Apple’s iPad lineup continues to dominate the tablet market in 2025, offering a range of models that cater to different needs, budgets, and use cases. Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or just looking for a powerful entertainment device, there’s an iPad designed for you. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best iPads available today, how we test them, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about Apple’s tablets.
The Best iPads for 2025
Apple currently offers five distinct iPad models, each with unique strengths. Here’s our breakdown of the best options available:
iPad Pro (M4, 2025) – The Ultimate Powerhouse
The latest iPad Pro represents the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet technology. Powered by the revolutionary M4 chip, this model delivers desktop-class performance in a sleek, portable form factor. Key features include:
– Available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes with stunning Liquid Retina XDR displays
– Up to 2TB storage and 16GB RAM configurations
– Thunderbolt 4 support for professional workflows
– Redesigned Magic Keyboard with function row
– Apple Pencil Pro with new squeeze gesture and haptic feedback
– Starting at $999 for 11-inch, $1,299 for 12.9-inch
Ideal for: Video editors, 3D artists, architects, and professionals who need maximum performance.
iPad Air (M2, 2025) – The Best Balance
The iPad Air strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. With the M2 chip, it handles most professional tasks while costing significantly less than the Pro model.
– Available in 11-inch and new 13-inch sizes
– Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology
– Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
– Starts at $599 for 11-inch, $799 for 13-inch
Ideal for: Students, creative professionals, and power users who want premium features without the Pro price tag.
iPad (10th Gen, 2025) – The Best Value
Apple’s standard iPad offers incredible value with its A16 Bionic chip and modern design.
– 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
– USB-C connectivity
– Supports first-generation Apple Pencil (with adapter)
– Starts at $449
Ideal for: Casual users, students, and families looking for a capable tablet at a reasonable price.
iPad mini (7th Gen, 2025) – The Compact Powerhouse
The latest iPad mini packs impressive performance into its 8.3-inch form factor.
– A16 Bionic chip
– Redesigned with thinner bezels
– Supports Apple Pencil Pro
– Starts at $499
Ideal for: Readers, travelers, and professionals who need a highly portable device.
iPad Comparison Chart
To help visualize the differences between models, here’s a quick comparison of key specifications:
Model | Display Size | Chip | Starting Price | Best For
iPad Pro | 11″/12.9″ | M4 | $999 | Professionals
iPad Air | 11″/13″ | M2 | $599 | Power users
iPad | 10.9″ | A16 | $449 | Everyday use
iPad mini | 8.3″ | A16 | $499 | Portability
How We Test the Best iPads
Our testing methodology ensures we provide accurate, real-world assessments of each iPad’s capabilities. We evaluate devices across several key areas:
Performance Testing
We run intensive benchmarks including Geekbench 6 for CPU performance, 3DMark for graphics capabilities, and GFXBench for sustained performance under load. The M4 iPad Pro consistently scores higher than many laptops in these tests.
Display Quality
Using professional colorimeters, we measure brightness, color accuracy, and contrast ratios. The iPad Pro’s XDR display reaches 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content.
Battery Life
Our standardized video playback test runs at 200 nits brightness with WiFi on. Most iPads exceed Apple’s claimed 10-hour battery life, with the iPad Air lasting up to 12 hours in our tests.
Real-World Usage
We spend weeks using each iPad for:
– 4K video editing in LumaFusion
– Graphic design in Procreate
– Document work with Magic Keyboard
– Gaming (both casual and AAA titles)
– Multitasking with Stage Manager
Accessory Compatibility
We test all iPads with their respective Apple Pencils, Magic Keyboards, and third-party accessories to evaluate ecosystem integration.
iPad FAQs
Here are answers to the most common questions about Apple’s tablets:
Which iPad is best for students?
The standard iPad (10th Gen) offers the best value for most students. Those in creative fields may prefer the iPad Air for its larger screen and Apple Pencil Pro support.
Can iPads replace laptops?
For many users, yes. The iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard can handle most productivity tasks. However, professionals needing specialized software may still require a Mac or PC.
How often should I upgrade my iPad?
Apple supports iPads with software updates for 5-7 years. Most users can wait 3-4 years between upgrades unless they need cutting-edge features.
Are refurbished iPads worth buying?
Apple’s certified refurbished iPads come with the same warranty as new devices and can save you 15-30%. We recommend them for budget-conscious buyers.
What storage capacity should I choose?
64GB is sufficient for casual use. Power users should consider 256GB or more, especially if working with large media files.
Recent Updates
Apple made several significant changes to the iPad lineup in 2025:
– Introduced the 13-inch iPad Air
– Added M4 chip to iPad Pro with improved neural engine for AI tasks
– Redesigned iPad mini with edge-to-edge display
– Added new color options across all models
– Improved battery life by 10-15% across the lineup
Where to Buy the Best iPads
For the best deals on new iPads, we recommend:
– Apple Education Store (discounts for students and teachers)
– Amazon (frequent sales and bundle deals)
– Best Buy (exclusive color options and trade-in promotions)
– Apple Refurbished Store (certified pre-owned devices)
Final Recommendations
After extensive testing, here are our top picks:
Best Overall: iPad Pro (M4)
Best for Most People: iPad Air (M2)
Best Budget Option: iPad (10th Gen)
Most Portable: iPad mini
Explore our detailed reviews of each model to find your perfect iPad match. For the latest deals and bundle offers, check our regularly updated buying guide.