With so many results that pop up when you search “iPad,” finding the right one for your needs can feel like too much. We’re here to clarify things. This article will walk you through the key considerations for selecting the best iPad for you, whether you’re a casual user, a professional, a parent, or even if you need the perfect option as a frequent traveler.
A Quick Note About Selecting Storage Size
Regardless of which iPad you choose, you’ll need to pick a storage size. For users who generally rely on cloud storage and streaming 64GB will be plenty. However, if you want to store media, apps, and other large files without running out of space, go with the 128GB, 256GB or larger.
Should You Get the Extended Warranty AppleCare+?
With any iPad purchase, you have the option to add AppleCare+, which will extend your warranty, add coverage for accidental damage, and give you tech support for two years. If the device will be in heavy use, handled by kids, or if you anticipate having questions over the years, this protection is invaluable.
What This Guide Will Cover
In this article, we’ll explore different iPad models and who they’re best suited for.
Here’s the breakdown, and then we’ll look at each in detail:
- Best for Most People — 10th Generation iPadThis iPad strikes the perfect balance of price, performance, and features for the average user.
- Best Upgrade — iPad Air: A step up from the base model, offering better performance and additional features without jumping to premium prices.
- Best High-Performance — 11-inch iPad Pro: A powerful iPad that delivers top-tier performance, ideal for users who need more than just the basics.
- Absolute Best of the Best — 13-inch iPad Pro: The ultimate iPad experience with the largest screen, highest performance, and most features.
- Best Budget Choice — 9th Generation iPad: The most affordable option that still offers a reliable and satisfying user experience.
- Best for Kids — Refurbished iPad: A durable and cost-effective iPad option tailored for younger users.
- Best for Portability & Travel — iPad Mini: The iPad that’s easy to carry around and ideal for those who are always on the move.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPad is right for you and what configuration will best meet your needs. Alright, let’s find your perfect iPad!
Best for Most People: iPad (10th Generation)
The most recent iPad is the ideal choice for most users because it perfectly balances affordability, performance, and versatility. This model is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from students and families to casual users who want a reliable device for everyday tasks.
Key Specs and What They Mean for You
Speed: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, this iPad offers smooth performance across all standard tasks. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or using productivity apps, this chip ensures everything runs efficiently without lag. It’s not the powerhouse of the Pro models, but for most people, it’s more than enough to handle multitasking and even some gaming.
Screen: The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display provides a vibrant and crisp viewing experience. This means whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or reading, the visuals are clear and engaging. The display size also offers enough screen real estate to comfortably use split-screen mode, making multitasking between apps seamless.
Camera, etc: With a 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera, the iPad is perfect for video calls, whether for work or connecting with family. The 12MP Wide back camera is good enough for scanning documents, taking photos, or recording videos in decent quality. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity, which is great for streaming, downloading, or browsing.
This iPad is the go-to choice for most users because it delivers on all fronts — performance, versatility, and value. Whether you’re using it for work, play, or a bit of both, this iPad has the power and features to keep up with your everyday needs without overwhelming you with unnecessary extras.
Best Upgrade: iPad Air
The iPad Air is the ideal choice if you’re looking to step up from the base model without diving into the premium price range of the iPad Pro. It offers a significant boost in performance and features, making it a fantastic option for users who want more power and versatility without going overboard.
Key Specs and What They Mean for You
Speed: The iPad Air (5th Generation) is powered by the M1 chip, the same processor found in Apple’s MacBook Air. This means you’re getting a level of performance that’s far beyond what the A14 Bionic chip in the iPad (10th Generation) offers. Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, working with multiple apps simultaneously, or even dabbling in light video editing, the M1 chip handles it all with ease, delivering a smooth, responsive experience.
Screen: It features a 11-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color support, providing vibrant colors and sharp details. This makes it a great choice for creatives who work with visuals, such as graphic design or photo editing, as well as for anyone who enjoys watching high-quality video content.
Camera, etc: The 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage keeps you perfectly framed during video calls, even as you move around, which is particularly useful for virtual meetings or family calls. The iPad Air also includes a 12MP Wide back camera, which is great for capturing photos, scanning documents, or recording videos. With 5G connectivity (in the cellular model), you can enjoy faster internet speeds on the go, making this iPad a powerful companion for remote work or travel.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or creative, if you’re looking for a device with extra power and capabilities without breaking the bank, the iPad Air is what you’re looking for to elevate your tablet experience.
Best High-Performance: 11-inch iPad Pro
The 11-inch iPad Pro is the go-to choice for those who demand top-tier performance in a portable package. This iPad is designed to handle the most demanding tasks, making it ideal for professionals, creatives, and anyone who wants to push the limits of what a tablet can do.
Key Specs and What They Mean for You
Speed: At the heart of this iPad is the M2 chip, Apple’s latest and most powerful processor for tablets. This chip is a powerhouse, enabling smooth performance for the most intensive tasks, from 4K video editing to 3D design and gaming. The M2 chip also brings improvements in efficiency, ensuring that the device runs cooler and maintains battery life even under heavy use.
Screen: The 11-inch Liquid Retina display features ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone. This combination delivers an incredibly fluid and responsive experience, perfect for tasks requiring precision, such as graphic design, animation, or detailed photo editing. The display’s sharpness and color accuracy also make it ideal for viewing high-resolution content.
Camera, etc: The iPad Pro comes equipped with a 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage, ensuring you’re always in focus during video calls. The rear camera system includes a 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-Wide camera, along with a LiDAR scanner for enhanced AR experiences. For professionals, the ability to shoot, edit, and produce content directly on the iPad Pro is a game-changer. Additionally, with 5G connectivity, you can expect lightning-fast internet speeds on the go.
In short, the iPad Pro (11-inch, 6th Generation) is the best choice for those who need the highest performance possible in a tablet, whether for work, play, or creative pursuits. It’s a device that doesn’t just keep up with your demands—it exceeds them.
Best of the Absolute Best: 13-inch iPad Pro
If you’re looking for the furthest an iPad can go, the 13-inch iPad Pro is the ultimate choice. This model isn’t just about performance — it’s about having the most expansive and immersive iPad experience possible. With its massive Liquid Retina XDR display, powered by the M2 chip, this iPad is designed for those who need (or simply want) the very best, regardless of the cost.
Best Budget Choice: iPad (9th Generation)
For those who want a reliable iPad without spending too much, the 9th Generation iPad is the best budget-friendly option. This model offers excellent value, combining solid performance with essential features at a lower price point. It’s perfect for users who need a capable device for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and using apps, without needing the latest and greatest technology.
Key Specs and What They Mean for You
Speed: This iPad is equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 11. While it’s not the latest chip, it still provides more than enough power for typical tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, and running educational apps. It’s also capable of handling some light multitasking, making it versatile for various uses.
Screen: The 10.2-inch Retina display offers sharp and clear visuals, perfect for watching movies, browsing the web, or using apps. Although it doesn’t have the advanced display technologies of higher-end models, it still delivers a satisfying viewing experience, especially considering its price point.
Camera, etc: It features an 8MP rear camera and a 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage, which keeps you in the frame during video calls—a feature usually found in more expensive models. This makes it a great option for students or anyone who needs a reliable device for virtual meetings or classes.
The 9th Generation iPad stands out as the best budget option because it offers a comprehensive set of features at a price that’s hard to beat. It provides all the essential functions you’d expect from an iPad — smooth performance, a beautiful display, and good camera quality — without the premium cost.
Best for Kids: Refurbished iPad
When it comes to finding the right iPad for kids, a refurbished older iPad stands out as an excellent choice. These iPads are durable, reliable, and, most importantly, affordable, making it ideal for younger users who don’t need extra high-performance capabilities and who may not always be the most careful with their devices. This model offers all the essential features kids need for learning, playing games, and watching videos at a significant cost savings compared to the latest models.
Note that there is very minimal risk in going with a renewed iPad. Apple’s refurbishment process ensures that the device is as good as new, with a new battery and outer shell, making it a smart and economical choice for parents.
Best for Portability & Travel: iPad Mini
For those who are always on the move, the iPad Mini is the perfect travel companion. Its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to slip into a bag or even a large pocket, without sacrificing the power you need for a variety of tasks.
This iPad is designed with portability in mind. With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, it offers enough screen real estate for watching videos, reading, and working on the go, but it’s small enough to carry effortlessly. The A15 Bionic chip ensures that it performs smoothly, whether you’re navigating maps, streaming content, or catching up on work.
Conclusion — An iPad Decision-Making Hack
As you already know, the best iPad for you depends on how you’ll use it and what features matter most to you, but you might still be unsure what that is. We get it.
So here’s a hack to simplify things.
If you’re still on the fence, it is a near certainty that the 10th Generation iPad will be perfect for you. It is the iPad for people who don’t know what iPad to get. It’s that simple. With a 95% approval rating from current users, it is the reliable choice that offers the best balance of performance and value to the vast majority of iPad users.
So, if after all this, you wish there was an even simpler answer, this is it: 256GB 10th Gen iPad with AppleCare+. Done. We’re confident this will exceed your expectations without overcomplicating the decision-making process.
But whatever your final choice, you’re going to love it. Be ready to enjoy everything your new iPad will offer, from productivity to entertainment and more. Have fun!