The best iPad to buy in 2025 depends on the intended use, budget, and preference for features:
- The iPad 11-inch (2025) is the best all-around choice for most people. It offers a good balance of power, portability, and price with an A16 chipset, 10 hours of battery life, and 128GB base storage. This model is great for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, video calls, and light gaming. However, it does not support Apple Intelligence AI features or newer Apple Pencil models.
- For students and professionals needing more power, the iPad Air (2025) with the M3 chip is ideal. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch versions, supports Apple Intelligence features, and has more powerful performance suitable for study and creative work, priced reasonably compared to the iPad Pro.
- The iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) is the most powerful option, featuring the M4 chip and advanced OLED display. It's best for creatives and power users but is also the most expensive.
- The iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024) is the best small and portable iPad, great for kids or those wanting a very compact device with good power and Apple Pencil Pro support.
- Budget conscious buyers can consider the iPad 10.9-inch (2022) still available at third-party retailers, which offers decent specs at a lower price but is less future-proof.
Summary:
Model| Best for| Key Features| Price Range
---|---|---|---
iPad 11-inch (2025)| Most users, casual use| A16 chipset, 10h battery, 128GB|
Mid-range
iPad Air (2025)| Students, professionals| M3 chip, Apple Intelligence,
11"/13"| Mid to high
iPad Pro 13-inch (2024)| Power users, creatives| M4 chip, OLED display| High-
end
iPad mini 8.3-inch (2024)| Kids, portability seekers| Compact, A17 Pro chip,
Pencil Pro| Mid to high
iPad 10.9-inch (2022)| Budget buyers| A14 chip, older model| Low to mid
Choosing depends on budget and use: for most everyday users, the 11-inch iPad (2025) is the best buy; for students and creatives, iPad Air (2025); and for ultimate power and display, iPad Pro 13-inch (2024).
