Which is the Right iPad is For You?
Are you looking for a new iPad or iPad Pro to buy but don’t know which one to get? In this buyer’s guide, we simplify Apple’s iPad lineup for you, distinguishing between those designed for a classic tablet experience and the newer, more computer-like devices.
Apple offers a wide range of iPad models that suit all types of users, from casual users and students to artists and power users. If you are planning to buy one, it is important to know the differences and similarities of each so you can choose the right iPad or iPad Pro for your needs.
All iPads compared in 2025
Except for the iPad Mini, all iPad models were refreshed in 2025. The standard iPad 11 or 11th generation was updated in March, bringing larger memory and a faster chipset. A few months later, Apple introduced the new M3 iPad Air, the successor to last year’s M2 model. It is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
A more notable launch came in October 2025, when Apple introduced the M5 iPad Pro in 11-inch and 13-inch models. The new M5 SoC is a major upgrade in these tablets, offering a more capable and efficient processor.
This leaves the 2024 iPad Mini as the latest compact Apple tablet in the lineup, though it is a modest successor to the previous iPad Mini.
Apple iPad Pro: Starting at $999
If you are looking for a device that can handle demanding tasks like video editing or heavy sketching and drawing while on the go, the M4 and M5 iPad Pro are the most recommended. They feature the fastest mobile chipsets, OLED displays, and support all iPadOS features.
They are true laptop alternatives when paired with a keyboard and mouse, while offering extra portability thanks to their thinner and lighter build.
Should you skip the M5 iPad Pro?
Those who want the most feature-packed and capable Apple tablet should choose the iPad Pro. But which generation is right for you?
If you are upgrading from an M1 or M2 iPad Pro, the M5 is the more recommended choice since it offers better future proofing. However, for most buyers who want to save money and still enjoy the Pro advantages, the M4 iPad Pro is a solid pick, especially if you can find it at a significant discount.
In comparison, the M5 iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch, so choosing the previous generation can save you $200 or more.
Apple M5 iPad Pro Pricing
| Model | 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | 2 TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 iPad Pro 11″ Wi-Fi | $999 | $1,199 | $1,599 | $1,999 |
| M5 iPad Pro 11″ 5G | $1,199 | – | – | – |
| M5 iPad Pro 11″ Nano Glass | – | – | $1,699 | – |
| M5 iPad Pro 13″ Wi-Fi | $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,899 | $2,299 |
| M5 iPad Pro 13″ 5G | $1,499 | – | – | – |
| M5 iPad Pro 13″ Nano Glass | – | – | $1,999 | – |
Pros of the Apple iPad Pro
- Sensational display
- Thin and light body
- Very good battery life
- Ultra-fast Apple M4 processor
Cons of the Apple iPad Pro
- Expensive peripherals are required for a PC-like experience
Apple iPad Air 2025: Starting at $599
The iPad Air offers the right balance of performance and price. It drops the OLED display and extra-thin form to lower the cost, though many users would hardly notice the difference. Without those features, it is still the best iPad for most users.
The iPad Air provides a balanced option for advanced users without the expensive professional features found in the Pro. It can run the same apps and games as the higher-end model, with strong performance, excellent software support, the same AI features promised for the iPad Pro and iPhone, and good connectivity options.
It now has the latest M3 version, but the M2 model (review) remains a capable device. The main difference is that the M3 offers faster processing and graphics, while the M2 SoC is still a solid workhorse.
Apple M3 iPad Air Pricing
| Model | 128 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 2025 11″ Wi-Fi | $599 | $699 | $899 | $1,099 |
| iPad Air 2025 11″ Wi-Fi + Cellular | $699 | $799 | $999 | $1,199 |
| iPad Air 2025 13″ Wi-Fi | $799 | $899 | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| iPad Air 2025 13″ Wi-Fi + Cellular | $899 | $999 | $1,199 | $1,399 |
Pros of the Apple iPad Air 11-inch
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Great display despite technical compromises
- Support for the Magic Keyboard
- Good endurance despite a larger display
- iPadOS 26 improves multitasking
Cons of the Apple iPad Air 13-inch
- Not compatible with older Apple Pencils with magnetic charging
- USB-C port without Thunderbolt
Apple iPad 11 2025: Starting from $349
The iPad 11 or 11th generation is the successor to the iPad 10 introduced in 2022. It addresses several shortcomings of its predecessor by adding more RAM and doubling the storage to 128 GB.
More importantly, the iPad 11 is now cheaper, starting at $349, making it the most sensible budget iPad for most people. With the newer A16 chipset, it offers faster performance in everyday tasks. However, a drawback is that it is the only iPad model that lacks Apple Intelligence or AI capabilities, though this is not a deal breaker for many.
Apple iPad 11 Pricing
| Model | 128 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad 11 (2025) Wi‑Fi | $349 | $449 | $649 |
| iPad 11 (2025) Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $499 | $599 | $699 |
Pros of the Apple iPad 11
- Updated and modern design
- Front camera positioned in landscape mode
- Stable performance
- Reliable companion
- Larger 6 GB RAM compared to the previous model
- 128 GB base storage
- Faster 45 W charging
- Lower price
Cons of the Apple iPad 11
- Support limited to first-generation Apple Pencil (Lightning port)
- Not compatible with Apple Pencil Pro
- Older USB-C 2.0 port
The 9th-generation iPad was officially discontinued in early 2024, but bargain hunters may still find the entry-level tablet with the Home button in some stores.
Apple iPad Mini 7 2024: Starting from $499
With no iPad Mini release in 2025, the iPad Mini 7 from 2024 remains the sole compact option in Apple’s tablet range, with an 8.3-inch display. It was updated at the end of 2024 to prepare for upcoming Apple Intelligence features, with the same A17 Pro processor as the iPhone 15 Pro and a significant memory upgrade.
Besides the powerful chip, the iPad Mini is the only option if you want an iPad smaller than 10 inches. Even among Android tablets, only a few niche models marketed for gamers offer similar versatility and performance, and usually without the same build quality. Keep in mind that storage and 5G upgrades can quickly raise the price.
Apple iPad Mini 7 Pricing
| Model | 128 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Mini 2024 Wi‑Fi | $499 | $599 | $799 |
| iPad Mini 2024 Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $649 | $749 | $949 |
Pros of the Apple iPad Mini
- Compact design
- Faster processor than iPad 11
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro
Cons of the Apple iPad Mini
- Shorter battery life
- Not compatible with Apple Pencil Pro
- USB-C 3.1
iPad Buying Guide
When shopping for an Apple tablet, the first consideration is usually price. The different iPad models cover distinct price points, which should be a good starting point. That largely determined how we chose the four suggestions above, combined with our reviews. Other points that guided our selection include:
- Display size and dimensions: The screen defines the size of the device, with a compact bezel around it for handling. Most iPads use LCD panels with a 60 Hz refresh rate, except for the iPad Pro, which features a smoother 120 Hz OLED display.
- Processor and memory: In the past, this combination mainly determined how many years of security updates the device would receive. With the current focus on artificial intelligence, CPUs now include more powerful AI-optimized NPUs (neural processing units), and RAM amounts are increasing significantly across the Apple ecosystem.
- Accessory support: The latest iPad accessories, like the new Magic Folio Keyboard, are compatible with the newer iPad and iPad Pro models. The new Apple Pencil Pro, which features barrel support and haptic, only works with the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, and not with the standard iPad.
Article updated in December 2025 to include the M3 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro.
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