Apple’s first iPad was released on April 3, 2010, and it came with 256MB of RAM and offered up to 64GB of internal storage, an impressive amount at the time. Today, the best iPads now showcase much more power, with up to 16GB of RAM and a staggering 2TB of storage—enough space to hold about 500,000 high-quality digital photos, 500,000 songs or up to 400 hours of 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) video. But odds are you don’t need that much power. That’s why I chose the iPad Air as the best iPad overall. It comes in both an 11- ands 13-inch screen sizes, can store up to 1TB of data and features 8GB RAM, which suits most needs.
The best iPads are compact but capable computing devices that can be used for work or play.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
Some people may prefer a more compact tablet like the iPad Mini, which can easily be held with one hand or tucked into a small bag, while other people will see the basic iPad as a perfect intersection of value and capabilities. Here are the four best iPads based on our research and testing, as well as tips and expert advice on how to choose the best iPad for your needs.
Screen size: 11 and 13 inches | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128, 256, 512GB and 1TB | Chip: M3 | Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Cellular and Bluetooth | Camera: 12MP photos, 4K video | Weight: 1 pound (11-inch), 1.4 pounds (13-inch)
Pros:
Ultra crisp display
Slender and lightweight
Long battery life
Cons:
Maximum refresh rate of 60Hz
The iPad Air comes in two screen sizes, 11 and 13 inches. The smaller size is plenty big for web browsing, working on documents and scrolling social media. The bright, crisp display helps it double as a reading tablet. During testing, I felt the quality of the screen was impressive, with good contrast, dark shadows, bright whites and rich colors. Casual artists may want to consider the 13-inch model, which allows for a larger drawing surface. No matter what size you choose, the tablet also offers a Split View function that lets you have two applications open and visible at the same time, which can be useful for work projects. It’s lightweight and can easily be carried in a bag if you’re traveling or commuting. Pair it with an Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air or the Zagg Pro Keys Connect Tablet Case to use it as a mini computer for light work, too.
My testing found the iPad Air features a 60Hz refresh rate, which is how quickly a display updates every second. For gamers, the low refresh rate makes this tablet prone to lag or screen tearing, and that’s detrimental for playing the latest titles. The same applies to the 8GB RAM for video gaming, as the latest games simply require more memory. If you’re playing light games like Stardew Valley or Roblox, it will suffice, though. I also noted the battery life lasts 10 hours even with constant use, so you can enjoy videos, scrolling socials, completing work tasks and more all day.
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Screen size: 10.9 inches | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128, 256 and 512GB | Chip: A16 | Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Cellular and Bluetooth | Camera: 12MP photos, 4K video | Weight: 1.1 pounds
Pros:
Great for everyday light tasks
Approximately 10-hour battery life
Cons:
Modest RAM and storage compared to other iPads
Can’t handle UHD content
No Apple Intelligence
Apple’s base iPad is simply called iPad (as opposed to a Mini, Air or Pro). The tablet offers three storage sizes, 128, 256 and 512GB. While 128GB is an acceptable amount of storage, Steven Athwal, the CEO and founder of The Big Phone Store, recommends opting for a higher storage option, saying, “Storage fills up quicker than you think, so going up a tier is usually worth it unless you’re an iCloud user.” The battery also lasts for up to 10 hours before it needs to be recharged, making it great for on-the-go students who plan to use it for light studying. The single 12MP camera is good enough for casual needs, and the Liquid Retina display technology comes with this base model, which showcases lovely, vivid colors.
The iPad is best-suited for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming in HD (it can’t handle UHD media), reading and note-taking. Kids can also play light games on the tablet, including Roblox, the tablet offers robust parental controls, too. That said, the 4GB of RAM won’t be enough if you plan to do any demanding work on it. Because the memory is so low, you also don’t get Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI software, on this device. The base Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible with this tablet—the Apple Pencil Pro isn’t. For social media scrolling and very light document processing, it suffices. Our testers shared that if you add a case to the tablet, it feels somewhat heavy to carry in a bag, too.
What our editors say: Deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala uses the base iPad in her home and says, “We’re a longtime iPad household, and the basic Apple iPad has always been just right for me. I use it mostly to stream TV shows while washing dishes, and I take a Zoom exercise class on it here and there.”
Best iPad For Gaming
Massive Storage Capacity And Mighty Processing Power
Apple
iPad Pro (M5)
Screen size: 11 and 13 inches | RAM: 12 or 16GB | Storage: 256, 512GB, 1 and 2TB | Chip: M5 | Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Cellular and Bluetooth | Camera: 12MP photos, 4K video | Weight: 0.9 pounds (11-inch), 1.3 pounds (13-inch)
Pros:
Massive processing power
Plenty of storage space
Nano-texture glass reduces glare
Cons:
Overkill for most users
If you want to use an iPad for gaming or for working with heavy applications, the iPad Pro is the best option. It features the powerful Apple M5 chip, which can handle any application or project with ease, including the latest gaming titles. You can choose between 12GB RAM and 16GB RAM—a hardware component that helps the tablet multitask—and it keeps heavy gameplay buttery smooth. Storage options increase up to 2TB, which is enough to hold large video files or a vast gaming library. The display comes in 11- and 13-inch options. You can opt to include what Apple calls its nano-texture glass on this display, a technology that reduces glare so you can play video games in bright environments.
If you’re trying to decide between the iPad Pro versus the iPad Air, the iPad Air is generally the best for most users. The iPad Pro is more tablet than most people need. Still, Armuth Laxman, founding partner at 4Voice, says it’s, “designed for those who need it the most, like digital artists, designers and heavy multitaskers, for whom it serves as a true laptop replacement.” Our team’s testing also found it to be one of the best drawing tablets. When paired with the Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad Pro is also a great choice for artists because its responsive display and pressure sensitivity are useful for digital sketching, painting and graphic design.
What our editors say: Assistant editor Jordan Thomas says, “I mostly use it for drawing to make gifts and cards for birthdays and the holidays. It works very well and I have definitely gotten a lot of use from it as a creative tool. It’s also great as a laptop alternative when traveling. I can use it for streaming and other basic comp tasks without hauling my full-size laptop around with me.”
Best Compact iPad
Tuck This Travel-Ready Tablet Into Your Bag
Apple
iPad Mini
Screen size: 8.3 inches | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128, 256 and 512GB | Chip: A17 Pro | Connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Cellular and Bluetooth | Camera: 12MP photos, 4K video | Weight: 0.7 pounds
Pros:
Ultraportable design
Crisp Liquid Retina display
Great for e-reading and note-taking
Cons:
Battery isn’t as robust as other options
Can’t fully replace a laptop
If you plan to use your iPad for travel and commuting and need a model that easily tucks into your bag or purse, the iPad Mini is an excellent option. For context, the iPad Mini weighs only a couple of ounces more than an iPhone 17 Pro, so it’s very lightweight. The eight-inch display is large enough to jot notes or create simple sketches, but it’s also useful if you prefer to use the tablet as an e-reader. You can enjoy your favorite shows in stunning detail with Apple’s Liquid Retina display, which offers true-to-life colors and deep, velvety blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
It’s great for casual use and enjoying movies on the go, but keep in mind that the display is too small if you intend to work on this tablet. It can’t fully serve as a laptop replacement, but it can complement your working process if you use it as a digital notebook or to read documents. Because it’s so small, it can’t house the same battery as other iPad offerings, and so it can’t last as long when away from a socket.
What our editors say: “I use it literally daily to read and take it every time I travel (once a month or more frequently) in lieu of my computer to watch movies on the plane and do some light work if I need to,” says editorial director Brinda Ayer. “I picked this model specifically because it’s petite and can fit perfectly in several of my medium-size purses and totes for subway commutes. It’s slim and light to stash in my backpack for longer trips when I’m usually only bringing a carry-on.”
How We Chose The Best iPads
To determine the best iPads, we used a combination of hands-on experiences and research.
We evaluated features that matter most to iPad users, including powerful processors, bright displays, long battery life and more. We also paid special attention to the latest models and compared them to older models to make sure our top picks truly were the best balance of price and performance.
We reviewed each iPad and noted both what makes it unique. We also noted each iPad’s limitations.
We also spoke to members of the Forbes Vetted tech team, we talked to several unbiased experts. We also read scores of reviews left by verified buyers and users.
Because every iPad user has unique needs, we included options spanning a variety of budgets and tasks.
What To Look For In The Best iPads
Choosing the right iPad can feel tricky because they all share sleek designs, sharp displays and strong performance. The real differences come down to features that fit your needs—like storage size, power and display size. Here’s what to keep in mind as you choose the best iPad for your needs.
Storage Space And RAM
Choosing the right iPad can feel tricky because they all share sleek designs, sharp displays and strong performance. The real differences come down to features that fit your needs—like storage size, power and display size. Here’s what to keep in mind as you choose the best iPad for your needs.
Storage Space And RAM
When choosing an iPad, you want to consider storage space and RAM.
Storage space refers to how many files a device can hold, and it’s measured in GB and TB. The smallest amount of digital storage space you can get on a new iPad today is 128GB. That’s still enough space to store about two dozen HD feature-length films or well over 20,000 digital photos. And as noted earlier, the maximum storage space of in iPad Pro is two TB, which can store more than 600,000 high-res photos, some 400,000 songs and more.
RAM, also called Random Access Memory or simply memory, is a hardware component that allows a tablet to quickly access large amounts of data. It helps to run applications smoothly or quickly switch between tasks; the more RAM you have, the more powerful applications you can use. Generally, 4GB is just fine for most web browsing, checking emails, watching videos and other very light tasks. If you plan to use Apple Intelligence, opt for an iPad like the iPad Air, which comes with 8GB RAM—the minimum needed to run this software. For gamers and those working with heavy applications, 16GB RAM is necessary for 3D modeling and rendering, video editing and other advanced tasks.
Screen Size
If you are shopping for the base iPad or iPad Mini, you only have one screen size to choose from in each case. For an iPad Pro or iPad Air, you’ll need to choose between 11 and 13 inches. That 11-inch iPad is certainly easier to tuck away and take along, but for video or gaming, a 13-inch screen is much preferable. “The 12.9-inch screen provides extra screen space for detailed projects,” says Patrick. So beyond movies or games, if you’re an artist, graphic designer or editor, it may be worth investing in a 13-inch model.
Camera Quality
Technically speaking, all four models of iPad have cameras of the same 12MP camera lens. But while all 2025 iPads use that 12MP cameras (on both the front and back), but the iPad Pro stands out in terms of photo and video thanks to advanced features like a more powerful image signal processor and a “TrueDepth” front camera that enables Apple’s FaceID, which unlocks the tablet via a facial scan. (The iPad Air, iPad Mini and basic iPad rely on fingerprint ID to unlock.) The images and video clips the actual digital cameras capture are similar across all iPad models, but the iPad Pro has much more processing power and thus can do more with what it captures.
Processor
A processor, also known as the central processing unit or CPU, acts as the brain of the tablet. It runs literally everything on an iPad, from the iPadOS to apps and other essential operations. If you plan to use your tablet for light work or casual browsing, you can easily get away with a base iPad or an iPad Mini. “The iPad Mini series is one which people either overlook or fall in love with instantly,” says Athwal. “It’s better for simpler tasks, reading, travel and light gaming. It’s still surprisingly powerful though.”
If you need to work with heavy applications, the M5 can handle any application you throw at it. “The M-series chips gives them that ridiculously fast edge; it’s more similar to a laptop than a tablet. Most working professionals we see will go for a Pro model,” says Athwal.
Laxman recommends the M3 processor in the iPad Air for a good balance of performance and general tasks, including light work and streaming quality videos. “An iPad Air serves students, hybrid workers and casual creators. It has most of the same specs as the iPad Pro, but it’s lighter and cheaper,” he says.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The staff writers and editors on the Forbes Vetted tech team have have dozens of collective years of experience testing, researching and writing about consumer technology of all types, from ultraportable laptops to writing tablets to desktop computers.
This article was written by Steven John, who primarily covers tech and gear for Forbes Vetted, and who has more than 14 years of experience working as a journalist. Steve also tested and shared his insights on the Apple iPad Pro versus the Apple iPad Air.
This story was edited by Rebecca Isaacs, the lead technology editor at Forbes Vetted who has multiple years of experience of hands-on tech testing and reviewing.
John also spoke to several experts in the consumer technology field, including Mark Patrick, director of technical content at Mouser Electronics, Steven Athwal,
the CEO and Founder of The Big Phone Store and Amruth Laxman,
founding partner at 4Voice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best generation of iPad really depends on your needs and tablet budget. If you want maximum power and features for creative or professional work, the iPad Pro (M5, 2025) is the top choice; if you want strong performance at a lower price, the 11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025) offers excellent value. And for an extra-compact tablet, the iPad Mini (7th generation, 2024) is small yet capable.
The main difference between the iPad and the iPad Air is that the basic iPad is Apple’s entry-level tablet that is intended for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming and schoolwork, while the iPad Air is a more advanced model that offers a slimmer design, a faster chip, better display quality, and that supports the latest accessories like the second-generation Apple Pencil, making it a stronger choice for users—who want more power and features but without paying for the high-end iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro is a better choice if you need maximum processing performance, huge storage capacity and the best display for professional projects like design, video editing or multitasking; the iPad Air is a more affordable option that still offers strong performance and modern features, making it ideal for students or everyday users who want power without the higher price tag.
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