Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Choosing an iPad can feel more complicated than it needs to be. Apple offers several models, but the best one for you depends on how you plan to use it and what you want to spend. For most people, I recommend the iPad Air. In this guide, I’ll help you sort through the differences, decide where an upgrade is worth paying for, and choose an iPad you’ll feel good about using for years to come.
Summary
- iPad Air: My pick for most people. Choose the 11-inch if you want something easier to carry and hold, or the 13-inch for more room to read, draw, and use multiple apps.
- iPad: The budget pick for kids, browsing, and streaming. Its screen is a step down from the other models.
- iPad mini: Choose it for its small size, OLED screen, and water resistance. It has less room for documents and multitasking than the Air.
- iPad Pro: Consider it for demanding creative work, or if you want its OLED screen, smoother ProMotion display, and Face ID enough to pay extra. Most people don’t need its power.
- Start with 256 GB and Wi-Fi only. Consider more storage for large offline libraries or creative projects. Choose cellular if a phone hotspot won’t meet your needs.
Comparison table
The purchase links below are for 256 GB Wi-Fi models. Colors may differ by retailer. For older models or more specifications, use Apple’s comparison tool.
| iPad mini (A20 Pro) Most portable |
iPad (A16, 11th gen) Budget pick |
iPad Air 11" (M4) Best for most |
iPad Air 13" (M4) Best larger screen |
iPad Pro 11" (M5) Pro |
iPad Pro 13" (M5) Pro |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Images not to scale | View iPad mini at Apple (Orders begin October 28, deliveries begin Nov 6) |
View this product on Amazon | View this product on Amazon | View this product on Amazon | View this product on Amazon | View this product on Amazon |
| Where to buy | Buy at Apple 256 GB Wi-Fi US MSRP $799 |
|||||
| Who it's for | Someone who values portability above all. Great for reading in bed or traveling light. | Someone who values cost above all and is fine with a lower-quality screen. Great for kids or casual use. | Best for most people. A great balance of quality and cost. | Best for people who want a larger screen. Great for reading documents, drawing, or multitasking. | Creative professionals or power users who want a thin body with an incredible OLED screen. | Creative professionals who want the largest, best iPad screen available. |
| Drawbacks | Small screen can feel cramped for multitasking. | Lower picture quality, non-laminated screen (visible gap between glass and display), no Apple Intelligence support, slowest of the lineup. | Not the cheapest or the best, just middle-of-the-road. | May be too large for some tablet holders (e.g., on airplane trays). | Far more powerful than most people need. | Costs more than a MacBook Air. |
| Screen size | 8.5" | 11" | 11" | 13" | 11" | 13" |
| Screen type & brightness (nits measure how bright the screen gets; higher is better for sunlight) |
Super Retina XDR (OLED) 600 nits full-screen / 1,200 nits peak HDR |
Liquid Retina (LCD, not laminated) 500 nits |
Liquid Retina (LCD) 500 nits |
Liquid Retina (LCD) 600 nits |
Tandem OLED 1,000 nits SDR / 1,600 nits HDR |
Tandem OLED 1,000 nits SDR / 1,600 nits HDR |
| ProMotion | (10–120 Hz) | (10–120 Hz) | ||||
| Nano-texture glass (optional) | Optional with 256 & 512 GB | Not available | Not available | Not available | Optional with 1 & 2 TB | Optional with 1 & 2 TB |
| Extended display | (mirroring or app-specific output) | |||||
| Processor | A20 Pro | A16 | Apple M4 | Apple M4 | Apple M5 | Apple M5 |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67 | |||||
| Authentication | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID | Face ID | Face ID |
| Apple Intelligence | ||||||
| Apple Pencil compatibility | ||||||
| Storage options | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB |
128 GB 256 GB 512 GB |
128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB |
256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB |
Extended display means using separate app windows on an external monitor, rather than duplicating the iPad screen. See Apple's display guidance.
My iPad mini recommendation is based on specifications, not hands-on testing. iPad mini specifications: Apple. Water and dust resistance can decrease with wear. Liquid damage is not covered by Apple's warranty. Do not charge a wet iPad.
How much storage do I need?
256 GB is my minimum recommendation, even for light use. In my experience, storage has become a bigger issue with iPadOS 27. You can’t add storage later, so check how much you use now and leave room for your apps, photos, and downloads.
- 256 GB: My starting point for everyday use.
- 512 GB: Consider it for a large offline video library, photography, or creative work.
- 1 TB or 2 TB: For unusually large project files or offline libraries. Most people don’t need this much.
Should I get Wi-Fi only, or Wi-Fi + Cellular?
For most people, I recommend Wi-Fi only. When you’re away from Wi-Fi, you can share your iPhone’s internet connection using Personal Hotspot. Check that your phone plan includes enough hotspot data.
Choose cellular if you often need internet away from Wi-Fi and a phone hotspot won’t work for you. The cellular model costs more, and service requires a data plan. You can activate service later, but you can’t add cellular capability to a Wi-Fi-only iPad.
Where to buy an iPad
Buy from Apple or an authorized reseller such as Best Buy, B&H Photo, Adorama, Target, or Amazon when the seller is Amazon itself. Compare prices for the same storage capacity, since discounts vary by configuration and color.
Be careful with used iPads. If an iPad is locked to someone else’s Apple Account, you’ll need the previous owner’s help to activate it. Buy only from someone you trust, and confirm it’s ready for a new owner.
Which accessories do I need?
Cover
I recommend a cover for almost everyone. Apple’s Smart Folio is a light, simple option. Choose a more protective OtterBox case if the iPad travels a lot or lives with kids. Check that the case fits your exact model.
Keyboard
Skip a keyboard for mostly reading, watching, and browsing. If you write long emails or documents, consider a Logitech keyboard case or Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Include its cost when comparing your options.
Apple Pencil
Skip the Pencil unless you plan to draw or take handwritten notes. The comparison table lists the compatible models and links to each one.
Charger
The US models in this table include a USB-C cable and 20W adapter. If you live elsewhere, check what comes in the box. For extras, I recommend Anker. The mini’s faster charging requires an adapter rated for at least 35W, sold separately. See my USB-C charger guide for more options.
Further reading
If you’d like help choosing or setting up your iPad, book a session with me.