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Best iPad for Most People
Apple iPad (10th Generation)
4.0 Excellent
- Appealing iPad Pro-like design
- USB-C port
- High-quality cameras
- Good speakers
- Fast performance
- No traditional Touch ID button
- No Face ID
The standard iPad got a big update in 2022, ditching the Touch ID button for a side-mounted fingerprint reader. It also lost the outdated bezels and gained a more modern design that matches the Air and Pro models. Last, it centered the user-facing camera for well-framed video chats. A $100 price drop in 2024 makes it a better deal than ever.
This is the iPad most buyers should choose for its affordable price, solid performance, and long-term support from Apple.
Operating SystemApple iPadOS 16
Dimensions9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches
Weight1.1 lb
Screen Size10.9 inches
Screen Resolution2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPUApple A14 Bionic
Storage Capacity64 GB
Battery Life5 hours, 59 minutes
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Apple iPad (10th Generation) Review
Best iPad for Creators and Students
Apple iPad Air (2024)
- Powerful performance
- Nice screen
- Excellent cameras for a tablet
- Plenty of connectivity options
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro
- Pricey accessories
- iPadOS could be smoother
The iPad Air is the tablet to get if you're going to put it to work at school or on the job. It is a step up from the entry-level model in terms of power and almost matches the iPad Pro for hundreds of dollars less. It has the same basic design as the Pro and supports the Apple Pencil Pro, and for the first time it comes in both 11- and 13-inch models. It's a well-balanced tablet that provides plenty of performance for students and artists alike.
Apple's iPad Air is our top pick for people who need power, storage, battery life, and connectivity options beyond what you get with the base model iPad but who don't need quite the professional level of power you get with the iPad Pro.
Operating SystemApple iPadOS 17
Dimensions9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches
Weight1.02 lbs
Screen Size11 inches
Screen Resolution2,360 by 1,640 pixels
CPUApple M2
Storage Capacity128 GB
Battery Life10 hours (est.)
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Apple iPad Air (2024) Review
Best for Power Users
Apple iPad Pro (2024)
4.0 Excellent
- Premium design
- Brilliant OLED display
- Unparalleled performance
- Flexible connectivity options
- Top cameras for a tablet
- Expensive
- Pricey accessories
- iPadOS can be clunky
The Apple iPad Pro—completely overhauled for 2024—is full of high-end tech. It adopts an OLED display, jumps to the advanced M4 processor, relocates the user-facing camera to the center, and works with the latest Apple Pencil Pro. It is available in 11- or 13-inch models and supports up to 2TB of storage for large apps and projects. Toss in solid cameras, good speakers, and 5G, and it's a pro-level powerhouse through and through.
Professionals and creators who need the absolute best performance from an iPad should look no further than the iPad Pro. It's built to run heavy-duty apps and help you bring your ideas to life.
Operating SystemApple iPadOS 17
Dimensions11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches
Weight1.28 lbs
Screen Size13 inches
Screen Resolution2,752 by 2,064 pixels
CPUApple M4
Storage Capacity256 GB
Battery Life10 hours (est.)
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Apple iPad Pro (2024) Review
Best for Travel
Apple iPad mini (2021)
4.0 Excellent
- Excellent performance
- Long battery life
- Works with second-generation Apple Pencil
- No multi-user option in iPadOS
- Pricier than previous model
Sometimes smaller is better. The iPad mini carries over most of the features and design elements of the capable iPad Air but in a smaller, more bag-friendly size. It travels really well, and even fits in some coat pockets. The mini supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which makes it an excellent device for taking notes.
The mini is for those who want a smaller companion tablet that's easier to carry around and use but still powerful enough to perform productivity tasks.
Operating SystemApple iPadOS
Dimensions7.69 by 5.31 by 0.25 inches
Weight10.4 oz
Screen Size8.3 inches
Screen Resolution2,226 by 1,448 pixels
CPUApple A15 Bionic
Storage Capacity64 GB
Battery Life6 hours, 41 minutes
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Apple iPad mini (2021) Review
Buying Guide: What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2024?
Can an iPad Replace My Laptop?
Maybe. iPads run Apple's iPadOS, which is essentially a tablet-focused version of iOS with split-screen and limited multi-window multitasking. It's not a full-fledged desktop-style windowed OS, but younger people who aren't used to multi-window OSes might be perfectly happy to use an iPad for chatting, gaming, schoolwork, and video editing. Most iPad apps work without a keyboard or trackpad, but they fully support most peripherals if you want to use them. Plenty of iPad-compatible keyboards and keyboard cases are available from Apple and third-party accessory makers. Notably, you can connect some iPads to an external monitor, such as the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR.
On the downside, no iPad can run more than two apps side-by-side and many professional apps don't necessarily have all of the capabilities of their desktop counterparts. If you need all those features but like the concept of a tablet, look into 2-in-1 convertibles or our favorite Windows tablets.
Which iPad Is Best for You?
The base-model iPad is the best tablet if you want an entry-level machine for games, media, or schoolwork. In a rugged case, it's also a suitable kid's tablet.
If you intend to do more productive or creative work, the iPad Air is the one to get. It offers many iPad Pro features (a fast processor, better audio, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro) for less money.
Apple iPad Air (2024) with Magic Keyboard (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The iPad mini has many of the features of the Air in a more petite body. Think of it as a portable notepad or sketchbook. It also works as an enterprise tablet for vehicle mounts, point-of-sale systems, or jacket pockets. However, it's the oldest of Apple's current iPad lineup (from 2021) and is thus the most likely to be updated sooner rather than later.
If price is no object, the iPad Pro is a terrific and luxurious piece of hardware. It's got a much better OLED screen and faster processor than the Air, though iPadOS prevents it from doing much more than the Air. The current iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch one.
Older or used models are sometimes on sale for less than new iPads. Currently, we recommend the 9th-generation iPad if you can find it. Apple discontinued it in May 2024, though it may still be on some store shelves or available refurbished or used.
Do You Need iPad Accessories?
Wehn you buy an iPad, you get the iPad itself, the appropriate cable, and a charger. You might want a few more things to make the most of your new tablet.
Apple iPad Pro (2024) with Apple Pencil Pro (Credit: Eric Zeman)
You can enhance any iPad with the optional Apple Pencil accessory, a high-quality active stylus. The first-generation Pencil works with the base-model iPad, while the second-generation Pencil works with high-end models. The second-gen Pencil is easier to hold because it's not perfectly round and conveniently charges with a magnetic connector on the side of the tablet. Apple also sells a USB-C Apple Pencil that mixes and matches features of the first- and second-generation Pencils for a little less. The Apple Pencil Pro is the best option for artists and creators due to its extended list of features, such as support for barrel rolls.
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Apple also offers a full lineup of cases, covers, and keyboards for its iPads if you want to protect your device and extend its functionality further.
Battery life is just OK across the board. Grabbing a power bank is probably a good idea if you travel or commute with your iPad.
What's the Next Best Tablet?
The cheapest new iPad costs $349, which may be too steep for some buyers, particularly if you add accessories. Some Android tablets sell for less—even under $100—and are acceptable for basic gaming and media streaming, though not for schoolwork or productivity. Our list of the best cheap tablets tells you which low-end models are worth considering.
