Here are the top Apple tablets we recommend based on hands-on experience
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If you’re in the market for an iPad, we’ve got you covered. We’ve thoroughly tested the latest models, ranging from the $349 entry-level iPad to the $1,299 13-inch iPad Pro. We assess each device’s performance, screen, and battery in our lab and use them as our daily drivers to gauge real-world usage.
From our comprehensive evaluations, the 11-inch iPad Air M3 stands out as the best iPad due to its optimal balance of cost and capabilities, offering many of the Pro model’s features for less money. For budget-conscious buyers, the iPad 10th Gen is our recommendation.
The new iPad mini 7 is ideal for those seeking a compact version of the iPad experience. For power users, the iPad Pro M4 is the top choice, featuring an impressive OLED display and the powerful M4 chip, available in both 11- and 13-inch sizes.
While the recent iPhone 17 event did not introduce new iPads, we anticipate more news later this year. In the meantime, here are the best iPads available. We’ll update this guide after reviewing the upcoming iPad 11, so keep an eye out!
Top iPads Available Now
The 11-inch iPad Air M3 is the best overall choice for most people, offering a perfect balance between functionality and affordability. It’s ideal for both consuming and creating content, and its starting price of $599 makes it accessible to a broad audience.
With the introduction of the Apple M3 chip, the 2024 iPad Air is the most powerful model in its series to date. While it’s not a replacement for the Pro model, the performance gap has significantly narrowed. This, coupled with its relatively low starting price, makes the iPad Air a more attractive option than the latest iPad Pro for budget-conscious consumers who still seek top-tier quality.
In our lab tests, the iPad Air delivered performance on par with M3-powered MacBook Pros. The tablet also lasted nearly 10 hours in our battery test, a noteworthy feat. Although it doesn’t feature an OLED display, its Liquid Retina panel offers excellent brightness and color accuracy.
Despite its strengths, the iPad Air M3 has some drawbacks. It now includes a landscape-facing camera but lacks Face ID support and Thunderbolt connectivity, limiting its use with Thunderbolt displays and docks. Additionally, there is no model with an OLED display available.
Nevertheless, the 11-inch iPad Air remains an outstanding tablet. While an OLED option would have been welcome, it’s hard to overlook this device’s capabilities. It stands as the best tablet for most users and is the first model I recommend when advising on which iPad to purchase.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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Tobias Nguyen covers mobile technology and social media trends. He combines a background in digital marketing with a passion for emerging tech to provide readers with data-driven insights and practical tech usage tips.
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