Which iPad Should I Buy? How to Choose the Best iPad for You

Apple has a small family of iPad models, and for the vast majority of users, the iPad 10.9 is the best model to choose, for anything from social media to the best POS apps. Anyone doing more serious design work will need the power of an iPad Pro, but beyond portability, we have few reasons to recommend an iPad Mini or iPad Air over the great value entry-level iPad.

If you’re looking to pick up a new iPad, whether you’re buying for the first time or upgrading from an older model, there’s a good selection to choose from. For the perfect combo of value and features, the iPad 10.9 is the best option for pretty much everyone. However, the iPad Pro, iPad Mini, and iPad Air each have their respective ups and downs, which could make them perfect for your particular needs.

Apple just announced updates to the iPad Air and iPad Pro in May 2024, giving each iteration some new features, more power, and an overall upgrade that will make some users happy to pay the premium price. Here’s how all available models match up against each other right now:

Factors to Consider When Buying an iPad

Before picking out an iPad, you should consider the top four factors that are likely to guide your purchase:

• Cost: A brand-new iPad costs between a few hundred and a thousand dollars, although a refurbished model may cost even less.
• Performance: Processing power and storage capacity are the two biggest factors to look for when it comes to performance.
• Size: Screens range between 8.3 and 12.9 inches. Larger ones cost more, but a smaller one may be best for you.
• Extras: Apple’s additional iPad tools include its Pencil stylus, keyboard attachments, and protective cases.

Which iPad Is Best for You?

There are four models in the current iPad range: iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Pro, and iPad Air. None of them disappoint, although some are better suited to different types of users:

1. 10.9-inch iPad: Best all-round iPad for almost everyone. Simply referred to as “the iPad,” this is the perfect tablet for most people. Apple’s latest iPad offers a sizeable screen, making it one of Apple’s most compelling budget models yet. Unless you desperately need the power of a Pro model, there’s little reason to spend more.
2. iPad Mini: Best for portability. With an 8.3-inch screen, the Mini is the smallest iPad. In terms of tech, it was just updated last year, which makes it one of the sleeker options at Apple. If you like your tablets ultra-portable, and don’t already use a large-screen phone, you’ll love the new Mini.
3. iPad Pro: Best for creatives or professionals. Following its 2024 refresh, the Pro is a beast of tablet, available in either 11-inch or 12.9-inch sizes. Incorporating Apple’s latest bespoke chip, the M4, it runs fast, handling graphically intensive apps with ease. It’s the ideal designer’s tool.
4. iPad Air: Best for professionals on the go. With a beefier M2 processor, the iPad Air brings a lightweight body to the heavy-duty iPad experience that Apple users have come to know and love.

iPad 10.9-inch

The best iPad for most people, and fantastic value

For all but the most demanding business or design users, this is the iPad we’d recommend every time. For day-to-day browsing, email, and all but the most demanding apps, it really does have everything you’d need. It’s light and portable, the screen is great, and it’s the best value iPad to choose.

The 2022 model is the 10th generation iPad 10.9, and it replaces the 9th generation model — this one did experience a price hike at first, but in 2024, has now been discounted to as low as $349.

The 10.9-inch model utilizes a worse processor than other options in the A14 chip, but it’s plenty powerful for the average user. It also has compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, but does not work with the Apple Pencil Pro.

Should you get the iPad 10.9, Air, Mini, or Pro?

The short answer is – you should get the iPad 10.9 in nearly all cases. It’s far cheaper than its iPad stablemates and has all the power that most users will need. The Air is a touch more modern, and yes, a little slimmer, but there’s not enough in it to recommend spending so much extra. The iPad Mini is considerably smaller, which might make it ideal if you need something to carry about with you. But, in an age of ever-larger smartphone screens, the Mini becomes a lot less compelling.

Verdict: The everyman of the iPad lineup, this model is excellent value. The current model offers a solid processor, a large display, and almost everything you’d need. While there are faster, more modern options in the range, including the Air and Pro, you won’t get more for your money than the entry-level iPad.

iPad Mini 2021

The Best Portable iPad

The iPad Mini is aimed at people who want the iPad experience, but in a smaller form than the standard 10.9-inch model can offer. Enter a more portable solution.

After keeping the iPad Mini at the same size ever since its introduction in 2012, Apple finally decided to upgrade the screen size back in 2021, upping the diminutive 7.9-inch screen to a still-pretty-small 8.3 inches for the sixth generation. That’s not the only upgrade.

What’s new with the iPad Mini?

An impressive A15 processor replaces the previous generation’s A12 chip, putting the new model in the slightly higher power category as the larger, standard iPad. In fact, it really is just a standard iPad, just in smaller packaging. Granted, the price tag may be hard to swallow — Apple have hiked the price for the newest generation up to $499 from $399. That’s $50 more than a standard sized iPad. However, if you’re after a smaller model, this is really your only choice.

This new iteration is a charming tablet that’s intuitive to use and will run your apps with ease. If you’re after a compact tablet, it’s hard to do better than the latest iPad Mini.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a small, portable, affordable iPad, the Mini might be your best. The updated version has all the bells and whistles you’d expect, just in a smaller package.

iPad Pro (2024)

A stunning iPad, perfect for creatives

Want the biggest, most powerful iPad on the market? Then you want a Pro. Or more specifically the iPad Pro 11 or iPad Pro 12.9.

With slim bezels, boasting the latest features such face unlock, Liquid Retina XDR display, 5G (selected models), and Thunderbolt support, making for incredibly fast transfer speeds through the USB-C port.

Perhaps the biggest change though is the Apple M4 chip, Apple’s latest self-produced, AI-powered CPU, which Apple claims is much faster than its predecessors. In short, the iPad Pro has always been the most powerful iPad, but now it’s been given a huge boost, propelling it far beyond the capabilities of the rest of the range.

iPad Pro model choices

Size-wise, you’re looking at either a medium (11 inch) or a large (12.9 inch), both with stunningly vivid displays that really impress. Despite the increase in size compared to a standard iPad, Apple have managed to ensure that the Pro stays light and thin. In fact, the iPad Pro is now the thinnest device in Apple’s history.

The tablet doesn’t show any signs of stopping when faced with intensive graphical apps, thanks to that M4 CPU, which is why it’s so appealing to designers and creatives. If you’re simply browsing the internet and watching Netflix, then this iPad is overkill (although Stranger Things would certainly look incredible on that 12.9-inch display).

Verdict: Large, powerful, and expensive, the Pro is a status symbol and the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet design to date. For the average surfer, its abilities are wasted, but for those that can push it – and have the budget – the Pro is likely to be a faithful companion for years to come.

iPad Air (2024)

Great for professionals in need of lightweight portability 

Bigger than the iPad Mini, cheaper than the iPad Pro – the iPad Air sounds like a slam-dunk device to go for. But there’s a major caveat with the iPad Air – for most people, it may be too expensive to recommend over the 10.9-inch iPad.

The $599 iPad Air 11 and the $799 iPad Air 13 are both compatible with the Apple Pen Pro and Magic Keyboard, which makes it a viable alternative to your laptop for a fraction of the price.

Is the iPad Air the right choice?

There are reasons why the iPad Air isn’t a true iPad Pro contender, though. The lightning port keeps it from being easily compatible with other devices, and the okay-enough resolution could certainly be more impressive, given recent upgrades in technology.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a fairly affordable, lightweight model that can still take advantage of some of Apple’s more luxurious features, the iPad Air is great. The shortcomings are hardly deal-breakers. However, for everyday browsing and typical apps, you may be better off getting the cheaper 10.9-inch iPad.

Best iPad for Working From Home?

If you’re looking enough to work from home, or you’re looking for a remote job as we speak, an iPad can be a great alternative to a standard laptop. Your best bet is the iPad Pro, thanks to its large screen, USB-C port and powerful M4 chip.

However, we realize that the best option isn’t always the most affordable, so if you can’t stretch to a Pro, then the standard, 10.9-inch model iPad is a great alternative. Sure, it might not offer the screen real estate, but thanks to updates to the iPadOS, even the standard iPad can now almost perfectly mimic a traditional laptop, with folders, and mouse and keyboard support. Plus, that 10-hour battery life will keep you going for a long time, whether you’re working in the office or on the couch.

iPad 10.9 vs iPad Pro (2024)

The iPad 10.9-inch and the iPad Pro (2024) don’t have a lot in common. Both offer ten-hour battery life and they both have 12MP cameras, but that’s where the similarities end honestly.

The Pro is available in bigger sizes – either 11-inch or 12.9-inch, compared to the standard 10.9-inch iPad. The Pro now features the M4 chip, while the standard iPad offers only the A14, now the worst chip in the entire iPad lineup. On top of that, the iPad Pro offers Face ID, while the standard iPad only has Touch ID.

While it’s the fastest iPad on the market, that’s not to say that the standard 10.9-inch iPad is lacking, particularly in value. The price is notably lower and still offers a lot compared to its larger counterpart.

Verdict: Want the ultimate iPad? Get the Pro. However, be aware that you’ll need to pay a premium for it, and if you’re not looking to stretch its capabilities, you probably won’t get your money’s worth. For most, the 10.9-inch iPad offers the best mix of power and value in Apple’s line-up.

iPad 10.9 vs iPad Mini

If you’re looking for a portable, everyday tablet, then you won’t go far wrong with the 10.9-inch iPad or the latest Mini. Both offer a smooth experience and are light and slim enough to pop into a bag. When it comes to power, the new iPad Mini definitely has the edge, boasting the A15 chip, rather than the older A14 for the standard model.

Of course, screen size is nothing to scoff at either. The iPad 10.9 screen is more than two inches larger than its tiny compatriot, and that can matter significantly, particularly when your phone is already on the larger side. In short, if you already use a large phone (6 inches or over) then you may not benefit from choosing the iPad Mini – it’s not that much bigger. For a screen-size upgrade, the 10.9-inch iPad is a smarter choice.

Verdict: The Mini is a winner for power and cameras, but the iPad 10.9 has a better screen — pick your favored feature, and you’ll know your winner.

iPad 10.9

• 10.9-inch screen
• A14 chip
• 10 hour battery life
• From $349

Mini 5

• 7.9-inch screen
• A15 chip
• 10 hour battery life
• From $499

iPad Buying Guide

When buying an iPad, you should start by considering your needs. Ask yourself a few questions like these:

• How long will I use my iPad? A few hours a week? A full work day, five times a week?
• What physical accomodations do I need? If you have small hands, a Mini will have the right frame size. However, if you have weak eyesight, a Pro’s larger screen may be worth paying for.
• How long do I want to keep my iPad? Until it dies? Or until the next model is out? If you’re in it for the long haul, don’t forget to add a protective cover.

You’ll need to pick out an iPad model that fills these needs — and allows other needs to fall to the wayside. If you feel that the standard iPad doesn’t quite have the power you need, then consider bumping up to the Air. However, if power is a concern, and your budget can stretch to it, you’re better off going with the Pro.

The iPad Pro is expensive, but there’s a reason for that. It’s the biggest, most powerful iPad that Apple offers. If you need a powerful tablet, perhaps for creative work, then a Pro is a great choice. For most though, the standard iPad will be more than powerful enough for day-to-day activities.

In every case, your needs determine which iPad is right.