Is 64 GB Enough for an iPad? How Much Storage Do You Need

You’re planning to buy an iPad and wondering if 64GB of storage is enough?

The question of storage space is undoubtedly one of the central questions before making a purchase. Unlike many Android and Windows tablets, the internal storage of the iPad cannot be expanded later using a microSD card.

We’ll tell you in which scenarios more storage space makes sense and under what circumstances you can manage with less.

The Dilemma: How Much iPad Storage Do You Need?

Depending on which iPad you choose, different storage options are available to you.

The “Entry-level iPad” of the 10th generation is available with either 64GB or 256GB. The 64GB version costs around $580 for the WiFi model at Apple, while the 256GB variant is available for around $780. If you want the cellular version, you’ll need to invest an additional $200. The tricky part is that Apple does not offer a 128GB version, which would likely be the sweet spot for many buyers in terms of sufficient storage and reasonable cost.

64GB is only enough if you just want to stream movies and series and need only a few apps. On the other hand, 256GB is not necessary for many buyers.

The same options – 64GB and 256GB – are also available for the iPad Air. For the WiFi version, Apple charges around $514 for the 64GB model and $600 for the 256GB WiFi version. For the cellular model, an additional $200 is required.

The iPad mini 6 is also available with 64GB and 256GB. The compact tablet with WiFi is priced at $370 for the 64GB model and around $550 if you opt for 256GB storage. The cellular model is another $200 more expensive.

Only the iPad Pro’s storage options are somewhat “more generous”, offering models with 128GB (11-inch WiFi version: $799, cellular version: $999), 256GB (11-inch WiFi version: $899, cellular version: $1099), 512GB (11-inch WiFi version: $1099, cellular version: $1299), 1TB (11-inch WiFi version: $1499, cellular version: $1699), and 2TB (11-inch WiFi version: $1899, cellular version: $2099). The 12.9-inch model costs an additional $300 to $350 each.

Why Do You Need More Storage?

The more internal storage available on your iPad, the more data such as apps, photos, music, and videos you can store on the device. An iPad with more storage space offers you the opportunity to store more data and download multiple apps without running out of storage space.

If you want to use your iPad primarily for everyday tasks, such as browsing the internet, sending emails, and watching videos, then an iPad with 64GB of storage can be sufficient.

However, keep in mind that the iPadOS operating system already takes some of the storage space, so you don’t have the full 64GB available.

Still, 64GB allows you to download essential apps and stream music and videos.

But if, for example, you’re a gamer and want to download many large games, you’ll quickly reach the limit with the 64GB model.

Also, if you plan to use your iPad as your primary device and want to download many apps, movies, games, and music, it’s best to buy an iPad with more storage space.

Games like Asphalt 9: Legends are over 3GB in size. An episode of a series on Netflix in Ultra-HD (4K) resolution can be up to 7GB. And iPadOS 16 requires a whopping 11.45GB on our iPad Air, with an additional 1.68GB for system data.

You’ll quickly realize that even casual tablet users will quickly reach the storage space limit.

If you seriously plan to use the iPad for work or entertainment, consider at least getting the 128GB (only available for the iPad Pro) or the 256GB version.

With more storage, you can, for example, download a few episodes of a series to enjoy during a long-distance flight. Storing your favorite photos and music is also no longer a problem.

In short, more storage space allows you to download a wider range of apps and games without constantly worrying about the available storage on your iPad.

iCloud as a Cost-Effective Storage Alternative

For storing photos, videos, and more, you also have the option of using iCloud.

With iCloud, you can securely store your files in the cloud and access them from all your devices.

When you register with iCloud, you automatically get 5GB of online storage for free.

If you need more iCloud storage, you can upgrade to iCloud+. 50GB costs 0.99 euros per month, while 200GB is available for 2.99 euros per month, and 2TB costs 9.99 euros per month.

Upgrading to iCloud+ also gives you access to additional premium features.

iCloud Private Relay

With iCloud Private Relay, you can hide your IP address and search activity while protecting your unencrypted internet traffic without affecting browser performance.

Hide Your Personal Email Address

You can also hide your email address. This allows you to create unique, random email addresses and forward emails to your personal inbox, so you don’t have to reveal your personal email address.

HomeKit Secure Video

With HomeKit Secure Video, you can connect your security cameras to the Home app, record your video footage, and view it from anywhere while keeping it private and secure.

Custom Email Domain

You can also set up a custom email domain. You can personalize iCloud Mail with your own email domain. You can invite friends and family members to use the same domain with their iCloud Mail accounts.

External Hard Drives

Of course, you don’t need to keep all your photos on the iPad permanently. Just like on your home computer, it makes sense to use external hard drives with the iPad to store videos and pictures that you don’t need at your fingertips all the time. When buying a hard drive, you should consider the following points:

The Right Port

If you have a current iPad with USB-C or Thunderbolt, you should buy a hard drive with the same connection. For example, if your hard drive has an older USB port, you’ll need an adapter to USB-C.

The Correct Partition

The hard drive should have only one partition. It should be formatted in APFS, FAT32, FAT, or exFAT (FAT64). NTFS hard drives are not compatible. If the hard drive is not recognized correctly by the iPad, you may need to format it correctly.

Hard Drive with Its Own Power Supply

To avoid unnecessary power consumption of your iPad and not strain the battery, it’s recommended to buy a hard drive with its own power supply. Alternatively, you can connect it through an external USB hub with its own power connection.

Video Editors and Designers Need Plenty of Storage

Despite iCloud and external hard drives, if you plan to use your iPad professionally, for example, for creating presentations, working with large files, or editing videos, we recommend an iPad Pro with 512GB or more.

In particular, creatives who, for example, edit large video projects in DaVinci Resolve or work with many high-resolution photos in Adobe Lightroom will quickly realize that every additional gigabyte is precious.

And, as my father always says, “Having” is, after all, better than “needing.”

If you go all out and opt for an iPad Pro with 2TB, you can, for example, store a massive photo library on the device or undertake large 4K video projects. However, for most people, this much storage space may be excessive given the astronomical price.

More storage space can also pay off when traveling. In advance, you can store your favorite music, movies, audiobooks, etc., on the iPad and no longer have to worry about whether you’ll have an internet connection available on the train or plane.

Conclusion: Your Purpose Defines the Storage Size on Your iPad 

In summary, an iPad with 64GB of storage can be sufficient for daily use, but there are many situations where you’ll quickly run into limitations. If you use your iPad as the main device, travel frequently, want to download many apps and games, or use creative applications, an iPad with at least 128GB (for the iPad Pro) or 256GB makes a lot of sense.

Ultimately, the right storage size for you depends on your specific needs and the intended use of your iPad.