The iPad remains one of the best tablets available due to its extensive selection of high-quality apps and content, as well as its product integration in the Apple ecosystem. Apple introduced the seventh-generation iPad Air and the 11th-generation iPad over the past couple of years, joining the iPad Pro and the iPad Mini. We’ve thoroughly tested all iPad models currently available on the market and have delineated their key differences below.
Our Picks
Bottom Line
Why we like it: Our top pick for most users is the latest standard model. Launched last spring, the 11th-generation iPad features an A16 Bioni…
Pros & Cons
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Centered camera for landscape video calls -
Four color options -
USB-C charging -
Similar design to iPad Air and iPad Pro
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Doesn’t support Apple Pencil Pro -
No Apple Intelligence
Bottom Line
4.8
Why we like it: Apple’s 2025 iPad Pro lineup is by far the most capable and impressive iPad lineup we’ve seen, and it has the best battery lif…
Pros & Cons
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Completely optimized for iPadOS 26 -
M5 processor is powerful and fast in benchmark testing -
More storage options
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Expensive, especially with accessories
Bottom Line
Why we like it: The latest iPad Mini features the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. This chip is als…
Pros & Cons
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Light and compact -
Supports Apple Pencil Pro -
Apple Intelligence features
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Display tops out at 60Hz -
An expensive upgrade from previous generation
Bottom Line
Why we like it: The iPad Air was once our most-recommended iPad, but now it was squeezed out by the iPad Pro at the high end and the standard…
Pros & Cons
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Snappy M4 processor -
Two size options, including 13-inch
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Thicker and heavier than the iPad Pro -
Accessory costs can add up
Bottom Line
Why we like it: The ninth-gen iPad is filled with last-generation technology, such as the lightning connector for charging, a Touch ID home bu…
Pros & Cons
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Great price -
Solid display -
Traditional Touch ID home button -
Supports Apple Pencil (first-gen)
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Filled with last-generation tech -
Very large bezels -
Uses Lightning port for charging
Bottom Line
The previous generation of the iPad Pro is just as impressive as the newer model. It has the M2 chip, 2TB of storage, Wi-Fi 6E, and 1,000 nits…
Bottom Line
This is a good iPad Air alternative for Android users. It offers reliable performance, a 13.1-inch display, and an IP68 rating that the iPad l…
In our latest update, we updated the specifications to reflect Apple’s latest information, including price adjustments.
What is the best iPad right now?
At ZDNET, our comprehensive testing of current and past iPad models informs our current top pick: the iPad 11th-generation. This iPad is the best choice for most tablet users, offering nearly all the features tablet users want at an affordable price.
Read on for our detailed analysis of the current iPad lineup, based on our team’s hands-on experience and rigorous product testing. We also offer buying advice for each model to help you choose the best one for your needs and financial considerations.
Also: Best Windows tablet: Asus, Lenovo, and more
The best iPads of 2026
Best iPad overall
iPad (11th-gen)
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Centered camera for landscape video calls -
Four color options -
USB-C charging -
Similar design to iPad Air and iPad Pro
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Doesn’t support Apple Pencil Pro -
No Apple Intelligence
Why we like it: Our top pick for most users is the latest standard model. Launched last spring, the 11th-generation iPad features an A16 Bionic chip, 6GB of RAM, USB-C charging, 5G support, 4K video capture, Wi-Fi 6, and 128GB of base storage.
This iPad is also equipped with a front-facing camera that is centered horizontally and optimized for video calls when the iPad is in landscape orientation while docked in its keyboard case or on a stand, which is the preferred configuration for many iPad users. This feature unequivocally makes the iPad 10th-gen the best iPad for FaceTime calls, Zoom meetings, and other video conferencing applications.
Who it’s for: Most people use their iPad to watch movies, read, browse the web, play games, and make video calls. Apple’s base iPad model excels at all of these functions. It’s also very easy to put in a rugged case and let kids use it for movies, shows, and games.
Review: You don’t need to spend $800 on a good iPad – this budget model proves it
Who should look elsewhere: Based on customer feedback, this iPad is a suitable option for most users, including those new to Apple, kids, and seniors. Power users or creatives who require more intensive processing power would probably benefit from a more robust tablet, such as the iPad Air or iPad Pro.
iPad (11th-gen) specs: Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina display | Processor: A16 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Silver, Pink, Blue, Yellow | Cameras: 12MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP Landscape f/2.4 front | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x .28 inches | Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector | Battery life: Up to 10 hours of video playback with USB-C charging | Price: $400
Best iPad for battery life
iPad Pro (M5)
4.8
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Completely optimized for iPadOS 26 -
M5 processor is powerful and fast in benchmark testing -
More storage options
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Expensive, especially with accessories
Why we like it: Apple’s 2025 iPad Pro lineup is by far the most capable and impressive iPad lineup we’ve seen, and it has the best battery life we’ve tested in any tablet. The design is much slimmer than previous Pro models and includes Apple’s powerful M5 processor. This chip outperformed every other iPad model by a landslide in our Geekbench 6 testing.
Apple included enhanced connectivity features with the C1X and N1 chips on the iPad Pro. The chips give the iPad Pro Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and faster 5G connectivity, all of which translate into faster downloads, a better, more reliable AirDrop experience, and smoother hotspot use.
Who it’s for: In my hands-on review with the iPad Pro, I said that Apple finally made the iPad the intuitively responsive tablet I’ve always wanted. That’s because the iPad Pro is faster and more consistent in rendering graphics and loading assets than my M1 MacBook Pro, and is even noticeably snappier than my M3 iPad Air. It is the best tablet for power users I’ve tested — and one that is finally capable of replacing a laptop for everyday computing.
Review: Is an iPad Pro still worth it? I tested the M5 model for weeks, and here’s my advice
The Magic Keyboard also received an upgrade in the new model (stronger construction and an aluminum palm rest along both sides of the wider trackpad), making it even easier for those looking to ditch the MacBook Pro for the iPad Pro.
Who should look elsewhere: This particular iPad is for power users and the highest-end professionals. Unless you are an artist or designer using the Apple Pencil Pro with it every day, or using it in other creative-intensive fields, the standard 11th-generation iPad would be a better option for regular tablet users.
Apple iPad Pro tech specs: Display: 11- or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display | Processor: Apple Silicon M5 | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB | Biometrics: Face ID | Colors: Silver, space black | Cameras: 12MP wide (4K, ProRes), Landscape 12MP ultra-wide | Weight: 11-inch: .98 pounds, 13-inch: 1.28 pounds | Dimensions: 9.83 x 6.99 x .21 inches or 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 inches | Connections: USB-C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4 | Battery life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web | Price: $1,199
Best iPad for portability
iPad Mini (seventh-gen)
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Light and compact -
Supports Apple Pencil Pro -
Apple Intelligence features
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Display tops out at 60Hz -
An expensive upgrade from previous generation
Why we like it: The latest iPad Mini features the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. This chip is also compatible with Apple Intelligence, including Writing Tools, the redesigned Siri with ChatGPT, Priority Notifications and Messages, Summarization tools, Smart Reply, and the Clean Up tool in Photos.
Who it’s for: The iPad Mini sometimes feels more like a big smartphone than a small tablet. It can easily slip into bags and even larger pockets of some cargo pants and vests. Compared to a phone, it’s better for reading e-books, PDFs, documents, news apps, and other digital content. The iPad Mini’s portability and support for the new Apple Pencil Pro make note-taking a popular use case.
Review: I tested the iPad Mini 7 for a week, and it’s the ultraportable tablet to beat at $100 off
Customers who bought the new iPad Mini reported in reviews that they were impressed by the new tablet, calling it “an enlarged iPhone with a whole new experience.” It also has more storage options than the last generation — up to 512GB.
Who should look elsewhere: I went hands-on with the iPad Mini, and to me, the AI features aren’t this tablet’s selling point. I would not recommend buying an iPad Mini 7 solely because of its AI features, but I would recommend it to someone looking for a future-proof entertainment tablet that can go almost anywhere.
iPad Mini (seventh-gen) specs: Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display | Processor: A17 Pro | Storage: 128GB, 245GB, 512GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Space gray, blue, purple, starlight | Cameras: Rear: 12MP, Front: 12MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage | Weight: 0.65 pounds | Dimensions: 7.69 x 5.31 x .025 inches | Connections: USB-C | Battery life: 10 hours | Price: $574
Best iPad for creatives and students
Apple iPad Air (M4)
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Snappy M4 processor -
Two size options, including 13-inch
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Thicker and heavier than the iPad Pro -
Accessory costs can add up
Why we like it: The iPad Air was once our most-recommended iPad, but now it was squeezed out by the iPad Pro at the high end and the standard iPad (11th-gen) for nearly everyone else.The 2026 iPad Air maintains the same design we saw Apple introduce with the Air in late 2022, but it boasts an M4 processor, Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, and two size options — 11 or 13 inches. The big draw of the iPad Pro was always its bigger size, but that benefit has now come down-market to a much more accessible price tier.
Review: iPad Air M4: Apple’s Goldilocks tablet just became easier to justify over the Pro
I was impressed by the snappy performance of the M4 processor in my hands-on review. I think the latest iPad Air’s performance is noticeably better than the older M2 model, with about a 30% CPU improvement in benchmark tests. These improvements are most noticeable in better app performance, multitasking, and rendering speeds.
Who it’s for: The iPad Air is a great option for creatives and students. It’s not a midrange tablet, but it’s one of the middle iPads, between the base model and the iPad Pro. The iPad Air is so good that it’s likely too powerful for most tablet users, capable of handling heavy editing work and entertainment alike.
Who should look elsewhere: However, if you plan to buy the iPad Air, you’ll probably also get the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil Pro, and maybe even add cellular connectivity and increase the storage. At that point, you’ll be well over $1,000 and only about $200 cheaper than a similarly configured iPad Pro. In that case, just get the Pro.
If you don’t need all that power, then you can get away with the iPad (11th-gen), and you can even pair it with a much less expensive Logitech Combo Touch or ESR case and save a lot of money, but still get a lot of the benefits of an iPad Air or iPad Pro.
iPad Air (M4) specs: Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 60Hz | Processor: Apple Silicon M4 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue | Cameras: 12MP rear camera, 12MP webcam (landscape-oriented) | Weight: 11-inch: 1.02 pounds, 13-inch: 1.36 pounds | Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches and 11.04 x 8.46 x .24 inches | Connections: USB-C port and magnetic connector for Apple Pencil Pro | Battery life: 10 hours | Price: $929
Best iPad on a budget
iPad (ninth-gen)
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Great price -
Solid display -
Traditional Touch ID home button -
Supports Apple Pencil (first-gen)
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Filled with last-generation tech -
Very large bezels -
Uses Lightning port for charging
Why we like it: The ninth-gen iPad is filled with last-generation technology, such as the lightning connector for charging, a Touch ID home button, 4G LTE connectivity, the A13 chip, and the first-gen Apple Pencil. It has a 12MP front-facing camera, and so it’s still a good video call device. Overall, these older technologies are still good enough to handle the basics for most people and will be for several years to come.
Who it’s for: If you just need a basic, full-screen iPad to watch videos, play games, answer messages, and make the occasional video call, then the base-level iPad (ninth-gen) will suit plenty of people just fine. It’s a great first iPad for kids. It’s also a good one to give elderly relatives and friends who are still a little uncomfortable with technology and just need a device to do a few simple things.
Review: Apple iPad (2021) review: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it
The customer reviews speak for themselves — 98% of customers who have purchased this iPad at Best Buy would recommend it to a friend and rated it 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Who should look elsewhere: The ninth-gen iPad is great for a lot of users, including the younger crowd. If you’re looking for higher-end performance or a more future-proof tablet, you should consider at least the 11th-gen iPad or later.
iPad (ninth-gen) tech specs: Display: 10.2-inch Retina display | Processor: A13 Bionic | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Silver, space gray | Cameras: 8MP rear, 1080p video, 12MP FaceTime camera with Center Stage | Weight: 1.07 pounds | Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, Lightning port | Battery life: 10 hours | Price: $264
Is the iPad the best tablet?
While the iPad lineup is certainly powerful, it ultimately depends on personal preference and whether you are an Apple person. We named the 11th-gen iPad the best tablet for most people due to its user-friendly interface, versatility, and compatibility with the tasks you need to do. The iPad has access to the same App Store as the iPhone, with many apps optimized for the iPad’s larger display.
As far as Samsung tablets go, they run Android and are closer to iPads in terms of performance, design, and features. The Galaxy Tab S series is ideal for users who need power, such as creators and professionals. The tablets in this series have larger screens and more processing power, comparable to the iPad Pro.
Which iPad is best for you?
Whether you’re buying a new iPad or upgrading an old iPad, the first thing to do before you buy is to get really clear about what you’re planning to use it for the most.
| Choose this iPad… | If you want… |
| iPad (11th-gen) | The best overall option when it comes to power, storage, and user-friendliness. The Apple iPad is the best tablet for anything. |
| iPad Pro (M5) | A high-performance tablet with the best battery life. It has AI capabilities and is compatible with accessories, making it a great option for creatives. |
| iPad Mini (seventh-gen) | A smaller, more manageable iPad model with an 8.3-inch display. |
| iPad Air (M4) | A lightweight tablet for those who want something for work and play, without big sacrifices in performance or features. |
| iPad (ninth-gen) | A budget-friendly tablet. It’s a great first-iPad for kids, and can also handle basics like watching videos, playing games, quick video calls, and more. |
Factors to consider when choosing an iPad
If you’re looking to buy an iPad, here are the top factors you should consider before making a purchase:
- Mobility: The iPad lineup now ranges from the very small and light iPad Mini to the 13-inch iPad Pro. This can be heavier and bulkier than a laptop once you attach the Magic Keyboard Case or another third-party case. In between these two, you have the rest of the iPad lineup that comes in slight variations of the traditional 10-inch iPad form factor. Think about how much you want to use the iPad on the go and the bag you want to carry it in. Will you be carrying just the iPad, or will you also be carrying a laptop?
- Accessories: Consider which iPads are compatible with the accessories you’d like to use, such as the Magic Keyboard Case and the three versions of the Apple Pencil.
- Price: There are now iPads for nearly every budget, especially when you include the last-generation models we’ve highlighted in the Alternatives section below. You can get a standard iPad for around $300, and it will be fine for watching videos, light web surfing, and replying to messages. This is a great choice for a first iPad or to upgrade an older one used for the same tasks. The premium iPad Pro models are loaded with features, have incredible displays, and cost the same as a premium laptop. However, they are best for creative professionals, artists, and those who want to use the device as their full laptop replacement, which can still be a frustrating endeavor if you’re a power user with a long history with a laptop and a lot of work to do.
How we test iPads
We’ve tested all of the current iPad models in real-world situations to evaluate their features, design, performance, and overall value.
We’ve used the iPad Mini to take notes and read documents on the road, the standard iPad for web browsing and watching YouTube, and the iPad Pro models for lots of Zoom calls, Slack, web apps, creating Google Docs, and downloading and watching videos while traveling. We’ve also used the Magic Keyboard case since it props up the iPad quite nicely.
We’ve also tried using the iPad Air for all the things the iPad Pro can do and found that it works great, with only two exceptions: the battery life isn’t as good, and the fingerprint sensor isn’t as convenient as Face ID for all-day use during long days of meetings or work.
For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.
FAQs on iPads
What are the newest iPad models?
The latest iPads include the 11th-gen iPad (2025), the eighth-gen iPad Air (2026), the eighth-gen iPad Pro (2025), and the 7th-gen iPad Mini (2024). All tablets, except the base-model iPad, are compatible with Apple Intelligence.
The newest iPad is the base model, the 11th-gen iPad. This tablet has double the base storage as the iPad 10, starting at 128GB, and costs the same. It’s reliable, with a strong A16 Bionic chip, and fast, with 6GB of RAM.
The new iPad Air comes in two sizes — 11-inch and 13-inch — and features the M4 chip. In addition, the iPad Air now starts at 128GB, up from the mere 64GB Apple previously included in the base model two generations ago.
The iPad Pro now comes with the new M5 chip, which Apple says delivers 5.6 times faster performance than the M1 processor. It also touts the best battery life out of any iPad in the lineup.
The iPad Mini features the A17 Pro chip, found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, for faster performance. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and has more storage options.
All of these new iPad models are compatible with iPadOS 26, which includes Apple Intelligence features such as new Siri upgrades, a redesigned Photos app, generative AI tools for writing and proofreading across apps, and more. The new OS also comes with the highly requested Calculator app and a Passwords app to keep track of all your sensitive passwords.
Are there any iPads you should avoid buying?
Generally, avoid any iPad that is more than one or two generations older than the latest model. This means you can buy the sixth-gen iPad Pro from 2022, but you shouldn’t consider the fifth-gen iPad Pro from 2021. The older an iPad model is, the less likely it is to handle new iOS upgrades, which can slow the device down.
What are the most necessary iPad accessories?
To get the most out of your iPad, you’ll definitely want to invest in a stylus, particularly the Apple Pencil. There are multiple generations of the Apple Pencil, so be sure to see which is most compatible with your chosen iPad model.
Also: Everything you need to set up a new iPad
An iPad case is also necessary to protect your device. Cases can also enhance your iPad’s functionality thanks to features like keyboards, magnetic stands, and more.
In addition, don’t forget a screen protector since the touchscreen is the most important aspect of the iPad.
Can iPads use Apple’s new FDA-approved Hearing Aid feature?
Yes, hearing aid mode is accessible on all iPads running iPadOS 18.1. To use the AirPods Pro 2 as over-the-counter hearing aids, users must first complete a hearing test to determine their levels of hearing loss. The test can be accessed on a compatible iPad. Additionally, users can input the results of an existing hearing test taken by an audiologist. If you take the test on your iPhone or iPad, your AirPods Pro 2 must be connected to the device and placed firmly in your ears.
See more: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids: Testing and tracking hearing health in iOS 18.1
What is the best iPad for kids?
The base model iPad is the best tablet for kids since it’s easy to use, lightweight, and can grow with your child as they need it for different purposes. The iPad Mini would also be a good choice since it’s the smallest iPad in the lineup and perfect for little hands.
What are the differences between an iPad, an Amazon Fire, and a Samsung tablet?
It’s easy to see the price difference between one of Amazon’s Fire tablets and an iPad. However, you have to remember that Amazon designs and builds its tablets as entry-level tablets that do the bare minimum. Performance is going to be slower, and app selection is going to be worse on Amazon’s Fire tablet lineup. The iPad has access to the same App Store as the iPhone, with many apps optimized for the iPad’s larger display.
As far as Samsung tablets go, they run Android and are closer to iPads in terms of performance, design, and features. The Galaxy Tab S series is ideal for users who need power, such as creators and professionals. The tablets in this series have larger screens and more processing power, comparable to the iPad Pro.
On the other hand, Samsung also makes a Galaxy Tab A series, which comes at a lower price point with smaller screens for those who need a simple tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.
Latest updates
- The latest Sept. 2026 update replaced the M3 iPad Air with the M4 model, a newer, faster tablet. We also corrected the prices to reflect Apple’s latest price increases.
- Our Jan. 2026 update replaced the seventh-generation iPad Pro with the newer eighth-generation iPad Pro as our pick for the best iPad for battery life.
- Our Sept. 2025 update included information on the iPadOS 26 launch date, updated pricing, and context to align with the latest news.
- ZDNET has tested the latest versions of the flagship 11th-gen iPad and seventh-gen iPad Air to compare with competitors from other brands and previous iterations of the device.
Other iPad alternatives we’ve tested
iPad Pro (sixth-gen)
The previous generation of the iPad Pro is just as impressive as the newer model. It has the M2 chip, 2TB of storage, Wi-Fi 6E, and 1,000 nits of full‑screen brightness.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
This is a good iPad Air alternative for Android users. It offers reliable performance, a 13.1-inch display, and an IP68 rating that the iPad lacks. It also includes the S Pen.
