Top iPad Picks for 2025: Which to Buy?

The Apple iPad has long been the benchmark for tablets, setting standards that others strive to meet. Apple's extensive range of iPads now caters to a variety of needs, from compact and portable to powerful and versatile. With the recent release of the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models, the choices have only expanded, making it challenging to pick the right one. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, understanding the differences between these models is crucial.

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 iPads have evolved significantly over the years, offering advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets in the latest iPad Pro models, and compact, yet powerful options like the iPad Mini. For those with simpler needs, such as e-reading, the base iPads still deliver impressive performance at a great value. If you're considering alternatives, there are other tablet makers offering competitive options, especially if you're not tied to Apple's ecosystem. And if you're set on an iPad, enhancing it with accessories like a keyboard can greatly enhance 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. This model offers an exceptional balance of features and affordability, making it an ideal choice for most users. Its approachable price point, compared to the pricier Pro models, is a significant advantage.

The Liquid Retina display, with a 2360x1640 resolution, ensures sharp visuals, though it doesn't feature the 120Hz refresh rate found in higher-tier models. The iPad is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, adding to its versatility for creative tasks. The design refresh includes thinner bezels and a lighter build, while the front-facing camera's landscape orientation, coupled with Center Stage, enhances video calls. The A14 Bionic chip and USB-C charging further enhance its appeal, offering better performance and future-proofing.

The latest 11th-generation iPad, now available, boasts an A16 processor and double the starting storage of previous models.

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 + 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

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0For those seeking an affordable yet reliable tablet, the 9th Gen iPad, released in 2021, is an excellent choice. It offers solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display, with a starting price under $300. Often available at discounted rates during sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, it's a budget-friendly option.

Running the latest iPadOS, this iPad maintains optimal performance despite its older A13 Bionic processor. While it lacks some of the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still provides access to all Apple tablet apps, though some intensive ones may not run as smoothly. Ideal for media consumption, basic gaming, news reading, and e-books, it's also a great choice for kids when paired with a durable case.

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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

• The jack-of-all-trades iPad
• Reasonable price

CONS

• Can lag behind other tablets

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

7 Images3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

Best Premium iPad

### Apple iPad Pro (2024 M4)

0The 2024 iPad Pro, equipped with the Apple M4 processor and a stunning OLED display, is the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings. Its thin design and powerful internals make it a top choice for creative professionals.

The new OLED display is a first for iPads and offers a visually stunning experience. Its vibrant colors and deep blacks make it ideal for watching and reading. The M4 chip, with an 8-core GPU, ensures smooth performance for gaming and creative tasks. While the Apple Pencil Pro, sold separately, enhances its utility for artists and editors, the optional Magic Keyboard and other accessories are essential for turning it into a full workstation.

See it at Amazon See 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

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 is perfect for those seeking a compact and portable device, weighing just over half a pound and featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Its size and weight make it ideal for reading and on-the-go use.

The Mini is a favorite among readers due to its comfortable one-handed use and compatibility with various reading apps. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it suitable for note-taking and sketching. Despite its unchanged design, the Mini's build quality remains top-notch, and its A17 Pro processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.

See it at Amazon See it at Apple See 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

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0For those considering alternatives to Apple's iPads, the OnePlus Pad 2 offers exceptional performance and a smooth display at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro. Starting at $549, with discounts bringing it down to $449, it's a compelling option.

The OnePlus Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch IPS display with 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and creative work. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, ensuring smooth performance, and offers excellent battery life with a 9,510mAh battery. The tablet supports the OnePlus Stylo 2 and comes with six speakers for immersive audio. With three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, it's a solid choice for long-term use.

See it at Amazon See 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

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, offering a device more portable than a laptop yet more powerful than a smartphone. Whether you're looking to buy your first iPad or upgrade from an older model, here's a guide to help you choose the right one in 2025:

Tablet Sizes

Apple offers six iPad models with five different screen sizes, catering to various needs. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is ideal 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 offers 11-inch or 13-inch displays, and the iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, with the larger model featuring an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display.

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 might need at least 1TB, especially for high-resolution media. For storage beyond 2TB, external hard drives can be connected via USB-C.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads, except the 9th Gen, use USB-C for charging and peripherals, allowing connection to external hard drives. Bluetooth is essential for connecting 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, which includes GPS, is more versatile but also more expensive due to additional hardware.

Price Comparison

The 10th Gen iPad starts at $269, often available at lower prices during sales. At the top end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can exceed $2,000, offering the best of Apple's technology.

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, we've also provided a guide to the best iPads for students, ensuring you find the perfect match for educational needs.