Top iPad Models to Buy in 2025 Revealed

Apple's iPad has set the standard for what the best tablets should be, with numerous devices attempting to emulate its success. Apple has expanded its iPad lineup to include a wide range of options, from compact and modest to large and powerful. With various models and generations to choose from, including the latest releases like the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models, selecting the right iPad can be challenging. However, this guide aims to help you navigate through the choices and find the perfect 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 OnePlusWe've tested many of Apple's tablets and understand what makes each unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, perfect for professionals. For those prioritizing portability, the iPad Mini offers impressive performance in a compact package, akin to a larger iPhone but at a more affordable price. For simpler needs, like an e-reader, the base iPads deliver great performance and value.

If you're not tied to Apple's ecosystem, consider alternatives that might offer better value. For those committed to iPads, enhancing your device with accessories like a keyboard can significantly improve your experience.

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 a vibrant 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's an excellent choice for most users, offering an approachable price point compared to higher-end models like the iPad Pro, which can exceed $1,000.

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360x1640 resolution ensures sharp visuals, though it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found in higher-tier models. It supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, making it suitable for creative tasks. The updated design features thinner bezels and a lighter build, while the front-facing camera's new landscape orientation enhances video calls with Center Stage technology.

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of memory, it offers a performance boost over the 9th Gen model. The switch to USB-C charging adds to its future-proofing. The latest 11th-generation iPad, now available, features 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 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)

0The 9th Generation iPad offers a budget-friendly option with solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display. It's our top pick for those looking to save, especially with frequent sales dropping its price below $300.

Running the latest iPadOS, it maintains good performance despite its older A13 Bionic processor. While it lacks the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still provides access to all Apple apps, though more intensive apps may not run as smoothly.

It's ideal for media consumption, news browsing, basic gaming, and e-reading, and is perfect for kids with a durable case.

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

iPad Pro 2024 – Photos

7 Images3. Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4)

Best Premium iPad

### Apple iPad Pro (2024 M4)

0The latest iPad Pro is the epitome of premium, featuring an Apple M4 processor and a stunning OLED display. It's the thinnest iPad yet, surpassing even the iPad Air, yet packed with powerful hardware.

The OLED display offers vibrant colors and excellent contrast, making it ideal for watching and reading. The M4 chip, with its 8-core GPU, handles gaming and creative tasks effortlessly. While the Apple Pencil Pro enhances its appeal for artists and editors, turning it into a workstation requires additional costly accessories like the Magic Keyboard.

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

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 reading and portability, featuring a compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and weighing just over half a pound. It's ideal for those who need a device that's easy to carry and use with one hand.

The Mini's design, made from sturdy recycled aluminum, remains largely unchanged, still featuring Touch ID. Powered by the A17 Pro processor, it offers excellent performance for its size, making it suitable for casual use like browsing, gaming, and reading.

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

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 is a compelling alternative to the iPad Pro, offering excellent performance and a smooth display at a more affordable price. It features a 12.1-inch IPS panel with 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and content creation.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it handles the latest apps and games with ease. Its 9,510mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of heavy use, and it supports fast 80W charging. While it doesn't match Apple's long-term OS support, it's a strong contender in the Android tablet market.

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

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Apple continues to innovate, with recent releases including 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 also received an update, featuring an A17 Pro processor.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its introduction in 2010, the iPad has bridged the gap between smartphones and laptops. Whether you need a device more portable than a laptop yet more powerful than a phone, or a full laptop replacement, this guide will help you choose the right iPad for 2025.

Tablet Sizes

Apple offers six iPad models with five different screen sizes, each tailored for specific uses. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, is perfect for reading and portability. The baseline iPads, including the 9th and 10th generations, feature 10.2-inch Retina and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model sports an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays with more powerful M-series processors. The iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models, with the larger model featuring an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, ideal for professionals.

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 for storing high-resolution media.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads, except the 9th Generation, use USB-C for charging and peripherals, allowing for easy connection to external hard drives. Bluetooth enables wireless connectivity with accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and headphones, enhancing your iPad experience.

Connectivity

iPads come in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The latter offers mobile data connectivity, ideal for use without Wi-Fi, and includes GPS, making it suitable for use in vehicles.

Price Comparison

The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $269, with frequent discounts during sales events. A fully equipped iPad Pro can cost over $2,000, offering top-tier features like a 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display and 2TB storage.

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, our comprehensive guide to the best iPads for students will help you make an informed choice.