Top iPad Models for Purchase in 2025

Apple's iPad has long been the benchmark for what a tablet should be, and despite competitors trying to catch up, it remains the go-to recommendation. The iPad lineup has expanded significantly, offering a range of sizes and capabilities to suit different needs and budgets. With the recent release of the new iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air models, choosing the right iPad has become even more nuanced, especially with older generations now available at reduced prices.

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

Over the years, we've tested various Apple tablets and understand what distinguishes each model. The latest iPad Pro models boast advanced displays and powerful M-series chipsets, ideal for those needing top performance. For those prioritizing portability, the iPad Mini packs impressive features into a compact form, resembling a larger iPhone at a more affordable price. For simpler needs, like e-reading, Apple's base iPads offer excellent performance and value.

While Apple dominates the tablet market, alternatives exist, especially if you're not tied to the Apple ecosystem. These alternatives can offer quality upgrades at competitive prices. If you're committed to an iPad, consider enhancing your experience with accessories like keyboards.

Additional contributions by Mark Knapp and Danielle Abraham

1. Apple iPad (10th Gen)

Best Overall iPad

Best Overall### Apple iPad (10th Gen)

2The 10th Generation 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. This model is an excellent choice for most users, offering a more approachable price point compared to the Pro models, which can exceed $1,000.

The display, while not the most advanced, delivers sharp visuals with a 2360x1640 resolution. It doesn't feature the 120Hz refresh rate of higher-end models, but it's still highly functional. Compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil adds versatility for creative tasks.

The design refresh from the previous generation includes slimmer bezels and reduced thickness and weight. The front-facing camera now sits at the top in landscape mode, enhancing video calls with Center Stage technology, which tracks your movement for better framing.

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of memory, this iPad offers improved performance and longevity. It also adopts USB-C charging, aligning with modern device standards for better future-proofing.

The 11th-generation iPad, now available, features an A16 processor and doubled starting storage.

2. Apple iPad (9th Gen)

Best Budget iPad

### Apple iPad (9th Gen)

0The 9th Generation iPad is our top budget pick, offering solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display at a starting price under $300. It's often available at even lower prices during sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday.

Running the latest iPadOS, this iPad maintains strong performance despite its slightly older A13 Bionic processor. It lacks some of the advanced features of the iPad Air, Mini, or Pro, but it still provides access to all the same apps, though some may run less smoothly.

Ideal for media consumption, basic gaming, and e-reading, the 9th Gen iPad is also a great 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 new iPad Pro, powered by the Apple M4 processor and featuring an OLED display, represents the pinnacle of Apple's tablet technology. This model is thinner than ever, surpassing even the iPad Air, yet it houses the powerful M4 chip, outperforming the latest MacBook Air.

The OLED display delivers stunning visuals, making it ideal for watching content or reading. The M4 chip ensures smooth performance across gaming and creative tasks, supported by an 8-core GPU. The Apple Pencil Pro, though an additional cost, enhances its appeal for artists and photo editors.

To transform the iPad Pro into a full workstation, consider the additional expense of accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.

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 Liquid Retina display and weighs just over half a pound, making it an excellent portable option. It's perfect for reading, with its size allowing for comfortable one-handed use.

The iPad Mini supports numerous reading apps and is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it suitable for note-taking and sketching. Its robust build, featuring recycled aluminum, sets it apart from many Android tablets in its price range.

The 7th Generation Mini's A17 Pro processor ensures smooth performance, ideal for media consumption and gaming, and it's compatible with top phone controllers.

OnePlus Pad 2 – Photos

4 Images5. OnePlus Pad 2

Best iPad Alternative

### OnePlus Pad 2

0The OnePlus Pad 2 offers excellent performance and a smooth, large display at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro. It features a 12.1-inch IPS panel with 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and content creation.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it handles the latest apps and games with ease. The tablet includes 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, with impressive battery life and fast 80W charging. OnePlus promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates.

Read the full review: OnePlus Pad 2

Upcoming iPad Models

Apple 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.

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 buying your first iPad or upgrading, consider the following factors for 2025:

Tablet Sizes

Apple offers six iPad models with five different screen sizes. The iPad Mini, with its 8.3-inch display, is perfect for reading and portability. 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 displays with enhanced performance. The iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models, the latter with an Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, ideal for professionals.

Storage Capacity Differences

Most iPads start at 64GB, with the iPad Pro offering up to 2TB. For general use, 64GB is sufficient, but creatives may need 1TB or more, and external storage via USB-C is an option for additional space.

Peripherals to Consider

All iPads except the 9th Gen use USB-C for charging and peripherals. Bluetooth connectivity is essential for accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and gaming controllers. The Files app allows easy access to external storage.

Connectivity

Choose between Wi-Fi-only models for home or office use, or Wi-Fi + cellular models for internet access on the go, which require a mobile data plan.

Price Comparison

The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $269, often lower during sales. The top-tier iPad Pro can reach $2,000 with maximum specifications.

Which iPad Is Best for Kids and Teens in 2025?

For kids and younger users, the iPad Air M2 is recommended. For students, our guide to the best iPads for students provides comprehensive options.