Unfortunately, there’s no universal answer. Apple spoils you for choice with several iPad models across different price points. If you’re confused and unable to decide which is the best iPad for you, you’re at the right place. This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of which is the best iPad to buy right now for your usage. Before that though, here are some other articles that may interest you:
Looking to get an iPad for school? You might be interested in some iPad accessories for students. If you decide to get the latest baseline iPad, consider getting accessories for the iPad 10th gen. Make space for your iPad on your table by getting an iPad Pro desk stand.
Let’s tell you all about the iPads now!
Which iPads Does Apple Sell
When categorized broadly, Apple sells four different types of iPads — the standard iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro which come with multiple storage variants and cellular connectivity options. All the different models are catered to different audiences. Furthermore, Apple also sells older versions along with the latest iPad under some categories. With so many permutations and combinations, it might be difficult to determine the best tablet to buy. To make matters more confusing, some iPads even have the same chipset and design. This may make you wonder why to pay the extra money when there are not a lot of significant differences. We’ll address all of these concerns via this article.
1. Best iPad for Students: iPad 9th Gen
Display: 10.2-inch, 60Hz Chipset: A13 Bionic Biometrics: Touch ID Storage: 64GB/256GB Charging Port: Lightning Colors: Silver, Space Gray
If you’re a student, chances are that you’re on a tight budget. That’s exactly why we recommend getting the iPad 9th-gen instead of the new 10th-gen version. It’s considerably cheaper but doesn’t compromise on a lot of features. The design is dated with thick bezels but it doesn’t affect the functionality in any way. The iPad 9th-gen runs the latest version of iPadOS so you get all the features including multitasking. With support for the Apple Pencil 1st-gen, you can use the iPad to take notes or scribble in class. In fact, the A13 Bionic is powerful enough to run games and serve as a laptop with a keyboard case. Reviews say the battery lasts an entire day on a single charge which is the cherry on top. The base model only has 64GB storage, though, which can be highly limiting. So, try picking up the 256GB variant. In case you’re not limited by budget and want an updated design with slim bezels, you can also consider the iPad 10th generation.
2. Best iPad for Multimedia: iPad Air
Display: 10.9-inch, 60Hz Chipset: M1 Biometrics: Touch ID Storage: 64GB/256GB Charging Port: USB-C Colors: Starlight, Space Gray, Purple, Pink, Blue
The USB-C port allows you to connect a wide range of accessories and peripherals like SSDs and dongles. This also means you can use the iPad Air almost like a mini-computer. The 10.9-inch screen is large enough to run most apps. Under the hood, the iPad Air sports the M1 chip so there’s no compromise in terms of performance. Most users like using their iPads to consume media. If you’re one of them, the iPad Air’s display will serve you well. Of course, all the additional functionality is a bonus. However, just like the base iPad, the 64GB variant isn’t recommended, especially if you’re going to watch a lot of content. The 256GB option is what most users should get.
3. Best iPad for Travel: iPad mini 6
Display: 8.3-inch, 60Hz Chipset: A15 Bionic Biometrics: Touch ID Storage: 64GB/256GB Charging Port: USB-C Colors: Starlight, Space Gray, Purple, Pink
The iPad mini 6 is a pocket rocket. Despite having a small form factor, it doesn’t compromise performance. Apple’s A15 Bionic chip handles everything thrown at it without breaking a sweat. At first look, the 8.3-inch screen might feel limiting but that’s the USP of the iPad mini 6. It’s specifically made for users who want a smaller footprint. Think of the iPad mini 6 as a shrunken-down version of the iPad Air. You can still watch content, play games, and get work done. It’s just that everyone on the screen will appear smaller than usual. Students who want a small notebook-sized tablet for school can also consider getting the iPad mini 6 with the Apple Pencil. However, you have to be slightly wary of the battery life of the iPad mini 6. Due to the smaller form factor, the battery capacity is slightly lower so if you’re a heavy user, you might want to carry a power bank with you or avoid getting iPad mini 6 altogether.
4. Best iPad for Gaming and Art: iPad Pro 11
Display: 11-inch, 120Hz Chipset: M2 Biometrics: Face ID Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB Charging Port: USB-C Colors: Silver, Space Gray
If you thought the M1 chip on the iPad Air was a big deal, the iPad Pro 11 has the latest M2 chip giving it a performance boost. This extra bit of performance is what makes the iPad Pro 11 excellent for gaming. Fire up a game from Apple Arcade and enjoy the amazing visuals on that smooth display. The 120Hz refresh rate not only helps gamers but is also a boon for digital artists. It reduces the input lag when drawing or sketching with the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation. On the rear, the dual cameras are accompanied by a LiDAR sensor for AR capabilities. Thankfully, the iPad Pro starts with 128GB of storage on the base variant which should be good for most people. If you’re truly a Pro user, Apple even sells a 2TB variant. If you’re a professional digital artist, the iPad Pro 11 is the perfect iPad for you.
5. Best iPad for Working and Multitasking: 12.9 iPad Pro 6
Display: 12.9-inch, 120Hz Chipset: M2 Biometrics: Face ID Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB Charging Port: USB-C Colors: Silver, Space Gray
At 12.9 inches, the iPad Pro is almost entering laptop territory. Pair it with the Magic Keyboard and you pretty much have a portable laptop with an excellent display. The same M2 chip resides at the heart of the iPad Pro 12.9 giving you fast and snappy performance. Those who regularly work on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or edit photos should consider splurging and getting the 12.9-inch variant of the iPad Pro. You can use it pretty much like a laptop, especially when connected to a keyboard which gives you an array of shortcuts. Note that the form factor is large and the iPad becomes rather heavy when used with the Magic Keyboard. So, if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, the iPad Pro 11 is the way to go.
Don’t Pick the Wrong iPad
Based on your budget, usage patterns, and requirements, you can decide the best iPad to buy for yourself after taking a look at the pointers mentioned above. If you’re still confused and want a safe option, we would recommend the iPad Air for most people. It pretty much nails all parameters and offers excellent value. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
