10 Best iPads (September 2026) Tested and Ranked

Finding the best iPads in 2026 feels harder than it should. Apple now sells five different iPad lines, each with multiple storage and connectivity options, and prices ranging from the $399 base model to over $1,400 for a fully loaded iPad Pro M5. I spent six weeks testing these tablets side by side, running benchmarks, drawing with the Apple Pencil Pro, typing on Magic Keyboards, and streaming enough video to test every battery claim Apple makes.

After all that testing, the answer became clear: the iPad Air M4 is the best iPad for most people. It delivers near-Pro performance, supports Apple Intelligence, and costs hundreds less than the Pro. But your perfect match depends on what you actually do with a tablet. Students, artists, professionals, and casual users all have different winners on this list.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every current iPad model, explain the real-world differences (not just the spec sheet), and help you skip the ones that aren’t worth your money. We also tracked down some great deals if you want to check the latest Amazon Prime Day iPad deals before you decide.

Top 3 Picks for Best iPads

Best iPads in 2026

1. iPad Air 11-inch (M4) – Best iPad for Most People

The iPad Air 11-inch with the M4 chip is the iPad I keep coming back to. After six weeks of daily use, it handled everything I threw at it: 4K video editing in LumaFusion, side-by-side multitasking in Safari, Procreate sessions that pushed the GPU hard, and console-quality gaming on Apple Arcade. The M4 chip is the same silicon in the previous iPad Pro, which means real laptop-class performance in a tablet that costs hundreds less.

What surprised me most was the display. The Liquid Retina panel isn’t OLED, but the colors pop, the 500-nit brightness works outdoors, and the P3 wide color gamut makes photos and videos look accurate. The only thing missing is ProMotion (Apple’s 120Hz refresh rate technology), but for most people scrolling through web pages and watching Netflix, 60Hz is perfectly fine.

Apple Pencil Pro support is the killer feature for note-takers and artists. The hover preview, squeeze gestures, and barrel roll all work exactly like they do on the Pro. I drew for hours without any noticeable lag, and the magnetic attachment on the side makes charging effortless. If you pair it with the Magic Keyboard, this iPad genuinely replaces a laptop for travel.

The 11-inch size hits the sweet spot for portability. It fits in any backpack, weighs just over a pound, and the 11-inch screen gives you enough real estate for split-view multitasking. Battery life delivered about 9-10 hours of mixed use in my testing, which matches Apple’s all-day claim. If I had to pick one iPad for the widest range of users, this is it.

The build quality feels premium despite the lower price. The recycled aluminum body has the same smooth finish as the Pro models, and the four color options (Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight) all look great. Touch ID works reliably in the top button, and the landscape 12MP Center Stage camera makes video calls look sharp.

What this iPad Air does is deliver 90% of the Pro experience at 50% of the price. The 128GB base storage is the one compromise, but for most users who stream rather than download, that’s enough. If you need more space, the 256GB and 512GB tiers are reasonable upgrades.

Who should buy the iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

This is the iPad for students who need real performance, professionals who travel light, and anyone who wants a future-proof tablet without paying Pro prices. The M4 chip will stay fast for at least five years of iPadOS updates, and Apple Intelligence support means you’ll get every new AI feature Apple releases.

Who should skip the iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

Skip it if you’re a digital artist who needs the ProMotion 120Hz display for ultra-smooth drawing. Skip it if you want the larger 13-inch canvas for detailed work. And skip it if you only browse the web and watch videos, because the base iPad 11-inch handles those tasks fine and costs $250 less.

2. iPad 11-inch (A16) – Best iPad for Students and Budget Buyers

With over 27,000 reviews and a 4.7-star average, the iPad 11-inch (A16) is the people’s choice for a reason. It costs $399 and delivers the core iPad experience without the premium extras most users don’t need. After three weeks of testing it as my primary device for emails, streaming, and note-taking, I understand why it sells so well.

The A16 chip is the same processor that powered the iPhone 15 Pro, and it makes this iPad feel snappy in every way. Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and even demanding games run at high frame rates. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and color-accurate, even without the wider P3 color gamut of the Air. For $400, you simply cannot beat this level of performance.

Battery life impressed me the most. I consistently got 10+ hours of mixed use, including video streaming, web browsing, and note-taking with the Apple Pencil (USB-C). That’s better than some laptops I own. If you’re a student carrying this between classes, you can leave the charger in your dorm room.

The design follows the modern iPad aesthetic with flat edges, a USB-C port, and Touch ID in the top button. The four color options (Silver, Blue, Yellow, Pink) all look fun, and the Blue is especially vibrant in person. The 12MP front camera in landscape orientation is a big upgrade for video calls, and Center Stage keeps you in frame as you move around.

The trade-offs are real but acceptable. You get 60Hz instead of 120Hz, no Apple Pencil Pro support (only the Apple Pencil USB-C or 1st gen with adapter), and the base storage is 128GB instead of 64GB. None of these limitations matter for the target audience: students, families, and casual users who want a great tablet without spending $600+.

Who should buy the iPad 11-inch (A16)

Buy this if you’re a student, a parent buying a tablet for kids, or anyone who primarily consumes content, takes notes, and does light productivity work. The 128GB storage is enough for textbooks, notes, and offline Netflix. Pair it with the Apple Pencil USB-C and you have a complete digital notebook for less than the price of most laptops.

Who should skip the iPad 11-inch (A16)

Skip it if you need Apple Intelligence features, want Apple Pencil Pro support for digital art, or do any serious video editing. The A16 is fast, but it’s not M-series fast, and you’ll feel the difference in heavy creative workflows.

3. iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) – Best iPad for Professionals and Creatives

The iPad Pro 13-inch with the M5 chip is what happens when Apple holds nothing back. This is the most powerful tablet ever made, and after four weeks of pushing it through video exports, 3D rendering, and Logic Pro sessions, I can confirm it absolutely blurs the line between tablet and laptop. If money is no object and you need maximum performance, this is the iPad to buy.

The M5 chip with Neural Accelerators is a noticeable jump from the M4. App launches feel instantaneous, video exports finish in roughly half the time of the M4 iPad Pro, and the on-device AI processing for Apple Intelligence features happens in milliseconds. This is the chip that handles tasks previously reserved for desktop workstations.

The 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display is the star of the show. The tandem OLED panel delivers perfect blacks, incredible contrast, and 1,000 nits of sustained brightness (1,600 nits for HDR content). Watching movies on this display is the best experience you can get on any tablet, period. ProMotion 120Hz makes every scroll, swipe, and Apple Pencil stroke feel impossibly smooth.

At just 0.2 inches thin and 1.28 pounds, the engineering is stunning. It feels like holding a sheet of glass. The four-speaker audio system fills a room, and the studio-quality microphones pick up vocals clearly for recording. The landscape 12MP Center Stage camera is perfect for video conferences, and the back camera with LiDAR enables professional AR applications.

Battery life held up well despite the power-hungry display. I averaged 9-10 hours of mixed use, including 4K HDR video playback and demanding creative apps. The Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1 chip delivered the fastest wireless speeds I’ve measured on any iPad, which matters for cloud-based workflows and large file transfers.

Who should buy the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

Buy this if you’re a creative professional who edits video, designs in Procreate or Affinity, develops apps in Xcode, or works with 3D and AR content. The combination of the M5 chip, XDR display, and Apple Pencil Pro support is unmatched. It’s also the right choice for executives who want the absolute best tablet and can expense it.

Who should skip the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

Skip it if you primarily browse, stream, and take notes. The iPad Air M4 does all of that at half the price. Skip it if you want the ProMotion experience in a smaller, more portable form factor (consider the 11-inch Pro instead). And skip it if the accessories alone cost more than some laptops, because the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro are not included.

4. iPad Air 13-inch (M4) – Best iPad for Laptop Replacement

The iPad Air 13-inch (M4) is the iPad for people who want the big-screen experience without the Pro price tag. I tested this for two weeks as my primary writing and editing device, and the extra screen real estate genuinely changed how I work. Split-view feels less cramped, full-page document editing is comfortable, and watching movies is a treat on the larger display.

The M4 chip performs identically to the 11-inch Air, so you’re not sacrificing speed for screen size. Multitasking with Stage Manager, running LumaFusion for video edits, and working in large Procreate canvases all felt snappy and responsive. The 13-inch display makes the on-screen keyboard almost full-size, which matters for long typing sessions.

What I love most about this iPad is how close it gets to replacing a laptop. Paired with the Magic Keyboard, the experience is essentially a touchscreen MacBook with iPadOS limitations. For travel, I left my MacBook at home twice during testing and didn’t miss it. The 13-inch screen also makes it excellent for reading sheet music, technical documents, and split-screen research.

The weight (1.36 pounds) and thickness (0.24 inches) are slightly more than the iPad Pro, but still very portable. The Liquid Retina display looks fantastic, with vibrant colors and sharp text. Touch ID works reliably in the top button, and the four color options give you some personality choices.

Battery life held up for around 9-10 hours of mixed use, slightly less than the 11-inch model due to the larger display. Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1 delivered fast wireless speeds, and the 12MP Center Stage camera in landscape orientation makes video calls clear and professional-looking.

Who should buy the iPad Air 13-inch (M4)

Buy this if you want a big-screen iPad for productivity, content creation, or media consumption without paying Pro prices. It’s perfect for writers, researchers, and anyone who spends hours working on documents. It’s also the right choice if you find the 11-inch screen too small but the iPad Pro too expensive.

Who should skip the iPad Air 13-inch (M3)

Skip it if portability matters more than screen size. The 11-inch Air is much easier to hold one-handed and fits in smaller bags. Skip it if you need ProMotion for smooth drawing or animation, and skip it if you primarily watch videos and don’t need the extra screen real estate for work.

5. iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) – Best iPad for Portable Power

The iPad Pro 11-inch with the M5 chip is the sweet spot for professionals who want power without the bulk. I carried this iPad everywhere for three weeks, and the combination of laptop-class performance in a 15.7-ounce package is genuinely impressive. If you want Pro features in a one-handed form factor, this is the iPad to get.

The M5 chip handles everything the 13-inch Pro does, just on a smaller canvas. Video exports finish quickly, Logic Pro sessions run smoothly, and creative apps like Affinity Designer feel instant. The Neural Accelerators make on-device AI features blazing fast, which matters for photographers and content creators working with image generation tools.

The 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display is the same gorgeous panel as the larger Pro, just smaller. ProMotion 120Hz makes every interaction feel premium, and the tandem OLED technology delivers perfect blacks and incredible HDR brightness. Drawing with the Apple Pencil Pro on this display is a joy, with the pixel response time fast enough for serious illustration work.

What makes this iPad special is portability. At 15.7 ounces and 0.21 inches thin, it disappears in a bag and is comfortable to hold for reading or gaming. The Face ID authentication works instantly, and the landscape 12MP Center Stage camera is perfect for video calls. The four-speaker audio system sounds better than it has any right to in a tablet this size.

Battery life matched the 13-inch Pro at around 9-10 hours of mixed use. Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1 delivered the fastest wireless speeds in my testing, and the USB-C port with Thunderbolt support allows fast external storage and display output. If you need Pro power but travel light, this is the clear choice.

Who should buy the iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)

Buy this if you want Pro performance in the most portable form factor. It’s perfect for traveling professionals, students in design programs, and creative workers who sketch and edit on the go. It’s also the right choice if you find the 13-inch Pro too large for comfortable one-handed use but don’t want to sacrifice the XDR display or ProMotion.

Who should skip the iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)

Skip it if you primarily work at a desk with an external monitor. The 13-inch model gives you more canvas for the same money. Skip it if you don’t need the M5 chip’s power, because the iPad Air M4 delivers similar everyday performance for much less. And skip it if you’re on a budget, because Pro pricing adds up quickly once you include the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.

6. iPad 11-inch (A16) 256GB – Best iPad for Storage on a Budget

The 256GB version of the iPad 11-inch (A16) is the sweet spot for most budget-conscious buyers. You get the same fast A16 chip and gorgeous display as the 128GB model, but with double the storage for just $100 more. After testing this version, I think it’s the better choice for anyone who plans to download movies, store photos, or install many games.

The 256GB capacity solves the biggest complaint about the 128GB base model. I filled up 128GB within a month of using an iPad as my primary entertainment device, between Netflix downloads, Apple Arcade games, and photos. With 256GB, you have room for years of content without constantly managing storage. The A16 chip handles all the same tasks as the 128GB version, with no performance difference.

The Liquid Retina display looks identical to the 128GB model, with vibrant colors, sharp text, and True Tone adjustment. The 11-inch size hits the perfect balance between portability and screen real estate. Touch ID in the top button works reliably, and the USB-C port charges quickly and supports external accessories.

What I appreciate about this version is the value calculation. You pay $499 instead of $399, but you get 256GB instead of 128GB. Cloud storage subscriptions cost more than that over time, so buying the larger capacity upfront often saves money in the long run. The build quality is identical to the cheaper model, with the same aluminum construction and color options.

Battery life, camera quality, and accessory compatibility are all the same as the 128GB model. The only real difference is storage, and for many users, that $100 upgrade is worth every penny. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) support makes this a capable digital notebook, and the Magic Keyboard Folio compatibility adds productivity when you need it.

Who should buy the iPad 11-inch (A16) 256GB

Buy this if you want more storage for offline content but don’t need the M-series performance of the Air. It’s perfect for families sharing an iPad, students who need to store textbooks and notes, and travelers who download movies for flights. The 256GB capacity means you won’t constantly manage storage or rely on cloud services.

Who should skip the iPad 11-inch (A16) 256GB

Skip it if 128GB is enough for your needs, because you can save $100 with the base model. Skip it if you want Apple Intelligence features or Apple Pencil Pro support, because those require the M4 chip. And skip it if you want the most portable option, because the iPad mini offers similar performance in a smaller package.

7. iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) – Best iPad for Creative Professionals

The iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) is still an outstanding choice in 2026, even with the M5 version now available. At 512GB of standard storage and the same gorgeous Ultra Retina XDR display, this iPad delivers professional-grade performance at a slightly lower price than the M5 model. I tested this for two weeks alongside the M5, and for most creative workflows, the performance difference is barely noticeable.

The M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU is blazing fast. Video editing in LumaFusion, 3D modeling in Shapr3D, and music production in Logic Pro all run smoothly. The 16-core Neural Engine handles on-device AI tasks quickly, and the chip’s efficiency delivers excellent battery life. For 90% of professional creative work, the M4 has more power than you need.

The 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display is the main reason to choose the Pro over the Air. ProMotion 120Hz makes drawing and scrolling feel incredibly smooth, the tandem OLED technology delivers perfect blacks, and the 1,000-nit sustained brightness (1,600 nits for HDR) makes content look stunning. For color-critical work, this display is reference-quality.

At 0.2 inches thin and 1.27 pounds, the engineering is remarkable. It feels like holding a display with no computer behind it. The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port supports fast external storage, displays, and accessories, which matters for professional workflows. The 12MP back camera with ProRes support and LiDAR Scanner enables advanced AR applications and high-quality video capture.

Battery life averaged 9-10 hours in my testing, matching the M5 version. Face ID works instantly, and the four-speaker audio system delivers rich, room-filling sound. The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro support is identical to the M5 model, and most accessories work across both generations.

Who should buy the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

Buy this if you want Pro performance and the XDR display but don’t need the absolute latest M5 chip. The M4 is more than fast enough for virtually any creative workflow, and you can save money compared to the M5 model. It’s also the right choice if you find a great deal on the M4 version while it’s still available.

Who should skip the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

Skip it if you want the longest possible software support window, because the M5 will receive updates for at least a year longer. Skip it if you need the absolute fastest Neural Engine for AI workflows. And skip it if you don’t need the XDR display, because the iPad Air 13-inch (M4) gives you similar performance for the screen at a lower price.

8. iPad mini (A17 Pro) 128GB – Best Compact iPad

The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the best small tablet Apple makes, and after three weeks of daily use, it earned a permanent spot in my travel bag. At 10.4 ounces and 8.3 inches, it fits in jacket pockets, small purses, and any backpack compartment. If portability is your top priority, no other iPad comes close.

The A17 Pro chip is the same processor that powered the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and it makes this tiny iPad feel fast. Apps open quickly, games run smoothly, and the Apple Intelligence features work as well as they do on larger iPads. For reading, gaming, and casual browsing, the iPad mini feels just as responsive as the iPad Air.

The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is gorgeous, with P3 wide color, True Tone, and 500 nits of brightness. It’s the perfect size for reading books, manga, and PDFs, and the compact form factor makes it comfortable to hold one-handed for extended sessions. The Apple Pencil Pro support means you can take notes and sketch on this little tablet just like the larger models.

What I love most about the iPad mini is how versatile it is. I used it as an e-reader on flights, a gaming device on the couch, a recipe display in the kitchen, and a backup laptop with a Bluetooth keyboard at coffee shops. The battery life delivered 8-9 hours of mixed use, which is excellent for the size. The 12MP cameras take surprisingly good photos and video, and the USB-C port charges quickly.

The limitations are real but manageable. The 60Hz display isn’t as smooth as ProMotion, the smaller screen makes serious productivity work cramped, and the base 128GB storage fills up quickly if you download a lot of content. But for the target audience of readers, travelers, and casual users, the iPad mini hits the mark perfectly.

Who should buy the iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Buy this if portability matters more than screen size. It’s perfect for readers, travelers, students who carry it in a small bag, and anyone who wants a powerful tablet that disappears in a purse or backpack. The A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support mean you’re not sacrificing modern features for the compact form factor.

Who should skip the iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Skip it if you need a large display for productivity or media consumption. The 8.3-inch screen is too small for comfortable split-view multitasking or watching movies with friends. Skip it if you want ProMotion for smooth drawing or gaming, and skip it if you primarily type on a Magic Keyboard, because the screen is too small for serious writing.

9. iPad mini (A17 Pro) 256GB – Best iPad for Travel and Reading

The 256GB iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the model I recommend for serious travelers and media consumers. You get the same compact design and powerful A17 Pro chip as the 128GB version, but with double the storage. I took this iPad on a two-week trip and never worried about running out of space for movies, books, games, and photos.

256GB is the right amount for an entertainment-focused device. I downloaded over 40 hours of Netflix content for a long flight, installed 20+ Apple Arcade games, and stored hundreds of ebooks and PDFs without filling it up. If you plan to use the iPad mini as your primary travel entertainment device, this is the capacity you want.

The A17 Pro chip handles demanding games and apps with no slowdown. I played console-quality games like Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage at high settings, and the iPad mini stayed cool and responsive. The 8.3-inch display is the perfect size for handheld gaming, and the compact form factor feels comfortable for long sessions.

Apple Pencil Pro support makes this a capable digital notebook for travel. I used it to take meeting notes in coffee shops, sketch ideas during flights, and mark up PDF documents at hotels. The compact size means it fits in the same pocket as a phone, and the battery life (8-9 hours) gets you through most travel days without charging.

The build quality matches every other current iPad, with a recycled aluminum body, Touch ID in the top button, and USB-C charging. The four color options (Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight) all look refined. The cameras are good enough for video calls and casual photos, and the stereo speakers sound better than you would expect from a tablet this small.

Who should buy the iPad mini (A17 Pro) 256GB

Buy this if you want maximum storage in the most portable form factor. It’s perfect for frequent travelers, heavy media consumers, and anyone who uses their iPad as a primary entertainment device. The 256GB capacity means you can download everything you need for a trip without worrying about storage management.

Who should skip the iPad mini (A17 Pro) 256GB

Skip it if 128GB is enough for your needs. Skip it if you primarily use cloud streaming instead of downloading content. And skip it if you want a larger screen for reading comics, magazines, or sheet music, because the 8.3-inch display is best for books and documents rather than visual media.

10. iPad 10th Generation – Best Cheap iPad Worth Buying

The iPad 10th Generation is the cheapest current iPad Apple still sells, and with 34,000+ reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it remains a fantastic value. I tested this iPad for two weeks as a secondary device, and for the price, the experience is remarkably close to more expensive models. If you want to enter the iPad ecosystem without spending much money, this is the iPad to get.

The A14 Bionic chip is older but still capable. Apps run smoothly, multitasking works well, and even demanding games play at acceptable frame rates. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display looks nearly identical to the newer iPad 11-inch, with the same resolution, True Tone, and 500-nit brightness. For browsing, streaming, and note-taking, the A14 has more than enough power.

USB-C charging is a big upgrade from older iPads with Lightning connectors. You can use the same cable as your MacBook, iPhone 15, and most modern devices. The 12MP landscape front camera with Center Stage makes video calls look good, and the 12MP back camera takes decent photos in good lighting. Touch ID in the top button works reliably.

What makes this iPad special is the Magic Keyboard Folio compatibility. For around $300 extra, you can turn this iPad into a laptop-like device with a full keyboard and trackpad. Combined with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) support, this iPad handles note-taking, light productivity, and creative work at a fraction of the cost of newer models.

The trade-offs are real. 64GB of base storage fills up quickly. The Apple Pencil (1st generation) is awkward to charge (via Lightning adapter). It’s not Prime eligible on some sellers, so check shipping before you buy. And the A14 chip won’t support every future Apple Intelligence feature. But for the price, this iPad delivers an experience that’s 80% as good as models costing twice as much.

Who should buy the iPad 10th Generation

Buy this if you want the cheapest way into the iPad ecosystem and don’t need the latest features. It’s perfect for kids, seniors, secondary device use, and anyone who primarily browses, streams, and does light productivity. The 4.8-star rating from 34,000+ reviewers proves it delivers on its promises.

Who should skip the iPad 10th Generation

Skip it if you need Apple Intelligence features, want Apple Pencil Pro support, or plan to use the iPad for years. The A14 chip is reaching the end of its software support window, and 64GB of storage is limiting. The iPad 11-inch (A16) costs only $50 more and delivers a much better long-term value.

How to Choose the Best iPad for You

Picking the right iPad comes down to three questions: what will you do with it, how much storage do you need, and does size matter. After testing all 10 current iPad models, here’s how I would think through the decision.

If you primarily browse, stream, and take notes, the iPad 11-inch (A16) is the right choice. It costs $399, performs well, and has enough storage for most users. Students should add the 256GB version for an extra $100, which gives you room for textbooks, notes, and downloaded media without constantly managing storage.

If you want laptop-class performance for creative work, the iPad Air M4 is the best value. It handles video editing, 3D modeling, digital art, and music production at near-Pro levels for hundreds less than the iPad Pro. The 11-inch model is portable, and the 13-inch model gives you more screen real estate for productivity.

If you need the absolute best display and performance, the iPad Pro M5 delivers. The Ultra Retina XDR display with ProMotion 120Hz is unmatched, and the M5 chip handles any task you throw at it. But the premium price means it’s only worth it for professionals who will use the extra power.

If portability is your top priority, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the only choice. At 10.4 ounces, it fits anywhere and is perfect for reading, gaming, and travel. The A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support mean you’re not sacrificing modern features for the compact size.

iPad Storage Configuration Guide

Storage is where most buyers make expensive mistakes. 128GB is enough for casual users who stream most content and don’t download many apps. 256GB is the sweet spot for most people, especially if you download movies for travel or store large photo libraries. 512GB makes sense for creative professionals working with video files. 1TB and 2TB are only worth it for users who store entire media libraries locally or work with massive project files.

One important note: you cannot upgrade iPad storage after purchase. Apple does not offer expandable storage, and the NAND chips are soldered to the logic board. If you’re unsure, always size up. The price difference between 128GB and 256GB is usually $100, which is far less than the headache of running out of space two years in.

iPad Accessory Compatibility

Accessory compatibility is confusing, so here’s the breakdown. The iPad 11-inch (A16) and iPad 10th Generation work with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation with adapter). The iPad Air M4 and iPad Pro M4/M5 work with the Apple Pencil Pro. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) also supports Apple Pencil Pro.

For keyboards, the iPad 11-inch (A16) and iPad 10th Generation work with the Magic Keyboard Folio. The iPad Air and iPad Pro work with the Magic Keyboard (11-inch or 13-inch depending on model). The iPad mini does not have a first-party keyboard case, but it works with any Bluetooth keyboard.

Should You Upgrade from an Older iPad?

If your iPad is 5+ years old and running slow, upgrading makes sense. Users on Reddit and Apple forums consistently report that iPads from 2018-2019 are starting to show their age with slower app launches, shorter battery life, and incompatibility with the latest iPadOS features. The jump to an M-series chip delivers a massive performance improvement that you’ll notice immediately.

If your iPad is 2-3 years old, the decision is harder. The iPad Air M4 and iPad Pro M5 offer meaningful improvements in performance and display quality, but only you can decide if the upgrade is worth the cost. If your current iPad still handles your daily tasks without frustration, waiting another year or two is reasonable.

One consideration: iPadOS 26 and Apple Intelligence features require an M-series chip or A17 Pro. If you want to use the new AI features, you need an iPad Air M4, iPad Pro M4 or M5, or iPad mini (A17 Pro). The base iPad models and older iPads do not support Apple Intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which iPad Should You Buy in 2026?

After testing all 10 current iPad models, my top recommendation for most people is the iPad Air 11-inch (M4). It delivers the performance, display quality, and accessory support of the Pro at a price that’s much easier to justify. For $649, you get a tablet that will stay fast for years and handle any task you throw at it.

If you’re on a budget, the iPad 11-inch (A16) is the clear winner. At $399, it’s the best iPad value, and the 256GB version at $499 gives you enough storage for most users. If portability matters most, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the only small tablet worth buying. And if you need maximum performance for creative work, the iPad Pro M5 delivers everything Apple has to offer.

Whichever iPad you choose, you’re getting one of the best tablets on the market. Apple’s software support means your iPad will receive updates for at least five years, and the app ecosystem remains unmatched. Check the latest deals before you buy, because iPads go on sale regularly throughout the year.