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The Best iPads for Your Money

Courtesy of Amazon

Apple's iPads are some of the best tablets on the market. They’re fast, user-friendly and, when used with a keyboard, can even double as very capable laptops.

An iPad can be a great work tool for students and creative professionals, or just a portable device for anyone who wants to stream Netflix, play games and browse the web.

So, which is the right Apple iPad for you? Here are some things to consider.

What's the Best iPad for You?

Each iPad has a target audience, so to speak. Apple’s top-of-the-line model, the iPad Pro, is a great option for artists, creators and power users who want cutting-edge technology and a reliable workstation. This is also the most expensive iPad, starting at around $800 for the 11” and $2,199 for the 12.9”.

The iPad Air is a mid-range model for users who want a premium experience and similar specs to the iPad Pro at a more affordable price (under $900). The Air models are more portable too, with smaller screens that are easier to hold and carry.

The iPad mini (about $650), on the other hand, is the most portable; it weighs less than a pound and is the most comfortable to hold in one hand. While it’s the smallest iPad, it doesn’t skimp on performance — in fact, has a much better camera and display than the entry-level standard iPad.

Speaking of which, for roughly $500, the standard iPad is perfect for users who want a basic, but still powerful tablet to perform everyday tasks such as playing games, watching Netflix and editing documents (although in reality you can do so much more).

In some cases, it’s possible to find refurbished models of discontinued iPads (older generations). These tend to be cheaper, but we don’t recommend buying these unless it’s from Apple’s certified store where they sell “like new” refurbished devices with a one-year warranty. If you buy these from third-party sellers, you risk getting a device that may not work properly, that’s not covered by a warranty or is too old to be compatible with the latest software updates.

Apple iPad Buying Guide

Take a look at the following specs as you shop for the best iPad for you:

• Processor. iPads are powered by an Apple-designed system on a chip (SoC), a technology that integrates several different components, such as the CPU, RAM and GPU, in one chip.

Most iPads feature an A-series chip. These are labeled by an A followed by a number, such as A12 or A14. Typically, the higher the number, the newer and more powerful the chip is.

The newest iPad Pro (2022), however, features the M2 chip, Apple’s fastest and most powerful. This is the same chip that debuted in late 2020 as the first truly Mac chip, which marked Apple’s transition away from the Intel chips. It’s also likely to be the chip series that Apple will continue to use for upcoming models.

• Storage. While some Android tablets let you upgrade storage by adding SD cards, an iPad’s storage capacity can’t really be upgraded.

Each iPad model has multiple storage options. All three non-Pro models — iPad, iPad mini and iPad Air — come with either 64GB or 256GB. Upgrading to the larger storage option can cost an additional $150.

Then there’s the iPad Pro, which offers the most storage options. It starts at 128GB for the base model and can be upgraded to 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and up to 2TB for the newest 2021 iPad Pro. The latter costs a hefty $2,199, mind you.

For most users, the base storage option is sufficient, especially if the iPad will be used mainly just to play games, store some music, stream videos and do some light work tasks such as editing documents.

But if you plan to use your iPad as a professional tool, work with large files, or play graphic-intensive games, then spending an additional $200 or $300 on more storage is a wise choice.

You could also consider getting an iCloud subscription, instead of adding more storage. This Apple service lets you free up storage space by uploading files to a cloud. The subscription starts at monthly costs of $0.99 for 50GB and up to $9.99 for 2TB.

• Display. Most iPads come with Retina display, a technology that allows the screen to deliver a higher pixel density — that is, really sharp, non-pixelated, detailed images. This significantly improves the viewing experience by reducing glare and heightening colors.

That being said, each iPad features different display resolutions, which may slightly affect image quality. However, choosing an iPad with a lower display resolution won’t necessarily affect your experience, unless you’re working with video, photo editing or graphic design, in which case you should opt for one of the higher-end models.

• Size. The largest tablet that Apple makes is 12.9” (iPad Pro), which is almost as large as a laptop, and the smallest is 8.3” (iPad mini) which is slightly larger than a cell phone. Between those sizes are the 11” iPad Pro, the 10.9” iPad Air and the 10.2” standard iPad.

If you’re looking for a tablet that’s ultra-portable, the iPad mini is the best option. It’s slightly bigger than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which measures 6.7”, so it can be easily held with one hand and fits into a small bag.

If portability is not your main concern and you prefer a more immersive experience, consider any of the other models. Keep in mind that the bigger the screen, the less comfortable it may feel to hold it with one hand, as is typically the case with the 12.9” iPad Pro.

• Camera. All iPad models come with rear- and front-facing cameras, but each model has a different resolution, measured in megapixels (MP).

On most models, the rear camera resolution ranges from 8MP up to 12MP; the front-facing one ranges from 7MP to 12MP.

Basically, the higher the megapixels, the crisper the image. If you care about picture and video quality, consider the iPad Pro or the iPad Air, which have the highest-resolution rear cameras.

• Cellular connectivity. If you want to ensure that your iPad is connected to a wireless network whenever you’re away from Wi-Fi, you can opt for a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad model.

This option is available with all iPad models, however it’s not a cheap upgrade. It adds between $130 and $200 to your total upfront costs, depending on the iPad model and the storage capacity. Additionally, it requires a data plan contract (which will add a monthly bill) with a supported carrier, such as AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.

• Accessories. Apple offers various accessories for iPads, including the popular Apple Pencil stylus and iPad keyboards.

The Apple Pencil is a great choice for artists and designers who want to use their iPad as a drawing tablet. There are currently two Apple Pencils. The first generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the 10.2” iPad (7th & 8th Gen.), the iPad mini (5th Gen.) and the iPad Air (3rd Gen.); the second generation Apple Pencil works with the iPad Air (4th Gen.), the iPad Pro 12.9” (3rd to 5th Gen.) and the iPad Pro 11” (1st to 3rd Gen.).

On the other hand, the keyboards attach to the iPad magnetically and let you use the iPad as if it were a laptop. There are three different options from Apple: the Magic Keyboard, the Smart Keyboard Folioand the Smart Keyboard.

Out of the three Apple keyboards, the Magic Keyboard (Apple’s latest addition) is the only one that features a built-in trackpad and a stand that lets you adjust the tablet to multiple viewing angles. However, it’s only compatible with iPad Pro and the latest iPad Air (4th Gen.). Do note that the iPad mini isn’t compatible with any of Apple’s keyboards.

These are not the only options, though. You can also find many compatible keyboards from renowned brands like Logitech, such as the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard and the Logitech Slim Folio Pro or keyboards from generic brands. Just remember to check their compatibility, since most of them only work with specific generations of tablets.

The Best iPads of 2023

1. Best overall: Apple 12.9 iPad Pro

List Price: $809.55

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Courtesy of Amazon

The iPad Pro 12.9” (2021) is the largest Apple tablet and a high-powered multitasker for video editing and graphic design.

There’s been a lot of buzz about the M1, Apple’s newest system on a chip. And, as it turns out, it does live up to the hype. The M1 features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering faster performance and graphics than the A12Z found on the 2020 iPad Pro. With this type of power, you can do anything from building augmented reality models to playing games with high frame rates.

The 2,732 by 2,048-pixel resolution is identical to the 2020 iPad Pro, but this time the 12.9” model has a Liquid Retina XDR (extreme dynamic range) display panel with a 1,000-nit full-screen brightness rating. This technology takes brightness and contrast to the next level, meaning that any professional can edit HDR pictures and videos with the entire frame at 1,000 nits of brightness.

Apple also replaced the previous 12.9” LED-backlit display with mini-LEDs, which are 120 times smaller than those in the previous iPad Pro. This helps diffuse light more efficiently and provides more accurate colors. This makes it the brightest iPad there is, letting you enjoy every detail in your pictures and videos and your favorite TV series and movies.

Other upgrades include 5G capability for iPads with Wi-Fi + Cellular and an improved front camera with 12MP and a 122° field of view. Additionally, the front camera features Center Stage, a function that automatically adjusts the ultra-wide camera to keep you centered in the frame, even as you move around.

Like the previous generation, the new iPad Pro only comes in two of Apple’s distinctive colors — space gray and silver — but with multiple storage options that start at 128GB for the base model and go up to a whopping 2TB.

The 12.9” base model costs around $900, which is almost as much as Apple’s mid-range laptop, the MacBook Pro. The price can go even higher if you add Apple’s variety of accessories or go for extra storage. So, while this is a true workstation, if you’re not going to take full advantage of its cutting-edge features, the highly efficient and more affordable iPad Air would be a better choice.

Opting for the iPad Pro with a base 128GB model starting at about $800, can also save you some money. It does have a slightly less impressive display of 2,388 by 1,668 pixels with no XDR and mini-LEDs, but features most other specs and the powerful M1 chip.

Pros

Ideal for video editing and graphic design
Powerful CPU and GPU ensure fast performance
High-quality display with excellent brightness and contrast
Upgrades available for data, camera and storage

Cons

Only available in two colors
Price can quickly increase with upgrades

2. Best for low prices: Apple 10.2 iPad (9th Gen.)

List Price: $329.00

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Courtesy of Amazon

At around $350, the ninth-generation iPad is the cheapest Apple tablet and the perfect option if you’re on a budget.

Although similar in design to the previous generation, the 10.2” iPad ditched the A12 chip and replaced it with the more advanced and responsive A13 Bionic chip. It’s also compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.

The new 10.2” iPad now starts off with a base storage of 64GB (32GB more than its predecessor) and, like the iPad Air and iPad mini, can be upgraded to 256GB. Apple also added a new ultra-wide camera, giving it a huge resolution boost — from 1.2MP to 12MP. The camera also comes with a "center stage" feature, which helps keep you right in the center of your video calls at all times.

All this makes the entry-level iPad a hugely versatile tablet, whether it's for watching Netflix and web browsing, working with documents and emails, or playing a wide range of games. You can even pair it with a PS4 or Xbox controller to create a portable game console.

Pros

Very affordable for excellent quality
Compatible with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
Versatile for professional and personal use
Ultra-wide camera with great resolution

Cons

Base model only has 64GB of storage
Only available in two colors

3. Best for portability: Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen.)

List Price: $489.00

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Courtesy of Amazon

Although it has a larger screen than its predecessor, the new iPad Mini is still Apple’s smallest iPad. It’s super portable and perfect for those who want something that’s easy to carry around in a small bag.

The redesigned screen features an 8.3” Liquid Retina display, narrow screen borders and no home button (at last!), matching the style and feel of the iPad Air and iPad Pros. It includes a more powerful processor, the A15 Bionic, which delivers fast performance and graphics.

This means that despite its size, you’ll be able to run apps like Adobe Photoshop CC, edit videos and photos and play games with console-level graphics. In addition, the iPad Mini uses real-time machine learning (Neural Engine), which enables it to recognize patterns, learn from experience and analyze data more quickly.

The new iPad Mini is available in four colors — Space Gray, Pink, Purple and Starlight — and with two storage capacity options, 64GB and 256GB. It also offers an improved display and a much better rear camera than the 10.2” standard iPad.

The rear camera has a 12MP resolution (compared to the 8MP camera in the standard iPad) and can record 4K videos. It also features True Tone flash, which helps improve photo quality in low light or when scanning documents.

Although the iPad Mini is smaller than the 10.2” iPad, it does cost more — it retails for about $500, while the standard iPad is around $330. This may be a deal breaker for some. After all, why pay more for a smaller screen? However, if you want more power, an enhanced display, better camera resolution and portability, then the mini is certainly worth the higher price.

One important drawback is that the iPad mini is incompatible with any of Apple’s Smart Keyboards. You can, however, pair it with other brands, such as the Wireless Keyboard.

Pros

Available in four eye-catching colors
Built-in real-time machine learning to improve user experience
High-resolution rear camera for 4K videos
Reliable processing speeds for graphics-intensive software

Cons

Not compatible with Apple’s Smart Keyboards
Somewhat high price for a smaller screen

Why Trust Us

Our commitment to the consumer begins with product selection and ends with the last word we write in each article. Each iPad is carefully vetted quantitatively through star ratings and the number of reviews and qualitatively through careful examination of reviews and the features each one has to offer. Leveraging our team of bargain hunters, we’re also always sure to keep your budget in mind while we find the best iPads on the market. Our team of experts is dedicated to accurately depicting the pros and cons of each iPad, translating technical product specifications into information you can understand. Our mission is to provide you with the finest portable computing experience that money can buy, whether you're working on the go or capturing memories during a family vacation.

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