Top iPad Picks for 2025: Which to Buy?

Apple's iPad has set the standard for tablets, influencing countless devices that have tried to emulate its success. With a diverse range of models now available, from compact and budget-friendly to powerful and feature-rich, choosing the right iPad can be daunting. Apple's recent releases, including the new iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air, have further expanded the options, offering improved performance and value across the board.

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 extensively tested Apple's tablets and understand what makes each unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals. The iPad Mini offers remarkable portability and functionality, resembling a larger iPhone at a more accessible price. For those seeking simplicity, like an e-reader, Apple's base iPads deliver strong 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, consider alternatives that might offer better value. And for those committed to an iPad, exploring accessories like keyboards can enhance your experience.

Additional contributions by Mark Knapp and Danielle Abraham

1. 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, and the faster A14 Bionic processor, all paired with a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's an ideal choice for most users, offering a balance of performance and affordability that sets it apart from pricier Pro models.

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Product Specifications

• Screen size: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU + 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 chip, not the M1

Apple has masterfully crafted the base-level iPad to be an excellent option for a wide range of users. The 10th Gen model, with its approachable price point, makes it an attractive choice for anyone seeking a versatile tablet. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display provides sharp visuals at a 2360x1640 resolution, though it doesn't feature the 120Hz refresh rate found in higher-tier models. Compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil also opens up creative possibilities.

The design of the 10th Gen iPad has been refined, with reduced thickness and weight, and updated bezels for a modern aesthetic. The front-facing camera's new landscape orientation enhances video calls and recordings with Center Stage technology, ensuring you stay in frame even when moving around.

Under the hood, the A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of memory provide a significant performance boost over the 9th Gen model, promising longevity and efficiency. The shift to USB-C charging also aligns with current technology trends, enhancing its future-proofing.

The 11th-generation iPad has recently been updated, now featuring an A16 processor and double the starting storage of previous models.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Gen iPad offers solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save without sacrificing quality.

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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

• Can lag behind newer models

If you're seeking the best budget tablet, the 9th Gen iPad, released in 2021, is our top pick. Its performance remains solid, and the 10.2-inch Retina display is both crisp and clear. Starting at under $300, and often available for less during sales like Prime Day or Black Friday, it's a great value.

Running the latest version of iPadOS, the 9th Gen iPad maintains optimal performance despite its older processor. While it may not boast the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still provides access to the same apps and functionality, albeit with some limitations on more intensive tasks.

For basic needs like media consumption, news browsing, casual gaming, and e-reading, the 9th Gen iPad performs admirably at a budget-friendly price. It's also an excellent choice for children, especially when paired with a durable case to protect against wear and tear.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

7 Images3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

Best Premium iPad

### Apple iPad Pro (2024 M4)

0The latest iPad Pro, equipped with an M4 processor and an OLED display, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet technology, perfect for creatives and professionals.

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

• Ideal for artists and video editors
• Enhanced FaceID security
• Impressive camera quality

CONS

• Additional accessories needed for full workstation capabilities

The iPad Pro has always been a stunning piece of technology, and the 2024 model, with its M4 processor, is thinner than ever, outdoing even the iPad Air. The M4 chip offers performance surpassing the latest MacBook Air, making it an exceptional tool for creative professionals.

The introduction of an OLED display marks a significant enhancement, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts that make it a favorite for viewing and reading. The 8-core GPU ensures smooth gameplay and efficient handling of creative tasks, positioning it as a potential gaming tablet as well.

For artists and photo editors, the new Apple Pencil Pro, available at an additional cost, enhances the tablet's capabilities. However, to transform it into a complete workstation, you'll need to invest in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, which can significantly increase the overall cost.

Read the review: Apple iPad Pro (7th Generation)

4. 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 display, making it an ideal choice 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
• Strong performance

CONS

• No significant design changes from the previous model

For those seeking a tablet that's more portable than a standard iPad but larger than a smartphone, the iPad Mini is the perfect choice. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it ideal for reading on the go.

The iPad Mini excels as a reading device, supporting a wide range of reading apps and offering compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) for note-taking and sketching. Its robust build quality, featuring recycled aluminum, outperforms many similarly priced Android tablets.

The A17 Pro processor, the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, provides ample performance for its size. It's perfect for casual use like watching videos or scrolling through social media, and it's capable of handling gaming with compatible controllers.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers impressive performance and a smooth display at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro, making it a compelling alternative.

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-term OS support compared to Apple

OnePlus has entered the Android tablet market with the OnePlus Pad 2, which offers features comparable to the iPad Pro but at a lower price. Starting at $549 and often discounted to $449, it's a great value.

The 12.1-inch IPS display boasts 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 900-nit peak brightness, all running at a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth performance. The tablet supports the OnePlus Stylo 2, which offers pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback. Its six-speaker system enhances audio quality.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the OnePlus Pad 2 can handle the latest apps and games with ease. With 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, it's well-equipped for multitasking and storage needs.

Our tests revealed exceptional battery life, with a 9,510mAh battery offering up to 12 hours of heavy use. The tablet supports 80W fast charging, fully recharging in just over an hour.

OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring long-term support.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Apple enthusiasts eagerly awaiting new releases can look forward to 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 to include an A17 Pro processor.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has bridged the gap between smartphones and laptops. Whether you're buying your first iPad or upgrading, understanding the current lineup is crucial. Here's a guide to help you choose the best iPad in 2025:

Tablet Sizes

Apple offers six iPad models with five different screen sizes, each tailored for specific uses. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and one-handed use, weighing just 10oz.

The baseline iPads, including the 9th and 10th generations, feature 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch displays, respectively. The 11th Gen model has an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays with more powerful M-processors than the standard models, which use A-series chips.

The 11-inch size is considered ideal for most users, balancing media consumption and portability. The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, is best suited for creatives and professionals seeking 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 at least 1TB for storing high-resolution content. For more than 2TB, an external hard drive can be connected via USB-C.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads except the 9th Gen use a USB-C port for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth remains the best way to connect accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and gaming controllers. The Files app allows easy access to external storage.

Connectivity

Each iPad model comes 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 offers mobile data connectivity and GPS, perfect for on-the-go use.

Price Comparison

The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $269, with potential discounts during major sales events. At the top end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can reach $2,000, offering the best of Apple's technology.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

The iPad Air M2 is our top pick for kids and younger users, as detailed in our list of the best iPads for kids. For students, we've also compiled a guide to the best iPads for educational use.