The Best iPad in 2025

Even if the finest iPads are some of the best tablets money can buy, selecting among them is still difficult. The most recent iPads can now handle difficult jobs like graphic design and video editing, while earlier models may still be used to watch movies and browse the internet with ease.

There will likely be a model, or maybe many models, to fit your needs and budget in 2023 because there will be more iPads available than ever before. And even if the cost of iPads has gone up recently, Apple still offers discounts on older models years after they’ve been replaced.

Whatever your needs, we’ve tried nearly every iPad model available, and each choice in the list below is supported by a thorough review. For those who would rather purchase a refurbished device, we’ve also listed some older-generation models. Continue reading to find out which iPad is perfect for you.

1. iPad Pro 12.9

Specifications:

Here are the specifications of the iPad Pro 12.9:

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) must surely be at the top of any list of the finest iPads. If the iPad is all about the enormous screen, the larger iPad Pro has the largest iPad screen as well as the most technologically advanced Apple XDR display, which uses mini-LED technology.

The most recent iPad Pro has an Apple M2 chip as well, making it just as powerful as Apple’s line of Macbook laptops. You get more capable graphics and quicker memory access with the M2. Even with the long list of upgrades, the design is still incredibly thin and light.

Due to its exorbitant cost, it is only available to serious professionals who require its multimedia capabilities. The new iPad includes a camera system that can record Apple ProRes video in addition to the Pencil’s increased hovering abilities. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is absolutely unrivaled.

2. iPad 10.2

Specifications:

Here are the specifications of the iPad 10.2:

The iPad 10.2 (2021) is possibly the iPad with the best value at the moment. The 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera makes it fantastic for video conversations, and the True Tone display makes it more comfortable to use in a range of settings by dynamically changing based on the ambient light. It’s not a significant improvement over the previous model, but it does have those advantages. This makes using the iPad 10.2 (2021) outside especially enjoyable.

We tested every iPad on this list, and we discovered that the 10.2 offers the best value for the money. It’s true that it’s not as effective for high-performance jobs as the Pro or as good for sketching and audio as the iPad Air, but it’s also a lot less expensive.

And even that is relative; we discovered that the iPad 10.2 seems easy to operate and has sufficient power for the majority of jobs when contrasted to a number of non-iPad options you might be considering. So long as you don’t require the Air or Pro’s extensive feature set, this is a fantastic option.

3. iPad Air

Specifications:

Here are the specifications of the iPad Air:

We would suggest this iPad Air to anyone who is considering the iPad Pro but may not require all of its features. The tablet is extremely powerful and shares the same Apple M1 chipset as the iPad Pro 11 (2021). It also has a comparable design, battery life, and accessory compatibility.

The main differences are that it has less storage space and a smaller screen (while it technically employs different technology, we doubt most users will notice this). If you’re not a power user, you might find the Air to be a superior gadget. When we evaluated the devices, we didn’t mind these differences the majority of the time.

Students, in particular, are affected by this. People who wish to save some money will find the iPad Air to be ideal because it feels identical to the iPad Pro but is less expensive. Despite the fact that many of the items on this list are even more affordable. It’s also important to keep in mind that a new iPad Air might be released in 2023.

4. iPad 10.9

Specifications:

Here are the specifications of the iPad 10.9:

The basic iPad 10.9 (2022), a brand-new version from Apple, is the second tablet on our list. This iPad can handle nearly everything that iPads can do well, at a significantly lower price if you’re not seeking the greatest, most powerful tablet available.

With the addition of a separately purchased keyboard cover, Apple has successfully transitioned the base iPad from its vintage, first-generation Air looks to an iPad Pro-inspired design, creating a high-quality, multipurpose tablet that will appeal to the widest possible audience of users.

While the price increase over the iPad 10.2 (2021) is disappointing and the lack of support for the Pencil 2 is simply incorrect, the iPad 10.9 more than justifies its price. It comes in a variety of brilliant colors, including a stylish pink and a strong yellow.

5. iPad Pro 11

Specifications:

Here are the specifications of the iPad Pro 11:

Although the iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) is a more remarkable piece of technology, the iPad Pro 11 (2022) is still a very great professional tablet. The better, brighter screen seen on the 12.9-inch iPad is absent from the 11-inch tablet, and mini-LED dimming is not supported. With an inside Apple M2 chip in the laptop class, it is still a powerful device.

The admittedly much more expensive iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) will, in our opinion, satisfy the majority of graphics professionals and other people who seek a professional tablet better. If it is too expensive, the iPad Air (2022) has a wonderful design and also supports the Apple Pencil 2.

If you want to save some money but still require the professional cameras and ProRes shooting that the Apple M2 chip offers, The iPad Pro is a fantastic tablet that is slightly smaller than Apple’s greatest and has the same look and feel.

6. iPad mini

Specifications:

Here are the specifications of the iPad mini:

Compared to Apple’s other tablets, the iPad mini (2021) is probably a more specialized product. This explains why the first mention of this range appears so far down the list.

The iPad mini is ideal for you if you want a tablet you can simply slide into your luggage (or a huge pocket) because it is a smaller, lighter alternative to the other slates. We were impressed by its strength, sleek appearance, and portability.

Although it costs more than the entry-level tablet and falls short in a number of areas, including battery life and accessory compatibility, this isn’t the slate you should focus on when shopping for a new iPad.

7. iPad Air (2020)

Specifications:

Here are the specifications of the iPad mini:

The iPad Air (2020) is still a fantastic option for an iPad, especially if you can get a great deal. It was the last revision to the Air family until the most recent iPad Air (2022). This year’s model will nevertheless appear to be fairly strong because Apple iPad products typically outperform their rivals.

The iPad Air (2020) really employs the same Apple A14 Bionic chip as the most recent iPad 10.9 (2022), so it will feel modern while running apps, playing games, or doing whatever you choose. This iPad Air, unlike the most recent basic model iPad, also works with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation stylus.

The iPad Air (2020) is a particularly alluring option for consumers who require a more reasonably priced mid-range tablet after a few years of promotions and price reductions. This tablet has a wide variety of colors, giving you more choices than most of the other items on this list, which is something we really like.

Which iPad is the best for creatives?

The Apple Pencil works with any iPad; however, there are two distinct models of the stylus.

The original gives you the bare minimum of functionality but is a real headache to charge. It is compatible with older and entry-level iPads. The second-generation model has better pressure sensitivity and wireless charging, giving you greater control over what you write. A tablet compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 may be preferred for those who need to doodle, write notes, or do other similar tasks. If you work in the creative industry and require a lot of processing power, an iPad Pro would be ideal for you. If not, a portable solution will allow you to work while walking around parks or coffee shops.