iPads dominate the US tablet market for good reason—Apple has a top-notch set of tablet-focused apps, an easy-to-use operating system, and high-quality hardware. We’ve been reviewing iPads since the very first one reached the market back in 2010 and are intimately familiar with every tablet the company has released. With six different iPad models available, which one is right for you? Our top picks include the standard iPad for most people and the iPad Air for students and creators, both of which are Editors’ Choice winners. Be sure to read about all our recommended iPads and click through to the full reviews for in-depth analysis. Don’t forget to scroll down below our picks to find out everything you need to know about shopping for an iPad.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- Most affordable iPad
- Good everyday performance
- High-quality hardware
- Improved storage options
- No Apple Intelligence
- Hardly anything new
The base-model iPad features an expansive 11-inch screen with a dense resolution of 2,360 by 1,640 pixels. Its A16 chip ensures that you can easily run most apps from the App Store. This tablet even gives you access to iMessage, is compatible with the Apple Pencil USB-C, and has a centered front camera for video chats.
Apple’s entry-level tablet makes sense for someone who wants something they can continue using over time, thanks to years of support.
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches
Weight
1.05 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU
Apple A16
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
Up to 10 hours
Learn More
Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025) Review
- Fast performance
- Good screen
- Solid cameras for a tablet
- Fast connectivity options
- Apple Intelligence runs well
- Hardly anything is new
- Accessories add to the price
The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models. It comes with a pro-level M3 processor, a centered user-facing camera for better video calls, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. It offers more storage options than older Air models, is available with 5G, and comes in several different colors. It also supports Apple Intelligence and is a solid performer when manipulating media.
People who need more power than the entry-level iPad but don’t need the professional-level power of the iPad Pro will find the iPad Air to be the perfect happy medium. This is especially true for students who need to complete creative projects.
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches
Weight
1.01 lbs
Screen Size
11 inches
Screen Resolution
2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPU
Apple M3
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
Up to 10 hours
Learn More
Apple iPad Air (2025) Review
- Premium design
- Brilliant OLED display
- Unparalleled performance
- Flexible connectivity options
- Top cameras for a tablet
- Expensive
- Pricey accessories
- iPadOS can be clunky
The Apple iPad Pro—completely overhauled for 2024—is full of high-end tech. It adopts an OLED display, jumps to the advanced M4 processor, relocates the user-facing camera to the center, and works with the latest Apple Pencil Pro. It is available in 11- or 13-inch models and supports up to 2TB of storage for large apps and projects. Toss in solid cameras, good speakers, and 5G, and it’s a pro-level powerhouse through and through.
Professionals and creators who need the absolute best performance from an iPad should look no further than the iPad Pro. It’s built to run heavy-duty apps and help you bring your ideas to life.
Operating System
Apple iPadOS 17
Dimensions
11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches
Weight
1.28 lbs
Screen Size
13 inches
Screen Resolution
2,752 by 2,064 pixels
CPU
Apple M4
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
10 hours (est.)
Learn More
Apple iPad Pro (2024) Review
- Compact and portable
- High-quality hardware
- Solid performance
- Supports Apple Intelligence
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro
- Dated design
- Few real upgrades
Sometimes smaller is better. The iPad mini carries over most of the features and design elements of the capable iPad Air but in a smaller, more bag-friendly size. It travels really well and even fits in some coat pockets. The mini supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), which makes it an excellent device for taking notes. It also has a newer processor and supports Apple Intelligence.
The mini is for those who want a smaller companion tablet that’s easier to carry around and use but still powerful enough to perform productivity tasks.
Operating System
IPadOS 18
Dimensions
7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inche
Weight
1.1 lbs
Screen Size
8.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,226 by 1,448 pixels
CPU
Apple A17 Pro
Storage Capacity
128 GB
Battery Life
7 hours, 23 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPad mini (2024) Review
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What’s the Best iPad to Buy in 2025?
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Buying Guide: What’s the Best iPad to Buy in 2025?
Can an iPad Replace My Laptop?
Maybe. iPads run Apple’s iPadOS, which is essentially a tablet-focused version of iOS with split-screen and limited multi-window multitasking. It’s not a full-fledged desktop-style windowed OS, but younger people who aren’t used to multi-window OSes might be perfectly happy to use an iPad for chatting, gaming, schoolwork, and video editing. That said, iPadOS 26, announced at WWDC in June, will feature full multitasking for the first time. You’ll be able to have multiple windows open at once, resize them, and easily switch between them on your screen. The software won’t be released until the fall, so we won’t know until then if it will truly allow your iPad to replace your desktop.
iPad apps work without a keyboard or trackpad, but they fully support most peripherals if you want to use them. Plenty of iPad-compatible keyboards and keyboard cases are available from Apple and third-party accessory makers. Notably, you can connect some iPads to an external monitor, such as the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR.
On the downside, no iPad can run more than two apps side-by-side, and many professional apps don’t necessarily have all of the capabilities of their desktop counterparts. If you need all those features but like the concept of a tablet, look into 2-in-1 convertibles or our favorite Windows tablets.
Which iPad Is Best for You?
The base-model iPad is the best tablet if you want an entry-level machine for games, media, or schoolwork. In a rugged case, it’s also a suitable kids’ tablet.
If you intend to do more productive or creative work, the iPad Air is the one to get. It offers many iPad Pro features (a fast processor, better audio, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro) for less money.
Apple iPad Air (2025) in blue (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The iPad mini has many of the features of the Air in a more petite body. Think of it as a portable notepad or sketchbook. It also works as an enterprise tablet for vehicle mounts, point-of-sale systems, or jacket pockets. With the A17 Pro processor on board, it can run Apple Intelligence like the Air and Pro models.
If price is no object, the iPad Pro is a terrific and luxurious piece of hardware. It’s got a much better OLED screen and faster processor than the Air, though iPadOS prevents it from fully taking advantage of all its power. The current iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch one.
Older or used models are sometimes on sale for less than new iPads. If you can find one, we recommend the 10th-generation iPad. It may still be on some store shelves or available refurbished or used.
Do You Need iPad Accessories?
When you buy an iPad, you get the tablet, the appropriate cable, and a charger. However, you might want a few more things to make the most of your new tablet.
Recommended by Our Editors
Apple iPad Pro (2024) with Apple Pencil Pro (Credit: Eric Zeman)
You can enhance any iPad with the optional Apple Pencil accessory, a high-quality active stylus. The first-generation Pencil works with the base-model iPad, while the second-generation Pencil works with high-end models. The second-gen Pencil is easier to hold because it’s not perfectly round and conveniently charges with a magnetic connector on the side of the tablet. Apple also sells a USB-C Apple Pencil that mixes and matches features of the first- and second-generation Pencils for a little less. The Apple Pencil Pro is the best option for artists and creators due to its extended list of features, such as support for barrel rolls.
Apple also offers a full lineup of cases, covers, and keyboards for its iPads if you want to protect your device and extend its functionality further.
Battery life is just OK across the board. Grabbing a power bank is probably a good idea if you travel or commute with your iPad.
What’s the Next Best Tablet?
The cheapest new iPad costs $349, which may be too steep for some buyers, particularly if you add accessories. Some Android tablets sell for less—even under $100—and are acceptable for basic gaming and media streaming, though not for schoolwork or productivity. Our list of the best cheap tablets tells you which low-end models are worth considering.
