Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2025

Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2025

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

• The iPad Pro (M4) is the ultimate choice for professionals demanding top-tier performance and display quality.
• The iPad Air (M2) strikes an ideal balance of power and portability, perfect for students, business users, and casual creatives.
• The iPad (10th Generation) offers excellent value and a solid everyday experience for general tasks and media consumption.
• The iPad mini (7th Generation – anticipated) provides maximum power in a compact, highly portable form factor.
• Approach the iPad (9th Generation) with caution due to older technology and avoid overspending on an iPad Pro if your usage is primarily basic.

• Understanding the Current iPad Landscape: Models & Their Niche
  • iPad Pro (M4): The Ultimate Powerhouse for Professionals
  • iPad Air (M2): The Perfect Balance of Power and Portability
  • iPad (10th Generation): The Everyday Tablet for Everyone
  • iPad mini (7th Generation – Anticipated for 2025): Power in Your Palm
• iPads to Approach with Caution (or Avoid) in 2025
  • The iPad (9th Generation) – A Budget Trap for Some
  • Over-specifying for Basic Needs: The iPad Pro for a Web Browser
• Making Your Final Decision: Actionable Steps
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating Apple’s expansive iPad lineup can feel like a complex puzzle, especially with new models and updates consistently refining the options. As we move into 2025, the choices are more diverse and powerful than ever, making it crucial to understand which tablet genuinely aligns with your needs and budget.

Whether you’re a student, a professional creative, a casual browser, or looking for a device for your family, there’s an iPad designed for you. But with a range spanning from the portable iPad mini to the powerhouse iPad Pro, making the right decision requires careful consideration. We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you.

Our goal is to cut through the marketing jargon and provide a clear, concise guide to the top iPad models available in 2025, along with insights into which ones might not offer the best value or future-proofing for certain users.

Understanding the Current iPad Landscape: Models & Their Niche

Apple’s iPad family in 2025 typically includes several distinct lines, each targeting a specific user demographic. Understanding these categories is the first step to narrowing down your choice.

iPad Pro (M4): The Ultimate Powerhouse for Professionals

The iPad Pro, especially with the groundbreaking M4 chip introduced in 2024, remains the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet technology. It’s designed for users who demand uncompromised performance, stunning display quality, and full creative potential.

• Who it’s for: Graphic designers, video editors, 3D artists, app developers, power users who need a device capable of desktop-class tasks on the go. Professionals replacing a laptop or needing a powerful secondary device.
• Key Features: Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display (unparalleled brightness and contrast), M4 chip for blazing-fast performance and advanced AI capabilities, ultra-thin design, compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro (hover, squeeze, haptic feedback) and the new Magic Keyboard. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
• Why buy it: If your work demands the best, and budget isn’t the primary constraint, the iPad Pro delivers an unmatched tablet experience. Its incredible display and processing power make it ideal for demanding creative applications and multitasking.

iPad Air (M2): The Perfect Balance of Power and Portability

Positioned as the sweet spot for many users, the iPad Air (M2) launched in 2024 offers significant power in a more accessible package than the Pro. It’s the ideal choice for those who need more than the base iPad but don’t require the extreme capabilities (or price tag) of the Pro.

• Who it’s for: Students, educators, business professionals, casual creatives, and anyone seeking a highly capable tablet for productivity, entertainment, and light creative work. It’s excellent for heavy note-taking, complex presentations, and streaming.
• Key Features: M2 chip (previously in older MacBook Airs), Liquid Retina display, support for Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, available in two sizes (11-inch and a new 13-inch option) and vibrant colors.
• Why buy it: The iPad Air offers a fantastic balance of performance, screen quality, and accessory support at a more palatable price point. It’s future-proofed with the M2 chip and versatile enough for almost any task short of high-end professional rendering.

iPad (10th Generation): The Everyday Tablet for Everyone

The standard iPad, updated to its 10th generation in late 2022, remains Apple’s most accessible tablet. It’s designed for general use, offering a solid all-around experience for everyday tasks.

• Who it’s for: First-time iPad owners, students with basic needs, families sharing a device, and anyone primarily using an iPad for web browsing, email, streaming video, casual gaming, and video calls.
• Key Features: A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C port, a modern design with flat edges, and compatibility with the original Apple Pencil (via adapter) and the Smart Keyboard Folio.
• Why buy it: It provides excellent value for money. If your needs are primarily consumption-based or involve light productivity, the 10th-gen iPad is a superb choice that delivers the core iPad experience without breaking the bank.

iPad mini (7th Generation – Anticipated for 2025): Power in Your Palm

While the 6th generation iPad mini was released in 2021, an updated 7th generation is widely anticipated for 2025, likely bringing a faster chip (perhaps an A17 or M-series variant) and minor enhancements. The mini’s appeal lies in its unparalleled portability.

• Who it’s for: Commuters, travelers, avid readers, note-takers who prefer a smaller form factor, and anyone who wants maximum power in a minimal package. It’s also great for mobile gaming.
• Key Features (based on anticipated 7th Gen): Compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A-series or M-series chip, USB-C, Touch ID, and Apple Pencil (likely Pencil Pro) support.
• Why buy it: For ultimate portability without sacrificing significant performance, the iPad mini is unrivaled. It fits into almost any bag and is comfortable for one-handed use, making it ideal for on-the-go productivity and entertainment.

iPads to Approach with Caution (or Avoid) in 2025

While Apple generally maintains good product quality and software support, some older models or specific configurations might not be the best investment for 2025 and beyond.

The iPad (9th Generation) – A Budget Trap for Some

Still sold by some retailers, the 9th-generation iPad (released 2021) often appears as an enticingly cheap option. It features the A13 Bionic chip, a Home button with Touch ID, and the older design with larger bezels.

• Why caution: While functional for basic tasks, it uses the older Lightning port (unlike all other current iPads which use USB-C), lacks compatibility with the more modern Apple Pencil 2/Pro, and will likely lose software support sooner than its newer counterparts. Its display is also not fully laminated, meaning a small air gap between the glass and the LCD, which some users find less premium for drawing.
• When to consider: Only if the budget is extremely tight and you absolutely cannot afford the 10th Gen, and your usage is limited to very basic web browsing and streaming. Even then, the 10th Gen’s benefits in design, USB-C, and longevity often outweigh the small price difference.

Over-specifying for Basic Needs: The iPad Pro for a Web Browser

Sometimes, the “worst” iPad isn’t a bad model, but simply the wrong one for your usage. Investing in an iPad Pro with an M4 chip and a top-tier display when your primary use case is checking emails and watching Netflix is a common pitfall.

• Why caution: You’ll be spending significantly more money than necessary for features and processing power you’ll never utilize. The iPad Air or even the 10th-generation iPad would fulfill these needs perfectly at a fraction of the cost, leaving more budget for accessories or other tech.
• When to avoid: If you’re not a professional creative, don’t edit demanding video, or play graphics-intensive games extensively, the iPad Pro’s advanced capabilities are likely overkill for your daily tasks.

Making Your Final Decision: Actionable Steps

Choosing your ideal iPad in 2025 involves more than just picking the newest or cheapest model. Follow these actionable steps to ensure you make the best purchase for your specific situation:

1. Assess Your Primary Needs and Budget Clearly: Before looking at any models, list out your top 3-5 intended uses for the iPad. Are you drawing, writing essays, watching movies, gaming, or editing photos? How much are you realistically willing to spend, including potential accessories? This clarity will immediately rule out unsuitable models.

   Example: A high school student needs a device for taking notes in class, writing essays, and light browsing. They also want to occasionally play games like Minecraft. Their budget is mid-range. For them, an iPad Air (M2) offers the perfect blend of performance for schoolwork (especially with Apple Pencil Pro support) and enough power for gaming, without the professional-level expense of an iPad Pro.

2. Factor in Accessories from the Start: Many users find an iPad’s utility significantly enhanced by accessories like the Apple Pencil or a keyboard. The type of iPad determines which accessories are compatible and their cost. The Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are fantastic but add significant expense. Ensure your budget accounts for these if they are essential for your workflow.

   • Apple Pencil: If drawing or extensive note-taking is key, factor in the cost of the Pencil Pro (iPad Pro, iPad Air) or the original Apple Pencil (10th Gen iPad).
   • Keyboards: Consider the Smart Keyboard Folio (10th Gen iPad) or the more advanced Magic Keyboard (iPad Pro, iPad Air) for laptop-like typing.

3. Check for Deals, Refurbished Options, or Older, Still-Capable Models: While this guide focuses on the current lineup, smart shopping can save you money. Always check Apple’s refurbished store for certified pre-owned iPads that come with a full warranty. Retailers often run sales, especially around major holidays. Sometimes, a slightly older generation (e.g., the 9th Gen iPad if the 10th Gen is just out of reach, or an M1 iPad Air if the M2 is too pricey) can still be a perfectly capable device if the price is right and it meets your core needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the best iPad in 2025 boils down to a personalized decision based on your unique needs, desired features, and budget. From the supreme power of the iPad Pro to the balanced versatility of the iPad Air, the everyday utility of the standard iPad, and the unmatched portability of the iPad mini, Apple offers a tablet for every kind of user.

By carefully considering your primary use cases, accounting for essential accessories, and exploring all purchase options, you can confidently select an iPad that not only meets your current demands but also provides lasting value well into the future. Avoid the temptation to overspend on features you won’t use or underspend on a device that will quickly feel outdated. Your perfect iPad is out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPad is best for students in 2025?

For most students, the iPad Air (M2) is the ideal choice due to its balance of performance, display quality, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, making it excellent for note-taking, essays, and presentations. For more budget-conscious students with basic needs, the iPad (10th Generation) offers great value.

Should I buy an iPad Pro if I only browse the web and watch videos?

No, buying an iPad Pro for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and video streaming is likely overkill. You’d be paying significantly more for features and processing power you won’t utilize. The iPad Air (M2) or even the iPad (10th Generation) would perfectly fulfill these needs at a much lower cost.

What are the main differences between the iPad Pro and iPad Air in 2025?

The main differences lie in their power, display technology, and target audience. The iPad Pro (M4) features the most powerful M4 chip, a superior Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display, and is designed for demanding professional tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. The iPad Air (M2), while still very powerful with its M2 chip and Liquid Retina display, offers a more balanced performance and price, making it suitable for students, business professionals, and casual creatives who need a highly capable, versatile tablet without the absolute top-tier professional features.