Top iPad Models for Purchase in 2025

Apple's iPad has long been the benchmark for tablets, setting the standard that others aspire to reach. With an expansive lineup that ranges from compact, budget-friendly models to powerful, feature-rich devices, choosing the right iPad can be a daunting task. The recent launch of the new iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air models has further expanded the options available, offering more choices and price reductions on older models.

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 OnePlusHaving tested numerous Apple tablets over the years, we understand what distinguishes each model. 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 substantial power into a compact form, offering a cost-effective alternative to larger iPhones. Meanwhile, the base iPads remain excellent choices for simpler tasks like e-reading, delivering impressive performance and value.

While Apple dominates the tablet market, there are compelling alternatives for those not tied to Apple's ecosystem, often providing superior features at a more competitive price. For iPad enthusiasts, enhancing your device with accessories like keyboards can significantly boost 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 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. This model is an excellent choice for most users, offering a more approachable price point compared to higher-end options like the Pro models, which can exceed $1,000 with additional features.

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

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of memory, the 10th Gen iPad offers a performance boost over its predecessor, ensuring longevity. The shift to USB-C charging aligns it with current technology trends, enhancing its future-proofing.

The latest update to this model, the 11th-generation iPad, now features an A16 processor and increased starting storage.

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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)

0For those seeking a budget-friendly tablet, the 9th Generation iPad delivers solid performance with its 10.2-inch Retina display. Released in 2021, it's a great value option, often available for under $300, and even lower during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday.

Running the latest iPadOS, this iPad offers a smooth experience 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 the same apps, albeit with potential performance limitations on more demanding tasks.

Ideal for media consumption, casual gaming, news browsing, and e-reading, the 9th Gen iPad is also a cost-effective choice for children, especially when paired with a protective 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 an OLED display, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet technology. It's the thinnest iPad yet, surpassing even the iPad Air, yet packed with powerful hardware that outstrips the latest MacBook Air.

The OLED display offers stunning visuals, making it ideal for watching and reading content. The M4 chip's 8-core GPU handles gaming and creative tasks with ease, positioning the iPad Pro as a top choice for artists and video editors. The Apple Pencil Pro, though an additional cost, enhances its capabilities further.

However, to transform this tablet into a full workstation, additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are necessary, which can significantly increase the overall cost.

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's 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for reading and portability. Weighing just over half a pound, it's perfect for one-handed use and easy to carry in a bag or pocket.

Its compact size doesn't compromise on performance, thanks to the A17 Pro processor, which is also found in the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPad Mini is compatible with 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, offering durability and a premium feel.

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 offers a compelling alternative to Apple's iPads, delivering excellent performance and a high-quality display at a more affordable price. With a starting price of $549, often discounted to $449, it's a great value for what it offers.

The 12.1-inch IPS display boasts 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and content creation. It supports the OnePlus Stylo 2, which adds to its versatility. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip ensures smooth performance, while the 9,510mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of heavy use. Fast 80W charging is a bonus, recharging the device in just over an hour.

OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring long-term support.

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

Anticipating new Apple tablets? 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. Additionally, the iPad Mini now features an A17 Pro processor.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its introduction in 2010, the iPad has filled a unique digital niche. It's more portable than a laptop but more powerful than a smartphone, and for some, it's a complete laptop replacement. Here's what to consider when choosing an iPad 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 casual use, weighing just 10oz. 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 comes in 11-inch or 13-inch sizes, offering more power with its M-series processor. The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, is ideal for creatives and professionals, especially with its M4 processor.

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 1TB or more, and can use external hard drives via USB-C for additional storage.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads except the 9th Generation use USB-C for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth is essential 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 latter offers 4G LTE connectivity, ideal for use without Wi-Fi, but at a higher cost due to additional internal components.

Price Comparison

The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $269, often discounted during sales events. A fully equipped iPad Pro can exceed $2,000, offering top-tier features and connectivity.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

For younger users, the iPad Air M2 is our top pick, as detailed in our list of top iPads for kids. For students, our guide to the best iPads for students provides comprehensive advice.