Which iPad Should I Buy? Best iPad Guide

Apple has a small family of iPad models, and for the vast majority of users, the 10.2-inch iPad is the best model to choose. 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.

The Apple iPad became an icon the moment that it first hit shelves in 2010, and without a doubt, it's the most recognizable tablet out there. This hasn't happened by chance – Apple worked hard to ensure that its reputation for crafting powerful, intuitive devices continued with its iPad range, and the excitement generated by each new iteration shows that we're just as passionate about the tablet as ever.

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 10.2 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.

In this guide, we'll talk you through the options and help you choose the iPad that suits you best.

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. 10.2-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 2021: 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 more sleek 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 11 and 12.9: Best for creatives or professionals Following its 2021 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 the M1, 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 processor than the 10.2-inch iPad, the iPad Air brings a lightweight body to the heavy-duty iPad experience that Apple users have come to know and love.

iPad 10.2-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 2021 model is the 9th generation iPad 10.2, and it replaces the 8th generation model without the price hike (still $329) — impressively, it's the second iPad generation in a row to keep steady at the same price.

The newest 10.2-inch model utilizes a better processor in the A13 processor, and the storage is higher, too, maxing out at 256GB rather than the last generation's 128GB storage. The rear camera remains at 8Mp, while the front facing camera is still 12Mp — more than sufficient for any video calls you may need to take part in while working from home.

Should you get the iPad 10.2, Air, Mini, or Pro?

The short answer is – you should get the iPad 10.2 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.

Business users tempted by the iPad Pro should pause to remember that the 9th generation iPad 10.2 is also compatible with the iPad pencil. Apple have also released a Smart keyboard attachment, which it is selling for $159.

The latest iPad is also the first model to have its aluminium chassis made entirely from recycled materials.

Verdict: The everyman of the iPad lineup, this model is excellent value. The newest model offers a serious processor upgrade, a large display, and almost everything you'd need. While there are faster options in the range, including the Air, Mini, 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 10.2-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 screensize 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 and with a better chip. 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 $170 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 best. The updated version has all the bells and whistles you'd expect, just in a smaller package.

iPad Pro 11 and 12.9

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 M1 chip, Apple's latest 8-core CPU, which Apple claims is 50% faster than its predecessor, the A12Z. In short, the iPad Pro has always been the most powerful iPad, but now its 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 11 inches or 12.9 inches, 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 easy to hold for extended periods. In fact, the 11-inch iPad Pro is lighter than the standard, 10.2-inch iPad, thanks to much slimmer bezels.

The tablet doesn't show any signs of stopping when faced with intensive graphical apps, thanks to that M1 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

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 10.2-inch iPad.

The $599 iPad Air comes with a 10.9-inch frame, putting it firmly ahead of all other models outside of the decidedly more expensive iPad Pro. It's also compatible with the Apple Pen and Smart 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 2360 x 1640 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 10.2-inch iPad.

Best iPad for Working From Home?

The last year has seen many of us changing our approach to the way we work, with the pandemic forcing many of us to work from home. If you're looking for the best iPad that suits this style of working the best bet is the iPad Pro, thanks to its large screen, USB-C port and powerful M1 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, 10.2-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 10.2 vs iPad Pro

The iPad 10.2-inch and Pro have a lot in common. Both offer ten-hour battery life, and both are compatible with the Apple Pencil, meaning you can make annotations on the screen, although only the Pro will work with the Apple Pencil 2.

The Pro is available in bigger sizes – either 11-inch or 12.9-inch, compared to the standard 10.2-inch iPad. The Pro also has a faster processor, that M1 chip making it ideal for intense graphical work and demanding apps. It has also scrapped the home button that we're so used to seeing on the iPad, and instead uses face recognition to automatically unlock the screen.

While it's the fastest iPad on the market, that's not to say that the standard 10.2-inch iPad is lacking in power. With the A12 processor running the show, it still offers a lot of bang for your buck – especially considering that it's at least half the price of the Pro.

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 10.2-inch iPad offers the best mix of power and value in Apple's line-up.

iPad 10.2 vs iPad Mini

If you're looking for a portable, everyday tablet, then you won't go far wrong with the 10.2-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, both are equipped with a speedy processor: A12 for the 10.2 inch, and A15 for the Mini. The Mini packs a better front camera, too, meaning that it could be appealing to those that need to be ready for a video conference on their tablet.

Of course, screen size is nothing to scoff at either. The iPad 10.2 screen is around 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 10.2-inch iPad is a smarter choice.

Verdict: The Mini is a winner for power and cameras, but the iPad 10.2 has a better screen — pick your favored feature, and you'll know your winner.

iPad 10.2

• 10.2-inch screen
• A12 processor
• Up to 10 hours battery life
• 64GB or 256GB
• 1.09 pounds
• From $329

Mini 5

• 7.9-inch
• A15 processor
• Up to 10 hours battery life
• 64GB or 256GB
• 0.65 pounds
• From $499