Apple's iPad first arrived way back in 2010, revolutionising the market with what became the best tablet, which then went on to spawn multiple product series – all the options of which we'll explore below. Now in 2024 the best iPads are far better than their forebears.
Seeing the demand from different corners of the market, Apple has evolved the entry-level iPad, expanding beyond basic browsing and streaming capabilities, to now deliver more powerful options for both work and play – including the option for keyboard and stylus accessories – in the iPad Pro. There's also a smaller-scale iPad mini and the mid-positioned iPad Air.
So which Apple iPad is best for you? There's a whole host of considerations, from the size of the screen, to the design, through to your available budget, that will all dictate which Apple slate is the best match for you. We also have our best iPad deals and best iPad mini deals, to help you seal that best purchase price.
iPads are a hot ticket item around Christmas time, which makes this a big season for them. If you want to check out the best gift guides anywhere on the internet this holiday season, check out the T3 Christmas hub and you're sure to come away with some recommendations you hadn't thought of.
T3's Top Picks
Apple's mid-position iPad, the Air, is the perfect blend of size and specification. There are no big bezels here, like the budget iPad models, and while it's almost as powerful as the laptop-replacement Pro models, the older-gen M2 hardware sits in the sweet spot when it comes to price.
The largest iPad in Apple's range, the 12.9-inch Pro comes packing heat: its M4 processor is top-dog for power, delivering MacBook-like levels of productivity. With a keyboard attachment many use the Pro as a laptop replacement. It's Pencil Pro compatible, so ideal for creatives.
If you want an iPad but don't want the big cost then Apple's 10.2-inch model is a few years old now and a great balance of price to capabilities. It features bigger screen bezels than any other, so looks older, but it's still a perfect for-the-family tablet to have on the coffee table for consuming content.
The 10.2-inch iPad looking a bit too dated for you? The 10.9-inch model brings an updated design with small screen bezels, so it looks the part. It won't cost as much as the Air, while its power levels aren't going to threaten the Pro range. A great affordable option for many.
Rumoured to be replaced in 2024, the Mini is one of Apple's older current iPad models. The clue's in the name here: this is the smallest Apple tablet you can buy, at 8.4-inches. That's ideal for portability, though, so if you don't want a hulking screen then this is a perfect match.
While the 12.9-inch Pro is best-of-best, there's actually an 11-inch model if you're seeking something more portable. For this generation the M4 model has no big disparity to the larger version, bringing a gorgeous Tandem OLED display that looks oh-so-much-better than any lesser iPad model.
The best iPad to buy 2024
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best for most people
The best on-balance iPad is the Air, delivering a middle screen size that looks great – but isn't as large, bright or fast refresh as the iPad Pro 12.9's fancier Tandem OLED panel.
The Air is almost as powerful as the Pro, though, thanks to Apple's M2 processor delivering superpower for handling all your app demands – whether that's gaming, work tasks, or just casual browsing and streaming. It's a couple of generations behind the M4 in the current Pro.
Design-wise, the Air also sits well above and beyond the entry-level iPad, with trim bezels and an attractive form-factor that's even available in multiple bright colour options.
For the majority of people, this is not only the best iPad on the market, it's the best tablet overall. Can't say better than that.
Read our full Apple iPad Air (2022) review for a full blow-by-blow breakdown
Best premium
The crème de la crème of the iPad range is, you guessed it, the Pro. Specifically the 12.9-inch model, as this isn't only the largest iPad screen, it's also the brightest – using a new Tandem OLED panel that's not seen elsewhere in Apple's range – that delivers a 120Hz fast refresh rate for stunning visuals.
But the iPad Pro 12.9 isn't just about caressing your eyeballs with brilliant streaming potential, it's also a serious workhorse: the M4 processor on board sees it at MacBook levels of power, so add an accessory keyboard and this could easily replace your best MacBook.
Of course with all this greatness comes cost, making it the priciest iPad going – especially if you opt for the 2TB storage and 16GB RAM option – but if money is no object it's no doubt the best iPad available.
Read our full iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2024) review for a summary of what's hot and what's not
Best budget
There's no denying the 9th Gen iPad is looking a little long in the tooth compared to the rest of Apple's range, mainly due to the chunky bezels surrounding that screen. If the design looks too old for your liking then look to the new, larger-screen 10th Gen redesign model instead (as featured below).
Nonetheless, the 9th Gen's 10.2-inch panel is a great size for consuming content of all kinds, while the processor – the same A13 Bionic as found in the older iPhone 11 – is more than good enough for mobile-style gaming, browsing and streaming.
This is the ideal iPad for all the family, a central hub to the home if you will, that also costs a lot less than any other model in the range. So while there's some compromise to the design looking somewhat dated, you'll still save cash without excessive performance compromise.
Read our full Apple iPad 10.2 (9th Gen) review to decide if it's the streaming dream machine for you
Best affordable
The 2022 iPad release marked the moment that Apple brought in a design overhaul compared to the earlier models. With that redesign came a larger screen, complete with a host of vibrant colour options (as you can see from the yellow finish, pictured). This newer iPad design squashed the screen's bezels, which is a great thing visually.
The more up-to-date design comes with a higher price point than the older 10.2-inch model (featured above). And given that the iPad Air isn't a huge amount of extra cash compared to this entry-level model, you may want to weigh up your options if more power appeals.
Check out T3's full iPad (10th Gen) review to see whether this new design is the best iPad match for your needs
Best small iPad
The clue's in the name with this one: the iPad mini is the smallest slate in the range, with an 8.3-inch screen making it a much more transportable option. If you want small, there's no better option.
The mini is less powerful than many other iPad models in the range (entry-level 10.2 excluded), but that's no drama for this particular model – there's still ample power to surf through all your gaming, browsing and streaming needs.
Just don't think of it as much of a workhorse, though, as this smaller screen isn't going to be a viable laptop replacement – there's also no Smart Connector to be found here, but you can use an (optional) 2nd Gen Pencil for stylus input, drawing and such like.
Read our full Apple iPad mini (6th Gen) review to see if this little tablet is a big dream
Best small Pro
The smaller iPad Pro might be less suitable for most people, as an 11-inch screen doesn't necessarily bode best for productivity, but if you want an iPad Mini-style product with heaps more power then this is your go-to option.
It's also worth noting that this M4-featured 11-inch model upgrades the older LED panel of the previous M2-toting release with a superb Tandem OLED display. It's gorgeous, delivering eye-searing HDR quality – meaning there's no compromise between 11- and 12.9-inch options in 2024.
The power angle is very much the reason to plump for this tablet though: its M4 processor, stacks of storage options, and plenty of RAM, make it just about as powerful as a mini laptop.
How we test Apple tablets
T3 takes its gadgets seriously, putting every tablet on the test bench – and, indeed, iPad – through its paces, treating each product as if it were our own.
That means we have the real-world experience to test out battery life, the in-depth knowledge to contextually compare and contrast other products within the series, and the historical experience to evaluate how ranges have evolved – for better or worse.
The iPad range is synonymous with tablets, which is a huge product category when it comes to creativity, productivity, and entertainment. These are the pillars of how such products might be used, so we ensure how each point might affect a prospective buyer's decision is taken into consideration.
As with any T3 review – and here's our How We Test page for more info – each iPad is awarded a score out of five – with five stars the best and one star the worst achievable – which helps justify where a product sits within our rankings.
Reviewer panel
Matt was the former T3 magazine editor and has a heap of experience under his belt – including as T3's TV and AV Editor before Mike Lowe took over. Matt currently works for sister publication TechRadar as the boss of Entertainment – and in his over 10 years of experience has reviewed many Apple products, from iPads to iPhones and beyond.
The chief at T3, Mat has been covering Apple tech for umpteen years – and is the site's resident iPad reviewer, having seen all the latest and greatest Apple slates. With knowledge of generation-on-generation differences, his iPad advice is second to none.
I've been reviewing tablets and, indeed, iPads for over 12 years. From my first-hand knowledge, to those expert voices (listed below with additional information regarding their extensive experience), you can be assured that the iPad picks in this guide are the very best – and all available to buy right now.
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