Which iPad should you buy in Australia? iPad vs iPad Air vs iPad Pro vs mini
Every current iPad compared on what it's actually for, with today's lowest price at each Australian store, which storage to choose, and Wi-Fi vs cellular.
In this guide
Apple sells four iPads, and the right one depends on what you'll do with it far more than on the chip inside. Here's the quick way to choose, with today's prices.
Today's prices
- 1
Apple iPad 11" (A16)5 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$696 - 2
Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro)4 stores · cheapest at digiDirectfrom$767 - 3
Apple iPad mini4 stores · cheapest at MSYfrom$779 - 4
Apple iPad Air 11" (M3)4 stores · cheapest at The Good Guysfrom$894 - 5
Apple iPad Air 11" (M4)10 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$987 - 6
Apple iPad mini (A20 Pro)3 stores · cheapest at Apple Storefrom$1,099 - 7
Apple iPad Air 13" (M4)8 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$1,287 - 8
Apple iPad Air 13" (M3)3 stores · cheapest at The Good Guysfrom$1,444 - 9
Apple iPad Air 11" (M2)4 stores · cheapest at digiDirectfrom$1,499 - 10
Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5)6 stores · cheapest at BuyMobilefrom$1,834.95
The short answer
- iPad (11-inch): the best value. Streaming, browsing, notes, school work and kids. Works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C).
- iPad mini: the small one. Reading, travel, one-handed use. Fits in a jacket pocket.
- iPad Air: the sweet spot for students and creatives who want a faster chip, a better screen and the Apple Pencil Pro, in 11 or 13 inches.
- iPad Pro: the best screen Apple makes (OLED), the fastest chip, and the thinnest design. For artists, video editors and people replacing a laptop.
What to look at
Apple Pencil compatibility. Pencils aren't interchangeable across models. Check which Pencil works with the iPad you're buying before you buy either.
Storage. 128GB is fine for streaming and school. Choose 256GB or more if you download a lot of video for flights, edit photos, or play big games. You can't add storage later.
Wi-Fi or cellular? Cellular iPads have a SIM or eSIM and cost more, plus a data plan. Most people use their phone's hotspot instead. Our prices show each storage size separately, and Wi-Fi and cellular separately.
Keyboard. If you'll type a lot, budget for a keyboard case; Apple's Magic Keyboard is expensive, and third-party keyboards are a cheaper alternative.
Is an older iPad a bargain?
Often, yes. When a new iPad Air or Pro arrives, stores discount the previous model. A previous-generation iPad Air with an M-series chip is still very fast for almost everything.
- 1
Apple iPad Air 10.9" (5th gen)2 stores · cheapest at digiDirectfrom$868.95 - 2
Apple iPad Air - Apple 10.9" (M1)2 stores · cheapest at MSYfrom$889 - 3Apple iPad Air 11" (M3)4 stores · cheapest at The Good Guysfrom$894
- 4Apple iPad Air 11" (M4)10 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$987
- 5Apple iPad Air 13" (M4)8 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$1,287
- 6Apple iPad Air 13" (M3)3 stores · cheapest at The Good Guysfrom$1,444
- 7Apple iPad Air 11" (M2)4 stores · cheapest at digiDirectfrom$1,499
- 8Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5)6 stores · cheapest at BuyMobilefrom$1,834.95
iPad or Android tablet?
Samsung's Galaxy Tab range is the main alternative, and the best choice if you have an Android phone, with an S Pen often included in the box. See every tablet on the tablets page.
Where to buy
iPads are sold by Apple and nearly every electronics store. Retailers often undercut Apple; see buy direct or from a retailer.
| Store | Prices compared | Cheapest (or equal cheapest) | Typical gap when not |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 47 | 62% | +13% |
| BuyMobile | 15 | 60% | +9% |
| digiDirect | 79 | 47% | +14% |
| Mwave | 49 | 35% | +16% |
| Harvey Norman | 72 | 33% | +8% |
| The Good Guys | 80 | 25% | +8% |
| JB Hi-Fi | 42 | 17% | +0.2% |
| Apple Store | 38 | 16% | +12% |
| Samsung Store | 12 | 0% | +15% |
Every product variant at least two of these stores had in stock today, at its outright price. Recalculated every morning.
