The iPad is a versatile device at home or on the go. For many, it’s replaced a traditional computer or laptop. Our iPad buying guide will help you quickly buy the right iPad for you.
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The best iPad for most
The best iPad for most people is the iPad Air. It features an M1 processor so it supports Stage Manager and it supports the second-generation Apple Pencil that neatly attaches to the side. The iPad Air strikes the best balance between future-proofing and price.
The iPad Air only comes with 64 GB of storage. We recommend spending a little more on the 256 GB model to avoid future headaches.
To make the most out of your iPad and turn it into a full laptop replacement, you’ll want a case, a keyboard, and a trackpad. The Logitech Combo Touch does all three and for half the price of Apple’s own Magic Keyboard.
Why we no longer recommend the basic iPad
For years, the basic iPad was our top pick, as the low price made it a great value. Apple redesigned it in 2022 to match the rest of the lineup by dropping the Home button. Unfortunately, Apple also added over $100 to the price. Also, while it now has a USB-C port, it only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, meaning you need a clunky adapter to connect it to your iPad. And it also doesn’t support Stage Manager, so it makes more sense to spend a little more on the iPad Air.
If you want a smaller iPad
The iPad mini used to be the budget end of the iPad line, but that has changed. The sixth-generation iPad mini, released in September 2021, is a premium product in every way. Base storage is 64 GB, but we recommend upgrading to 256 GB for extra headroom.
The iPad mini offers several premium features:
- A Liquid Retina display with smooth animations
- A USB-C connector, which makes it easy to attach external devices like thumb drives, hard drives, or even mice and keyboards.
- A better rear camera: 12 MP vs. 8 MP in the base iPad.
- Support for 5G cellular networks (though we don’t think you need cellular in an iPad)
- A thinner bezel thanks to a lack of a Home button. It uses a Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in the top button.
- It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which has a superior magnetic attachment and charging mechanism.
But it also has a couple of downsides:
- A smaller screen: 8.3 inches vs. 10.2 inches in the iPad Air. However, if you’re buying it for the smaller size, this may be a plus.
- It does not feature a smart connector, so if you want a keyboard you’ll have to use Bluetooth.
The iPad mini is best for reading books and taking notes, but it’s something of a niche product. The extra cost isn’t worth it for most.
The rest of the iPad lineup
The big daddy of the iPad lineup is the iPad Pro, available with 11-inch or 12.9-inch screens. It ditches Touch ID for Face ID facial recognition for logging in. They have the same Apple M2 processors as recent Macs and can be equipped with up to 2 TB of storage. However, the cost of an iPad Pro and accessories can quickly climb to over $2,000. Unless you’re a niche professional who can justify the cost, leave the iPad Pro to the pros.
Why you don’t need cellular in an iPad
We don’t recommend any cellular models in our iPad buying guide. Every iPad is available with cellular connectivity so you can use it while away from a Wi-Fi connection. It costs $150 extra plus you’ll have to pay a monthly fee to a cell carrier. But unless you’re frequently taking your iPad on the go, you probably don’t need to pay for all of that.
The iPhone has a feature called Instant Hotspot that creates a Wi-Fi access point to share your iPhone’s data connection with other devices. Most carriers support Instant Hotspot.
iPad vs. Mac
Many people use an iPad as a replacement for a traditional PC or Mac. This is fine if your needs are simple. We’ve recommended iPads to loved ones who only browse the web, send emails, and use simple apps. The iPad is also excellent for watching videos and reading books and documents.
The iPad is also great for visual artistry like drawing and digital painting, thanks to the Apple Pencil. The iPad is a favorite of digital artists.
However, for complex professional workflows, the iPad will likely frustrate you. Managing multiple windows can be awkward. And the iPad’s memory management makes it easy to lose your work since the iPad aggressively purges apps and web pages out of memory.
For simple tasks, digital art, and viewing content, go with an iPad. For the big stuff, buy a Mac.
Apple Pencils compared
There are two generations of Apple Pencil. They are functionally identical, with a few exceptions:
- Each iPad only supports the first Apple Pencil or the second. No iPad supports both. Make sure you buy the right one for your iPad!
- The second-generation Apple Pencil has a hexagonal shape like a traditional pencil, making it less likely to roll away.
- The second-generation Apple Pencil has a much better charging mechanism. The first Apple Pencil charges through a Lightning connection, usually by plugging it into the iPad’s Lightning port, which is awkward. The second Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the side of an iPad for storage and charging.
The base iPad recommended in our iPad buying guide uses the first-generation Apple Pencil. The iPad mini uses a second-generation Apple Pencil.