# The Best iPads for 2025: Which Model Fits Your Lifestyle?
Apple’s iPads have dominated the tablet market for years, but with so many models available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a casual streamer, a creative professional, or someone who wants a hybrid tablet-laptop experience, there’s an iPad tailored for you.
After extensive testing, we’ve narrowed down the best iPads of 2025—so you don’t have to guess.
## Table of Contents
– [Best Overall iPad](#best-overall-ipad)
– [Best Budget iPad](#best-budget-ipad)
– [Best iPad for Creatives](#best-ipad-for-creatives)
– [Best iPad for Productivity](#best-ipad-for-productivity)
– [How We Test iPads](#how-we-test-ipads)
– [iPad FAQs](#ipad-faqs)
## Best Overall iPad: iPad Pro (M4, 2025)
If you want the absolute best performance, the iPad Pro with the M4 chip is the undisputed king. With a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, Apple Pencil Pro support, and Thunderbolt connectivity, it’s a powerhouse for creatives and professionals.
Why it’s great:
– Blazing-fast M4 chip for seamless multitasking
– Ultra-thin design with OLED display
– Perfect for video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming
## Best Budget iPad: iPad (10th Gen, 2024)
For those who want a great Apple tablet without breaking the bank, the 10th-gen iPad delivers solid performance at an affordable price.
Key features:
– A14 Bionic chip (still snappy for everyday tasks)
– USB-C charging and improved front camera
– Ideal for students and casual users
## Best iPad for Creatives: iPad Air (M2, 2025)
The iPad Air strikes the perfect balance between power and price, making it ideal for artists and designers.
Why creatives love it:
– M2 chip handles Procreate and Adobe apps effortlessly
– Supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Magic Keyboard
– Slim, lightweight design for portability
## Best iPad for Productivity: iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2025)
If you’re replacing a laptop, the 11-inch iPad Pro with Stage Manager and Magic Keyboard turns your tablet into a productivity beast.
Why professionals choose it:
– Laptop-like performance in a tablet form
– Thunderbolt port for external displays and storage
– All-day battery life
## How We Test iPads
We don’t just glance at specs—we put each iPad through real-world scenarios:
– Performance: Benchmarking with Geekbench 6 and 3DMark
– Battery life: Streaming, gaming, and multitasking tests
– Display quality: Color accuracy and brightness under different lighting
– User experience: Everyday tasks like browsing, video calls, and note-taking
## iPad FAQs
### Should I wait for the next iPad release?
Apple typically updates iPads every 12-18 months. If a new model is rumored soon, it might be worth waiting—but current models are already incredibly powerful.
### Which iPad is best for students?
The iPad (10th Gen) or iPad Air (M2) with Apple Pencil support is perfect for note-taking and research.
### Do I need a Pro for casual use?
Not at all! The standard iPad or iPad Air is more than enough for streaming, browsing, and light gaming.
### Will Apple Intelligence work on older iPads?
Most AI features require at least an M1 chip, so newer models like the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4) will fully support them.
## Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for raw power, affordability, or creative flexibility, Apple’s iPad lineup has something for everyone. For most users, the iPad Air (M2) offers the best balance of price and performance. But if you demand the absolute best, the iPad Pro (M4) is unbeatable.
Still unsure? Drop your questions below—we’re happy to help!