Top iPad Models for Purchase in 2025

Apple's iPad has long been the benchmark for what a tablet should be, setting the standard that others strive to meet. With a diverse lineup that includes everything from compact and budget-friendly options to high-powered professional devices, Apple has crafted an extensive range to suit a variety of needs. The recent launch of the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models has further expanded the options, making it more challenging to choose the perfect iPad amidst multiple generations and varying features.

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 numerous Apple tablets over the years and understand what makes each model unique. Apple's latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals. For those seeking portability, the iPad Mini packs substantial power into a compact form, resembling a larger iPhone at a more affordable price. For basic needs like e-reading, Apple's base iPads offer impressive performance and great value.

Of course, Apple isn't the only player in the tablet market. If you're not tied to Apple's ecosystem, consider exploring alternatives that might offer better value. If you're set on an iPad, enhancing it with accessories like a keyboard can significantly boost its functionality.

Additional contributions by Mark Knapp and Danielle Abraham

1. Apple iPad (10th Gen)

Best Overall iPad

Best Overall### Apple iPad (10th Gen)

2The 10th Generation iPad stands out with its repositioned 12-megapixel front-facing camera, sleek design, faster A14 Bionic processor, and vibrant 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's an exceptional choice for most users, offering a balance of performance and affordability compared to higher-end models like the iPad Pro.

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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 + 4-core GPU
• Storage: 64GB
• Cameras: 12MP (rear), 12MP (front)

PROS

• Varied color options
• Superior display compared to the 9th generation

CONS

• Still uses the A14 Bionic, not the more advanced M1 chip

Apple excels at making its base-level iPad an exceptional choice for most users, and the 10th Gen model is no exception. Its approachable price point makes it an ideal pick for anyone looking to enter the iPad ecosystem without breaking the bank.

While it may not feature the most advanced display, the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp visuals with a 2360x1640 resolution. Although it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate of higher-tier models, this is a feature you might not miss until you experience it. The iPad is also compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, offering creative possibilities.

The design refresh for the 10th Gen model includes a slimmer profile and 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 and recordings.

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of memory, the 10th Gen iPad offers a performance boost over its predecessor. The shift to USB-C charging adds future-proofing to the device, aligning it with the growing standard in technology.

The latest update to this iPad is now available: the 11th-generation iPad, which features an A16 processor and double the starting storage of previous models.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Generation iPad is our top budget pick, delivering solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display at a starting price under $300. It's often available at even lower prices during sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday.

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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 iPad suitable for various tasks
• Affordable price

CONS

• May lag behind newer models in performance

For budget-conscious buyers, the 9th Gen iPad offers great value. It runs the latest iPadOS, ensuring optimized performance despite its older processor. While it lacks the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still provides access to the same apps, albeit with some limitations for more intensive tasks.

Ideal for media consumption, reading, basic gaming, or as a children's device, the 9th Gen iPad delivers where it counts. A durable case can protect it from the wear and tear of daily use.

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 an OLED display, is the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings. It's designed for professionals and creatives who demand top-tier 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

• Ideal for artists and video editors
• Advanced Face ID technology
• High-quality camera

CONS

• Requires additional accessories to function as a complete 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 in performance. This makes it an even better choice for creative professionals.

The introduction of an OLED display marks a first for iPads, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts that enhance any content viewed on the device. The M4 chip ensures that the display's capabilities are fully utilized, making it a top choice for gaming and creative work.

While the iPad Pro excels in performance, turning it into a full workstation requires additional investments. The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, which are sold separately, significantly enhance its functionality but 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 is perfect for those who need a compact, lightweight device. Weighing just over half a pound and featuring an 8.3-inch display, it's an excellent choice for reading and portability.

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
• High performance

CONS

• No significant design changes from the previous model

For those who find the best iPhones too small and larger iPads too cumbersome, the iPad Mini strikes the perfect balance. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it ideal for reading and portability.

The iPad Mini is a favorite among readers due to its comfortable one-handed use and compatibility with numerous 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 iPad Mini's build quality remains top-notch, outshining many Android tablets in its price range. The A17 Pro processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming, making it a versatile device.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance and a high-quality display at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro. It's a compelling alternative for those open to Android tablets.

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
• Strong performance

CONS

• Shorter-term OS support compared to Apple

The OnePlus Pad 2 is a standout in the Android tablet market, offering features that rival the iPad Pro. Its 12.1-inch IPS display boasts 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and creative work.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus Pad 2 delivers robust performance for the latest apps and games. With 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, it's well-equipped for multitasking and storage needs.

Our testing revealed impressive battery life, with a 9,510mAh battery providing up to 12 hours of heavy use. The tablet supports 80W fast charging, recharging fully in just over an hour.

OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring the device remains current for a reasonable period.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

If you're eagerly awaiting new Apple tablets, you're in luck. The 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor and new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with an M3 chip have just been released. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its introduction in 2010, the iPad has filled a unique digital niche. For some, it's a versatile device that's more portable than a laptop yet more powerful than a smartphone. For others, it can replace a laptop entirely.

If you're considering your first iPad or upgrading 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. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and portability, weighing just 10oz (293g).

The baseline iPad models, 9th and 10th generations, feature 10.2-inch Retina and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, respectively. The 11th Gen model has an 11-inch screen, while the M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays with more powerful M-series processors.

The 11-inch size is often considered the "sweet spot" for iPads, offering a good balance between media consumption and portability. The iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models, with the larger model featuring an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, ideal for creatives and professionals.

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 and professionals may need at least 1TB. For storage beyond 2TB, an external hard drive can be connected via USB-C.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads except the 9th Generation use USB-C for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth is the preferred method for connecting accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and AirPods. Ensure compatibility with your chosen peripherals.

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 Wi-Fi + cellular version offers mobile data connectivity and GPS, ideal for on-the-go use.

Price Comparison

The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $269, with frequent discounts during sales events. 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 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.