The best iPad to buy in 2025 depends on the user's needs and budget:
- For most people, the best iPad is the iPad 11-inch (2025) model with the A16 Bionic chip. It offers excellent everyday performance, a 11-inch Liquid Retina display, 6GB RAM, 128GB base storage, USB-C port, 5G, and up to 10 hours of battery life. It is also the best budget-friendly option starting at about $299–$349. This iPad is great for general use like browsing, video calls, streaming, and light gaming.
- For premium performance, the iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) with the M4 chip is the most powerful iPad available. It has an OLED XDR display, MacBook-level power, long battery life, and supports advanced accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. It is ideal for professionals needing high performance for creative and productivity work but is expensive.
- For students or those needing a balance of power, portability, and price, the iPad Air (2025) with the M3 chip (available in 11-inch or 13-inch) is highly recommended. It offers near-Pro level power, good battery life, and supports Apple Intelligence features at a more affordable price ($599 for 11-inch, $799 for 13-inch).
- For budget-conscious buyers or kids, older models like the iPad 10th generation or iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) may suffice, with lower prices and adequate performance for media consumption and light tasks.
Summary Table:
iPad Model| Key Features| Price Range| Best For
---|---|---|---
iPad 11-inch (2025)| A16 chip, 11" Liquid Retina, 6GB RAM, 128GB| $299–$349|
Most users, general everyday use
iPad Pro 13-inch (2024)| M4 chip, OLED XDR display, top performance| $1100+|
Professionals, creatives
iPad Air (2025)| M3 chip, 11"/13" Liquid Retina IPS| $599–$799+| Students,
power users balancing cost
iPad Mini (7th-gen, 2024)| A17 Pro chip, 8.3" Liquid Retina| $399| Kids,
portable, media
iPad 10th generation| A14 chip, 10.9" display| Around $400| Budget, casual use
Choosing the best iPad depends on personal requirements: for general use, the iPad 11-inch (2025) is the best value; for top performance, the iPad Pro 13-inch; for students, the iPad Air (2025); and for budget or kids, the mini or older models.
