The newest iPad tablets measure between 8.3 and 13 inches and work on Apple’s iOS system. The first iPad came out in 2010, and several such product lines have been released over the years, including the original iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. These portable gadgets work like a small PC and can be used for a wide range of tasks. People often use them for work, gaming, watching movies, creating art, taking notes, editing photos, and browsing social media, etc. Each iPad model has unique features that make it more or less suitable for a specific purpose.
Because Apple has such a large selection of iPad OS tablets for sale, it can be challenging to choose your own, especially if you want it for a particular activity. This guide will present different tablet models, their features, and what they’re best used for, so let’s get started.
What Are The Best iPads of 2024?
- Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 – Best Overall
- Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4 – Runner Up
- Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2 – Band For Buck
- Apple iPad Air 11-inch M2 – Best Value For Money
- Apple iPad 10th gen– Most Affordable iPad
- Apple iPad Mini 6 – Smallest
Apple iPad Pro 13
- OS: iPadOS
- Release Date: May 2024
- Screen Size: Large (13”)
- Processor: Apple M4
- Price: ~$1299
Apple iPad Pro 11
- OS: iPadOS
- Release Date: May 2024
- Screen Size: Medium (11”)
- Processor: Apple M4
- Price: ~$1099
Apple iPad Air 13
- OS: iPadOS
- Release Date: May 2024
- Screen Size: Large (13”)
- Processor: Apple M2
- Price: ~$799
Apple iPad Air 11
- OS: iPadOS
- Release Date: May 2024
- Screen Size: Medium (11”)
- Processor: Apple M2
- Price: ~$599
Apple iPad 10
- OS: iPadOS
- Release Date: October 2022
- Screen Size: Medium (10.9”)
- Processor: Apple A14 Bionic
- Price: ~$449
Apple iPad Mini
- OS: iPadOS
- Release Date: Sep 2021
- Screen Size: Small (8.3”)
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- Price: ~$499
How To Choose The Best Option For Yourself
It can be challenging to choose your own iPad if this is the first time you’re about to buy one. We’ve compiled a list of the best iPads you can get at the moment. Here are the criteria we took into account when choosing these models:
- Screen Size – The size of the screen will directly influence your visibility when performing certain tasks. Having a bigger screen means you can see more details and in better quality, particularly when watching films, playing games, creating games, or even working.
- Refresh Rate – Your iPad’s refresh rate impacts how smooth and realistic the image will be, and how good the performance will be. It’s a crucial element when you’re playing games on your tablet or watching films.
- Display Quality – The better the screen is, the more details you can see when using the tablet. A qualitative display will enable you to see everything in better resolution.
- Processing Power – We also looked at how easy and quick it is for the tablet to process information. This can influence the performance of your device.
- Battery Life – More battery life means you will not rely on a charger whenever you want to perform the simplest tasks on your device. A powerful battery will allow you to use the tablet on the go, regardless of your tasks.
- Storage Capacity – We looked into tablets with different storage capacity options so you can choose the one that suits your needs the most. Whether you want to store photos, art, music, or download the newest episodes of your favorite show, you want a unit that can store everything without running out of space.
- Camera – A good camera lets you capture important moments of your life. We looked for iPads with high-quality cameras so you can take pictures of places you visit or some good selfies.
- Biometrical Authentication – Apple’s biometrical authentication feature provides more security for your tablet, requiring your fingerprint or face to unlock your screen. It’s an added safety measure when storing important files and data.
- Speakers – If you love watching movies or playing video games, having good speakers is a requirement, and that’s why we couldn’t ignore this aspect when making our iPad selection.
- Apple Pencil Compatibility – We searched for iPads compatible with Apple Pencil. This feature is necessary for artists and people who use their tablets for work or to take notes.
Comparison of iPads
iPad Model | Apple iPad Pro 13 | Apple iPad Pro 11 | Apple iPad Air 13 | Apple iPad Air 11 | Apple iPad Mini | Apple iPad |
Release Year | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2021 | 2022 |
Screen Size | 13 inches | 11.0 inches | 13 inches | 11 inches | 8.3 inches | 10.9 inches |
Display Quality | 2064×2752 pixels | 1668×2420 pixels | 2048×2732 pixels | 1640x2360pixels | 1488×2266 pixels | 1640×2360 pixels |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120 Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60 Hz |
Processor | Apple M4 | Apple M4 | Apple M2 | Apple M2 | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A14 Bionic |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
Max Storage | 2TB | 2TB | 1TB | 1TB | 256GB | 256 GB |
Cellular Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Price | High-end | High-end | Mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Speakers | 4 stereo speakers | 4 stereo speakers | 4 stereo speakers | 4 stereo speakers speakers | 2 stereo speakers | 2 stereo speakers |
Biometrical Authentication | Face ID | Face ID | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Fingerprint |
Pencil Compatibility | Compatible Apple Pencil Gen 2 and Apple Pencil Pro | Compatible Apple Pencil Gen 2 and Apple Pencil Pro | Compatible Apple Pencil Gen 2 and Apple Pencil Pro | Compatible Apple Pencil Gen 2 and Apple Pencil Pro | Compatible Apple Pencil Gen 2 and Apple Pencil USB-C | Compatible Apple Pencil Gen 1 and Apple Pencil USB-C |
What Is an iPad?
iPads are touchscreen tablet-sized devices running on iPadOS, Apple’s operating system. These units were introduced for the very first time on January 27, 2010.
At first, iPads ran on iOS, just like iPhones. However, in 2019, when iOS 13 was launched, Apple also released iPadOS 13 for its tablets. The new operating system was customized for the larger iPad screens and offered better support for the tablets’ hardware.
iPads became popular due to their multitasking features and things like drag and drop, file management, and picture-in-picture.
Nowadays, there are 4 different product lines for the iPads: the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and the original iPad. They are available in various storage space options and different colors.
Things You Can Do On iPad
iPads are useful for a wide range of activities. Depending on your preferences, you can choose an iPad that suits your goals and hobbies.
- Games
- Reading
- Drawing
- Video-Calls
- Presentations
- Editing Photos
- Editing Videos
- Watching Movies
- Watching TV Shows
- Taking Online Lectures
- Taking Handwritten Notes
- Control Your Smart Gadgets
Which iPad Should You Buy? (Tips)
Before you purchase an iPad, you should know which one is the most suitable for you. Here are the main models and their uses:
- iPad Pro – This is the best for artists, power users, or professionals. For instance, students can use it to take notes or store books or academic materials. The tablet is also great for people who create digital art, as it has a large screen and stylus support. Moreover, it has journaling options that make writing easier for professional writers.
- iPad Air – If you’re a mainstream user who wants something more portable and affordable while looking for balance and performance, this is the unit for you. It can be suitable for students who simply want to take notes but also for families who wish to take photos or communicate through WhatsApp or other apps.
- iPad Mini – This model is great for people seeking portability. For instance, its 8.3-inch screen makes it easy for kids to handle and for professional drivers and pilots to use it for its GPS capabilities.
- iPad – This is your best gadget if you’re a new or cautious user. Seniors or teachers who don’t know how to operate such a tablet can purchase this thanks to its lower price. It’s also good for families who want a basic unit that can be used for photos and social media.
Best For Students
The iPad Pro 13 M4 is the best option overall, but it may offer more power than most students need. For many, the iPad Air 11-inch stands out as one of the best iPads for students. It’s more affordable while still being compatible with the Apple Pencil and iPad Magic Keyboard, making note-taking a breeze. Plus, it offers ample storage space, perfect for holding all your academic materials.
Apple iPad Air 11
- OS: iPadOS
- Released: 2024, May
- Chipset: Apple M2
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- RAM: 8GB
- Camera: 12 MP Front & Back
- Screen Size: 11-inches
- Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels
- PPI: ~264
- Port: USB-C
- Battery Life in Hours: 10 hours
- LTE: Yes
- Compatible with Keyboards: Yes
- Compatible with Stylus: Yes
Most Affordable
The classic iPad – the 10th Generation Apple iPad – is the cheapest tablet. The price point starts at $349 now, making it a more affordable option.
Apple iPad
- OS: iPadOS
- Released: 2022, October
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm)
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- RAM: 4GB
- Camera: 12 MP Front & Back
- Screen Size: 10.9-inches
- Resolution: 1640 x 2360
- PPI: ~264
- Port: USB-C
- Battery Life in Hours: 10 hours
- LTE: Yes
- Compatible with Keyboards: Yes
- Compatible with Stylus: Yes
Best For Artists
The iPad Pro 13 with M4 is the best tablet for creatives because it has a large 13-inch OLED display, as well as Apple Pencil Gen 2 and Pro connectivity, making it easier to create digital illustrations and edit videos.
Best For Gaming
The iPad Mini is the best gaming tablet from Apple. However, the iPad Pro 13 and 11 are also great for connecting a controller. Not only do they have Bluetooth connection, but they also have larger screens of 13 inches and 11.0 inches, respectively, as well as a 120Hz refresh rate and a strong Apple M4 processor. As such, they can offer a much smoother gaming experience.
Best For Movies
The iPad Pro models are the best tablets for watching movies. This is because they have larger displays of 13 inches and 11 inches and 120Hz displays, providing a smoother image motion and, thus, a better experience.
Best For Note-Taking
The iPad Pro 13 is the best tablet for note-taking due to its large 13-inch screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Gen 2 & Apple Pencil Pro. This allows you to easily write and store content.
Best For Elderly
The classic Apple iPad is the best tablet for seniors due to its lower price. However, iPad Air can also be recommended because it’s not expensive, it has the same 10.9-inch screen and the same 265GB storage capacity, with 8GB RAM instead of 4GB.
Which iPads Have The Best Features
iPad Model | Release Year | 120Hz Display | USB-C Port | 3.5mm Jack | eSIM | Touch ID | Face ID |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
iPad 10th gen | 2022 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
iPad Mini 6th gen | 2021 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
iPad Air 11-inch M2 | 2024 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
iPad Air 13-inch M2 | 2024 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
iPad Pro 11-inch M4 | 2024 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
iPad Pro 13-inch M4 | 2024 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
The first iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st gen) featured only a 60Hz display, and after the release of the iPad Pro 12.9 inch 2nd gen, many considered that a worthy improvement and updated to a newer model.
Every iPad Pro model launched in and after 2017 boasts a high-refresh-rate 120Hz display.
What Is 120Hz Promotion Display and How Does It Work
Instead of your iPad showing 60 images per second, it will show 120 images per second.
- Refresh Rate: The standard refresh rate of a display is measured in Hertz (Hz), indicating how many frames per second the screen can refresh. The newest iPad Pro models have a 120Hz Promotion Display, which means the display refreshes 120 times per second.
- Adaptive Refresh Rate: The ProMotion display is adaptive, meaning it can dynamically adjust its refresh rate based on the displayed content. If you are going to view photos, the refresh rate will automatically drop to save battery life, and it will automatically ramp up when you watch videos or use Apple Pencil.
120Hz Promotion display means that everything on your iPad will look and feel smoother and more responsive. Whether you’re scrolling through web pages, playing games, or drawing with an Apple Pencil, a ProMotion display will reduce motion blur and latency, making everything feel more natural and faster.
60Hz vs 120Hz
- 60Hz screen:
Will be more power-efficient and less expensive. It’s more adequate for general use, like web browsing, reading, emails, light gaming, etc.
But it will appear less smooth during fast movement, like gaming or scrolling.
- 120Hz screen
You will have a smoother and more responsive display. It’s great for tasks that require precision – drawing, art, note-taking, competitive gaming, and video editing. You can also see the difference when watching videos or movies.
The 120Hz screens also have drawbacks. Your device will consume more power and make your iPad more expensive.
If you plan to buy an iPad for general use, I recommend saving money and going for a 60Hz screen, like iPad Air or iPad 10, or if you are in smaller screens, iPad Mini 6.
Alternatives
If an iPad isn’t the right fit for you or feels too expensive, there are several alternatives available. You can explore different tablet operating systems like Android, Amazon Fire, Chrome, or Windows. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular models from each OS, including some of the best Android tablets, that could be great substitutes for an iPad.
- Android – Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
- Windows – Microsoft Surface Pro 9
- Chrome OS – Lenovo Ideapad 5
- Amazon Fire OS – Amazon Fire Max 11
FAQ’s
Can I connect an iPad with an iPhone?
You can connect your iPad to an iPhone via iCloud by linking both devices to the same account.
Can I connect an iPad with an Android Phone?
You cannot directly connect an iPad with an Android phone, but you can use Bluetooth or services like Google or Dropbox to send files between the 2 devices.
Can I connect an iPad with a MacBook?
You can connect an iPad with a MacBook via the USB cable provided with your iPad.
Can I connect an iPad with a Windows Laptop?
Yes, you can connect an iPad with a Windows Laptop with a USB cable.
Which Is the newest iPad?
The Apple iPad 10th Generation is the newest tablet from Apple. It was released in October 2022.
Are there other tablet brands with iPad OS?
No, there are no other tablet brands with iPad OS. Apple created this operating system for its own devices, made specifically for its tablet’s hardware.
What is the most popular operating system for tablets?
The 2 most popular OS for tablets are iPad OS and Android OS.
Can I use Microsoft apps on iPad?
Yes, Microsoft apps like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and others work on an iPad.
Do iPads go on sale?
Yes, iPads go on sale. More often than not, they go on sale during Black Friday but may also go on sale at the end of the year. Apple usually offers very small discounts in comparison to Android tablets.
I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.