The best iPads of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

The iPad remains the gold standard for tablets because of its wide array of quality apps and content, as well as its integration with other products within the Apple ecosystem. Apple added three new iPad models to its lineup this year: the sixth-generation iPad Air, the seventh-generation iPad Pro, and the seventh-generation iPad Mini.

Also: The best Black Friday tablet deals live now

What is the best iPad right now?

At ZDNET, we’ve tested every iPad model currently on the market and have used them for many different purposes. Our current pick for the best iPad for most people is the base-model iPad because it includes nearly all of the best features the iPad has to offer at a more approachable price. Below is our full breakdown of the current iPad lineup — based on our team’s hands-on experience and product testing — as well as our buying recommendations for each model to help you pick the best one for various needs and budgets.

The best iPads of 2024

Show less

iPad (10th generation)

Best iPad overall

Our top pick for the best iPad for most people is the latest model of the standard iPad, because most people use iPads to watch movies, read, browse the web, play games, and make video calls. Apple’s base iPad model does all of these like a champ. It’s also very easy to put in a rugged case and allow kids to use it for their movies, shows, and games.

When Apple upgraded its 10th generation base-level iPad with a new design to match the iPad Pro and iPad Air, it added a surprising number of features that had been limited to the high-end models, including USB-C, 5G, 4K video capture, and Wi-Fi 6.

Review: iPad 2022 (10th Gen): Better than the Pro in two ways

Apple also gave the 10th-gen iPad a front-facing camera that is centered horizontally and optimized for video calls when the iPad is docking in its keyboard case — which has now become the preferred position for many iPad users. This unequivocally makes the iPad 10th-gen the best iPad for FaceTime calls, Zoom meetings, and other types of video calls. And, based on customer reviews, this iPad would be a good option for those new to Apple as well as those looking for something easy to use for kids or seniors.

iPad (10th generation) specs: Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone | Processor: A14 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine | Storage: 64GB or 256GB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Silver, Pink, Blue, Yellow | Cameras: 12MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP Landscape f/2.4 front | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Dimensions: 9.79 x 7.07 x .28 inches | Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector | Battery life: Up to 10 hours of video playback with USB-C charging

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

iPad Pro (7th generation)

Best iPad for creatives

The design in Apple’s new 2024 iPad Pro lineup is much slimmer than previous Pro models, and you’ll find Apple’s powerful M4 processor. This chip consists of a new 10-core GPU, next-generation machine learning accelerators to handle a diverse range of tasks, and ProMotion technology, enabling variable screen refresh rates ranging from 10 to 120Hz.

ZDNET reviews editor June Wan tested the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro, and said he was especially impressed by the new Tandem OLED screen. “In practice, Tandem OLED makes the iPad Pro a phenomenal tablet for visual experiences. I’ve been able to complete text-heavy and photo-editing work — which often require adequate viewing angles — under a New York City sun that thinks it’s already summer,” Wan wrote in his review. “Watching Netflix and Disney+ on the iPad is straight eye candy; colors pop, and the darker, moodier scenes have a level of shadow detail unseen on older Pro models.”

Review: Apple iPad Pro (7th generation)

The Pro also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, which has a range of features, including a squeeze gesture for quick tool, color, and other changes, a gyroscope for precise control of pens and brush tools with a simple rotation, and custom haptic feedback that you can feel via a pulse. It also pairs with the newly revamped Magic Keyboard, which is thinner and lighter, has a larger trackpad, and a new row of function keys this year, making the keyboard case more essential than ever for the full iPad experience.

For most of us, getting the M4 iPad Pro would be like buying a Ferrari to commute five miles to work and never going over 30mph. Make no mistake, this machine is screaming fast, has a stunning display, and the Apple Pencil Pro is an incredible digital tool. But, this is a machine for the highest of high-end professionals. Unless you are an artist or a designer using the Apple Pencil Pro with it every day, or you are a filmmaker using it to view footage or even start your first edits in the field — or putting it to use in other creative fields — then we’d recommend sticking to the standard iPad.

iPad Pro (7th generation) specs: Display: 11- or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion | Processor: Apple Silicon M4 | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB | Biometrics: Face ID | Colors: Silver, space black | Cameras: 12MP wide (4K, ProRes), Landscape 12MP ultra-wide | Weight: 11-inch: .98 pounds, 13-inch: 1.28 pounds | Dimensions: 9.83 x 6.99 x .21 inches or 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 inches | Connections: USB-C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4 | Battery life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

iPad Mini (7th generation)

Best iPad for specific use cases

Apple announced an update to the iPad Mini this fall, and with it comes the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, that is also compatible with Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence features in iPadOS 18.1 include Writing Tools, the redesigned Siri, Priority Notifications and Messages, Summarization tools, Smart Reply, and the Clean Up tool in Photos.

However, ZDNET staff writer Maria Diaz, who went hands-on with the new iPad Mini, said that the AI features aren’t this tablet’s selling point. “I would not recommend buying an iPad Mini 7 simply because of the AI features. But I recommend it to someone looking for a future-proofed entertainment tablet that can go almost anywhere,” she wrote in her review.

Review: I tested the iPad Mini 7 for a week, and its the ultraportable tablet to beat at $100 off

The iPad Mini feels more like a big smartphone than a small tablet at times. It can easily slip into bags, purses, and even the pockets of some cargo pants and vests. Compared to a phone, it’s better for reading ebooks, PDFs, documents, news apps, and other digital content. The portability of the iPad Mini, along with its support for the new Apple Pencil Pro, make note-taking a popular use case.

Customers who bought the new iPad Mini reported in reviews that they were impressed by the new tablet, “an enlarged iPhone with a whole new experience.” It also has more storage options than the last generation — up to 512GB.

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

iPad Air (6th generation)

Best iPad for enthusiasts who want to save a little

The iPad Air was once our most-recommended iPad but now it’s really dropped to the bottom of the list — getting squeezed by the iPad Pro at the high end and the standard iPad (10th generation) for nearly everyone else.

Apple’s latest update to the iPad Air is more of a catch-up announcement than anything. The 6th-generation iPad Air keeps the same design we saw Apple bring to the Air in late 2022, but it now boasts an M2 processor, compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, and two size choices (11 or 13 inches). The big draw of the iPad Pro was always its bigger size, but that benefit has now come downmarket to a price tier that’s much more accessible.

Review: Apple iPad Air (6th generation)

Diaz wrote that she was impressed by the snappy performance of the M2 processor in her hands-on review. “The iPad Air is much snappier and less prone to random bugs (i.e., apps crashing, connectivity issues, and overall performance), especially when using apps like CapCut for quick video edits and Photoshop for photos,” she wrote.

However, if you’re going to buy the iPad Air, then you’re probably also going to get the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil Pro, and maybe even add cellular connectivity and increase the storage. At that point, you’re going to be over $1,000 and only about $200 cheaper than a similarly configured iPad Pro. In that case, just get the Pro. And if you don’t really need all that power, then you can get away with the iPad (10th gen) and you can even pair it with a much less expensive Logitech Combo Touch or ESR case and save a lot of money but still get a lot of the benefits of an iPad Air or iPro Pro.

iPad Air (5th generation) specs: Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 60Hz | Processor: Apple Silicon M2 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Biometrics: Touch ID | Colors: Space gray, starlight, purple, blue | Cameras: 12MP rear camera, 12MP webcam (landscape-oriented) | Weight: 11-inch: 1.02 pounds, 13-inch: 1.36 pounds | Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches and 11.04 x 8.46 x .24 inches | Connections: USB-C port and magnetic connector for Apple Pencil Pro | Battery life: 10 hours

Apple iPad Air being balanced on a corner with one finger on purple background

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

iPad (9th generation)

Best budget iPad

If you just need a basic, full-screen iPad to watch videos, play games, answer messages, and do an occasional video call, for example, then the base-level iPad (9th generation) will suit plenty of people just fine. And it starts at $329, which makes it very accessible. It’s a great first iPad for kids. It’s also a good one to give elderly relatives and friends who are still a little uncomfortable with technology and just need a device to do a few simple things.

The 9th-gen iPad is filled with last-generation technology such as the Lightning connector for charging, a Touch ID home button, 4G LTE connectivity, the A13 chip, and the 1st-gen Apple Pencil. But it does have a 12MP front-facing camera and so it’s still a good video call device. And overall, these older technologies are still good enough to handle the basics for most people — and will be for several years to come.

Review: Apple iPad (2021) review: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it

And the customer reviews speak for themselves: 98% of customers who have purchased this generation iPad at Best Buy would recommend it to a friend, and gave it a rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.

Show Expert Take Show less

The best iPad overall is the 10th-generation base-model iPad since it has all of the most basic features most users will appreciate at a decent price point.

iPad model	Price (starting cost)	Display	Processor	Weight
iPad (10th gen)	$349	10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone	A14 Bionic	1.05 pounds
iPad Pro (7th gen)	$999	11- or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion	M4	.98 pounds or 1.28 pounds
iPad Mini (7th gen)	$499	8.3-inch Liquid Retina display	A17 Pro	.65 pounds
iPad Air (6th gen)	$599	11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 60Hz	Apple Silicon M2	1.02 pounds or 1.36 pounds
iPad (9th gen)	$330	10.2-inch Retina display	A13 Bionic	1.07 pounds

*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.

While the iPad lineup is certainly powerful, it really depends on personal preference and if you are an Apple person or not. We named the iPad (10th gen) the best tablet for most people due to its easy interface, versatility, and compatibility with what you can do. The iPad has access to the same App Store as the iPhone, with many apps optimized to take advantage of the larger display on the iPad.

As far as Samsung tablets go, these devices will run on Android and are closer to iPads in terms of performance, design, and features. The Galaxy Tab S series is ideal for users who need power, such as creators and professionals. The tablets in this series have larger screens and more processing power, comparable to the iPad Pro.

Whether you’re buying a new iPad or upgrading an old iPad, the first thing to do before you buy is to get really clear about what you’re planning to use it for the most.

Choose this iPad…	If you want…
iPad (10th gen)	The best overall option when it comes to power, storage, and user-friendliness. The Apple iPad is the best tablet for anything.
iPad Pro (7th gen)	A high-performance tablet. It has AI capabilities and is compatible with accessories, making it a great option for creatives.
iPad Mini (7th gen)	A smaller, more manageable iPad model with an 8.3-inch display.
iPad Air (6th gen)	A lightweight tablet for those who want something for work and play, without big sacrifices in performance or features.
iPad (9th gen)	A budget-friendly iPad. It’s a great first-iPad for kids, and can also handle basics like watching videos, playing games, quick video calls, and more.

If you’re looking to buy an iPad, here are the top factors you should consider before making a purchase:

Mobility: The iPad lineup now ranges from the very small and light iPad Mini to the iPad Pro 13-inch, which can be heavier and more bulky than a laptop (once you attach the Magic Keyboard Case or another third-party case). In between these two you have the rest of the iPad lineup that comes in slight variations of the traditional 10-inch iPad form factor. Think about how much you want to use the iPad on the go and the bag you want to carry it in. Will you be carrying just the iPad or will you also be carrying a laptop?
Accessories: Think about which iPads are compatible with the accessories you’d like to use such as the Magic Keyboard Case and the three different versions of the Apple Pencil.
Price: There are now iPads for nearly every budget, especially when you include the last-generation models we’ve highlighted below in the Alternatives section. You can get a standard iPad for around $300 and it will be fine for watching videos, doing light web surfing, and answering messages. This is a great choice for a first iPad or to upgrade an older one used for the same tasks. The premium iPad Pro models are loaded with features, have incredible displays, and cost the same as a premium laptop. However, they are best for creative professionals, artists, and those who want to use the device as their full laptop replacement, which can still be a frustrating endeavor if you’re a power user with a long history on a laptop and you have a lot of work to do.

We’ve tested all of the current iPad models in real-world situations to evaluate their features, design, performance, and overall value.

For example, we’ve used the iPad Mini to take notes and read documents on the road, used the standard iPad for web browsing and watching YouTube, and used the iPad Pro models for lots of Zoom calls, Slack, web apps, creating Google Docs, and the Magic Keyboard case since it props up the iPad quite nicely, and downloading and watching videos while traveling.

We’ve also tried using the iPad Air for all the things the iPad Pro can do and found that it works great with only two exceptions: the battery life isn’t as good, and the fingerprint sensor isn’t as convenient as Face ID for all day use during a long day of meetings or work.

For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.

Apple has announced three iPads in 2024: the 6th-generation iPad Air, the 7th-generation iPad Pro, and the 7th-generation iPad Mini. All tablets have Apple Intelligence compatibility.

The new iPad Air comes in two sizes for the first time (11 inches and 13 inches) and features the M2 chip. In addition, the iPad Air now starts at 128GB instead of the mere 64GB that Apple previous included in the base model.

The iPad Pro now comes with the new M4 chip, which Apple says delivers up to 4x faster GPU rendering and a 50% faster CPU performance than the M2 in the previous iPad Pro. The Pro tablets also feature an Ultra Retina XDR display, which Apple called “the world’s most advanced display.”

The iPad Mini features the A17 Pro chip (found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max) for faster performance. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and has more storage options.

All of these new iPad models are compatible with the new iPadOS 18, which includes Apple Intelligence features like new Siri upgrades, a redesign of the Photos app, tools like generative AI for writing and proofreading across apps, and more. The new OS also comes with the highly-requested Calculator app as well as a Passwords app to keep track of all your sensitive passcodes.

Generally, avoid any iPad that is older than one generation since the latest model. This means you can buy the 2022 iPad Pro (6th gen), but you shouldn’t consider the 2021 iPad Pro (5th gen). The older an iPad model is, the less likely it will be able to handle new iOS upgrades, therefore slowing down the device.

To utilize your iPad to its fullest, you’ll definitely want to invest in a stylus, particularly the Apple Pencil since it was made for the iPad. There are multiple generations of the Apple Pencil, so be sure to see which is most compatible with your chosen iPad model.

Also: Everything you need to set up a new iPad

An iPad case is also necessary to protect your device. Cases can also enhance your iPad’s functionality thanks to features like keyboards, magnetic stands, and more.

In addition, don’t forget a screen protector since the touchscreen is the most important aspect of the iPad.

iPad FAQs

Can iPads use Apple’s new FDA-approved Hearing Aid feature?

Yes, earing aid mode is accessible on all iPads running iPadOS 18.1. To use the AirPods Pro 2 as over-the-counter hearing aids, users must first complete a hearing test to determine their levels of hearing loss. The test can be accessed on a compatible iPad. Additionally, users can input the results of an existing hearing test taken by an audio health professional. If you take the test on your iPhone or iPad, your AirPods Pro 2 must be connected to the device and placed firmly in your ears.

See more: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids: Testing and tracking hearing health in iOS 18.1

What is the best iPad for kids?

The base model iPad is the best tablet for kids since it’s easy to use, lightweight, and can grow with your child as they need it for different purposes. The iPad Mini would also be a good choice since it’s the smallest iPad in the lineup, perfect for little hands.

What is the best iPad for drawing?

The best iPad for drawing is definitely the iPad Pro, thanks to its mini LED display that Apple calls Liquid Retina XDR, which is brighter and offers more color contrast when you’re drawing. The Pro is also great for drawing since it supports the Apple Pencil Pro

What is the best iPad for students?

The best iPad for students is the 5th-generation iPad Air. It has many of the same features as the powerful iPad Pro but costs less than the newer iPad Air for students’ budgets.

Also: The best note-taking apps for iPad

It’s also compatible with the Magic Keyboard and the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, so students can utilize it for different forms of note-taking.

What are the differences between an iPad, Amazon Fire, and a Samsung tablet?

It’s easy to see the price difference between one of Amazon’s Fire tablets and an iPad. However, you have to remember that Amazon designs and builds its tablets as entry-level tablets that do the bare minimum. Performance is going to be slower and app selection is going to be worse on Amazon’s Fire tablet lineup. The iPad has access to the same App Store as the iPhone, with many apps optimized to take advantage of the larger display on the iPad.

On the other hand, Samsung also makes a Galaxy Tab A series, which comes at a lower price point with smaller screens for those who need a simple tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.

How do I get the best deal on an iPad?

You can find deals on iPads throughout the year, but most especially during Amazon Prime Day sales events, as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Since the holiday season is rapidly approaching, we’ve rounded up the best iPad deals available now on various models and iPad accessories.

You can also find deals on refurbished and renewed iPads from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Just make sure that they are in excellent condition before buying a used iPad.

Other iPad alternatives we’ve tested

Source link

The best iPads of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

What is the best iPad right now?

The best iPads of 2024