Apple sells six iPads across four product lines in early 2026, ranging from the $349 iPad (A16) to the $1,299+ iPad Pro 13-inch (M5). The best iPad for most people is the 11-inch iPad Air (M3) at $599 — it delivers M-series performance, Apple Pencil Pro support, and a bright Liquid Retina display without the Pro price tag. Multiple review outlets including Tom's Guide, Macworld, and Wirecutter name it their top overall recommendation. [src1, src2, src3]
The iPad lineup has never been wider or more confusing. The base iPad (A16) now supports Apple Intelligence and starts at just $349, making it the clear entry-level choice. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) remains the only compact option at 8.3 inches and $499. The iPad Air (M3) occupies the sweet spot with its M-series chip in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. And the iPad Pro (M5) represents the absolute pinnacle with its Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, M5 chip, and Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectivity — but starting at $999, it is more than most people need. [src1, src2, src4, src5]
Every current iPad now supports Apple Intelligence, which was a key differentiator when the A16-equipped base model launched in March 2025. All models use USB-C, support the latest iPadOS, and offer at least 128 GB of base storage. The main decision factors are screen size, display technology (LCD vs OLED), chip performance tier, Apple Pencil compatibility, and budget. [src2, src3, src7]
| Model | Price | Display | Chip | Storage | Apple Pencil | Keyboard | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 11" (M3) | $599 | 11" Liquid Retina LCD, 500 nits | M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | 128 GB – 1 TB | Pro, USB-C | Magic Keyboard | Best for most people | Check price |
| iPad Air 13" (M3) | $799 | 13" Liquid Retina LCD, 600 nits | M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | 128 GB – 1 TB | Pro, USB-C | Magic Keyboard | Best large-screen value | Check price |
| iPad Pro 11" (M5) | $999 | 11" Ultra Retina XDR OLED, 120 Hz | M5 (9/10-core CPU) | 256 GB – 2 TB | Pro | Magic Keyboard | Best for professionals | Check price |
| iPad Pro 13" (M5) | $1,299 | 13" Ultra Retina XDR OLED, 120 Hz | M5 (9/10-core CPU) | 256 GB – 2 TB | Pro | Magic Keyboard | Best for creative pros | Check price |
| iPad 11th Gen (A16) | $349 | 10.9" Liquid Retina LCD, 500 nits | A16 Bionic (6-core) | 128 GB – 512 GB | USB-C | Magic Keyboard Folio | Best budget iPad | Check price |
| iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro) | $499 | 8.3" Liquid Retina LCD, 500 nits | A17 Pro (6-core) | 128 GB – 512 GB | Pro, USB-C | Bluetooth only | Best portable iPad | Check price |
The consensus pick across nearly every major review outlet. The M3 chip handles demanding apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and triple-A games (Resident Evil 4, Assassin's Creed Mirage) without breaking a sweat. It supports Apple Pencil Pro with haptic feedback and barrel roll, and works with the Magic Keyboard for laptop-like productivity. At $599, it costs $400 less than the iPad Pro 11-inch while delivering 80-90% of the experience. [src1, src2, src6]
The most affordable iPad and the one Wirecutter recommends as the best tablet for most people. The A16 chip (the same processor from iPhone 15) supports Apple Intelligence, making this the cheapest way into Apple's AI features. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp at 2360x1640. Base storage is 128 GB (up from the previous 64 GB), and it supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard Folio. Ideal for streaming, web browsing, schoolwork, note-taking, and casual gaming. [src3, src4, src5]
The M5 chip delivers workstation-class performance with up to 45% faster GPU than the M4. The Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion (10-120 Hz adaptive refresh) produces 1,000 nits sustained brightness and 1,600 nits HDR peak, making it the best mobile display for photo and video editing. Supports Thunderbolt/USB 4 for external monitors and fast storage. The 1 TB and 2 TB models include 16 GB RAM (vs 12 GB base). Optional nano-texture glass reduces glare. Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1 networking chip. [src1, src5, src7]
The largest iPad with the same M5 power as the 11-inch Pro but on a stunning 13-inch OLED canvas. At just 5.8 mm thin and 682 g, it is remarkably portable for its size. The extra screen real estate makes Split View and Stage Manager multitasking genuinely productive. Best for illustrators, architects, video editors, and anyone who wants a near-laptop replacement. The 13-inch iPad Air (M3) at $799 is the more affordable large-screen alternative if OLED and ProMotion are not essential. [src2, src4, src7]
The M3 chip will stay relevant throughout a four-year degree. Apple Pencil Pro support makes it excellent for handwritten notes in apps like GoodNotes and Notability, and the Magic Keyboard turns it into a capable essay-writing machine. For students on a tighter budget, the iPad (A16) at $349 handles note-taking, research, and textbook reading just as well — it simply lacks the M-series multitasking power and Apple Pencil Pro support. [src1, src2, src6]
The only sub-9-inch iPad, weighing just 293 g (Wi-Fi). The A17 Pro chip (from iPhone 15 Pro) delivers strong single-core performance and supports Apple Intelligence. The 8.3-inch display is ideal for reading, field reference, cockpit use, and one-handed operation. It supports Apple Pencil Pro for annotation and sketching. The main limitations: no keyboard case option (Bluetooth keyboards only) and a higher $499 starting price than the larger base iPad. [src1, src2, src4]
If you want a 13-inch iPad without paying $1,299 for the Pro, the Air 13-inch is the clear choice. It shares the M3 chip and Apple Pencil Pro support with its 11-inch sibling, but adds a 600-nit display (vs 500 nits on the 11-inch) and significantly more workspace. At $500 less than the 13-inch iPad Pro, the trade-off is an LCD (not OLED) display and a 60 Hz (not 120 Hz) refresh rate. For most tasks — document editing, illustration, media consumption — that trade-off is worth it. [src2, src6]
→ iPad 11th Gen (A16) at $349. The only iPad under $400. Supports Apple Intelligence, 128 GB base storage, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Magic Keyboard Folio. Wirecutter's top pick for most people. [src3, src5]
→ iPad Air 11-inch (M3) at $599. Best value in the lineup: M3 chip, Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, 80-90% of Pro performance at 60% of the price. Consensus pick across all review outlets. [src1, src2, src6]
→ Prioritize display quality and Thunderbolt over raw chip speed. iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) at $999 for the Ultra Retina XDR OLED display (1,000 nits sustained, 120 Hz ProMotion) and Thunderbolt/USB 4 for external monitors. The M3 Air handles most creative apps, but the OLED display makes a visible difference for color-critical work. [src1, src7]
→ iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) at $1,299 if budget allows, or iPad Air 13-inch (M3) at $799 for the same screen size without OLED and ProMotion. The 13-inch form factor makes Stage Manager multitasking and Split View genuinely productive. [src2, src4]
→ iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro) at $499. The only sub-9-inch option at 293 g. Ideal for reading, field reference, and travel. No keyboard case option — Bluetooth only. [src1, src2]
→ iPad Air 11-inch (M3) if budget allows ($599) — Apple Pencil Pro and M3 will stay relevant for 4+ years. iPad (A16) at $349 if budget is tight — handles note-taking and research just as well but lacks Pencil Pro and M-series multitasking power. [src2, src6]
→ iPad Air 11-inch (M3) at $599. Best all-rounder when requirements are unknown. M-series performance, Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard support, and the best price-to-performance ratio in the lineup. [src1, src2, src3]