Top iPad Models for Purchase in 2025

Apple's iPad has set the standard for what the best tablets should be, and numerous devices have attempted to follow suit with varying success. Apple has expanded the iPad lineup into a diverse range of devices, from compact and modest to large and powerful, catering to a wide array of user needs. With the recent release of the new iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air models, the choice has become even more extensive, accompanied by price reductions 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 OnePlusWe’ve tested a variety of Apple’s tablets over the years, gaining a deep understanding of what makes each model unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals. For those seeking portability, the iPad Mini offers impressive performance in a compact package, resembling a larger iPhone but at a more affordable price. For basic needs like e-reading, Apple's base iPads provide excellent performance and great value.

If you're not tied to Apple's ecosystem, consider exploring alternatives that might offer better value for your money. For those committed to iPads, enhancing your device with accessories like a keyboard can significantly boost its utility.

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, faster A14 Bionic processor, and a vibrant 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's an excellent choice for most users, offering a more affordable alternative to the 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 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 newer M1

Apple excels at making its base-level iPad an outstanding choice for most users. The 10th Gen iPad, with its approachable price point, is ideal for anyone seeking a versatile tablet. While it doesn't feature the most advanced display, its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen offers sharp visuals with a 2360x1640 resolution. Although it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate of higher-end models, this is a feature you might not miss unless you've experienced it. The iPad supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, enhancing its creative potential.

The design of the 10th Gen model is refreshed, reducing thickness and weight, and featuring updated bezels for a modern look. 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 and 4GB of memory provide a performance boost over the 9th Gen, and the shift to USB-C charging adds future-proofing.

We've recently seen the release of the 11th-generation iPad, featuring an A16 processor and double the starting storage.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Gen iPad is a budget-friendly option that still delivers solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display. It's a great choice for those looking to spend less 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 affordable
• Reasonable price

Cons:

• Can lag behind newer tablets

For the best budget tablet on the market, the 9th Gen iPad, released in 2021, is our top pick. It offers robust performance, a clear 10.2-inch Retina display, and a starting price under $300. Often available for even less during sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, it's an incredible value.

Despite its older processor, the 9th Gen iPad runs the latest iPadOS, ensuring optimized performance and speed. While it doesn't have the features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it provides access to the same apps. For media consumption, basic gaming, and e-reading, this iPad performs admirably at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for kids when paired with a durable case.

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

7 Images3. 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 most premium Apple tablet to date. It's perfect for creative professionals and those who demand the best.

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
• Effective FaceID
• Decent camera quality

Cons:

• Requires additional accessories to become a full workstation

The iPad Pro has always been a stunning piece of technology, and the 2024 model is no exception. Apple has made it thinner than ever, yet packed it with the powerful M4 chip, surpassing even the latest MacBook Air. This makes it an even better choice for creative professionals.

The new OLED display is a first for iPads and offers exceptional visual quality. In our review, Jacqueline Thomas praised it as her favorite device for watching and reading content, thanks to its vibrant colors and high contrast.

The M4 chip ensures smooth performance, making it ideal for gaming and creative work. When paired with the Apple Pencil Pro (sold separately), it's an excellent tool for artists and photo editors. However, to use it as a full workstation, you'll need to invest in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, which can add significant costs.

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 compact iPad Mini, weighing just over half a pound with an 8.3-inch display, is perfect for reading and portability. It's a great handheld option for those on the go.

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 significant design changes

For readers and those who need a portable device, the iPad Mini is the perfect choice. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it easy to carry and use one-handed. The Apple App Store offers numerous reading apps, making it one of IGN's favorite reading tablets. It's also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), ideal for note-taking and sketching.

The iPad Mini's build quality is superior, with a sturdy recycled aluminum body that outperforms many Android tablets in the same price range. Despite no major design updates, the 7th Gen model boasts improved performance with the A17 Pro processor, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro. It's perfect for everyday tasks like browsing and gaming, and it's compatible with the best phone controllers for added convenience.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance, a smooth display, and great quality at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro, making it a top choice for Android tablet enthusiasts.

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 OS support compared to Apple

While Samsung often steals the spotlight, the OnePlus Pad 2 is a standout in the Android tablet market. Launched at $549 but often discounted to $449, it's a fantastic value. It's akin to the iPad Pro for Android users, featuring a 12.1-inch IPS display with 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 900-nit peak brightness, running at a 144Hz refresh rate.

The OnePlus Pad 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, ensuring smooth performance for the latest apps and games. With 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, it's well-equipped for multitasking and large files. Our tests showed impressive battery life, lasting about 12 hours of heavy use, and it supports 80W charging for quick recharges.

OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, providing peace of mind for long-term use.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Excitingly, Apple has just released an 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor, along with new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models powered by an M3 chip. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor, offering even more options for potential buyers.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its introduction in 2010, the iPad has bridged the gap between smartphones and laptops. Whether you need a portable yet powerful device or a laptop replacement, there's an iPad for you. If you're considering your first iPad or upgrading from an older model, our 2025 buyer's guide can help you make the right choice.

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 casual use, weighing just 10oz. The baseline iPads, 9th and 10th generations, feature 10.2-inch Retina and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model boasts an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air comes in 11-inch or 13-inch sizes with Liquid Retina displays, offering more power with the M-processor. The 11-inch size is considered the "sweet spot" for most users, balancing portability with functionality.

The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, is ideal for professionals and creatives, featuring the powerful M4 processor and advanced displays.

Storage Capacity Differences

Most iPad models start at 64GB, with the iPad Pro offering up to 2TB. For general use, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives may need more, ideally 1TB or higher. For storage beyond 2TB, you can use an external hard drive connected via the USB-C port.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPad models, except the 9th Gen, feature a USB-C port for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth connectivity is essential for accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and AirPods, ensuring seamless integration with your iPad.

Connectivity

Each iPad model comes in Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The Wi-Fi-only models are ideal for home or office use, while the Wi-Fi + cellular models offer mobile data connectivity, making them perfect for on-the-go use and as in-car entertainment displays.

Price Comparison

The 10th Gen iPad starts at $269, often available at a discount during sales events. At the top end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can reach $2,000, offering the best of the best in display, storage, and connectivity.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

For kids and younger family members, the iPad Air M2 is our top recommendation. For students, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the best iPads for educational use.