The best iPad to buy in 2024

Editor’s observe: Based on a current report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to introduce a number of new iPads on the starting of Could, together with an OLED iPad Professional with Apple’s M3 chip and each an 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Air. When you’re seeking to choose up one in all Apple’s newest iPads — or a reduced older mannequin — it’s one thing to contemplate.

Apple’s iPad lineup has gone from a single easy choice to a sprawling array of various sizes, costs, choices, and generations. Proper now, Apple sells six distinct iPads in 4 classes. That may make selecting the very best iPad to your wants difficult — particularly when you think about how related so most of the fashions are.

However with a little bit steerage and a few consideration of why you’re planning to purchase an iPad and what you plan to make use of it for, you’ll be able to navigate Apple’s lineup with ease. I’ve spent years utilizing varied iPads for each leisure and work and have examined all the present and up to date fashions to know what they’re greatest suited to. 

Out of the field, any iPad offers a wonderful transportable video or movie-watching expertise; entry to a big selection of apps and video games by way of the App Retailer; the flexibility to learn ebooks, paperwork, and net articles on a vibrant comfortably sized display screen; and talk by way of e mail, messaging companies, or video calls. With equipment like Apple’s Sensible or Magic Keyboard or the Apple Pencil, an iPad can function a drawing pill or a productiveness gadget, maybe even changing a laptop computer for some individuals.

The large secret right here is that, with a couple of minor exceptions, any present or recent-model iPad you purchase is able to doing every thing every other iPad within the lineup can do. All the things from the lowly ninth-gen base mannequin iPad to the iPad Mini and all the best way as much as the most important iPad Professional 12.9 runs the identical software program and the identical apps. iPadOS 17, the most recent replace for the iPad, is accessible on units courting again to 2017 and runs on any iPad you’re doubtless to purchase at this level, save for the fifth-gen base iPad.

Nonetheless, there are nuances between the fashions that make them higher suited to totally different wants. On this information, I’ve suggestions for the very best iPad for almost all of individuals, the best choice when you’re shopping for an iPad for youths, the very best mannequin for getting work accomplished or creating digital artwork, and the very best iPad in case your primary objective is to make use of it for studying. However once more, these dividing strains aren’t partitions, and you should use any of the iPad fashions to perform the identical issues as every other. (Although I personally wouldn’t need to write a novel on an iPad Mini.)

Earlier than I get into the suggestions, there are some issues to concentrate on with regards to pricing. Apple doesn’t make a variety of adjustments between iPad generations, and the processing energy in any current iPad has a lot overhead that it might simply work for years with out feeling gradual or sluggish. Apple additionally has a robust observe document of supporting the iPad for a few years with software program updates, so even older fashions can profit from nearly all of new options. Meaning you’ll be able to typically discover wonderful choices on secondhand, open-box, and refurbished iPads that save some huge cash and nonetheless provide an up-to-date, performant expertise.

When you’re debating between, say, an iPad Air and an 11-inch iPad Professional, a refurbished prior mannequin 12 months Professional would possibly find yourself costing lower than the present Air whereas offering a couple of additional perks that aren’t accessible on the lesser mannequin. There are additionally frequent gross sales on new variations of the latest iPad fashions, usually round when new iPads are introduced within the spring and fall.

You should utilize this logic throughout the lineup, so it’s price exploring the accessible choices. The refurbished market adjustments too incessantly for me to make particular suggestions on this information, so every thing right here relies on the brand new, full retail price. However I’ve personally purchased a number of refurbished iPads through the years and have by no means regretted not having the most recent and biggest mannequin.

Display: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 decision 60Hz LCD, absolutely laminated / Processor: Apple M1 with 8GB RAM / Storage: 64 or 256GB / Port: USB-C / Mobile: 5G (non-compulsory) / Audio system: stereo / Suitable equipment: Apple Magic Keyboard, Apple Sensible Keyboard Folio, Apple Pencil (second-generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C)

For most individuals, the very best iPad to purchase is the midrange iPad Air, which begins at $599. Launched in 2022, the fifth-generation iPad Air presents a vibrant 10.9-inch high-resolution show, extraordinarily quick efficiency because of its M1 processor, a contemporary design with even bezels across the display screen, and wonderful audio system. It’s appropriate with the identical keyboard and stylus equipment because the iPad Professional, so it might work nicely as a small laptop-like gadget or digital notepad / drawing pill. The Air is available in quite a lot of colours, together with blue, pink, purple, gold (which Apple calls “Starlight”), and darkish grey.

When you’re shopping for an iPad with the intention to make use of it for 5 or extra years between upgrades, the Air is right. Its processor is newer and extra highly effective than what comes within the base ninth-gen iPad, which suggests it’ll preserve its efficiency longer and can doubtless have a little bit bit longer software program help. The Air’s display screen can be nicer to have a look at and use than the usual iPad’s, and the accent scenario is a lot better. It’s well worth the added price — if you propose on utilizing the iPad lots and for a very long time. Extra informal patrons will need to persist with the finances choice beneath.

The Air’s middle-of-the-pack measurement is what most individuals consider with regards to iPads as a result of it’s near what the unique iPad was when it got here out means again in 2010. It’s considerably bigger than a cellphone and offers a greater video-watching, studying, and multitasking expertise, however it’s not almost as giant as a laptop computer show, so it’s simpler to hold round or maintain when lounging on the sofa. The scale makes it straightforward to transition from studying in portrait orientation to knocking out an e mail in panorama mode. The display screen is vibrant sufficient to make use of outside. It additionally covers a large colour gamut with correct copy, has no air hole between the glass and the panel, comes with an antireflective coating, and helps Apple’s computerized True Tone colour adjustment. 

You may equip the Air with 64 or 256GB of storage. The soar to 256GB prices $150 (at Apple’s common retail worth), however it’s worthwhile when you plan to hold on to this iPad for a number of years. Extra storage offers extra room for apps, video, video games, or no matter different paperwork you need to retailer on it. You may also go for 5G connectivity so you will have an always-on connection for $150 (plus service prices).

The Air’s design is identical as that of the iPad Professional, with a squared-off aluminum again and sides and evenly proportioned bezels round its entire show. The front-facing digital camera is on the quick edge, which makes portrait-orientation FaceTime calls nice. However whenever you’re holding the iPad Air in panorama orientation, the digital camera feels prefer it’s within the mistaken spot, and Apple’s software program tips to appropriate it aren’t at all times probably the most convincing. (Apple has addressed this drawback with its lower-tier Tenth-gen iPad by shifting the digital camera to the longer edge, however it has not but accomplished so for the remainder of the lineup.)

It doesn’t have a house button, so that you navigate iPadOS utilizing gestures, like on a contemporary iPhone. It doesn’t have Face ID; as a substitute, its Contact ID fingerprint scanner is constructed into the sleep / wake button for simple login and buy authentication. The Air’s stereo audio system (one on the left and proper aspect, when held in panorama orientation) are loud and clear and work nice for film or video watching. There’s no headphone jack, however you’ll be able to plug headphones into the USB-C port utilizing an adapter (not included) or pair Bluetooth headphones for a extra non-public listening expertise.

The Air’s versatility is aided by the truth that it helps each Apple’s Sensible Keyboard Folio and the trackpad-equipped Magic Keyboard — the identical keyboards that work with the iPad Professional. The keyboard equipment are costly (the common retail worth of the Magic Keyboard is $299, half the price of the iPad itself), however they do make it doable to get actual work accomplished, particularly when on the go. The Air additionally helps Apple’s second-generation Pencil ($129 retail, typically on sale for much less) and the brand new Apple Pencil with USB-C ($79 retail) for writing and drawing, each of which might magnetically snap to the aspect of your pill for storage. That mentioned, solely the second-gen Pencil helps wi-fi charging.

There are some concessions with the Air in comparison with the costlier 11-inch iPad Professional. It doesn’t have Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion expertise within the display screen, so scrolling on it isn’t fairly as easy. The twin stereo audio system are wonderful, however the Professional has 4 audio system which can be even higher. The non-compulsory 5G connectivity doesn’t help the ultrafast (and ultra-rare) mmWave networks that the Professional does. The Air’s M1 processor is nice; the Professional’s M2 processor is even sooner (although you’re unlikely to note a distinction between them in follow). And the Air’s USB-C port is proscribed to slower information switch speeds in comparison with the Professional’s. However these variations are minor. The vast majority of individuals shopping for an Air is not going to miss them and are higher off saving the $200 or so distinction between the fashions.

Learn my evaluate of the iPad Air.

Display: 10.2-inch, 2160 x 1620 decision 60Hz LCD / Processor: Apple A13 / Storage: 64 or 256GB / Ports: Lightning, 3.5mm audio / Mobile: LTE (non-compulsory) / Audio system: stereo / Suitable equipment: Apple Sensible Keyboard, Apple Pencil (first-generation)

For these seeking to spend a bit much less, the very best finances iPad is the ninth-gen iPad mannequin. The most cost effective iPad Apple at present sells, the ninth-gen iPad begins at $329, although it may be incessantly discovered on sale for about $250. Due to its lower cost and some different options, this mannequin can be a great iPad for youths.

I’ll allow you to in on a little bit secret: a child might be proud of actually any iPad you hand them. And since youngsters are inclined to not be probably the most delicate with issues, the most cost effective choice (plus a rugged case) is at all times the very best guess. You, as a father or mother, will nonetheless need it to be up to date to present software program and safety patches, so it’s essential to keep away from one thing that isn’t supported anymore. The ninth-gen iPad ought to nonetheless obtain updates from Apple for years to come back.

The ninth-gen mannequin has the standard iPad look, with bigger bezels across the display screen and a house button (with Contact ID biometric authentication). Although it seems to be a bit dated at this level, it’s nonetheless a really succesful gadget and might run the identical software program and video games because the costlier fashions. The A13 processor inside continues to be very quick, regardless of having first been launched in 2019, and the ninth-gen presents the identical 64 and 256GB storage choices because the Air.

The ten.2-inch display screen is a little bit smaller than the ten.9-inch show on the Air or Tenth-gen iPad, however it’s nonetheless spacious sufficient for split-screening apps and is sharp and vibrant. There’s an air hole between the glass and the show, and it lacks the antireflective coating discovered on pricier fashions. Pickier patrons will discover these items, however at this worth, it’s laborious to complain about. The display screen continues to be simply as aware of faucets and swipes as every other iPad show.

The ninth-gen iPad excels at all the traditional iPad use instances: watching movies, taking part in video games, studying books or articles, and entertaining youngsters. It could actually, after all, run productiveness apps, and it helps Apple’s split-screen and multitasking options (aside from the brand new Stage Supervisor windowing choice), however it’s not the iPad I’d select if I had been planning to make use of it day-after-day for work as a consequence of its smaller, much less featured display screen and weaker accent choices. 

It’s not appropriate with Apple’s trackpad-equipped Magic Keyboard (although you’ll be able to pair a separate trackpad to it simply wonderful) however as a substitute works with the older fabric-covered Sensible Keyboard that folds. The Sensible Keyboard is okay for infrequent use, however it’s very costly relative to the price of the iPad itself ($159), and when you’re planning on doing a variety of typing and productiveness work, it’s in all probability price stepping as much as one of many higher-end iPad fashions that has higher accent choices.

Equally, the ninth-gen iPad works with Apple’s older first-generation Pencil as a substitute of the second-generation one which was launched in 2018 (or the Apple Pencil with USB-C). It really works wonderful as a stylus for writing and drawing on the display screen, however there’s nowhere to retailer it whenever you’re not utilizing it except you purchase a third-party case, and charging it requires plugging it into the iPad’s Lightning port, which is awkward and clumsy.

That is the one present iPad that also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which makes it straightforward for youths to plug in wired headphones. It’s additionally the one iPad that also makes use of a Lightning port for charging as a substitute of the newer USB-C kind port.

Regardless of its older design and equipment, the ninth-gen iPad presents a surprisingly good expertise for its worth. In my testing, it by no means lagged or slowed down after I was utilizing it, the display screen is sharp and colourful, and it’s snug to carry for lengthy stretches of time.

Display: 12.9-inch, 2732 x 2048 decision 120Hz Mini LED / Processor: Apple M2 with as much as 16GB RAM / Storage: as much as 2TB / Port: USB-C Thunderbolt 4 / Mobile: 5G mmWave (non-compulsory) / Audio system: quad / Suitable equipment: Apple Magic Keyboard, Apple Sensible Keyboard Folio, Apple Pencil (second-generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C)

In case you are a capital-S Critical iPad Consumer and wish the very best iPad for getting work accomplished and even to interchange a laptop computer, then it’s best to simply purchase the top-of-the-line iPad Professional 12.9. That is additionally the very best iPad for digital artists, because it has the most important canvas to attract on and helps Apple’s second-gen Pencil with additional options not discovered on different iPads.

The most important iPad Apple sells, the 12.9-inch mannequin can be the costliest, beginning at $1,099 new. Mix it with the Magic Keyboard ($349) — a should when you plan to be productive on it — improve the storage to one thing roomier than the bottom 128GB (I like at the very least 256GB), and maybe add mobile connectivity, and also you’re at $1,748, nicely above the price of a MacBook Air with the identical quantity of storage. Shopping for the 12.9-inch iPad Professional is a dedication to getting extra from an iPad than the typical person.

The 12.9-inch Professional rewards you with a extra expansive show for juggling a number of apps, particularly when you use the Stage Supervisor windowing function. It additionally has the very best display screen on any iPad, with its Mini LED expertise, offering searing brightness, deep blacks, and wealthy colours. Consequently, it’s the very best iPad for watching motion pictures on, although I wouldn’t purchase it only for that.

As fantastic as that 12.9-inch display screen is, it holds this mannequin again whenever you need to simply use it as a pill for laid-back studying or looking. It’s a lot clumsier to carry in a single hand than the smaller iPad fashions, and its 1.5-pound weight will get tiring after some time. Consequently, many iPad Professional 12.9 homeowners discover they don’t find yourself taking it out of the Magic Keyboard case fairly often.

The M2 processor contained in the iPad Professional is identical one you’d get in a MacBook Air, and it’s extraordinarily succesful. Fashions with 128 to 512GB of storage include 8GB of RAM; the 1TB and 2TB fashions are geared up with 16GB of RAM. When you’re a photographer or video editor in search of one thing light-weight to do on-the-go enhancing with, the iPad Professional actually has the {hardware} chops for it. However you’ll need to make certain the software program you need to use is accessible — most desktop enhancing software program isn’t accessible for the iPad or lacks options in comparison with its desktop counterparts.

For common productiveness, resembling writing, e mail, spreadsheets, looking the net, and extra, the iPad Professional is superb. However once more, you’ll need to make certain it helps the apps you need to use and that the iPad variations of the apps have the options you need. It’s not at all times assured that they may have the identical options as their desktop counterparts. iPadOS additionally requires doing issues in another way than you may be used to on a desktop working system, particularly with regards to managing and sharing recordsdata.

Digital artists will respect the 12.9-inch mannequin’s bigger show. A brand new function launched with the 2022 mannequin permits you to preview line strokes or picks with the Apple Pencil earlier than you set them onto the display screen. (Apple calls this “hover.”) There are all kinds of drawing and portray apps for the iPad as nicely.

Lastly, there are some quality-of-life issues that Apple reserves for the Professional fashions. Probably the most vital one is Face ID. You don’t have to scan your fingerprint or kind in a PIN to unlock the iPad Professional; you simply have to have a look at it. As with the iPhone, it really works extraordinarily nicely, and it’s laborious to surrender when you’ve gotten used to it. One other is the iPad Professional’s quad-speaker system. It’s louder, fuller, and simply total better-sounding than the dual-speaker techniques on different iPads. 

Most individuals don’t want all the options of the most recent iPad Professional, which makes shopping for an older model a compelling choice. The 2021 mannequin is sort of equivalent to the 2022 model, save for its processor (the M1 as a substitute of the M2) and lack of hover function with the Apple Pencil. There’s additionally an 11-inch model of the iPad Professional, which has a lot of the identical options however lacks the Mini LED show. (It has a extra normal LCD panel.) At full costs, the iPad Air is a greater choice than the 11-inch Professional, however when you’re capable of finding a prior-year mannequin refurbished or on sale, then it may be the one to go together with.

Learn my evaluate of the iPad Professional.

Display: 8.3-inch, 2266 x 1488 decision 60Hz LCD, absolutely laminated / Processor: Apple A15 / Storage: 64 or 256GB / Port: USB-C / Mobile: 5G (non-compulsory) / Audio system: stereo / Suitable equipment: Apple Pencil (second-generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C)

If you wish to purchase the very best iPad for studying, whether or not that’s ebooks, comics, or articles, then you can purchase the iPad Mini. The smallest iPad Apple sells, the $499 Mini is successfully an iPad Air with a smaller display screen that’s simpler to carry in a single hand.

Actually, “it’s a smaller iPad Air” sums up most every thing concerning the iPad Mini. It has the identical common look and design, the identical compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and the identical cameras. It simply has a smaller show and weighs about 36 % much less.

That makes the iPad Mini far more snug to make use of as a private studying gadget. It’s additionally simpler to slide right into a jacket pocket or bag for some studying on the go. The Mini offers entry to many extra studying sources than a Kindle, although it might’t match the battery lifetime of Amazon’s e-reader. You may be tempted to get a Mini for a child as a consequence of its smaller measurement, however I’d nonetheless suggest the ninth-gen iPad as a substitute as a result of it’s a lot cheaper, and children can have extra enjoyable with the bigger display screen anyway.

You may, after all, run all the identical apps and use the iPad Mini for watching video, however its smaller measurement is best suited to watching TikTok or YouTube movies than feature-length motion pictures. That is the one iPad that Apple doesn’t make a keyboard accent for, and it’s apparent why: it’s simply too small to essentially be snug to kind something of size on.

However it’s appropriate with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and its measurement is sweet for digital note-taking. Pair it with a paper-type display screen protector, and the iPad Mini would possibly simply exchange a pen and paper pocket book for you.

Apple launched the present iPad Mini in late 2021, and it typically goes a very long time between updates on this mannequin. That does make it more durable to purchase an older model of the Mini than different iPads, however since this has been out for fairly a while, there are sometimes gross sales and reductions to be discovered.

Learn our evaluate of the iPad Mini.

Replace April ninth, 1:03PM ET: Up to date to mirror the most recent iPad rumors and deal pricing. Sheena Vasani additionally contributed to this submit.