πŸ† Best iPads For Students

Here are the top iPad models for student use in 2025:

iPad ModelBest ForPrice Range
iPad Air (M3)Best all-round student iPad$$
iPad (11th Gen)Budget-friendly and reliable$
iPad Pro (M4)For power users and creatives$$$$
iPad Mini (7th Gen)Ultra-portable for reading/note-taking$$

πŸ’‘ Tip: If you’re just typing, watching videos, or browsing the web β€” go with the 11th Gen iPad. If you’re into design or multitasking, iPad Air or Pro is the better choice.

Apple iPad (11th gen)

Display:
1640 x 2360
10.9-inches
Battery:
8500 mAh
10H
Hardware:
Apple A16 Bionic
6GB RAM
Buy on Amazon
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 Air M3 11-inch

Display:
1640 x 2360
11-inches
Battery:
7606 mAh
10H
Hardware:
Apple M3
8GB RAM
Buy on Amazon
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 Air M3 13-inch

Display:
2048 x 2732
13-inches
Battery:
9705 mAh
10H
Hardware:
Apple M3
8GB RAM
Buy on Amazon
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 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

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

Display:
1668 x 2420
11-inches
Battery:
7606 mAh
10H
Hardware:
Apple M4
8GB, 16GB RAM
Buy on Amazon
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 Pro M4 13-inches (7th gen)

Display:
2064 x 2752
13-inches
Battery:
10260 mAh
10H
Hardware:
Apple M4
8GB, 16GB RAM
Buy on Amazon
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

πŸ“š What Makes iPad Good for Students?

  • Apple Pencil support for handwritten notes
  • Long battery life – around 10–12 hours
  • Fast performance for multitasking
  • Lightweight & portable – fits in any bag
  • Split-screen multitasking for notes + videos
  • Top-notch apps for learning, organization, and creativity

πŸŽ’ How Can Students Benefit from Using iPads?

Students use iPads for way more than just browsing:

  • Take notes in class using Apple Pencil
  • Read and annotate eBooks and PDFs
  • Join Zoom or Google Meet classes
  • Record lectures with audio + notes
  • Use flashcard or quiz apps for test prep
  • Organize calendars, tasks, and reminders

πŸ’» Are iPads Better Than Laptops For School?

βœ… When iPads are better:

  • Super light and easy to carry
  • Great battery life
  • Use stylus + keyboard
  • Touchscreen = more flexible input
  • Instant on, no boot-up time

❌ When laptops win:

  • Better for coding, design software
  • Easier file management for complex projects
  • More full-featured desktop apps

Verdict: For everyday school tasks β€” yes, iPads are often better. But for tech-heavy work (like programming or AutoCAD), stick to a laptop.


βš–οΈ The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using iPads in Education

Pros:

  • Versatile β€” replaces books, notepads, planners
  • All-in-one device (notes, eBooks, videos, presentations)
  • Encourages creativity and organization
  • Syncs across devices via iCloud
  • Great battery and build quality

Cons:

  • Expensive accessories (Pencil, Keyboard)
  • Not ideal for deep file/folder management
  • Some apps are iOS-only or paid
  • Can be distracting without screen limits

🧠 How To Choose The Right iPad As A Student

Ask yourself:

  1. What’s your budget?
  2. Do you need Apple Pencil support?
  3. Will you type a lot or mostly write?
  4. Will you need Pro-level performance for editing or design?

If in doubt, the iPad Air (M3) is the best balance of power, features, and price.

πŸ’‘ Not sure if an iPad is right for you? We also cover the best tablets for students, including top Android and Windows options for every budget and use case.


🎯 iPad Accessories Students Need

  • Apple Pencil (1st, 2nd, or Pro) – essential for note-taking and sketching
  • Keyboard case – turns iPad into a mini-laptop
  • Screen protector – especially matte ones that mimic paper
  • Sturdy case or sleeve – for backpack protection
  • Portable charger – for long study sessions
  • Bluetooth mouse (optional) – for laptop-like setup

πŸ“± Must-Have iPad Apps For Students

CategoryTop Apps
NotesGoodNotes, Notability, Apple Notes
ReadingKindle, Apple Books, PDF Expert
StudyingQuizlet, Anki, StudySmarter
WritingMicrosoft Word, Google Docs
OrganizationNotion, Things 3, Google Calendar
Video CallsZoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams
Cloud StorageiCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive

πŸ”„ iPad vs iPad Air vs iPad Pro – Quick Recap

FeatureiPad (11th Gen)iPad Air (M3)iPad Pro (M4)
Apple Pencil1st Gen2nd GenPencil Pro
Best ForBasics + notesAll-rounderPower users
Screen Size10.9″11″11″/13″
Price Range$$$$$$$

❓FAQs – iPads for Students

  • Can an iPad replace a laptop for school?

    Yes β€” especially if you get a keyboard case. It’s great for note-taking, writing, browsing, and video calls.

  • Do all iPads support Apple Pencil?

    Most modern iPads do. Just check which version:

    • iPad: Apple Pencil (1st Gen)

    • iPad Air/Pro: Apple Pencil (2nd Gen or Pencil Pro)

    • iPad Mini: 2nd Gen Pencil

  • Is iPad Mini too small for schoolwork?

    For note-taking or reading β€” no, it’s great. But typing or multitasking is harder on the small screen.

  • Can students get a discount on iPads?

    Yes! Apple’s Education Store offers student discounts on iPads and accessories.

  • What’s the best iPad for high school or college?
    • High school: iPad 11th Gen or iPad Air

    • College: iPad Air or iPad Pro, depending on your major

  • Does iPad work with Microsoft Office and Google apps?

    Yes β€” Word, Excel, Docs, Sheets, and more all work smoothly on iPads.

  • Do iPads come with a stylus included?

    No. Apple Pencil is sold separately for all models.

  • Can I print from an iPad?

    Yes. iPads support AirPrint and many wireless printers.