There are fewer selections relating to tablets in comparison with smartphones, however there are nonetheless a number of decisions to be made. If you’re studying this, it is doubtless you’ve already selected Apple, and also you at the moment are attempting to determine which iPad is the proper one for you and which mannequin matches into how a lot you need to spend and what you’ll predominantly love to do with it.
Apple provides quite a few iPad choices starting from 8.3-inches to 12.9-inches in display measurement and I’ve reviewed all of Apple’s present iPad choices and used the older fashions too. A number of the older fashions are nonetheless accessible at quite a few retailers, regardless of being discontinued by Apple itself, and you may usually get them for an honest value too. If you would like all of the detailed evaluations on every mannequin, in addition to extra in depth options on how the most recent iPads evaluate to their predecessors or one another, you’ll be able to head to our Apple hub to learn all our separate options. Right here although, I’ve complied my greatest iPad suggestions based mostly on my expertise with them and what I exploit every mannequin for. I’ve picked the perfect iPad general, the perfect iPad for productiveness and even the perfect worth iPad choice to assist together with your iPad buying choice.
Our picks for the best iPad
It depends on what you are looking for from your tablet as to which iPad model is best for you. With that in mind, here’s a run down of all the current iPads in Apple’s portfolio and why you might choose them depending on what you are looking for.
Pocket-lint
Apple iPad Air (2022)
1. Best iPad overall
A perfect combination of power and portability
$500 $600 Save $100
The Apple iPad Air (2022) opts for Touch ID over Face ID but within the power button at the top like the iPad mini and iPad (10th generation), offering a design in line with the more expensive Pro models. It has an M1 chip under its hood and 5G, plus it is compatible with the second generation and USB-C Apple Pencils, like the iPad Pro models. It’s my choice for the best iPad overall because it not only delivers plenty of features and excellent portability, but there’s a lot of power here too.
- Storage
- 64 / 256GB
- CPU
- Apple M1 chip
- Battery
- Up to 10 hours, USB-C
- Measurements
- 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm, 461g
- Colors
- Blue, Purple, Pink, Starlight, Space Grey
- Excellent performance
- Improved front-facing camera
- Apple Pencil support (2nd Gen and USB-C)
- No Face ID
- Storage limited to 256GB
- Rear camera isn’t great
The Apple iPad Air (5th generation) sits between the iPad Professional 11 and the cheaper iPad (tenth era) within the iPad line-up. Its design is the same as its predecessor and it sees Contact ID positioned throughout the energy button on the high and uniform bezels across the 10.9-inch show. The display is identical measurement because the iPad (tenth era) however with a couple of extra options like an anti-reflective coating and a wider color gamut, each of which do make a distinction in on a regular basis use. It misses out on the ProMotion technology discovered within the Professional fashions, however this is not one thing you actually discover in follow except you might be utilizing this pill predominantly for gaming. General, there’s a superb show right here and one that’s good for working, watching and browsing.
The color choices of the iPad Air (2022) are just a little extra muted compared to the iPad (10th generation) choices making it a bit extra critical general, and there is an M1 chip underneath the hood, which is a large energy enhance over the Air’s predecessor that places it in line with the 2021 iPad Pro models. The iPad Air comes with Apple Pencil (second gen), Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Good Keyboard assist, making it an excellent productiveness pill. There’s a 12-megapixel rear digicam just like the iPad Professional, although it does not have the secondary Extremely-Broad lens that the Professional has. You may discover a 12-megapixel entrance digicam too although, which is a bump from its predecessor, permitting for assist of some options like Centre Stage. There are additionally two audio system, as much as 256GB of storage, and as much as 10 hours of battery, which is charged through USB-C. There are additionally 5G capabilities if you would like them. General, the iPad Air is a unbelievable all-rounder pill, providing sufficient energy to make use of it for heavier obligation duties, however glorious portability too, making it my selection for the perfect iPad general.
Pocket-lint
Apple iPad (2022)
2. Finest iPad for on a regular basis use
Excellent iPad for households
$399 $449 Save $50
The Apple iPad (tenth era) has a processor bump in comparison with the iPad (ninth era), in addition to the identical design because the iPad Air, ditching the house button and transferring Contact ID into the facility button. It’s suitable with the primary era Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), and there’s a repositioned entrance digicam. For the on a regular basis pill, it is an ideal choice.
- Storage
- 64 / 256GB
- CPU
- Apple A14 Bionic
- Battery
- As much as 10 hours, USB-C
- Measurements
- 248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm, 477g
- Colours
- Yellow, Blue, Pink, Silver
- Pretty design and show
- Strong efficiency
- Logical entrance digicam place
- No anti-reflective or absolutely laminated show
- No Stage Supervisor assist
- Base storage nonetheless 64GB
The Apple iPad (10th generation) provides an entire redesign compared to the entry-level 9th generation model and its predecessor. Now, nearly an identical to the iPad Air, the iPad (tenth era) has Contact ID constructed into the facility button on the high of the show, permitting for uniformed bezels across the display and a bigger 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) show inside a really comparable footprint (248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm, 477g) to the 2021 mannequin. There’s nonetheless no absolutely laminated show or anti-reflective coating like the iPad Air – the latter of which is obvious in use – however the iPad (tenth era) does function True Tone know-how while additionally making a transfer to USB-C and upgrading the chip underneath its hood to the A15 Bionic. The battery stays the identical because the 2021 mannequin however the color choices are extra putting, with brighter and bolder choices together with Silver, Blue, Pink and Yellow.
It’s suitable with the primary era Apple Pencil – which you want an adpater to cost now – however it is usually suitable with the newer Apple Pencil (USB-C), which some will discover a higher choice. The iPad (tenth era) additionally repositions the entrance digicam to the proper edge when being held vertically. Other than that, it does not have all of the know-how of the iPad Air, or the iPad Professional fashions, however with as much as 256GB of storage, 5G capabilities if you would like them and a very beautiful new design, it is arms down my choose for the perfect on a regular basis pill throughout the iPad portfolio. It is also an excellent choice for these after a household pill.
Pocket-lint
Apple iPad Professional 12.9-inch (2022)
3. Finest iPad for show
An absolute powerhouse of a pill with a shocking show
$1049 $1099 Save $50
The Apple iPad Professional 12.9 (2022) is the costliest iPad accessible, in addition to essentially the most highly effective alongside the 11-inch mannequin. Launched in October 2022, this mannequin is for people who need to deal with their pill extra like a pc. It provides the identical {hardware} because the 11-inch mannequin however in a bigger measurement and with an excellent Mini-LED show. It is the pill you may need in the event you’re after the largest and greatest show on the market, with loads of energy as well.
- Storage
- 128 / 256 / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
- CPU
- Apple M2 chip
- Battery
- As much as 10 hours, USB-C
- Measurements
- 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm, 682g
- Colours
- House Grey, Silver
- Gorgeous Mini-LED show
- Big quantities of energy from M2 chip
- Simple to make use of
- Very costly
- Entrance digicam ought to have moved
- Battery life not distinctive
In 2018, the iPad Professional 12.9 delivered an entire design overhaul with slimmer bezels, no Contact ID residence button and flatter edges. This new design – accessible in House Gray and Silver – allowed the 12.9 mannequin to cut back in measurement (280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm) in comparison with the previous 12.9 mannequin, regardless of providing the identical measurement 12.9-inch 2732 x 2048 pixel decision show and the 2022 mannequin continues with this design, as did the 2021 mannequin. An XDR show was launched in 2021 although, which continues on the most recent mannequin and it is completely superb in use, whether or not watching motion pictures or working. The 2022 iPad Pro 12.9-inch additionally provides an M2 processor – just like the 11-inch mannequin and the latest MacBook Air models – and it additionally comes with a function referred to as Apple Pencil hover and support for Wi-Fi 6E so there’s greater than meets the attention. The identical entrance digicam from the 2021 mannequin is on board, together with as much as 2TB of storage, a selection of 8GB or 16GB of RAM, Thunderbolt/USB 4 for charging out and in, as much as 10 hours of battery and 5G capabilities within the Wi-Fi and Mobile fashions. The rear digicam stays the identical because the 2021 mannequin and Face ID is on board once more too.
The iPad Professional 12.9 is suitable with the second-generation Apple Pencil that attaches magnetically to the iPad Professional 12.9 and fees wirelessly when hooked up, and it is usually suitable with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) which works into sleep mode when hooked up to the aspect of the iPad Professional 12.9. Just like the Magic Keyboard, the Apple Pencil remains to be bought individually, making this one expensive pill. It is also fairly heavy by itself at 682g, however particularly when the Magic Keyboard is hooked up, weighing just about the identical because the 13-inch MacBook Air. If you’re after all the pieces Apple has to supply within the largest attainable format although, in addition to efficiency in abundance and a shocking show, the iPad Professional 12.9 is the one you may need.
Apple iPad Mini (2021)
4. Finest iPad for portability
Excellent selection for leisure on the go
$469 $499 Save $30
The Apple iPad mini (2021) is mainly a mini model of the iPad Air (2022) – while additionally including quite a few upgrades relating to {hardware}, together with processor and entrance digicam. It’s suitable with the second era of Apple Pencil, just like the iPad Air (2022) and it is unbelievable for portability. A terrific choice in the event you’re available in the market for a small type issue pill.
- Storage
- 64 / 256GB
- CPU
- A15 chip
- Battery
- As much as 10 hours, USB-C
- Measurements
- 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3mm, 293g
- Colours
- House Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight
- Small form-factor with large show
- Contact ID in energy button
- 5G connectivity
- No MagSafe charging
- No Face ID facial recognition
- No ProMotion (120Hz display refresh charge)
The Apple iPad mini 6 encompasses a full redesign compared to its predecessor, matching that of the iPad Air (2022) – which sits on the high of Pocket-lint’s greatest iPad record – with uniform bezels across the show, flat edges and Contact ID positioned within the energy button on the high. The design is great, whereas the compact and moveable construct means you get a pill powerhouse that’s simply transportable and there are quite a few {hardware} upgrades over the iPad mini 5 too. The iPad mini 6 runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is a step up from the iPad (ninth gen) that runs on the A13, and whereas it’s a step down from the iPad Air (2022), there are not any issues with efficiency right here. There’s additionally round a 10-hour battery life, with charging happening through USB-C, as much as 256GB of storage and you will find 5G capabilities as an choice too.
Elsewhere, just like the iPad Air, the iPad mini 6 provides True Tone technology and Apple Pencil (2nd era) compatibility. It additionally has the sharpest show of all of the iPads accessible with a 326ppi pixel density throughout its 8.3-inch display for an excellent viewing expertise. In comparison with the older iPad mini 5, the iPad mini 6 additionally has an upgraded entrance digicam, transferring from 7-megapixels to 12-megapixels, which is identical because the iPad Air (2022) and it delivers the Heart Stage function. General, it is an distinctive little pill that’s good for portability.
Apple iPad (2021)
5. Finest iPad for worth
$270 $329 Save $59
The Apple iPad (ninth era) provides a lot the identical design as its predecessor. It has assist for Apple Pencil (first era solely), Apple’s Good Keyboard and it’s considerably cheaper than the iPad Professional fashions, in addition to cheaper than the iPad Air. It is the entry-level iPad and nice for these on a price range.
- Upgraded entrance digicam
- Sturdy design
- Apple Pencil (1st Gen) assist
- Dated design
- No touch-to-wake display
- Nonetheless fees with Lightning
The 2021 standard iPad sticks to a lot the same design as its predecessor with a bigger 10.2-inch 2160 x 1620 pixel show in comparison with the iPad 9.7. It has been succeeded by the tenth era mannequin – which sits at quantity two on our record and has a bigger display once more – but it surely stays within the line because the entry-point to iPad, measuring 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm and weighing 487g. Contact ID is on board within the residence button beneath the display, because it was on the 8th generation model, so it is a barely dated design now and there’s no absolutely laminated show or anti-reflective coating just like the iPad Air, although it does provide True Tone know-how and it nonetheless provides an ideal expertise.
The processor sees a bump to the A13 Bionic chip in comparison with the A12 within the 2020 mannequin, and there may be assist for Apple’s Good Keyboard, just like the iPad Air. It’s suitable with the primary era of Apple Pencil too, because the older mannequin was, although not the brand new Apple Pencil (USB-C). Color choices have decreased to solely Silver and House Gray too, ditching the Gold. There’s as much as 256GB of storage and as much as 10 hours of battery life, which is charged through Lightning relatively than USB-C like among the newer fashions. You may additionally discover an 8-megapixel rear digicam and 12-megapixel extremely wide-angle entrance snapper on this iPad, with the latter permitting for the Heart Stage function first launched on the iPad Pro (2021) so it would look dated, but it surely provides most of the identical options and person expertise. For those who’re on the lookout for an iPad on a price range and you are not too frightened concerning the newest design, this can be a nice mannequin to contemplate.
Apple iPad Professional 11-inch (2022)
6. Finest iPad for light-weight laptop computer substitute
The Apple iPad Professional 11 (2022) is without doubt one of the strongest iPads accessible. It comes with super-slim bezels, Face ID and glorious specs together with Apple’s M2 processor and 5G. It provides assist for the second-gen Apple Pencil – and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and it provides all the most recent options in a extra compact format than the 12.9 mannequin. This mannequin is all about energy in a transportable format.
- Light-weight, slim and moveable
- Nice sound from the 4 speaker system
- Excellent efficiency
- No Micro-LED show
- Costly
- Battery life could possibly be higher
The iPad Pro 11 succeeded the iPad Professional 10.5 with a totally new design in 2018 that was then refreshed in 2020, in 2021 and once more in 2022. It ditches Contact ID for Face ID and squares off the aluminium edges for a extra refined design, like the iPad Air and iPad mini, although color choices are extra critical with simply Silver and House Gray on provide. The 11-inch mannequin has a 2388 x 1668 pixel decision show with ProMotion inside its tremendous slim 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm construct, which weighs solely barely greater than the iPad Air at 466g. Regardless of providing a beautiful display nonetheless, it is not Mini-LED just like the bigger 12.9-inch mannequin, which is why this mannequin is barely decrease down our record. It’s nonetheless a superb show although so do not be too delay.
Beneath the hood is the M2 processor, which is identical as what you may discover within the MacBook Air (2022), so it is fairly highly effective and a step up from the M1 chip discovered within the 2021 iPad Professional fashions and iPad Air. It additionally is available in a selection of 8GB or 16GB of RAM and as much as 2TB of storage, and there is 5G connectivity too for people who need it. The entrance digicam on the iPad Professional 11 is the same as its predecessor, with the Heart Stage that sees the digicam observe and observe you across the room, amongst different issues and the battery is identical too, at as much as 10 hours, like all iPads. There’s a function referred to as Apple Pencil hover on the 2022 mannequin although just like the bigger iPad Professional, together with support for Wi-Fi 6E, compatibility with the second-generation of the Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Thunderbolt/USB 4, permitting for sooner information switch. For those who’re on the lookout for an iPad to function a laptop computer substitute however stay light-weight, the iPad Professional 11-inch is a good choice.
How do the iPad fashions differ?
There are 4 ranges inside Apple’s iPad line-up consisting of the iPad mini, the iPad, the iPad Air and the iPad Professional. The iPad mini was first launched in 2012 and it’s now in its sixth era with the most recent iPad mini having launched in 2021. There are a selection of rumours surrounding the iPad mini 7, although it’s presently unclear when it would seem. The usual iPad first launched in 2010 and it appears remarkably completely different now – check out our iPad history feature to see how much it has changed through the years. The newest mannequin is the tenth era and it launched in 2022, although this mannequin is bought alongside the ninth era mannequin from 2021.
The iPad Air first launched in 2013 with the most recent mannequin being the fifth era, arriving in 2022. It is also modified fairly a bit because the first system of its class, although it’s now similar to the usual iPad, which acquired a redesign in 2022.
Lastly, the iPad Professional mannequin first launched in 2015 with Apple launching the 12.9-inch mannequin first. It adopted this up with a 9.7-inch mannequin in 2016. We’re now within the sixth era of the 12.9-inch iPad Professional mannequin and the iPad 11-inch mannequin, which has seen its display measurement increase through the years however its footprint stay largely the identical.
How did I select these greatest iPad picks?
I’ve used all of the iPad fashions on this record extensively so I’ve expertise with all of them. The iPad Professional 12.9-inch is my go to pill for when I’m engaged on the transfer and I do not need to carry my laptop computer with me, although it’s large and heavy and the iPad Air is nearly as highly effective, however it’s lighter and cheaper, in order that’s why it made the highest of this greatest iPad record. You may get a really comparable expertise throughout all iPad fashions because of iPadOS and whereas there are a couple of further options on the iPad Professional fashions and the iPad Air, the usual iPad (tenth era) is an excellent pill for its value and it is the one we use constantly as a household. All of the iPads on this record have a spot. They’re all nice in their very own approach and they’re going to all be the right selection for somebody relying on what you need or want out of your pill.
What must you take into account when selecting the best iPad for you?
There are some things to contemplate when selecting the best iPad mannequin for you. Firstly, what’s going to you be doing in your pill? If the reply is predominantly watching movies or shopping the web, then the iPad mini, iPad (tenth era) or iPad (ninth era) are all greater than able to that. For those who plan to do work, otherwise you plan to make use of your iPad for gaming, you’ll be higher to contemplate the iPad Air or iPad Professional fashions. For people who shall be utilizing their iPad for drawing or doing extra intense graphical work, for instance, it is the iPad Professional you may need. You may additionally want to contemplate price range, because the iPad Professional fashions are costly – very costly – so it is perhaps that the iPad Air can meet your wants and prevent cash, and the identical would possibly have the ability to be mentioned for the iPad (tenth era) too. Lastly, keep in mind that not one of the iPads on this record include equipment. You may due to this fact want to purchase a keyboard case individually for the iPad Professional fashions for instance, or only a case generally for the iPad (tenth era) for instance.
Finest iPad: The underside line
I picked the iPad Air as the perfect iPad general for this record as a result of it not solely provides a critical quantity of energy for a pill however it’s light-weight and moveable too, making it an ideal all-rounder. If you would like the perfect iPad Apple has to supply although, that is the iPad Professional 12.9-inch, whereas the perfect iPad for these on a price range is by far the iPad (ninth era), which though it has a dated design, it’s nonetheless greater than succesful.
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Apple iPad Air (2022)
$500 $600 Save $100
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