For many people, it’s not a question of which tablet to buy, but which iPad. Apple‘s screen machines come in four flavors: Air, Mini, Pro and, er, “iPad.” (That’s the least expensive model; Apple charges more if you want a surname.) And I get it: These slates are varying degrees of excellent, thanks to the friendly, robust iPad operating system and unmatched assortment of apps and accessories. I’m not sure there are better tablets for entertaining yourself and creating content, full stop. But back to the bigger question: Which is the best iPad for you?
Spoiler alert: I think there’s one model that will satisfy nearly every tablet shopper. Others have their merits, but they’re a little more niche. If you want a great all-purpose screen that’s suitable for everything from games and movies to web browsing and video calls, Apple has you covered — and it’ll cost less than you might expect.
Want to expand your tablet search beyond Apple? Check out our list of the best tablets you can buy for all kinds of users and situations.
Quick Overview
Table of contents
Update, Sept. 5, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and updated the listing for the iPad Mini to reflect the latest model. Our No. 1 pick for best iPad remains the same. We’ve added further recommendations for students and power users.
The best iPad overall
Apple
That makes this the only current Apple device with a screen to lacks the company’s next-gen smarts. That said, some would argue Apple Intelligence — in its current, not-fully-realized form, anyway — is nice to have, but hardly essential.
I’m in that camp. If you agree, then I can easily, wholeheartedly recommend this iPad. It’s beautiful to look at, affordably priced and arguably more versatile than any competing tablet.
- Double the storage for same price as previous model
- Faster processor
- Unrivaled selection of apps and accessories
- Cellular option available
- Still doesn’t support Apple Intelligence
The other iPads we recommend for 2025
Rick Broida/Yahoo
- Numerous improvements over previous iPad Mini
- Smaller, lighter design makes it easier to hold for long periods
- Cellular option available
- Inexplicably high price
Apple
Apple
How we tested
I’ve owned and used iPads since the first model dropped back in 2010, so it’s safe to say I know my way around Apple’s tablets. I’d argue that the company just about perfected the devices a few generations ago, so there wasn’t a ton of testing required here. It’s like evaluating a chocolate chip cookie with and without a sprinkle of sea salt; they’re both great, just more a matter of personal preference.
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More to the point, every iPad model is fast; the higher-end models might shave a few milliseconds here and there, but that’s about it. You’re very unlikely to notice a performance difference when playing games, browsing web pages, watching videos and the like. So we feel there’s no point in benchmark-testing performance. Similarly, I found all the iPad screens to be razor-sharp and dazzlingly colorful; only art professionals are likely to prefer (or even notice) the iPad Pro’s OLED.
Ultimately, my tests came down to usability, and even then, there was little differentiation: The iPad (A16), iPad Air (M3) and iPad Pro 11 are all roughly the same size and weight. Only the Mini offers a usability advantage by being smaller and lighter.
FAQs
The iPad Pro 11, shown here with Apple’s optional Magic Keyboard, is strictly for power users who need maximum horsepower under the hood. (Rick Broida/Yahoo)
Can a tablet replace my laptop?
A properly equipped iPad can get pretty close, but it’s a good idea to “take inventory” first — meaning determine what you need it to do and whether it can do it. For example, your company might use specific software tools that have no app equivalent or simply don’t work in mobile web browsers.
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Your best bets are the iPad Air and iPad Pro with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which will get you closest to the laptop “feel.” Both are capable of running Stage Manager, a tool that allows for desktop-like multitasking. (The forthcoming iPadOS 26 release will add even more features for wanna-be laptop users.)
You can even pair a Bluetooth mouse to fully round out the laptop experience.
Should I consider buying an older iPad?
Maybe! Just because an iPad is a generation behind doesn’t mean it’s not a powerful, useful device. And you’ll usually save money as well. Just make sure you’re not getting half the storage, which kills a lot of the value.
How much iPad storage do I need?
As much as you can afford. Unfortunately, because iPads don’t have memory card slots, you can’t add more storage if you run out of space. Whether that will happen depends on how you use the device. Thankfully, if you buy any current-model iPad, the starting storage is a rather capacious 128GB. That’s more than enough for browsing the web, checking email, playing a few games and toggling between your favorite streaming video apps. If you’re using the iPad for more creative endeavors — image creation, video editing and so forth — you’ll be safer with 256GB or more.
Which iPads work with the Apple Pencil?
The current Apple Pencil models clip magnetically to select iPad models — and the Pencil Pro even charges while there on compatible models! (Apple)
All modern iPads are compatible with at least one Apple Pencil, and the line has thankfully consolidated down to two: the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro. (If you have a first-gen Pencil, that will work with the iPad A16, too.)
What are the best iPad alternatives?
If your budget won’t accommodate an iPad or you’re an Android user who wants something with a similar interface, check out our list of the best tablets you can buy. There’s something for everyone.
