Important date note: The Best Buy promotion covered in this article ran during the May 2025 spring and Mother’s Day sale. The prices below are historical deal prices reported on May 9–12, 2025—not current offers. Best Buy’s product lineup and discounts have since changed, with newer-generation MacBook Air and iPad models appearing on its deal pages.
The strongest reported offers were the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air at $849, the 11-inch M3 iPad Air at $499, the seventh-generation iPad mini at a reported $399, Powerbeats Pro 2 at $199.99, and the Apple Watch Series 10 at $299. However, Best Buy was not the cheapest retailer on every configuration: Amazon reportedly undercut it on two Wi-Fi versions of the 11th-generation iPad.
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The best reported deals at a glance
MacRumors reported the following prices during Best Buy’s May 2025 promotion. “Record low” means different things here: some prices matched the lowest price tracked by the publication, some were described as record lows in syndicated coverage, and others were simply strong discounts.
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| Product | Configuration | Reported price | Discount | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air | 13-inch M4, 256GB | $849 | $150 | Matched a tracked all-time low |
| iPad Air | 11-inch M3, 128GB Wi-Fi | $499 | $100 | Strong value |
| iPad mini | 7th generation, 128GB Wi-Fi | $399 | $100 | Reported record low; syndicated coverage |
| iPad | 11th generation, 128GB Wi-Fi | $299 | $50 | Good, but Amazon reportedly charged less |
| Powerbeats Pro 2 | Standard retail configuration | $199.99 | $50 | Strong accessory discount |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | 42mm GPS | $299 | $100 | Matched a tracked all-time low |
| Apple Pencil Pro | Compatible model | $99 | $30 | Useful add-on for eligible iPads |
The original deal report is available from MacRumors. Its archive identifies the item as May 9, 2025, while the article page displays May 12, 2025. The coverage did not establish a definitive closing date, so it is more accurate to describe these as prices available during that week rather than claim a specific sale end date.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
MacBook Air: the clearest laptop bargain
The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air was the standout laptop deal. Its 256GB configuration fell to $849, a $150 reduction and a match of the lowest price MacRumors had tracked. For shoppers who wanted an inexpensive Apple laptop, this was the strongest combination of price and portability in the promotion.
13-inch M4 MacBook Air prices
| Memory and storage | Reported price | Reported discount | Price assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16GB / 256GB | $849 | $150 | Matched a tracked all-time low |
| 16GB / 512GB | $1,049 | $150 | Strong price, not necessarily a record |
| 24GB / 512GB | $1,249 | $150 | Strong price, not necessarily a record |
The 15-inch versions were also discounted by $150 on most configurations.
15-inch M4 MacBook Air prices
| Memory and storage | Reported price | Reported discount | Price assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16GB / 256GB | $1,049 | $150 | Matched a tracked all-time low |
| 16GB / 512GB | $1,249 | $150 | Matched a tracked all-time low |
| 24GB / 512GB | $1,434 | $165 | Amazon reportedly offered a lower price |
The 13-inch model was the better value for buyers who prioritized portability and a lower purchase price. The 15-inch model made more sense for people who valued a larger display for spreadsheets, document work, multitasking, or media.
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The main financial caution was storage. The $849 model’s 256GB capacity could be restrictive for users who keep large photo, video, game, or development libraries locally. Paying more for 512GB may be cheaper than relying on external storage or cloud subscriptions later, but buyers should compare the actual storage need rather than automatically treating the higher configuration as the better value.
Also, do not describe every MacBook Air configuration as a record low. The original coverage distinguished between the 13-inch 256GB model and the 15-inch entry and mid-tier models, which matched tracked lows, and configurations that were merely discounted.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
iPad deals: compare the exact model and retailer
The promotion covered the standard 11th-generation iPad, the M3 iPad Air, and the seventh-generation iPad mini. These products served different buyers, so the lowest price was not automatically the best purchase.
11th-generation iPad
Best Buy reportedly priced the 11th-generation iPad $50 below its regular price:
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|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | $299 | $399 | $599 |
| Cellular | $449 | $549 | $749 |
There was an important competitor caveat. Syndicated coverage reported Amazon prices of $277.78 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model and $377.78 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model—both below Best Buy’s prices at the time. That means the $299 Best Buy price was a good discount, but not the lowest reported market price for those configurations.
The cellular premium also deserves scrutiny. Cellular hardware costs more, and a data plan adds a recurring expense. Buyers who can reliably use a phone’s hotspot may save money by choosing Wi-Fi instead.
Seventh-generation iPad mini
Syndicated coverage reported the following $100 discounts for the iPad mini with A17 Pro:
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
| Configuration | Reported price |
|---|---|
| 128GB Wi-Fi | $399 |
| 256GB Wi-Fi | $499 |
| 512GB Wi-Fi | $699 |
| 128GB cellular | $549 |
| 256GB cellular | $649 |
These were characterized as record-low prices in syndicated copies of the deal report. Because the configuration details came from syndicated coverage rather than the main MacRumors excerpt, they should be treated as reported record lows, not as a blanket claim that every iPad mini configuration reached the lowest price ever offered by every retailer.
The iPad mini was the natural fit for buyers who wanted a compact tablet for reading, travel, note-taking, or casual use. It was not necessarily the best choice for buyers who planned to use a tablet as a laptop substitute or wanted a larger canvas for drawing and split-screen work.
M3 iPad Air
Best Buy reportedly discounted every listed M3 iPad Air configuration by $100.
| Model | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-inch Wi-Fi | $499 | $599 | $799 | $999 |
| 13-inch Wi-Fi | $699 | $799 | $999 | $1,199 |
Cellular versions were also reported at $100 off, including the 11-inch 128GB model at $649 and the 13-inch 128GB model at $849.
The 11-inch 128GB Wi-Fi model at $499 was the value pick. It offered a substantial step up from the standard iPad for buyers who needed more performance or expected to keep the tablet for several years. The 13-inch model was more compelling for drawing, document work, multitasking, and watching video, but its larger screen came with a much higher starting price.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Remember to calculate the complete setup cost. An Apple Pencil, keyboard, case, AppleCare, and—in the case of cellular models—a mobile-data plan can add hundreds of dollars. The tablet’s advertised discount does not make those extras free.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Apple Watch and Beats deals
Apple Watch Series 10
Reported Apple Watch Series 10 prices included:
- 42mm GPS: $299, $100 off.
- 46mm GPS: $329, $100 off.
- Additional GPS and cellular configurations were included in the broader promotion.
MacRumors described the 42mm and 46mm offers as matching tracked all-time-low prices. Cellular versions should be evaluated separately because the hardware premium may be followed by a recurring carrier charge.
Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE was reportedly reduced to $169 for the 40mm GPS version and $199 for the 44mm GPS version, each $80 off. The $169 40mm price was described as the best tracked price for that model in 2025 at the time of the report.
Powerbeats Pro 2
Powerbeats Pro 2 fell to a reported $199.99, a $50 discount. It was one of the promotion’s headline offers and a strong price for shoppers who had already decided that this product’s fit, features, and ecosystem suited them.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe sale report establishes the price, not independent conclusions about battery life, comfort, sound quality, heart-rate accuracy, or workout performance. Those are separate product questions and should not be inferred from the discount.
Best Value
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
Apple Pencil Pro
Apple Pencil Pro was reportedly available for $99, $30 below its usual price. It could make sense as an add-on for a compatible iPad Air or iPad Pro, but buyers should verify compatibility with the exact iPad model before treating it as part of a bundle.
Which deal was best for each type of buyer?
- Lowest-cost Apple laptop: The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air with 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage at $849.
- Large-screen laptop buyer: The 15-inch M4 MacBook Air at $1,049 for 256GB, subject to competitor checks.
- General tablet buyer: The 11th-generation iPad 128GB Wi-Fi at $299 from Best Buy, although Amazon reportedly offered it for less.
- Heavier tablet workloads: The 11-inch M3 iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi at $499.
- Compact tablet buyer: The seventh-generation iPad mini 128GB Wi-Fi at a reported $399.
- Large-screen tablet buyer: The 13-inch M3 iPad Air, particularly for drawing, documents, or multitasking.
- Workout-earbud shopper: Powerbeats Pro 2 at $199.99, provided the product itself meets the buyer’s needs.
- Note-taker or artist: An eligible iPad Air paired with Apple Pencil Pro at the reported $99 price, after checking compatibility and total cost.
How to evaluate a deal before paying
- Confirm the exact configuration. Check screen size, chip, memory, storage, connectivity, band size, and model generation. “M4 MacBook Air” and “iPad Air” each describe multiple products.
- Compare the cash price across retailers. A percentage discount is not proof that the retailer has the lowest price. The reported Amazon prices for two 11th-generation iPad configurations demonstrate why this matters.
- Check seller and condition. Distinguish new inventory sold by Best Buy from marketplace, open-box, refurbished, clearance, or third-party listings.
- Calculate the full ownership cost. Add tax, accessories, AppleCare, keyboard or stylus costs, cellular service, and any storage subscriptions you are likely to need.
- Review delivery and returns. Inventory can vary by ZIP code, color, store, and shipping method. An expired deal link may redirect to a current product page or show unavailable stock.
- Separate financing from savings. Suggested monthly payments and My Best Buy financing offers do not reduce the cash price. Compare the total amount paid and make sure the repayment terms fit your budget.
- Consider product generation. The M4 MacBook Air, M3 iPad Air, and A17 Pro iPad mini were the relevant products in May 2025. By August 2026, some were previous-generation hardware. A lower price may be worthwhile, but buyers seeking the longest support horizon or newest features should compare current models.
Was Best Buy the best place to buy?
Best Buy had several genuinely compelling prices, especially on the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air, selected 15-inch MacBook Air configurations, the M3 iPad Air, Apple Watch Series 10, and Powerbeats Pro 2. It was also a practical option for shoppers who valued store pickup, retailer returns, and the possibility of a qualifying price match.
It was not universally cheapest. Amazon reportedly beat Best Buy on the 128GB and 256GB Wi-Fi versions of the 11th-generation iPad. Marketplace prices can change quickly, however, so a comparison should confirm that the listing is new, sold by a trusted seller, and covered by acceptable fulfillment and return terms.
Apple’s own store can be preferable for buyers who prioritize direct manufacturer support, trade-in, AppleCare, or current-generation availability, even when another retailer offers a lower immediate price. Apple refurbished inventory can also be worth considering, although selection and generations vary.
Bottom line
The May 2025 Best Buy sale contained several legitimate historical bargains, but the headline “record low” claim needs to be narrowed by configuration. The strongest reported deal was the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air with 256GB of storage at $849. The 11-inch M3 iPad Air at $499, Apple Watch Series 10 at $299, and Powerbeats Pro 2 at $199.99 were also strong offers. The iPad mini’s $399 starting price was reported as a record low, while the standard iPad was discounted but reportedly cheaper at Amazon in two Wi-Fi configurations.
Because the promotion is no longer current, these figures are most useful as historical benchmarks. Anyone shopping now should verify the live price, seller, model generation, storage, return terms, and total cost before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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