Top iPad Models to Buy in 2025

Apple’s iPad has set the standard for what the best tablets should be, and it continues to lead the market with an extensive range of devices catering to various needs and budgets. From compact models perfect for on-the-go use to powerful options that rival laptops, the iPad lineup offers something for everyone. The recent release of the new iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air models adds more choices and brings price reductions to older generations, making it even more challenging to choose the right one.

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 OnePlusWe’ve tested numerous Apple tablets over the years, gaining insights into what makes each model unique. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for professionals. The iPad Mini offers impressive portability and performance, making it a great choice for those who need a compact device. For simpler needs, like e-reading, the base iPads deliver excellent value and performance.

If you're not tied to Apple's ecosystem, consider exploring alternatives that might offer better value. For iPad users, enhancing your device with accessories like a keyboard can significantly improve your experience.

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 repositioned 12-megapixel front-facing camera, sleek design, faster A14 Bionic processor, and a vibrant 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's an excellent choice for most users, offering a balance of performance and affordability compared to higher-end models like the iPad Pro.

See it at Amazon

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
• Superior display compared to the 9th Gen

CONS

• Still uses the A14 Bionic, not the M1

Apple excels at making its base-level iPad a compelling option for a wide range of users. The 10th Gen iPad is no exception, offering a more approachable price point than the Pro models, which can exceed $1,000 with additional features.

While it doesn't feature the most advanced display, the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360x1640 resolution provides sharp visuals. Although it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate of higher-tier models, this is a feature you might not miss until you experience it. The iPad supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, making it suitable for creative tasks.

The design of the 10th Gen model has been refreshed, reducing thickness and weight, and featuring updated bezels for a modern look. The front-facing camera's new landscape orientation, combined with Center Stage, ensures you stay in frame during video calls and recordings.

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of memory, the 10th Gen iPad offers a performance boost over the 9th Gen model, ensuring longevity and efficiency. It also features a USB-C port, aligning with current standards and enhancing future-proofing.

The 11th-generation iPad, now available, upgrades to an A16 processor and doubles the starting storage of previous models.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Gen iPad is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance, featuring a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display and a solid A13 Bionic processor.

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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

For those seeking the best budget tablet, the 9th Gen iPad, released in 2021, is an excellent choice. With a starting price under $300, and often discounted to as low as $250 during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday, it offers great value.

Running the latest iPadOS, the 9th Gen iPad maintains solid performance despite its older processor. While it lacks the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, it still provides access to the same apps, though some may not run as smoothly.

Ideal for media consumption, casual gaming, and e-reading, the 9th Gen iPad is also a great option for kids, especially when paired with 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 creative professionals.

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
• Impressive camera quality

CONS

• Requires additional accessories to function as a full workstation

The iPad Pro has always been a stunning piece of technology, and the 2024 model is no exception. Apple has made it even thinner, surpassing the iPad Air, while integrating the powerful M4 chip, which outperforms the latest MacBook Air.

The introduction of an OLED display is a first for the iPad, delivering vibrant colors and high contrast, making it a favorite for media consumption and reading. The M4 chip ensures smooth performance, making it ideal for gaming and creative tasks.

For artists and photo editors, the iPad Pro, when paired with the Apple Pencil Pro, offers a top-tier experience. However, to transform it into a complete workstation, additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are necessary, adding 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 the perfect compact device for reading and portability, featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and weighing just over half a pound.

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 from the previous model

For those who find the best iPhones too small and larger iPads too cumbersome, the iPad Mini is the ideal middle ground. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and lightweight design make it perfect for reading and portability.

The iPad Mini is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it suitable for note-taking and sketching. Its high-quality build, featuring recycled aluminum, outshines many Android tablets in its price range.

The 7th Gen Mini's A17 Pro processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing and gaming. It's also compatible with some of the best phone controllers, enhancing its versatility.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent 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 is a standout in the Android tablet market, offering features that rival the iPad Pro. Its 12.1-inch IPS display boasts 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and creative work.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus Pad 2 handles the latest apps and games with ease. It comes with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, providing ample space for multitasking and storage needs.

The tablet's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 hours of heavy use, and it supports 80W fast charging. OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring long-term support.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Apple has recently released the 11th-Gen iPad with an A16 processor and new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with an M3 chip. The iPad Mini has also been updated with an A17 Pro processor, offering enhanced performance.

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 yet more powerful than a smartphone, and for some, it can even replace a laptop entirely.

If you're considering your first iPad or upgrading from an older model, here's a guide to help you choose the right one 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 iPad models, 9th and 10th generations, feature 10.2-inch Retina and 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, respectively. The 11th Gen model has an 11-inch screen, while the M3 iPad Air offers 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays with more powerful M-series processors.

The 11-inch size is considered the "sweet spot" for most users, balancing media consumption and portability. The iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, is ideal for creatives and professionals, featuring the powerful M4 processor.

Storage Capacity Differences

Most iPad models start at 64GB, with the iPad Pro offering up to 2TB. For general use, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives and professionals may need at least 1TB for storing high-resolution media.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPad models, except the 9th Gen, feature a USB-C port for charging and connecting peripherals like external hard drives. Bluetooth connectivity is essential for accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and AirPods.

Connectivity

Each iPad model comes in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions. The latter allows internet access via 4G LTE, ideal for use on the go, but requires a mobile data plan.

Price Comparison

The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $269, with frequent discounts during sales events. The iPad Pro can reach over $2,000 when fully configured, offering top-tier features for those who need the best.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

For kids and younger family members, the iPad Air M2 is our top pick. For students, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the best iPads for educational use.