Apple's approach to rolling out new iPads is arguably a tad piecemeal, with refreshed models tending to come after new A- or M-series chips have had a chance to bed in within iPhones and Macs. As such, you can't expect a great deal of change on this best iPads list.
But that's arguably a good thing as once you make a decision on the iPad to get, you won't feel like there'll be a new iPad arriving shortly after to give you buyers remorse. With that in mind, and taking into account TechRadar's testing and my own iPad-centric experience, the latest iPad Air is the iPad I'd recommend for pretty much everyone who wants a great tablet experience that blends power and industrial style, along with a good dose of flexibility.
After that, power users will want to look at the productivity-focused iPad Pro 11-inch (2025). But those who want a simple but elegant tablet time, without spending so much, should look at the iPad 11-inch (2025), and I'm also an advocate for the iPad mini, which I still think has a place in the tablet world even in the face of flagship phones and foldable phones.
So read on for my best iPad roundup and take a look at our dedicated Apple coupon codes page for the latest iPad discounts.
The best iPad for most people
As a long-time iPad user, I have decided to replace the standard iPad with the latest iPad Air as the best iPad for most people. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch versions, there's a screen option that should suit everyone.
But more than that, the addition of the M4 chip elevates this iPad above its non-Pro peers, giving it the power to run more demanding applications and handle some higher-end games. That extra power can also make it somewhat of a productivity machine when paired with a Magic Keyboard accessory; this helps the iPad Air to become a form of laptop replacement, though iOS 26 isn't quite as capable as macOS.
You'll pay a premium over the standard iPad, but I think the 2026 iPad Air is worth it. It has the power and flexibility to be everything from a work machine to an entertainment and creativity device, which can suit professionals, students and people who just want a really good iPad without needing to go down the iPad Pro route.
The lack of a smooth ProMotion display, but I don't think a 120Hz display is hugely needed on an iPad. And I believe the other specs and flexibility of the iPad Air make it the best choice for all but the most demanding power users or those on a strict budget.
The best premium iPad
The iPad Pro (2025) is unquestionably the most impressive Apple tablet of the lot. It's available in two sizes (we've tested the 11-inch model), and whichever version you choose, you'll get tandem OLED technology on an Apple XDR-branded display and the all-new M5 chipset, which is a frightening hardware combination.
That M5 chip makes the new iPad Pro just as fast as the very best MacBooks – in fact, the 2025 MacBook Pro is the only other device to use Apple's latest 3-nanometer silicon – and you can configure the tablet with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
Like the iPad Pro (2024), the latest iPad Pro supports Apple's suite of Apple Intelligence features, as well as the impressive Apple Pencil Pro stylus and redesigned Magic Keyboard, making it the best iPad for drawing and productivity (note, though, that the latest iPad Air also supports these accessories).
On the cameras front, the iPad Pro's 12MP rear snapper is definitely capable, though, as with most tablets, you'll need to turn to your phone (or proper camera) for any ultra-wide and telephoto shots.
Of course, this is an incredibly expensive tablet, and its four-figure price tag puts it in reserve for serious professionals who need all of that aforementioned power. If you just want to watch movies and video chat with friends, then the iPad Pro (2025) is serious overkill. What's more, the previous model – the iPad Pro (2024) – is similarly powerful and on sale now at third-party retailers.
However, if you need the best of the best, then the iPad Pro (2025) is the tablet to buy. And while we've only reviewed the 11-inch model, the larger 13-inch model is likely the better option for power users who need the biggest screen possible.
Read our full iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) review
The best budget iPad
The iPad 11-inch (2025) is now taking the spot of our best budget iPad, particallyas it already features on our best cheap tablet list. While the 'standard' iPad has evolved in increments over the years, I now feel it presents the best overall value for an Apple tablet.
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which Apple has rounded up to 11 inches, is fantastic for media consumption and gaming. The A16 Pro chip offers enough power for most tasks and mobile gaming, and the overall size and desing of the iPad makes it ideal for everyday use.
Sure, you could save a bit of cash by looking for an older iPad, but I feel this 2025 model is priced fairly for what it offers, and there's a degree of future proofing.
If you're looking for a tablet to use as an accompaniment to your iphone, or indeed Android phone, and a tech slate that works well as a web browser, media device, mobile games console, note-taking machine and a canvas form some digital art and other creativity, look no further then the iPad 11-inch (2025).
Read our full iPad 11-inch (2025) review
The best iPad for kids
The iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) is arguably a more niche offering than Apple's other tablets, but it remains an excellent choice for those who prefer its dinky size, or indeed for children whose hands are, naturally, smaller than most. Its Apple Intelligence compatibility also makes it a cheaper alternative to Apple's other AI-infused iPads (namely the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models).
The iPad mini is smaller and lighter than other Apple slates, so if you want a device that you can easily slip into your bag (or your kid's bag), then this is the iPad to choose. Of course, there are cheaper, older iPads still available at third-party retailers if you're after a slate for a young child, but the iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) is the best iPad for kids that's available as new from Apple directly.
In our iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) review, we explained that, visually, there's "virtually no difference between this and the previous model," but the design of the iPad mini (2024) nonetheless remains "good and solid."
This tablet gets the same A17 Pro chipset as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, so it can handle gaming, streaming, and web browsing with ease. That said, if you (or, for some reason, your child) are looking to do more heavy-duty tasks, we'd recommend going for an M3-equipped model such as the iPad Air 13-inch (2025).
All in all, though, the iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) is a premium-looking iPad whose compatibility with Apple Intelligence will keep it feeling fresh for years to come.
Read our full iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) review
FAQs
What is the best iPad?
Objectively speaking, the best iPad right now is the iPad Pro (2025), but it's definitely not the best iPad for most people. Based on our review process, I've named the iPad Air with M4 (2026) as the choice for a whole range of people; from professionals to students.
The iPad 11-inch (2025) is good for people who just want a nice talet without a lot of productivity bells and whistles. And the iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) is the best iPad for kids and for traveling with.
What is the newest iPad right now?
Apple’s newest release is the M4-powered iPad Air, which debuted in March 2026. Prior to that, Apple updated the iPad Pro lineup with two sizes in October 2025, following a major refresh in March 2025 that introduced the standard 11-inch iPad alongside 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models. If you're looking for something smaller, the latest iPad mini arrived in October 2024. You can find all of these top picks featured above.
How to choose the best iPad for you
Finding the right iPad comes down to how you plan to use it. If you need serious power and a spacious display for heavy workloads, the iPad Pro is hard to beat. If portability is your top priority, the iPad mini is the ideal near-pocket-sized choice, while the standard iPad remains the best option for everyday basics on a budget.
For college students, the iPad Air strikes the perfect balance between price and performance. You can opt for the latest version for extra horsepower or grab a discounted older model to save cash. Keep your major in mind, though: resource-heavy coursework might justify an upgrade to the iPad Pro, while light note-taking can easily be handled by the base-model iPad.
Creatives should pay close attention to stylus support and processing demands. While all current iPads support an Apple Pencil, serious artists, illustrators, and note-takers will prefer models that support the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil (or Pencil Pro) for its improved pressure sensitivity and seamless wireless charging. Pair that stylus with an iPad Pro for demanding creative software, or choose a lighter iPad Air if you prefer sketching in coffee shops and on the go.
How we test
Every iPad on this list was subjected to a full TechRadar review, and therefore our entire testing process. For starters, we use each tablet as our own for one week or more; we sign into our personal accounts, and begin using the iPad for social media, entertainment, photography and other normal tasks.
We do this so we can emulate how you'll use the device if you buy it. It helps us understand all the quirks of an iPad that you don't notice if you just leave the device in a lab and test it.
Of course, we do some lab tests, too. We run benchmark tests to work out how powerful an iPad is, as well as battery life and charging speed tests to determine which iPads are suitable for what use cases. In our iPad reviews, the main areas of focus are design, display, cameras, performance, software and battery life, though of course price is also important for our final judgment.
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