Apple’s iPad has long been the benchmark for tablets, setting standards that others strive to meet. With a diverse lineup that spans from compact and affordable to large and powerful devices, choosing the right iPad can be a challenge. Apple's recent releases, including the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models, have added even more options and value to the mix.

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 OnePlusApple's range of tablets caters to various needs, from the advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets in the latest iPad Pro models to the compact and versatile iPad Mini, which offers a lot of functionality at a more affordable price. For those seeking simplicity and value, Apple's base iPads deliver impressive performance suitable for everyday tasks like e-reading.

If you're not tied to Apple's ecosystem, consider exploring other tablet options that may offer similar features at a better price. For iPad users, enhancing your device with accessories like a keyboard can significantly boost productivity.

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. This model is an excellent choice for most users due to its approachable price point and versatile features.

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

• Available in various colorways
• Better display than the 9th gen

CONS

• Still using the A14 Bionic, rather than the newer M1

Apple excels at crafting a base-level iPad that delivers exceptional value, making the 10th Gen iPad an ideal pick for a wide range of users. Its price is significantly more affordable than the pricier Pro models, yet it offers a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a sharp 2360x1640 resolution. Although it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found in higher-tier models, the display remains impressive. The 10th Gen iPad also supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, opening up creative possibilities.

The design of the 10th Gen model is a refreshing update from its predecessor, featuring slimmer bezels and a lighter build. A significant change is the front-facing camera's new position at the top in landscape mode, enhancing video calls with Center Stage technology.

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of memory, this iPad offers a notable performance boost over the 9th Gen model, ensuring longevity and efficiency. The switch to USB-C charging aligns it with modern standards, enhancing its future-proofing.

The latest update brings the 11th-generation iPad, equipped with an A16 processor and double the starting storage of previous models.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0For those looking for an affordable tablet, the 9th Gen iPad offers solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display at a budget-friendly price. Often available for under $300, especially during sales like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, it's a cost-effective choice.

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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

• A versatile iPad at a reasonable price

CONS

• Can lag behind newer tablets

Released in 2021, the 9th Gen iPad remains a compelling budget option, running the latest iPadOS for optimized performance. While it lacks the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still provides access to the same apps and functionality, though some may run less smoothly due to the older processor.

Ideal for media consumption, light gaming, news reading, and e-books, the 9th Gen iPad is also 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, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings. It's perfect for professionals and creatives who demand top performance.

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
• Advanced FaceID
• High-quality camera

CONS

• Requires additional accessories to function as a full workstation

The iPad Pro has been refined to become the thinnest iPad yet, surpassing even the iPad Air. Despite its slim profile, it's packed with the powerful M4 chip, outpacing the latest MacBook Air and enhancing its appeal to creative professionals.

The introduction of an OLED display adds a new level of visual quality, making it ideal for viewing and reading content. The M4 chip ensures smooth performance, whether for gaming or creative tasks, especially when paired with the Apple Pencil Pro.

However, to fully leverage its capabilities as a workstation, additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are necessary, which add to 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 8.3-inch display and weighs just over half a pound, making it an excellent choice for portability and reading 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 major design changes with the new model

The iPad Mini strikes a perfect balance for those who find iPhones too small and larger iPads too cumbersome. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it ideal for reading and easy to carry. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C Apple Pencil, enhancing its utility for note-taking and sketching.

Built with high-quality recycled aluminum, the iPad Mini's durability is unmatched by many Android tablets in its price range. Despite its unchanged design, the A17 Pro processor offers robust performance, suitable for casual use and gaming.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers a compelling alternative to the iPad Pro, boasting excellent performance and a smooth 12.1-inch display at a more affordable price.

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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 stands out in the Android tablet market with its high-quality 12.1-inch IPS display, featuring 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports the OnePlus Stylo 2 for creative tasks and offers immersive audio with six speakers.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it delivers robust performance for modern apps and games, backed by 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage. Its 9,510mAh battery ensures long-lasting use, with fast 80W charging capabilities.

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

Anticipation is high for new Apple tablets, with the 11th-Gen iPad featuring an A16 processor and new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with M3 chips recently released. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has filled a unique niche, offering a device more portable than a laptop yet more powerful than a smartphone. Whether you're buying your first iPad or upgrading, consider the following factors:

Tablet Sizes

Apple offers six iPad models across five different screen sizes. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and portability. The 9th and 10th Gen iPads feature 10.2-inch Retina and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model offers an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, powered by the M-series chip. The iPad Pro offers 11-inch and 13-inch options, with the larger model featuring an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display. The 11-inch size is often considered the ideal balance for media consumption and portability.

Storage Capacity Differences

Most iPads start at 64GB, with options up to 2TB on the iPad Pro. For general use, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives and professionals might need up to 1TB. For storage beyond 2TB, an external hard drive via USB-C is necessary.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads except the 9th Gen use USB-C for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth connects accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and AirPods, enhancing functionality. Solid-state drives are recommended for external storage due to their low power requirements.

Connectivity

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

Price Comparison

The 10th Gen iPad starts at $269, often available at a discount during sales events. At the high end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can exceed $2,000, offering top-tier performance and features.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

For younger users, the iPad Air M2 is recommended. For students, consider our guide to the best iPads for students to find the perfect match for educational needs.