The Best iPad Models to Buy in 2025
Apple's iPad has long been the benchmark for tablets, setting high standards that others strive to meet. With a diverse range of models, from compact and budget-friendly to powerful and premium, Apple caters to a wide array of needs and preferences. The recent launch of the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models has further expanded the lineup, offering more choices and competitive pricing on older generations.
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 OnePlus
Apple's tablets have been extensively tested, revealing distinct strengths across the lineup. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals. The iPad Mini offers impressive portability and performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a compact device. For simpler needs, such as e-reading, the base iPads deliver excellent value and performance.
While Apple dominates the tablet market, alternatives exist for those not tied to the Apple ecosystem, potentially offering better value. For iPad enthusiasts, enhancing your device with accessories like a keyboard can significantly boost its utility.
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, sleek design, faster A14 Bionic processor, and a vibrant 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's an excellent choice for most users, offering a balance of performance and affordability compared to higher-end models like the iPad Pro.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
- Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
- Storage: 64GB
- Cameras: 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)
PROS
- Varied color options
- Superior display compared to the 9th Gen
CONS
- Still uses the A14 Bionic, not the M1
Apple excels at making its base-level iPad a versatile and exceptional option for most users. The 10th Gen iPad, with its approachable price point, is ideal for anyone looking for a reliable tablet. While it doesn't feature the most advanced display, the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360x1640 resolution offers sharp visuals. It supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, making it suitable for creative tasks.
The design of the 10th Gen model is refreshed, with reduced thickness and weight, and updated bezels for a modern look. The front-facing camera's new landscape orientation, combined with Center Stage, enhances video calls by tracking and framing you effectively.
Powered by the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of memory, this iPad offers a performance boost over the 9th Gen model, ensuring longevity and efficiency. The switch to USB-C charging aligns with current standards, enhancing its future-proofing.
The 11th-generation iPad, now available, features an A16 processor and double the starting storage of previous models.
Apple iPad (9th Gen)
Best Budget iPad
### Apple iPad (9th Gen)
0The 9th Gen iPad is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance, featuring a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display and solid performance at a price under $300, often discounted further during sales events.
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
- Versatile and reliable
- Affordable price
CONS
- May lag behind newer models
The 9th Gen iPad, released in 2021, remains a top budget pick due to its solid performance and clear 10.2-inch Retina display. Running the latest iPadOS, it offers optimized performance despite its older processor. While it lacks the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it provides access to the same apps, making it suitable for media consumption, gaming, and e-reading.
Its affordability also makes it an excellent choice for children, especially when paired with a durable case for protection.
iPad Pro 2024 – Photos
7 Images
3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)
Best Premium iPad
### Apple iPad Pro (2024 M4)
0The 2024 iPad Pro, equipped with the Apple M4 processor and an OLED display, is the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings, ideal for creative professionals and those seeking the best in performance and display quality.
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
- Excellent for artists and video editors
- Effective FaceID
- Decent camera quality
CONS
- Requires additional accessories for full functionality
The iPad Pro has been refined to be the thinnest iPad yet, yet it's packed with the powerful M4 chip, surpassing even the latest MacBook Air. The introduction of an OLED display enhances its visual appeal, making it ideal for watching and reading content.
The M4 chip ensures smooth performance for gaming and creative tasks, especially when paired with the Apple Pencil Pro. However, to transform it into a complete workstation, additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are necessary, adding to the overall cost.
Read the review: Apple iPad Pro (7th Generation)
Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
Best for Reading and Portability
### Apple iPad Mini (7th Gen)
3The iPad Mini offers a compact and lightweight design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, making it perfect for reading and portability.
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
- High performance
CONS
- No significant design changes
The iPad Mini is ideal for those who find larger iPads too cumbersome but need more than a smartphone. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it perfect for reading and portability. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C Apple Pencil, enhancing its utility for note-taking and sketching.
Despite its unchanged design, the iPad Mini's build quality remains superior, and the A17 Pro processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos
4 Images
5. OnePlus Pad 2
Best iPad Alternative
### OnePlus Pad 2
0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance and a high-quality display at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro, making it a compelling alternative for Android users.
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
- Strong performance
CONS
- Shorter OS support compared to Apple
The OnePlus Pad 2 is a standout Android tablet, featuring a 12.1-inch IPS display with 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, ensuring robust performance for apps and games. With a 9,510mAh battery, it offers up to 12 hours of heavy use and supports fast 80W charging.
While it may not receive as long-term OS support as Apple devices, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a strong contender for those seeking a high-quality Android tablet at a competitive price.
Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2
Upcoming iPad Models
Apple has recently released the 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor and new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with an M3 chip. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor, offering enhanced performance.
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 your first iPad or upgrading from an older model, consider the following factors:
Tablet Sizes
Apple offers six iPad models with five different screen sizes. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and portability. The baseline iPads (9th and 10th generations) feature 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model has an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, offering more power with the M-series processor. The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, is ideal for professionals needing a laptop replacement.
Storage Capacity Differences
Most iPads start at 64GB, with the iPad Pro offering up to 2TB. For general use, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives and professionals may need higher capacities, especially for high-resolution media.
Peripherals to Consider
All iPads, except the 9th Gen, use USB-C for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy pairing with accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and AirPods, enhancing the iPad's functionality.
Connectivity
iPads come in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The latter offers mobile data connectivity, ideal for use on the go, but at a higher cost due to additional hardware.
Price Comparison
The 10th Gen iPad starts at $269, with prices dropping during sales events. The iPad Pro can reach over $2,000 when fully configured, catering to those seeking the best performance and features.
Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?
For younger users, the iPad Air M2 is recommended, as highlighted in our top iPads for kids list. For students, our guide to the best iPads for students provides comprehensive recommendations.
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