Best iPad 2025: Which Apple Tablet Should You Buy?
It’s 2025, and if you’re in the market for a new iPad, you’re in for a treat—and maybe a bit of a headache. Apple’s tablet lineup is better than ever, but with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or just someone who wants to binge Netflix on a gorgeous screen, there’s an iPad for you. The trick is figuring out which one fits your needs and budget. In this guide, we’ll break down the best iPads for 2025, based on the latest models available as of February 24, 2025, and help you decide which Apple tablet you should buy. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose an iPad in 2025?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why iPads continue to dominate the tablet world. Apple’s ecosystem is a big reason. With seamless integration across devices like the iPhone and Mac, a massive App Store packed with tablet-optimized apps, and regular software updates (hello, iPadOS 18.1 and beyond!), iPads offer a polished experience that’s tough to beat. Add in powerful hardware, long battery life, and a range of accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, and you’ve got a device that can do everything from sketching masterpieces to replacing your laptop.
In 2025, Apple’s lineup includes the standard iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, each with its own strengths. Whether you’re after portability, raw power, or affordability, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore the contenders for the best iPad of 2025 and see which one’s right for you.
The Contenders: Apple’s 2025 iPad Lineup
As of February 24, 2025, Apple’s current iPad offerings are a mix of refreshed models from 2024 and the still-solid 10th-generation iPad from 2022. Here’s the rundown:
- iPad (10th Generation, 2022) - The budget-friendly all-rounder.
- iPad Mini (7th Generation, 2024) - The compact powerhouse.
- iPad Air (6th Generation, 2024) - The versatile middle child, now in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
- iPad Pro (7th Generation, 2024) - The premium beast, available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants.
Each model has its own vibe, so let’s break them down one by one, looking at performance, features, price, and who they’re best suited for. We’ll also sprinkle in some expert insights from top tech sites like TechRadar, ZDNET, and Wirecutter.
Best iPad for Most People: iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
Overview
- Price: Starting at $349 (often discounted to $299 or less)
- Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (2360 x 1640)
- Processor: A14 Bionic
- Storage: 64GB or 256GB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Accessories: Supports 1st-gen Apple Pencil (with adapter) and Magic Keyboard Folio
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the 10th-generation iPad is still the champ in 2025. Released in 2022, it got a sleek redesign with slim bezels, a USB-C port, and a landscape-oriented front camera—perfect for video calls. Apple dropped its price by $100 in 2024, making it even more appealing at $349. You can often find it on sale for under $300 at retailers like Amazon.
Why It’s Great
This iPad nails the basics. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is crisp and vibrant, the A14 Bionic chip handles everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and light gaming with ease, and the 10-hour battery life keeps you going all day. The repositioned 12MP front camera with Center Stage makes Zoom calls a breeze, and the stereo speakers sound surprisingly good for a budget tablet.
Who It’s For
This is the best iPad for casual users—think families, kids, or anyone who wants a reliable tablet without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for watching shows, reading e-books, or letting the kids play games. As CNET notes, “The 10th-gen iPad is still our top choice for most people” because it balances features and affordability so well.
Drawbacks
It’s not perfect. The A14 chip, while solid, isn’t as future-proof as the M-series chips in newer models, and it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence (Apple’s AI features rolling out in 2025). Plus, the 1st-gen Apple Pencil support feels clunky—you’ll need a dongle to charge it. Still, for the price, it’s hard to complain.
Best iPad for Portability: iPad Mini (7th Generation, 2024)
Overview
- Price: Starting at $499
- Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina (2266 x 1488)
- Processor: A17 Pro
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C Pencil
The iPad Mini got a big update in October 2024, and it’s a dream for anyone who loves compact tech. At just 8.3 inches, it’s small enough to toss in a bag or hold with one hand, but the A17 Pro chip (the same one in the iPhone 15 Pro) makes it a surprising powerhouse.
Why It’s Great
The Mini’s 8.3-inch display is sharp and bright, with the highest pixel density of any iPad. The A17 Pro chip delivers snappy performance for gaming, streaming, and even some light productivity tasks. It’s also the cheapest iPad with Apple Intelligence support, which means you’ll get AI-powered features like Writing Tools and Smart Reply as they roll out in 2025. Plus, it works with the fancy new Apple Pencil Pro, which artists and note-takers will love for its squeeze gestures and rotation control.
Who It’s For
This is the best iPad for travelers, readers, or anyone who wants a tablet that feels like a big smartphone. ZDNET calls it “the ultraportable tablet to beat,” and it’s easy to see why—it’s perfect for one-handed use or as a kid-friendly device that’s easy to grip.
Drawbacks
The smaller screen isn’t ideal for multitasking, and the $499 price feels steep compared to the 10th-gen iPad. There’s no keyboard accessory either, so it’s not a laptop replacement. Still, if portability is your priority, this is the one.
Best iPad for Versatility: iPad Air (6th Generation, 2024)
Overview
- Price: $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch)
- Display: 11-inch (2360 x 1640) or 13-inch (2732 x 2048) Liquid Retina
- Processor: M2
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
The 2024 iPad Air is the Goldilocks of the lineup—not too basic, not too pricey, just right. Available in 11-inch and new 13-inch sizes, it’s powered by the M2 chip (the same one in 2022 MacBooks) and offers a premium experience for a reasonable price.
Why It’s Great
The M2 chip makes the Air a beast for multitasking, creative work, and gaming. The 11-inch model is portable and easy to hold, while the 13-inch version gives you more screen real estate for movies or split-screen apps. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, turning it into a legit laptop alternative. Tom’s Guide praises it as “the best overall iPad for most people” thanks to its balance of power and value.
Who It’s For
Students, casual creatives, and anyone who wants a step up from the base iPad will love the Air. The 11-inch is great for everyday use, while the 13-inch is ideal if you want a bigger canvas for drawing or working. It’s also Apple Intelligence-ready, so it’s future-proofed for 2025 and beyond.
Drawbacks
The 60Hz display feels dated next to the Pro’s 120Hz, and the base 128GB storage might fill up fast if you’re a heavy user. It’s also pricier than the 10th-gen iPad, so you’ll need to decide if the extra power is worth it.
Best iPad for Power Users: iPad Pro (7th Generation, 2024)
Overview
- Price: $999 (11-inch), $1,299 (13-inch)
- Display: 11-inch (2420 x 1668) or 13-inch (2752 x 2064) Ultra Retina XDR (Tandem OLED, 120Hz)
- Processor: M4
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
The 2024 iPad Pro is Apple’s flagship tablet, and it’s a stunner. With a super-thin design, a Tandem OLED display, and the blazing-fast M4 chip, it’s built for pros who need the best of the best.
Why It’s Great
The OLED screen is a game-changer—bright, colorful, and perfect for HDR content or photo editing. The M4 chip outpaces most laptops, making it ideal for video editing, 3D rendering, or running demanding apps. It’s Apple Intelligence-compatible, and the 120Hz refresh rate keeps everything buttery smooth. Engadget gave it high marks, saying it’s “more tablet than most people need, but technically impressive.”
Who It’s For
Creative professionals—think graphic designers, video editors, or musicians—will get the most out of the Pro. It’s also a solid pick if you want a laptop replacement, especially with the Magic Keyboard. The 13-inch model doubles as a portable workstation, while the 11-inch keeps things sleek.
Drawbacks
The price is the big hurdle—$999 is steep, and accessories like the $349 Magic Keyboard push it into MacBook territory. The OLED upgrade is nice, but not everyone needs it. If you’re not a power user, the Air might be a better fit.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Which iPad Wins in 2025?
Let’s put these iPads side by side to see how they stack up:
| Model | Price | Display | Processor | Storage Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (10th Gen) | $349 | 10.9-inch LCD | A14 Bionic | 64GB, 256GB | Budget users, families |
| iPad Mini (7th Gen) | $499 | 8.3-inch LCD | A17 Pro | 128GB, 256GB | Portability lovers |
| iPad Air (11-inch) | $599 | 11-inch LCD | M2 | 128GB to 1TB | Students, casual creatives |
| iPad Air (13-inch) | $799 | 13-inch LCD | M2 | 128GB to 1TB | Bigger-screen fans |
| iPad Pro (11-inch) | $999 | 11-inch OLED | M4 | 256GB to 2TB | Pros, power users |
| iPad Pro (13-inch) | $1,299 | 13-inch OLED | M4 | 256GB to 2TB | Ultimate performance |
Key Takeaways
- Budget: The 10th-gen iPad is the clear winner at $349.
- Portability: The iPad Mini’s 8.3-inch size is unbeatable.
- Value: The iPad Air (11-inch) offers the best mix of price and power.
- Performance: The iPad Pro’s M4 and OLED display reign supreme.
What’s Coming Next? Rumors of an iPad 11 in 2025
Apple might not be done with 2025 yet. Rumors from TechRadar suggest a new base-model iPad (11th generation) could drop between March and May 2025. It might bring an upgraded chip (possibly the A16 or M1) and Apple Intelligence support, making it a more future-proof option than the current 10th-gen model. If you’re not in a rush, holding off could pay off—but the 10th-gen iPad is still a stellar deal right now.
Accessories: Enhancing Your iPad Experience
No iPad is complete without the right accessories. Here’s what to pair with your 2025 pick:
- Apple Pencil: The 1st-gen works with the 10th-gen iPad, while the Pencil Pro (with squeeze and rotation features) is exclusive to the 2024 Air and Pro models. Great for drawing or note-taking.
- Magic Keyboard: Turns the Air or Pro into a laptop. It’s pricey ($299-$349), but the typing experience is top-notch.
- Magic Keyboard Folio: A $249 option for the 10th-gen iPad with a kickstand and function keys.
- Cases: Check out OtterBox or Spigen for rugged or sleek protection.
Final Verdict: Which iPad Should You Buy in 2025?
After weighing the options, here’s our take on the best iPad for 2025:
- Best Overall: iPad Air (11-inch, 2024) - At $599, it’s powerful, versatile, and future-proof with M2 and Apple Intelligence support. It’s the sweet spot for most users.
- Best Budget: iPad (10th Gen, 2022) - For $349, you get a fantastic tablet that covers the basics beautifully.
- Best Compact: iPad Mini (7th Gen, 2024) - At $499, it’s the go-to for portability and one-handed use.
- Best Premium: iPad Pro (13-inch, 2024) - If money’s no object, this $1,299 beast is unmatched for pros.
Your choice depends on your needs. If you just want a solid tablet for everyday fun, grab the 10th-gen iPad. Need more power or a bigger screen? Step up to the Air. Crave the ultimate? Go Pro. Whatever you pick, you’re getting one of the best tablets on the market in 2025.
Where to Buy Your iPad in 2025
Ready to pull the trigger? Here are some top spots to snag your iPad:
- Apple Store - Full price, but great for customization and trade-ins.
- Amazon - Frequent discounts, especially on the 10th-gen iPad.
- Best Buy - Competitive pricing and bundle deals.
- Walmart - Another spot for sales on older models.
Keep an eye out for spring sales around the rumored iPad 11 launch—deals could sweeten the pot!
Conclusion
Choosing the best iPad in 2025 comes down to balancing your budget, needs, and dreams. The 10th-gen iPad keeps things affordable, the Mini packs a punch in a tiny package, the Air offers versatility, and the Pro delivers unrivaled power. Whichever you choose, you’re investing in a device that’ll last for years, thanks to Apple’s stellar support and build quality. So, what’s it gonna be? Let us know in the comments, and happy shopping!