Is the iPad 9th Gen still worth buying in 2026?

Only at a low price. At $340 new at eBay as of November 4, 2026, it costs more than it launched at, so a refurbished unit or a newer base iPad makes more sense unless you need the headphone jack.

How does it compare to the iPad 10th Gen?

The 10th Gen has a larger 10.9-inch screen, USB-C, a newer chip and a landscape front camera. The 9th Gen keeps the headphone jack and Touch ID button and costs less, but is slower and uses Lightning.

How much storage should I get?

64 GB is enough for streaming, browsing and school apps, but games, downloads and photos fill it fast. Choose 256 GB if you store video or lots of apps offline.

Does it work with the Apple Pencil?

Yes, but only the first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges through the Lightning port. The USB-C Pencil and second-generation Pencil do not work with it.

The iPad, a Lightning to USB-C cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter. The Apple Pencil and keyboard cases are sold separately.

Base iPads drop most during Black Friday and back-to-school sales, and refurbished units are consistently cheaper. Watch the price history rather than buying at a five-year high.

Where is the iPad 9th Gen (2021) cheapest?

At eBay, for $340.00, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the iPad 9th Gen (2021)?

5 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Newegg.com, HOLDALL HOUSE.

Apple

iPad 9th Gen (2021)

Best price now

$340.00at eBayObserved at 11:13 AM

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit eBay

Ask our shopping agent

Apple

iPad 9th Gen (2021)

Best price now

$340.00at eBayObserved at 11:13 AM

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit eBay

Ask our shopping agent

Our take on the iPad 9th Gen (2021)

The iPad 9th Gen is Apple's 2021 entry-level tablet: a 10.2-inch 2160 x 1620 display, A13 Bionic chip, 12 MP front camera with Center Stage, and a 10-hour battery in a 17.2 oz body. It kept the headphone jack and Touch ID home button that later base iPads dropped. The best new price is $340 at eBay as of November 4, 2026, which is high for a five-year-old base model; it launched at $329.

Best forStudents and kids needing a first tabletBrowsing, streaming and video callsShoppers who want a headphone jackBuyers on a tight budget

Pros

12 MP front camera with Center Stage keeps you framed on calls
10-hour battery rating and 8,557 mAh cell last a full school or work day
Headphone jack and Touch ID home button, both gone from newer base iPads
Light at 17.2 oz and cheap for a full-size iPad
Huge app library and long software support

Cons

A13 chip and non-laminated display are dated next to newer iPads
64 GB base storage fills fast; 256 GB costs more
Only works with first-generation Apple Pencil and older keyboard cases
Charges with Lightning, not USB-C
$340 new in late 2026 is poor value versus a refurbished or newer model

iPad 9th Gen (2021) prices at every store

WalmartRefurbished
Availability unknownSold by Hybrid IT
$189.00Free shippingObserved at 11:13 AM
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AmazonRefurbished
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$189.99Free shippingObserved at 11:20 AM
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eBayNew
Availability unknown
$340.00+ $2.00 shippingObserved at 11:13 AM
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Newegg.comRefurbished
Availability unknownSold by 6Ave
$459.49Free shippingObserved at 11:13 AM
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AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$464.26Free shippingObserved at 11:20 AM
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Also available at

HOLDALL HOUSECheck price at HOLDALL HOUSE

iPad 9th Gen (2021) price history

Lowest price we've seen: $340.00 on Nov 4 at eBay. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 4.

What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the 9th Gen as the default budget iPad: reliable, simple and good for kids and light work. Most criticism centers on the old design, the 64 GB base storage and the price once newer models are on sale.

Pros

Easy setup and smooth everyday performance
Center Stage front camera for video calls
Sturdy build and long battery life
Great value for students and children

Cons

64 GB storage runs out quickly
Thick bezels and home-button design feel dated
Non-laminated screen shows glare and flex
Accessories are limited to older Pencil and cases

Specifications

Operating System: iOS, iPadOS
Display Resolution: 2160 x 1620
Color: Silver, Space Gray
Language / Region: English / United States
Storage: 64 GB Storage, 256 GB Storage
Screen Size: 10.2 in screen
Weight: 17.2 oz
Battery Life: 10 hours battery
Battery Capacity: 8,557 mAh
Front Camera Resolution: 12 MP front camera

Questions and answers

Is the iPad 9th Gen still worth buying in 2026?: Only at a low price. At $340 new at eBay as of November 4, 2026, it costs more than it launched at, so a refurbished unit or a newer base iPad makes more sense unless you need the headphone jack.
How does it compare to the iPad 10th Gen?: The 10th Gen has a larger 10.9-inch screen, USB-C, a newer chip and a landscape front camera. The 9th Gen keeps the headphone jack and Touch ID button and costs less, but is slower and uses Lightning.
How much storage should I get?: 64 GB is enough for streaming, browsing and school apps, but games, downloads and photos fill it fast. Choose 256 GB if you store video or lots of apps offline.
Does it work with the Apple Pencil?: Yes, but only the first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges through the Lightning port. The USB-C Pencil and second-generation Pencil do not work with it.
What is in the box?: The iPad, a Lightning to USB-C cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter. The Apple Pencil and keyboard cases are sold separately.
When is it cheapest?: Base iPads drop most during Black Friday and back-to-school sales, and refurbished units are consistently cheaper. Watch the price history rather than buying at a five-year high.
Where is the iPad 9th Gen (2021) cheapest?: At eBay, for $340.00, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the iPad 9th Gen (2021)?: 5 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Newegg.com, HOLDALL HOUSE.