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 transformed from a featherweight slate into a serious workhorse – and it’s been on an upward trajectory ever since. Now, in 2024, the sixth-generation iPad Air has arrived, bringing bigger screens, better performance, and even greater versatility. After putting it through its paces, we can confidently say Apple has once again struck the perfect balance between power and price.

Starting at $599/£649 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, the 2024 Air now comes 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. Side by side with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 13-inch Air gives you more screen real estate without the added cost of ProMotion or the M3 chip – a trade-off that many will find more than acceptable. The Liquid Retina display remains crisp, bright, and comfortable for extended use, whether we’re sketching with the Apple Pencil, bingeing YouTube, or hammering out emails. However, the absence of ProMotion means scrolling doesn’t have the buttery smoothness of the Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate, which we noticed when flicking through webpages or gaming.

At the heart of the new Air is Apple’s M2 chip, a serious step up from the M1 in the previous model. In day-to-day use, this translates to effortless multitasking, stutter-free gaming, and smooth 4K video editing. Apps like LumaFusion handle complex edits without breaking a sweat, and we had no trouble running multiple apps side by side. Compared to the M1-powered Air, the speed boost is noticeable, especially in tasks like exporting large files or rendering graphics. Sure, it’s not the absolute latest silicon, but for most users – from students to professionals – it’s more than powerful enough.

The design sticks to the Air’s winning formula: flat edges, a lightweight aluminium chassis, and a thin profile that’s easy to hold for long periods. However, one of the most practical upgrades is the repositioned front camera. Apple has finally moved it to the landscape edge, making video calls feel more natural when using the Magic Keyboard. Center Stage ensures we stay in frame even when shifting around, and while the rear 12MP camera is perfectly fine for scanning documents or the odd photo, we still reach for our phones when quality really matters.

Connectivity also gets a bump, with Wi-Fi 6E ensuring faster browsing and optional 5G for those who need on-the-go connectivity. The USB-C port has improved too, supporting quicker data transfers and better accessory compatibility – a small but meaningful upgrade. And, of course, the Air remains fully compatible with the Magic Keyboard and second-gen Apple Pencil, reinforcing its status as a productivity powerhouse.

So, where does the 2024 iPad Air sit in the lineup? It’s still the perfect middle ground between the entry-level iPad and the iPad Pro. Compared to the base model iPad, it offers a significant performance leap, and for those who don’t need the Pro’s ultra-high-end features, it delivers 90% of the experience at a much lower price. After spending time with it, we’re convinced: for most people, this is the iPad to get.

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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 reaches new heights, powered by Apple’s latest silicon and a stunning OLED Ultra Retina XDR display. After putting it through its paces, we can say with confidence that this isn’t just another spec bump – it’s a serious redefinition of what an iPad can do.

Let’s start with 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. Holding it next to the previous M2 model, the difference is striking. The weight reduction is immediately noticeable, especially when using it as a handheld tablet rather than docked in a Magic Keyboard. If portability was ever a concern, this redesign eliminates it. Despite the thinness, build quality remains top-notch, with no hint of flexing under normal use.

Under the hood, the M4 chip is a beast, boasting a next-gen CPU and GPU that push performance beyond even the M3 MacBook Air. In real-world use, the difference is clear: scrubbing through 4K video in DaVinci Resolve is buttery smooth, heavy-duty photo edits in Affinity Photo are near-instant, and 3D model rendering in Nomad Sculpt is noticeably faster than on the M2 iPad Pro. Even gaming feels closer to console-level performance, with AAA titles like Resident Evil Village running at impressive frame rates. Compared to the M2 iPad Pro, the speed boost is significant in pro-level apps, though casual users may not notice a drastic change in everyday tasks.

The display, though, is where this iPad truly shines. Apple’s tandem OLED technology delivers inky blacks and vibrant colours, and the peak 1600-nit brightness makes HDR content pop. Watching movies feels cinematic, but where we really noticed the improvement was in creative work. Colour grading videos and fine-tuning illustrations now feel more precise, with greater depth and accuracy. If you’re upgrading from a previous iPad Pro, the difference between the OLED and mini-LED display is striking – blacks are true black, with no blooming effect in dark scenes.

The new Apple Pencil Pro adds another layer of refinement, especially for creatives. The squeeze gesture for quick tool changes is surprisingly intuitive, and the subtle haptic feedback makes interactions feel more tactile. Find My support is another practical touch – we’ve all misplaced a stylus at some point, and this should make lost Pencils less of a headache.

Connectivity has also stepped up. Wi-Fi 6E and 5G ensure blazing-fast downloads, and Apple has finally moved the front camera to a more natural landscape position. This makes video calls much less awkward when using a keyboard dock – something we appreciated when hopping on work calls. The quad speakers remain best-in-class, delivering punchy, immersive audio that feels almost unnatural coming from such a thin device.

Of course, all this power comes at a price. Starting at £999/$999 – before adding the Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard – the iPad Pro M4 is firmly in “pro” territory. And while iPadOS has improved in multitasking and productivity, it still doesn’t quite replace macOS for serious workflows. There were moments when we wished for full-fledged macOS apps rather than iPad-optimised versions, especially when working with external storage or multitasking in Stage Manager.

That said, if you want the most advanced, capable tablet on the market, the iPad Pro M4 is in a league of its own. Whether it’s a worthy upgrade depends on your workflow. If you’re coming from an M1 or older model, the performance and display improvements are substantial. But if you already have the M2 iPad Pro, the upgrade is less essential unless you need the absolute best in display tech and raw power.

• 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 putting it through its paces, we can confidently say this isn’t just a fun-sized tablet – it’s a seriously capable device that refuses to compromise on performance.

At its core, the iPad mini 7 now boasts the A17 Pro chip – the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 15 Pro. Compared to the A15 chip in the previous model, the jump in performance is substantial. Day-to-day tasks like browsing Safari with dozens of tabs open, switching between apps, and handling emails feel snappier than ever. But where we really noticed the difference was in high-intensity applications. Gaming is smoother, with titles like Genshin Impact and Resident Evil Village running with greater stability, and creative apps like Procreate and Affinity Designer benefit from near-instant responsiveness. Even 4K video editing in LumaFusion is impressively fluid – something we wouldn’t have expected from a tablet this size just a few years ago.

One of the most noticeable upgrades is the display. The 8.3in Liquid Retina panel was already excellent, but the addition of 120Hz ProMotion makes everything feel significantly smoother. Whether we were scrolling through web pages, playing fast-paced games, or using the Apple Pencil, the improved responsiveness was immediately apparent. Speaking of which, the iPad mini 7 now supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, bringing squeeze gestures and haptic feedback to a device that’s practically made for note-taking and sketching. Jotting down ideas in GoodNotes feels more natural, and thanks to Find My support, misplaced Pencils should become less of a headache.

Design-wise, Apple hasn’t messed with the winning formula. The iPad mini 7 retains the sleek, Air-inspired aesthetic – an all-screen front, flat edges, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. At just 293g (Wi-Fi model), it’s absurdly light and compact, slipping easily into a jacket pocket or a small bag. It’s still the best iPad for one-handed use, whether reading in bed, annotating PDFs on the go, or using it as a high-tech clipboard in meetings.

The repositioned front-facing 12MP camera is a small but meaningful upgrade. Placing it on the landscape edge makes video calls feel much more natural – something we immediately appreciated during FaceTime and Zoom calls. No more awkwardly looking off to the side when the iPad is docked. The 12MP rear camera also gets a boost with Smart HDR 4, capturing better detail and improved dynamic range in photos. While most of us will still reach for our phones for serious photography, the iPad mini remains handy for quick snaps, scanning documents, or augmented reality apps.

Connectivity has stepped up as well. Wi-Fi 6E ensures blazing-fast browsing and streaming, while the optional 5G model is great for those who need ultra-portable internet. The USB-C port remains, offering fast charging and seamless accessory compatibility, making the iPad mini even more versatile.

Starting at £569/$499, the iPad mini 7 isn’t cheap, and it still lacks a dedicated Magic Keyboard – something that would have made it a more viable laptop alternative. But in our experience, that’s not really the point of the mini. It’s a device that thrives on portability and power, a companion rather than a workstation. Whether used as a digital notebook, an e-reader, a gaming device, or a travel-friendly workhorse, it fits into more situations than any other iPad.

If you’re upgrading from an iPad mini 6, the jump isn’t as dramatic as it was from earlier models, but ProMotion alone makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. If you’re coming from an older iPad mini or want an ultra-portable iPad that doesn’t skimp on power, this is hands down the best one yet. 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.