The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
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Buying an iPad should be simple. You just get whatever’s new, right? If only. Apple sells four main iPad models, each with its own strengths. In addition, a growing number of older iPads are floating around the eBays of the world. Since all of these devices look pretty much the same, it’s important to know what you’re buying and what you should pay for it. This guide covers the best iPad models available right now, what’s coming up, the important differences between models, and the old models that exist (including the ones you shouldn’t buy at any price). We also talk about which Apple Pencil is right for you.
Be sure to check out all our buying guides, including the Best iPad Accessories, Best iPhones, Best iPhone 15 Cases, Best Tablets, and Best MacBooks.
Updated June 2024: We added our thoughts on the new 13-inch iPad Air with M2.
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- Photograph: Apple
Best for Most People
Apple iPad (2022, 10th Gen)We originally said the iPad (10th-gen) (7/10, WIRED Review) was an awkward choice—it was too expensive for a basic iPad and the ninth-generation version was a better value. But now that Apple reduced the price of this iPad by $100 and also discontinued the previous version (although you can still find it at third-party retailers), we think the 10th-gen is the best for most people.
Apple has modernized the design with uniform slim bezels around a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (IPS LCD) display. There's finally a USB-C port instead of Lightning, so you can charge it with the same cable as you use to charge a MacBook (or iPhone 15). The cellular model now supports 5G, and like on the iPad Air, the Touch ID sensor is integrated into the power button that sits on the top edge of the slate. The rear camera has been upgraded to 12 megapixels, instead of 8 megapixels. But, perhaps most importantly, the 12-MP selfie camera has been moved to the center of the iPad (in landscape mode), so you’ll no longer have to uncomfortably stare to the side during video calls.
It's powered by Apple's A14 Bionic chip—the same that's in the iPhone 12—which Apple claims delivers 20 percent faster performance and a 10 percent bump in graphics over the ninth-gen model; it never felt sluggish in our testing. However, it's worth noting it still doesn't have a fully laminated display. So, there's an air gap between the screen and the glass, which can make interactions with the Apple Pencil feel a smidge imprecise. You also don't get second-gen Apple Pencil support—it only works with the first-gen stylus; now that the Lightning port is gone, you need to use an adapter to recharge the Pencil. (It's included if you buy a new first-gen Apple Pencil, but if you already have one, the adapter is $9.) This iPad also supports the Magic Keyboard Folio and the original Smart Folio case). Read our Best iPad Accessories guide for more alternatives.
- Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
The Best Upgrade
Apple iPad Air (2024, M2)Note: A previous version of this article stated that the iPad Air used the M4 chip; it uses the M2. It also stated it's compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the new Magic Keyboard; it supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the first-generation Magic Keyboard. The text below has been corrected to reflect this.
Even the most basic iPad is plenty powerful for most tasks, but the 2024 iPad Air steps things up with an all-new M2 processor—the same one that powers the 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro from 2022. It's worth noting, however, that it has an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU—Apple originally claimed the latter was a 10-core GPU, but the company has since updated its site with the correct specs. Compared to the M1, Apple claims the M2 is almost 50 percent faster than the M1-powered version and three times faster than the iPad with the A14 Bionic chip. Coming from the M1-powered iPad Air, I didn’t notice much of a difference with the M2 chip. Performance was smooth, even with a variety of apps running simultaneously. You'll likely only notice a difference if you're coming from an older A-series chip.
You also now have the choice between an 11-inch and a 13-inch Liquid Retina display. The latter is an ideal choice for those who don't want to spend money on an iPad Pro if all you want is a bigger screen. The design (which originally debuted on the 2020 iPad Air) remains unchanged, with slim bezels, a USB-C port, and Touch ID built into the top power button. The only difference is the front-facing camera placement—Apple moved the 12-megapixel sensor in landscape orientation (with support for Center Stage).
The 13-inch iPad Air (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is worth it solely for the bigger and brighter display. Whether you're using the iPad as your main screen or secondary display to work off of, it's a lot more comfortable to stare at for long periods. It's great for entertainment too—the viewing experience is just far more enjoyable on a bigger tablet. But if you're eyeing the 11-inch model, we recommend looking into the M1-powered iPad Air instead. It packs a slightly smaller 10.9-inch screen, but it's still a great choice, especially if you don't want to spend too much. Apple no longer sells it directly, but we suggest finding it on sale for $450 or less ($550 or less for the 256-gigabyte version). The M2-powered versions also have the same battery life as the previous version—Apple claims 10 hours of web browsing or watching video on Wi-Fi. On a busy workday, using Chrome, Slack, Safari, and Zoom, I reached 5 percent after about six hours.
Supported accessories can get a little confusing. It's compatible with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the new Apple Pencil Pro. It won't work with the second-generation Apple Pencil though. It also works with the first-generation Magic Keyboard case and not the latest redesigned version. If you don't need a keyboard and trackpad, Apple also offers the Smart Folio case.
- Photograph: Apple
Best for Portability
Apple iPad Mini (2021, 6th Gen)The iPad Mini looks like no iPad Mini that came before (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Apple's 2021 refresh mimics the design of the iPad Pro, with slimmer bezels around the 8.3-inch screen. It's a little shorter than its predecessor, and its compact size makes it the best slate to take with you everywhere. You might even be able to fit it into your cargo pants pocket. It loses the Home button but doesn't adopt Face ID—like on the iPad Air and 10th-gen iPad, Touch ID is baked into the power button. It has sub-6 5G connectivity if you add a cellular plan, but best of all is the USB-C charging port, so you can recharge it with your MacBook charger.
With the A15 Bionic processor (released in 2021 with the iPhone 13), it can handle pretty much any intensive app or game. It has improved cameras on the front and back (plus Center Stage on the selfie cam) and second-generation Apple Pencil support, so the stylus magnetically attaches to the edge and charges simultaneously. It won't roll off the desk! The iPad Mini has frequently dropped to $400, so try to catch it on sale.
- Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
The Overkill Tablet
Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024, 11-Inch and 13-Inch )Apple's latest iPad Pro tablets (6/10, WIRED Review) pack the largest amount of notable upgrades we've seen in years. You'll now have the choice between an 11-inch and a slightly larger 13-inch size. I tested the 13-inch and recommend the bigger size if you plan on working off the iPad Pro full-time. Apple also upgraded the display from mini-LED to OLED (on both sizes). Known as Ultra Retina XDR, it's made of a new display technology called Tandem OLED which consists of two fused OLED layers, resulting in a brighter screen. Apple says both sizes can hit 1,600 nits of peak brightness in HDR and 1,000 nits with SDR content. I didn't notice a difference coming from mini-LED, but you'll certainly notice it if you're coming from an older iPad Pro with a Liquid Retina display. For an extra $100, you can also opt for nano-textured glass on the 1-TB or 2-TB configurations. The matte finish reduces glare but still feels the same as standard glass. This is also the thinnest Apple product yet. The 13-inch model is 5.1 mm thick (1.3 mm thinner than the previous version), while the 11-inch measures 5.3 mm (0.8 mm thinner than the 2022 model). They're also lighter, coming in at 1.28 pounds and 0.98 pounds, respectively.
Apple made some changes to its camera systems on both the front and back too. The rear camera now consists of a single 12-megapixel wide camera (the company nixed the 10-megapixel ultrawide camera included in the previous version), along with a lidar scanner and a new adaptive True Tone flash to improve document scanning in harsh lighting. It works well! Tapping Scan Document when the page is under the camera works well, and is a lot quicker than using the feature via the Notes app on my iPhone. As with the iPad Air and iPad (10th-gen), the front-facing camera has been moved to the center top edge of the tablet. These new models are also compatible with the new Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Pro, and Smart Folio case. It's worth noting they're not backward compatible with older accessories—not only because of the new thin and light chassis but also because the magnets on the back of the tablet have been rearranged.
The iPad Pro is powered by an all-new M4 chip with a CPU that can handle up to 10 cores (models with 256 GB and 512 GB come with a 9-core CPU), which Apple says delivers up to 1.5 times faster CPU performance compared to the M2 in the previous iPad Pro, while the 10-core GPU is up to four times faster. It doesn't feel all that different from using an M2-powered iPad Pro—performance is smooth, responsive, and snappy. But it's tough to recommend this tablet right now. It's expensive and it feels like the processor's full capabilities remain to be seen. We recommend holding off until Apple announces iPadOS 18 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Even if the groundbreaking features don't pan out, the M2-powered iPad Pro is still a great option. You can find it at third-party retailers (wait until it's on sale).
Photograph: AppleExclusive iPadOS Features
Some Features Require an M1 or M2 ChipWith iPadOS 16 and iPadOS 17, there are a few features only available on M1, M2, and M4-powered iPad models, while others are exclusive to the iPad Pro. The iPad Air (2022, 5th gen), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021, 5th gen), and 11-inch iPad Pro (2021, 3rd gen) have an M1 chip; the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022, 6th gen), 11-inch iPad Pro (2022, 4th gen), iPad Air (2024) have an M2 chip; the iPad Pro (2024) has an M4 chip. Below, we break down which features are available on what iPad model. Be sure to also check out our iPadOS 17 feature roundup.
- Reference Mode: Available on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M1, M2, and M4. Reference Mode allows you to use the tablet as a reference monitor to ensure color accuracy and consistent image quality when editing photos or videos with a secondary display.
- Stage Manager: Available on iPads with M1, M2, M4, and older iPad Pro models (2018 onward) with the A12X and A12Z chips. For a desktop-like multitasking experience, Stage Manager allows you to resize windows, overlap them, and group them together. You'll also see recently used apps and windows appear on the left side of your screen.
- External Display Support: Available on iPads with M1, M2, and M4. When using Stage Manager, you can also connect the iPad Pro and iPad Air to an external display with resolutions up to 6K. That way, instead of mirroring the iPad to the display, you can access four apps on the external display and four apps on the tablet.
- Virtual Memory Swap: Available on iPads with M1, M2, and M4. If you're in need of more memory for RAM-intensive apps, Virtual Memory Swap will increase the available memory for all your apps and provide up to 16 GB for more taxing apps. If you're using an M1-powered iPad Air, this feature is only available on the 256-GB version.
- Apple Pencil Hover: Available on both sizes of the iPad Pro (M2 and M4) and iPad Air (M2). Using the second-generation Apple Pencil (on the M2-powered iPad Pro) and Apple Pencil Pro, you can hover the stylus millimeters above the screen and see a preview of what will happen before touching the display. For example, with a third-party graphic editing app like Pixelmator, hovering allows you to cycle through presets to see a live preview, or you can hover over a cropped photo to see the original image.
- Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
Which Apple Pencil Should You Buy?
Apple Pencil (First Gen, USB-C, Second Gen)The Apple Pencil is a must-have for any iPad owner who takes a lot of notes or likes to draw. (You can even use it to sign documents.) iPadOS also has handwriting support within certain search fields and apps (like Notes), so you don't need to switch to the keyboard every time you want to type. Apple recently debuted a new Pencil, so now there are four to choose from. Here are the differences:
Apple Pencil (1st-gen) for $99: The first-gen Pencil is quite old at this point but still functions well and includes pressure sensitivity (the lines get thicker as you press down harder on the screen) and tilt sensitivity (for shading). Unlike the other two Apple Pencils, this one has a glossy finish instead of matte (if that matters), and it also is completely rounded, so it will roll off surfaces. There are no magnets, so you can't stick it to the tablet for safekeeping. It has a Lightning connector, so to charge it, you'll have to remove the cap and plug it into the iPad's charging port. (If your iPad still has a Lightning port, you can buy a USB-C adapter.) It's compatible with the iPad (6th gen and later), iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad Mini (5th gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $79: Apple's new USB-C Apple Pencil is a bit perplexing. It doesn't come with pressure sensitivity, so it's better suited for note-takers rather than artists. It can attach magnetically to the sides of an iPad, so you don't need to find a place to store it, but it doesn't support wireless charging, so you'll have to pair and charge it via USB-C. It does support Hover Mode, which allows you to preview what will happen before touching the display, but this is exclusive to the M2-powered iPad Pro and iPad Air. It's compatible with iPad (10th gen), iPad Air (4th, 5th gen, and M2), iPad Mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later, including M4), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later, including M4).
Apple Pencil (2nd-gen) for $129: The second-generation Apple Pencil comes with all the same capabilities as the 1st-gen and USB-C versions, plus wireless pairing and charging (it'll charge when it magnetically sticks to the top edge of supported iPads). It also adds a double-tap feature that lets you quickly switch between tools by tapping on the Apple Pencil twice. It's compatible with the iPad Air (4th gen and later), iPad Mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later), and the 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later). It's not compatible with the iPad Air (M2) or iPad Pro (M4).
Apple Pencil Pro for $129: Apple's newest Pro Pencil is now the most feature-packed of them all. It looks identical to the second-generation model, complete with a matte finish, but it also comes with a few new capabilities. There's now a “squeeze” feature that opens up a tool palette (in addition to the double-tap feature) and a new haptic engine inside that gives off feedback as you squeeze. A built-in gyroscope sensor allows you to change the orientation of the tools as you twist it (for finer control), and it has support for Apple's Find My network to track the stylus when you lose it. It's only compatible with the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4). (C'mon, why isn't it backward-compatible?)
Photograph: AppleWhich iPad Do You Own?
How to Figure Out Your iPad ModelThere are tons of iPads out in the world, and it can be tough to figure out exactly what model you own if you're thinking of selling it or you're just looking for accessories and want to make sure they'll work with your iPad. Apple also doesn't name its slates sequentially as it does with the iPhone, only adding to the confusion. No matter. Finding your model is simple.
- Look at the back of your iPad. Etched on the back cover, near where it says "Designed by Apple in California," should be a model number starting with the letter A.
- Head to this website from Apple. Look for your corresponding model number, and that's it! You found your iPad model. (Pro tip: Use your browser's "Find in Page" function to type in your model number and find it quickly.)
Accessory makers usually indicate which iPad a case, folio, or keyboard cover is designed to work with. If you see a retailer mentioning a specific generation, this is Apple's current lineup:
- iPad: 10th generation (2022)
- iPad Mini: 6th generation (2021)
- iPad Air 11-inch: 6th generation (M2, 2024)
- iPad Air 13-inch: 1st generation (M2, 2024)
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 5th generation (M4, 2024)
- iPad Pro 13-inch: 7th generation (M4, 2024)
Photograph: AppleMore Great iPad Accessories
Upgrade Your TabletIf you're purchasing a new iPad, there are a variety of accessories you can buy to help you get the most out of your tablet. Below, we've highlighted some of our favorites, all of which you can find in our Best iPad Accessories guide. We're currently testing accessories for the new iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2) and will share our thoughts soon.
Zugu Case for $50: This is our favorite folio case for the iPad for multiple reasons. It's not only durable (complete with a rigid bumper), but it has a magnetized cover that stays shut and a flap that allows you to position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic too, allowing you to stick it on the fridge securely. It's also reasonably priced, comes in an array of colors, and has a spot for your Apple Pencil.
Logitech Combo Touch (10th-gen) for $160: The Combo Touch comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it ideal for getting work done on your iPad. It's also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don't need it. It connects via Apple's Smart Connector, meaning you never need to tinker with Bluetooth or bother charging it.
Paperlike Charcoal Folio Case for $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It's designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels lightweight and high-quality. You can also prop your iPad up at two different levels. It doesn't come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure that keeps it from falling out. We tested it with the iPad Air, but it's also available for the iPad Pro (both sizes).
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $110: For a spacious trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a great choice. Instead of physical buttons, it has Force Touch sensors where you can feel different levels of pressure on the pad. With support for various iPadOS gestures, you won't have to touch the screen as much. It automatically pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth and recharges with the Lightning port.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $40: If you prefer an external keyboard, it's hard to go wrong with the Logitech K380. It's lightweight and portable and can be connected to up to three devices via Bluetooth (with dedicated buttons to switch between them). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries, which lasted us around four months, so you don't have to worry about carrying a charger around.
Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it to the side of your bed, kitchen counter, or shelf (to view content comfortably and hands-free) or you can use the included stand at your desk. With the 2nd-gen version, you can now remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand—making it easier to swap between both modes.
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $59: Regardless of the iPad model, ports are limited. This hub from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble fitting it on an iPad with a case, the included socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix this.
Photograph: AppleOther Good iPads
Honorable MentionsApple no longer sells these iPads, but these slightly older models are still good options, as long as you can find them for the right discount. We recommend checking third-party retailers (like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H). We also suggest cross-checking the price with the latest models to make sure you're spending a fair amount less on the older tablet.
- iPad Pro (2022, 6th Gen): These iPad Pro tablets (7/10, WIRED Review) use the same M2 chip that's inside the MacBook Air (2022), Mac Mini, and iPad Air (2024). It also has an excellent mini-LED screen (with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate) along with a dual camera system (with a lidar sensor), a front-facing camera with support for Center Stage, as well as great speakers and mics. It's compatible with the original Magic Keyboard case, second-generation Apple Pencil, and Apple Pencil with USB-C. We only recommend it if you can find the 11-inch for $749 or less and the 12.9-inch for $900 or less.
- iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen): This iPad Air has an M1 processor (which can also be found in the 2020 MacBook Air), a 10.9-inch LCD screen, a USB-C port, Touch ID built into the top power button, and support for 5G. It's a great, lightweight tablet that's plenty powerful for most tasks. It packs support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil with USB-C, and the Magic Keyboard case. We only recommend it for $450 or less.
- iPad (2021, 9th Gen): The ninth-generation iPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has a 10.2-inch display, the classic Home button with Touch ID, an A13 Bionic chip (which debuted on the iPhone 11), support for True Tone, and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera (with Center Stage). It is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple's Smart Keyboard. If you're looking for a basic tablet that's also affordable, this is a great option.
The older models mentioned below are growing increasingly hard to find. Don't expect any of them to be your forever iPad, but they should last for a couple of years. Just don't forget to cross-check prices to make sure you can find them at lower prices than the more recent models.
The iPad (8th Gen) isn't that old (it came out in 2020), but it's tough to recommend seeing as how the 9th-generation version (2021) goes on sale for $250 often. We only suggest the older version if you can find it for less than that. As for the iPad Air (2020) we recommend spending between $300 to $350. Regarding the iPad Mini (5th Gen), don't spend more than $250.
Photograph: AmazonAbout Those Older Pros
Should You Still Buy Them?Apple has always packed a little extra into its iPad Pro tablets. It's still totally fine to buy new (not refurbished) versions of the 2021 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but try not to spend more than $600 and $850, respectively. The same goes for the 2020 11-inch iPad Pro and the 2020 12.9 incher, but avoid spending more than $500 and $700. Anything more and you may as well buy the latest. These models are all powerful and match the current Pro slates in many ways; they also work with the first-generation Magic Keyboard with Trackpad. But again, cross-check prices with more recent models.
The older 2018 iPad Pro, 10.5-inch, 10-inch, and 13-inch iPad Pro tablets are not worth buying (if you can even find them). They're just too old.
Photograph: AppleAvoid These iPads!
Apple iPad 1-7, iPad Mini 1-4, Original iPad Air 1-2Just don’t. Yes, money is tight, but your sanity is important. There’s a chance an older iPad could perform decently, but unless someone is giving you one, try to hunt for a newer model. Many of the older iPads no longer receive software updates, and they'll seem quite slow compared to your phone and your computer.
The Mini 1 through 4 and iPad 1 through 7 have low-resolution, pixelated screens or are just too old. Forget buying one of the old 2014 iPad Air 1 or 2015 Air 2—those are too long in the tooth. Peruse our Best Tablets guide for ideas if you don't want to spend a lot. If you’re buying something for a child to use, our guide to the Best Kids' Tablets has good options with kid-friendly features and parental controls.
Courtesy of AppleIs Now a Good Time to Buy?
A New Mini ApproachesIt depends on what you're in the market for. Apple released a new iPad Air and iPad Pro in May. But Apple hasn't released a new base iPad and iPad Mini since 2022 and 2021, respectively. Both are still solid choices if you don't want the least and greatest. But we suggest holding off if you'd prefer those specific iPads with more recent processors.
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