We’ve lengthy thought-about Apple’s iPads to be the best tablets available on the market, however figuring out precisely which mannequin you should purchase isn’t all the time simple. Do you simply desire a large display screen for streaming and net shopping? Do you wish to use it like a pseudo-laptop? Do you care about Apple Intelligence in any respect? In the event you’re unsure, enable us to assist. We’ve examined each iPad out there right this moment and damaged down which of them ought to finest suit your wants under.
Desk of contents
The very best iPads for 2025
How we check the most effective iPads
Very like we do for our information to the best tablets overall, we spend a number of days with every iPad to see how they really feel and carry out with completely different duties: watching movies, net shopping, enjoying each informal and graphically intense video games, enhancing 4K images and video, working a number of apps side-by-side, making FaceTime calls and the like. To higher measure efficiency particularly, we use benchmarking assessments like Geekbench 6, 3DMark and GFXBench Metal, plus we measure how lengthy it takes for every pill besides up and open varied apps. We additionally verify how nicely every pill holds up long-term, whether or not it’s with a assessment unit offered by Apple or an iPad mannequin that’s owned by a member of the Engadget workers.
To assist evaluate the colour efficiency and brightness of the shows, we play the identical movies on completely different iPads, side-by-side, at equal brightness ranges. We use every pill in direct daylight outdoor to see how nicely they maintain as much as glare, and we play a handful of the identical musical tracks to judge speaker efficiency. For battery life, we hold monitor of how lengthy every pill usually lasts earlier than it wants a recharge, however we additionally play a 1080p film on a loop at roughly 70 p.c brightness with power-sapping background processes off. We additionally check every machine with an Apple Pencil and word how responsive the stylus feels. Lastly, we rigorously pore over spec sheets and software program updates to maintain monitor of which options can be found on sure iPads however not others.
iPad FAQs
How lengthy do iPads sometimes final?
If historical past is any indication, count on Apple to replace your iPad to the most recent model of iPadOS for no less than 5 years, if not longer. The iPadOS 18 update, for instance, is available on iPad Professional fashions relationship again to 2018 and different iPads relationship again to 2019. How lengthy your iPad’s {hardware} will final is dependent upon which mannequin you purchase and the way nicely you preserve it. (In the event you’re significantly clumsy, take into account an iPad case.) A extra highly effective iPad Professional will really feel quick for an extended time than an entry-level iPad, however every mannequin ought to stay no less than serviceable till Apple stops updating it, at minimal.
What’s the distinction between the iPad and the iPad Air?
In comparison with the Eleventh-gen iPad, the iPad Air runs on a stronger M3 chip (as a substitute of the A16 Bionic) and has 2GB extra RAM (8GB complete). Each include 128GB of storage by default. The Air can also be out there in two sizes, 11 and 13 inches, whereas the Eleventh-gen iPad does not supply the bigger display screen choice. The M-series SoC provides the Air higher long-term efficiency, plus entry to sure iPadOS options comparable to Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager. Its show helps a wider P3 shade gamut, has an antireflective coating and is totally laminated. The latter means there’s no “air hole” between the show and the glass overlaying it, so it feels extra such as you’re immediately touching what’s on display screen as a substitute of interacting with a picture under the glass. The Air additionally works with the newer Pencil Professional stylus and extra comfy Magic Keyboards, and its USB-C port helps sooner information switch speeds. It technically helps faster Wi-Fi 6E, too, whereas the lower-cost iPad makes use of Wi-Fi 6.
Beginning at $349, the Eleventh-gen iPad is $250 cheaper than the iPad Air. It has a equally elegant design with flat edges, skinny bezels, USB-C port, and a Contact ID reader. Battery life is rated on the similar 10 hours, and each gadgets have their front-facing digital camera on their lengthy edge, which is a extra pure place for video calls. The cheaper iPad works with the first-gen and USB-C Apple Pencils – that are more convoluted to cost – and a novel keyboard accent referred to as the Magic Keyboard Folio.
How do I take a screenshot on an iPad?
As we word in our screenshot how-to guide, you’ll be able to take a screenshot in your iPad by urgent the highest button and both quantity button on the similar time. When you’ve got an older iPad with a House button, concurrently press the highest button and the House button as a substitute.
Current updates
April 2025: We’ve flippantly edited this information to make sure all particulars and hyperlinks are nonetheless right. We’re additionally maintaining a tally of how the Trump administration’s tariff policy impacts the pricing and inventory of the iPad lineup (and each different tech class). All of our picks are nonetheless out there at regular costs right this moment, however we’ll replace this information if that modifications.
March 2025: We have reviewed the iPad (A16) and named it our new price range decide, eradicating the discontinued Tenth-gen iPad within the course of.
March 2025: The recently-launched iPad Air M3 has changed its predecessor as our high total suggestion. We’ve additionally made a word concerning the brand new iPad (A16), which we plan to check within the close to future and count on to grow to be our new price range decide. We’ve made a handful of edits elsewhere within the information to replicate Apple’s newest {hardware}.
January 2025: We’ve flippantly edited this information for readability. Our suggestions stay the identical.
October 2024: We have up to date our information to incorporate the brand new iPad mini 7.
June 2024: We’ve touched up this information to replicate a few of the new iPadOS options Apple introduced at WWDC, although our picks stay the identical.
Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cellular/tablets/best-ipads-how-to-pick-the-best-apple-tablet-for-you-150054066.html?src=rss
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