Apple has consistently set the standard in the tablet industry with its iPad lineup, offering powerful performance, sleek designs, and an intuitive ecosystem that’s hard to beat. With the rapid evolution of technology, choosing the right iPad can be overwhelming, especially with multiple models catering to different needs and price points. Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or casual user, there’s likely an iPad perfectly suited for you.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the most noteworthy iPads available in 2025, analyzing their key features, pros and cons, and ideal use cases.
1. iPad Pro (2024, M4 Chip – 11-inch and 13-inch)
The latest iPad Pro, refreshed in 2024, features Apple’s blazing-fast M4 chip and is available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants. It is by far the most powerful iPad Apple has ever made, blurring the lines between tablet and laptop.
Key Features:
- M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display with up to 1600 nits peak HDR brightness
- Up to 2TB of storage and 16GB of RAM
- New Apple Pencil Pro support with haptic feedback
- Magic Keyboard with floating design
- 5G and Wi-Fi 6E support
Pros:
- Unmatched performance for professional workflows
- Superior display quality for creatives
- Lightweight and thin, despite being extremely powerful
- Excellent for multitasking, video editing, and gaming
Cons:
- Expensive, especially with accessories
- Overkill for casual users
- iPadOS still has some limitations compared to macOS
Best For:
Designers, video editors, developers, and professionals seeking a laptop replacement.
2. iPad Air (2024, M2 Chip – 11-inch and 13-inch)
The 2024 iPad Air refresh brought significant changes, including a new 13-inch model and the M2 chip. This makes it an excellent middle-ground between the entry-level iPad and the powerful iPad Pro.
Key Features:
- M2 chip for fast performance and efficiency
- Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Pencil Pro support
- USB-C port with faster transfer speeds
- Available in fun colors like Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray
Pros:
- High performance at a lower price than the Pro
- New larger screen option great for productivity
- Sleek, modern design
- Compatible with Magic Keyboard
Cons:
- No 120Hz ProMotion display
- Less powerful GPU compared to iPad Pro
- Still relatively pricey with accessories
Best For:
Students, remote workers, and creatives who want power without the Pro price tag.
3. iPad (10th Generation, 2022 – Entry-Level iPad)
The 10th-gen iPad is Apple’s most budget-friendly full-screen iPad, and it still holds up well in 2025. It delivers solid performance for everyday tasks while maintaining the signature Apple design and user experience.
Key Features:
- A14 Bionic chip
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
- USB-C charging port
- Touch ID on the top button
- Center Stage front-facing camera
- Support for Apple Pencil (1st Gen) via USB-C adapter
Pros:
- Affordable and reliable
- Great for web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity
- Improved front-facing camera placement (landscape)
- Still supported by iPadOS updates
Cons:
- Not compatible with the newer Apple Pencil models
- Lacks laminated display and wide color gamut
- Not ideal for heavy multitasking
Best For:
Casual users, families, and students on a budget.
4. iPad Mini (6th Generation, 2021)
Though not updated since 2021, the iPad Mini continues to be a favorite among users who want portability without sacrificing performance. Its compact size and powerful A15 chip make it a unique offering in the iPad lineup.
Key Features:
- A15 Bionic chip
- 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
- Touch ID in the top button
- USB-C charging
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support
Pros:
- Extremely portable and light
- Great performance in a small package
- Ideal for note-taking and reading
- Long battery life
Cons:
- No Smart Connector for keyboard accessories
- Display is smaller for productivity tasks
- Still lacks ProMotion display
Best For:
Frequent travelers, pilots, kids, and readers who need a powerful but compact device.
5. iPad Pro (2022, M2 Chip – Now More Affordable)
Although the 2024 iPad Pro has taken center stage, the 2022 model with the M2 chip is still a beast and more affordable now due to the release of its successor. It’s an attractive option for power users who want top-tier performance at a slightly lower price.
Key Features:
- M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina (XDR for 12.9-inch)
- ProMotion 120Hz display
- Apple Pencil hover feature
- Face ID and 5G connectivity
Pros:
- Excellent performance for creative apps and multitasking
- Beautiful display, especially the XDR version
- Cheaper now compared to the newer M4 models
- Compatible with existing Pro accessories
Cons:
- Still pricey, especially with accessories
- Less future-proof than M4 iPads
- Not a huge leap over M1 for some users
Best For:
Creative professionals and productivity-focused users looking for a high-end iPad without paying M4-level prices.
Conclusion: Which iPad Is Right for You?
Choosing the right iPad depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a quick guide:
- For ultimate power and future-proofing: Go for the iPad Pro (2024, M4).
- For excellent performance at a reasonable price: Choose the iPad Air (2024, M2).
- For a solid budget option: The iPad 10th Gen is more than capable for everyday use.
- For portability and on-the-go convenience: The iPad Mini is unmatched.
- For high-end power at a discounted price: The iPad Pro (2022, M2) remains a great choice.
With Apple’s continued focus on performance and ecosystem integration, all of these iPads offer strong support for accessories, multitasking, and productivity. No matter which one you choose, you’re getting a tablet that leads the industry in hardware, software, and user satisfaction.