Best iPads of 2025: A Detailed Comparison

What Are the Best iPads of 2025? 🏆

When it comes to Apple tablets, there’s a wide range of options, each catering to different needs. Whether you’re an artist, student, or casual user, there’s an iPad for you. Below, we’ll break down the best iPad options for 2025, highlighting their unique features and best uses:

• Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 – Best Overall 🌟
• Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4 – Runner-Up 🥈
• Apple iPad Air 13-inch M3 – Best for Value 💸
• Apple iPad Air 11-inch M3 – Best for Budget 🏷️
• Apple iPad 11th Gen – Most Affordable 💰
• Apple iPad Mini 7 – Most Portable 🎒

Apple iPad Pro M4 13-inches (7th gen)

Display:

2064 x 2752

13-inches

Battery:

10260 mAh

10H

Hardware:

Apple M4

8GB, 16GB RAM

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More details

CPU: 9-core, 10-core

Max RAM: 8GB, 16GB

Refresh Rate: 120Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Silver, Space Black

Price: $1299

OS: iPad OS

For Movies: 5/5

For Studies: 5/5

For Note-Taking: 5/5

For Gaming: 5/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 4/5

For Drawing: 5/5

For Video-Calls: 5/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 5/5

Apple iPad Pro M4 11-inches (5th gen)

Display:

1668 x 2420

11-inches

Battery:

7606 mAh

10H

Hardware:

Apple M4

8GB, 16GB RAM

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More details

CPU: 9-core, 10-core

Max RAM: 8GB, 16GB

Refresh Rate: 120Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Silver, Space Black

Price: $999

OS: iPad OS

For Movies: 5/5

For Studies: 5/5

For Note-Taking: 5/5

For Gaming: 5/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 4/5

For Drawing: 5/5

For Video-Calls: 5/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 5/5

Apple iPad Air M3 13-inch

Display:

2048 x 2732

13-inches

Battery:

9705 mAh

10H

Hardware:

Apple M3

8GB RAM

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More details

CPU: Octa-core

Max RAM: 8GB

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue

Price: $799

OS: iPad OS

For Movies: 5/5

For Studies: 5/5

For Note-Taking: 4/5

For Gaming: 4/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 4/5

For Drawing: 4/5

For Video-Calls: 5/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 5/5

Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch

Display:

1640 x 2360

11-inches

Battery:

7606 mAh

10H

Hardware:

Apple M3

8GB RAM

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More details

CPU: Octa-core

Max RAM: 8GB

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue

Price: $749

OS: iPad OS

For Movies: 5/5

For Studies: 5/5

For Note-Taking: 4/5

For Gaming: 4/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 5/5

For Drawing: 4/5

For Video-Calls: 5/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 5/5

Apple iPad (11th gen)

Display:

1640 x 2360

10.9-inches

Battery:

8500 mAh

10H

Hardware:

Apple A16 Bionic

6GB RAM

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More details

CPU: 5-core

Max RAM: 6GB

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow

Price: $449

OS: iPad OS

For Movies: 4/5

For Studies: 4/5

For Note-Taking: 4/5

For Gaming: 4/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 5/5

For Drawing: 4/5

For Video-Calls: 4/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 4/5

Apple iPad Mini (7th gen)

Display:

1488 x 2266

8.3-inches

Battery:

5078 mAh

10H

Hardware:

Apple A17 Pro

8GB RAM

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More details

CPU: Hexa-core

Max RAM: 8GB

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight

Price: $599

OS: iPad OS

For Movies: 4/5

For Studies: 4/5

For Note-Taking: 4/5

For Gaming: 5/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 5/5

For Drawing: 3/5

For Video-Calls: 4/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 4/5

How to Choose the Best iPad for You 🤔

It can be overwhelming to choose the right iPad, but focusing on a few key factors can make the decision easier. Here’s what we recommend considering before making your purchase:

1. Screen Size 📏
   The size of the screen will influence your experience, especially when watching movies, playing games, or working. Bigger screens are better for viewing details, but a smaller one could be more portable.
2. Refresh Rate 🔄
   A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion, which is especially important for gaming or media consumption.
3. Processing Power ⚡
   A powerful chip ensures that your tablet runs smoothly, even with heavy apps or multitasking.
4. Battery Life 🔋
   Longer battery life means you can use your tablet on the go without constantly needing to recharge.
5. Storage Capacity 💾
   Choose the storage capacity based on how much content you plan to store—photos, videos, and apps can take up a lot of space.
6. Apple Pencil Compatibility ✏️
   If you’re into drawing or note-taking, make sure the iPad supports the Apple Pencil.

Which iPad Should You Buy? 🤩

It all depends on what you need! Here’s a breakdown:

• iPad Pro 13-inch: Perfect for artists, power users, or professionals. Its large screen and stylus support make it ideal for digital art and note-taking. 🎨
• iPad Air: A great choice for mainstream users who need a balance of performance and portability. It’s suitable for students, families, and casual users. 🎓
• iPad Mini: If portability is a top priority, this model is the best option, especially for kids or those needing a lightweight device for on-the-go use. 🌍
• iPad 11th Gen: The most affordable iPad, it’s ideal for basic tasks like social media and video calls, making it perfect for new users or seniors. 👵

Best iPads for Specific Uses 🏅

• Best for Students: The iPad Air 11-inch is a great pick. It’s affordable and still powerful, supporting the Apple Pencil for note-taking and the Magic Keyboard for added productivity. 📚
• Best Value iPad: The iPad Air 11-inch also takes the crown for value, offering a great price for the performance it delivers. 💸
• Best for Artists: The iPad Pro 13-inch is the best for creatives due to its large OLED screen, Apple Pencil Gen 2 support, and powerful M4 processor. 🎨
• Best for Gaming: For gaming enthusiasts, the iPad Pro 13-inch offers smooth 120Hz performance, while the iPad Mini is great for portable gaming. 🎮

Comparing Key Features of the Best iPads 📊

Here’s a breakdown of important features across the best iPad models:

Alternatives to the iPad 🔄

If you’re considering alternatives to the iPad, here are some great options:

• Best Android Tablet: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra offers great performance and display quality. 📱
• Best Windows Tablet: The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is perfect for those who need a full desktop experience in tablet form. 💻
• Best Chrome OS Tablet: The Lenovo Ideapad 5 offers a budget-friendly option for those who use Google apps and services. 🌐
• Best Amazon Fire Tablet: The Amazon Fire Max 11 is perfect for media consumption at a lower price. 🔥

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

Display:

1848 x 2960

14.6-inches

Battery:

11200 mAh

10H

Hardware:

Mediatek Dimensity 9300+

12GB, 16GB RAM

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More details

CPU: Octa-core

Max RAM: 12GB, 16GB

Refresh Rate: 120Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Moonstone Gray, Platinum Silver

Price: $1199

OS: Android OS

For Movies: 5/5

For Studies: 5/5

For Note-Taking: 5/5

For Gaming: 5/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 4/5

For Drawing: 5/5

For Video-Calls: 5/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 5/5

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Display:

2880 x 1920

13 inches

Battery:

53Wh

14 Hrs

Hardware:

Qualcomm

16 GB RAM

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More details

CPU: Quad-Core

Max RAM: 16 GB

Refresh Rate: 120Hz

LTE: Yes

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Platinum, Sapphire, Dune, Black

Price: $999

OS: Windows OS

For Movies: 5/5

For Studies: 5/5

For Note-Taking: 5/5

For Gaming: 3/5

For Web-Surfing: 5/5

For Reading: 4/5

For Drawing: 5/5

For Video-Calls: 4/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 4/5

Amazon Fire Max 11

Display:

2000 x 1200

11-inches

Battery:

–

14hrs

Hardware:

Mediatek MT8188J

4GB RAM

Buy on Amazon

More details

CPU: Octa-core

Max RAM: 4GB

Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

LTE: No

Stylus: Active Stylus

Colors: Gray

Price: $240

OS: Fire OS

For Movies: 3/5

For Studies: 3/5

For Note-Taking: 3/5

For Gaming: 2/5

For Web-Surfing: 4/5

For Reading: 4/5

For Drawing: 2/5

For Video-Calls: 3/5

For Video/Photo Editing: 2/5

Are iPads Better Than Androids? 🤔

The debate between iPads and Android tablets comes down to personal preference and what you need your tablet to do. Both platforms have their strengths, so it really depends on what features matter most to you.

iPads: Pros

• Performance: iPads are known for their powerful Apple Silicon chips, delivering top-notch performance. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing videos, iPads generally offer smoother experiences.
• Ecosystem: If you’re already using Apple products like the iPhone or MacBook, an iPad integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. You can easily sync files, apps, and data across devices.
• Build Quality: Apple’s design and build quality are often regarded as superior. iPads have sleek designs, high-end materials, and premium displays.
• App Store: The Apple App Store is packed with high-quality apps optimized for iPadOS, ensuring a smoother, more consistent user experience.

Android Tablets: Pros

• Variety: Android tablets come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, giving you many options to choose from. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tablet or a premium model, there’s something for everyone.
• Customization: Android gives you more freedom to customize your device. Whether it’s widgets, themes, or system settings, you can tailor the tablet to your liking.
• Expandable Storage: Unlike iPads, many Android tablets allow you to add a microSD card for extra storage. This is a big advantage if you want to store a lot of media or apps.
• Price Range: Android tablets generally offer more affordable options, with some of the best Android tablets being more budget-friendly than iPads. So if you’re on a tight budget, Android might be the way to go.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for top performance, smooth integration with other Apple devices, and premium features, an iPad is likely your best bet. But if you want a more customizable device, a broader range of price options, and more flexibility with storage, Android tablets are definitely worth considering.

If you’re curious about the best Android tablets, check out some of our top recommendations to see if one of them fits your needs!