11 Best iPad Coloring Apps for Kids and Adults
Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore—it’s a timeless activity that brings joy, relaxation, and creativity to people of all ages. In 2025, with the iPad’s sleek design and powerful features like the Apple Pencil, digital coloring has become a mess-free, portable way to unwind or spark imagination. Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun, educational app for your little one or an adult seeking a stress-relieving hobby, there’s an iPad coloring app out there for you.
In this article, I’ve rounded up the 11 best iPad coloring apps for kids and adults in 2025. From vibrant, kid-friendly designs to intricate illustrations for grown-ups, these apps offer something for everyone. I’ve tested them out (well, as much as an AI can imagine testing them!), and I’ll walk you through what makes each one special—features, usability, and why it’s worth a spot on your iPad. Let’s dive in!
Why iPad Coloring Apps Are a Game-Changer
Before we get to the list, let’s talk about why iPad coloring apps are so awesome. Unlike traditional coloring books, they give you endless options—hundreds of pages, thousands of colors, and tools like brushes and gradients—all without the clutter of crayons or markers. For kids, they’re a fun way to build fine motor skills and creativity. For adults, they’re a meditative escape from the daily grind. Plus, with the Apple Pencil, coloring feels as natural as it does on paper, but with an “undo” button. Who wouldn’t love that?
With that in mind, here are the 11 best iPad coloring apps for 2025, perfect for kids, adults, or both.
1. Pigment – Best Overall Coloring Experience
Pigment is a standout in the world of digital coloring, and it’s no surprise it’s topping our list for 2025. This app is a dream for both kids and adults, offering a premium experience that feels like real-life coloring—only better.
Why It’s Great
Pigment boasts thousands of coloring pages, from simple animal sketches for kids to detailed mandalas for adults. Its toolset is unmatched: pencils, markers, airbrushes, watercolors—you name it. You can blend colors, adjust pressure with the Apple Pencil, and even use a “fill” tool for quick, neat results. Kids love the playful designs, while adults appreciate the intricate illustrations and relaxing vibe.
Features
- Over 4,000 coloring pages (free and premium).
- Realistic brushes and shading options.
- Automatic, freehand, and advanced coloring modes.
- Works offline—perfect for travel.
Who It’s For
Everyone! Kids can enjoy the simpler pages, while adults can lose themselves in complex designs. It’s especially great if you love variety and professional-grade tools.
Drawback
The free version is limited—unlocking everything requires a subscription ($9.99/month or $59.99/year). But trust me, it’s worth it for serious colorists.
2. Happy Color® – Best Free Option
Happy Color is a color-by-number app that’s taken the world by storm, and in 2025, it’s still a fan favorite. It’s free, fun, and perfect for all ages.
Why It’s Great
With thousands of images—think animals, flowers, and pop culture icons—Happy Color makes coloring accessible and relaxing. You tap to fill numbered sections, so there’s no guesswork, making it ideal for kids learning colors or adults who want a low-effort creative break.
Features
- Daily new pictures to color.
- Categories like nature, fantasy, and Disney-inspired designs.
- Simple, intuitive interface.
- Completely free with optional in-app purchases.
Who It’s For
Kids who love structure and adults who want a mindless, soothing activity. It’s less about freeform creativity and more about guided fun.
Drawback
Ads can pop up between pictures, but a one-time $9.99 purchase removes them forever.
3. Colorfy – Best for Creative Freedom
Colorfy blends simplicity with versatility, making it a top pick for 2025. It’s less rigid than color-by-number apps, giving you room to experiment.
Why It’s Great
Colorfy offers a wide range of illustrations—flowers, animals, mandalas—and lets you pick your own colors and brushes. You can even create custom mandalas or color your own photos, which is a hit with adults. Kids enjoy the playful designs, while the AR feature (showing your art in 3D) adds a wow factor.
Features
- Hundreds of coloring pages, updated weekly.
- Custom color palettes and gradient tools.
- Offline mode for uninterrupted coloring.
- AR integration for a fun twist.
Who It’s For
Creative souls of all ages who want more control over their artwork. It’s a step up from structured apps like Happy Color.
Drawback
The free version has limited pages; a subscription ($7.99/month) unlocks the full library.
4. Lake: Coloring Books – Best for Artistic Vibes
Lake feels like a curated art gallery you can color in. Designed by artists, it’s a unique app that’s perfect for 2025’s creative crowd.
Why It’s Great
Lake stands out with its hand-drawn illustrations from real artists. The color wheel is a joy to use, offering endless shades, and each page comes with a suggested palette for inspiration. It’s calming for adults and engaging for kids who want to feel like real artists.
Features
- Artist-created designs, updated regularly.
- Intuitive color wheel with shading options.
- Apple Pencil support for precision.
- Free daily pages plus subscription content.
Who It’s For
Adults who love art and kids with an eye for detail. It’s less about quantity and more about quality.
Drawback
The free version is limited; a subscription ($7.99/month or $59.99/year) unlocks the full experience.
5. Disney Coloring World – Best for Kids
Disney Coloring World brings magic to your iPad in 2025. If your kid loves Disney, this is a no-brainer.
Why It’s Great
From Elsa to Mickey, this app lets kids color their favorite Disney characters with vibrant tools and patterns. It’s simple enough for toddlers but has enough depth to keep older kids entertained. The stickers and decorations add a playful touch.
Features
- Hundreds of Disney and Pixar characters.
- Easy tap-to-fill coloring.
- Stickers and decorative tools.
- Offline play available.
Who It’s For
Kids aged 2-10 who adore Disney. Adults might enjoy a nostalgia trip, too!
Drawback
It’s subscription-based ($6.99/month or $39.99/year) after a short free trial, and it’s less suited for adults.
6. Recolor – Best for 3D Coloring
Recolor takes coloring to the next level with 3D designs, making it a standout in 2025.
Why It’s Great
Recolor offers both 2D and 3D images—think spinning objects you can color from all angles. The “Live Colors” brush animates your work, which kids find mesmerizing and adults find oddly satisfying. It’s packed with designs like mandalas, animals, and fantasy scenes.
Features
- 3D and 2D coloring options.
- Thousands of images across 19+ categories.
- Animated brush effects.
- Free with premium upgrades.
Who It’s For
Kids who love techy twists and adults who want something unique.
Drawback
The full library requires a subscription ($7.99/month), and ads can interrupt the free version.
7. Baby Coloring Book for Kids – Best for Toddlers
Baby Coloring Book for Kids is a gem for the littlest artists in 2025.
Why It’s Great
Designed for ages 1-5, this app keeps things simple with big, bold images—think dinosaurs, princesses, and aliens. It’s educational, too, teaching colors and shapes while boosting motor skills. The interface is toddler-friendly, so no accidental exits.
Features
- 135+ coloring pages in fun categories.
- Interactive games and lessons.
- Patterned color options.
- Free with in-app purchases.
Who It’s For
Toddlers and preschoolers. Adults won’t find much here, but it’s perfect for early learning.
Drawback
Full access requires a $9.99 upgrade, but the free version is solid for starters.
8. Procreate – Best for Advanced Users
Procreate isn’t just a coloring app—it’s a full-on art studio. In 2025, it’s a favorite for those who want more than pre-made pages.
Why It’s Great
While Procreate shines for drawing, it’s fantastic for coloring, too. Import any PDF coloring page (free ones from Pinterest work great!), and use its vast brush library to create masterpieces. Kids can doodle freely, while adults can refine their skills.
Features
- Importable coloring pages.
- Hundreds of customizable brushes.
- Layers and timelapse export.
- One-time purchase ($9.99).
Who It’s For
Creative kids and adults who want total control. It’s less guided, more DIY.
Drawback
No built-in coloring pages—you’ll need to source them yourself.
9. Coloring Book for Me – Best for Variety
Coloring Book for Me is a delightful all-rounder for 2025.
Why It’s Great
With over 15 categories—animals, fantasy, mandalas—this app keeps things fresh. You can tweak your art with effects like vignetting, and the preset palettes make coloring a breeze. It’s intuitive for kids and satisfying for adults.
Features
- 400+ coloring pages.
- 30+ color palettes plus custom options.
- Post-editing effects.
- Frequent updates.
Who It’s For
Kids and adults who love variety and easy-to-use tools.
Drawback
Premium access ($4.99/month) unlocks more, and the free version has ads.
10. Voxly: 3D Color by Number – Best for Tech Lovers
Voxly brings a futuristic twist to coloring in 2025.
Why It’s Great
This app uses voxel-based 3D models—think blocky, Minecraft-style designs. You color by number, watching your creation come to life in three dimensions. It’s a hit with tech-savvy kids and adults who enjoy a modern take on coloring.
Features
- 3D voxel coloring pages.
- Wide range of models (animals, cars, etc.).
- Shareable creations.
- Free with premium options.
Who It’s For
Kids and adults who love 3D visuals and structured coloring.
Drawback
The free version is limited; a subscription ($9.99/month) unlocks more models.
11. Toonia Colorbook – Best for Calm Creativity
Toonia Colorbook wraps up our list with a soothing, kid-focused experience in 2025.
Why It’s Great
With 160 unique pages and a calming soundtrack, Toonia is perfect for young artists. The tap-to-fill method is easy for little hands, and the vibrant colors keep kids engaged. Adults might enjoy it for its simplicity, too.
Features
- 160 coloring pages.
- 20 bright colors.
- Relaxing background music.
- Save and share options.
Who It’s For
Kids aged 3-8 and adults seeking a low-key coloring session.
Drawback
It’s basic compared to others—no premium tools or 3D options.
How to Choose the Right iPad Coloring App
With so many options, how do you pick? Here’s a quick guide:
- For Kids: Look for simplicity, fun themes, and educational value (e.g., Disney Coloring World, Baby Coloring Book).
- For Adults: Prioritize variety, advanced tools, and relaxation (e.g., Pigment, Lake).
- For Both: Apps like Colorfy and Happy Color bridge the gap with broad appeal.
- Budget: Free apps like Happy Color shine, but one-time buys like Procreate offer long-term value.
Consider your needs—structured or freeform, kid-focused or artistic—and you’ll find the perfect fit.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Coloring Apps
- Use an Apple Pencil: It’s a game-changer for precision and feel.
- Go Offline: Many apps work without Wi-Fi—great for road trips.
- Explore Free Trials: Test premium features before committing.
- Share Your Art: Most apps let you save or post your creations—show off your skills!
- Set a Timer: Coloring’s relaxing, but don’t lose track of time (especially for kids!).
The Benefits of Digital Coloring in 2025
Coloring on your iPad isn’t just fun—it’s good for you. Studies show it reduces stress and anxiety for adults, while kids develop motor skills and focus. In 2025, with apps offering everything from 3D designs to AR, it’s also a tech-savvy way to stay creative. Plus, no mess, no fuss—just pure enjoyment.
Final Thoughts on the Best iPad Coloring Apps for 2025
Whether you’re a toddler scribbling away or an adult unwinding after a long day, these 11 iPad coloring apps for 2025 have you covered. Pigment leads the pack with its versatility, while Happy Color wins for free fun. Disney Coloring World delights kids, and Procreate empowers serious artists. Whatever your style, there’s an app here to spark your creativity.
So, grab your iPad, download one (or three!), and start coloring. Which one’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy coloring, everyone!