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If you want a tablet, whether it’s for casual use or productivity, your best choice is the iPad. 10 years after its introduction, Apple‘s tablet is still the gold standard; its only competition is Amazon’s Fire Tablet line. Originally there was only one type of iPad, but Apple has expanded the line to include iPad models that are suited for particular types of tasks.
There are many reasons iPads remain dominant: They run iOS, the same operating system Apple designed for the iPhones, they’re made out of premium materials (aluminum and glass), and their hardware is built to last several years.
If you’ve been considering an iPad, whether it’s for recreational use, or to replace your current computer, this guide breaks down the three models, namely the iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad Mini, you should consider. There’s no wrong choice, but we’ll help you pick the one that suits your needs best.
What Is the Best iPad?
Here are a few things to look for when shopping for the best iPad online.
Screen Size: The biggest difference between iPad models is the size of their screen, which ranges from 8.3-inches to 12.9-inches. All of them have similar pixel densities (except from the iPad Mini which clocks in at 326 pixels per inch), so text, images, and videos will look sharp regardless of which one you choose. Bigger screens are better if you plan on watching a lot of media, or running productivity apps like audio or video editors. Smaller screens are better if you want a more portable tablet for web browsing or reading.
Storage: If you plan on downloading a lot of media or apps, you’ll want to get a tablet with a lot of storage. Some tablets let you upgrade their storage down the line, but that’s not always the case. All of the tablets we’re recommending have at least 16GB (gigabytes) of storage, which is enough to hold thousands of songs, dozens of apps, and at least 10 hours of full HD video.
Operating System: All of the iPads in this guide can run the latest version of iOS, the operating system Apple designed for its smartphones and tablets. They also support iOS 14, the next version of the operating system slated to be released later this year.
Battery Life: Apple says every model of iPad gets 10 hours of battery life per charge, but the amount you actually get will vary based on the apps you use, your screen brightness, and your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
Cellular: Every iPad in our guide can connect to the internet using Wi-Fi, and to accessories like wireless headphones over Bluetooth, but you also have the option to pop in a SIM card and connect to a cellular network. If you choose this option, you’ll be able to use the internet from anywhere you get cellular service, just like your smartphone. This feature requires you to have an active data plan for your iPad, which will cost about $30 a month.
