Top iPad Models to Buy in 2025

Apple’s iPad has long been the standard-bearer for tablet excellence, setting the benchmark that others strive to meet. The iPad lineup has evolved into a diverse range of devices, from compact and budget-friendly options to powerful, feature-rich models. With the recent release of the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models, choosing the perfect iPad has become both exciting and challenging. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, navigating the plethora of options can be daunting. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you find the best Apple iPad for your needs.

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 OnePlusOur team has extensively tested Apple’s tablets over the years, gaining insights into what makes each model unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals and creatives. For those seeking portability, the iPad Mini packs impressive performance into a compact form, resembling a larger iPhone but at a more affordable price. Meanwhile, Apple’s base iPads offer excellent performance and value for simpler tasks, such as replacing an e-reader.

While Apple remains a top choice, other tablet manufacturers offer compelling alternatives that might provide better value for those not committed to Apple's ecosystem. If you’re set on an iPad, consider enhancing your experience with accessories like keyboards.

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 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 approachable price point than the Pro models, which can exceed $1,000 with added features.

See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip, 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

Apple excels at making its base-level iPads exceptional for most users, and the 10th Gen iPad is no exception. Its design has been refined, reducing thickness and weight while updating the bezels for a modern look. The front-facing camera, now positioned for landscape orientation, enhances video calls with Center Stage technology, ensuring you stay in frame even when moving around. The A14 Bionic chip offers a performance boost over the 9th Gen model, and the switch to USB-C charging adds future-proofing. The 11th-generation iPad, now available, features an A16 processor and double the starting storage.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Gen iPad delivers solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display at a budget-friendly price, often dropping below $300 during sales events like Amazon's Prime Day or Black Friday.

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

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

CONS

• Can lag behind other tablets

Released in 2021, the 9th Gen iPad remains a top budget pick thanks to its solid performance, clear Retina display, and low starting price. It runs the latest iPadOS, ensuring optimal performance despite its older processor. While it may lack the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still offers access to the same apps, though some may not perform as smoothly. It's perfect for media consumption, basic gaming, and reading e-books, 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 epitome of Apple's premium tablet offerings.

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

• 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

The iPad Pro has been refined to become the thinnest iPad yet, surpassing even the iPad Air, while incorporating the powerful M4 chip. This makes it ideal for creative professionals, offering unmatched performance and the stunning new OLED display. Our reviewer, Jacqueline Thomas, praised its vibrant colors and contrast, making it her favorite device for viewing content. The M4's 8-core GPU handles games and creative workloads with ease, and with the new Apple Pencil Pro, it's perfect for artists and photo editors. However, transforming it into a full workstation requires additional, costly accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.

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, portable device with an 8.3-inch display and weighing just over half a pound.

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 new model

The iPad Mini strikes the perfect balance between the best iPhones and larger iPads, making it ideal for reading. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it comfortable to use with one hand and easy to carry. It's compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), enhancing its utility for note-taking and sketching. Despite its compact size, the iPad Mini's A17 Pro processor delivers strong performance, suitable for casual use and gaming. Its sturdy, recycled aluminum body outshines many similarly priced Android tablets.

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 overall quality at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro.

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-term OS support than Apple

The OnePlus Pad 2 is a standout Android tablet, often overlooked but deserving of attention. Priced initially at $549 and now available for as low as $449, it's a compelling alternative to the iPad Pro. Its 12.1-inch display boasts 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and creative work. The tablet's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip powers it, ensuring smooth performance across apps and games. With a 9,510mAh battery and 80W charging, it offers long-lasting power and quick recharges. OnePlus commits to three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring longevity.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Excitingly, Apple has just released an 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor and new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models powered by the M3 chip. The iPad Mini has also been updated with the A17 Pro processor, enhancing its performance.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has filled a unique digital niche, serving as a versatile device that's more portable than a laptop yet more powerful than a smartphone. For some, it's a perfect in-between device; for others, it's a complete laptop replacement. Here's what to consider when choosing an iPad in 2025:

Tablet Sizes

Apple offers six iPad models across five different screen sizes, each suited for specific purposes. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and casual use due to its lightweight and portable design. The 9th and 10th Gen iPads feature 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model sports an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch and 13-inch Liquid Retina displays, powered by the M-series processor. The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, is ideal for creatives and professionals, featuring the powerful M4 processor and 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 may need at least 1TB. For additional storage beyond 2TB, an external hard drive can be connected via the USB-C port.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads, except the 9th Gen, feature a USB-C port for charging and peripherals, including external hard drives. Bluetooth connectivity is essential for accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and gaming controllers. The Apple AirPods, reviewed positively by IGN experts, offer seamless integration with iPads at a lower cost than the AirPods Pro 2.

Connectivity

Each iPad model comes in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The Wi-Fi-only version is suitable for home or office use, while the cellular version allows internet access on the go with a data plan. Cellular models also include GPS, making them ideal for use in vehicles.

Price Comparison

The 10th Gen iPad starts at $269, with frequent discounts during major sales events. At the top end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can cost over $2,000, offering the best display and storage options.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

For younger users, the iPad Air M2 is our top recommendation, 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 purposes.