Update: We last updated this article with iPad Pro M5 on October 22, 2025
There are quite a few iPad models available in the market. It’s like going to an Ice Cream parlour with countless flavours, toppings, and sizes. There’s the reliable base model iPad (dependable just like vanilla), the compact iPad Mini (pocketable like an Ice Cream Sandwich), the versatile iPad Air (serves all like a scoop of blueberry ), and the king of all: the iPad Pro (multi-layered Chocolate Fudge Brownie). So, without further ado, let’s find the best iPad to satisfy your digital cravings.
Table of Contents
List of Available iPads in Apple’s Lineup?
Currently, four different types of iPad models are available in the company’s lineup, each catering to a different set of users. Here are the main selling points of each of them:
- iPad: The most affordable iPad that will cater to most users. It is available in a single size of 11 inches and does not support Apple Intelligence features.
- iPad Air: For those looking for better performance while on a budget, the iPad Air offers the best speed and design without costing a leg and an arm. You can purchase it in 11-inch and 13-inch size variants.
- iPad Pro: The flagship iPad is designed for content creators, editors, and graphic designers. Made for professionals, it has all the advanced features, such as an Ultra Retina XDR display with ProMotion and the latest chip. It is available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants.
- iPad mini: The smallest and most compact iPad for those on the move. It prioritizes portability while still maintaining an affordable price tag. It is only available in an 8.3-inch size option.
Best iPad for Students (Most Users): iPad 11th Gen
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display
- A16 Bionic Chip
- 6GB of memory
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options
- 12MP Wide rear camera and 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Support for Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Price: $349
Why We Recommend It:
The 11th Gen iPad brings some much-needed upgrades. It fixes two of the biggest complaints: storage and processing speed. It uses the A16 Bionic, which is the same chipset as the iPhone 15, resulting in smoother performance. Furthermore, the base storage is now 128GB compared to 64GB on previous models. Given that Apple doesn’t support a microSD card for expansion, this is a rather welcome and much-needed improvement. Another standout feature is the battery life, since it lasts longer than the M3 iPad Air
Who Should Buy It:
The new iPad 11th Generation is the perfect choice for most users. Powered by the A16 chipset, it has the same processing power as the iPhone 15. It can handle demanding games as well as all of your multitasking needs. Moreover, the 11-inch Liquid Retina is excellent for taking notes and research. Talking about notes, it supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and supports Magic Keyboard Folio. The 12-megapixel front camera can serve all your needs for online classes and video calls. With up to 10 hours of video playback, you can binge-watch all your favourite TV shows on a single charge
Who Shouldn’t Buy:
One of the major drawbacks of the 11th-gen iPad is that there’s no Apple Intelligence support. Since it lacks the 8GB of RAM, which is the bare minimum for Apple Intelligence. Another issue is the 60Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated by 2025 standards. Moreover, the lack of an M-series chip means you miss out on multitasking features like Stage Manager. If you want a powerful iPad for video editing, it’s better to skip the 11th Gen one.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| Powerful A16 processor | No Stage Manager support |
| Available in multiple colour options | 60Hz refresh rate |
| Apple Pencil support | No Apple Intelligence support |
| The base model now has 128GB of storage. |
Also Read:
- Apple Announces iPad Air M3 and iPad 11th Gen With Faster Processing Power: Price, Specs
- You Can Use the Apple Pencil as a Camera Button for Your iPad
Best iPad for Those on the Go: iPad Mini
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
- A17 Pro chip with Apple Intelligence
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options
- 12MP Wide rear camera and 12MP Center Stage camera
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Support for Apple Pencil Pro
- Price: $499
Why We Recommend It:
Don’t let its size fool you, as the iPad mini, despite its smaller form factor, still packs a punch. It is more powerful than the 11th Gen iPad thanks to the A17 Pro chip underneath. This is the same chip that powers the iPhone 15 Pro. Unlike the 11th-generation iPad, there is support for Apple Intelligence. Oh, and there is also support for Apple Pencil Pro, which supports features like squeeze, double tap, hover barrel roll, and even haptic feedback. The iPad mini has all the multitasking features despite its smaller form factor, and you can also purchase it in a cellular variant. Overall, it’s the best compact iPad that Apple has to offer.
Who Should Buy It:
The iPad Mini is the perfect tablet for those constantly on the move. Slightly bigger than a Kindle and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it is the best travel companion. It weighs only 293 grams and is 6.3 mm thick, so you can easily fit it in your purse or backpack. The compact nature means you can easily hold it in one hand. This makes it the ideal device for those who want something between a phone and a tablet.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
The compact form factor means it isn’t made for heavy split-screen multitasking. Furthermore, those typing long documents will find the lack of Magic Keyboard support limiting. You also miss out on features like Stage Manager found on more expensive models. Furthermore, the 60Hz refresh rate and expensive price tag make it a harder device to recommend compared to the iPad Air and 11th Gen iPad.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| Compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display | No Stage Manager support |
| Apple Intelligence support | No folio keyboard case from Apple |
| More powerful than iPad 11th Gen | 60Hz refresh rate |
| Option for cellular connectivity |
Best iPad for Note Taking and Performance: iPad Air M3
- 11-inch/13-inch Liquid Retina display
- M3 chip with Apple Intelligence
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB,1TB storage options
- 12MP Wide rear camera and 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Support for Apple Pencil Pro
- Price: $599
Why We Recommend It:
The main highlight of the iPad Air is the M3 chipset, which offers Mac-level performance in a tablet.. Interestingly, it’s even affordable than the M3 MacBooks and the more expensive iPad Pro M5. The M3 chip is twice as fast as the M1 and 3.5 times faster than the A14 Bionic in the iPad 10th Gen. It is the ideal combination of performance and value. Available in two sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch, it is the perfect canvas for drawing and multitasking
Who Should Buy It:
If you can extend your budget further and want a bigger and more powerful tablet than the iPad Mini and 11th Generation, the iPad Air M3 is for you. You get pro-level performance without the premium price, so you can even do heavy-duty tasks on it. Whether it’s editing videos on Final Cut or playing AAA titles like AC Mirage, you can do it all. And unlike the iPad Mini and 11th Gen, you get Stage Manager for multitasking, which makes it a capable laptop replacement. You can even opt for the 13-inch variant if you love binge-watching content.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
The iPad Air M3, despite its powerful performance, still has a 60Hz refresh rate. It can be a potential dealbreaker for artists and animators who want minimal latency and a smoother touchscreen. The dual speaker setup isn’t the best out there and is a noticeable step down from the quad speaker setup. For those who want the best possible experience, the iPad Pro M5 is the best experience.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| The most powerful iPad in the segment with an M3 chipset | 60Hz refresh rate (No ProMotion) |
| Available in multiple colour options | No antiglare coating option |
| Stage Manager support | |
| Apple Pencil Pro support | |
| Magic keyboard support |
Also Read:
- How to Remove Frequently Used Emojis on iPhone and iPad
- 3 Standout Features of Calculator App in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18
Best Budget iPad/Cheapest iPad: iPad 10th Gen
- 10.2-inch Retina display
- A14 Bionic chip
- 64GB or 256GB storage options
- 8MP Wide rear camera and 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Support for Apple Pencil (1st generation)
- Price: $269
Why We Recommend It:
Are you in the market for the cheapest and most affordable iPad? The iPad 10th Generation offers the same features as the 11th generation, except for a slower chipset and less base storage. It uses the A14 Bionic chip, the same one found on the iPhone 12, and is a bit dated now. However, it’s still good enough to watch videos and play casual games.
Who Should Buy It:
The iPad 10th gen is the easiest choice for those on a tight budget. Its design, display, camera, and battery backup are the same as the new iPad 11th Generation, so there isn’t a lot that you are missing out on
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
The iPad 10th gen isn’t made for power users due to the A14 Bionic chip. One major downside is that you get 64GB of storage in the base variant, and bumping up to 128GB could cost you the same as the newer iPads. Also, the screen isn’t laminated so there’s a visible gap between the glass and the LCD panel. This can result in a disconnect while using the Apple Pencil. Speaking of the Apple Pencil, you will either need a USB-C to Lightning adapter. In case you use the Apple Pencil with USB-C, you will need to deal with the lack of pressure sensitivity.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| The most affordable iPad available | Only 64GB of storage in the base model |
| It has the same design, display, cameras, and battery as the iPad 11th Gen | 60Hz refresh rate |
| Multiple colour options | No Apple Intelligence support |
| Apple Pencil support |
Best iPad for Creators/Most Expensive iPad: iPad Pro M5
- 11-inch/13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (Optional nano-texture glass)
- M5 chip with Apple Intelligence
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage options
- 12MP Wide rear camera, 10MP Ultra-Wide rear camera, and 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Support for Apple Pencil Pro
- Price: $999
Why We Recommend It:
Last but not least is the iPad Pro, the most powerful iPad you can buy. M5 delivers up to 3.5 times the AI performance of the M4, enabled by a faster 16-core Neural Engine and a new 10-core GPU architecture. You also get an N1 wireless chip as well as Apple’s new C1x modem. The M5 iPad Pro offers more RAM with faster memory bandwidth, apart from drastically better read/write speeds. There’s also support for 120Hz display out, Wi-Fi 7 and 50W wired charging. You also get up to 1.5 times faster 3D rendering with ray tracing and significantly faster video transcoding. Measuring just 5.1mm and just 444 grams for the 11-inch model, it’s the thinnest product from the company.
Who Should Buy It:
Catering to “Pro” users who demand the highest-end performance, these crazy thin iPads have everything turned up to 11. Furthermore, the Ultra Retina XDR combines two OLED panels for a fantastic contrast ratio and colour. It is built for AI developers and data scientists who require a portable device for running and testing complex models. High-end 3D artists, animators, and game developers will directly benefit from GPU’s hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading capabilities. It is also the logical choice for any professional whose current workflow is bottlenecked by the performance of an M4 or older iPad
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
Most iPad users are currently happy with the performance of the existing iPads will find the lack of new features disappointing. Apart from the M5 chip, it’s most identical to the M4 iPad except for the performance upgrades and charging speed. Anyone waiting for a new design, improved battery life, or other quality-of-life features will be disappointed, as this is an internal-only refresh. Despite the new M5 chip, the iPad Pro still cannot emerge as an alternative to Mac due to its shackled iPadOS experience.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| Shockingly thin at just 5.1mm and lightweight | No hardware changes apart from the chipset |
| Beautiful tandem OLED screen with 1600 nits of peak brightness | iPadOS feels limiting for a device with such capabilities |
| New M5 chip with major performance uplifts | |
| Support for Apple Pencil Pro | |
| Support for Stage Manager | |
| Faster 50W wired charging |
What accessories are available for my iPad?
Apple Pencils:
- Apple Pencil (1st generation): This is the original Apple Pencil. It offers precise drawing and note-taking but has a less convenient charging method (it requires plugging into the iPad’s Lightning port). It’s compatible with older iPads and the 11th-generation iPad (with an adapter).
- Apple Pencil (2nd generation): This model features a more refined design, wireless charging (attaches magnetically to compatible iPads), and gesture controls. It’s compatible with the iPad Mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad Pro (3rd generation and later).
- Apple Pencil (USB-C): Similar to the 2nd generation, but charges via USB-C. It is compatible with iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (5th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation).
- Apple Pencil Pro: The most advanced Apple Pencil with added features like a customizable side button, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and more precise “hover” accuracy. Compatible with iPad Pro (M5), iPad Air (M2 and later), and iPad mini (7th generation).
Keyboards:
- Magic Keyboard: A premium keyboard with a trackpad and backlit keys designed for iPad Pro and iPad Air. It provides a laptop-like typing experience.
- Magic Keyboard Folio: Designed for the 10th and 11th generation iPads, this keyboard folio offers a comfortable typing experience with a function row and trackpad.
- Smart Keyboard Folio: A slim, lightweight keyboard compatible with iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Cases:
- Smart Folio: Provides front and back protection for iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. It folds into a stand for comfortable viewing and typing.
- Third-party cases: Different brands offer various cases, offering different levels of protection, features (like Apple Pencil holders), and styles.
iPad Compatible Accessories
| Accessory | iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) | iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) | iPad Air 13-inch (M3) | iPad Air 11-inch (M3) | iPad (11th generation) | iPad mini (7th generation) |
| Apple Pencil (1st generation) | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pencil Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Air | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Magic Keyboard Folio | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Smart Keyboard Folio | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Smart Folio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Logitech Crayon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party Keyboards | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party Cases | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
