Thinking about buying a new iPad in 2025? One of the biggest decisions is choosing between 64GB and 256GB storage sizes.
This choice is super important because storage size impacts what you can do with your iPad and how long it lasts before running out of space.
This article will help you understand the pros and cons of both options, enabling you to make an informed decision without regret.
Quick Takeaways ⚡:
- Choose 64 GB if you are a Casual streamer, web browser, or cloud-heavy user (relying on iCloud/Google Drive), or if your budget is non-negotiable. You must be disciplined about offloading files.
- Choose 256 GB if you are a Student, digital artist, video editor, heavy gamer (e.g., Genshin Impact), traveler who needs offline content, or anyone planning to keep the iPad for 4 years or more.
- Expert Rule: If you can afford the approximately $100–$150 upgrade, 256 GB is the safe and future-proof recommendation.
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Understanding iPad Storage in 2025
Apple currently offers iPads with a variety of storage options, but 64GB and 256GB remain two popular choices, especially for budget and mid-range models.
However, it’s important to know that a 64GB iPad will usually have around 50GB of usable space. The iPad’s operating system and pre-installed apps take up some storage, leaving less room for your apps and data.
On the other hand, a 256GB iPad will give you around 240GB of usable space. This significant increase in storage capacity allows you to install more apps, save larger files, and store more media directly on your device.
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64GB iPad in 2025: Pros and Cons
A 64GB iPad in 2025 can be a good choice for light users who mostly stream content and use cloud storage.
However, it may not have enough space for heavy apps, large files, or creative projects that need extra storage.
Good for ✅:
- Browsing the web, emailing, watching videos, and streaming music and movies.
- Basic students taking notes or reading eBooks.
- People who use cloud storage heavily for photos and files.
- Those on a tight budget who want the cheapest iPad possible.
Limitations ⚠️ :
- The device will fill up quickly if you download many apps, take photos and videos, or save music offline.
- You will likely see frustrating "Storage Almost Full" warnings as your iPad runs out of space.
- You cannot upgrade internal storage later, so what you buy is what you get forever.
- Limited space can slow down your iPad if it’s close to full, affecting overall performance.
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256GB iPad in 2025: Pros and Cons
A 256GB iPad in 2025 offers a solid balance of ample storage and smooth performance, making it ideal for users who store many apps, photos, videos, and creative projects directly on their device.
While it comes at a higher cost compared to lower storage models, the extra space reduces the need for constant file management and reliance on the cloud, providing convenience for students, professionals, and creatives alike.
Ideal for ✨:
- Users who download many apps and games, including large titles that take 5–10GB each.
- Photographers and video creators who store photos and 4K video locally.
- Students and professionals who keep textbooks, PDFs, presentations, and offline lectures on their devices.
- Travelers who want to download movies and shows for offline viewing.
- Anyone planning to keep their iPad for several years without worrying about running out of space.
Advantages 👌:
- You enjoy the freedom to install more apps and store larger files.
- Less need to constantly manage storage or delete files.
- Easier to resell or hand down since it has more usable space.
- Future-proof choice that reduces stress about storage limits.
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Price Difference: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The upgrade from 64GB to 256GB typically costs between $150 and $200 extra, depending on the model.
While this might seem expensive, consider how much frustration it will save. Storage upgrades are generally worth the price for most users who want to use their iPad for more than basic tasks.
Often, the price per gigabyte is better with the 256GB model, making it a smart investment if you use your iPad regularly.
Remember, you cannot upgrade your iPad’s storage after purchase, so buying more today can avoid expensive headaches later.
Apple iCloud and External Storage: Helpful But Not a Fix
Many iPad users rely on iCloud storage and external drives to free up space. Cloud services help by offloading photos, documents, and backups to the cloud, freeing internal storage.
However, there are limits:
- Apps and games still need to be installed on your iPad’s internal storage. You cannot run apps from the cloud.
- Media files you want to watch, use offline, or edit need to be downloaded and take up space.
- External drives can store files, but won’t speed up app performance or act as primary storage.
Therefore, cloud and external storage back-ups help but do not replace having sufficient internal storage.
📌Also Read: iPad External Storage: Smart Buy or Skip It?
What Reddit and Real Users Say
Reddit discussions and user experiences highlight why 256GB is today’s sweet spot. Many users report that 64GB fills up fast, especially with games, photos, and offline stuff, leading to frustrating “out of space” problems.
Power users, students, creatives, and travelers often recommend getting 256GB to avoid storage worries. One Reddit user shared:
“You’re better off with 256. 64 fills up way too fast, and you don’t want regrets later!”.
If your iPad is your primary device or you plan to keep it for years, most users agree that 256GB is a worthwhile upgrade.
Comparison Table: 64GB vs 256GB iPad
Conclusion
In 2025, 64GB might be okay for a light, budget user, but for most people, 256GB is the better choice.
It lets you install more apps and games, keep photos and videos, and avoid storage headaches for years.
Plan for the future and allocate more space if possible, it will save you time and frustration.
Want to protect your new iPad? Check out these awesome accessories:
Enjoy your iPad experience in 2025 with the proper storage and tools!
FAQs: 64 vs 256 iPad
Is there a big difference between 64GB and 256GB?
Yes. 256GB holds about four times more apps, photos, videos, and offline files than 64GB. If you shoot 4K video, download large games, or keep files offline, you will notice the extra space fast. Heavier users also get fewer storage warnings and better long-term use.
Is 64 GB enough storage for an iPad?
It's sufficient for light use, such as streaming, browsing, reading, and running a few apps. You will need to lean on cloud storage and delete old downloads often. Large games and 4K videos will quickly fill up a 64GB storage space. If your budget allows, consider 128GB or 256GB for comfort.
Do you really need a 256GB iPad?
Choose 256GB if you frequently store large amounts of photos, play big games, download offline Netflix or YouTube content, or work with 4K video and drawing apps. The extra space reduces micromanaging of storage and helps the iPad last longer over several years. If you mostly stream and use cloud services, 128GB may be enough. Pick based on how much you store locally.
Is 64 GB enough for a college student?
It depends on your major and habits. For note-taking, PDFs, and light apps with cloud backups, 64GB can be sufficient if you manage your space effectively. Media, design, engineering, and video courses benefit from 128GB or 256GB to keep files offline. Campus Wi-Fi is not always reliable, so having extra storage can save time during exams and projects.
