This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
There might not be one “perfect” iPad right now, but there are a lot of available models. The newest 10th-gen iPad and iPad Pro have larger screens and faster processors, but if you’re willing to opt for a more kid-friendly ninth-gen iPad or iPad Mini, there are bigger savings to be had.
The most affordable iPad remains that ninth-gen, 10.2-inch iPad, and it’s even more affordable right now at its current $59 discount, which drops the price to $270. We’ve not seen it for less. It’s $129 cheaper than the 10th-gen, 10.9-inch iPad even with the newer model’s current $50 discount. The previous-gen iPad features the A13 Bionic chip, Apple’s True Tone display, an improved front-facing camera and an increase in internal storage.
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Like the ninth-gen iPad, the sixth-gen iPad Mini was released a year ago, but it’s yet to receive an update. It was redesigned with an 8.3-inch display, A15 Bionic chip, a USB-C charging port for a quick charge and a power button with Touch ID that makes it feel brand-new even in 2022. You can save a hefty $99 on it right now.
The iPad Air from early 2022 is sometimes on sale, and a great choice as a more affordable iPad Pro alternative. Its M1 processor makes it fast, but it lacks the better faster-refresh displays of the iPad Pro models. It’s also $99 off at Amazon right now.
Discounts for iPad Pros are less inviting at the moment. The regular $50 discount for the 11-inch iPad Pro is available, but you’ll save only $29 right now on the 12.9-inch Pro.
Read more: Best iPad for 2022
During the holiday shopping season, we expect iPad pricing to fluctuate, so be sure to keep checking this list for the best prices.
Best iPad deals
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Scott Stein/CNET
The basic, 10.2-inch iPad from 2021 is still good. While it doesn’t have the newer design and USB-C support of the rest of the iPad line, the value for performance here makes this iPad deal one worth getting for kids. It’s our top-budget iPad pick, and it’s even more affordable right now with a $59 discount that drops the price to an all-time low of $270.
You’re receiving price alerts for Apple iPad (9th gen, Space Gray, 64GB, 2021)
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Target
The iPad Mini received a complete overhaul last year. The new design has rounded edges, thin bezels and no home button. The power button on the side now has Touch ID, and the Lightning port has been replaced by a USB-C charging port. This sixth-gen Mini runs on the A15 Bionic chip (same as the iPhone 13) and serves up an improved and slightly larger 8.3-inch display and better cameras than the older, fifth-gen Mini. You can save a hefty $99 on the 64GB model in space gray — the biggest discount we’ve seen yet for it.
You’re receiving price alerts for Apple iPad Mini 2021 (space gray, 64GB)
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Scott Stein/CNET
Apple’s most recent iPad gets a slight savings. The newer 10th-gen model has a faster processor, better landscape-centered camera for video chats, a larger screen, and USB-C. But you need a weird dongle to charge the Apple Pencil (and it lacks Pencil 2 support). Keep in mind, too, that the base 64GB storage isn’t enough unless you’re planning on keeping most things in the cloud. You can save $50 on either the 64GB or 256GB model at Amazon right now.
You’re receiving price alerts for 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) – Blue (10th Generation)
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Scott Stein/CNET
The 10.9-inch iPad Air, released earlier this year, has a fast M1 chip, an auto-zooming Center Stage front camera and, except for its display, it feels nearly like an iPad Pro. It’s our favorite midrange iPad model if the Pro feels too expensive. You can save $99 on the baseline 64GB model in any of the color options. And if you need more storage — 64GB is way too little storage in our opinion — you can also save $99 on the step-up 256GB model in blue, space gray or starlight.
You’re receiving price alerts for Apple iPad Air (space gray, 64GB, Wi-Fi, 2022)
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Apple
The latest 11-inch iPad with the M2 processor is discounted by $50 at Amazon, which is the usual price break we’ve been seeing. While some of the higher-capacity models offer even larger price breaks from time to time, we aren’t seeing those more attractive discounts right now.
You’re receiving price alerts for 11-inch iPad Pro (128GB): $749
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Scott Stein/CNET
Discounts are slight right now for Apple’s latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an upgraded M2 processor. This super-large-screened iPad is unique for its Mini-LED display, which looks even more vivid and has more OLED-like black levels. The 2022 iPad Pro also supports a new “hover” feature that recognizes the Pencil when it’s close proximity to the screen — a feature that’s not used much yet, but art apps might start adopting. The baseline 128GB model can usually be found for $999 at Amazon, which is $100 less than at the Apple Store. Now, you’ll save only $30 on it. The current price breaks on the higher-capacity models are equally underwhelming.
You’re receiving price alerts for 12.9-inch iPad Pro (128GB: $1,070
