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, the iPad Air for students and creators, and the iPad Pro for professionals. 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
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 6, 2025: With this update, our recommendations are unchanged. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
- 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.
Most people: The base iPad makes the most sense for the vast majority of buyers, thanks to its combination of functionality, power, and price. It’s the most affordable iPad and is a great platform for your browsing and entertainment needs.
Children: If you’re going to get an iPad for your kids, this is the one to get. It’s fast enough to satisfy their needs, can run the games and apps they want to use, and isn’t too expensive to replace or repair if needed.
The AI averse: The base iPad cannot run Apple Intelligence and doesn’t have any other type of AI on board. If you’re not interested in AI for the moment, this is the “safe” iPad to get.
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 versions. 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.
Students: High school and college students need a solid tablet with enough power to handle classroom apps—and the iPad Air is the ideal choice. This tablet offers the perfect blend of price and power, enabling students to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Creators: If you’re an artist or creator who dabbles in photography, videography, podcasting, or social media, the iPad Air provides the platform you need to accomplish your creative goals. It’s compatible with nearly every media format and is as comfortable manipulating 4K footage as it is streaming 4K movies from Netflix.
Big-screen lovers: Where the base iPad is only available in an 11-inch size, the iPad Air is available in both 11- and 13-inch sizes. The 13-inch model is particularly well-suited for productivity, thanks to its expanded screen real estate, making it wonderful for work and play.
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
- Lightning-fast performance
- A graphics powerhouse
- Excellent screen
- Quick 5G and Wi-Fi speeds
- Capable cameras
- Battery life could be longer
- No IP rating
- Little is new
The latest iPad Pro, powered by Apple’s M5 processor, C1X modem, and N1 triple-radio chip, is packed with high-end technology. The advanced M5 processor delivers huge gains in CPU, GPU, and AI performance, making the device a powerful AI companion. It also features an Apple-designed 5G modem that’s more efficient, a combined Bluetooth, Thread, and Wi-Fi radio for faster connections, and faster RAM and storage components to enhance its speed. It is available in 11- or 13-inch models and supports up to 2TB of storage for large apps and projects. Toss in one of the best cameras available from a tablet, good speakers, and decent battery life, and it’s a pro-level powerhouse through and through.
AI early adopters: With Apple’s most powerful mobile chip on board with AI-focused GPU and NPU components, the iPad Pro runs Apple Intelligence better than most other Apple products. It handles AI tasks effortlessly, allowing you to accomplish tasks faster and more effectively.
Power users: If you want the thinnest, lightest, most powerful Apple tablet money can buy, the iPad Pro is your top choice. It has the processor, graphics, and algorithm-crunching chops to handle the most intense workflows and do them quickly.
Professional creators: No other tablet is as adept a platform for editing media as the iPad Pro. With its capacious memory and storage options, you have all the RAM and space you need to manipulate massive audio and video projects.
Stylus lovers: The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which has advanced functionality compared with the base Apple Pencil. This lets artists take more control over their projects with gestures like the barrel roll.
Operating System
iPadOS 26
Dimensions
11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches
Weight
1.28 lb
Screen Size
13 inches
Screen Resolution
2,752 by 2,064 pixels
CPU
Apple M5
Storage Capacity
256 GB
Battery Life
8 hours, 11 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPad Pro (M5, 2025) 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.
Constant travelers. The mini is the best tablet to take on your next trip. It lets you leave the laptop at home and still carry a powerful computing platform (that’s bigger than your phone) with you practically anywhere you need to go.
Portability lovers: The iPad mini packs most of the power of the iPad Air into a slate small enough to fit into a coat pocket. It’s compact for a purse or sling and still provides all the performance you need to browse the web, stream media, and create on the go.
People who prefer pint-sized stuff: The iPad mini’s compact size makes it ideal for those who need devices that fit their life, not the other way around. The mini truly is diminutive for a tablet and works well as an alternative to the massive platters of the 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro.
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 now run Apple’s iPadOS 26, which features full multitasking for the first time. You can keep multiple windows open at once, resize them, and easily switch between them on your screen. This unlocks the ability to have three or more apps running on your display concurrently. More importantly, it is easier than ever to move content from one app to another, thanks to the new file management system.
iPad apps work without a keyboard or trackpad, but they fully support most peripherals if you want to use them. A variety of iPad-compatible keyboards and keyboard cases are available from Apple and third-party accessory manufacturers. Notably, you can connect some iPads to an external monitor, such as the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR.
If you like the tablet concept but need a Windows-based setup, look into 2-in-1 convertibles or our favorite Windows tablets.
Which iPad Is Best for You?
The base-model iPad is the ideal choice if you’re seeking an entry-level tablet for gaming, media consumption, or academic use. 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 a better selection. It has many iPad Pro features (a fast processor, better audio, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro) for less money.
iPad Air (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The iPad mini features many of the same capabilities as the Air, but in a more compact design. 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 features a significantly improved OLED screen and a faster M5 processor compared with the Air. 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 available for sale at a lower price than new iPads. If you can find one, we recommend the 10th-generation iPad. It may still be available on some store shelves or as a refurbished or used item.
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
iPad Pro (Credit: Eric Zeman)
You can enhance any iPad with the optional Apple Pencil, a high-quality active stylus accessory. The first-generation Pencil is compatible with the base-model iPad, while the second-generation Pencil is compatible 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 combines features of the first- and second-generation Pencils for a slightly lower price. The Apple Pencil Pro is the best option for artists and creators due to its extensive list of features, including support for barrel rolls.
Apple also offers a full lineup of cases, covers, and keyboards for its iPads, allowing you to protect your tablet and further extend its functionality.
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, especially when considering the cost of accessories. Some Android tablets sell for less, even under $100, and are suitable for basic gaming and media streaming, although they may not be ideal for schoolwork or productivity. Our list of the best cheap tablets tells you which low-end models are worth considering.
