? Taking notes? Check, check, check.
For under $300, you’re getting a legitimate Apple iPad that’ll serve you well for years.
Best for: Tight budgets, kids, first-time iPad buyers, people who don’t need the latest and greatest.
Best Premium Deal: iPad Air (5th Generation)
Regular Price: $599 Deal Price: $499-$549 Where: Best Buy, B&H Photo, Amazon
The iPad Air is where things get interesting. You get that beautiful edge-to-edge screen, better performance, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 (the one that sticks magnetically to the side, which is just cool).
When you can snag this for around $500, you’re getting serious value. This iPad can handle almost anything you throw at it.
Best for: College students with demanding apps, creative hobbyists, professionals who need portability, multitaskers.
Best Compact Deal: iPad Mini (6th Generation)
Regular Price: $499 Deal Price: $399-$449 Where: Amazon, Costco (if you’re a member), Apple Refurbished
The iPad Mini doesn’t get enough love. It’s incredibly portable, surprisingly powerful, and perfect for reading, note-taking on the go, or using as a digital planner.
At $100+ off, this becomes a really compelling option for anyone who values portability.
Best for: Commuters, travelers, readers, people with small bags, note-takers who want something portable.
Best Pro Deal: iPad Pro 11-inch (2022)
Regular Price: $799 Deal Price: $649-$699 Where: Best Buy, B&H Photo, Apple Refurbished
Look, the iPad Pro is expensive no matter how you slice it. But if you need that level of power, saving $100-$150 is huge.
This thing is a powerhouse. The M2 chip means it can handle professional video editing, complex design work, and pretty much anything else. Plus, that 120Hz screen is buttery smooth.
Best for: Content creators, professional designers, video editors, people replacing a laptop.
Where to Find the Best iPad Deals (Beyond the Obvious)
Most people check Amazon and call it a day. But you’re leaving money on the table. Places where deals hide:
Apple’s Refurbished Store (The Secret Spot)
This is hands-down one of the best-kept secrets. Apple sells refurbished iPads directly on their certified refurbished page, and they’re basically like new. Apple replaces the battery, the outer shell, and gives you a full warranty. You save 15-20% easily.
The catch? Inventory changes fast. Check it regularly.
Best Buy Open Box
Someone bought an iPad, opened it, returned it. Best Buy can’t sell it as new anymore, so they discount it. Sometimes these iPads were barely touched. You can save $50-$150.
Check the condition rating: Excellent is basically new. Satisfactory might have cosmetic wear.
Education Pricing (Even If You’re Not a Student)
Something wild: Apple gives education discounts year-round on their education store. If you’re a student, teacher, or even a parent buying for a student, you get automatic discounts.
During back-to-school season (July-September), they often throw in free AirPods too. That’s basically $100+ in extra value.
Costco and Sam’s Club
If you’ve got a membership, check warehouse stores. They bundle iPads with gift cards or accessories sometimes. A $400 iPad with a $50 gift card? That’s a real discount.
Carrier Deals (Yes, Really)
This sounds weird, but if you’re buying an iPad with cellular, your phone carrier might have crazy deals. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often run promotions like “add an iPad to your plan and get $300 off.”
You’ll need to keep a data plan, but if you were going to anyway, this can be huge savings.
Money-Saving Tips That Work
Tip 1: Storage Matters More Than You Think
A mistake people make: they buy the cheapest storage option (usually 64GB) to save money, then regret it six months later.
If you’re going to use this iPad for years, spend the extra $50-$100 for more storage. Trust me, running out of space is miserable.
Tip 2: Refurbished Doesn’t Mean Bad
Seriously, shake off that stigma. A refurbished iPad from Apple or a reputable retailer is basically new. You save money, get a warranty, and honestly can’t tell the difference.
Tip 3: Trade In Your Old Device
Got an old iPad collecting dust? An old iPhone? Trade it in. Apple’s trade-in program, Best Buy, and Amazon all have trade-in programs. You can get $100-$300 in credit depending on what you’re trading.
That $349 iPad suddenly becomes a $249 iPad after trade-in.
Tip 4: Skip the AppleCare (Probably)
AppleCare adds $69-$99 to your purchase. For most people, it’s not worth it. iPads are pretty durable, especially if you get a case.
Put that $99 toward a better model instead.
Tip 5: Buy Last Year’s Model
This is the golden rule of tech shopping. When Apple releases a new iPad, last year’s model drops in price. And guess what? It’s still an amazing iPad.
The iPad from 2022 will do everything the 2023 model does for 90% of users. Save your money.
The Best Times to Buy an iPad (Mark Your Calendar)
Not all deals are created equal. Some times of year are just better for iPad shopping:
Black Friday / Cyber Monday (Late November) This is the Super Bowl of iPad deals. Expect $100-$200 off across the board. If you can wait until November, do it.
Amazon Prime Day (July) Amazon goes hard on Apple products during Prime Day. You’ll see deals almost as good as Black Friday.
Back to School Season (July-September) Apple runs education promotions, and retailers compete with their own deals. Great time to buy if you’re a student or buying for one.
New iPad Launch Days When Apple announces a new iPad (usually spring or fall), older models get instant discounts. Set a Google Alert for Apple events.
End of Month Retailers have monthly sales quotas. The last week of any month, especially at Best Buy, can have surprise deals as they try to hit targets.
Red Flags: Deals That Aren’t Really Deals
Not every “deal” is worth your money. Watch out for these traps:
Super Old Models If someone’s selling an iPad from 2017 for $200, pass. It might be cheap, but it’s also outdated and won’t get software updates much longer.
Too Good to Be True Prices $150 for a brand new iPad Pro? That’s a scam. If the price seems insane, it probably is.
No Warranty or Return Policy Buying from a random seller on eBay or Facebook Marketplace? Make sure you can return it if something’s wrong. No returns = no thanks.
Locked iPads Some “deals” are iPads locked to a specific carrier or even someone’s iCloud account. These are basically paperweights. Only buy from reputable sellers.
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
The eternal question: should you wait for a better deal?
My honest take: if you see a deal that saves you $75-$100+ off a model you want, just buy it. Waiting for perfection means you miss out on using your iPad.
But if it’s only $20 off? Yeah, you can probably wait.
The exception: if Black Friday is a month away, it might be worth holding out. Those deals are usually the best of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth buying an iPad on sale?
Yes. iPads hold their value so well that any meaningful discount (10-20% off) is worth jumping on. Just make sure it’s a recent model that’ll get software updates for years.
What’s the difference between WiFi and Cellular models?
WiFi models connect to the internet through WiFi only (like at home or coffee shops). Cellular models can use mobile data like your phone. Cellular costs more and needs a data plan. Most people are fine with WiFi-only.
How much storage do I need?
For basic use (streaming, browsing, casual gaming), 64GB works. If you download movies, take lots of photos, or play big games, go for 128GB or 256GB. More storage = less stress later.
Are refurbished iPads reliable?
Yes, especially from Apple or authorized retailers. They’re tested, cleaned, and come with warranties. You honestly can’t tell the difference from new.
Do I need the Apple Pencil?
Only if you’re taking handwritten notes, drawing, or doing design work. For everything else, your finger works just fine. Save the $99-$129 unless you have a specific use for it.
Can I use an iPad instead of a laptop?
Depends on what you do. For browsing, email, streaming, and light work, yes. For heavy multitasking, programming, or complex software, a laptop is still better. The iPad Air and Pro with a keyboard get close though.
Should I get AppleCare?
Probably not. If you’re careful with your devices and use a case, you’ll likely be fine. If you’re clumsy or buying for a kid, it might give you peace of mind. Your call.
Final Thoughts
Look, there’s no perfect iPad for everyone. The best one is the one that fits your needs and your budget.
If you just want to watch movies and browse the web, the base model iPad on sale is perfect. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need a Pro.
If you’re a student taking notes and doing research, the iPad Air is the sweet spot.
And if you’re a creative professional, the Pro makes sense (especially on sale).
The most important thing? Don’t overthink it. iPads last for years. Any money you save on a good deal is money you can spend on a nice case, the Apple Pencil, or just keeping in your pocket.
Right now, the deals are solid. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
Happy shopping, and enjoy your new iPad!
