Top iPad Models for Purchase in 2025

Apple's iPad has long been the benchmark for tablets, setting the standard that others strive to meet. With an expansive lineup that includes everything from compact, portable devices to powerful, high-performance models, choosing the right iPad can be a challenge. Apple's latest releases, including the new iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air, further diversify the options and bring price adjustments to older models, making the decision even more complex.

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 OnePlusOur extensive testing of Apple's tablets over the years has given us a deep understanding of what makes each model unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chips, ideal for professionals and creatives. For those seeking portability, the iPad Mini offers impressive features in a compact form, almost resembling a larger iPhone but at a more affordable price. For everyday users, Apple's base iPads deliver robust performance and great value, perfect for simpler tasks like e-reading.

While Apple dominates the tablet market, other brands offer compelling alternatives for those not tied to the Apple ecosystem, potentially providing better value. For iPad enthusiasts, enhancing your device with accessories like a keyboard can significantly improve 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 Gen iPad stands out with its updated 12-megapixel front-facing camera, sleek design, faster A14 Bionic processor, and a vibrant 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's a versatile choice suitable for most users, offering an approachable price compared to the more expensive Pro 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 color options
• Superior display compared to the 9th Gen

CONS

• Still uses the A14 Bionic, not the newer M1

Apple excels at delivering a top-notch base-level iPad, and the 10th Gen model is no exception. It's ideal for most users, offering a more budget-friendly option than the pricier Pro models. The Liquid Retina display, while not the most advanced, still provides sharp visuals with a 2360x1640 resolution. It supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, making it suitable for creative tasks.

The design of the 10th Gen iPad has been refreshed, reducing its thickness and weight, and featuring updated bezels for a modern look. The front-facing camera now sits at the top in landscape mode, enhancing video calls with Center Stage technology.

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of memory, the 10th Gen iPad offers a performance boost over its predecessor, ensuring longer-lasting hardware. The shift to USB-C charging adds future-proofing, aligning with the industry's move away from the Lightning connector.

The 11th-generation iPad, now available, features an A16 processor and double the starting storage, offering an even more compelling option.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Gen iPad offers an excellent budget option with solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display. Its affordability, especially during sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, makes it an attractive choice.

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

• Versatile and reliable
• Affordable price

CONS

• May lag behind newer models

The 9th Gen iPad, despite being released in 2021, remains our top budget pick thanks to its solid performance and clear 10.2-inch Retina display. It runs the latest iPadOS, ensuring optimized speed and performance despite its older processor. While it may lack some of the features found in the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, such as a faster processor or modern design, it still provides access to all the same apps.

For basic tasks like media consumption, gaming, and reading, the 9th Gen iPad is more than sufficient and cost-effective. It's also an excellent choice for kids, especially when paired with a protective 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 an OLED display, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings. It's perfect for artists and video editors seeking 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 creative professionals
• Excellent FaceID functionality
• High-quality camera

CONS

• Additional accessories required for full workstation capabilities

The iPad Pro has been refined to be the thinnest iPad yet, yet it's packed with the powerful M4 chip, surpassing even the latest MacBook Air. This makes it an outstanding choice for creative professionals. The introduction of an OLED display adds a new level of visual brilliance, making it a favorite for watching and reading.

The M4 chip ensures the OLED display's potential is fully realized, handling games and creative workloads with ease. While the Apple Pencil Pro is an additional purchase, it, combined with the iPad Pro's hardware and display, creates an excellent environment for artists and photo editors.

To transform the iPad Pro into a workstation, you'll need to invest in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, which add to the overall cost but enhance its functionality.

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 8.3-inch display and weighs just over half a pound, making it an ideal portable option for reading and everyday 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
• High performance

CONS

• No significant design changes

The iPad Mini strikes the perfect balance between the smaller iPhones and larger iPads, making it ideal for reading. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it easy to carry, fitting comfortably in a bag or jacket pocket.

It's a favorite among readers due to its one-handed usability and compatibility with various reading apps. The iPad Mini also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it suitable for note-taking and sketching.

The iPad Mini's build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy recycled aluminum body. Despite its design remaining unchanged from previous generations, it retains Touch ID. The A17 Pro processor provides robust performance, ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks like watching videos or gaming.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance, a smooth display, and overall great quality at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro.

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 compelling alternative to the iPad Pro, offering a large 12.1-inch display with impressive features like 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, ensuring smooth operation for gaming and multitasking.

With a 9,510mAh battery, it provides up to 12 hours of heavy use, and supports 80W fast charging. The OnePlus Pad 2 also comes with three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, promising longevity.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Apple recently released the 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor, along with new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models powered by the M3 chip. 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 niche between smartphones and laptops. Whether you're looking for a portable device for everyday tasks or a powerful tool to replace your laptop, choosing the right iPad depends on your needs.

If you're new to iPads or looking to upgrade, consider the following factors to find the best fit 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. The baseline 9th and 10th Gen iPads feature 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch displays, respectively, while the 11th Gen model has an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays, powered by the M-series chip. The iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models, the latter with an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, ideal for professionals needing high performance.

Storage Capacity Differences

Most iPads start at 64GB, with options up to 2TB on the iPad Pro. For everyday use, 64GB is often sufficient, but creatives and professionals may need at least 1TB. For more storage, you can connect external SSDs via USB-C.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads, except the 9th Gen, feature USB-C ports for charging and connecting peripherals like external drives. Bluetooth is the preferred method for connecting accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and headphones. Ensure compatibility with your chosen peripherals.

Connectivity

Each iPad model comes in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. Wi-Fi-only models are best for home or office use, while Wi-Fi + cellular models offer mobile data connectivity, ideal for use on the go.

Price Comparison

The 10th Gen iPad 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 younger users, the iPad Air M2 is our top recommendation, as detailed in our list of the best iPads for kids. For students, we offer a comprehensive guide to the best iPads for educational purposes.