Best iPads in 2021

Also great: ipad pro (2021, 11-inch)

If you want to save a bit of money, the smaller 11-inch model of the 2021 iPad Pro still offers the M1 chip, Thunderbolt USB-C port, and “TrueDepth” camera system with a LiDAR scanner. But it lacks the groundbreaking mini LED panel used by its larger sibling.

You also get the very useful “Center Stage” feature that allows the iPad’s front-facing camera to automatically track your face and keeping you center-framed during video calls.

Best budget ipad: ipad (2020)

As the name implies — just iPad, with no “Air” or “Pro” moniker affixed at the end — this is a bare-bones iPad using the old but iconic circular home button design with thicker bezels. While there’s no denying this design looks a bit outdated in 2021 — it still charges via Lightning cable instead of USB-C — this iPad is still quite capable, with a 7nm A12 Bionic chip (basically the same SoC used in the two-year-old iPhone XS series), and support for Apple Pencil. Factor in the low starting price of $329, and this is a great option for those on a budget or young students.

Best ipad accessory: apple pencil (2nd gen)

Best small ipad: ipad mini (2021)

Measuring just 203mm x 135mm x 6.1mm and weighing just 0.6lbs, the iPad Mini is the smallest Apple tablet on this list, making it an ideal travel companion. As mentioned multiple times already, the Apple A12 Bionic silicon still holds up very well in 2021, and its 7.9-inch 1,536 x 2,048 LCD screen is large enough to make gaming more enjoyable than on a phone.

This iPad Mini also supports the Apple Pencil (first generation) which combined with the petite size could make it ideal for artists who like to sketch on a whim.

Ipad 2020 vs. ipad air 2020 vs. ipad pro 2021 specs

Ipad air deals

The 2020 iPad Air has already seen some excellent discounts since launching last year, and if you’re on the fence about the iPad Pro deals above it may serve your needs perfectly. Apple has muddied its line a little with this one — offering specs worthy of the Pro’s price point with enhancements in screen and processing, while reducing the feature set slightly to keep the price cheap.

There’s no FaceID here, and the screen only jumps up to 10.9-inch so you’ll notice a few differences between the next-gen Air and the current iPad Pro deals on offer. However, you’re paying substantially less for this (starting at $599 / £579 / AU$899), which makes it excellent value for money for anyone looking to get a bit more juice out of their tablet.

We’ve seen iPad deals dropping as low as $549 / £549 on the latest Air as well, which means the offers are starting to roll in. 

The 2021 iPad Air received a considerable performance boost over its predecessors, but today can’t compete with the likes of the iPad Air 4. However, iPad deals on this older model are dropping those prices considerably. This version also released at a lower MSRP — coming in at $499 / £479 / AU$779 / AED 1999 for the standard 64GB of storage.

The pixel density on the retina display was very close to that found on the 2021 iPad Pro 11 and you’re getting the same True Tone technology which will adjust the screen’s brightness to the optimal levels for your environment. However, you’re dropping down in power here, with the A12 processor and losing a little screen and camera resolution as well.

Ipad mini deals

The 2021 iPad Mini 4 finally received a brand new update in 2021, simply called the iPad Mini.

While you’d be forgiven for thinking the design hasn’t changed an awful lot over the years, you can spot the new version over older iterations via the improved spec. The stunning new retina screen has a 2048 x 1536 resolution, which is seriously intense for a 7.9-inch screen.

If the standard-sized iPads are a bit too big for you to handle casually or take up too much space in your bag, but you really want something bigger than your phone for long reads, browsing the net or watching video content, the latest iPad Mini is going to take some beating as one of the best devices you can get.

The prices are the main giveaway though and start off typically high, even more so than the nesest 9.7-inch standard iPad. The new iPad Mini (2021) has a starting price of $399 / £399 / AU$599 / AED 1599, however the latest iPad sales are seeing those figures tick down to $349 / £349 in some cases.

Ipad pro deals

The latest iPad Pro offers up the excellent performance of Apple’s stunning M1 chip. With that particularly impressive brain at the helm you’ll be zipping through games, AR, and more demanding apps with incredible speed. Apple estimates that the 8-core processor will offer up a 50% jump in performance over 2020’s model, with a 40% boost in GPU performance as well.

While the 11-inch doesn’t offer the XDR display (you’ll need to upgrade to the 12.9-inch model for that), you’re still getting the larger 2TB storage option which is the largest we’ve seen on an iPad to date. If you do opt for all the space, it’s worth noting that the 1TB and 2TB models also offer double the RAM, up to 16GB.

You’re also getting a Thunderbolt port here, which yields the potential for a massive number of connections, and much faster data transfers as well. 

The new front facing camera has a 12MP ultra-wide lense, with a 122-degree field of view. That means you’ll be able to use a new mode called Centre Stage which will move your camera to keep you in frame when as you move around in your video calls. 

The new iPad Pro price does start out at the same position as the previous model, with the 128GB and 256GB models costing $799 / £749 / AU$1,199 and $899 / £849 / AU$1,349 respectively. However, things start straying from last year’s iPad prices once you move beyond these entry level devices.

If you opt for the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro you’re also opening yourself up to an incredible display. Until we get our hands on it we won’t know just how the mini-LEDs, 2732 x 2048 resolution, 1600 nits of peak brightness, million to one contrast ratio, and 120Hz refresh rate will play out in real life, but the spec sheet looks set to rival an OLED panel.

That’s the main reason (other than additional screen size) for picking up the 12.9-inch iPad Pro over the 11-inch. However, you are also getting a slightly thicker profile here than the smaller model. 

Inside, the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro is still offering the powerful M1 chip, plenty of storage options (including the new 2TB configuration), excellent CPU and GPU performance boosts, and Thunderbolt compatibility as well. 

We’re seeing the same iPad Pro price shift here too, with the smaller 128GB and 256GB models matching last year’s release but an increase in costs as you climb up the premium ladder.

iPad deals on the 2020 iPad Pro were offering some stunning prices when the new model first launched, however those discounts have now slowed. With the newer model offering the same price on the 128GB and 256GB configurations, it’s worth keeping your attention on 2021’s offerings, but any iPad deals on the 512GB or 1TB 2020 model will still be worthwhile.

This model sports the A12Z Bionic chip, a step down from the M1 processor in the new generation, but still incredibly powerful for everyday and more demanding use. 

These iPad Pro deals are better suited to those who need a little more power than the iPad Air can provide, but don’t want (or need) to be lugging that 12.9-inch display of the larger model around. 

The latest iPad sales are bringing this 2020 model closer to the 2021 in price, so if you see a similarity in storage specs and cost it’s worth it to grab the latest release.

While the M1 model may have steamrolled over the 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro, there’s still plenty of power under the hood here, and a massive display to push that tech even further. However, it’s worth noting that the 2021 model does offer a lot more for the same MSRP in the 128GB and 256GB ranges.

When are the best cheap ipad sales?

Cheap iPad sales typically hit when a new model is released, or in the months leading up to a big launch as retailers look to clear their inventory of older products. Keep an eye on the latest iPad news to pounce at the right time, but if you spot an offer in our price comparison charts that sits cheaper than the usual sales prices we’ve outlined above you’re likely already getting a great deal.

Aside from Apple’s own calendar, you’ll also find plenty of cheap iPad deals around the holiday sales and Black Friday. These are hot products at that time of year, so if you’re shopping in November or December and spot a good price, don’t hesitate as someone else will likely snap up your new tablet first.

If you’re a big fan of the Apple brand and operating system, we’ve got you covered for the latest cheap MacBook deals too. 

Plus, if you’re looking to splash out on your new tablet, why not take a look at the best cheap Apple Pencil prices or the latest Magic Keyboard deals going right now.

Where to find the best ipad deals

Still on the hunt for that perfect cheap iPad deal? Check out the retailers below for the latest price cuts, or head direct to Apple to scope out more features or take advantage of their trade-in scheme. 

US:

UK:

Which ipad should i buy?

If you’re looking for a cheap iPad, the 10.2-inch 2021 flagship model is likely your best bet. This everyday tablet comes with super fast tech under the hood, compatibility with a range of accessories to enhance the experience for work or play, as well as a competitive price tag that stands toe to toe with even the iPad Mini.

However, if you’re going to be using your tablet for anything other than light everyday browsing, streaming and the odd game you might want to scale up to the Air. That’s because the entry level 2021 iPad only offers 32GB of storage space, and for the price of the 128GB version you can easily score a compromise on 64GB and a more powerful Air model.

If you’re after more storage space and a boost in spec, then — say if you’re looking to play a few more games or run a couple of Adobe programs, the iPad Air is your best bet. iPad deals on this model are also a little more stable, with most retailers offering permanent sales prices.

If you’re going heavy on creativity, gaming, media editing, or more multi-tasking oriented workflows, however, you’ll want to put up the cash for the iPad Pro. While the 2020 model only offers a few minor improvements, iPad deals sometimes position it at the same price as the previous model.