It can be confusing deciding which iPad to buy, as there are four product lines comprised of multiple models. And with the arrival of the new iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2), things just got even more complicated. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a guide that lists all the different types, from the iPad Mini to the iPad Pro, and explains the difference between them.
At Creative Bloq we test and review tablets of all kinds, and have reviewed every iPad released in the past few years. Our recommendations here are backed up by our findings – you can read how we test iPads to learn about our process.
To save you time, we start with a quick list of the top iPads you can buy right now. Then we’ll list all the models of iPad you can buy today, listed by category, with a handy table comparing the latest models. We’ve also listed older iPads that can be picked up for bargain prices – but if you’re low on budget, also check out our list of the best iPad alternatives.
The thinnest product Apple has ever made has a ridiculously fancy Ultra Retina XDR display and the latest and greatest M4 chip. It’s probably overkill for most, but if you want the best of the best, this is it.
The new iPad now comes in two sizes, 11-inch or 13-inch, and Apple claims it’s now 50% faster than the previous iteration (which was already pretty fast!). If you want something lightweight but quick and don’t need a Pro, this is the iPad for you.
Apple released a new iPad in October 2022, which feels a lot like the 2020 iPad Air; it has the same A14 Bionic chip, the same screen resolution and the same 12MP rear camera. However, it has a few new features and differences which set it apart.
The M2-chipped iPad Pro is the second-newest Pro model, and supports full Apple Pencil hover features and Wi-Fi 6E. Its fast upload and download speeds make it a potential laptop-replacing super-tablet, and it has a Liquid Retina XDR display, which makes for a stunning canvas.
Released in April 2022, the versatile, portable 5th generation iPad Air is still a really decent tablet. It has a superb 1640 x 2360 Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen and it’s a cheaper option than the latest iPad Air.
If you want a basic, yet useful, iPad then the 2021 iPad is a great option. You’ll be able to stream and take notes, basically perform daily tasks, but it won’t have the high price tag or bells and whistles of fancier models.
Apple Pencil compatibility : Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C
Reasons to buy
+
Very powerful
+
Future-proofed with the M4
+
Gorgeous XDR display
Reasons to avoid
–
Overpowered
–
Software hasn’t caught up yet
Apple announced two new iPads in May 2024 and the iPad Pro M4 is the highest-specced of the pair. We were blown away by its Ultra Retina XDR screen, which in practice means incredible brightness and colours as well as glare-free glass. We also liked the thinness of the iPad, which at 5.1mm, is Apple’s thinnest product yet. Saying that, it’s so expensive that our reviewer was reluctant to remove it from its case, so the thinness was somewhat lost on them.
The iPad Pro M4 supports Apple Pencil Pro, which is Apple’s latest Pencil and the combination of the two is pretty dreamy. The new Pencil has various new features including haptic feedback, so you can squeeze to bring up new tools, for example, a new gyroscope for more precise control and the ability to find the Pencil is the Find My app if you lose it.
For 2D drawing, our reviewer found the experience to be similar to older iterations of the iPad, but the M4 iPad came into its own when working in 3D, handling 40 million polygons while remaining cool to the touch.
Is this iPad Pro massive overkill for most people? Yes. But will those who do buy it enjoy the experience? Also yes. If you’re not too fussed about having the latest features then an older iPad Pro will probably serve you just as well.
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil USB-C
Reasons to buy
+
Incredible display
+
Very powerful
+
Apple Pencil hover included
Reasons to avoid
–
Battery life not amazing
–
Still overkill for most
The M2-chipped iPad Pro, released in October 2022, has just been super-seeded by the M4, and is available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. It was the first iPad to come with Apple Pencil hover features (which we love, by the way), and Wi-Fi 6E. Add to that lightning-fast upload and download speeds and you’ve got a potential laptop-replacing super-tablet.
In our iPad Pro M2 2022 review, we declared it the tablet of dreams for creatives. We were particularly impressed by the Liquid Retina XDR display, which makes for a stunning canvas both to display digital art and create it on (it’s incredibly responsive). The camera is amazing, and the support for ProRes video capture means it’s like carrying a mini studio around with you. But beyond the M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover and Pro Res capability, many of the specs are in line with the previous iPad Pro.
It is also eye-wateringly expensive, which will be prohibitive to many – it’ll only be serious iPad users that want to go for a top iPad Pro like this one or the M4. Compared with the previous iteration, there isn’t much that isn’t available on the previous 2021 model, and the design is exactly the same, too. If the additional features are important to you and you’ve got money to spend, but don’t want to go for the top-tablet, this could be the one for you. If you’re okay with not having the latest features, though, you could save money by grabbing the 2021 iPad Pro instead.
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil USB-C
Reasons to buy
+
Incredible camera
+
Still speedy M1 chip
+
Gorgeous graphics
Reasons to avoid
–
Doesn’t support Apple Pencil Pro
Not long ago, this was the flagship iPad. It had the most computing power available in an Apple tablet, the finest display, and the fastest user experience – as confirmed by our testing. Though it’s been superseeded not once but twice, the 5th-generation iPad Pro is still a beast of a tablet.
Its eight-core M1 processor is laptop-grade, so it loads apps in the blink of an eye. Want to edit 4K video on a tablet? It’ll handle that with ease. It supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, as well as eSIM, and offers global 5G coverage with speeds going up to 4GBps. It also comes in two sizes (an 11-inch model and a 12.9-inch version), giving you great options for screen real estate. In short, this is an intensely powerful tablet.
With the best iPad camera you can get and clever extra features like Center Stage (which keeps you centered in the frame during video calls), it’s a superb iPad for just about everything. It works with Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil USB-C, though not the new Apple Pencil Pro (which provides a more adaptable drawing experience).
Of course, all this comes at a cost (though less of a cost than the newer models). This is not a cheap tablet, and if you don’t need all that power we’ve detailed above, then there are definitely cheaper options that will suit you better. Still, if you want a brilliant iPad for a little less than the M2 iPad Pro, this is a great choice.
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil USB-C, Apple Pencil Pro
Reasons to buy
+
Powerful M2 chip
+
Now in two sizes
+
Supports Apple Pencil Pro
Reasons to avoid
–
Not as light as the new iPad Pro
–
Doesn’t work with new Magic Keyboard
The iPad Air M2 (2024) was announced in May 2024. Perhaps the biggest change with this model is that it’s now available in two sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch (just like the iPad Pro). That will make it a much more appealing proposition for artists or those who want a big screen, but don’t want to go all out and buy the Pro.
It also offers an improved M2 chip, again, bringing it more in line with recent iPad Pros and supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which will be a boon for artists. Its Liquid Retina display displays colours beautifully and it offers storage up to 1TB (the new Pros offer 2TB). Our reviewer found that it coped remarkably well in 2D drawing apps (the only slight niggle being that only six layers were available in Procreate at higher screen resolutions). With 3D work, it worked fine with million of polygons but there was a lag in performance when heavy rendering, so the Pro may be preferable for 3D artists. Import and export speeds in LumaFusion were not as speedy as the M4 iPad Pro, but that is to be expected because of the M4’s superior chip.
Overall, it feels like it’s giving the Pros a run for a money for all but the most demanding tasks, and speaking of money, its starting price is cheaper than previous Airs. What’s not to like?
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil USB-C
Reasons to buy
+
Very powerful
+
Great screen for accuracy
+
Sleek, portable design
Reasons to avoid
–
Screen is 60Hz, no HDR
–
No 3.5mm jack
Released in April 2022, this iPad Air made the tablet more pro-like, giving it the same M1 processor as the 2021 iPad Pros. When we reviewed it, we found that the chip combined with a superb 1640 x 2360 Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen means the iPad Air is now well and truly an iPad Pro-lite at a more affordable price, although prices can be very similar.
Without the larger option of the new iPad Air, it’s also more portable than the 13-inch iPads, making it a very versatile device for word processing, digital sketching, gaming, messaging and lots more. It also comes in five attractive colour options. Note that the 64GB storage offered in the base device is rather small, so you’ll probably want to go for the 256GB version if you’re handling a lot of media.
One of best tablets on the market for the balance of price and specs
Our expert review:
Specifications
Screen size: 10.9in
Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip
Storage options : 64GB, 256GB
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil USB-C
Reasons to buy
+
All-screen display
+
Fast performance
+
All-day battery – still!
Reasons to avoid
–
Lagging behind newer models
Despite the release of the newer iPad Airs, the 4th-generation model from 2020 is still a fine tablet. It is fitted with the A14 Bionic, which doesn’t have the power of the ‘M’ chips but still works very speedily. It works with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically charges by snapping to the edge of the iPad, or the cheaper USB-C Pencil (which you have to charge via a cable). It also supports the Magic Keyboard case with trackpad.
The Home button was eliminated in this model, with Touch ID located in the power button. That allowed the bezels to be slimmed down. When we reviewed this tablet, we were impressed by the level of power and performance on offer, and appreciated how the Magic Keyboard compatibility made using it feel so different compared to what had come before.
All in all, this iPad Air is a still very decent tablet for those who want outstanding features and performance but don’t need the power – or want the cost – of the latest Air or the iPad Pros.
The 2019 iPad Air was a great piece of kit in its day, but it’s not going to be at the top of most people’s lists now that there are three newer iPad Air generations available. While there’s a chance you might still spot a good deal, this tablet is becoming less common.
We’d generally recommend the newer entry-level iPad 10.2 as the best option for those on a budget. As we mentioned in our review, with this one you have to deal with artefacts of yesteryear such as compatibility with the first-generation Apple Pencil, rather than the much-improved second version or the newer USB-C or Pro Pencils.
The latest basic iPad reminds us of a 2020 iPad Air
Our expert review:
Specifications
Screen size: 10.9in, Liquid Retina (2360×1640)
Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB, 256GB
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 1, Apple Pencil USB-C
Reasons to buy
+
Bigger, brighter screen
+
Better video calling experience
+
Enough power for complex tasks
Reasons to avoid
–
Needs Apple Pencil adapter
–
No Pencil storage
Apple released a new iPad in October 2022. The 2022 iPad confuses things somewhat, as it feels a lot like the 2020 iPad Air. It has the same A14 Bionic chip, the same screen resolution and the same 12MP rear camera, making it feel remarkably familiar.
There are a few differences, though. It works with a relatively new Magic Keyboard Folio, offers 5G instead of 4G, and uses the 1st-generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil USB-C but not the 2nd-generation version. Oh, and the camera is now positioned in the middle of the landscape side of the body, which is better for video calls.
With these new updates, the 10th Gen iPad is $449 in the US, which is a little steep for the ‘base-level’ iPad. Our initial thoughts were that if you want to pay that much, why not look at 2020’s iPad Air and be able to use the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil? Or seek out an amazing deal on 2021’s iPad (below) and you’ve still got a cracking tablet.
However, when going hands-on, our reviewer loved the tablet’s bigger, brighter screen and the amount of power available for complex tasks. The lack of 2nd-generation Apple Pencil support is annoying, but the tablet feels luxurious and runs Procreate like a dream. Find out more in our iPad 2022 review.
A great affordable iPad that will serve most people fine
Our expert review:
Specifications
Screen size: 10.2in
Processor: Apple A13 Bionic chip
Storage : 64GB, 256GB
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 1
Reasons to buy
+
Great screen
+
Good storage options
Reasons to avoid
–
No USB-C or Apple Pencil 2 support
–
Mediocre rear camera
The 9th Gen edition of the entry-level iPad went on sale in 2021. The first thing we noticed that set it apart from the previous version is its storage capacity, as you get more space for all your media, games, photos and more compared to previous versions.
There are more differences between this and the preceding 8th-generation model inside. While it looks almost identical to 2020’s iteration, the 2021 model boasts Apple’s TrueTone tech, allowing the screen to adjust to ambient lighting wherever you are. The camera is also upgraded, growing to 12MP with Apple’s Center Stage features, first seen on the 2020 iPad Pro. We would have loved it to have had Apple Pencil 2 compatibility, but otherwise, rated this tablet highly as a budget drawing tablet.
Other than that, the 2021 model has the same 10.2in 1620×2160 LCD screen as the 8th-generation version, with a maximum 500 nits of brightness, which will be just fine for most users. At this price, it’s a great tablet for general use.
An affordable iPad that still packs plenty of power
Our expert review:
Specifications
Screen size: 10.2in
Processor: Apple A12 Bionic chip
Storage : 32GB, 128GB
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 1
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent software
+
Apple Pencil apps are great
+
Impressive battery life
Reasons to avoid
–
Unoriginal design
–
32GB storage is paltry
This is the previous iPad generation for those who want a quality tablet at a very good price. It’s since been superseded by the 2021 and 2022 models, but this could be a good buy if you find it on sale since it still offers everything you need for the core iPad experience. That includes Apple Pencil support (see here for Apple Pencil alternatives), a powerful processor and a great Retina display. So if you spot a discount that makes it cheaper than the 2021 version, it’s still a tempting buy.
The 10.2in screen size puts this model in the Goldilocks zone between the bite-sized iPad mini and the large-scale 12.9in iPad Pro, making it ideal for media consumption without it becoming unwieldy. To our eyes, it has started to look a little outdated with its chunky bezels and Home button, but there’s no doubting its capabilities.
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil USB-C
Reasons to buy
+
Bigger screen, still sharp
+
Apple Pencil 2 support
+
Powerful & flexible
Reasons to avoid
–
No ProMotion screen
–
No 3.5mm jack
The iPad mini hasn’t had any love for a while in terms of new releases, but it got a pretty big upgrade in its September 2021 release. It’s still very portable, but it was been bumped up to 8.3 inches across (up from 7.9 inches). It also boasts a Liquid Retina display with a 2266×1488 resolution at 326 pixels per inch.
That’s not all. It comes with an A15 Bionic chip, a USB-C port (at last), and with 5G connectivity, we feel that it’s now more on par with the iPad Air. Added to that, it now supports the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, making it a good choice for creatives on the move.
As with the 2021 iPad, the rear camera got upgraded to a 12MP snapper (which is able to record in 4K). The front camera also maxes out at 12MP, but comes with an ultra-wide lens and the Centre Stage feature the higher-end iPads now sport. Read more in our full iPad mini (6th gen) review.
The perfect size and price for an iPad to use on the move
Our expert review:
Specifications
Display size: 7.9in
Processor: Apple A12 Bionic chip
Storage options : 64GB, 256GB
Apple Pencil compatibility: Apple Pencil 1
Reasons to buy
+
Super portable
+
Runs advanced illustration tools
+
Fully laminated model
+
Affordable
Reasons to avoid
–
Smaller screen area
–
Only Apple Pencil 1
Finishing off our iPad generations list is the 5th-generation iPad mini. Like the 6th-generation iPad mini, it’s an ideal tablet if you find most iPads are too big for your needs. It’s lightweight and its 7.9-inch display makes it easy to pop into a bag to take on your travels.
Think of this tablet as a more capable Kindle or Kobo for reading or watching content on the go, although it has Apple’s A12 Bionic chip so its performance is by no means weak. It doesn’t work with any of Apple’s keyboard cases, and unlike the newer 6th-generation iPad mini, it’s only compatible with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil.
Having said that, we loved this device when we reviewed it on its release, and it remains a good option if you want to look out for a bargain rather than pay the full price of the newer model (if you can find it that is, because few retailers have new models in stock nowadays). Find out more with our iPad mini (5th generation) review.
The latest generations of each iPad model are as follows:
– iPad Pro M4: (2024)
– iPad Air M2: (2024)
– iPad: 10th generation (2022)
– iPad mini: 6th generation (2021)
Which iPad series is best?
The iPad Pro (M4, 2024) is the best iPad overall. Coming in 11in and 12.9in versions, this is the iPad generation that currently offers the best specs in terms of sheer power and capability.
That said, such a powerful tablet will be overkill for many people, and unless you’re planning to use demanding apps, you probably don’t need to spend that much money on a tablet.
The older iPad Pro (M2, 2022) and the new iPad Air (M2, 2024) comes very close to the iPad Pro for performance while being more affordable. They now both come in an 11-inch version too, which can be a benefit in terms of portability since some people find the iPad Pro too large for use on public transport for example – in fact, many designers actually prefer to use the iPad mini when they’re working remotely since it’s so portable and easy to use on the go.
As for value, the best iPad is probably still the ‘standard’ iPad, although there’s nothing standard about the 10th generation (2022) of this 10.2 tablet. It’s very affordable and still offers a superb experience.
Apple wants you to buy its latest iPads, and there are some good reasons to go along with it. Unlike with the products from many other brands, the price of Apple products doesn’t tend to drop hugely even a long time after release. The latest iPad generations tend to go on sale at a very similar price to the generation before, and they tend to retain that price throughout their life.
You may find an older iPad at a cheaper price in a sale, but the latest model offers such a boost in performance that we’d generally recommend paying a couple hundred dollars more to get more longevity from your device.
Having said that, the previous iPads models are still great tablets, and many users won’t notice the small differences in loading times. Ultimately, if you want an iPad to use for several years before you next upgrade, it probably makes sense to get the most recent iPad generation. But if budget is the primary factor in your decision making, going back one, or even two, iterations makes total sense if you spot a particularly good deal.
Apple announced its Apple Pencil stylus alongside the first iPad Pro back in 2015. The firm since released a second generation of the Apple Pencil with magnetic charging and tap controls. More recently, in October 2023, Apple brought out a cheaper USB-C edition of the Apple Pencil and the latest Apple Pencil is the Apple Pencil Pro, released in May 2024. Compatibility for each one is as follows:
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) aka Apple Pencil 1: iPad mini (5th generation), iPad (6th, 7th, 8th and 9th generation), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) aka Apple Pencil 2: iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (all generations)
Apple Pencil (USB-C): iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2),iPad (10th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (all generations), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later).
Apple Pencil Pro: iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2)
Bear in mind that in some cases, an adapter may be required to ensure Pencil compatibility.
Since all iPads look pretty alike, it can be confusing to figure out which one you have, especially if you were gifted one second-hand. A reliable way to check is find your iPad’s model number – you can do this either by looking on the back, or by navigating to ‘Settings’, then ‘General’, then ‘About’. The model number should be listed near the top.
What does ‘generation’ mean for iPads?
Generations are very simply just the way Apple keeps track of different iterations of the same model. Or they were until recently, as the new iPad Pro and Air are identified by the chip and just called iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2). Previously, iPads were referred to as ‘generations’, in the case of the iPad Air, the iPad Air (M2) is the newest, followed by 5th Gen, and 1st Gen is the oldest.
To choose the right iPad generation for you, you need to consider what you want to use the tablet for. In terms of raw specs, the latest iPad generation (currently the 2024 range), is always going to be the most up-to-date, although how powerful the device is will depend on which particular model you look at since the Pro devices from the previous generation will still be more powerful than the standard device in the newest generation.
If you’re only looking for a tablet to use for general internet browsing, checking emails and docs, and watching entertainment, you really don’t need an iPad from the latest generation, and you might want to save money by going for an earlier model. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful device for work, you’ll probably want to consider the latest or at least the second-to-latest generation.
If you want an iPad for drawing, then you’ll want Apple Pencil support, and ideally the Apple Pencil Pro, with its fancy new haptic feedback features or the older but still brilliant Apple Pencil 2, which attached magnetically to your iPad and charges there. The Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the latest iPad Pros (M3) and iPad Airs (M2). If you want the Pencil 2 that means going for at least the 4th generation iPad Air (2020), first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro (2018), third-generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) or later. There’s also the Apple Pencil USB-C, which is cheaper but doesn’t charge magnetically. That’s compatible with most newer iPads, and then there’s the Apple Pencil 1, which is compatible with older iPads.
How we test iPad generations
We test and review all the latest Apple products here at Creative Bloq, as well as tablets from other companies, so you can trust our guide is objective and unbiassed. Our testers are experts in their field and have years of experience reviewing iPad and other tablets. (For more on this, see How we test and review on Creative Bloq.)
We spend several weeks testing each iPad on a range of different tasks, ranging from general productivity and entertainment to creative work such as photo and video editing. We’ll test each iPad’s capabilities as a drawing tablet, using the Apple Pencil that fits with the tablet’s compatibility. And we’ll compare each tablet in terms of screen size and resolution, RAM size and storage size, how long the battery lasts, and whether it offers value for money overall. You’ll find links to our full in-depth reviews in the entries above.
Latest Pro
Latest Air
Latest iPad
Previous Pro
Previous Air
Affordable iPad
