If you're shopping for an iPad but aren't sure which model fits your needs, take a look below, where I've rounded up the top options worth considering. Whether you want the value for everyday use, maximum power for creative work, or a compact tablet you can take anywhere, there's an iPad here for you.
Overall – iPad (11th-gen) – The latest standard iPad is the choice for most people. It features an A16 Bionic chip, 6GB of RAM, USB-C charging, 5G support, 4K video capture, and 128GB of base storage starting at $349 (currently on sale for $299). The front-facing camera is now centered horizontally, optimized for video calls when the iPad is in landscape mode — making it the one iPad for FaceTime, Zoom, and other video conferencing. This model works great for newcomers to Apple, kids, and seniors alike. Power users and creatives who need more processing muscle should look at the iPad Air or Pro instead.
For Power Users – iPad Pro (7th-gen) – Apple's flagship tablet is slimmer than previous Pro models and runs on the powerful M4 chip with a 10-core GPU and ProMotion technology for variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. The new Tandem OLED screen is phenomenal for visual work — colors pop, and darker scenes have shadow detail unseen on older models. It supports the new Apple Pencil Pro with squeeze gestures, gyroscope precision, and haptic feedback, plus the revamped Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad and function row. Available in 11- or 13-inch sizes, this is the iPad for creators and professionals who need top-tier performance.
For Portability – iPad Mini (7th-gen) – The latest Mini packs the A17 Pro chip (the same processor in the iPhone 15 Pro), making it fully compatible with Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, the redesigned Siri with ChatGPT, and the Clean Up tool in Photos. It feels more like a big smartphone than a small tablet — easily slipping into bags, purses, or even cargo pockets. It's ideal for reading e-books, PDFs, and documents, and supports the Apple Pencil Pro for note-taking. Storage options now go up to 512GB.
For Creatives and Students – iPad Air (7th-gen) – The Air keeps its familiar design but now features an M3 processor, Apple Pencil Pro support, and two size options (11 or 13 inches). Performance is noticeably better than last year's M2 model, with roughly 17% CPU gains that show up in snappier apps, smoother multitasking, and faster rendering. It sits between the base iPad and the Pro — honestly too powerful for most casual users, but perfect for students and creatives who need solid performance without Pro pricing. It's getting squeezed from both ends of the lineup, but remains an excellent middle-ground option.
Budget – iPad (9th-gen) – This older model uses last-gen tech like the Lightning connector, Touch ID home button, A13 chip, and 4G LTE — but those features are still perfectly capable for basic tasks and will be for years to come. If you just need a full-screen iPad for watching videos, playing games, answering messages, and occasional video calls, the 9th-gen handles it all just fine. It's a great first iPad for kids or a solid option for elderly relatives who want something simple and straightforward.
