The New iPads Are Pricey, But At Least You Can Get These Older iPads For Cheap

Apple announced a new line of iPad Pro and iPad Air models this week, and as you'd expect, these premium tablets to command a very high price. While it might be hard to justify spending this much cash on this hardware, the good news is that the older--and still highly capable--older iPad models have gotten a nice discount. Apple has reduced the MSRP on the 10th-gen iPad by $100, and if you're looking for a multimedia device to watch some Netflix on or play a few rounds of Marvel Snap, this will do just fine. In comparison, the new iPad Pro tablets are workhorse machines designed to give creative people and professionals a robust tool to perform multiple tasks on, hence their higher price.

That's not to say that you can't use an older iPad for similar tasks, as the A14 bionic chip can still deliver an impressive amount of power and performance. For more moderate tasks and some of the more less-demanding games via Apple Arcade, this is a more affordable option. On the other hand, if you're just looking to browse the web or stream some series at night, the 8th-gen iPad might be a better option. You can pick a base 64GB model up for $350, and if you're looking to get more storage capacity bang for your buck, the 256GB model is currently priced at $379 on Amazon.

iPad 10th Gen

64GB -- $350 ($~~450~~)
256GB -- $490 with coupon ($~~599~~)

iPad 9th Gen

64GB -- $250 ($~~329~~)
256GB -- $379 ($~~479~~)

iPad Air 5th Gen

64GB -- $500 with coupon ($~~599~~)
256GB -- $650 with coupon ($~~749~~)

Apple Pencil deals

Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) -- $79 (~~$129~~)
Apple Pencil (USB-C) -- $69 (~~$79~~)
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) -- $79 (~~$99~~)

If you're looking for a middle-ground option between power and affordability, the iPad Air is the go-to device here. This has a powerful M1 chip and a sharp liquid retina display, so it can handle plenty of tasks and easily function as a portable entertainment device for you. Amazon has the 64GB and 256GB models listed with a $50 discount, but if you click the coupon box, you get an extra $49 off the price. It's worth mentioning that you might be better off waiting for the new iPad Air models with the M2 chip when they launch this month, as these will only be $100 more per model.

You'll also want to consider pairing these with an Apple Pencil--especially if you're looking to create digital art--and several of the previous models are available. The high-tech Apple Pencil Pro was also unveiled this week, but it will only work on the new iPads. The second-generation Apple Pencil is the best of the bunch, as it feels more like an actual pencil with its matte finish, has a better overall shape, and can be magnetically attached to certain iPad models. You'll want to confirm compatibility with your iPad model before you buy, and supported devices are on each Amazon listing.

If you are looking to get the newer iPads, we also have the preorder pages for them listed below ahead of their launch.