We’ve lengthy thought-about Apple’s iPads to be the best tablets available on the market, however figuring out precisely which mannequin you should purchase isn’t all the time simple. Do you simply desire a massive display for streaming and internet searching? Do you wish to use it like a pseudo-laptop? Do you care about Apple Intelligence in any respect? When you’re undecided, enable us to assist. We’ve examined each iPad out there right this moment and damaged down which of them ought to finest suit your wants under.
Desk of contents
The very best iPads for 2025
Nathan Ingraham for Engadget
Display screen measurement: 11 inches or 13 inches | Show decision: 2360 x 1640 (11-inch), 2732 x 2048 (13-inch) | Storage: As much as 1TB | RAM: 8GB | Weight: 1.01 kilos (11-inch), 1.36 kilos (13-inch) | Battery life: As much as 10 hours | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Rear digicam: 12MP
Learn our full Apple iPad Air M3 review
The not too long ago refreshed iPad Air stays the Apple pill we’d suggest to most individuals. Sure, it prices greater than the entry-level iPad, and sure, there’s nonetheless a gulf between it and the higher-end iPad Professional. However no iPad strikes a greater stability between value, efficiency and options. It’s Apple’s “excellent” pill — superior sufficient to be a pleasure each day however not eye-wateringly costly.
The most recent iPad Air, launched in March 2025, earned a score of 89 in our evaluate. It begins at $599 for an 11-inch mannequin or $799 for a variant with a 13-inch display. Outdoors of a better brightness ranking on the 13-inch mannequin (600 nits versus 500 nits), the 2 are just about an identical, so which one is finest merely is determined by what display measurement you favor. Most will in all probability spring for the 11-inch model on condition that it’s cheaper and far simpler to carry. However the added display actual property on the 13-inch model is nice if you happen to usually use your iPad with a keyboard case, or simply need extra room for watching motion pictures, taking part in video games or multitasking for work.
Each fashions are a lot pricier than the bottom iPad, however the Air’s upgrades largely justify the premium. It now runs on Apple’s M3 system-on-a-chip (SoC), which is similar silicon present in last-gen MacBooks and iMacs. It’s overkill for internet searching, video streaming and different fundamental duties, however it means efficiency ought to not often, if ever, be a problem.
It additionally makes the Air a bit of extra futureproof, as a lot of iPadOS options are solely accessible with M-series chips or newer A-series silicon. The entire , as an example, on the most recent entry-level iPad, nor are the ports of demanding video video games like and . The bottom iPad does get you an identical and older mode after the latest , although it nonetheless lacks full assist. The M3 Air additionally has a wholesome 8GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage; the usual iPad additionally begins with 128GB now, however nonetheless has a bit much less reminiscence at 6GB.
The iPad Air’s 60Hz LCD show isn’t as vibrant or clean in movement because the 120Hz OLED panel on the most recent iPad Professional, and it’s beginning to present its age in 2025 when some smartphones supply the next refresh fee for lots of of {dollars} much less. Nonetheless, it’s shiny, sharp and comparatively correct. It’s additionally a step up from the entry-level iPad, because it’s absolutely laminated, which suggests there’s no seen hole between the show and the entrance glass. That will not sound like a lot, however it’s a kind of issues that’s arduous to disregard when you’ve seen the distinction. The Air’s panel additionally has an antireflective coating to additional reduce glare, plus it helps a wider P3 colour gamut.
The iPad Air has had just about the identical square-edged design for 4 generations now, however it stays sturdy, elegant and fairly snug. It nonetheless affords a strong 10-ish hours of battery life, a USB-C port and a Contact ID fingerprint scanner constructed into its energy button (however no Face ID, annoyingly). Apple moved the front-facing digicam to the pill’s lengthy edge with the previous-gen mannequin, and that continues to be a way more pure place for FaceTime calls in panorama mode.
Not like the entry-level iPad, the Air works with the Pencil Pro, Apple’s most featured stylus. (Although it’s not appropriate with the older second-gen Pencil — sure, the stylus situation is messy.) It doesn’t work with the corporate’s finest aluminum keyboard case, however it helps a new Magic Keyboard with a few of that mannequin’s upgrades, together with a extra spacious trackpad and a devoted perform row. This model continues to be largely manufactured from plastic, and its lack of backlit keys is difficult to excuse when the older Magic Keyboard — which is fortunately still available — didn’t have that difficulty, however it stays extremely snug for typing. All of those equipment add a superb bit to the Air’s backside line, however for digital artists or frequent typers, they’re there.
The M3 iPad Air is an easy spec bump, so there’s no actual must improve if you happen to’re coming from the M2 or M1 models. Actually, if you happen to can nonetheless discover a refurbished model of the M2 Air at a cheaper price, that’ll be a greater worth on the entire. But when your iPad is slowing down, you’re shopping for your first Apple pill otherwise you desire a 13-inch iPad with out completely torching your financial savings account, the Air must be the primary mannequin you contemplate.
- Highly effective M3 chip
- Higher show, efficiency and multitasking capabilities than base iPad
- 13-inch mannequin is Apple’s most inexpensive large-screen iPad
- Helps Apple Pencil Professional and Magic Keyboard
- Fundamental 60Hz refresh fee
- No Face ID
- Equipment can drive up value shortly
Jeff Dunn for Engadget
Display screen measurement: 11 inches | Show decision: 2360 x 1640 | Storage: As much as 512GB | RAM: 6GB | Weight: 1.05 kilos | Battery life: As much as 10 hours | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Rear digicam: 12MP
Learn our full Apple iPad (A16) review
The entry-level iPad (A16) isn’t as good because the iPad Air, however the two share the identical design language, and the cheaper mannequin continues to be completely competent on the core iPad Issues. For $349, that makes it a compelling cut price for many who desire a trendy iPad for as little money as doable.
The bottom iPad appears just about an identical to the iPad Air from afar. It’s solely marginally thicker and heavier, whereas its 11-inch panel is simply as sharp and shiny. Battery life is available in on the identical 10-ish hours, and there’s nonetheless a USB-C port and Contact ID sensor. The cameras are practically the identical, too, with the selfie cam positioned alongside its lengthy edge. Most significantly, it will get you just about all the identical conveniences of iPadOS for $250 much less.
This mannequin runs on a barely cut-down model of the A16 Bionic chip present in 2022’s iPhone 14 Pro and 2023’s iPhone 15, plus 6GB of RAM. This combo gained’t maintain up in addition to higher-end iPads years down the highway, and it could actually’t run Apple Intelligence or prolong to an external display through Stage Supervisor. Plus, the M3 Air is already noticeably quicker for exporting 4K movies or taking part in probably the most taxing iPad video games.
However the A16 is greater than fast sufficient for the duties most individuals truly do with an iPad, be it watching Netflix, sending emails, taking part in informal Apple Arcade video games and even enhancing images in Lightroom. If something, many individuals will desire to not have their pill push AI on them. And with the most recent iPadOS 26 replace, this iPad has entry to most of the identical Mac-style productivity and multitasking features as its pricier siblings. That makes it a way more compelling choice for many who wish to get lighter work executed on their pill. Simply be aware that the brand new windowing system launched with the replace can typically really feel cumbersome in comparison with the previous “cut up view” and “slide over” options, which have been eliminated (although the latter will now return in a future replace). Past that, the A16 begins with the identical wholesome 128GB of storage because the Air.
The iPad (A16) does have a worse show than the Air, with no lamination, no assist for the broader P3 colour house and no antireflective coating. Put the 2 aspect by aspect and the Air certainly produces barely bolder colours and holds up higher in opposition to glare. The shortage of lamination makes writing with the Apple Pencil really feel extra abstracted on the cheaper mannequin, too.
For the worth, although, this display continues to be sharp, comfortably sized and devoid of main colour accuracy points. The hole right here isn’t practically as dramatic because the one between the Air’s and iPad Professional’s shows. Likewise, whereas the Air’s twin audio system sound fuller and extra rounded, the bottom iPad will get loud and clear sufficient to keep away from severe issues.
There are different downgrades. The iPad (A16) is not appropriate with the Apple Pencil Professional, simply the lesser USB-C Pencil — which lacks pressure sensitivity — and historic first-gen model. It doesn’t work with the identical Magic Keyboards; as a substitute, it makes use of its personal Surface-like accent known as the Magic Keyboard Folio, which has a perform row however isn’t as secure in your lap. It helps Wi-Fi 6 however not Wi-Fi 6E. The USB-C port is technically slower for information transfers, too, maxing out at 480 Mbps as a substitute of 10 Gbps.
Like we stated with our high advice, a refurbished M2 iPad Air is value contemplating over the iPad (A16) if yow will discover one at a superb value. It’s been discontinued, so we will’t make it a proper decide, however it stays a greater piece of {hardware}. But when that’s not an choice, the bottom iPad is a robust cut price. It’s worse than the iPad Air, however it’s not $250 worse for these on a tighter price range, people upgrading from the 9th-gen iPad or anybody who simply doesn’t push their iPad to the restrict more often than not.
- Probably the most inexpensive iPad
- Quick sufficient for most typical duties
- 128GB of storage in base mannequin
- Stable battery life
- Out there in enjoyable colours
- Show is due for some updates
- Not as highly effective or futureproof as iPads with M-series chips
- Would not assist the very best Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard
Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display screen measurement: 8.3 inches | Show decision: 2266 x 1488 | Storage: As much as 512GB | RAM: 8GB | Weight: 0.65 kilos | Battery life: As much as 10 hours | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Rear digicam: 12MP
Learn our full iPad mini 7 review
The iPad mini is precisely what it feels like: the small iPad. Apple up to date it in late 2024 with a brand new chip and assist for the Apple Pencil Professional, and it is nonetheless the shortest and lightest iPad within the present lineup by a long way. As earlier than, it has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina show that’s simpler to make use of with one hand.
We gave the iPad mini a review score of 83. Its design follows carefully after that of the iPad Air: squared-off edges, skinny bezels, no Residence button, a Contact ID sensor within the energy button, stereo audio system, first rate cameras and a USB-C port. Its show is technically sharper, however in any other case offers you an identical max brightness, lamination, antireflective coating and extensive colour gamut. It doesn’t have a “Sensible Connector” to hook up Apple-made keyboards, however it does work with the top-end Apple Pencil Professional and the inexpensive USB-C Apple Pencil. The Pencil Professional is a step up over the older second-generation Apple Pencil the prior mini used, with haptic suggestions, a gyroscope and a “squeeze” characteristic for opening up a brush palette.
The mini runs on Apple’s A17 Professional chip, the identical because the one in 2023’s iPhone 15 Professional sequence. Whereas this chip isn’t fairly as highly effective because the M3 within the iPad Air, it’s greater than succesful sufficient to deal with what most individuals will wish to do with this iPad. Notably, it’s additionally highly effective sufficient for Apple Intelligence. That may not be one thing that compels individuals to improve proper now (or possibly ever), however the level is that the brand new mini is extra futureproof than its predecessor.
The mini begins at $499 for a 128GB mannequin. Apple lastly noticed match to double the bottom storage, which makes the most cost effective mannequin simpler to suggest than earlier than. When you particularly desire a smaller pill — whether or not it’s to simply stuff in a bag, use with one hand or deal with like a high-end e-reader — that is the one one Apple sells, and the best choice in its measurement vary.
- A compact however full-featured iPad
- Helps the Apple Pencil Professional
- A17 Professional chip is loads highly effective
- Begins at 128GB of storage
- Apple could have mounted jelly-scrolling show points
- Show is restricted to 60Hz refresh fee
- Bezels are a bit thick
- No Face ID
- No M-series chip
Nathan Ingraham for Engadget
Display screen measurement: 11 inches or 13 inches | Show decision: 2,420 x 1,668 (11-inch), 2,752 x 2,064 (13-inch) | Storage: As much as 2TB | RAM: 12GB (256GB, 512GB fashions), 16GB (1TB, 2TB fashions) | Weight: 0.98 kilos (11-inch), 1.28 kilos (13-inch) | Battery life: As much as 10 hours | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Rear digicam: 12MP
Learn our full iPad Pro (M5) review
The iPad Pro is extra pill than most individuals want, full cease. However in case you have money to burn and simply need probably the most technically spectacular iPad doable, that is it. We gave the most recent mannequin a rating of 85 in our iPad Pro (M5) review. Just like the iPad Air, the Professional is available in 11- and 13-inch variants: The previous begins at $999, whereas the latter begins at $1,299. Each are prohibitively costly for many, however for the cash they supply a lot of premium, if inessential, upgrades over Apple’s different tablets.
Probably the most vital of those is the “tandem OLED” show. In comparison with the LCD display on the iPad Air, this produces richer colours and deeper, extra uniform black tones. Gaming and scrolling the net appears extra fluid because of its quicker 120Hz refresh fee. It will possibly additionally get far brighter, reaching as much as 1,000 nits in SDR and as much as 1,600 nits with HDR highlights.
That is the place the “tandem” half is available in. Primarily, Apple is stacking two OLED panels on high of each other to enhance peak brightness, which is usually a (relative) weak point of OLED shows. All you really want to know is that this display is an absolute delight — probably the greatest we’ve seen on any shopper gadget, not to mention any pill. For watching motion pictures or enhancing media, you gained’t get a lot better. Because the 11- and 13-inch iPad Professional each use this identical show tech, which one is finest merely comes down to private choice.
The primary improve with the most recent Professional is Apple’s M5 SoC. If the iPad Air’s M3 chip is overkill for the overwhelming majority of iPad duties, the M5 is mega-kill — very like the M4 within the last-generation mannequin. It simply dealt with absolutely anything we threw at it, and for specialist duties that contain heavy GPU or AI-related workloads, we discovered it to be an improve in comparison with the M4. It nonetheless goes nicely past what most individuals will ever want, however it must be much more futureproof, and it’ll save just a few seconds right here and there in case your work entails high-res media enhancing, 3D rendering, on-device AI inference and the like.
Past that, the bottom iPad Professional has 256GB of storage, which is twice as a lot as another iPad. Just like the Air, it additionally helps superior options like hardware-accelerated ray tracing in its GPU, which might help lighting in high-end video games. This newest mannequin additionally has 12GB of RAM within the entry-level and 512GB configurations, which is 4GB greater than the last-gen Professional, and the reminiscence bandwidth is quicker, which ought to assist these maintain up higher a number of years down the highway. When you actually wish to max issues out, the 1TB and 2TB configs soar to 16GB of reminiscence and use a technically extra highly effective chip with an additional efficiency core unlocked.
Getting a kind of SKUs prices a minimal of $1,599, nonetheless — and that’s earlier than you add on a keyboard, stylus or different equipment. These wanting to make use of the iPad Professional as a (very costly) media consumption gadget could not want these, however in order for you the very best for tablet-based work, simply be aware that it’ll price you much more than it first appears.
The iPad Professional is the one iPad with Face ID, which stays extra handy than reaching for a fingerprint scanner. It’s the one one with a Thunderbolt USB-C port, which is technically quicker for transferring massive recordsdata, and the M5 model is the one one that may drive exterior displays at a quick 120Hz refresh fee. It sounds extra sturdy than the Air, with 4 audio system as a substitute of two. Its digicam system isn’t all that completely different, however it features a flash for extra simply scanning paperwork and may file video in Apple’s ProRes format. This newest model can also be the one one to assist quick charging, as we discovered it could actually get near a 50 % cost in simply over a half hour. And in the case of equipment, solely the Professional helps Apple’s high Magic Keyboard, which is wildly costly however has an aluminum end, backlit keys and a bigger trackpad with haptic suggestions. It additionally works with the Pencil Professional.
If most of these options sound area of interest to you, nicely, yeah, that’s the concept. Until you’re prepared to pay for that terrific OLED display, the iPad Air nonetheless will get shut sufficient for a normal viewers at a extra palatable value. And whereas the iPad Professional is a class-leading pill, it’s in the end nonetheless a pill. The iPadOS 26 replace has in the end made multitasking and another computer-y duties more easy than they was once, however most of these options are additionally out there on the cheaper fashions. Regardless, the Professional is a superb iPad — quick, slim and opulent. And costly.
- Top-of-the-line shows we’ve ever seen
- M5 chip is extraordinarily highly effective
- Extraordinarily skinny and light-weight
- First iPad with quick charging
- Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Professional embrace vital new options
- Prohibitively costly
- Equipment add much more to price
How we check the very best iPads
The highest fringe of the iPad mini.
(Photograph by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget)
Very like we do for our information to the best tablets overall, we spend a number of days with every iPad to see how they really feel and carry out with completely different duties: watching movies, internet searching, taking part in each informal and graphically intense video games, enhancing 4K images and video, working a number of apps side-by-side, making FaceTime calls and the like. To raised measure efficiency particularly, we use benchmarking exams like Geekbench 6, 3DMark and GFXBench Metal, plus we measure how lengthy it takes for every pill in addition up and open numerous apps. We additionally examine how nicely every pill holds up long-term, whether or not it’s with a evaluate unit supplied by Apple or an iPad mannequin that’s owned by a member of the Engadget employees.
To assist evaluate the colour efficiency and brightness of the shows, we play the identical movies on completely different iPads, side-by-side, at equal brightness ranges. We use every pill in direct daylight open air to see how nicely they maintain as much as glare, and we play a handful of the identical musical tracks to judge speaker efficiency. For battery life, we preserve observe of how lengthy every pill typically lasts earlier than it wants a recharge, however we additionally play a 1080p film on a loop at roughly 70 % brightness with power-sapping background processes off. We additionally check every gadget with an Apple Pencil and be aware how responsive the stylus feels. Lastly, we fastidiously pore over spec sheets and software program updates to maintain observe of which options can be found on sure iPads however not others.
iPad FAQs
The iPad (A16) on high of an 13-inch iPad Air.
(Jeff Dunn for Engadget)
What are some new options coming to iPadOS 26?
Apple launched the most recent replace to its iPad working system, iPadOS 26, in September. The replace is a reasonably vital overhaul, one which brings iPadOS nearer to macOS than ever earlier than. New options embrace the power to open extra home windows concurrently and resize or tile them extra freely; a Mac-style Menu bar; a devoted Preview app; an upgraded Recordsdata app; an improved means to export or obtain massive recordsdata within the background; an Exposé view that exhibits all open home windows; a pointier cursor and the choice so as to add folders to the Dock. It additionally makes use of the brand new “liquid glass” design language that Apple is rolling out throughout all of its platforms in 2025.
That stated, it utterly eliminated the “slide over” and “split view” modes present in earlier variations of iPadOS, which might make shortly viewing a number of apps without delay a bit of extra cumbersome. (Although the previous will now return in an upcoming replace.) Notably, most of those options can be found throughout Apple’s pill lineup, from the iPad Professional to the entry-level iPad. You will discover the complete listing of appropriate gadgets on the backside of Apple’s overview page.
How lengthy do iPads usually final?
If historical past is any indication, count on Apple to replace your iPad to the most recent model of iPadOS for not less than 5 years, if not longer. The present iPadOS 26 update, for instance, is available on iPad Professional fashions relationship again to 2018 and different iPads relationship again to 2019. How lengthy your iPad’s {hardware} will final is determined by which mannequin you purchase and the way nicely you keep it. (When you’re notably clumsy, contemplate an iPad case.) A extra highly effective iPad Professional will really feel quick for an extended time than an entry-level iPad, however every mannequin ought to stay not less than serviceable till Apple stops updating it, at minimal.
What’s the distinction between the iPad and the iPad Air?
In comparison with the usual iPad, the iPad Air runs on a stronger M3 chip (as a substitute of the A16 Bionic) and has 2GB extra RAM (8GB complete). Each include 128GB of storage by default. The Air can also be out there in two sizes, 11 and 13 inches, whereas the Eleventh-gen iPad would not supply the bigger display choice. The M-series SoC offers the Air higher long-term efficiency prospects, plus entry to sure iPadOS options akin to Apple Intelligence. Its show helps a wider P3 colour gamut, has an antireflective coating and is absolutely laminated. The latter means there’s no “air hole” between the show and the glass overlaying it, so it feels extra such as you’re straight touching what’s on display as a substitute of interacting with a picture under the glass. The Air additionally works with the newer Pencil Professional stylus and extra snug Magic Keyboards, and its USB-C port helps quicker information switch speeds. It technically helps faster Wi-Fi 6E, too, whereas the lower-cost iPad makes use of Wi-Fi 6.
Beginning at $349, the Eleventh-gen iPad is $250 inexpensive than the iPad Air. It has a equally elegant design with flat edges, skinny bezels, USB-C port, and a Contact ID reader. Battery life is rated on the identical 10 hours, and each gadgets have their front-facing digicam on their lengthy edge, which is a extra pure place for video calls. The cheaper iPad works with the first-gen and USB-C Apple Pencils – that are more convoluted to cost – and a novel keyboard accent known as the Magic Keyboard Folio.
What’s the distinction between iPads and Android tablets?
The working system, duh. However to present just a few extra specifics: Android gadgets can be found from extra producers and canopy a wider value vary. You gained’t see an $80 iPad anytime quickly. Android can also be extra malleable in that you would be able to simply sideload apps from locations past Google’s official app retailer and extra extensively customise the look of the OS (although the previous may no longer be an option within the coming months). A number of Android tablets nonetheless have options like a headphone jack or a microSD slot for including storage, too, although these are getting rarer.
However we are likely to suggest Apple tablets to those that haven’t any allegiance both means. iPad apps are nonetheless a bit extra more likely to be designed particularly for bigger screens, slightly than wanting like blown-up telephone software program, and Apple is nearly peerless in the case of long-term software program assist. Each new iPad hits a sure baseline of {hardware} high quality and efficiency — none of them really feel low-cost, and all of them are quick sufficient for many wants. Plus, you’ll get probably the most out of an iPad if you happen to use different Apple gadgets.
Can an iPad change a laptop computer?
It is a loaded query, since laptop computer workflows differ from individual to individual. When you largely use a pocket book for searching the net, watching movies or writing emails and phrase docs, then positive, you may get alongside simply superb with an iPad and the appropriate iPad accessories. It’ll be simpler to hold round, the battery life is nice and having the touchscreen and stylus assist is helpful (although many Home windows customers have that regardless). Even past the fundamentals, loads of media editors, graphic designers and digital artists have proven they’ll get issues executed on an iPad.
Broadly talking, although, a laptop computer OS tends to be extra versatile in the case of file administration, multitasking, coding or different “heavy” duties. The latest iPadOS 26 replace does shut the hole a bit, although it’s nonetheless not fairly as fluid. Safari on the iPad isn’t absolutely on par with desktop browsers both. So the reply actually is determined by you.
How do I take a screenshot on an iPad?
As we be aware in our screenshot how-to guide, you possibly can take a screenshot in your iPad by urgent the highest button and both quantity button on the identical time. In case you have an older iPad with a Residence button, concurrently press the highest button and the Residence button as a substitute.
Latest updates
Late October 2025: The brand new M5-based iPad Professional replaces the previous-generation iPad Professional as our high decide for energy customers.
Early October 2025: We’ve made just a few edits to replicate the complete launch of iPadOS 26 and made positive our suggestions are nonetheless correct.
August 2025: We have taken one other sweep to make sure our picks are nonetheless correct and added just a few extra notes to our FAQ part.
June 2025: We’ve made just a few minor edits to replicate the announcement of Apple’s newest iPadOS replace, which we element above.
Could 2025: We’ve flippantly edited this information to make sure all particulars and hyperlinks are nonetheless appropriate. We’re additionally maintaining a tally of how the Trump administration’s tariff policy impacts the pricing and inventory of the iPad lineup (and each different tech class). All of our picks are nonetheless out there at regular costs right this moment, however we’ll replace this information if that modifications.
March 2025: We have reviewed the iPad (A16) and named it our new price range decide, eradicating the discontinued Tenth-gen iPad within the course of.
March 2025: The recently-launched iPad Air M3 has changed its predecessor as our high total advice. We’ve additionally made a be aware relating to the brand new iPad (A16), which we plan to check within the close to future and count on to turn into our new price range decide. We’ve made a handful of edits elsewhere within the information to replicate Apple’s newest {hardware}.
January 2025: We’ve flippantly edited this information for readability. Our suggestions stay the identical.
October 2024: We have up to date our information to incorporate the brand new iPad mini 7.
June 2024: We’ve touched up this information to replicate a number of the new iPadOS options Apple introduced at WWDC, although our picks stay the identical.
Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.
