iPad and Apple Pencil bundle price – Best Buy & Costco

What is the iPad and Apple Pencil bundle best price? Which iPad Is Best for Me? If you’re just looking for an entry-level machine for games, media, schoolwork or drawing, iPad name will come in your mind. In a rugged case, it’s also a good choice for a kid’s tablet.

If you intend to do more productive or creative work, the iPad Air is the one to get. It has many of the iPad Pro’s features (fast processor, better audio, compatibility with the vastly improved second-generation Apple Pencil) and costs much less.

The iPad mini is more expensive but not meaningfully more powerful than the base-model iPad, so you’re paying for compactness. It’s primarily useful for point-of-sale systems, vehicle mounts, doctor’s offices, and other places where a full-sized tablet would be unwieldy.

If price is no object, the iPad Pro has terrific hardware. But its OS holds it back from doing much more than the Air does, and it costs much more. It’s a luxurious experience to be sure, though.

Compare Apple iPad models

iPad Pro 11 (2021) and Apple Pencil bundle review

M1 power in a portable form

Specs

• Weight: 466g
• Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm
• OS: iPadOS 14
• Screen size: 11-inch
• Resolution: 1668 x 2388 pixels
• CPU: Apple M1
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
• microSD slot: No
• Battery: Up to 10 hours
• Rear camera: 12MP + 10MP
• Front camera: 12MP

Pros

• +Desktop PC-level performance
• +Good battery life

Cons

• -iPadOS doesn’t utilize the power of M1
• -Doesn’t feature a Mini LED display

With a sleek, stylish design too plus a selection of optional accessories, such as the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, this is a tablet that should suit almost anyone – though it’s likely to be overkill for many.

The iPad Pro 11 (2021) is a powerful, expensive slate, and a great choice for anyone who wants the best specs possible in a relatively compact and portable size. That said, it lacks the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)’s Mini LED screen, making it a significant step down from that slate.

It also has around 10 hours of battery life, which is fairly typical for Apple tablets but good nonetheless, and it comes with up to 2TB of storage – a mammoth amount that should be more than enough for almost anyone.

That disappointment and our ongoing issues with Apple’s restrictive iPad software aside though, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) is an excellent tablet, with a big, sharp, smooth screen, and an enormous amount of power, thanks to its desktop-class M1 chipset.

iPad Air (10.9-inch, 2020)

Apple recently released the update to its iPad Air with a supercharged new processor, the A14. The 2020 Air is the first Apple product to use this chip, and it goes without saying that it’s a considerable improvement over the A12 in the 2019 Air. 

Plus, it has better cameras, faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 and switches from a Lightning port to a more universal USB-C port. But with all the improvements, it starts at $100 more than the prior generation. We haven’t tested the new model yet, but this is a must-get iPad for anyone looking for something fancier than a regular iPad. 

The 2020 iPad Air gets a bigger 10.9-inch display but its slimmer bezels make it about the same size as the 2019 10.5-inch Air. Touch ID is embedded in the power button now, which should make unlocking easy. The newer iPad Air also supports Apple Pencil 2 now as well as Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

Starting at $499, it’s built around a 10.5-inch Retina display like the 2017 Pro but has an updated A12 Bionic processor like the one powering the iPhone XS. If you want better performance and more storage space — there are 64GB or 256GB options — you should consider stepping up the Air. Plus, while it’s larger than the entry-level iPad, it actually weighs a hair less.

The third-gen Air is still worth considering, however, especially if you can find it at a lower price now. The 2019 iPad Air is a lot like the 10.5-inch iPad Pro models from 2017.

iPad Pro (2021) and Apple Pencil bundle review

If you’re considering the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, you’ll likely want to spring for the 12.9-inch version for the significant increase in workspace. Also note that there’s a price jump when you get a 1TB or 2TB model because the RAM doubles from 8GB to 16GB for those who really need as much power as possible.

Whether you’re a digital artist or have waited years for an iPad that blurs the line between tablet and MacBook, the latest iPad Pro is what you want. The 11- and 12.9-inch Pros are nearly the same, save for their screen sizes and higher resolution and XDR technology in the 12.9-inch.

Along with the increased performance, these are the first iPads to offer support for 5G wireless. They’re still not quite the MacBook replacement we crave, but they’re getting closer every year. 

iPad Mini (7.9-inch, 2019) and Apple Pencil bundle review

While its wide bezels make it look a bit dated compared to the rest of the lineup, at least the iPad Mini has Touch ID and a headphone jack to go along with them. 

The littlest iPad doesn’t look any different than it did in 2015, but for 2019 it got a faster A12 processor and Apple Pencil support. Those additions make the 7.9-inch Apple iPad Mini — starting at $399 (£399, AU$599) — a smart choice for those who want a smaller device for notetaking and sketching while also giving you better performance for games and more screen space than your phone for reading and videos (and you won’t be eating into your phone’s battery life, either).

It’s worth noting, though, that the processor is now the same one found in the new 10.2-inch iPad, which starts at $329 with 32GB of storage. You do get 64GB in the base iPad Mini and, although it’s smaller, it does have a higher-quality display and Bluetooth 5.0. We’ve seen prices for the iPad Mini start around $300 though, so you do save a little over the bigger model

 iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) and Apple Pencil bundle review

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight: 682g
• Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm
• OS: iPadOS 14
• Screen size: 12.9-inch
• Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
• CPU: Apple M1
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
• microSD slot: No
• Battery: Up to 10 hours
• Rear camera: 12MP + 10MP + LiDARFront camera: 12MP

REASONS TO BUY

• +Phenomenal power
• +Fantastic display

REASONS TO AVOID

• -An almighty price
• -Lackluster color options

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is a very big, very powerful, and very expensive tablet. That’s true of all the 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, but on the power front this one takes things to a whole new level, swapping out a mobile chipset for the Apple M1, which is found in top-end MacBooks and iMacs.

On top of that, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) also has a superb 2048 x 2732 Mini LED screen. This is the first iPad to use that display technology, and it allows for a seriously bright screen with great contrast.

This means it’s a tremendously high-powered device, ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and top-tier games.

Elsewhere you get 10 hours of battery life, a typically premium aluminum shell, up to 2TB of storage, and support for the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2, allowing you to take this beyond a mere productivity device.

iPad 10.2 (2020) and Apple Pencil bundle review

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight: 490g
• Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm
• OS: iPadOS 14
• Screen size: 10.2-inch
• Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels
• CPU: A12 Bionic
• RAM: 3GB
• Storage: 32/128GB
• microSD slot: No
• Battery: Up to 10 hours
• Rear camera: 8MPFront camera: 1.2MP

Pros

+Strong performance

+Excellent value

Cons

-Only 1.2MP selfie camera

-Very little change

Its A12 Bionic chipset is faster than its predecessor’s processor, and the 20W charger in the box ensures you can also juice it up more quickly.

The iPad 10.2 (2020) isn’t the most thrilling of updates, as it’s really only a modest improvement on 2019’s iPad 10.2, but it’s still an improvement, and that makes it the best 10.2-inch iPad you can buy, and also arguably the best cheap iPad.

Plus, the iPad 10.2 (2020) has all the great features you’d expect, including support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, plus strong battery life. The selfie camera doesn’t impress and storage starts low, but opt for a 128GB model and you’ll have an impressive and versatile tablet on your hands.

iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) and Apple Pencil bundle review

Specs

• Weight: 641g
• Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9mm
• OS: iPadOS 14
• Screen size: 12.9-inch
• Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
• CPU: Apple A12Z Bionic
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
• microSD slot: No
• Battery: Up to 10 hours
• Rear camera: 12MP + 10MP + LiDAR
• Front camera: 7MP

Pros

+Lovely sleek design+Powerful performance

Cons

-Expensive-No longer the fastest for its price

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) is one of the biggest, best and most powerful tablets you can buy – but not quite the best, as it’s been superseded by the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021).

While that slate has far more power and an even better screen, it also costs even more, and the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) comes close in most areas.Advertisement

It has a powerful A12Z Bionic chipset, a sharp 2048 x 2732 screen, excellent speakers, a sleek design, decent battery life, and support for accessories like the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil 2.

It’s a top productivity choice, and while it’s arguably overkill for mobile gaming and media, it will excel for those things too. Really the only mark against it other than the high price is the fact that it’s no longer quite the newest or best in the range, but in real world use you might struggle to tell much difference between this and the latest model.

Do I Need iPad Accessories?

In the box, you get an iPad and a charger. You might need a few more things to make the most of your new tablet.

Any iPad can be enhanced with the optional Pencil accessory, a high-quality active stylus. There are two Pencils; the first-generation one works with the base-model iPad and the mini, and the second-generation one works with higher-end models. The second-gen Pencil is easier to hold because it’s not perfectly round, and it conveniently charges with a magnetic connector on the side of the tablet. There is also a less-expensive Pencil alternative, the Logitech Crayon.

The iPad has the best options for cases and covers of any tablet. But it’s not known for battery life, so grabbing a power bank is probably a good idea.

It’s worth noting that the cheapest iPad isn’t very cheap, especially once those add-ons are factored in. I think $300 is great for a five-year investment, but a lot of people don’t have that dosh. Some Android tablets sell for less—even under $100—and are fine for basic gaming and media streaming, though not for schoolwork or productivity..

Apple Pencil bundle accessories

ZAGG iPad cases/keyboards:
Amazon is taking up to 70% off select ZAGG iPad cases and keyboards. After discount, prices start as low as $34.99. It’s one of the best iPad deals we’ve seen on these accessories. 

Apple Pencil: 
iPad deals aren’t just for tablets. The Apple Pencil (1st Gen) lets you take notes, sketch, and do much more on your iPad. It supports the iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th and 7th generations), iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (1st and 2nd generations), iPad Pro 10.5‑inch, and iPad Pro 9.7‑inch. 

Apple Pencil: 
iPad deals aren’t just for tablets. The Apple Pencil (1st Gen) lets you take notes, sketch, and do much more on your iPad. It supports the iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th and 7th generations), iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (1st and 2nd generations), iPad Pro 10.5‑inch, and iPad Pro 9.7‑inch. 

Apple Smart Folio: 
The Apple Smart Folio (for 10.9-inch iPad Air/4th Gen) protects the front and back of your iPad Air. It also automatically wakes your iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed.

Apple Smart Folio for iPad Air: 
The Apple Smart Folio (for 10.9-inch iPad Air)  is on sale at Amazon. The case protects the front and back of your iPad Air and can also be used for propping up your iPad.

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio:
The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio offers a great typing experience for your iPad Air (4th Gen) or iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd Gen). The lightweight cover can also protect the front and back of your iPad.

Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad: 
It’s a modest price cut as far as iPad deals are concerned, but Amazon has the Apple Smart Keyboard on sale for $139, which is $19 off its regular price. The keyboard is compatible with the iPad (7th and 8th generation) as well as the iPad Air (3rd generation).

Apple Magic Keyboard for 11″ iPad Pro: 
The current-gen Magic Keyboard can turn your iPad Air (4th gen) or iPad Pro 11-inch (1st or 2nd gen) into a laptop replacement. It attaches magnetically to your iPad and allows you to smoothly adjust it to the perfect viewing angle for you. 

Apple Magic Keyboard for 12″ iPad Pro: 
The current-gen Magic Keyboard can turn your iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen) into a laptop replacement. It attaches magnetically to your iPad and allows you to smoothly adjust it to the perfect viewing angle for you. 

Where to find iPad and Apple Pencil bundle best price

Beware the iPad mini: The iPad mini is one of the oldest iPads in Apple’s lineup. There are also strong rumors that it could be updated with an iPad mini 6 complete with M1 CPU in the near future. As a result, you might want to wait before buying this model. That said, this is the iPad I personally own and it still runs like new, whether I’m streaming Apple Music, Netflix, or playing Mario Kart. Nevertheless, I’d wait for the new model before making an iPad mini purchase. 

Check all colors: Amazon tends to give different color iPads different prices. For instance, the base iPad 32GB tablet in black might sell for a discounted $299 price, but the white model might sell at full price. So when looking for iPad deals at Amazon, it’s worth checking various colors for the lowest price.

Where to find the best deals: Generally speaking, Amazon tends to offer the best iPad deals. On any given day of the week you’ll typically find discounts that run the gamut from $50 to $200 off. Other retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Walmart tend to offer similar prices. However, it’s rare that they undercut Amazon’s iPad deals. That said, in the case of the new iPad Pro 2021 tablets, Walmart was taking $50 off a few models, whereas Amazon has yet to offer them on sale. 

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