Best iPads
Here’s an updated guide on the best iPads in 2025, tailored to different needs and budgets:
Top iPad Picks for 2025
1. Best Overall / Most Balanced: iPad Air (M3, 2025)
Powered by the M3 chip and available in 11- and 13‑inch versions, the iPad Air offers near‑Pro performance at a more affordable price—starting at around $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger one .
Highlights:
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M3 chip with 8‑core CPU, 9‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
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Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
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Great for students, creatives, and multitaskers
2. Best Premium / Power Users: iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
For professionals seeking top-tier performance and display quality, the iPad Pro lineup with M4 chip is unmatched. It features OLED ProMotion displays (120 Hz) and starts at $999 (11‑inch) or $1,299 (13‑inch).
Ideal for:
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Graphic design, video editing, 3D modeling
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Those wanting the most advanced iPad tech available
3. Best Budget / Everyday Use: iPad (11th Gen, A16)
The standard iPad with A16 Bionic delivers strong everyday performance and value, starting around $349.
Ideal for:
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Casual users, students, families
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Browsing, streaming, note-taking
4. Best Compact / Portability: iPad mini (7th Gen, A17 Pro)
Launched in October 2024, the iPad mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip and supports Apple Intelligence and Pencil Pro—making it a compact powerhouse.
Best for:
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Reading, sketching, mobile use
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Those who prefer one-handed portability
Quick Comparison Table
| iPad Model | Chip | Display (Sizes) | Pencil Pro Support | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (11th Gen) | A16 Bionic | ~11″ LCD | No | ~$349 | Everyday users, students |
| iPad Air (M3) | M3 | 11″ or 13″ LCD | Yes | ~$599 / $799 | Multitaskers, creatives |
| iPad mini (7th Gen) | A17 Pro | ~8.3″ LCD | Yes | ~$499 | Portability, one-handed use |
| iPad Pro (M4) | M4 | 11″ or 13″ OLED | Yes | $999+ | Power users, professionals |
2025 Highlights from Experts
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Tom’s Guide recommends the M3 iPad Air as the best overall tablet and the M4 iPad Pro for professionals. The iPad mini is the top pick for compact needs, while the 11th‑gen iPad is ideal for most users on a budget.
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TechRadar names the iPad Pro 13‑inch (2024) the best premium tablet and the iPad 11th Gen (2025) as the best iPad for most people.
Quick Recommendations
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Best overall balance: iPad Air (M3)
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Best for highest performance: iPad Pro (M4)
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Best value for everyday tasks: iPad (11th gen)
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Most portable: iPad mini (A17 Pro)