Top iPad Models for Purchase in 2025

Apple’s iPad has long been the gold standard for tablets, setting the benchmark that others strive to meet. With its extensive lineup ranging from compact and portable to powerful and feature-rich devices, choosing the right iPad can be a daunting task. Apple has recently expanded its offerings with the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models, adding even more choices and bringing price adjustments to 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 OnePlus

We've rigorously tested various Apple tablets over the years and understand what makes each unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals seeking top performance. For those prioritizing portability, the iPad Mini packs substantial features into a compact form, functioning almost like a larger iPhone at a more affordable price. If your needs are simpler, such as using the iPad as an e-reader, the base iPads deliver impressive performance and excellent value.

While Apple dominates the tablet market, there are alternatives for those not tied to Apple's ecosystem that may offer quality upgrades at a lower price. For iPad enthusiasts, exploring great iPad accessories like keyboards can enhance the user experience significantly.

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 iPad offers a compelling blend of performance and value, making it an excellent choice for most users. Its approachable price point, combined with its versatile color options and superior display compared to the 9th Gen, makes it a top pick. While it doesn't feature the latest M1 chip, the A14 Bionic still provides robust performance for everyday tasks. 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 everyday use, and the 10th Gen model is no exception. Its updated design is slimmer and lighter, with modern bezels that enhance its aesthetic appeal. The front-facing camera's new landscape orientation, combined with Center Stage technology, ensures you stay in frame during video calls, even if you move around. The shift to USB-C charging also aligns it with current technology trends, offering better future-proofing.

The latest update brings the 11th-generation iPad with an A16 processor and doubled starting storage, further enhancing its appeal.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Gen iPad offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on essential performance. It features a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display and is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks. With a starting price under $300, often dropping even lower during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday, it's an affordable choice for those seeking value. 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

Despite its 2021 release, the 9th Gen iPad remains a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers. It runs the latest iPadOS, optimizing its performance for a smooth experience. While it may not have the latest design or processor, it offers access to the same apps as higher-end iPads, making it suitable for media consumption, gaming, and e-reading. Its affordability also makes it an ideal choice for kids, especially 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, equipped with the Apple M4 processor and a stunning OLED display, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings. Its sleek, thinner design and powerful performance make it a top choice 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

• 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's design has been refined to be the thinnest iPad yet, yet it's packed with the powerful M4 chip, surpassing even the MacBook Air in performance. The introduction of an OLED display marks a significant upgrade, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts, making it ideal for media consumption and creative work. The M4's 8-core GPU ensures seamless gaming and efficient handling of demanding applications. However, to fully utilize its capabilities as a workstation, additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro are necessary, adding 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, lightweight solution perfect for reading and portability. Weighing just over half a pound with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, it's ideal for on-the-go use. 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 size of iPhones and larger iPads, making it an excellent choice for reading. Its compact design and lightweight build, coupled with a stunning display, make it a favorite among readers and a versatile device for note-taking and sketching with the Apple Pencil. Despite its unchanged design, the A17 Pro processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming, making it a solid option for those seeking portability without sacrificing functionality.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 stands out as a formidable iPad alternative, offering excellent performance, a smooth and elegant display, and great overall quality at a more affordable price. 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, despite its lower profile, is a compelling alternative to the iPad Pro. It features a large 12.1-inch display with 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a high refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and content creation. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it matches the performance of flagship smartphones, and its long battery life and fast charging capabilities enhance its appeal. While it offers fewer years of OS support compared to Apple, its lower price and robust features make it a strong contender for those seeking a premium Android tablet.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

For those eagerly awaiting new releases, Apple has introduced the 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor, alongside new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models equipped with an M3 chip. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor, further expanding Apple's tablet lineup.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has filled a crucial gap in the digital market, serving as a versatile device that bridges the gap between smartphones and laptops. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, consider the following factors when selecting your ideal iPad in 2025:

Tablet Sizes

Apple offers six iPad models with five different screen sizes to cater to various needs. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and portability, weighing just 10oz. The baseline 9th and 10th Gen iPads feature 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model offers an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air is available in 11-inch or 13-inch sizes, offering more power with its M-series processor. The iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, with the latter boasting an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, making it ideal for creatives and professionals.

Storage Capacity Differences

Storage options range from 64GB to 2TB, with the iPad Pro offering the highest capacity. For most users, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives and professionals might prefer models with 1TB or more. For those needing extra storage, external solid-state hard drives can be connected via the USB-C port, seamlessly integrated with the iPad's Files app.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads, except the 9th Gen, feature a USB-C port for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth connectivity enables the use of accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and AirPods. Ensure compatibility with your chosen peripherals to enhance your iPad experience.

Connectivity

iPads come in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The latter allows internet access via mobile data, requiring a plan from a carrier like T-Mobile or AT&T. These models also feature GPS, making them suitable for use as in-car entertainment systems.

Price Comparison

Prices start at $269 for the 10th Gen iPad, with significant discounts during major sales events. At the top end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can exceed $2,000, offering the best features and performance for those who need it.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

For younger users, the iPad Air M2 is our top recommendation, as highlighted in our guide to the best iPads for kids. For students, we also offer a comprehensive guide to the best iPads tailored for educational needs.