iPads dominate the US tablet market for good reason. Apple has a great set of tablet-focused apps, an easy-to-use operating system, and an excellent service and support structure. As of this writing, there are five main iPad models: the base iPad, the iPad Air, the iPad mini, and the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models (we haven’t tested the latest iPad Pros yet but will update this list as soon as we do). Apple also sells refurbished devices for a little less. You have a lot of choices. But which one is right for you? Scroll down below our picks to find out everything you need to know.
The Best Tablet Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple iPad Air (2022)
Best iPad for Creators and Advanced Students
Bottom Line:
The 2022 iPad Air offers many of the benefits of the iPad Pro for hundreds of dollars less, making it the ideal tablet for creators.
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Works with second-gen Apple Pencil
- Fits existing iPad cases and keyboards
- Light and easy to carry
CONS
- Battery life could be longer
- No millimeter-wave 5G support
Learn More
Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
Best iPad for Most People
Bottom Line:
Apple’s 10th-generation iPad remains the best tablet for most people, though its many improvements in design and performance come with a sharp increase in price.
PROS
- Appealing iPad Pro-like design
- USB-C port
- Relocated webcam
- Higher-quality cameras
- Improved speakers
- Faster performance
CONS
- Higher price than previous model
- Loses traditional Touch ID button
- No Face ID
Learn More
Apple iPad mini (2021)
Best Small iPad
Bottom Line:
Apple’s sixth-generation iPad mini tablet delivers Pro-level power in a smaller size that’s better for reading, taking notes, and slipping in a jacket pocket.
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Long battery life
- Works with second-generation Apple Pencil
CONS
- No multi-user option in iPadOS
- Pricier than previous model
Learn More
Buying Guide: What’s the Best iPad to Buy in 2023?
Can an iPad Replace My Laptop?
Maybe. iPads run Apple’s iPadOS, which is essentially a tablet-focused version of iOS with split-screen multitasking. It’s not a full-fledged desktop-style windowed OS, but younger people who aren’t used to multi-window OSes might be perfectly happy to use an iPad for schoolwork, video editing, and chatting. Most iPad apps work best without a keyboard or trackpad, but they fully support those peripherals if you want to use them. Plenty of iPad-compatible keyboards and keyboard cases are available from Apple or third-party accessory makers.
Some downsides are that you can’t extend your display to multiple monitors or use more than three apps on the screen at once. Additionally, many professional apps don’t have all of the capabilities of their desktop counterparts. If you need all those features but like the concept of a tablet, look into 2-in-1 convertibles or our favorite Windows tablets.
Which iPad Is Best for You?
The base-model iPad is the best tablet if you want an entry-level machine for games, media, or schoolwork. In a rugged case, it’s also a good choice for a kid’s tablet.
If you intend to do more productive or creative work, the iPad Air is the one to get. It offers many iPad Pro features (a fast processor, better audio, and compatibility with the vastly better second-generation Apple Pencil) for much less money.
A keyboard turns the iPad Air into a powerful productivity tablet
(Credit: Molly Flores)
The iPad mini has many of the features of the Air in a more petite body. Think of it as a portable notepad or sketchbook. It also works as an enterprise tablet for vehicle mounts, point-of-sale systems, or jacket pockets.
If price is no object, the iPad Pro is a terrific piece of hardware. However, its OS keeps it from doing much more than the Air. Plus, it costs a lot more. The current iPad Pro(Opens in a new window) starts at $799 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch one. It’s a luxurious experience, regardless.
Older or used models are sometimes on sale for less than new iPads. Currently, we recommend the refurbished 9th-generation iPad for around $279. It’s just one generation old, so it should get new software versions for a few more years.
Do You Need iPad Accessories?
In the box, you get an iPad and a charger. You might need a few more things to make the most of your new tablet.
Recommended by Our Editors
You can enhance any iPad with the optional Pencil accessory, a high-quality active stylus. There are two Pencils; the first-generation one works with the base-model iPad, while the second-generation one works with other models. The second-gen Pencil is easier to hold because it’s not perfectly round and conveniently charges with a magnetic connector on the side of the tablet. There is also a less-expensive Pencil alternative, the Logitech Crayon (we’ve reviewed only the first-generation model).
The iPad has the best options for cases and covers. But its battery life is just okay, so grabbing a power bank is probably a good idea.
What’s the Next Best Tablet?
It’s worth noting that the cheapest iPad isn’t very cheap, especially once you factor in the cost of accessories. Some Android tablets sell for less—even under $100—and are acceptable for basic gaming and media streaming, though not for schoolwork or productivity. Our list of the best cheap tablets tells you which low-end models are worth considering.
Hits: 0
