The 5 Best iPads in 2024

Apple’s iPad undoubtedly stands tall as one of the most sought-after tablets in the market today. But what are The 5 Best iPads in 2024?

With a range of models to choose from, each offering top-notch performance, it’s no wonder why they remain a favorite among users. However, the abundance of options can sometimes make it challenging to determine which iPad is the perfect fit for you.

Each of Apple’s iPads caters to a slightly different audience, making it difficult to label one as the absolute best. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve categorized our recommendations based on specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re seeking the ultimate iPad experience, aiming for a budget-friendly option, searching for a mid-range performer, or preferring a compact design, we’ve got the ideal iPad for you.

It’s worth noting that Apple hasn’t released any new iPads since 2023. However, rumors suggest that significant updates may be on the horizon for the iPad lineup this year. While the iPads mentioned here continue to offer impressive performance and reliability, waiting for potential new releases could be beneficial if your purchase isn’t urgent.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2022) | The best big-screen iPad

Why choose the iPad Pro? It boasts immense power and a generous screen size.

Who’s it suited for? Gamers, power users, and creatives—essentially, anyone craving a spacious canvas for their tasks.

While not everyone may require it, many will certainly desire it. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch reigns supreme if you crave the largest display available. Sporting a 2732 x 2048 resolution, its display quality is enhanced by cutting-edge technology.

Unlike its 11-inch counterpart, the 12.9-inch model features a mini-LED panel, branded by Apple as the Liquid Retina XDR Display. Boasting 10,000 custom-designed mini-LEDs organized into 2,500 local dimming zones, it delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks unparalleled by any other tablet on the market.

This makes it ideal for professionals in photo and video editing, demanding precision color accuracy from their device.

Backing up its expansive screen is formidable power. Equipped with Apple’s M2 chip, the same processor found in the latest MacBook Air lineup, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch rivals the capabilities of modern laptops. Whether tackling intensive video editing tasks or indulging in immersive iPad gaming experiences, this device handles it all with ease.

If you prioritize a spacious screen and top-tier performance in your iPad, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is your go-to option. While its larger size may sacrifice some portability compared to the 11-inch model, the extra 1.9 inches provide ample room for productivity.

However, be mindful of potential price increases when adding desired accessories, which could push the already lofty price into MacBook territory. Nevertheless, for those seeking an unparalleled tablet experience for gaming, multimedia consumption, and beyond, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch stands as the ultimate choice.

PROS	CONS
Bright, vivid, gorgeous display	Prohibitively expensive
Sleek and modern design	Lackluster, awkward front camera
iPadOS 16 is super robust	Stage Manager needs more work
Wild performance from M2 chip
Apple Pencil hover feature

iPad (2022) | The best mid-range iPad

Why Choose It? The iPad (2022) stands as Apple’s latest entry-level tablet, perfectly bridging the gap between the previous iPad (2021) and the pricier iPad Air (2022).

Who’s It For? Ideal for individuals seeking an affordable yet feature-rich tablet for everyday use, offering excellent value for money.

If you’re considering investing a bit more in an iPad that remains budget-friendly, Apple’s iPad (2022) should be on your radar. It caters to those who appreciate the modern iPad design featuring an edge-to-edge screen but don’t require all the premium features of the iPad Air (2022).

Powered by Apple’s A14 chip — the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 12 — it delivers exceptional performance suitable for most users, with minimal discernible difference compared to the latest M2-equipped iPad Pro, ensuring smooth multitasking and handling demanding tasks effortlessly. Similar to the iPad Air (2022), it boasts a spacious 10.9-inch screen and integrates Touch ID into the side button for added convenience.

While the iPad (2022) excels in performance, it’s more modest in terms of display quality and accessory compatibility compared to higher-end models. It lacks the premium anti-reflective laminated display found in pricier models but compensates with a unique landscape camera perfect for video calls, equipped with Apple’s Center Stage feature to keep you in focus during calls.

Moreover, it supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio, albeit with differences from the advanced versions designed for the iPad Air and iPad Pro. This may not pose an issue for most users, but it’s worth noting for those prioritizing drawing capabilities or seeking a comprehensive laptop alternative.

Additionally, the 10th-generation iPad ditches Lightning in favor of USB-C, aligning it with the broader iPad lineup and ensuring universal connectivity, a feature also seen in the latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models.

Pricing & Availability: Starting at $449 for the 64GB variant, the iPad (2022) offers affordability without compromising functionality, making it an excellent choice for families and everyday casual use.

PROS	CONS
Strong battery life	The headphone jack is gone
Updated, modern design	Huge price increase
Wonderfully vibrant colors	Non-laminated screen
A14 chip is plenty powerful	Apple Pencil situation is a mess
Larger display is fantastic
USB-C is finally here

iPad mini (2021) | The best small iPad

Why should you buy this? If you’re seeking an iPad experience in a smaller, more portable form factor, this is the one for you.

Who’s it for? Anyone who prioritizes portability without compromising on performance.

Apple’s iPad mini has historically received updates at intervals of a few years. The most recent refresh in 2021 brought it up to speed with the iPad Air, aligning it with the significant redesign introduced in 2020.

The iPad mini (2021) boasts a larger 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, bidding farewell to the home button present in its predecessor. Similar to its larger counterpart, the iPad Air, it opts for Touch ID integrated into the side button over Face ID. Furthermore, the transition from a Lightning connector to USB-C for charging enhances its versatility, with a full charge lasting approximately 10 hours.

Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor that drives the iPhone 13 series, as well as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the iPad mini (2021) ensures robust performance. Whether you’re engaged in photo and video editing or indulging in graphic-intensive gaming, the A15 chip delivers ample power and swift performance.

What sets the iPad mini (2021) apart is its compact size. As the smallest iPad in Apple’s lineup, it offers unparalleled portability without compromising on capability. Supporting the second-generation Apple Pencil, it can transform into a nimble productivity tool when paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

While the price tag of $500 for the smaller variant may seem a bit steep, the iPad mini (2021) delivers exceptional value for its size and performance.

Looking ahead, rumors suggest the impending arrival of the iPad mini 7. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s December 2022 report, Apple is purportedly developing a new iPad mini slated for a possible 2024 release. Speculations hint at retaining the current design while upgrading to a faster chip, possibly the A16 Bionic featured in the iPhone 14 Pro, now integrated into the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

PROS	CONS
Powerful performance	Too small for content creation
Compact enough to travel easily	No headphone jack
Big enough to perform most tasks	Screen is not bright enough
Loud speakers
USB-C

iPad (2021) | The best iPad on a budget

Reasons to Buy: The iPad (2021) might belong to the previous generation, but it delivers impressive performance at a wallet-friendly price point.

Target Audience: Ideal for individuals seeking an excellent Apple tablet without breaking the bank.

For budget-conscious buyers, the ninth-generation iPad (2021) stands out as a solid choice. Despite being the previous iteration of the base model iPad, it remains reliable and offers substantial value for money.

Featuring a spacious 10.2-inch Retina display, the iPad (2021) delivers a visually pleasing experience. With the classic design retaining the home button for Touch ID, users benefit from familiarity and convenience. Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, although slightly dated (debuted with the iPhone 11 in 2019), it delivers commendable speed and capability, especially with iPadOS 17. Starting with 64GB of storage, it caters to the needs of most users for essential tasks like email, messaging, FaceTime, and casual gaming.

While the rear camera offers 8MP, notable improvements are seen in the front-facing camera, now upgraded to 12MP from its 2020 predecessor’s 1.2MP. Additionally, it incorporates Center Stage, ensuring users stay in the frame during video calls, enhancing their appearance.

Being the final iPad model featuring Apple’s Lightning connector, as newer models adopt USB-C, the iPad (2021) offers around 10 hours of battery life on Wi-Fi and nine hours on the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant. Priced at just $329, it presents a compelling option for users prioritizing affordability without compromising on performance.

PROS	CONS
Great battery life	Lightning port in 2021
Big upgrade to the front-facing camera	Display doesn’t get bright enough
Amazing software support	Slow Touch ID sensor
Base storage more acceptable at 64GB
Powerful internals

iPad Air (2022) | The best iPad overall

iPad Air (2022) | The Ultimate iPad Choice

Why buy this? The iPad Air (2022) delivers professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost.

Who’s it for? Anyone seeking the finest all-around tablet experience from Apple without breaking the bank.

The title of the best all-around iPad undoubtedly belongs to the iPad Air (2022). Positioned perfectly within the iPad lineup, it offers an exceptional blend of performance and features at an unexpectedly affordable price point.

At the heart of the iPad Air (2022) lies Apple’s formidable M1 chip, a powerhouse processor originally introduced in the 2020 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Despite the shift to the M2 chip in the latest iPad Pro (2022), the M1 remains lightning-fast, boasting an eight-core CPU with four high-performance and four high-efficiency cores. This configuration not only delivers unparalleled power but also exceptional energy efficiency. Complemented by an eight-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and 8GB of RAM, the iPad Air handles demanding tasks like photo and video editing with remarkable speed and precision, ensuring top-tier performance for years to come.

While lacking Face ID, the iPad Air boasts a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with minimal bezels, offering a visual experience nearly on par with the more expensive iPad Pro. Biometric authentication is facilitated by the Touch ID sensor integrated into the side button. Furthermore, the iPad Air shares the Smart Connector and magnetic side charging compatibility with the iPad Pro, enabling seamless integration with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil, enhancing productivity and creativity alike.

Equipped with a high-quality 12MP main camera and an equally impressive 12MP front-facing camera featuring Apple’s Center Stage feature, the iPad Air excels in capturing moments and conducting video calls with clarity and precision, even in dynamic environments.

For charging, the iPad Air utilizes USB-C, aligning with Apple’s recent shift across its product lineup. With a full charge lasting approximately 10 hours on Wi-Fi or nine hours on the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, the iPad Air offers sufficient battery life to power through a full day’s work or play.

Starting at $600 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, the iPad Air (2022) offers excellent value, with the 256GB variant priced at $749. Representing a compelling alternative to the more premium iPad Pro, the iPad Air (2022) provides all the performance and features needed by the vast majority of iPad users at a significantly lower cost.

PROS	CONS
Wide array of quality accessories	Battery life disappoints
High-performance M1 processor	64GB storage isn’t enough
Large, colorful, and sharp screen
Software suitable for work or play
Center Stage works well
Slim and light

What to Consider When Buying an iPad?

When purchasing a tablet, opting for an iPad is often a wise decision. Apple ensures long-term software support for iPads, akin to its commitment to the iPhone lineup. An iPad bought today typically remains relevant for around five years, thanks to regular software updates.

Understanding what to expect when investing in an iPad, particularly if it’s your first, is crucial. For those familiar with iPhones, transitioning to iPads is seamless, with iPadOS designed to leverage larger screens and multitasking capabilities effectively.

iPadOS features like Split View and Slide Over allow for simultaneous use of multiple apps on the screen, while Stage Manager, introduced in iPadOS 16, offers a novel approach to organizing specific apps. Users can freely adjust and overlap windows as desired.

The iPad, regarded as “desktop class” in certain aspects, notably with Safari, enables the use of web apps such as Google Docs directly within Safari on iPadOS, leveraging the device’s ample screen real estate. Furthermore, iPadOS supports trackpad or mouse connectivity in addition to Bluetooth keyboards, enhancing productivity.

While all iPad models offer quality, each has unique considerations. For instance, ProMotion, exclusive to iPad Pro versions, delivers a smoother user experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, iPads equipped with Apple’s latest M-Series chips, like the iPad Air (M1) and iPad Pro (M2), boast superior performance and energy efficiency compared to models with older A-Series chips, notably enhancing tasks like photo and video editing.

Transitioning from an Android tablet to iPadOS may initially feel unfamiliar, but iPadOS’s user-friendly interface and robust security features contribute to its appeal. Users migrating from Android can transfer most data, including contacts and calendars, albeit with some exceptions like photos and videos.

Accessories play a significant role in the overall iPad experience but entail additional costs. For instance, the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil, while enhancing functionality, come at a considerable price. It’s crucial to note that these accessories are model-specific and may not be universally compatible.

Beyond first-party accessories, a plethora of third-party options, including Bluetooth keyboards and styluses, offer broader compatibility and affordability.

Additional Inquiries Answered:

Can you print from an iPad?

Yes, printing from an iPad is feasible, following similar procedures outlined for printing from an iPhone.

Can you make phone calls on an iPad?

While iPads with cellular support don’t directly facilitate calling or texting, Wi-Fi calling and various third-party apps, including FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom, enable communication.

Can you text on an iPad?

The iPad supports iMessage and SMS/MMS texting via the Messages app, leveraging Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. However, SMS/MMS texting requires an iPhone for routing traditional text messages through iCloud. Third-party messaging apps also offer communication options on iPads.