Top iPad Models for Purchase in 2025

Apple's iPad has long been the benchmark for what a top-tier tablet should be, and many competitors have tried to emulate its success with varying results. Apple has expanded its iPad lineup to include a wide range of options, from compact and affordable to large and powerful, catering to diverse user needs. With the recent release of the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models, alongside price drops on older generations, choosing the right iPad has become more challenging but also more exciting.

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 OnePlus

Apple's range of iPads offers something for everyone. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, making them ideal for professionals and creatives. For those seeking portability, the iPad Mini packs impressive features into a compact form, offering a compelling alternative to larger smartphones at a lower price point. If your needs are more straightforward, such as using the iPad as an e-reader, the base iPad models still deliver excellent performance and great value.

While Apple dominates the tablet market, alternatives from other manufacturers can offer competitive features at potentially lower prices. For those committed to the Apple ecosystem, exploring iPad accessories like keyboards can enhance the tablet's utility and transform it into a versatile tool.

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 12-megapixel front-facing camera, sleek design, and the A14 Bionic processor, all complemented by a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. This model is an excellent choice for most users, offering a balance of performance and affordability that sets it apart from pricier models like the iPad Pro.

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Product Specifications

• Screen size: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display
• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
• Storage: 64GB
• Cameras: 12MP rear, 12MP front

PROS

• Varied color options
• Better display than the 9th Gen

CONS

• Still uses the A14 Bionic, not the M1

Apple excels in making its entry-level iPad an exceptional choice for a wide audience. The 10th Gen model, with its approachable price point, is ideal for anyone looking for a versatile iPad without breaking the bank. While it doesn't feature the most advanced display, the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen delivers sharp visuals with a 2360x1640 resolution. Though it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate of higher-end models, this is a feature many users won't miss. Additionally, compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil opens up creative possibilities.

The 10th Gen iPad boasts a refreshed design, trimming down its thickness and weight, and sporting updated bezels for a modern look. A significant change is the repositioning of the front-facing camera to the top in landscape mode, enhancing video calls with Center Stage technology. The A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of memory offer a notable upgrade from the 9th Gen, ensuring better performance and longevity. The shift to USB-C charging also aligns with current tech trends, adding future-proofing to the device.

The 11th-generation iPad, now available, steps up with an A16 processor and doubled starting storage, further enhancing the lineup.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Gen iPad is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on performance, featuring a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display and solid capabilities at a starting price under $300.

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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

• Versatile and reliable
• Affordable price

CONS

• May lag behind newer models in performance

If you're on the hunt for a budget tablet, the 9th Gen iPad is a standout choice. Despite its 2021 release, it offers solid performance and a clear 10.2-inch Retina display, making it a great value, often available for even less during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday.

Running the latest iPadOS, the 9th Gen iPad remains speedy and efficient, though its A13 Bionic processor is a few years old. While it lacks the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, such as a faster processor or modern design, it still provides access to all the same apps. For casual use like media consumption, gaming, or reading, the 9th Gen iPad is more than sufficient. It's also a perfect choice for children, especially when protected by a durable 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, is the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings, perfect for professionals and creatives.

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 artists and video editors
• Excellent FaceID functionality
• Decent camera quality

CONS

• Requires additional accessories to function as a workstation

The iPad Pro has always been a stunning piece of technology, and the 2024 model, with its M4 chip, is thinner than ever, yet more powerful than the latest MacBook Air. This makes it an exceptional tool for creative professionals.

The introduction of an OLED display marks a first for the iPad, delivering vivid colors and high contrast, making it a favorite for viewing content. The M4 chip, with its 8-core GPU, ensures smooth performance in games and creative applications. The new Apple Pencil Pro, though an additional cost, enhances the tablet's utility for artists and editors.

However, to turn the iPad Pro into a full workstation, you'll need to invest in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, which add to the overall cost.

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 a compact powerhouse, weighing just over half a pound with an 8.3-inch display, making it perfect for on-the-go 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
• Excellent performance

CONS

• No major design changes from the previous model

For those seeking a tablet for reading or needing something highly portable, the iPad Mini is the ideal choice. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it easy to carry and use with one hand. It's perfect for accessing reading apps and is one of the best tablets for readers.

The iPad Mini's build quality, featuring recycled aluminum, is superior to many Android tablets in the same price range. While its design remains similar to previous generations, it still includes Touch ID. The A17 Pro processor, also found in the iPhone 15 Pro, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming, and it's compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) for note-taking and sketching.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers exceptional performance and a high-quality display at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro, making it a compelling alternative.

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, though less known, is a formidable competitor in the Android tablet market. Launched at $549 and often available at a discounted $449, it offers excellent value. It's akin to the iPad Pro of the Android world, featuring a 12.1-inch IPS display with 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and creative work. The tablet supports the OnePlus Stylo 2 stylus and boasts six speakers for enhanced audio.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus Pad 2 handles the latest apps and games with ease, and its 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage provide ample space for multitasking. Its battery life is impressive, lasting about 12 hours of heavy use, and it supports fast 80W charging. OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring longevity.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Apple enthusiasts have much to look forward to, with the recent release of the 11th-Gen iPad featuring an A16 processor and new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models powered by an M3 chip. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor, adding to the excitement.

Which Apple iPad Is Right for Me?

Since its debut in 2010, the iPad has filled a unique niche in the digital world. Whether you need a device more portable than a laptop but more powerful than a smartphone, or a complete laptop replacement, there's an iPad for you.

For first-time buyers or those looking to upgrade, here's a guide to choosing the right 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 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 boasts an 11-inch screen. The M3 iPad Air comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, offering more power than the standard models with their A-series chips.

The 11-inch size is often considered ideal for most users, balancing portability with screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, is the choice for creatives and professionals seeking a laptop replacement, thanks to its M4 processor and advanced display options.

Storage Capacity Differences

iPad storage starts at 64GB and goes up to 2TB on the iPad Pro. For most users, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives and professionals may need more, ideally 1TB or higher. For storage beyond 2TB, an external hard drive can be connected via the USB-C port.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads except the 9th Gen use USB-C for charging and peripherals, making it easy to connect external devices. Bluetooth is the preferred method for connecting accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and headphones, ensuring seamless integration with the iPad.

Connectivity

iPads come in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The Wi-Fi-only models are ideal for home or office use, while the cellular versions offer internet access on the go, requiring a data plan and including GPS.

Price Comparison

The 10th Gen iPad starts at $269, often discounted during sales events. At the top end, a fully equipped iPad Pro can exceed $2,000, offering the best of the best in terms of display, storage, and connectivity.

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 top iPads for kids. For students, we provide a comprehensive guide to the best iPads for educational purposes.