By Alex Wawro
last updated
The best iPads for your needs, based on our hands-on testing
The best iPad for you can be hard to find, because Apple has released so many models over the last few years. There was a time when, if you wanted an Apple tablet, you bought the iPad in whatever color and storage you wanted. That's no longer the case.
Apple sells a cornucopia of iPad models, from the big, beautiful iPad Pro to the svelte iPad Air. And with the iPad Pro (2021) and iPad Air (2022) both sporting Apple silicon, there are even meaningful differences in performance and price depending on which size of iPad Pro you buy. Many rank among the best tablets you can buy, but picking which is best for you can be tricky. Of course, with Apple reportedly developing touchscreen MacBooks for the first time ever, the line between MacBook and iPad may be getting a lot thinner in the future.
To help you decide which iPad is right for your needs right now, we've assembled an easy-to-read list here detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet. This is all based on our lab testing and hands-on reviews, with the goal of saving you from making a purchase you might later regret.
The best iPads you can buy today
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1. iPad Air (2022)
The best iPad for most people
Specifications
CPU: M1
Display: 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640 pixels) Liquid Retina
Storage: 64GB/256GB
Ports: USB-C
Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 x 0.24 inches
Weight: 1 pound
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G
Reasons to buy
+ Thin and elegant design Sharp, colorful display Speedy M1-powered performance Long battery life
Solid 12MP cameras
Reasons to avoid
- Peripherals are expensive
As great as the iPad Air 4 is, the iPad Air 5 has replaced it by hitting the same sweet spot between portability and power. The new iPad Air 2022 is ideal for consuming and creating content, and its $599 starting price is within reach for many people.
Thanks to the addition of M1, the iPad Air 2022 is almost on par with the iPad Pro. That isn't to say the Air is now a Pro replacement, but the gap in power is considerably smaller. This, along with its relatively affordable starting price, could make this new iPad Air more compelling than the iPad Pro for budget-minded shoppers who still want thebest iPadtheir money can buy.
Overall, the latest iPad Air is an almost perfect tablet. While there's still some room for improvement, it's hard to put this sleek, powerful slate down. This is arguably the best tablet for most people.
See our full iPad Air (2022) review.
2. iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch)
The biggest, most beautiful iPad you can buy
Specifications
CPU: M1
Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear, wide) 10MP (rear, ultra wide), 12MP True Depth (front)
Display: 12.9 inches, 2732 x 2048 pixels
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Ports: USB-C, Smart Connector
Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Wi-Fi: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with optional 5G
Reasons to buy
+ XDR display gets super bright M1 processor sets new iPadOS records Center Stage is pretty cool
Reasons to avoid
- Display needs HDR content to look its best Expensive, especially with accessories
The best got better when Apple dropped its super-powerful M1 chip inside the already mighty iPad Pro 2021. That chip set new tablet records in Geekbench and Adobe Premiere Rush — continuing Apple's tradition of putting tons of brawn in its sleek tablets. And this 12.9-inch model i the only tablet to sport Apple's Liquid Retina XDR display, which offers much higher brightness — up to 1588 nits!Also, Apple's designed it to do a new video conferencing trick called Center Stage, where the camera tracks and follows you as you move during calls.
Oh, and the basics are still stellar. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021's quad-speaker setup booms, its optional Magic Keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience — and its 10+ hours of battery life is enough to get you through a full day of use. That said, the super-bright XDR display needs HDR content to thrive, and that's not always available — as the likes of Hulu and HBO Max have yet to adopt it. Also, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 is more expensive than the MacBook Air — and heavier to boot, at least when docked with its Magic Keyboard. But, still, the iPad Pro 2021 is worth it for creative pros who want the best tablet for their next masterpiece.
Read our full iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) review.
3. iPad mini 6 2021
The best super-portable iPad
Specifications
CPU: A15 Bionic
Camera Resolution: 12MP (front and rear)
Display: 8.3-inch (2266 x 1488 pixels) Liquid Retina
Storage: 64GB, 256GB
Ports: USB-C
Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 0.7 pound
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G (Sub-6)
Reasons to buy
+ Super-portable, light design Speedy A15 Bionic processor Sharp and bright display
Reasons to avoid
- No Magic Keyboard or headphone jack Pricey
We love the flat-edged iPads listed above, but none if them is as portable or light as the new iPad mini (which should be called the iPad Air mini, if we're being honest). It has the thin-bezels and flat-edges design of the iPad Air, support for the second gen Apple Pencil and even USB-C. Also, its A15 Bionic processor is blazing-fast and its battery life is shockingly good for a tablet this small.
But, yes, we like the iPad mini 6 most for its size. The other iPads aren't as easy to use with just one hand, and this model throws out the dated normal iPad aesthetic for a modern one, so you're not compromising for your preferred size. This means you have an iPad that's better for reading books and comic books, and can share a small desk with your other items.
Read our full Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) review.
4. iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch)
The best iPad for power users on the go
Specifications
CPU: M1
Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear, wide) 10MP (rear, ultra wide), 12MP True Depth (front)
Display: 11 inches (2388 x 1668 pixels)
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Ports: USB-C, Smart Connector
Dimensions: 9.7 x 7 x 0.2 inches
Weight: 1 pound
Wi-Fi: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with optional 5G
Reasons to buy
+ Fantastic screen Epic battery life M1 processor is blazing-fast
Reasons to avoid
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro's display is better iPadOS feels limited with M1 power
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro may have the bigger, brighter screen, but the 11-inch iPad Pro is arguably better for more people. Not only is its battery life fantastic — more than 13 hours on the Tom's Guide battery test, making it the longest-lived iPad on this list — but it's lighter and fits better with last year's Magic Keyboard. Plus, it's $300 less expensive than its bigger sibling. On top of that, you get the astonishing speed of the Apple M1 chip, which is powerful enough to handle even the most demanding video and image editing apps.
The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 is great for getting things done, but it also excels as an entertainment device. Its bright and colorful display is sharp, its four speakers provide much larger sound than you might expect from such a thin device, and if you're willing to pony up the cash its amazing (optional) Magic Keyboard offers the simplest and smoothest tablet typing experience there is.
Read our full iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) review.
5. iPad 2022 (10th gen)
The best regular iPad in years
Specifications
CPU: A14 Bionic
Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear), 12MP with 122-degree FOV (front)
Display: 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) Liquid Retina
Storage: 64GB, 256GB
Ports: USB-C
Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches
Weight: 1.05 pounds
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G
Reasons to buy
+ Sleeker design with slimmer bezels Fast A14 Bionic processor Long battery life Comfy Magic Keyboard with touchpad Cellular upgraded to 5G
Reasons to avoid
- More expensive that previous model Apple Pencil awkward to charge Just 64GB of storage Doesn’t support Stage Manager in iPadOS 16
The iPad 2022 is a tablet that looks and feels new, and that’s a welcome change over the last few iterations. We appreciate the sleeker design and bigger display, though some may miss the headphone jack from the 9th gen iPad. We also like the Touch ID-enabled power button, repositioned front camera and USB-C charging, as well as the upgraded A14 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity.
However, $449 is a lot of money to spend on this tablet. Yes, Apple is keeping the $329 iPad 9th gen around, but it still stings to see a $120 jump from one generation to the next. Our bigger issue is with the Apple Pencil situation; it’s just way too awkward to charge this thing, and there’s nowhere to store the stylus when not in use.
Do we think the iPad 2022 is worth the splurge over last year’s model? Mostly, as this is a more future-proof tablet. Overall, the iPad 10th gen is one of the best tablets, but we can’t unequivocally say that it’s the best tablet for most people because of the higher price and Apple Pencil blunder.
Read our full iPad 2022 review.
How to choose the best iPad for you
If you know you want to buy an iPad, you've already made your buying decision easier by eliminating a large swath of Android and Windows tablets from the running.Now you just need to ask yourself a few key questions.
How do you plan to use this iPad? Is it mostly going to stay within easy reach of the couch, and be used primarily for light entertainment like browsing Reddit, watching YouTube videos, or looking up trivia on IMDB? Then you don't need all the power of Apple's new M1 chip, and you'll probably be very happy with the svelte iPad Air or the less expensive base iPad.
But if this is a tablet you plan to use for creative purposes, either as a laptop replacement (which basically requires investing in a Magic Keyboard attachment) or as a device for editing photos and videos, you should consider paying the premium for a new iPad Pro. Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models of the 2021 iPad Pro are incredibly performant due to having Apple's speedy M1 chip.
If you have money to burn, consider splurging on the 12.9-inch model: not only is it nice to have the extra screen space, but it's the only iPad to sport an eye-catching mini-LED display, which Apple is marketing as a pro-grade screen that will make your photos and videos look their best. Just be aware that it really requires HDR content to look its best, and that's still hard to find within the iPadOS ecosystem.
How much storage do you need? Because it can't be upgraded after you buy it. Frankly, Apple is pretty unfriendly about storage on iPads, often equipping the entry-level models with barely enough storage to get by. You don't want anything less than 64 GB, and if you're planning on storing a good amount of high-res videos and apps on your iPad you'll probably want to get a model with at least 128 GB of storage space.
Do you want cellular connectivity? Having an iPad that can access cellular data networks really improves your quality of life by letting you use Internet-reliant apps wherever you can get a signal. However, if you're not planning on taking your iPad on the go, you'll probably be just fine with a simple Wi-Fi-only model.
How we test iPads
First, we run as many benchmarks as that iPad will allow, to see how fast they are in ways that can be compared directly against competitors. We then use colorimeters and light meters to measure how colorful and bright these tablets’ screens can get. After that, we put them through our in-house battery test, which times how long it takes — while surfing the web with brightness at 150 nits — to drain a tablet of a charge.
After that, we do the same things you do — browse the web, watch YouTube, play games, compose emails — and then a lot more. We try and write some (or all) of our tablet reviews on the tablets we're testing, on an attachable keyboard if possible. Nobody wants to write a magnum opus on a glass screen, trust me.
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Alex Wawro
Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. A lifelong PC builder, he currently serves as a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice.
Topics
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Tablets
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FAQs
What iPads are coming out 2023? ›
According to prominent display analyst and industry insider Ross Young, the 14-inch iPad could make its debut sometime in the first quarter of 2023.
Which series of iPad is best? ›Best for Most People
Yes, there's a new entry-level iPad in town, but we still think the ninth-generation iPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2021 is the best iPad for most people. It's the most affordable (and has dipped as low as $280 at Amazon before).
The M3 chip is expected to be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm process, bringing the biggest performance and efficiency boost to Apple's chips in several years. The first Apple devices with M3 chips are not likely to appear until the second half of 2023, which seemingly rules out a new iPad Pro anytime soon.
Which iPads are no longer updating? ›- iPad (fifth generation and later)
- iPad mini 5 and later.
- iPad Air 3 and later.
- iPad Pro (all models)
And with a January 2023 refresh of the Mac Mini and MacBook Pro, kitting these out with the latest-generation Apple Silicon M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max, the line up is stronger than ever.
Will there be an iPad Air 2023? ›Sixth-Generation iPad Air: Unlikely
As such, as of 2023, it has been some time since the iPad Air had a major hardware refresh. Yet due to its positioning between the entry-level iPad and the iPad Pro, it is not immediately clear what a new iPad Air model could gain without cannibalizing the iPad Pro.
That delivers up to an 18% faster CPU, 35% faster GPU (10-core vs 8-core), and a 2x boost in memory bandwidth from 50GB/s to 100GB/s. But three other advantages the iPad Pro holds over the iPad Air – in this category – are Thunderbolt support, 16GB RAM on the 1TB and 2TB models, and more storage options.
Which iPad lasts the longest? ›iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch)
Not only is its battery life fantastic — more than 13 hours on the Tom's Guide battery test, making it the longest-lived iPad on this list — but it's lighter and fits better with last year's Magic Keyboard.
How Many Years Should an iPad Last? Apple usually supports a new iPad with iPadOS updates for at least five years and often several years longer. Most iPad models hold up well in performance, features, and storage over this timeframe which means that five years is a standard lifespan for any iPad.
What Apple products are coming out in 2024? ›The new tier of iPhone could be released alongside the iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, the report says. The company has already used the Ultra name to differentiate its top-model smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra, and the top version of its M1 processor.
Which iPad Pro is discontinued? ›
| Model | Announced | Discontinued |
|---|---|---|
| 9.7-inch | March 21, 2016 | June 5, 2017 |
| 12.9-inch (2nd generation) | June 5, 2017 | October 30, 2018 |
| 10.5-inch | June 5, 2017 | March 18, 2019 |
| 11-inch (1st generation) 12.9-inch (3rd generation) | October 30, 2018 | March 18, 2020 |
An old iPad won't run the latest apps and games, but it can still be your remote control, digital photo frame, dedicated e-book reader, nightstand alarm clock, and more. If your iPad can't run the latest version of iPadOS, it's officially old.
Can an iPad last 10 years? ›Your iPad has a finite lifespan. After a few years, you'll likely notice deteriorated performance, illustrated by crashed apps, unresponsive buttons, low storage and poor battery life.
Are old iPads worth anything? ›In general, Apple Products hold their value extremely well. And iPads specifically hold their value even better than most other Apple products. With that said, all electronics lose value over time. So no matter which iPad you own, the best time to sell your used iPad is now.
Which Apple product is worth buying? ›Apple iMac (2021)
This iMac is a mighty desktop computer that comes in seven different color options. It is powered by the Apple M1 chip. If I had to choose one of these products for my university studies, I would go for the Apple iPad 9 10.2-inch.
The Mac Pro is the last of the Mac lineup to continue to use Intel chips, and Apple is expected to transition the machine to Apple silicon in 2023. Rumors suggest that the Mac Pro will use an M2 Ultra chip with up to a 24-core CPU, up to a 76-core GPU, and at least 192GB of RAM, possibly more.
Is Apple making a 14? ›Contents. The iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus are Apple's "affordable" flagship iPhones with pricing starting at $799, and the devices are being sold alongside the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple did away with the "mini" iPhone in 2022, and the iPhone 14 models come in 6.1- and 6.7-inch sizes ...
Should I wait for iPad 2023? ›Update 01/30/23: The latest iPad Pros were released in October 2023 and feature an M2 processor and a new Apple Pencil “hover” feature. This is a good time to buy.
Is 64 GB a lot for iPad? ›An iPad with 64GB storage or less is suitable if you want to browse the internet, check your email, Facetime, or watch series. It's enough storage capacity to download apps and play some games.
Is Apple stopping the iPad Air? ›Announced in March 2022, the iPad Air is now among the older iPads in Apple's lineup and it is likely midway through its product cycle. Apple does not seem to update the iPad Air regularly, leaving up to two and a half years between upgrades, and there are no immediate signs of a new model at the moment.
Why iPad Pro is the best? ›
Pick the 2022 iPad Pro if you want the extra power and better screen over other iPads. It's very fast, the screen display and speakers are excellent for kicking back and watching movies, and it's a great tablet for creatives who need added power for video or photo editing.
Which iPad has the best battery life? ›iPad Pro (2021, 12.9-inch)
And about that M1 processor, our tests showed that the new iPad Pro is faster at image editing than actual laptops. And with 10+ hours of battery life, it also outlasts most PCs.
Overall, the 2022 iPad Pro is a very minor upgrade over the 2021 model, with the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover being the only significant changes, meaning that it is difficult to recommend upgrading.
How many years will an iPad last me? ›iPads generally have a lifespan of about 5 years. Keep your software as up-to-date as possible. Plan to replace your tablet every 3 years. Reference Table 1 below to determine if your iPad is still supported.
Which is better an iPad or a tablet? ›Compared to competing tablets, the iPad is more stable, easier to use, and works more smoothly. In terms of overall user experience for a non-technical user, Apple's iOS has a distinct advantage over Google's Android OS. It's a robust, user-friendly operating system with a simple UI.
How many years does a battery last in an iPad? ›The iPad's battery can retain 80% of its original capacity until 1000 charge cycles. Replace your iPad's battery after four years of use or when the battery begins to swell or show any signs of battery malfunction.
When can we expect the next iPad? ›Apple could add an OLED iPad to its lineup in 2024, and the iPad Pro could perhaps be the first iPad to adopt an OLED display. Display analyst Ross Young believes that Apple will release both 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays, with a launch coming in 2024.
Is there a new iPad coming out in 2022? ›You can order the new iPad Pro 2022 from the Apple online store (opens in new tab). The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799/£899/AU$1,399 while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs $1,099/£1,249/AU$1,399, though as these are entry-level models they'll only offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
Is Apple releasing a new iPhone in 2023? ›The 2023 iPhone 15
There will be four iPhone 15 models in the same sizes as the iPhone 14 models, including two 6.1-inch iPhones and two 6.7-inch iPhones. One of each size will be standard iPhone 15 models, while the other two will be more expensive higher-end "Pro" models.
We will support iPads that are still being supported by Apple and running iPadOS 14. iPads generally have a lifespan of about 5 years. Keep your software as up-to-date as possible. Plan to replace your tablet every 3 years.
Is Apple discontinuing making iPads? ›
Well, it will soon no longer. Apple announced Tuesday that it will discontinue production of its iconic device, with the remaining stock only available "while supplies last." For many, the iPod touch specifically was an entryway to Apple's wider ecosystem.
Is Apple releasing new iPad plans? ›Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini, with mass shipments expected to start towards the end of 2023 or in the first half of 2024, according to the latest information shared by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
What is the biggest iPad? ›Model.
The 11-inch display gives you an immersive and portable experience. And the 12.9-inch XDR display is a stunning and expansive way to view HDR content.
iPad Pro 12.9″ 5th Gen (2021) and 11″ 3rd Gen (2021) The iPad Pro 5th Gen is the newest and most advanced iPad.
Is iPad Pro 2022 worth it? ›The 2022 Apple iPad Pro offers the same external hardware and design as the 2021 model. The biggest upgrades are the latest M2 processor and a new feature for the Apple Pencil. The 2022 iPad Pro remains the best and most powerful tablet if you're willing to pay for it.
Will there be a new iPad in 2024? ›In short, you can expect Apple's iPad Pro 2024 sometime in Spring, 2024. In January, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed that a new iPad Pro in 2023 is unlikely, with the successor to the current lineup expected no earlier than the first half of 2024.
How big is the iPad Pro 2023? ›Related Stories. Notably, Young previously said that Apple is working on a massive, 14.1-inch version of the iPad Pro, to be released in 2023, and The Information said that the upcoming device might have an even larger, 16-inch display.
What will Apple release in 2025? ›Apple Working on 20.5-Inch All-Screen Foldable Notebook for 2025. Apple is developing a 20.5-inch foldable notebook that could be released as soon as 2025, according to information shared today by display analyst Ross Young.
Will the iPhone be around in 10 years? ›Originally Published by:
Top analyst and long-time industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple expects to replace the iPhone in just 10 years – by 2032. In its place would be an AR device – that's augmented reality. AR is when computer-generated images are overlaid on the world around you.
But over the next decade, the iPhone could evolve into a hub for smart glasses and other devices. AirPods, Apple Watches and CarPlay-enabled vehicles may be just the start. The iPhone's core elements, like its display and charging systems, are also expected to get a significant boost.
How much will the iPhone 14 cost? ›
How much the iPhone 14 costs. There are three options when it comes to picking up the base iPhone 14, depending on how much internal storage space you want. The iPhone 14 is offered with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB for $799, $899, and $1,099, respectively.