Best iPad? Which iPad Should You Choose?

If you’re shopping for a new iPad it can be hard to know where to start. The iPad family of tablets has steadily expanded over the years. And Apple’s current line-up spans a range of different models. In addition, there’s various configurations and accessories available for each model, which will have a strong bearing on the final price tag of your chosen device. With this in mind, it’s certainly worthwhile weighing up your requirements prior to purchase.

Be it an iPad for general use, something for the kids or a professional tool to use for work, it’s important to narrow down a selection of suitable models. Then you need to determine your budget. Depending on your requirements, this process could also reveal the potential for significant savings.

In the following guide, we take a look at:

• Apple’s current line-up of iPad models
• How much they cost
• Key features to keep an eye out for
• What to keep in mind when deciding which iPad is best for you

What iPad models are available and how much do they cost?

First things first. What iPad models are currently available and how much do they cost? Below, we run through Apple’s most recently released iPads (listed via its website), and the minimum cost you’ll be looking at to pick one up.

Keep in mind that different configurations (such as storage size and mobile connectivity) will have an impact on the final price (we’ll look at this in further detail in following section).

• iPad (9^th generation) – as described by Apple, this is the “most affordable iPad”. Sporting a 10.2-inch display, it arrived to market in September 2021. Price from $649
• iPad (10^th generation) – the iPad (10^th generation) is the successor to the iPad (9^th generation). Apple launched the 10.9-inch display model in October last year. Price from $899
• iPad mini – as the name suggests, the iPad mini is a smaller iPad. Apple brought its latest 8.3-inch display model to market in September 2021. Price from $999
• iPad Air – the iPad Air has been a staple of Apple’s iPad line-up for a number of years. Its latest 10.9-inch display model was introduced in March last year. Price from $1199
• iPad Pro – the iPad Pro is Apple’s largest model iPad, sporting either an 11-inch or 12.9-inch display. Apple released its latest models in October last year. Price from $1649

iPad features: what to look for when weighing up your needs

When weighing up what you require from an iPad, it’s worthwhile running through some of the key features on offer. From screen size to storage, ticking off your requirements will help to narrow down suitable models and frame a budget.

Of course, each new generation of iPad arrives to market sporting a range of upgrades, so it will be worthwhile comparing the specs on offer from one model to the next (along with Android tablets if you’re open to other tablet types).

Screen size

Is it a case of the larger the better, or are you looking for something more portable? The iPad mini stands out as a smaller portable model, while the iPad Pro provides a couple of options at the larger end of the scale.

The current generation of iPad models measure in at:

• iPad (9th generation) – a 10.2-inch Retina display (2160 x 1620; 264 PPI)
• iPad (10th generation) – a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1,640; 264 PPI)
• iPad mini – an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2266 x 1488; 326 PPI)
• iPad Air – a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640; 264 PPI)
• iPad Pro – an 11-inch Liquid Retina display (2388 x 1668; 264 PPI), or a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (2732 x 2048; 264 PPI)

Apple advises that the Retina display pixel density is so high your eyes can’t detect individual pixels at a normal viewing distance. Liquid Retina, meanwhile, takes it to the next level, incorporating liquid crystal display technology.

Storage

Many iPads have a choice of 64 and 256GB internal storage capacities. The iPad Pro offers 128, 256 and 512GB, and 1 and 2TB options. When deciding what you require, keep in mind that iPads do not have expandable memory (you can’t slot in an external memory card).

So you’ll want to get your storage requirements sorted from the get-go. However, also be aware that opting for a model with a greater internal storage capacity will typically add hundreds of dollars to the final price tag.

Processor

The faster the better, right? All recent model iPads sport comparatively fast processors (as far as tablets are concerned). However if you’re planning on really putting your iPad through its paces, it will be worthwhile paying attention to processor specs.

For instance, if you’ll be using your iPad for work purposes, and plan on both heavy multitasking and running data-intensive applications, you should do your research on the optimal processor specs required for your purposes.

Connectivity

Most recent iPad models offer wi-fi 6 connectivity (the iPad [9th generation] is the one model in the current line-up that uses wi-fi 5), which, when paired with a compatible router, paves the way for a streamlined online experience.

However, if you’re also keen on mobile connectivity, you’ll need to be prepared to pay extra. Wi-fi + cellular models typically cost $250-$300 more than wi-fi models (4G for the iPad [9th generation] and 5G for the other listed models).

Camera

Most smartphones come with some sort of camera set-up, and are a convenient option when it comes to taking a quick snap. Cameras might not be your first consideration when iPad shopping, however the line-up does provide some excellent options.

Just keep in mind how much use you will be getting out of your iPad’s camera, and whether it will be your device of choice when it comes to capturing photos.

Accessories

Accessories are another area that have the potential to add significantly to the overall price tag of your iPad. Again, it’s important to consider what you’ll be using your iPad for.

The following are some accessories for the current generation of iPads (you’ll need to confirm compatibility with particular models):

• Apple Pencil (2nd generation) – from $279
• Apple Pencil (1st generation) – from $199
• Magic Keyboard – from $619
• Magic Keyboard Folio – from $529
• Smart Keyboard Folio – from $389
• Smart Keyboard – from $319

Of course, there is also an ever-evolving range of third-party accessories available for Apple’s iPad line-up, and it may well be worthwhile shopping around for different options.

What’s best for you?

For many, a new iPad will be a medium- to long-term purchase. Tablets generally aren’t replaced as often as smartphones, and you may well plan on getting a minimum of five years of good use out of an iPad.

With this in mind, it will be worthwhile carefully weighing up your options and assessing what will provide you value over the longer term.

It’s likely you won’t be using your iPad for all of your computing needs, so focus on what you will specifically be using it for and the role it will play among your wider ecosystem of devices.

When it comes to options such as greater storage, or mobile connectivity (which can significantly add to the price tag), weigh up both the usefulness of each option and the value delivered in the long run.

Depending on your requirements, it may also be worthwhile considering purchasing an older/used iPad. You should be able to find older/used models at substantially reduced prices. However you should, of course, keep in mind the wear and tear that comes with age and use.

NB: Further information on pricing can be found at individual retailer websites. Prices should be used as a guide and not considered actual quotes.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar author Martin Kovacs. Martin is a freelance writer with experience covering the business, consumer technology and utilities sectors. Martin has written about a wide range of topics across both print and digital publications, including the manner in which industry continues to adapt and evolve amid the rollout of new technologies