Buying guide for best iPads
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Picking an iPad has gotten more complicated. Long gone are the days when there was only one iPad model. Apple has four separate iPad families, with one to two models in each and a number of options per model. With features and capabilities seeming to blur between product lines, it can be a challenge to find the best iPad for you.
Now you can get an iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini or plain iPad that’s actually pretty colorful. There are several sizes to choose from and options for storage, processor and cellular capability.
The BestReviews Testing Lab recently tested a model from every iPad line and examined all their features, similarities and differences. The 13-inch iPad Pro with the M4 processor is the best iPad we’ve ever seen, but a lot of users might not want its power (or its price tag). For road warriors, home users, kids or anyone just looking for a downtime device, we have picks for the best iPad for you.
New release
Portable & Powerful
Display Size: 8.3” | Processor: A17 Pro | Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Battery Life: 10 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
The seventh-generation iPad mini was introduced late in 2024 with an upgraded processor and specs capable of running Apple Intelligence. It’s priced the same as the sixth-generation iPad mini, but is available with more storage and several feature refinements.
The seventh-generation iPad mini runs on the A17 Pro chip, the same chip found on the iPhone 15 Pro series. This chip allows the 7th-gen mini to run Apple Intelligence, which the earlier sixth-gen iPad mini couldn’t. The upgraded chip also makes the seventh-generation iPad mini faster and more capable, especially in taxing scenarios like running multiple browser tabs or gaming.
Storage now starts at 128GB for the cheapest model, double the size from the previous generation, and goes up to 512GB. Connectivity is upgraded as well, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which is more advanced than the 6th-gen version. Jelly scrolling has been reduced, and the seventh-generation mini supports advanced Apple Pencil capabilities that the older model didn’t.
Which iPad is best?
Best of the Best
Display Size: 13” | Processor: M4 | Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1 TB, 2GB | Battery Life: 10 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
The iPad Pro 13-inch with the M4 processor is a stunner of a device. With an OLED screen that’s one of the best I’ve seen and a processor that outperformed every other Apple product on the day of its release, the iPad Pro 13-inch is more powerful than most people may need, and it’s priced to match.
The 13-inch Pro is a millimeter thinner than the thin, light iPad Air. But its insides are gargantuan: the 10-core M4 processor with up to 10 graphics cores and a 16-core neural processor, 8 to 16 gigabytes of RAM, plus up to 2 terabytes of storage.
You could shoot, edit and encode a whole feature film from this iPad Pro, then play your work on its 13-inch OLED screen, with up to 1,000 nits of brightness (1,600 nits with HDR), infinite contrast ratio and responsive ProMotion adaptive refresh rate.
The iPad Pro breezed through everything I tried, including composing a song in GarageBand, shooting video with its 12 MP ProRes rear camera, playing Call of Duty and editing in Photoshop.
Sure, it’s expensive, and like every other iPad it doesn’t come with a keyboard or stylus, but there’s no denying that the 2024 iPad Pro, which received a score of 5 out of 5, is one of the most powerful tablets around.
Best Tablet for the Money
Display Size: 10.9” | Processor: A14 Bionic | Storage Options: 64GB, 256GB | Battery Life: 10 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
Then again, a lot of people just want a device that isn’t their computer or phone, something more comfy than an open laptop but bigger than their smartphone. If that’s what you’re looking for, the iPad (10th generation) is for you.
The size and thickness of the iPad made it one of the more comfortable iPads to hold and manipulate. I liked how its front camera was located in the middle of its long side, better for video chats, and how its stereo speakers fire left and right in landscape orientation. However, the screen doesn’t have an antireflective coating, so it can be hard to read in direct sunlight.
The 10th-generation iPad runs on the A14 Bionic processor and handles casual browsing and video streaming with ease. However, it showed its age when I pushed it to do things the newer models can handle. For instance, it could no longer scroll smoothly while downloading multiple videos and apps.
Nevertheless, the iPad (10th generation), is a low-cost, high-value tablet that’s great for anyone who simply wants a casual everyday iPad. It gets a score of 4 out of 5.
Professional on a Smaller Scale
Display Size: 11” | Processor: M4 | Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1 TB, 2GB | Battery Life: 10 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
The 11-inch iPad Pro packs virtually the same hardware as its larger sibling into an even more portable form factor. Its 11-inch screen makes it easy to pack into a commuter backpack or bag and use even in a cramped airplane seat, while still packing top-notch specs.
The iPad Pro (11-inch) runs on the same M4 chip as the 13-inch, with 9 to 10 CPU cores and 10 graphics cores, plus 8 to 16GB of RAM, more than enough for Apple Intelligence. This chip can run pro-level apps for editing video, photo and audio in a device that’s only 7 inches wide, 10 inches tall and 5.3 millimeters thin.
The 11-inch Pro comes with the same outstanding OLED display as the 13-inch. The display is available in a nano-textured anti-glare option for advanced visual work even in brightly lit environments.
The 11-inch iPad Pro boasts 12MP front and rear cameras capable of 4K video recording, with LiDAR for improved 3D scanning and measurement. It has four speakers and four studio-quality microphones for recording and playback on the go. A Thunderbolt/USB-C port allows it to connect to almost any USB-C device for expansion or storage at fast connection speeds.
Value Packed
Display Size: 11” | Processor: M2 | Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery Life: 10 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
With almost the same performance as the 13-inch iPad Air with M2 but just a smaller form factor, the 11-inch iPad Air with M2 is a more affordable laptop replacement than its big sibling, restricted only by its smaller screen area.
The 11-inch iPad Air has the same M2 processor as the 13-inch model, so it can handle most productivity apps it might encounter, such as Office, Photoshop, Canva and so on.
It comes in the same storage sizes, from 128GB to 1TB, and otherwise has the same performance specs as the 13-inch.
There are just a few key differences between the two iPad Air models: the size of the screen, the maximum brightness (500 nits in the 11-inch compared to 600 with the 13-inch) and the enhanced bass in the speakers of the 13-inch.
The 11-inch iPad Air costs less, too, so if you want to save money and still enjoy notebook-replacement performance in the tablet form factor, the 11-inch iPad Air with M2 is a value-packed proposition that earns a score of 4.5 out of 5.
Best for Travel
Display Size: 8.9” | Processor: A15 Bionic | Storage Options: 64GB, 256GB | Battery Life: 9 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
Occupying an interesting niche in Apple’s lineup is the diminutive iPad Mini (6th generation). It’s bigger than a phone but still small enough for many people to hold in one hand. More capable than the 10th-generation iPad, with a screen that’s superior in features but smaller in dimensions, it’s for people who value portable performance the most.
The 6th-generation iPad Mini’s A15 Bionic processor is a generation newer than the A14 in the 10th-generation iPad, with five graphics cores compared to four, which improved the performance of games like Call of Duty Mobile during testing.
Its screen is laminated and has an antireflective coating, both improvements over the plain iPad, with the wide P3 color gamut of the iPad Air. Thanks to its size, the iPad Mini’s screen actually has a higher pixel density than the iPad Pro.
Unlike other iPads, the iPad Mini’s front camera is located on its short side like a smartphone, so video chatting works best in portrait orientation. It also has an LED flash to go with its 12 MP rear camera.
Battery life is the biggest drawback (just nine hours), but if you need to catch up on work in a cramped airline seat, the iPad mini, which gets a score of 4 out of 5, can be a godsend.
Discontinued in 2024 but still relatively easy to find, the iPad (9th generation) is still a solid performer for anyone looking to get an iPad on a budget and who is willing to live with an older charging cable.
This iPad retains the look of iPads from the 2010s: a portrait-orientation default with a physical Home button and stereo speakers on the bottom and the front camera on top and sharp corners on its 10.2-inch Liquid Retina display. The display gets as bright as 500 nits, but it isn’t laminated or antireflective. Interestingly, this iPad still has a headphone jack.
Inside, you’ll find an A13 processor that should get you through most casual tasks like browsing, productivity and streaming video.
Its charging port is its biggest limitation. It uses the older Lightning connector, which not only means a separate charging cable but also requires adaptors to fit a flash drive or other accessory.
The iPad (9th generation) can, however, run iPadOS 18, so it’s still a viable option for the budget-conscious consumer, earning a score of 3 out of 5.
To Always Keep Connected
Display Size: 10.2” | Processor: A13 Bionic | Storage Options: 64GB, 256GB | Battery Life: 10 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
For a discounted iPad that can connect anywhere, consider the 9th-generation iPad with Wi-Fi and cellular. Like the Wi-Fi only version, this iPad has a few compromises compared to current-generation models, but is still a worthwhile budget purchase for anyone who doesn’t need the latest and greatest technology.
The 9th-generation iPad with cellular offers a data-only wireless connection at 4G LTE speeds with support for up to 27 bands. It comes with a nano-SIM slot for cellular providers and also supports e-SIMs, so you can install and remove mobile data plans with ease, especially while traveling. It also supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooh 4.2.
Like the Wi-Fi only version, the 9th-generation iPad with cellular runs on the A13 Bionic chip and comes in 64 or 256GB storage sizes. It’s compatible with a Smart Keyboard cover and the first-generation Apple Pencil. It uses the older Lightning connector to charge, so it’s more limited in accessories than newer models.
Best iPad for Work
Display Size: 13” | Processor: M2 | Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery Life: 10.5 hr | Operating System: iPadOS 18
The iPad Air has become something of a mainstream iPad in the lineup: not as expensive or superpowered as the iPad Pro, but more capable than the iPad (10th generation).
The 13-inch iPad Air’s greatest asset is its big screen. While it isn’t quite as good as an OLED, this Liquid Retina screen looks marvelous.
The screen is fully laminated with an antireflective coating and 600 nits of maximum brightness that worked just fine when I tested it in broad daylight. It’s a pleasure to interact with, and it provides plenty of space for multi-window multitasking via iPadOS’s Stage Manager mode.
The iPad Air’s powerful 8-core M2 processor allowed browser tabs, gaming and creative apps to work smoothly in my testing.
Overall, we think the iPad Air is an excellent productivity tablet that could replace your main computer if you have an external keyboard and mouse or stylus. Invest in those and the 13-inch iPad Air with M2, which received a score of 4.5 out of 5, would be an excellent laptop alternative.
How we tested
We tested four iPad models for this article, one from each product family. We used a mix of specific testing and overall real-world use to evaluate each model’s capabilities.
- Setup: We noted how each iPad model was packed, what accessories it came with and how long it took to set up, including any sign-in or sign-up requirements.
- Design: We subjected each iPad to a basic bend test as well as light drops and use. We also noted comfort, weight, color and other design elements.
- Display: We used photometry and colorimetry apps to give us an idea of the brightness and color accuracy of iPad displays and examined how the displays performed in bright sunlight, average indoor light and a dim nighttime environment. We also noted sharpness, contrast, detail and responsiveness with video, images and gaming.
- Performance: We ran multiple apps, such as Office, Chrome, Safari, YouTube, iMovie, GarageBand, Photoshop for iPad and Call of Duty Mobile to gauge performance, ease of use and multitasking.
- Cameras and speakers: We took photos and videos with the front and rear cameras of each iPad and evaluated their quality. We also tested the front camera for conference and video calling. For the speakers and audio, we played music and videos and noted the quality, bass and spaciousness of the sound.
- Battery life: We timed how long it took for an iPad battery to go from 100% to less than 5% charge using a mix of everyday use and strenuous tasks at auto-adjusting screen brightness, then timed how long it took to recharge using a standard 20-watt Apple USB-C power adapter. When possible, we also timed how long the battery lasted while playing only video at a set brightness.
Choosing a model
Choosing an iPad depends on what you need it to do for you and what other devices you already use.
- For casual use: If you have a computer and just want an iPad as a second device for casual use, or if convenience and portability are more important than speed and performance, get a base-model iPad like the iPad 9th or 10th generation.
- For kids: The iPad 9th and 10th generation models are also great for kids who just need a simple, low-cost, high-quality tablet.
- For people on the go: If portability is your top concern or you want a second device that’s small but has a great screen and bumped-up performance, get the iPad mini.
- For those who want to replace their laptop full time: The iPad Air is ideal for someone who’s considering an iPad as their primary mobile computer. The 13-inch model can replace a laptop, especially with an external keyboard or keyboard case.
- For professional use: The iPad Pro is a computer replacement for anyone who needs cutting-edge performance, especially media professionals in graphics, video or music, and who want that performance in tablet form.
iPad features
Display type
iPads have two types of displays: OLED and LCD.
OLED has individually lit pixels that allows for true blacks, fast response and detailed contrast. It is widely considered to be the top display technology available.
The LCD displays on iPads are high-quality with vivid colors, sharp resolution and detailed LED backlighting.
Screen size
Screen sizes on iPads range from the 9-inch iPad Mini (8.9 inches usable) to the 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro (12.9 inches usable). A bigger screen gives you more space to work with for immersive video and gaming or detailed creative work in drawing, painting, music creation or photo editing. A bigger screen also lets you take advantage of multitasking with two or more app windows open at the same time. Smaller screens, however, are more portable and easier to hold.
Our top picks: Screen size
- The 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air models provide plenty of space for a virtual piano in GarageBand, more detailed timelines in iMovie or Final Cut Pro, and multiple app windows with Stage Manager.
- The 11-inch screens on the iPad (10th generation) and 11-inch iPad Air (10.9 inches usable) provide a good combination of portability and usability.
- The 9-inch iPad Mini (6th generation) screen is ideal for reading e-books in bed or using in the cramped quarters of a plane.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels on a screen. Since 2010, iPads have used what Apple calls Retina displays, high-resolution screens that make images and text smooth and sharp. Resolution goes hand in hand with pixel density, or how many pixels fit in a given measure. The higher the pixel density, the sharper the image. Pixel density can be measured as pixels per inch (ppi).
Our top picks: Resolution
- The 13-inch iPad Pro is the highest-resolution iPad, with 2752 by 2064 pixels at 264 ppi.
- The iPad Mini (6th generation)’s 9-inch Liquid Retina screen has a 2266 by 1488 resolution at a super sharp 326 ppi.
- The iPad Air’s 13-inch Liquid Retina screen has a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels and 264 ppi, very close to the 13-inch iPad Pro.
Processor
The faster the processor, the smoother and more enjoyable the iPad experience. All iPads use Apple-designed processors based on ARM architecture for lower power consumption while maintaining or improving performance. The iPad Air and iPad Pro families use the M-series processors also used on Macintosh computers, while the iPad and iPad Mini use previous generations of the A-series processors found on iPhones.
Memory
All iPads come with 4 to 16 gigabytes of memory, or RAM, depending on the model. The more memory, the more apps an iPad can have open and the better they run. The iPad (10th generation) and iPad Mini have 4GB of memory, good for everyday use, while the iPad Air has 8GB for better productivity and performance. The iPad Pro line offers 8 to 16GB memory for professional-level apps and workflows. The iPad memory isn’t upgradeable after purchase.
Storage
You generally use an iPad with an internet connection, but local storage is still important. When you don’t have access to a network, you can watch videos, listen to music, read books and access documents stored on your iPad. Plenty of storage also helps you download a lot of apps, some of which can be pretty big. However, iPad storage can’t be upgraded; 64GB is a minimum.
Battery life
Apple promises around 10 hours of battery life for all its iPads, regardless of model. In our experience, we’ve noticed that the iPad Mini, with physically the smallest battery of the lineup, doesn’t last that long, around nine hours. Battery life depends on several factors, including screen brightness, and iPads can change their brightness automatically depending on their surroundings. We recommend keeping this setting on automatic.
Connectivity
All iPads connect to the internet, and many accessories wirelessly, but they can also use their charging ports.
- Wi-Fi: All iPads have Wi-Fi. The iPad (10th generation) and iPad Mini support Wi-Fi 6, while the iPad Air and iPad Pro use Wi-Fi 6E for faster connections.
- Cellular: Most models of iPad come in a version that includes a cellular radio for connecting to the internet in areas without a Wi-Fi network. These cellular-capable models cost extra, and you’ll need to pay for a data plan as well. The iPads with cellular support up to 5G speeds.
- Bluetooth: All iPads have Bluetooth for connecting to accessories like headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice and even smart TVs. Versions supported start at Bluetooth 5.0 for the iPad Mini up to Bluetooth 5.3 for the iPad Pro.
- Charging port: iPads with USB-C charging ports easily connect to expansion docks and dongles to HDMI, audio and more, or to accessories like flash drives. The iPad Pro also supports the pro-level Thunderbolt/USB 4 over its charging port. The recent iPad (9th generation) was the last iPad with an older Lightning port and a headphone jack.
Expert Tip
Every model of iPad is a little different, so when you first buy one, be sure to familiarize yourself with the basics: how to power it on and off, how to raise and lower the volume and how to quickly take a screenshot.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Cameras
All iPads come with front and rear cameras. On a tablet like an iPad, the front camera can be more important since it’s used for video calls and selfie videos. The iPad front cameras have a feature called Center Stage that keeps a subject centered without having to move the iPad. We found this feature works best on iPads with the front camera centered in landscape orientation.
Our top picks: Cameras
- The cameras on the 13-inch iPad Pro are the best on any iPad. The front camera offers better focus control and background blur, multiple filters and Apple’s animated and AI emojis. The rear camera can record ProRes video at 4K/30 fps.
- The iPad Mini (6th generation) has the same camera hardware as the iPad (10th generation), but we found its photos and videos to be somewhat superior, perhaps due to the extra power of its processor. It’s also small enough that taking photos with it isn’t uncomfortable.
Speakers and audio
All iPads have two to four speakers positioned along the shorter edges of the case. Considering how thin iPads are, these speakers provide sound that is surprisingly full, with clear stereo separation. However, their bass isn’t great, so you might still prefer to output audio to headphones or speakers. All iPads have two to four mics as well, not just for recording audio or video but also for video calling and conferencing.
Our top picks: Speakers
- The 13-inch iPad Pro has four speakers and four microphones and can record video in stereo. The soundstage of the speakers was noticeably wide, especially for Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio in our testing.
- The two 13-inch iPad Air stereo speakers claim extra bass compared to those of other iPads.
Design and durability
All iPads have aluminum bodies with rounded corners, straight sides and backs and glass displays. They resisted our bend and flex tests with no issues, but we still encourage using iPads with care. Unlike iPhones, iPads have no water or dust resistance. Bigger iPads can also be tiring to hold up all the time and do better on a surface or lap, preferably with a case or stand.
Our top picks: Design and durability
- The 13-inch iPad Pro has the thinnest case of all the iPads. It also has the smallest bezels around its screen and was pleasantly light to hold considering its size
- The iPad (10th generation) is slightly thicker than other iPads, providing a more comfortable grip. We also like its vivid case colors of blue, yellow and dark pink.
- The 13-inch iPad Air, despite being thin and light, survived a drop (not in a case but in a padded backpack) without any issues.
Essential accessories
All iPads are ready to go right out of the box, but you’ll enhance their usability with certain accessories.
- Case: A case helps with grip and cushions the iPad from bumps and knocks. Many cases include a lid to protect the glass screen and can turn into a stand or have a stand included.
- Stylus: Get a stylus to make drawing, sketching, painting and note-taking by hand easier. An Apple Pencil has the most features, but you can use other styli with the iPad. Note that only the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible across all iPad models; other Apple Pencil models only work with certain iPads.
- Keyboard: For serious productivity, we highly recommend a physical keyboard. You can choose a keyboard case, any wireless Bluetooth keyboard or even connect a keyboard with a USB-C cable to an iPad’s USB-C charging port.
Expert Tip
If your iPad’s device notifications are getting out of hand, go to the Settings app and review which apps have permission to send you alerts.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Tips
- Regularly back up your iPad. Accidents happen. Plan for the unexpected by backing up your iPad to secure photos, videos and data. Apple offers a certain amount of free cloud storage, but once that fills up you’ll have to pay a monthly fee for additional storage.
- Identify battery-draining apps. If you go from Settings to the Battery menu on your iPad, you will see a list of the apps that use the most battery power. You might be surprised to see which apps, games and background processes are energy vampires. By shutting them off when they’re not in use, you can save some battery life.
- Set up Touch ID or Face ID. Whether your iPad supports Touch ID or Face ID, the ability to sign into your tablet at a touch or glance is both convenient and secure. Traditional text passwords can be forgotten, but no one else in the world has your unique fingerprint or facial features.
FAQ
Q. Does the iPad feature a digital assistant?
A. iPads come with Siri, Apple’s digital assistant. Downloading the Alexa app also provides access to Amazon’s Alexa assistant, and getting the Google Assistant app lets you use the Google assistant. However, only Siri is deeply integrated with the iPad and its OS to let you make appointments, access reminders, use your contacts or access your private information.
Q. Is an iPad still a good purchase if I do not own any other Apple products?
A. Yes. While the iPad can offer some extended functionality when paired with other Apple products running the iOS operating system, such as being able to answer an incoming phone call on your Apple Watch, Mac or smartphone, iPads still shine as stand-alone devices.
If you’re an Android or Windows user and unsure if an iPad is the best long-term fit for you, it might be worth investing in a cheaper model to give iOS a trial run before committing to one of Apple’s premium tablets.
Q. How many ports does an iPad have?
A. Modern iPads feature a single USB-C port for charging and connections. In iPad Pro models, this port also carries USB-4/Thunderbolt signals for pro-level data transfer. The last iPad to have a Lightning port and a headphone jack was the iPad (9th generation).
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol has written over 80 articles for BestReviews, including buying guides for the best Macbooks, best iPhones and best tablets. He has used an iPad since the original was introduced in 2009 and personally tested four of the six models mentioned here. Lauren Corona contributed to previous versions of this guide.
