Best iPad in 2025 reviewed and ranked

The iPad is a game-changer, redefining personal computing and proving that a tablet could be more than just a novelty. Launched in 2010, it filled the gap between smartphones and laptops with a sleek, touch-first interface that made computing more intuitive. Steve Jobs called it a “magical” device, and despite initial scepticism, it quickly became a global success.

Over the years, Apple continuously refined the iPad, adding powerful chips, accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, and software advancements that pushed it closer to a true laptop alternative. Once upon a time, buying an Apple tablet meant buying the iPad. Apple made one model, in one size. You just had to pick a colour, a storage capacity and a connectivity option. Things are different now – so which is the best iPad for you?

Apple offers four different iPad variants in four different sizes, each with its own components, perks and wildly varying prices. And each model ticks different boxes. One promises powerful creative performance, while another delivers a satchel-friendly form factor. The latest models, the iPad Air (M3) and base iPad, were announced at the company’s event in March 2025.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of money on a tablet, you’ll want to make sure you end up with a device that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Not sure which Apple tablet is best for you? Are you shopping for a simple second screen, or do you need a slate to upgrade your digital doodling?

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what’s the best iPad?

The best iPad models you can buy today:

1. iPad Air (2024)

iPad Air (2024) specs
Processor	M2 chip
Display	Available in 11in and 13in Liquid Retina displays with True Tone and P3 wide color gamut
Memory	8GB RAM
Storage	64GB, 256GB, and 512GB
Cameras	12MP Wide rear camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G on cellular models
Dimensions	11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm / 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in 13-inch: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm / 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in
Weight	11in: 461 grams / 16.26 oz (Wi-Fi), 463 grams / 16.34 oz (Wi-Fi + Cellular) 13in: 682 grams / 24.07 oz (Wi-Fi), 684 grams / 24.14 oz (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

In 2020, the iPad Air evolved from a featherweight slate into something significantly more powerful – and it’s kept that momentum going. Fast forward to 2024, and the sixth-generation iPad Air has landed, boasting bigger screens, better performance, and more versatility than ever. And after testing it, it’s clear that Apple has nailed the balance between power and price once again.

Starting at $599/£649 for the 64GB Wi-Fi version, the 2024 Air is available in two sizes: the familiar 11-inch and a brand-new 13-inch variant. The latter, in particular, feels like a game-changer – offering a near-Pro experience without the premium price tag. Both sport crisp Liquid Retina displays that are bright, clear, and easy on the eyes, making everything from YouTube binges to Apple Pencil sketches look fantastic. That said, the lack of ProMotion means scrolling isn’t quite as buttery smooth as on the Pro, which is noticeable if you’re used to 120Hz refresh rates.

Powering the new Air is Apple’s M2 chip, a silicon powerhouse that brings pro-level performance to this mainstream tablet. In real use, that means seamless multitasking, effortless video editing, and snappy gaming with zero lag. Running multiple apps side by side is a breeze, and even heavier tasks like 4K video editing in LumaFusion don’t faze it. While the M2 isn’t Apple’s latest chip, it’s more than enough for everything short of the most demanding creative workflows.

The design remains classic Air: flat sides, lightweight aluminium, and a slim profile that’s comfortable to hold for long periods. A key quality-of-life improvement is the front camera’s new landscape position – a simple yet overdue tweak that finally makes video calls feel natural on a stand. The 12MP Ultra Wide sensor with Center Stage keeps you in the frame even if you move around, while the rear 12MP shooter is fine for scanning documents or the occasional photo, though most people will still reach for their phone.

Connectivity takes a step up too, with Wi-Fi 6E ensuring fast browsing and optional 5G for those who need it. The USB-C port is now more capable, offering quicker data transfers and better accessory support. And, as ever, the Air pairs perfectly with the Magic Keyboard and second-gen Apple Pencil, making it an excellent all-rounder for work, creativity, and entertainment.

The 2024 iPad Air fills the gap perfectly between the base model iPad and the Pro – making it the best iPad for most people. After spending time with it, it’s hard to think of a better option for those who want premium performance without the Pro’s price tag.

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2. iPad Pro M4 (2024)

iPad Pro M4 (2024) specs
Processor	M4 chip
Display	Available in 11-inch and 13-inch Liquid Retina displays with ProMotion technology for smooth scrolling and responsiveness
Memory	8 / 16GB RAM
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB
Cameras	Dual rear cameras (12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide) and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G on cellular models
Dimensions	11in: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm / 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in 13in: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm / 11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in
Weight	11in: 466 grams / 16.44 oz (Wi-Fi), 468 grams / 16.51 oz (Wi-Fi + Cellular) 13in: 682 grams / 24.07 oz (Wi-Fi), 684 grams / 24.14 oz (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

When the iPad Pro first launched, it delivered on Apple’s promise of an all-screen slate that transforms into whatever app you’re using – canvas, workstation, or entertainment hub. With the 2024 iPad Pro (M4, 7th gen), that transformation hits new heights, powered by Apple’s latest silicon and a stunning OLED Ultra Retina XDR display. After testing it, it’s clear this isn’t just another spec bump – it’s a serious redefinition of what an iPad can do.

Let’s talk about the big changes. First up: the design. The iPad Pro is now Apple’s thinnest device ever – just 5.1mm for the 13in model – and it feels almost impossibly sleek. Picking it up, you’re immediately struck by how light it is, yet it still feels solid and premium. If portability was ever a concern, this redesign eliminates it. Under the hood, the M4 chip brings a next-gen CPU and GPU combo, with blistering single-core performance and a Neural Engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second. In real-world use, everything feels instant – from scrubbing through 4K video in DaVinci Resolve to manipulating complex 3D models in Nomad Sculpt. Even gaming pushes the limits of what you’d expect from a tablet.

The display is an absolute showstopper. Apple’s tandem OLED technology delivers inky blacks and vibrant colours, while the peak 1600-nit brightness makes HDR content look spectacular. Watching movies on this thing is a joy, and even detailed creative work – like colour grading or illustration – feels more precise. The new Apple Pencil Pro adds another layer of magic, introducing a squeeze gesture for quick tool changes, subtle haptic feedback, and even Find My support, meaning lost styluses might finally be a thing of the past.

Connectivity is top-notch, with Wi-Fi 6E and 5G ensuring super-fast downloads on the go. Meanwhile, Apple has finally relocated the front camera for a more natural landscape orientation – a small but welcome change that makes video calls far less awkward. The quad speakers remain best-in-class, delivering a surprisingly immersive audio experience for such a slim device.

Of course, premium features come at a premium price. Starting at £999/$999 – and that’s before adding the Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard – the iPad Pro M4 is firmly in “pro” territory. And while iPadOS has made strides in multitasking, it still doesn’t fully replace macOS for serious workflows. There’s always the lingering question of whether such power is being fully utilised.

Still, if you’re after the most advanced, capable tablet on the market, the iPad Pro M4 is in a league of its own.

• Read more: iPad Pro review (M4)

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3. iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

iPad Mini (A17 Pro) specs
Processor	A17 Pro chip
Display	8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color support
Memory	6GB RAM
Storage	128GB and 256GB
Cameras	12MP rear camera with Smart HDR 4 and a 12MP front camera featuring Center Stage
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G on cellular models
Dimensions	195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm / 7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in
Weight	293 grams / 10.34 oz (Wi-Fi), 297 grams / 10.48 oz (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

The iPad mini might be small in stature, but the 7th-generation model packs a mighty punch. Apple’s pint-sized powerhouse returns with refreshed internals and a design that makes it as pocketable as it is practical. And after testing it, it’s clear that this isn’t just a fun-sized tablet – it’s a genuinely powerful device that refuses to compromise on performance.

At its core, the iPad mini 7 now boasts the A17 Pro chip – the same silicon that powers the iPhone 15 Pro – delivering impressive performance gains for gaming, productivity, and creative tasks. In use, it feels lightning-fast, whether flicking through multiple Safari tabs, sketching in Procreate, or even editing 4K video in LumaFusion. The size makes it feel like a digital notepad, but the power under the hood suggests otherwise – this thing can handle serious workloads.

Its 8.3in Liquid Retina display remains a standout feature, but the addition of 120Hz ProMotion is a game-changer. Scrolling is now buttery smooth, animations feel more fluid, and Apple Pencil interactions are noticeably more responsive. The Pencil Pro now works here, too, adding squeeze gestures and haptic feedback, making note-taking and sketching more intuitive. The addition of Find My support means you’re less likely to lose your stylus – something any previous Pencil owner will appreciate.

Design-wise, the iPad mini 7 sticks with the sleek, Air-inspired look – all-screen front, flat edges, and Touch ID in the power button. It’s still absurdly light and compact, slipping easily into a jacket pocket or bag. The new colour options add a fresh touch, but the real upgrade comes in usability. Apple has finally repositioned the front-facing 12MP camera for a more natural landscape video call experience, making FaceTime and Zoom calls far less awkward. Meanwhile, the 12MP rear camera now benefits from Smart HDR 4, improving detail and dynamic range in photos.

Connectivity sees a welcome boost, with Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G making browsing and streaming lightning-fast. USB-C ensures quick charging and easy accessory compatibility, adding to the iPad mini’s versatility.

Starting at £569/$499, the iPad mini 7 isn’t cheap, and it still lacks a dedicated Magic Keyboard – a shame for those hoping for a true mini laptop alternative. But if you’re after a super-portable iPad with serious performance chops, it’s hard to beat this little dynamo. It’s proof that small doesn’t mean limited – in fact, the iPad mini 7 might just be the most fun iPad of them all.

• Read more: Apple iPad Mini review

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4. iPad 10th-generation (2022)

iPad (2022) specs
Processor	A14 Bionic chip
Display	10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
Memory	4GB RAM
Storage	64GB and 256GB
Cameras	12MP Wide rear camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G on cellular models
Dimensions	248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm / 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in
Weight	477 grams / 16.83 oz (Wi-Fi), 481 grams / 16.96 oz (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

The standard iPad has long been Apple’s best-selling slate. It makes sense, then, that Apple wouldn’t change a proven formula with its 2022 edition? Wrong.

This new $469/£499 device leaves the basics behind and brings with it a major overhaul. There’s an updated design, support for new accessories, and a bunch of new features trickled down from the more premium offerings. It’s set to be Apple‘s best bang for your buck tablet, despite a hefty price hike.

There’s a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that stretches to the device’s edge. The display comes in at 2360×1640 resolution, nearly 4 million pixels, 500 nits of brightness, and Apple’s True Tone technology. Oh, and Apple has also ditched the home button.

Touch ID has been relocated to the power button on the top of the device, just like on other models. And new to this 10th generation are a new suite of colours that come in blue, pink, yellow, or silver.

A14 Bionic chipset from the iPhone 12 Pro series offers a 20% CPU and 10% GPU boost from the 9th-gen device. For happy snappers, new to this model of iPad is a 12MP ultra-wide landscape camera with a 122-degree field of view that supports Center Stage.

The standard iPad is the cheapest iPad that Apple offers, and it’ll likely remain that way until it’s replaced with a newer model. It offers great value for money, and despite being really affordable, remains a powerful tablet without forking out for the extra features that come with the Pro.

• Read more: Apple iPad review (10th gen, 2022)

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What to consider when buying an iPad

Choosing the right iPad involves more than just picking the latest model – it’s about finding the perfect balance of performance, features, and value to suit your needs. Whether you’re buying your first iPad or upgrading from an older device, there are several factors to consider before making a decision.

First, consider how you plan to use your iPad. If you’re primarily looking for a device to browse the web, stream videos, and handle everyday tasks, the standard iPad offers solid performance without breaking the bank. However, if you need more power for demanding apps, such as video editing or 3D design, the iPad Air or iPad Pro might be better options. The M-series chips found in these models deliver desktop-level performance that can handle professional-grade software with ease.

The display is another important factor. The iPad Pro, for example, boasts a stunning mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display on the larger 12.9-inch model, making it ideal for creatives who need accurate colour representation. Meanwhile, the iPad mini, with its compact 8.3-inch display, is perfect for those who prioritise portability without sacrificing performance.

Storage capacity is often overlooked but can significantly impact your experience. iPads don’t support external storage like traditional laptops, so consider how much space you’ll need for apps, photos, videos, and other files. While the base 64GB model might suffice for casual users, professionals or content creators will benefit from 256GB or higher.

Lastly, think about accessories. The Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and third-party peripherals can greatly enhance your iPad’s versatility, transforming it from a content-consumption device into a productivity powerhouse. With the right combination of model, specs, and accessories, your iPad can become an indispensable part of your daily life.

If you’re not tied to Apple’s ecosystem, you might want to check out the best tablets from any brand.