Apple's iPad has long been the benchmark for what tablets should aspire to be, setting a standard that many other devices have tried to emulate with varying success. Apple has since expanded the iPad lineup to include a diverse range of models, from compact and portable to high-performance powerhouses. With the recent release of the new iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air models, choosing the right iPad has become more challenging yet exciting, as there are more options and price points to consider.
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 OnePlusWe’ve tested numerous Apple tablets over the years and understand what makes each one unique. The latest iPad Pro models feature advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for those seeking top-tier performance. For those who value portability, the iPad Mini packs impressive features into a compact form, making it almost like a larger iPhone but at a more affordable price. If your needs are simpler, such as using the tablet as an e-reader, Apple’s base iPads still deliver outstanding performance and great value.
Of course, Apple isn’t the only player in the tablet market. If you're not tied to Apple's ecosystem, exploring alternatives could offer better value. For dedicated iPad users, 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 Gen iPad stands out with its repositioned 12-megapixel front-facing camera, upgraded design, faster A14 Bionic processor, and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. This model is a top choice for its versatility and affordability, making it ideal for a wide range of users. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
- Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip 6-core CPU + 4-core GPU
- Storage: 64GB
- Cameras: 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
PROS
- Varied colorways
- Better display than 9th gen
CONS
- Still using the A14 Bionic, rather than the M1
Apple excels at making its base-level iPad a compelling option for most users. The 10th Gen iPad's approachable price point, coupled with its features, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable tablet without breaking the bank. While it may not boast the most advanced display, the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina panel with a 2360x1640 resolution offers sharp visuals. Though it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found in higher-tier models, this is a feature most users won't miss. Compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil also adds a creative edge.
The 10th Gen model features a refreshed design that's slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor, with updated bezels for a more modern aesthetic. The front-facing camera's new landscape orientation, combined with Center Stage technology, ensures you stay in the frame during video calls. The A14 Bionic chip, paired with 4GB of memory, provides a notable performance boost over the 9th Gen model, and the shift to USB-C charging adds future-proofing.
The 11th-generation iPad, now available, upgrades to an A16 processor and doubles the starting storage of previous models.
Apple iPad (9th Gen)
Best Budget iPad
### Apple iPad (9th Gen)
0This budget-friendly iPad delivers solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save money. 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
- The jack-of-all-trades iPad
- Reasonable price
CONS
- Can lag behind other tablets
The iPad (9th Generation) is our top budget pick due to its robust performance, clear 10.2-inch Retina display, and affordable starting price under $300. It's often available at even lower prices during sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday.
Running the latest iPadOS, this iPad maintains solid performance despite its older processor. While it lacks some of the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still provides access to the same apps as other Apple tablets, albeit with less efficiency for intensive tasks.
Ideal for media consumption, casual gaming, and e-reading, the 9th Gen iPad offers great value, especially as a durable option for kids when paired with a protective case.
iPad Pro 2024 – Photos
7 Images
3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
Best Premium iPad
### Apple iPad Pro (2024 M4)
0The 2024 iPad Pro, powered by the Apple M4 processor and featuring an OLED display, is the epitome of premium tablet technology. 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
- Awesome for artists and video editors
- FaceID works wonders
- An actually decent camera
CONS
- You'll need to buy a lot of accessories to make it a true workstation
The iPad Pro has always been a stunning piece of technology, and the 2024 model takes it to new heights. It's the thinnest iPad yet, outdoing even the iPad Air, while housing the powerful M4 chip, which outstrips the latest MacBook Air. This makes it an even better choice for creative professionals.
The introduction of an OLED display marks a first for the iPad lineup, offering vibrant colors and high contrast that enhance any visual content. Jacqueline Thomas praised its display in her review, noting its suitability for watching and reading.
The M4 chip ensures smooth performance across all tasks, from gaming to creative work. The optional Apple Pencil Pro, at an additional cost, enhances its appeal for artists and photo editors. However, to transform it into a full workstation, significant investment in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil is necessary.
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 with an 8.3-inch display, is the perfect handheld option for portability and reading. 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
- Excellent performance
CONS
- No major design changes with new model
The iPad Mini strikes the perfect balance between size and functionality, ideal for reading and portability. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and light 10.4oz weight make it easy to carry, fitting comfortably in a bag or jacket pocket.
This model is a favorite among readers due to its one-handed usability and access to a wide range of reading apps. Compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) also makes it suitable for note-taking and sketching.
Despite its unchanged design from previous generations, the iPad Mini's high-quality build and Touch ID set it apart from many Android tablets at similar price points. The A17 Pro processor ensures smooth performance, making it ideal for casual browsing, streaming, and even gaming, with compatibility for phone controllers.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
4 Images
5. OnePlus Pad 2
Best iPad Alternative
### OnePlus Pad 2
0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance, an elegant and smooth display, and overall great 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
- Solid performance
CONS
- Shorter-term OS support than Apple
The OnePlus Pad 2, though less mainstream, is a standout Android tablet that competes directly with the iPad Pro. Its 12.1-inch IPS display boasts 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 900-nit peak brightness, with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The tablet supports the OnePlus Stylo 2, which offers pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback, and features six speakers for immersive audio.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus Pad 2 handles the latest apps and games effortlessly, supported by 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage. Its 9,510mAh battery offers 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 despite shorter support compared to Apple.
Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2
Upcoming iPad Models
Excitingly, Apple has just released the 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor, along with new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models featuring the M3 chip. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor, offering even more options for consumers.
Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?
Since its introduction in 2010, the iPad has filled a unique niche between smartphones and laptops. Whether you're looking for a versatile device or a laptop replacement, understanding the differences in iPad models is crucial for making the right choice.
Tablet Sizes
Apple's iPad lineup includes six models with five different screen sizes, each suited for different needs. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and casual one-handed use, weighing just 10oz.
The baseline iPad models (9th and 10th generations) feature 10.2-inch Retina and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, respectively. The 11th Gen model introduces an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays with more powerful M-series processors than the standard models' A-series chips.
An 11-inch screen is often considered the "sweet spot" for iPads, balancing media consumption and portability. These models are ideal for most users interested in video watching, gaming, and web browsing, as well as productivity tasks.
The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, with the larger model featuring an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, is the top choice for creatives and professionals needing a powerful laptop replacement.
Storage Capacity Differences
Most iPads start with 64GB of storage, scaling up to 2TB in the iPad Pro. For general use, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives and professionals might need 1TB or more. For storage beyond 2TB, external hard drives connected via USB-C are necessary.
Peripherals to Consider
All iPads, except the 9th Gen model, use USB-C for charging and connecting peripherals. Bluetooth remains the preferred method for connecting accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and gaming controllers. The Files app allows easy access to external storage, and solid-state drives are recommended for their low power consumption.
Connectivity
Each iPad model is available in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The Wi-Fi-only version is ideal for home or office use, while the Wi-Fi + cellular model, which includes GPS, allows internet access anywhere with a data plan, making it perfect for mobile use.
Price Comparison
The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $269, often discounted during sales events. At the top end, a fully loaded iPad Pro can exceed $2,000, offering the best of the best in display, storage, and connectivity.
Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?
For younger users, the iPad Air M2 is our top pick, as highlighted in our guide to the best iPads for kids. For students, we also provide a comprehensive guide to the best iPads for educational use.
