When it comes to tablets, Apple's iPad has set the gold standard. Since its inception, it has defined what a top-tier tablet should be, inspiring countless imitators. Today, the iPad lineup is expansive, offering a range of devices from compact and affordable to large and powerful, catering to diverse needs and budgets. With the recent release of the new iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air models, the selection has become even more varied, making it challenging to choose the right one for your needs.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Apple iPad Models:
Best Overall### Apple iPad (10th Gen)
2See it at Amazon
### Apple iPad (9th Gen)
0See it at Amazon
### Apple iPad Pro (2024 M4)
0See it at AmazonSee it at Apple
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
3See it at AmazonSee it at AppleSee it at Best Buy
### OnePlus Pad 2
0See it at AmazonSee it at OnePlusOur extensive testing of Apple's tablets over the years has given us a clear understanding of what makes each model unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals and creatives. The iPad Mini, on the other hand, offers a highly portable option that packs a punch, resembling a larger iPhone at a more affordable price. For those with simpler needs, such as e-reading, the base iPads deliver impressive performance and great value.
While Apple's iPads are exceptional, they're not the only tablets on the market. If you're open to alternatives outside of Apple's ecosystem, you might find compelling options that offer similar quality at a better price. For those committed to the iPad, consider enhancing your experience with accessories like keyboards.
Additional contributions by Mark Knapp and Danielle Abraham
Apple iPad (10th Gen)
Best Overall iPad
Best Overall### Apple iPad (10th Gen)
2The 10th Generation iPad stands out with its repositioned 12-megapixel front-facing camera, sleek design, faster A14 Bionic processor, and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, making it an excellent choice for most users. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
- Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
- Storage: 64GB
- Cameras: 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
PROS
- Varied color options
- Better display than the 9th generation
CONS
- Still uses the A14 Bionic, not the M1
Apple excels at creating base-level iPads that offer exceptional value, and the 10th Gen iPad is no exception. Its approachable price point makes it an ideal choice for most users, especially when compared to the more expensive Pro models. While it doesn't boast the most advanced display, the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen with a 2360x1640 resolution delivers sharp visuals. Though it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate of higher-tier models, it supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, opening up creative possibilities.
The 10th Gen model features a refined design, reducing thickness and weight, and offering more uniform bezels for a modern aesthetic. The front-facing camera's new landscape orientation, combined with Center Stage, enhances video calls by tracking and framing you effectively. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of memory, it's a significant upgrade from the 9th Gen, offering improved performance and longevity. The switch to USB-C charging adds future-proofing, aligning with the broader tech ecosystem.
The latest update to this iPad is now available: the 11th-generation iPad with an A16 processor and double the starting storage.
Apple iPad (9th Gen)
Best Budget iPad
### Apple iPad (9th Gen)
0This budget-friendly iPad offers solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display at a low starting price under $300, often discounted further during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 10.2-inch Retina
- Processor: A13 Bionic
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Cameras: 8-megapixel rear, 12-megapixel front-facing
PROS
- Versatile and reliable
- Affordable
CONS
- May lag behind newer models
If you're looking for the best budget tablet, the 9th Generation iPad is our top pick. Released in 2021, it still performs well, thanks to the latest version of iPadOS. While it lacks the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, such as a faster processor or modern design, it offers the same app access as other iPads. For basic tasks like media consumption, news reading, playing games, or e-reading, the 9th Gen iPad is a cost-effective solution. It's also an excellent choice for children, especially when paired with a durable case.
iPad Pro 2024 – Photos
7 Images
3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
Best Premium iPad
### Apple iPad Pro (2024 M4)
0The new iPad Pro is equipped with an Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, setting a new standard for premium tablets. See it at AmazonSee it at Apple
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 11-inch, 12.9-inch
- Processor: Apple M4
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Cameras: 12MP wide camera (rear), Landscape 12MP ultra-wide camera (front)
PROS
- Ideal for artists and video editors
- Excellent FaceID functionality
- Impressive camera quality
CONS
- Requires additional accessories to function as a workstation
The iPad Pro has always been a technological marvel, and the 2024 model is no exception. Apple has refined its design, making it the thinnest iPad yet, even surpassing the iPad Air. Despite its slimmer profile, it's powered by the formidable M4 chip, outpacing the latest MacBook Air. This makes it an even better choice for creative professionals.
The introduction of an OLED display marks a significant advancement for iPads, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts that enhance viewing experiences. Our reviewer, Jacqueline Thomas, praised its display, making it her go-to device for both watching and reading. The M4 chip ensures smooth performance, whether gaming or handling creative tasks. When paired with the Apple Pencil Pro, it becomes an outstanding tool for artists and photo editors.
To transform the iPad Pro into a full workstation, however, you'll need to invest in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, which add to the overall cost.
Read the review: Apple iPad Pro (7th Generation)
Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
Best for Reading and Portability
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
3The compact iPad Mini, weighing just over half a pound and featuring an 8.3-inch display, is an excellent handheld option for on-the-go use. See it at AmazonSee it at AppleSee it at Best Buy
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Processor: A17 Pro
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Cameras: 12-megapixel rear, 12-megapixel front-facing
PROS
- Compact and lightweight
- Strong performance
CONS
- No significant design changes from the previous model
For those seeking a device that's more portable than a laptop but larger than a phone, the iPad Mini is the perfect fit. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it ideal for reading, comfortably held in one hand. The Apple App Store offers a plethora of reading apps, enhancing its appeal for avid readers. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it suitable for note-taking and sketching.
Despite its small size, the iPad Mini's build quality surpasses many Android tablets at similar price points. Its recycled aluminum body is both durable and stylish. The 7th Generation model boasts the A17 Pro processor, ensuring smooth performance for tasks like streaming and gaming. It's compatible with top phone controllers, adding to its versatility.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
4 Images
5. OnePlus Pad 2
Best iPad Alternative
### OnePlus Pad 2
0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and great overall quality at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro. See it at AmazonSee it at OnePlus
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 12.1-inch, IPS, 2120 x 3000
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Storage: 128GB
- Cameras: 13-megapixel rear, 8-megapixel front-facing
PROS
- Large, smooth display
- Strong performance
CONS
- Shorter-term OS support compared to Apple
The OnePlus Pad 2 is a formidable competitor in the Android tablet market, offering features that rival the iPad Pro. Its 12.1-inch IPS display supports 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a peak brightness of 900 nits, all running at a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. It's perfect for gaming, web browsing, and creative work, especially when paired with the OnePlus Stylo 2 stylus. The tablet's six-speaker system delivers impressive spatial audio.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus Pad 2 handles the latest apps and games with ease, backed by 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage. Its 9,510mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of heavy use, and 80W charging ensures quick recharges. OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring longevity.
Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2
Upcoming iPad Models
Exciting news for iPad enthusiasts: the 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor and new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models powered by the M3 chip have just been released. The iPad Mini has also been updated with the A17 Pro processor, offering enhanced performance in a compact package.
Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?
Since its launch in 2010, the iPad has filled a unique niche, serving as a versatile device that's more portable than a laptop yet more powerful than a smartphone. Whether you're buying your first iPad or upgrading from an older model, here's a guide to help you choose the right one in 2025:
Tablet Sizes
Apple offers six iPad models with five different screen sizes, each suited for specific uses. The iPad Mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, ideal for e-reading and portability. The baseline iPad models, the 9th and 10th generations, come with 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model sports an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays, powered by the more robust M-series chip. The 11-inch size is often considered the sweet spot for most users, balancing media consumption and portability.
The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, with the latter featuring an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, is the top choice for creatives and professionals seeking a laptop replacement.
Storage Capacity Differences
Most iPad models start at 64GB, with options up to 2TB for the iPad Pro. For general use, 64GB is typically sufficient. However, creatives and professionals handling large files should opt for higher capacities, ideally 1TB or more. For storage beyond 2TB, an external hard drive can be connected via the USB-C port.
Peripherals to Consider
All iPads, except the 9th Generation, feature a USB-C port for charging and connecting peripherals. Bluetooth remains the preferred method for connecting accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and headphones, ensuring seamless integration with devices like the Apple AirPods, which have received high praise for their performance.
Connectivity
Each iPad model comes in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The Wi-Fi-only model is perfect for home or office use, while the cellular version offers mobile data connectivity, ideal for on-the-go use or as an in-car entertainment system.
Price Comparison
The iPad starts at $269 for the 10th Generation model, often available at a discount during major sales events. At the high end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can exceed $2,000, offering top-of-the-line features like a 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display and 2TB of storage.
Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?
For younger users, the iPad Air M2 is our top recommendation, as highlighted in our list of the best iPads for kids. For students heading to school, we've also compiled a comprehensive guide to the best iPads for students.
