Apple has two great, affordable iPads that most people consider: the base iPad, and the iPad Air. Over time, these iPads have always been relatively similar, making it a rather interesting debate. With current deals, theres only $150 between these two iPads, which really begs the question: should you pay more for the iPad Air, or save some money with the base iPad?
The case for iPad Air
For $150 more, the iPad Air comes with a lot more tech at a sub-$500 price. To be exact, the iPad Air is currently on sale for $449. Base iPad, on the other hand, comes in at $299.
First things first, if you care about a more premium Apple Pencil experience, the iPad Air wins there. It offers support for Apple Pencil Pro, which gains you additional features like pressure sensitivity, double tap functionality, haptics, squeeze, and more.
iPad Air also has a laminated, P3 color display – offering a more premium display experience, where the glass comes right up to the pixels. The cheaper iPads have an air gap, and don’t have the same antireflective coating as the iPad Air.
If you want a more laptop-like experience, iPad Air will do a lot better there. iPad Air supports a laptop-style Magic Keyboard, whereas the base iPad only supports the Magic Keyboard Folio, similar to a Microsoft Surface.
Lastly, iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence and packs the M3 chip. The base iPad only has an A16 chip, and does not support Apple Intelligence.
Base iPad
If you heard all of those headlining iPad Air features and weren’t convinced, then the base iPad will be great for you. It has 128GB of storage – just like iPad Air, and has much more beautiful and punchy colors. It also has the same 12MP Center Stage camera, making it great for FaceTime calls and meetings.
At the end of the day, it’s simply a much cheaper iPad, and it still hits on all of the key iPad essentials incredibly well. iPad Air may be a better laptop, but the base iPad is an incredible iPad. Both iPads (unfortunately) still include the same Touch ID sensor, so the iPad Air sort of lacks in compelling upgrades – unless you’re eyeing a better Magic Keyboard, better Apple Pencil experience, or the laminated display.
One thing of note with the iPad (A16) is that you’ll be stuck with a USB 2.0 spec port, limiting your wired data transfer speeds – if that’s a concern for you.
Wrap up
One last advantage to the iPad Air is the fact that it comes with a 13-inch display option, so if you want a big iPad at a more obtainable price point, the iPad Air will hands down be your only option.
All of that said, though, I’m on team base iPad. I prefer iPads for essentials, and I’m still not the biggest fan of how iPadOS 26 has reworked multi-tasking on the iPad. If you do, though, maybe you should spring for the iPad Air.
The good news is, neither of these iPads are due for a refresh in the coming months, so it isn’t a bad time to buy.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
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