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Cheap iPads
Cheap iPads Find the best iPad deals and cheap 4G data plans
By Anthony | Edited by
iPads have been top of the gadget wishlist for years, and the latest iPad Pro will be no exception. Yet iPads aren't MoneySaving by anyone's definition. If you must have one, here are a few tips to help keep the costs down...
While prices don't vary much between stores, savings can be made with the 3G/4G models if you choose the
right mobile data plan. This guide looks at the best available options.
In this guide
Important! Ensure you know how to shop safely before trying these deals
For safety, pay by credit card if ?100+
Protect purchases under ?100
Use unfamiliar sites without checking
Let your antivirus run out
Full DOs and DONT's
Tips for shopping safely
Whether it's a retailer or restauranteur, airline or air-conditioner seller, computer shop or car rental company, there are always two main risks. Either it's a dodgy company, or it's a legit company that has financial problems and goes bust.
The aim of these tips is to help you minimise the risks.
What happens if a company goes bust?
Quite simply, its customers are immediately transformed into creditors. This hits hardest if you've ordered goods or tickets from them, and not had delivery, as then you become one of a line of people trying to get your money back out of the company's assets, and you usually get back much less than you paid in.
Even if you've had delivery, if the company you bought from goes under and there's a problem with the goods, it can mean you've no comeback.
endeavours to check deals are valid, we don't check companies' finances. Even huge names like MFI and Woolies have folded, so it's very important you use the right strategies to stay protected where possible.
pay by credit card for goods over ?100
Pay by credit card for something over ?100, and Section 75 laws supercharge your consumer rights.
Unlike debit cards, cheques or cash, pay in full or part (even just ?1) on a credit card and by law the lender's jointly liable with the retailer.
This means you have exactly the same rights with the card company as you do with the retailer. So if it goes bust, you can simply take your complaints there instead and get money back if there's no delivery.
Yet it's important you ALWAYS REPAY IN FULL each month, so there's no interest cost. See the full
protect purchases under ?100
Section 75 doesn't apply to purchases under ?100, but there's still an option which can help. It isn't a legal protection, just Visa, Mastercard and Amex's rules, but it's a good back-up.
Spend on a Visa, Mastercard or Amex credit card or any debit or charge card. If the goods don't appear, you can try to ask your bank/card provider to reclaim the cash from the seller's bank, so long as you complain within 120 days of realising there?s a problem. See the
guide for full details.
use unfamiliar sites without checking
Bogus websites are often set up to cash in on popular products like Ugg boots and Tiffany necklaces, so be wary if it's an unfamiliar site. And don't think that because it appears on a reputable search engine, that makes it a reputable site - always check.
check the site?s legit
Most folk know to look for a security padlock on the bottom right of a website, but that doesn't mean the site's legit, just that payment's secure.
To find out who registered the site and when, search the
database. Reputable firms should also appear on the
site, the UK Government's official companies register. Be very wary of businesses with just a PO Box or email address.
Study the site's worldwide web ranking on . Anything in the top 100,000 means it's reasonably big and a good, though not foolproof indication of legitimacy. Do a quick Google search for other shoppers' experiences.
let your antivirus run out
Crucially, ensure your security's up-to-date - free software can be downloaded to your computer in about five minutes. Full details in the
know your cooling off rights
Many people are surprised to learn you've MORE rights buying online (or by telephone/catalogue) due to the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
These give you a legal right to cancel an order for goods within 14 days from the day you received them. You then a further 14 days to return the goods for a full refund (including outward delivery costs), even if there's no fault. You'll usually need to pay for the return delivery. Read
for a full guide.
However, of course, this is balanced by the fact ordering online automatically means there's a time gap between ordering and delivering - when the company has your money. So if it goes bust during that time, the cancellation rights don't help. Also, certain goods are exempt from the regulations, such as medicines and fresh foods. Read our Consumer Rights guide (/shopping/consumer-rights-refunds-exchange#buyingfromhome) for more information.
understand sometimes there?s no protection
Ultimately, there is always a risk that a company can go bust. If the above routes don't apply, then you have to make a decision about whether you're willing to take the risk of parting with your cash.
Don't be scared of this. Every day we all make transactions based on trust, and this is part of that, but do balance up the amount you're spending against the risk. Don't give large amounts of money to a company you're not sure about.
Getting an iPad: Need-to-knows
Apple's iPads are without doubt the world's most popular tablets. Like all Apple products, though - they don't come cheap. So think long and hard before parting with your cash.
An iPad is not a pocket money purchase, so think carefully before deciding to buy one.
three large-screen iPad models (iPad Air, iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro), plus three smaller iPad Minis. The newest are the iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 4. The original iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 3, iPad 2, third-generation iPad (iPad 3) and the iPad with Retina Display (iPad 4) have now been discontinued by Apple, but you may be able to pick up a second-hand one from eBay or a .
The table below shows a quick comparison of each iPad's features:
Which iPad should I buy?
Display / screen size
Price (RRP)
Retina display, 9.7in
A7 chip with 64-bit architecture and M7 motion coprocessor
16GB, 32GB
iPad Air 2
Retina display, 9.7in
A8X chip with 64-bit architecture and M8 motion coprocessor
16GB, 64GB, 128GB
iPad Mini 2
Retina display, 7.9in
A7 chip with 64-bit architecture and M7 motion coprocessor
16GB, 32GB
iPad Mini 4
Retina display, 7.9in
A8 chip with 64-bit architecture and M8 motion coprocessor
16GB, 64GB, 128GB
Retina display, 12.9in
A9X chip with 64-bit architecture and M9 motion coprocessor
32GB, 128GB
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Tips for choosing your new iPad
Once you've chosen which iPad model you'd like, you'll need to think about whether you want 4G internet access and need a mobile data plan. Consider the following:
Wi-Fi or 3G/4G? If you plan to use your iPad while out and about, you should opt for the 3G/4G and Wi-Fi model. If you'll just be using it at home, Wi-Fi only is more suitable (and cheaper). Read below to help you decide whether you need
you want to use it to make calls? One of the most exciting features of an iPad is FaceTime, a
video-calling app. However, FaceTime only works with the latest Apple technology so you won't be able to ditch your mobile yet.
How much data do I need? The amount of data you'll need will depend how you plan to use the iPad. Here's a general guideline to help you figure out whether you're above or below average in data usage terms:
Light user. Uses
or less per month
Normal user. Uses about
Heavy user. Uses
or more per month
If you're worried about your usage, there are a number of free apps that you can download from the App Store that can help you track the amount you're using. Read the data usage section in the
guide for more info.
Should I get a 4G or Wi-Fi only iPad?
With all iPad models, the 4G + Wi-Fi version costs considerably more than its Wi-Fi only counterpart. So there's no point in going for for the 4G model unless you're going to use your iPad on the go (or in places where free Wi-Fi isn't available).
Yet if you travel a lot and want an "always
on" connection, the 4G model - which uses a mobile internet signal to get you online - is really the only option. As free Wi-Fi is available in public places across the UK, it pays to consider whether you really need a 4G version.
Where to find free Wi-Fi access in the UK
If you have Wi-Fi at home, you can get online on your iPad through your wireless network. The iPad will usually find a network on its own, so it's easy to set up.
You're not limited to using it just at home, as Wi-Fi hotspots are popping up everywhere these days. From coffee shops and pubs to fast food joints and train stations, Wi-Fi is fast becoming the norm, and any hotel worth staying at should have free Wi-Fi. McDonald's outlets, Wetherspoon pubs and Starbucks coffee shops all offer free Wi-Fi.
guide for more info.
What is 'tethering'?
Tethering effectively turns your mobile phone into a wireless mobile router. It uses the 4G signal on your phone to power the web on your laptop, tablet or e-book reader.
You'll need to have a
4G handset and a mobile tariff that supports tethering. You can
set your phone up to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, which you can then use with other Wi-Fi devices, including the Wi-Fi only iPad, to get online wherever you are.
Once set up, any data you use comes off your phone?s mobile data allowance.
Will it cost me extra to tether to my iPad?
Whether you can tether depends on the tariff you have. And as your internet usage on the iPad will count towards to your mobile data allowance when tethering, it's important you make sure you don't go over this allowance - otherwise it could be costly.
Below are links to each of the main providers' tethering pages:
Giffgaff - Goodybags only support tethering with smartphones, not iPads
Tesco Mobile - currently doesn't support any tethering.
If in doubt, contact your mobile provider. It'll be able to tell you if there are any charges for tethering, charges for going over your monthly data allowance (helping you avoid potential bill shock at the end of the month), and talk you through the set-up process.
What about iPad alternatives?
iPad aren't the only tablets on the market. There are plenty of alternatives that cost a lot less. Most technology giants offer their own version, including Samsung, Google, Amazon and LG. You can find out more about those in our .
Cheapest iPad
Wi-Fi only: Best deals
With a Wi-Fi only iPad, you're just buying the tablet - there's no contract, so cheapest is best.
The problem is there's very little price variance.
Apple has strict price controls, so the major reputable retailers all generally charge the same amount for their iPads and discounts are rare. One minor option producing dividends is for those who collect
reward points.
However, we do occasionally see a new voucher or code that can get you an iPad discount. When this happens, it's usually a very short-lived deal, but where possible, we'll update this section of our guide with all the details.
NEW: iPad Pro and iPad Mini 4
On Wed 9 Sep, Apple announced two new additions to the iPad line-up. Firstly, there's the powerful and super-sized iPad Pro, and secondly, the iPad Mini 4 (to replace the iPad Mini 3, which Apple has now discontinued).
The iPad Mini 4 is available to buy now and Apple says the iPad Pro will be available from November, but hasn't yet given a specific release date or price.
Since the announcement of the iPad Pro and iPad Mini 4, retailers such as Argos and John Lewis have been slashing prices on older iPad models by as much as ?40.
Here's a quick summary of the best iPad prices from major retailers:
Apple price
Cheapest elsewhere
Cheapest with reward points
iPad Air (16GB)
(until Thu 24 Sep, John Lewis will provide a 3-year warranty at no extra cost)
?319 at , earn 319 Clubcard pts worth up to about ?13?
iPad Air 2 (16GB)
(until Thu 24 Sep, John Lewis will provide a 3-year warranty at no extra cost)
?399 at , earn 399 Clubcard pts worth up to about ?16?
iPad Mini (16GB)
Discontinued
iPad Mini 2 (16GB)
(until Thu 24 Sep, John Lewis will provide a 3-year warranty at no extra cost)
?219 at , earn 219 Clubcard pts worth up to about ?9?
iPad Mini 3 (16GB)
Discontinued
(until Thu 24 Sep, John Lewis will provide a 3-year warranty at no extra cost)
?312 at , earn 312 Clubcard pts worth up to about ?12?
iPad Mini 4 (16GB)
(until Thu 24 Sep, John Lewis will provide a 3-year warranty at no extra cost)
?319 at , earn 319 Clubcard pts worth up to about ?13?
iPad Pro (16GB)
Available from November
Prices checked at 12.26pm on Thu 17 Sep. Table excludes online marketplaces, eg, Amazon, as their prices frequently change. Yet they're often cheapest, so always do your own checks with .
? Clubcard points can be quadrupled for maximum rewards - read
for more info.
Student & teacher discount
is a scheme that gives students, their parents and school staff as much as 15% discount on Apple products, including iPads. The discount on iPads is relatively small, eg, iPad Air ?306 (so only 4% off) but as Apple deals are so rare this can often make going direct to Apple the cheapest option for students.
blog for more about how you can get it.
Spotted any other deals? Share your suggestions in the .
Cheapest iPad Air 2: Best 4G deals
If you want mobile internet access, you'll need an iPad that's Wi-Fi + 4G. Below are our top picks
- if you need more help choosing a model, see our .
Cheapest overall deal: Buy an iPad Air 2 and use a Giffgaff Sim card
The cheapest way to get your hands on an iPad
with data is to get the tablet and data plan separately. This comes with a high upfront cost though, so if you don't have ???s to stump up from day one, see the deal below instead.
Package details
Upfront cost
Monthly cost
Data allowance
?499 for 16GB from
?787over 24 mths
?859over 24 mths
?931over 24 mths
What's the deal? Buy the iPad directly from , and get a Sim-only Goodybag data plan from cheap mobile provider . For ?12/month you'll get 1GB of 4G data, ?15/month will give you 3GB, and ?18/month gets 5GB.
Who's this suitable for? Getting the iPad and data separately is the best option, if you can cough up for the high inital cost. If you think you will use more than 3GB of mobile data in a month though, consider the deal below from Three Mobile.
Anything else? It's a one-month rolling contract, meaning you can cancel at short notice.
Though the ?12/month option with 1GB is cheapest, we found iPhone users often use more than this on their mobiles in a month. So unless you're going to be using the iPad's 4G just for emails, it's wise to get one of the larger plans.
Lowest upfront cost: iPad and data bundle from Three
If you want an iPad but don't have the cash for it upfront, you can spread the cost of the tablet (slightly) over a contract with a monthly data plan.
While more affordable upfront, this is not the cheapest way to get an iPad - paying a higher monthly amount and less upfront normally costs a lot more over the duration of the deal.
Package details
Upfront cost
Monthly cost
Data allowance
?49 for 16GB from
?38.16/mth
?964.84 for 16GB over 24 mths
What's the deal? You'll get 15GB of data to use a month, on a 24-month contract, at ?38.16/month. The
is available for ?49 upfront.
Who's this suitable for? Those that either haven't the cash to pay for an iPad outright, or for those that want more mobile data than the plans from Giffgaff above.
Anything else? We reckon 15GB/month is more than enough data, but
if you exceed this you'll be charged 10.2p/MB. If you're worried about your data use, though, it's worth installing a . See below for more info.
Get a refurbished iPad Wi-Fi+4G
It's possible to get a refurbished iPad for a bit less than a brand new one, and there's little difference in condition. You stand to make savings of ?70+ on the retail price.
Refurbished iPads from Apple should be in 100% working condition, though they may, as Apple says, "exhibit some minor cosmetic imperfection, such as scratches, marks or
discolourations". It also says they may not be in the original packaging. You can order a refurbished iPad Air from , with free delivery. Stock levels change daily, so check back regularly.
All these refurbished iPads come with a one-year Apple warranty. Apple high street branches do not stock refurbished iPads, but staff can help with any problems.
often has refurbished iPads too, though like Apple, stock is limited and changes on a daily basis.
Got an iPad? Cheapest Sim-only
If you already have an iPad but no data plan, getting a Sim will allow you to access the web whenever, and wherever, you are.
All of the newer Apple products require a micro or nano Sim (smaller versions of the traditional Sim card), so make sure you order a data plan that comes with the size you need. Here are our picks:
What: iPad Sim-only 10GB
Cost: ?15/month
Contract: 1-month rolling
Should you need a bit more data than 3GB,
offers a Sim-only deal which gives you a 10GB for ?15/month on a one-month rolling contract.
If you use over your allocated 10GB, you'll be charged 10.2p/MB for the remainder of that month until your contract rolls over.
What: Giffgaff Sim Gigabag
Cost: Priced from ?12/month
Contract: 1-month rolling
Super-cheap mobile network Giffgaff offers a range of Sim-only "Gigabag" data plans for tablets, including iPads. They all have rolling, one-month contracts.
?12/month for 1GB
?15/month for 3GB
?18/month for 5GB
Giffgaff Sim cards now come as "snappable" dual Sims, so they will work
in tablets which require a micro-Sim
and tablets which just require
standard a Sim.
Warning! If you use up your allocated allowance
before your Gigabag expires, Giffgaff will notify you and give you a
50MB buffer for free. Once you run out of your buffer allowance, you'll
be charged at 20p/MB until your Gigabag renews.
What can you do with 1GB of data?
If you've got a phone tariff with 1GB of mobile data, as a rough guide, you'll be able to do one of the following, or a mixture (eg 1,000 emails with photos and 30 YouTube videos):
Send 1,000,000 emails without attachments
Send 2,000 emails with photos attached
Visit 10,000 simple sites like Twitter or your favourite blog
Visit 3,000 rich content sites like bbc.co.uk, guardian.co.uk or yahoo.co.uk
Download 50 low quality or 12 high quality music tracks
Watch 120 YouTube videos, about 4.5 minutes long
What can you do with 3GB of data?
If you've got a phone tariff with 3GB of mobile data, as a rough guide, you'll be able to do one of the following, or a mixture (eg 3,000 emails with photos and 180 YouTube videos):
Send 3,000,000 emails without attachments
Send 6,000 emails with photos attached
Visit 30,000 simple sites like Twitter or your favourite blog
Visit 9,000 rich content sites like bbc.co.uk, guardian.co.uk or yahoo.co.uk
Download 150 low quality or 36 high quality music tracks
Watch 360 YouTube videos, about 4.5 minutes long
If you've got a phone tariff with 5GB of mobile data, as a rough guide, you'll be able to do one of the following, or a mixture (eg 5,000 emails with photos and 150 YouTube videos):
Send 5,000,000 emails without attachments
Send 10,000 emails with photos attached
Visit 50,000 simple sites like Twitter or your favourite blog
Visit 15,000 rich content sites like bbc.co.uk, guardian.co.uk or yahoo.co.uk
Download 250 low quality or 60 high quality music tracks
Watch 300 YouTube videos, about 4.5 minutes long
How to complain about a purchase
If you're not happy about a product or the service you receive, you should first contact the retailer in person, by phone, or in writing. However, if you're still not satisfied, then...
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