Which iPad model should I buy?

Thanks to class-leading hardware and optimized software, the Apple iPad series has long been the most reliable tablet recommendation for most people.

If you’re considering buying a new iPad, the choice may seem easy. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air models differ primarily in size, with the 10th generation iPad being the most budget-friendly option, and the new iPad Mini having similar features to the iPad Air, but with more features. It has a compact shape. However, choosing the right iPad is more nuanced than it seems, with a variety of upgrade options and accessory compatibility between models.

Before we discuss each model, let’s cover the basics. The summary table below provides a general snapshot of how the current iPad lineup varies in price, display, processing power, accessory support, and storage options.

Is a basic iPad enough?

If you’re looking for the perfect tablet for watching videos and browsing the web, the basic and most affordable iPad will cover your needs. The base iPad has the same display resolution (2360 x 1640) and maximum brightness (500 nits) as the 11-inch iPad Air. Additionally, it features the same ultra-wide-angle 12MP front camera as other models.

If you want a tablet that doubles as a basic laptop, the iPad is better than the Air. Supports Magic Keyboard Folio with function keys and trackpad. The kickstand design requires more desk space, but allows you to remove the keyboard if needed.

Considering the price, the base iPad offers great features, but it’s not the best choice for everyone. The display does not have an anti-reflective coating, so it is not well suited for outdoor use. If you use your iPad for drawing, you’ll appreciate the fully laminated display and wider color gamut that are also available on other models.

Most notably, the A14 SoC and 4GB RAM pale in comparison to the Apple M2 and 8GB offered by the iPad Air. This makes it the only current model that cannot run Apple Intelligence with on-device processing.

The iPad includes a USB-C connector, but it only supports the first generation Pencil. If you already own a 1st generation Pencil, you’ll need a $9 adapter to connect it. Alternatively, the more affordable USB-C Pencil is also supported, which doesn’t have pressure sensitivity but attaches magnetically to the iPad’s bezel.

The iPad starts at $299 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model. If that’s not enough storage, you can upgrade to 256GB for an additional $150, which is only $100 less than the 128GB iPad Air. Color options include silver, blue, pink, and yellow, giving you some vibrant choices even without a case.

iPad Mini: Small, but slow?

iPad Mini was updated in 2024 with A17 Pro chip. It’s not as good as the most expensive models, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a faster model for this price in such a small package.

Mini is one of the largest tablets that most adults can comfortably hold in one hand, measuring 7.7 inches x 5.3 inches (19.5 x 13.4 cm). If you need a tablet that you can use while standing up, the Mini might be the right choice for you. This is the only iPad with the front camera located on the short side, making it suitable for one-handed use.

The 8.3-inch display with 2266 x 1488 resolution has the highest pixel density of any iPad.

It only supports Bluetooth keyboards, but also supports wireless Pencil Pro, which adds features like rotation, aperture, haptic feedback, and Find My compatibility. Even in the USB-C version, the Mini supports mouse-like Pencil hover functionality.

The Mini is available in light blue, purple, “starlight” and “space gray.” Prices start at $499 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. You can upgrade to 256 GB for an additional $100, and upgrading from 256 GB to 512 GB costs an additional $200.

The Mini is available in “Starlight” and “Space Gray,” as well as light blue and purple. The Mini starts at $499 with 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi. You can increase your storage to 256 GB for $100, and increasing from 256 GB to 512 GB costs $200.

When is the best deal on iPad Air?

Powered by Apple’s M2 processor and 8GB of RAM, the iPad Air is great for gaming, multitasking, 3D modeling, and even video editing, except for HDR content. Air is compatible with the space-efficient Magic Keyboard and Pencil Pro.

The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $549 with 128 GB of storage, and you can upgrade to the 13-inch model for an additional $200. The larger version offers higher maximum brightness (600 nits), enhanced bass, and a 4:3 aspect ratio to reduce scrolling when held horizontally.

An equivalent upgrade to the iPad Pro costs $300. Color options for the Air include starlight, space gray, and subtle shades of blue and purple.

Like the Mini, the Air can be upgraded to 256 GB and 512 GB of storage. You can expand from 512 GB to 1 TB for an additional $200. This is a more affordable option than the iPad Pro’s $400 price tag. If you’re looking for an iPad with a 13-inch display and plenty of 1TB storage, you can save big with the Air.

Do I need an iPad Pro?

iPad Pro is designed for professionals who demand maximum performance. Graphic artists will appreciate the smooth drawing experience on a 120Hz display. Built-in LiDAR is a must-have for interior designers who need to show clients real-time layouts and show them what their next kitchen or office will look like.

Video editors who work on the go may find the Pro a dream device. By stacking one OLED panel on top of another, you can display true black at the pixel level while delivering 1600 nits of peak brightness (1000 nits across the screen).

It also doubles as a great backup camera with ProRes recording (although the 256GB version can only shoot ProRes at 1080p), audio zoom, and stereo recording.

The Apple M4 chip has a USB-C port that supports USB4/Thunderbolt speeds and offers better performance than the Air’s M2. Only the 1TB and 2TB versions feature a fully enabled M4 with 4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores, and 16GB of RAM, perfect for heavy multitasking. Other versions of the Pro have one disabled performance core and 8GB of RAM, but still perform closer to a fully enabled M4 than the M2.

iPad Pro is compatible with Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro with function keys and haptic feedback on the trackpad. The device also features four speakers and a TrueDepth front camera with support for Animoji and Memoji.

The 11-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi model starts at $999 with 256 GB of storage. The larger 13-inch iPad Pro costs an additional $300 (which is a cool and expensive $1,299). Increasing storage to 512GB costs $200. Upgrading from there to 1TB costs $400, as does upgrading from 1TB to 2TB.

An interesting optional upgrade is the $100 anti-reflective nano-texture display, but this is exclusive to the 1TB and 2TB models. iPad Pro is available only in black and silver.

Should I buy a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad?

Adding sub-6GHz 5G to a basic iPad, iPad Mini, or iPad Air adds $150 to the price. Adding the exact same features to the iPad Pro would cost $200 more. Sure, you can turn your smartphone into a hotspot, but that will drain the battery of both devices.

The more expensive the iPad, the more viable an investment in cellular connectivity may be. For Pro models with 1TB or more of storage, the extra $200 can be a worthwhile expense.