Best iPad Deals January 2026: Save on Pro, Air, Mini & More
Let's be honest: iPads aren't cheap. But if you're thinking about grabbing one, right now is actually a decent time to do it. Whether you're looking at the latest M5 iPad Pro, the iPad Air M3, the compact iPad Mini, or just want something affordable like the 11th-gen iPad, there are real savings happening across the board in January 2026.
The problem is that iPad deals fluctuate constantly. One day you'll see a $100 discount on the iPad Mini, the next day it vanishes. Prices shift between Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Apple's own store depending on inventory and what promotions are running. That's where we come in. We've been tracking iPad pricing across major retailers, and we're going to walk you through exactly where to find the best deals right now, what's actually worth buying, and which models give you the best value for your money.
This isn't just a list of discounts either. We're breaking down what makes each iPad different, who should buy it, and whether that savings is actually meaningful. Because buying the wrong iPad model is a lot worse than waiting for a better discount.
TL; DR
- iPad Mini 7 is seeing the biggest discount right now at **499), saving you $110 on the 128GB Wi-Fi model
- 11th-gen iPad is available for 349, a solid $50 discount for the base model
- iPad Air M3 starts around **599), but 256GB models are often discounted to **799
- M5 iPad Pro just launched and is already discounted at select retailers, with $100+ savings on some configurations
- Prices vary significantly by storage capacity and color, with certain shades (like Starlight) getting deeper discounts than others
- Best Buy and Amazon tend to have the most aggressive iPad deals, followed by Target
Storage options and realistic needs are the most important factors to consider before buying an iPad, with importance ratings of 9 and 8 respectively. Estimated data.
Understanding the iPad Lineup in 2026
Before diving into specific deals, you need to understand what you're actually looking at. Apple's iPad lineup is sprawling. They've got the budget option, the "just right" option, the portable option, and the absolute powerhouse option. Each targets a different person.
The base 11th-gen iPad launched in March 2025 and starts at $349. It's got the A16 Bionic chip (the same processor from the iPhone 15), 128GB of base storage, and an 11-inch display. It's perfectly fine for reading, watching videos, casual browsing, and light productivity work. The catch: it doesn't support Apple Intelligence, which is the newer AI features Apple baked into iPad OS 18.1. If that matters to you, you're stepping up to one of the fancier models.
The iPad Mini (7th generation, 2024) sits at the other end of the spectrum in terms of size but punches way above its weight in terms of power. It's 8.3 inches—basically a big phone. It's got the A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, support for Apple Intelligence, USB-C, and it supports the Apple Pencil Pro. You're paying $499 to start, and that's for 128GB of storage. The reason it costs more than the base iPad? Because it's actually powerful, the display is fantastic, and if you want a portable tablet that's still capable of real work, this is where you start.
The iPad Air M3 (2025) is the Goldilocks option. It's got enough power for serious creative work—graphic design, video editing, music production. The 11-inch M3 model starts at
Finally, there's the M5 iPad Pro, which just launched in late 2025. This is the laptop replacement tablet. The 11-inch starts at
The key takeaway: each tier exists for a reason. Don't assume you need the most expensive option. A lot of people are happier with a discounted iPad Mini than they would be with a full-price iPad Air, simply because the form factor matters more than specs.
The 11th-gen iPad offers consistent $50 discounts across all storage tiers. The 256GB Wi-Fi model provides the best value for storage increase.
The Best 11th-Gen iPad Deals
Let's start with the cheapest option, the 11th-generation iPad. This is the one Apple expects you to buy if you don't care about bells and whistles. It's their loss leader, essentially.
Right now, the 128GB Wi-Fi model is sitting at **
If you want more storage, the 256GB model is going for around **
The LTE versions are pricier. They start at
Real talk: The 11th-gen iPad is genuinely useful. It's got enough processing power for everything except heavy creative work. The A16 Bionic handles multitasking smoothly, apps load quickly, and if you're coming from an older iPad, the speed difference is noticeable. The display is solid, not amazing, but good enough that you won't squint.
The main limitation is that this thing does not support Apple Intelligence. If you're buying this specifically because you want to use Apple's new AI features, stop here and go look at the iPad Air or iPad Mini instead. But if you just want a tablet that works, the 11th-gen iPad at $299 is a genuinely good deal. Most people don't need anything more powerful.
iPad Mini Deals: The Biggest Discounts Right Now
Here's where things get interesting. The iPad Mini (7th generation) is getting the most aggressive discount of any iPad model right now, and that's making it look like a seriously good deal.
The 128GB Wi-Fi model is down to
What makes this deal special is that it's not just a marginal discount. It's a real, meaningful price drop. The iPad Mini hasn't been this cheap since Black Friday. If you've been waiting to pick one up, this is the window.
The 256GB model is trickier to find on sale, but when it does go on discount, it's usually
Why the iPad Mini is worth the money: It's small—8.3 inches—but it's genuinely powerful. The A17 Pro processor with 8GB of RAM handles everything you throw at it. Multitasking is smooth, apps don't choke, and if you want to do actual work on a tablet, the Mini is a legitimate option. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, which is becoming more useful as developers build out proper stylus support. And it's got Apple Intelligence, so you get the newer AI features built into iPad OS.
The display is honestly great. It's smaller than the other iPads, obviously, but the pixel density is excellent. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and there's good brightness for outdoor use. The 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth.
The trade-offs: If you're using the iPad Mini for extended work sessions—think a full workday of writing or design—the smaller screen will eventually get to you. Your eyes might feel a bit strained after a few hours. For shorter bursts or creative work with an Apple Pencil, it's perfect. But if you're thinking "I'm going to replace my laptop with this," you might be disappointed.
Also, eight gigabytes of RAM sounds like a lot, but iPad OS doesn't use RAM the same way macOS does. App switching is smooth, but don't expect desktop-level multitasking. If you're trying to run three heavy apps simultaneously and jump between them constantly, you might notice some lag.
At $389.99, the iPad Mini is legitimately worth considering. It's not just a better deal than the 11th-gen iPad anymore—it's actually more useful for most people who want an actual iPad, not just a big screen for Netflix.
The 11-inch iPad Air M3 starts at
iPad Air M3 Pricing and Discounts
The iPad Air with M3 is Apple's underrated option. It launched in 2025 and honestly flies under the radar because the iPad Pro gets all the press, but the iPad Air is where the real value lives.
The 11-inch M3 model starts at **
Apple also released a new 13-inch iPad Air M3 for the first time, starting at **
Why the iPad Air matters: The M3 chip is a legitimately significant upgrade from the A17 Pro in the iPad Mini. We're talking real multi-core performance. Apps open faster. Video editing is more responsive. If you're doing any kind of creative work—photo editing, design, music production—you'll feel the difference.
The RAM bump to 8GB (standard on the 128GB model and up) helps too. iPad OS 26 actually supports meaningful multitasking on the Air in a way it doesn't on the Mini. You can have multiple windows open, multiple apps working simultaneously, and switching between them doesn't feel laggy.
The display is excellent. The 11-inch is gorgeous, but if you can swing the 13-inch, that extra screen real estate makes a real difference if you're doing creative work. Your Photoshop canvas is literally bigger. Your timeline in a video editor isn't as cramped.
The realistic assessment: If you're just browsing the web and watching videos, the iPad Air is overkill. You won't feel enough of a difference to justify the $300+ price jump over the iPad Mini. But if you're doing creative work, or if you want an iPad that'll stay relevant for five years without feeling slow, the Air is the move.
At **
M5 iPad Pro Discounts and Availability
The M5 iPad Pro just launched, which means we're in that weird period where the old stock (M4 Pro) is being cleared out and the new stuff is just hitting shelves.
The M5 11-inch starts at
Early discounts are popping up at major retailers, with Best Buy and Amazon already showing **
Important caveat: We're still in the very early days of M5 availability. The discount landscape will change rapidly over the next month as more inventory hits shelves and retailers adjust pricing. If you're considering an M5, don't wait too long—early discounts tend to tighten as supply stabilizes.
Should you buy the M5 Pro instead of the M4? This is the real question. The M5 is faster, sure. It's got a better GPU, better neural engine for processing AI tasks, and it handles everything you throw at it smoothly. But the M4 iPad Pro from last year is still legitimately fast. Unless you're doing professional video work in 4K, heavy 3D rendering, or serious machine learning tasks, you probably won't notice the difference in daily use.
The deal here is that M4 Pro inventory is disappearing. Retailers are clearing stock to make room for M5. If you can find an M4 Pro on clearance, it might actually be a better deal than an M5 at full price—even if the M5 has newer tech. An M4 Pro at
Real talk: The iPad Pro line is for professionals. If you're asking yourself whether you need an iPad Pro, you probably don't. The iPad Air does 95% of what the Pro does for $400 less. The Pro is for people who genuinely know they need something specific—like final video editing, professional design work, or heavy music production with lots of plugins and samples loaded.
Early discounts on the M5 iPad Pro show significant savings, particularly on the 11-inch 512GB model. Estimated data based on current retailer offers.
How iPad Prices Fluctuate and Why
Here's something people don't talk about: iPad pricing is weird. It fluctuates for reasons that aren't always obvious.
Apple doesn't discount their products, officially. You'll never see an iPad cheaper at Apple's own store. But every other retailer—Amazon, Best Buy, Target, B&H Photo—they all discount. And they coordinate (sort of) to undercut each other.
The pattern usually looks like this: A new iPad launches. For the first month or so, discounts are minimal. Everyone's got good supply, and demand is high. Then after six to eight weeks, discounts start appearing. A retailer will drop the price by $50 to move inventory. Competitors match. Discounts grow.
When an older model is being phased out (like what's happening with the M4 Pro right now), discounts get aggressive. Retailers need that inventory gone. That's when you see $150+ discounts. It's the inverse of most product categories—older tech gets more discounted, not less.
Color also matters. Certain shades sell better than others. If a retailer has too much of the "Space Black" iPad Pro but is running low on "Silver," they might discount the Space Black deeper to move it. This is why you'll sometimes see wildly different prices for the same iPad in different colors.
Storage capacity affects discounts too, but not always how you'd expect. The 256GB option sometimes gets deeper discounts than the 128GB, simply because fewer people buy it and retailers have more in stock.
The timing question: Should you wait for a better deal? That depends. If you need an iPad now, the discounts available right now in January are reasonable. We're not in a particularly weak discount period. Black Friday 2025 had deeper discounts, but those only come once a year. If you wait for the next big sale event, you might get 10-15% off instead of the 5-10% you're getting now. That could mean waiting three to six months and hoping your current setup continues to work.
Where to Find the Best iPad Deals
Not all retailers are equal when it comes to iPad deals. Some consistently beat others.
Amazon is usually the first place to check. They often have the lowest prices and they match competitors pretty aggressively. Their return policy is solid too—30 days to send something back, no questions asked. The downside is that stock can be inconsistent, especially on specific colors or storage capacities.
Best Buy is underrated for iPad deals. They often match Amazon's prices, sometimes beat them. Their return policy is excellent (15 days on most items, 30 on others), and you can order online and pick up in-store same day if you need an iPad right now. Plus, you get the potential benefits of a Best Buy membership if you're a member.
Target is the dark horse. They offer comparable discounts to Amazon and Best Buy, and they sometimes have exclusive deals or gift card promos that can stack on top of the base discount. If you shop at Target anyway, their Circle app sometimes has exclusive iPad deals.
B&H Photo is worth checking if you want a specific configuration. They have good inventory, competitive pricing, and they don't charge sales tax to most states (though that's getting less common). The downside is their return policy is stricter than the big-box retailers.
Apple's own store is a last resort. They'll never discount the iPad, but they sometimes bundle Apple Care+ or offer $50-75 in store credit if you trade in an old device. It's not the same as a discount, but it helps.
Costco (if you're a member) occasionally has iPad deals, usually around holidays. Their return policy is legendary—30 days minimum, and they're often flexible beyond that. Check if you're a member.
Pro tip: Price-match. Most retailers will match a competitor's price if you ask. If Amazon has an iPad at
Amazon leads in iPad deal attractiveness due to aggressive pricing and return policies, while B&H Photo and Apple Store are less attractive due to stricter policies and fewer discounts. Estimated data based on typical offerings.
Storage: How Much Do You Actually Need?
This is where people make mistakes. They buy a 128GB iPad because it's cheaper, then six months later they're deleting apps to make room for updates.
Here's the reality: iPad storage fills up faster than you think, especially if you're using it for creative work.
If you're using the iPad for browsing, email, reading, and streaming video, 128GB is fine. Those things don't take much space. The OS itself uses about 20-25GB, leaving you around 100GB for actual content.
But if you're using the iPad for creative work—storing photos, video projects, design files, even music production—256GB is the minimum. A single 4K video project can be 10-20GB. A photography project with RAW files can be another 10-15GB. You burn through storage quickly.
For iPad Air and iPad Pro users, especially if you're doing professional work, I'd argue 512GB is the safer bet. It costs $200 more than 128GB, but you'll actually be able to keep your projects on-device instead of constantly archiving to cloud storage or external drives.
Cloud storage is not a replacement for local storage. Sure, iCloud is convenient, but if you're doing real work, you need files local. Syncing can be slow, reliability issues happen, and if your internet goes down, you can't access your work. This is why professionals keep more storage locally.
The weird part: buying the 256GB model in a sale often makes more sense than buying a discounted 128GB. The discount on both might be the same percentage, but you're getting way more actual usable storage for another $100. That's good math.
Accessories Worth Buying vs. Skip
Once you've bought the iPad, people push accessories on you. Not all of them are worth the money.
Apple Pencil Pro ($129): If you're using an iPad Mini, Air, or Pro with any kind of creative intent, get this. The pressure sensitivity is excellent, the latency is basically zero, and features like barrel roll for brushes actually work. Worth the money if you draw, design, or take notes regularly. Skip if you're just browsing and streaming.
Magic Keyboard (
Folio keyboard cases (
Screen protectors: Most people don't need them. iPad screens are tough. If you're using an Apple Pencil, a screen protector adds friction that some people hate. Skip unless you're giving this to a kid or you genuinely drop devices constantly.
Cases: iPad screens are expensive to replace (
iPad Smart Folio ($79-109): Apple's official case. It's slim, lightweight, and works as a stand. If you want something minimal, this is solid. Not necessary, but nice if you take your iPad places.
iPad prices typically start at launch price, then decrease over time with more significant discounts as the model ages. Estimated data based on typical retail patterns.
Which iPad Should You Actually Buy?
Let's cut through the noise. Here's what you should buy based on your actual situation.
You just want a tablet for watching videos, reading, and browsing: Buy the 11th-gen iPad at $299. Don't overthink it. It does everything you need, it's affordable, and you're not paying for power you won't use. The lack of Apple Intelligence doesn't matter if you're not using AI features anyway.
You want something portable you can actually use for work: Buy the iPad Mini at $389.99 if you find that deal. It's more expensive than the base iPad, but it's actually powerful. The form factor is key here—it's portable in a way the larger iPads aren't. If you're traveling or moving between locations, the 8.3-inch size is a game-changer.
You want a real laptop replacement or serious creative tool: Buy the iPad Air 11-inch at
You do professional video work, 3D rendering, or heavy music production: Buy the M5 iPad Pro if you can find a deal, or go with the M4 if it's significantly cheaper. The M5 is overkill for most workflows, but for these specific tasks, it's the right tool.
You're a kid or a casual user who just wants something fun: Buy the 11th-gen iPad. Seriously, don't spend
The pattern: don't buy based on specs. Buy based on what you're actually going to do with it. Most people's lives change faster than their tech, and what you think you'll do with an iPad and what you actually do are often different things.
iPad Trade-In and Upgrade Programs
If you've got an old iPad, you can use that to offset the cost of a new one.
Apple's trade-in program gives you instant credit at Apple's store. They'll offer you a value based on the condition and age of your device. Most old iPads get $50-200 in credit. It's not a lot, but it helps.
Best Buy's trade-in program is comparable. They'll take an old iPad and give you store credit. The values are similar to Apple's.
Amazon and other retailers sometimes have trade-in programs too, though they're less standardized.
The catch: the trade-in values are always lower than what you could get selling privately. If you have a relatively recent iPad in good condition, selling it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace will get you more money than any retailer's trade-in offer. You'll work harder for it, but the difference can be $100+.
For older iPads or damaged ones, trade-in is easier than trying to sell privately. You just walk in, hand over the device, and get credit immediately.
Apple Care+ is worth considering if you're buying a new iPad. It's
Smart Things to Do Before Buying
Don't just add an iPad to your cart and check out. Do these things first.
Check your needs realistically. Not aspirationally. What are you actually going to do with this device? Be honest. Most people buy tech they don't end up using heavily.
Compare storage options. The $100 jump from 128GB to 256GB is worth it 90% of the time. Do the math based on what you'll actually store.
Check multiple retailers. Prices shift day to day. A five-minute comparison between Amazon, Best Buy, and Target might save you $50.
Look at older generations if they're still available. The jump from the M4 iPad Air to the M5 iPad Pro is huge in price but marginal in performance for most users. If the M4 is discounted, it might be the smarter buy.
Ask about bundle deals. Sometimes retailers bundle in free accessories or discounted Apple Care+ with iPad purchases. These promos change constantly, so it's worth asking.
Think about longevity. iPads last a long time. A device you buy today will likely get five to seven years of major OS updates. Spending an extra $100 on more storage or a slightly more powerful model could mean it stays relevant longer.
The Landscape Is Changing: What's Coming
If you're thinking about waiting, here's what might be coming.
Apple typically updates the iPad lineup in spring (March/April), with occasional fall updates. We just got the M5 iPad Pro in fall 2025, so the next major Pro update probably won't come until fall 2026. The iPad Air M3 just came out in spring 2025, so expect updates in 2026.
What might change: the base iPad could move to an A17-series chip (bringing Apple Intelligence support), the iPad Mini might get the next-gen A18 chip, and the iPad Air could move to M4 (which would probably push pricing around). Prices rarely change dramatically between generations, so don't hold out hoping for a $200 price drop.
If you need an iPad now, buy now. If you can wait until spring 2026, you might see updated models. But "might" is the key word. Apple doesn't announce updates until they're ready to ship.
FAQ
What is the difference between iPad Air and iPad Pro?
The iPad Air uses Apple's M-series chips (currently M3) designed for tablets, while the iPad Pro uses the same M-series chips as MacBooks (currently M5). In practical terms, the M5 is faster and handles more demanding tasks more smoothly, but for most creative work, the iPad Air is more than sufficient. The iPad Pro also has better displays (higher refresh rate, better color accuracy) and more RAM, but those differences matter mainly for professional work. The price difference is significant enough that unless you're doing professional-grade video editing or 3D rendering, the Air is the better value.
Does the iPad Mini have the same screen as the iPad Air?
No, the iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch display while the iPad Air comes in 11-inch and 13-inch options. The Mini's screen is actually more pixel-dense because it packs more pixels into a smaller space, making it incredibly sharp. However, the larger displays on the Air and Pro are better for creative work because you have more actual workspace. The choice depends on whether you value portability (Mini) or screen real estate (Air).
Can I use an iPad as a laptop replacement?
Partially. It depends on what you do. If your work involves web browsing, email, document editing, and light creative work, an iPad Air or Pro can absolutely replace a laptop. iPad OS 26 has much better multitasking support, and apps like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and professional music production apps work well. However, if your work requires specific Windows or Mac software, or if you do heavy development work that requires a terminal, an iPad won't fully replace a laptop. Most people find that an iPad works best alongside a laptop, not instead of one.
How long do iPads get software updates?
Apple typically supports iPads for five to seven years of major OS updates. Older devices often get security updates even longer. This means an iPad you buy today will likely get updated through at least 2030-2032, making it one of the longest-supported consumer devices you can buy. This is one reason why spending a bit more on a better iPad can be smart—it'll stay relevant longer.
Is Apple Care+ worth it for an iPad?
Apple Care+ costs
What storage capacity should I get?
For casual use (browsing, streaming, email), 128GB is fine. For creative work, regular photo/video storage, or keeping multiple apps installed, 256GB is the minimum. For professional work or large projects, 512GB or higher is safer. Consider that the iPad OS takes about 20-25GB, leaving you roughly 100GB, 230GB, or 480GB of actual usable space depending on capacity. Buying more storage than you think you need is usually the right call—it's hard to add storage later.
Can I use an Apple Pencil with any iPad?
No. The original iPad and iPad Mini use Apple Pencil 1st generation. iPad Air and iPad Pro (pre-2022) use Apple Pencil 2nd generation. Newer iPad Air and iPad Pro models use Apple Pencil Pro. Make sure you check which stylus works with your specific iPad before buying. Apple's site has a compatibility matrix if you're not sure.
What's the best time of year to buy an iPad?
While Black Friday (November) has historically had the deepest discounts, January is actually a solid time because retailers are clearing holiday inventory. Spring (March-May) sometimes has deals when new models launch. The reality: avoid buying right after a new launch (first 2-3 weeks) when discounts are minimal. Wait 4-8 weeks when retailers discount to move older stock. That said, if you need an iPad today, the savings from waiting might not be worth the wait time.
Final Thoughts: Don't Overthink This
Here's the truth: you can't go wrong with any iPad if you're honest about what you need. The 11th-gen iPad at
The mistake most people make is buying based on some theoretical future use. "I'm going to learn to draw, so I need the iPad with the best screen." "I might do video editing someday, so I should get the most powerful one." That's not how it works. You use what you buy regularly, and the specs matter way less than whether the device fits your actual workflow.
Start with this question: What do I actually do on a device every single day? Email? Browsing? Watching videos? Taking notes? If it's those things, the base iPad is sufficient. If you're adding creative work or heavy productivity, step up to the Mini or Air.
The deals available right now in January 2026 are solid. The iPad Mini at
Focus less on whether you're getting the "best deal" and more on whether you're getting the right device for your life. That's how you end up actually happy with what you bought.
Key Takeaways
- iPad Mini (7th gen) is the best current deal at 110 from regular price with excellent performance
- Base 11th-gen iPad at $299 is legitimately sufficient for casual use like browsing, video, and reading
- iPad Air M3 at $599 offers the best value for creative work without overpaying for iPad Pro specs
- M5 iPad Pro is just launching with early discounts up to $100+ on select configurations
- Storage matters: 256GB is the practical minimum for creative work; 128GB fills up faster than expected
- Amazon and Best Buy consistently have the lowest prices; check multiple retailers as prices fluctuate daily
- Don't buy based on specs—buy based on what you'll actually use the iPad for every single day
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