iPads dominate the US tablet market for good reason—Apple has a top-notch set of tablet-focused apps, an easy-to-use operating system, and high-quality hardware. We’ve been reviewing iPads since the very first one hit the market back in 2010, and we’re intimately familiar with every tablet the company has released. With six different iPad models available, which one is right for you? Our top picks include the standard iPad for most people, the iPad Air for students and creators, and the iPad Pro for professionals. Be sure to read about all our recommended iPads and click through to the full reviews for in-depth analysis. Don’t forget to scroll down below our picks to find out everything you need to know about shopping for an iPad.
Overview
Best iPad for Most PeopleApple iPad (11th Gen, 2025)
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Best iPad for Creators and StudentsApple iPad Air (M4, 2026)
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Best iPad for Power UsersApple iPad Pro (M5, 2025)
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Best iPad for TravelApple iPad mini (2026)
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
What’s the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?
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Your Selections
Apple iPad mini (2026)
| Our Pick |  Apple iPad (2025) |
Apple iPad Air (M4, 2026) | Apple iPad Pro (M5) |  Apple iPad mini (2026) |
Apple iPad (2025) | Apple iPad Air (M4, 2026) | Apple iPad Pro (M5) |
| Rating | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent | 4.0Excellent |
| Best For | Best iPad for Most People | Best iPad for Creators and Students | Best iPad for Power Users | Best iPad for Travel | Best iPad for Most People | Best iPad for Creators and Students | Best iPad for Power Users |
| Operating System | IPadOS 18 | iPadOS 26 | iPadOS 26 | iPadOS 27 | IPadOS 18 | iPadOS 26 | iPadOS 26 |
| Dimensions | 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches | 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches | 11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches | 7.69 by 5.22 by 0.21 inches | 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 inches | 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches | 11.09 by 8.48 by 0.20 inches |
| Weight | 1.05 | 1.02 | 1.28 | 0.56 | 1.05 | 1.02 | 1.28 |
| Screen Size | 11 | 11 | 13 | 8.5 | 11 | 11 | 13 |
| Screen Resolution | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels | 2,752 by 2,064 pixels | 2,316 by 1,512 pixels | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels | 2,360 by 1,640 pixels | 2,752 by 2,064 pixels |
| CPU | Apple A16 | Apple M4 | Apple M5 | A20 Pro | Apple A16 | Apple M4 | Apple M5 |
| Storage Capacity | 128 | 128 | 256 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 256 |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | 8 hours, 11 minutes | 7 hours, 57 minutes | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | 8 hours, 11 minutes |
Buying Guide: What’s the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?
Can an iPad Replace My Laptop?
Maybe. iPads now run Apple’s iPadOS 27, which features full multitasking, Siri AI, and the full Apple Intelligence suite. You can keep multiple windows open at once, resize them, and easily switch between them on your screen. This enables you to run three or more apps concurrently on your display. More importantly, it is easier than ever to move content between apps thanks to drag-and-drop actions.
iPad apps work without a keyboard or trackpad, but they fully support most peripherals if you want to use them. A variety of iPad-compatible keyboards and keyboard cases are available from Apple and third-party accessory manufacturers.
If you like the tablet concept but need a Windows-based setup, look into 2-in-1 convertibles or our favorite Windows tablets.
Which iPad Is Best for You?
The base-model iPad is the ideal choice if you’re seeking an entry-level tablet for gaming, media consumption, or academic use. In a rugged case, it’s also a suitable kids’ tablet.
If you intend to do more productive or creative work, the iPad Air is a better selection. It has many iPad Pro features (a fast processor, better audio, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro) for less money.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
The iPad mini features many of the same capabilities as the Pro, but in a more compact design. Think of it as a portable notepad or sketchbook that’s now supercharged. It works as an enterprise tablet for vehicle mounts, point-of-sale systems, or jacket pockets. With the A20 Pro processor on board, it can run Apple Intelligence like the Air and Pro models. Its new OLED screen is excellent, as are the modern radios, improved battery life, and waterproof design.
If price is no object, the iPad Pro is a terrific and luxurious piece of hardware. It features a significantly improved OLED screen and a faster M5 processor compared with the Air. The current iPad Pro starts at $1,199 for the 11-inch model and $1,499 for the 13-inch one.
Older or used models are sometimes available for sale at a lower price than new iPads. If you can find one, we recommend the 10th-generation iPad. It may still be available on some store shelves or as a refurbished or used item.
The Best iPad Accessories
When you buy an iPad, you get the tablet, the appropriate cable, and a charger. However, you might want a few more things to make the most of your new tablet.
You can enhance any iPad with the optional Apple Pencil, a high-quality active stylus accessory. The first-generation Pencil is compatible with the base-model iPad, while the second-generation Pencil is compatible with high-end models. The second-gen Pencil is easier to hold because it’s not perfectly round and conveniently charges with a magnetic connector on the side of the tablet. Apple also sells a USB-C Apple Pencil that combines features of the first- and second-generation Pencils for a slightly lower price. The Apple Pencil Pro is the best option for artists and creators thanks to its extensive feature set, including support for barrel rolls.
Apple also offers a full lineup of cases, covers, and keyboards for its iPads, allowing you to protect your tablet and further extend its functionality.
Battery life is just OK across the board. Grabbing a power bank is probably a good idea if you travel or commute with your iPad.
What’s the Next Best Tablet?
The cheapest new iPad costs $449, which may be too steep for some buyers, especially when considering the cost of accessories. Some Android tablets sell for less than $100 and are suitable for basic gaming and media streaming, though they may not be ideal for schoolwork or productivity. Our list of the best cheap tablets tells you which low-end models are worth considering.
