The Best Labor Day Deals on IPads and Other Tablets Right Now
Labor Day sales are already in full swing, and Lifehacker is sharing the best deals based on product reviews, comparisons, and price tracking tools before they’re gone. You can also sign up for our Add to Cart newsletter to get the best deals delivered to your inbox.
Labor Day sales aren’t just for appliances and patio furniture. If you’re planning on picking up a new tablet, now’s the time to consider it —there are discounts on the entire lineup (no need to wait until September 1). Whether you need a compact iPad mini for travel, a new Pro to replace your laptop, or something in between, there’s a deal for you.
For regular users: iPad 11th generation
The entry-level iPad is the no-fuss, no-stress option. It now has an 11-inch screen and runs on Apple’s A16 chip (the same one in the iPhone 15 ), which is fast enough for streaming, web browsing, and schoolwork. At $399 (down from $449 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model), it’s the cheapest ticket to iPad right now.
For students and mid-level users: iPad Air (M3, 128GB)
If you don’t need the “base” model but aren’t willing to spend the extra money on a Pro, the Air is the way to go. The M3 processor makes it powerful enough for gaming, photo editing, and multi-app work, while still being thin and light at just 11 inches . It’s now just over $535 (was $599) — a great price for this kind of speed.
For an extra $200, you can get the 13-inch iPad Air , which is now on sale for $717.99 (was $799), and it offers a lot more without having to jump straight to the Pro version. It’s the perfect compromise for those who want a large screen for reading, drawing, or watching movies, but don’t need the Pro’s cutting-edge OLED display.
For those who travel frequently: iPad Mini
At just 8.3 inches diagonally, the iPad Mini is tiny but mighty. It has the same A17 Pro chip as the iPhone 15 Pro , making it faster than the base iPad despite its size. Its compact design makes it ideal for reading on the couch, taking notes in class, or slipping into your bag for travel. The 128GB model is now $474, down from $499.
For professionals and creatives: iPad Pro (M4, 256 GB)
Apple’s iPad Pro is where the iPad stops being just a tablet and becomes a laptop alternative. With the M4 chip that debuted here before Apple’s Macs, it’s fast, thin, and more visually stunning than any iPad before it. And right now, the 11-inch version is selling for its lowest price yet, at $894.99, according to price trackers . If you want maximum performance in a compact package, this is it.
Apple’s flagship tablet, the 13-inch Pro , is also on sale for $1,165.80 instead of the usual $1,299. It features the same powerful M4 processor and OLED display as the 11-inch Pro , but with a larger screen that’s great for video editing, multitasking, media creation, and design. It’s also Apple’s thinnest device ever, at just 0.2 inches. Sure, you’ll pay more, but if you want your iPad to replace your laptop, this is the one to get.
More Labor Day Tablet Deals
Apple isn’t the only player in this space. Whether you’re an Android user, looking for a budget option, or even a Windows user, there are plenty of other tablets on sale now.
For Android Fans on a Budget: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series (128GB)
The Samsung S10 FE Fan Edition tablet combines performance and affordability. With a large, vibrant display, smooth multitasking, and built-in S Pen support, it delivers a premium Samsung experience without the Ultra ‘s hefty price tag. It’s great for streaming, note-taking, and light-duty tasks, and its current price of $429.99 (was $499.99) makes it one of the best in the Galaxy lineup.
The FE+ takes all the goodies of the regular Fan Edition and makes it even bigger. The larger 12.4-inch display is perfect for watching movies, multitasking, or running multiple apps at once, while the increased performance makes it better suited for more intensive workloads. The $579.99 price tag puts it between Samsung’s mid-range tablets and the premium S Ultra series, making it a smart choice for those who want performance and a big screen at an affordable price.
For regular users: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a no-frills budget option that ticks all the boxes without being overwhelming. It won’t compete with the Pro or FE series models for performance, but it’s lightweight, easy to carry, and handles everyday tasks like streaming, email, browsing, and video calling without issue. At just $210 for the 128GB model, it’s an affordable way to get a solid Android tablet that meets all your needs.
For Amazon Households: Amazon Fire HD Tablets (32GB)
The Fire HD 10 ($89.99, down from $139.99) is a great choice for those already invested in the Amazon ecosystem. It supports Prime Video, Kindle Books, integrates with Alexa, and supports kids’ apps, making it a practical family tablet. The 10-inch screen is bright enough for streaming, and while it’s not as versatile as an iPad or Galaxy Tab, at under $90 it’s unmatched for everyday use.
Even smaller and cheaper than the HD 10, the Fire HD 8 is perhaps the most budget-friendly tablet of all. It’s compact, easy to carry, and great for reading e-books, streaming, and light browsing. Just don’t expect it to multitask or run resource-intensive apps. At $64.99, it’s a simple, basic tablet that gets the basics done.
For Smart Home Users: Google Pixel Tablet
The Pixel Tablet is Google’s answer to the iPad, but with a unique twist: When connected to a charging dock with speakers, it also turns into a smart display. That means you can place it in the kitchen or living room as a Nest Hub-type device, then detach it for web browsing, streaming, or using apps. The 10.9-inch screen delivers crisp visuals, the Tensor G2 processor is powerful enough for everyday use, and it integrates seamlessly with Google’s smart home features. At $359, it’s a great choice if you’re already invested in the Google ecosystem.
For Windows users looking for a true hybrid: Microsoft Surface Pro
If you prefer Windows over iPadOS or Android, the Surface Pro is the obvious choice. It’s essentially a thin laptop that transforms into a tablet running full Windows 11 with touch capabilities that make it more usable than previous versions. The 2025 model features a crisp display, long battery life, and the efficiency of a Snapdragon processor, making it suitable for work, school, and even light PC gaming. At $799 (the lowest price, according to price trackers ), it’s one of the most versatile devices on this list.