The best iPad in 2025: How to pick the right Apple tablet

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The best iPad offers the performance and features you need at a price that fits your budget, whether you're looking for an entry-level Apple tablet to run casual apps and stream videos or a powerful device that supports particular accessories for professional creative work.

Apple currently sells four tablet models: the 2022 iPad, the 2024 iPad Mini A17 Pro, the 2024 iPad Air, and the 2024 iPad Pro. While extraordinarily capable, the iPad and iPad Mini fit into the casual tablet category. The iPad Air and iPad Pro comprise Apple's high-end and professional-grade performance line of tablets. All current models share industry-leading hardware, excellent battery life, and support for iPadOS 18, though only the 2024 models are compatible with Apple Intelligence.  

To help you pick the right iPad, we've broken down Apple's tablet lineup based on our extensive testing. Overall, the best iPad for most people is the 10th-generation standard iPad for its performance, features, and price. The best budget option remains the ninth-generation standard iPad, which retailers like Amazon and Best Buy still sell in a new condition despite Apple's discontinuation of the model. It offers unbeatable value, even if it has an outdated design.  

Our top picks for the best iPad

Best overall: 10th-generation iPad (2022) - See at Amazon

Best budget: 9th-generation iPad (2021) - See at Amazon

Best mid-range: iPad Air M2 (2024) - See at Amazon

Best small size: iPad Mini A17 Pro (2024) - See at Amazon

Best for power users: iPad Pro M4 (2024) - See at Amazon

Best overall

The 10th-generation standard iPad from 2022 remains our top option for most people. It's suited for casual users looking for a similar experience as their iPhone to run basic, popular apps and play games, but on a larger display. It's also ideal as a simple video streaming device. It doesn't include features that professional video content creators might appreciate or need, like a more powerful processor with a dedicated media encoding and decoding engine or Apple Pencil Pro support.

As the latest generation of Apple's standard tablet, the 2022 iPad has a larger 10.9-inch display and a modern design that aligns with the rest of the current iPad lineup relative to the dated design of the 9th-generation iPad. Accordingly, it's closer to the iPad Air and iPad Pro in terms of looks and feel for a lower price. It has enough power to run popular apps, games, and streaming video, making it the best option for most people looking for a similar experience to their iPhones but on a larger display.  

Most gamers will find the 10th-generation iPad to be perfectly sufficient. The A14 Bionic processor from the iPhone 12 series released in 2020 still runs demanding games like "War Thunder Mobile" at high graphics settings around 30 frames-per-second. However, discerning gamers who want better graphics with smoother gameplay should either wait for a new standard iPad model or go for the latest iPad Air or iPad Pro. The 2022 iPad doesn't support ray tracing for enhanced lighting graphics, nor does it support AAA titles like "Assassin's Creed Mirage," "Resident Evil 4," and "Death Stranding," among others.

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina LED display is as sharp as the 11-inch iPad Air (around 1640p) and gets as bright (500 nits). It supports a more basic color standard with less depth and range of colors than the 2024 iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini (sRGB versus Wide P3 color, respectively). However, the 2022 iPad's colors and display overall still offer a superb video experience.

The 2022 iPad has a USB-C port for charging and data transfers, but charging and transfer speeds are the same as the 2021 iPad's Lightning port. Still, it's gratifying to charge the 2022 iPad with the same cable that charges your laptop, the iPhone 16 series, and many other devices. 

The 2022 iPad supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C). It also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector, but it's more expensive and less compatible with the 2022 iPad (requiring an adapter to pair and charge) relative to the tablet's seamless support for the Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Like all of Apple's newest iPads, the 2022 iPad's front camera is centered on the tablet's longer edge, which captures a better forward-facing angle of your face during video calls in landscape mode. It's worth noting that our budget pick, the 2021 iPad, has its front camera on the shorter edge of the tablet, which is less practical.

The 2022 iPad starts at $349, a $100 price reduction from its launch price of $449 in 2022. That's exceptional value considering its updated design and performance relative to the 2021 iPad, but if you're looking for the least expensive iPad that can still run apps and most apps fairly well or simply stream video, the 2021 iPad poses the best budget value while it remains available, as we note below.

There are a couple of caveats to consider with the 2022 iPad. The base model still comes with 64GB of storage, which is low for today's standards but should suffice for most basic needs. For instance, you might need to upgrade to the more expensive 256GB option if you routinely download or save videos. However, at that price, you should instead consider stretching your budget for the 2024 iPad Air, which starts at 128GB in storage and offers significantly better performance and longevity, along with support for Apple Intelligence, which the 2022 iPad does not support.

Read our full 10th-generation iPad (2022) review.

Best budget iPad

Apple officially discontinued the ninth-generation iPad in 2024, but it's still widely available in new condition from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy for discounted prices as low as $200 in recent months. It remains an excellent option for those on a budget, as it's the most accessible price point for an Apple tablet.

Released in 2021, the ninth-generation iPad has comparatively older hardware relative to Apple's current lineup, but its A13 Bionic chipset still runs the iPadOS 18 operating system, basic apps, and basic games well enough for its price. However, like the 10th-generation iPad, it is incompatible with Apple Intelligence.

In most respects, it's hard to find fault in the ninth-generation iPad, considering its price. The 10.2-inch Retina display with 2,160 x 1,620 resolution is sharp and clear. The display also supports True Tone, a feature that automatically adjusts the screen color's temperature based on ambient light. The ultra-wide 12-megapixel front camera is on par with premium iPad models, even though it's not landscape-oriented like the 10th-generation iPad. 

The ninth-generation iPad's A13 Bionic processor runs capably in most apps, and it can run most games at around 30 frames per second. Some demanding titles may need lower graphics settings enabled to run smoothly, but the fun is still there. The tablet also supports Apple's Smart Keyboard and the first-generation Apple Pencil, a reliable stylus with virtually no lag. 

The ninth-generation iPad adheres to Apple's older design language, which means it's marginally thicker than the 10th-generation iPad and features larger top and bottom bezels. It's also the last iPad to use a Lightning port. 

But don't let the outdated design deter you. The ninth-generation iPad is still ideal for budget users who need a simple tablet to run apps, stream videos, and play most games on a larger display. While supplies last from third-party retailers, it offers an outstanding combination of price and performance. 

Read our full ninth-generation iPad (2021) review.

Best mid-range iPad

The 2024 iPad Air is effectively a premium version of the 10th-generation iPad (2022) that offers significantly better performance and longevity, a slightly better display, and support for Apple Intelligence and the Apple Pencil Pro.

It otherwise shares many commonalities with the 10th-generation iPad, like a USB-C port with the same charging and USB 3 data transfer speeds, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the power button, identical speaker setups, and similar camera quality. However, the high level of performance from the laptop-grade M2 processor means it runs intensive apps and games (including demanding AAA titles) faster and more smoothly. Indeed, the 2024 iPad Air is the most powerful tablet in the $600 range.

Visual content creation professionals will appreciate the performance of the iPad Air's M2 processor compared to the 2022 iPad's A14 Bionic chip. They'll also value the upgraded Wide P3 color display and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. Altogether, the iPad Air is a powerful tool for video editing with a media engine that supports hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC formats and features a video encoder and decoder.

The 2024 iPad Air lacks some key features of the 2024 iPad Pro that certain professional users may benefit from, like faster Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 transfer speeds, the Ultra Retina XDR OLED display that supports up to 1,000 nits brightness, and HDR at 1,600 nits. And for those who work (or intend to work) with the ProRes, ProRes RAW, and AV1 video formats, the 2024 iPad Pro running on the M4 processor is the only option, as the 2024 iPad Air with the M2 chip doesn't support those formats.

For the first time, the latest iPad Air is available in a 13-inch display model in addition to the typical 11-inch model. Both start with 128GB of storage, which is the standard minimum these days. That may be fine for most casual users, but professionals working with larger files may want to upgrade to higher storage options, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Unlike the 2022 iPad, the 2024 iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence. Depending on your use cases, the AI suite could be a deciding factor in choosing the newer model, as we've found its various and expanding features useful (while in need of refinement). In particular, the Writing Tools feature for revising and crafting text and ChatGPT integration for improved AI assistant responses may be worthwhile.

With all this in mind, the iPad Air is an ideal high-end version of the 2022 iPad or "budget" pro machine for those who could use the extra power in visual-based tasks, like photo and video editing, especially rendering. It's just a shame it doesn't come with at least some iPad Pro premium features, like Apple's 120HZ ProMotion display and Face ID.

For further comparison, see our guides to the iPad (2022) vs. iPad Air (2024) and iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2024).

Best small size

In our testing, the 2024 iPad Mini is undeniably the best small iPad to buy compared to its predecessor, the 2021 iPad Mini, which Apple has discontinued, though it remains available from third-party retailers like Amazon (at meager discounts).

While the 2024 iPad Mini is a relatively minor advancement from and essentially very similar to the 2021 iPad Mini, the new model does offer a few meaningful upgrades for performance and longevity, like a more recent and capable processor and faster data transfer speeds.

With an 8.3-inch display, the 2024 iPad Mini is Apple's smallest and most portable tablet. Its Liquid Retina display is the same as the 2024 iPad Air, though the iPad Mini has more pixel density, so it's technically sharper. Its display is also identical to the 2021 iPad Mini's.

The 2024 iPad Mini is powered by the same A17 Pro processor found inside the iPhone 15 Pro lineup, which means it runs demanding apps and games quickly and smoothly and will do so for years to come. It also supports Apple Intelligence and 10Gbps USB 3 transfer speeds, which are worthwhile benefits over the 2021 iPad Mini's A15 Bionic chip (incompatible with Apple Intelligence) and slower 480Mbps USB 2 transfer speeds.

The 2024 iPad Mini supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Apple Pencil, which, combined with the tablet's compact size, make the Mini a truly useful tablet for note-taking or quick drawing.

Overall, the 2024 iPad Mini is the best choice for those who prioritize portability above all else in a tablet. We'd even say that most people may find the iPad Mini more comfortable to use than larger iPads. If you want a screen bigger than your phone for running apps and streaming videos while maintaining a portable footprint, the latest iPad Mini is worth considering. 

Best for power users

Considering its high starting price ($999), high-end hardware, and features, the 2024 iPad Pro is primarily designed for professional video editing and other intensive tasks, though casual users and gamers can also enjoy its exclusive premium features.

The 2024 iPad Pro runs on Apple's M4 processor, which powers the latest MacBook Pro models. In addition to basic video formats, the M4 processor supports high-end features like ProRes and ProRes Raw encoding and decoding and AV1 decoding. It also supports hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC formats in 8K resolution.

Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 support on the 2024 iPad Pros' USB-C port lets video editors transfer large files at up to 40Gbps between the tablet and a computer or external storage drive. Just note that whatever device you use to transfer to and from the iPad also needs to support Thunderbolt 3 or USB 4 to achieve those speeds. External USB 3 devices will still work, but "only" at their own 10Gbps rated speed, which is also incredibly fast.

Apple's Ultra Retina XDR OLED display for both the 11- and 13-inch 2024 iPad Pros can achieve a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits for SDR content and 1,600 nits for HDR content. On the previous iPad Pro generation, only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro supported HDR and could achieve such high brightness. The 2024 iPad Pro's display supports the same Wide P3 color standard as the 2024 iPad Air, but it outclasses the 2024 iPad Air's contrast and brightness thanks to OLED technology.

Apple's 120Hz ProMotion technology displays smoother animations than the 60Hz refresh rates of all other current iPad models while swiping around iPadOS 18, apps, and games that support 120 frames per second. Video streams and games on the 2024 iPad Pro's OLED display with superior contrast also look better than on the LED displays of other iPads.

Notably, the 2024 iPad Pro is the only model in Apple's current lineup that features Face ID for tablet unlocking, which has proven more reliable and convenient overall than the Touch ID on all other iPads.

The latest Pro models are also incredibly thin at a 0.21-inch depth for the 11-inch model and 0.2 inches for the 13-inch model, and incredibly lightweight at 0.98 pounds for the 11-inch model and 1.28 pounds for the 13-inch model. In fact, both iPad Pro models are thinner and lighter than the iPad Airs with corresponding display sizes.

The 2024 iPad Pros are compatible with Apple Intelligence and support the Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Apple Pencil. Apple also released a Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the latest iPad Pro models; it has an aluminum palm rest, a larger trackpad, and a new function row with controls similar to those on a MacBook.

Ultimately, the iPad Pro's high price and top-tier processor mean it's best suited for creative professionals who consistently do power-hungry work on their tablet that may surpass the limits and features of the already-capable 2024 iPad Air.

See our guide to the iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2024) for further comparison.

The best iPads compared

What to look for in an iPad

There are three main iPad traits to look for when making a decision. In no particular order, those traits include screen size, performance, and storage. Add Apple Pencil support if you're a note-taker or artist or like the extra control from a stylus. 

Screen size and portability could be the deciding factor early on. The standard iPad screens are between 10 and 11 inches, but if you want a more portable tablet, you'll know to buy the iPad Mini (2024) with an 8.3-inch display. Similarly, the 13-inch iPad Air (2024) and 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) are the biggest of Apple's lineup, which makes things easier if you want the biggest screen available. If the standard 10 to 11-inch iPad screen is enough for you, you'll be deciding between Apple's ninth-generation standard iPad (2021), the 10th-generation standard iPad (2022), the 11-inch iPad Air (2024), and the 11-inch iPad Pro (2024). 

Casual value-seeking users should opt for the 2021 or 2022 standard iPad. Those seeking a more future-proof iPad for casual needs should go for the 2024 iPad Air. If you're often editing photos and videos, especially with rendering, the performance of the iPad Air and iPad Pro starts to make sense. If you're looking for the absolute best and most premium experience, even for running casual apps and gaming, the iPad Pro is the pick.

Factoring in storage needs can have a big impact on your choice. For example, the base 2022 iPad comes with a paltry 64GB when the realistic minimum standard these days is 128GB. Indeed, if you want more than 64GB of storage in the 2022 iPad, buying the 2024 iPad Air with 128GB storage might make more sense; for $100 more, you get significantly better performance and longevity.

Finally, if you're an Apple Pencil devotee, every currently available iPad supports at least one Apple Pencil model, but the 2024 iPad Air, 2024 iPad Mini, and 2024 iPad Pro models support the best option, the Apple Pencil Pro, with its unique "squeeze" function for bringing up a tool palette, among many other new features for enhanced functionality.

How we test iPads

In reviewing iPads, we use each model extensively as if it were our own for daily use for running apps, games, and streaming video. We note the screen, audio, and design quality and consider how much storage a base model comes with related to the price. 

We also consider the upgrades to new models compared to previous generations. We compare peripheral specifications, like data transfer speeds through the USB-C ports, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and keyboard cases.

We also run standard tests on each tablet. To measure performance, we use the Geekbench 6 benchmarking app and the 3D Mark Wild Life Stress Test. To test battery life, we stream a video over WiFi at full brightness until the battery dies and compare the battery's duration results. 

FAQs

When does Apple release new iPads?

Apple typically releases new iPads in the fall or spring, though the company has upgraded iPad models on a sporadic schedule in contrast to the routine annual release of new iPhones.

For instance, the newest iPad is the seventh-generation iPad Mini (A17 Pro), released in October 2024, and the previous-generation iPad Mini launched in September 2021.

Which iPad is best for students?

In our testing, the best iPad for most students remains the 10th-generation standard iPad from 2022. With its features, performance, and price, the 2022 iPad is our top pick for most people, and it can manage most school-related tasks.

However, students who need a more powerful tablet for projects like intensive video editing should opt for the 2024 iPad Air or 2024 iPad Pro. It's also worth noting that, among Apple's current tablet lineup, only the 2024 iPad models support Apple Intelligence.

Best overall: iPad (2022)

Pros: Excellent screen, modern design, USB-C charging port, front camera in horizontal position

Cons: $120 more expensive than 2021 iPad, Apple Pencil requires adapter to charge

For the 10th and latest generation, Apple's basic iPad gets a larger 10.9-inch display and a modern design that's in line with the rest of the iPad lineup. As such, it offers a similar experience as the iPad Air and iPad Pro for a lower price and more than enough power to run basic apps, games, and streaming video, making it the best option for most people.  

Gone is the Lightning port, in favor of USB-C. Charging and data speeds are the same as the 2021 iPad's Lightning port, but it's gratifying that you can charge the 2022 iPad with the same cable that charges your laptop and many other devices. However, if you're an existing iPad owner who has invested in lots of Lightning accessories, you may need to purchase new ones.

And since the 2022 iPad only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector, those who plan on using an Apple Pencil will need an adapter to charge it. As a result, it's less ideal than other iPads for Apple Pencil users. 

Unlike any other iPad, the 2022 iPad's front-facing camera is in the long horizontal edge of the iPad, which captures a better forward-facing angle of your face during video calls. 

The 2022 iPad erodes one of the best things about the standard iPad — its affordability. It's still modest starting at $449, but significantly less so than the $329 price of previous generations. That said, the 2022 iPad is currently $100 off at Amazon during Black Friday.   

While the 2022 iPad runs on a newer and more powerful processor than the 2021 iPad, we don't think that should count toward the price increase — Apple previously included processor upgrades without raising prices in the past.

However, if the price difference doesn't deter you, we recommend the latest model because it will have a slightly longer lifespan than the 2021 model in terms of product support.

Read our full 2022 iPad review.

Best budget: iPad (2021)

Pros: Most affordable iPad, Apple Pencil (first-gen) support

Cons: Dated iPad design

The ninth-gen iPad from 2021 and 10th-gen iPad from 2022 are Apple's base iPads, and both are in the current lineup. 

The ninth-gen iPad doesn't house the latest hardware, nor does it offer the fastest performance, but it's still extremely capable of doing essential daily tasks like running apps, playing games, or streaming video. If you're looking to pick up your first Apple tablet, the 2021 iPad is an excellent option, particularly for students and the budget-minded.

In almost every respect, it's hard to find fault in the ninth-gen iPad. The 10.2-inch Retina display with 2,160 x 1,620 resolution is sharp and clear. The display also supports True Tone, a feature that automatically adjusts the screen color's temperature based on ambient light. The ultra-wide 12-megapixel front camera is on par with premium iPad models, even though it's not landscape-oriented like on the 10th-gen iPad. 

The ninth-gen iPad runs on Apple's A13 Bionic processor, which is the same chip used in 2019's iPhone 11 series. It's perfectly capable for most apps and even demanding games. The tablet also supports Apple's Smart Keyboard and the first-generation Apple Pencil, a reliable stylus with virtually no lag. 

It's important to note that the ninth-gen iPad is the only tablet in the current lineup that adheres to Apple's older design language, which means it's marginally thicker than the 10th-gen iPad and features larger top and bottom bezels. It is also the last iPad to use a Lightning port. 

But don't let the outdated design deter you. The ninth-gen iPad is still an incredible tablet for most needs. At the end of the day, it offers the best combination of price and performance than any other iPad available right now. 

Read our full 2021 iPad review.

Best mid-range: iPad Air (2022)

Pros: Excellent screen, speedy M1 performance, thin design, second-gen Apple Pencil support

Cons: Only 64GB of storage for base model

The most noteworthy aspect of the 2022 iPad Air is the fact that it runs on Apple's M1 chip, the same computer-grade processor as the 13.3-inch MacBook Air. It has the most power out of any tablet we know about in the $600 range. 

While the fifth-gen iPad Air is priced between the 2022 iPad and the iPad Pro, it's best understood as a more affordable version of the 2022 iPad Pro than as a premium version of the standard iPad. It would be misguided to recommend anyone who uses the iPad for simple day-to-day tasks to splurge $270 more for the 2022 iPad Air. 

There are many commonalities between the 2022 iPad Air and 2022 iPad Pro. The iPad Air supports Stage Manager in iPadOS 16, which brings a level of Pro-level multitasking to the table. They both have USB-C ports and support Apple's second-gen Apple Pencil. The iPad Air's display is also just as big as the 11-inch iPad Pro. 

While there are differences worth noting, the biggest to consider is storage options. The 2022 iPad Air base model is a measly 64GB, with a $150 upgrade option to 256GB, which bumps the price up to $750. If you need more than 64GB of storage, but not as much as 256GB, your best bet is to snag the 11-inch iPad Pro, which starts at 128GB and costs $800. You'd get an upgrade to the M2 chip, plus Apple's ProMotion display that runs at 120Hz instead of 60Hz for super smooth animations. 

But if you think the limited storage and differences in display won't make or break your experience, the iPad Air is the best option for price and performance for those who want a step up from the basic iPad. 

Read our full 2022 iPad Air review.

Best small size: iPad Mini (2021)

Pros: Compact and more portable than larger iPads, powerful processor, sharp screen, second-generation Apple Pencil support

Cons: Compact design comes with a steep price

With an 8.3-inch display, the 2021 iPad Mini is Apple's smallest and most portable tablet.

The sixth-gen iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display is the same you'll find on the 2022 iPad Air, and it produces slightly bolder colors than the ninth-gen iPad. It has more pixel density than those aforementioned iPads, which means it's technically sharper. 

This iPad Mini is powered by the same A15 Bionic processor found inside the iPhone 13 lineup, which means it has ample power for years to come. Arguably, it has two extra years of performance life than the ninth-gen iPad, which runs on the A13 Bionic processor that's two generations old. 

The iPad Mini supports the second-gen Apple Pencil, and combined with its compact size, it makes the Mini a truly useful tablet for note-taking or quick drawing.

Overall, the iPad Mini is the best choice for those who prioritize portability above all else in a tablet. I'd even say that most people would find the iPad Mini more comfortable to use than larger iPads. If you want a screen that's bigger than your phone for running apps and streaming videos, all while maintaining a portable footprint, the iPad Mini is absolutely worth considering. 

Keep in mind that the iPad Mini costs more than the 10th-gen iPad. However, if a compact iPad is what you're after, it's your only option.

Read our full 2021 iPad Mini review.

Best for power users: iPad Pro (2022)

11-inch model

12.9-inch model

Pros: Powerful M2 chip, best-in-class screen, premium finish, hover feature for second-gen Apple pencil

Cons: Front camera still in awkward location, iPadOS still needs work to maximize performance 

Apple's 2022 iPad Pros come equipped with the company's M2 processor, bringing the power of the 2022 MacBook Air to a thin and lightweight device. It also includes a super-fast Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port for transferring large files from an external hard drive.

Arguably, you could simply buy the 2022 MacBook Air if you're looking for a powerful, slim, and light machine — the iPad Pros become much heavier, thicker, and more expensive once you add a keyboard/trackpad cover like Apple's Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro that starts at $300. 

However, the 2022 iPad Pros are indispensable if you like to use the second-generation Apple Pencil for your work, which the MacBook Air doesn't support. The 2022 iPad Pros with the M2 processor also unlock Apple's Hover feature with the second generation Apple Pencil, which adds better accuracy and useful new interactions.

Also, the 2022 iPad Pros take high-quality photos or videos for your project, either as a primary camera, or a substitute that happens to be your workstation, too.

The larger 12.9-inch model has a display that uses mini-LED technology and includes XDR (Apple's version of HDR), meaning it has much greater brightness and contrast compared to Apple's other tablets for HDR projects and content. 

At the end of the day, the iPad Pro's high price and power mean that it's best-suited for creative professionals looking to get power-hungry work done on their tablet rather than casual users.

Read our full 2022 iPad Pro review.

The best iPads compared

Specifications	2021 iPad	2022 iPad	iPad Mini	iPad Air	iPad Pro
Dimensions (HWD) and weight	9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches, 1.07 lbs	9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches, 1.05 lbs	7.69 x 5.3 x .025 inches, 0.65 lbs	9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches, 1.02 lbs	11-inch: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches, 1.03 lbs 12.9-inch: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches, 1.5 lbs
Display	10.2-inch (2,160 x 1,620) Retina LED	10.9-inch (2,360 x 1,640) Liquid Retina LED	8.3-inch (2,266 x 1,488) Liquid Retina LED	10.9-inch (2,360 x 1,640) Liquid Retina LED	11-inch Liquid Retina with ProMotion (2,388 x 1,668) 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED with ProMotion (2,732 x 2,048)
Processor	Apple A13 Bionic	Apple A14 Bionic	Apple A15 Bionic	Apple M1	Apple M2
Memory and storage	3GB RAM (estimated) / 64GB, 256GB storage	4GB RAM (estimated) / 64GB, 256GB storage	4GB RAM (estimated) / 64GB, 256GB storage	8GB RAM / 64GB, 256GB storage	8GB / 128GB, 256GB, 512GB storage 16GB / 1TB, 2TB storage
Battery and charging	32.4 Wh, 20W charger included	28.6 Wh, 20W charger included	19.3 Wh, 20W charger included	28.6 Wh, 20W charger included	40.88 Wh; 20W charger included
Cameras	8MP rear camera, 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage	12MP rear camera, 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage	12MP rear camera, 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage	12MP rear camera, 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage	12MP main camera, 10MP ultra-wide camera. 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with Center Stage
Audio	Two speakers, bottom firing	Stereo speakers	Stereo speakers	Stereo speakers	Four speakers
Authentication	Touch ID	Touch ID (on power button)	Touch ID	Touch ID (on power button)	Face ID
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, LTE (optional)	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 5G (optional)	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 5G (optional)	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 5G (optional)	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G sub-6 and mmWave (optional)
Ports	Lightning	USB-C	USB-C, up to 5Gb/s (USB 3.1 Gen 1)	USB-C, up to 10Gb/s (USB 3.1 Gen 2)	USB-C, up to 40Gb/s (Thunderbolt 3, USB 4)
Starting price	$329	$449	$499	$599	$799 / $1,099

What to look for in an iPad

There are three main iPad traits to look for when making a decision. In no particular order, those traits include screen size, performance, and storage. Add Apple Pencil support if you're a note-taker or artist, or like the extra control from a stylus. 

Screen size and portability could be the deciding factor early on. Most iPad screens are between 10 and 11 inches, but if you want a more portable tablet, you'll know to buy the iPad Mini. Similarly, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the biggest of Apple's lineup, which makes things easy if you want the biggest iPad screen available. If the standard 10 to 11-inch iPad screen is enough for you, you'll be deciding between Apple's 2021 standard iPad, the 2022 standard iPad, the 2022 iPad Air, and the 11-inch iPad Pro. 

Even the most affordable 2021 iPad can run the same apps and perform the same tasks as the most expensive iPad Pro, but how quickly you want to run those apps and perform those tasks will help decide which model to go for. If you're running simple apps or streaming video, you won't find that the iPad Air or iPad Pro will offer significantly better performance. If you're often editing photos and videos, especially with rendering, the iPad Air and iPad Pro's speeds start to make sense. 

Factoring in storage needs can make a big impact on your choice. Right off the bat, if you need over 256GB of storage to store huge amounts of videos, music, photos, games, or anything else, you'll know to buy an iPad Pro, as the basic iPads and iPad Air aren't available with higher storage options.  

If you're agonizing between the iPad Air and iPad Pro, think about this — the base iPad Air's meager 64GB could lead you to upgrade to the 128GB iPad Pro for just $50 more. Conversely, if you need 256GB of storage, the $749 256GB iPad Air offers excellent value against the $899 256GB iPad Pro.

And finally, if you're an Apple Pencil devotee, just about every iPad will work for you. Just beware of the 2022 iPad's need for an adapter. The first- and second-generation Apple Pencils work as well as each other, but the iPad Pro is the best iPad to use with the second-generation Apple Pencil thanks to Apple's Hover feature. 

How we test iPads

We use each iPad we review as if it were our own for daily use for running apps, games, and streaming video. We note the screen, audio, and design quality, and we also consider how much storage a base model comes with related to the price. 

We also consider the upgrades given to the new model compared to the previous generations. We also look at and compare peripheral specifications, like data transfer speeds through the USB-C ports, as well as support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and keyboard cases.

For performance, we've used the Geekbench 5 benchmarking app to test performance, and we test their real-world performance with workloads that require more power than casual apps, like light photo and video editing. 

For battery life, we stream a video over WiFi at full brightness until the battery dies.

FAQs

When does Apple release new iPads?

Apple typically announces new iPads in the fall and spring, though the company has uncharacteristically gone more than a year without releasing a new iPad model. 

Apple released its latest iPads, the 10th-generation iPad and 6th-generation iPad Pros, in October 2022. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), Apple is unlikely to release a new iPad model this year, but we might see a new iPad Mini in early 2024. 

What are the best iPad cases?

There is a wide range of iPad cases available for each current iPad model. Check out our guides to the best standard iPad cases, best iPad Air cases, and best iPad Pro cases.