Look, I get it. Walking into an Apple Store or browsing online for iPads feels like staring at a wall of identical glass rectangles. Which one's actually worth your cash? Should you splurge on the Pro or grab that cheaper base model? I've owned four different iPads over the years, and trust me, choosing wrong stings. Let's cut through the specs and marketing to find your actual best iPad to buy.
Making Sense of Apple's iPad Jungle (2023 Edition)
Apple keeps four iPads on the menu, but they're not equally tasty. It's less about finding "the best" iPad universally, and more about finding your best fit. Your needs and budget are king here. Picking the best iPad to buy means matching the tool to the job.
The Contenders: Breaking Down Each Model
Here’s the raw deal on each current iPad model – the good, the bad, and what I’ve actually noticed using them:
| Model | Starting Price | Who It's For | My Biggest Gripe | Sweet Spot Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (M2 Chip) | $799 (11") / $1099 (12.9") | Pro artists, video editors, power users needing desktop-level power on the go. Heavy multitaskers. | Crazy expensive once you add keyboard/Pencil. Overkill if you just browse and stream. The 12.9" gets heavy fast. | ProMotion 120Hz display (buttery smooth), M2 chip handles ANYTHING, best speakers. |
| iPad Air (M1 Chip) | $599 | Most people wanting a premium experience without Pro prices. Students, designers, note-takers, serious hobbyists. | Only 64GB base storage? Seriously? Feels stingy in 2023. Costs add up with accessories. | M1 chip punches way above its weight. Works with 2nd Gen Pencil (magic charging). That sleek design. |
| iPad (10th Gen) | $449 | Families, students on a strict budget, casual users (web, email, light games, streaming). First iPad buyers. | Uses 1st Gen Pencil (awkward charging), non-laminated screen (slight gap, feels cheaper). | Modern design (finally!), USB-C, decent all-rounder for the price. Great battery life. |
| iPad mini (6th Gen) | $499 | Portability kings/queens. Readers, travelers, note-takers on the move, handheld gamers. | Screen can feel cramped for productivity/writing. Expensive for its size. Not ideal as your only device. | Fits in jacket pockets or small bags. Surprisingly powerful A15 chip. Perfect reading size. |
Beyond the Price Tag: What REALLY Matters When Choosing?
Okay, let's ditch the fluff. Choosing the best iPad to buy isn't just about the sticker price. Here's the stuff that'll impact your daily life way more than a spec sheet suggests.
Performance Needs: Don't Overpay, Don't Underbuy
That M2 in the Pro? Beastly. But loading Netflix doesn't need a beast. Be honest:
- Basic Stuff (Email, Web, Streaming): Any current iPad handles this effortlessly. Even the base iPad. Save your cash.
- Student Work / Office Stuff: iPad Air or 10th Gen iPad are great. Multi-tab browsing, Docs, Zoom calls – no sweat.
- Art & Design (Procreate, Affinity Designer): iPad Air is the minimum sweet spot. Pro if you layer like crazy or work with huge files.
- Video Editing (LumaFusion, DaVinci Resolve): Pro models only, especially for 4K+. The M2 chews through it. The Air *can* do it, but you'll feel it struggling on complex timelines.
I tried editing a 10-minute 4K travel vlog on my old iPad Air (previous gen) once. Let's just say... I made a lot of coffee breaks. Lesson learned. What's the best iPad to buy for power? Match the chip to your ambition.
Screen Size & Quality: Your Eyes Will Thank You
This is where you live. Choosing the best iPad to buy means picking your viewport.
| Screen Size | Best For | Worst For | Display Tech Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.9" Pro | Artists, split-screen multitaskers, movie buffs | Portability, one-handed use, budget | Mini-LED (XDR) - insane brightness & contrast |
| 11" Pro / Air | Balance of power & portability, most users | Ultimate canvas size for artists | Liquid Retina - laminated, beautiful colors |
| 10.9" (iPad 10th Gen) | General use, value seekers | Artists (non-laminated) | Standard IPS - good, but gap noticeable vs laminated |
| 8.3" (mini) | Reading, travel, portability | Multitasking, detailed art, long documents | Small but sharp Liquid Retina |
Pro tip: If you draw or write a lot, get a laminated display (Pro, Air, mini). The gap on the non-laminated screen (base iPad) makes the pencil tip feel slightly disconnected from the mark – it bugs some people way more than others. It drove me nuts after using an Air.
Accessory Hell (or Heaven): Pencils & Keyboards
Forgot the keyboard and pencil? Big mistake. Here's the real cost of going Pro versus Air versus base:
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): $129. Works with: Pro (all), Air, mini. Magnetic charging/custom controls.
- Apple Pencil (1st Gen): $99. Works with: iPad (10th Gen, 9th Gen). Plugs awkwardly into Lightning/USB-C to charge.
- Magic Keyboard Folio (iPad 10th Gen): $249. Detachable keyboard, trackpad, protection.
- Magic Keyboard (Pro/Air): $299-$349. Floating design, trackpad, backlit keys.
- Smart Folio (Basic Cover): $79-$99. Minimal protection, wake/sleep.
My Painful Lesson: Bought the 10th Gen iPad for my niece thinking it was a steal. Didn't realize it needed the 1st Gen Pencil. Watching her fumble trying to charge it plugged into the bottom was... awkward. Felt like I gave her last year's tech. Factor accessories into your total cost when deciding the best iPad to buy!
Storage & Connectivity: Boring But Crucial
Running out of space is pure frustration. Getting the wrong connectivity limits where you can work.
Storage: How Much is Enough?
- 64GB (Air base model): Tight. Okay if you stream everything, use cloud storage religiously (iCloud, Google One), and manage apps aggressively. One big game, some photos, and it's struggling. Not recommended for most.
- 256GB+: Ideal zone for most users. Comfortable for apps, photos, some offline movies/music, documents. Pro models start here thankfully.
- 512GB/1TB/2TB (Pro): For pros working with huge files (video, complex art projects), extensive offline media libraries, or those who just hate managing storage.
Honestly? Spring for more storage if you can. 64GB feels like Apple squeezing you. Cloud storage needs internet, and offline files are precious.
Wi-Fi Only vs. Cellular: Do You Need It?
An extra $150-$200 gets you cellular (plus potential carrier plan costs). Worth it?
- Yes if: You work/study on the move constantly (trains, coffee shops without reliable Wi-Fi), travel often and need maps/data abroad (check carrier roaming!), or use it intensely outside Wi-Fi zones.
- No if: You mostly use it at home/work/school with Wi-Fi, or reliably tether to your phone's hotspot (this works surprisingly well!).
I went cellular once. Used it maybe twice a month when hotspotting would've been fine. That $200 plus the carrier fee hurt. Ask yourself hard: "Will I REALLY use this away from Wi-Fi or my phone?"
Which iPad is the Best to Buy... For YOU?
Enough theory. Let's match real people to the best iPad to buy today.
Scenario: The Budget-Conscious Student
- Priority: Affordability, note-taking, research, docs, basic media.
- Best iPad to Buy: iPad (10th Gen) 256GB + Apple Pencil (1st Gen)
- Why: Hits the core needs without breaking the bank. USB-C for modern peripherals. Handles textbooks, Notability/GoodNotes, Zoom, and streaming fine. Skip cellular, use campus Wi-Fi/hotspot.
- Total Cost (approx): $549 (iPad) + $99 (Pencil) + $79 (case) = $727
Scenario: The Creative Professional / Artist
- Priority: Powerful performance, best display for color/accuracy, Pencil precision, large canvas space.
- Best iPad to Buy: iPad Pro 11" (M2, 512GB+) + Apple Pencil 2 + Magic Keyboard (optional)
- Why: M2 power handles Procreate with 100+ layers, Affinity Suite, LumaFusion. ProMotion 120Hz display makes drawing ultra-smooth. Laminated screen is essential. 11" balances portability with workspace. 512GB+ stores large project files.
- Total Cost (approx): $1099 (iPad) + $129 (Pencil) + $299 (Keyboard) = $1527 (Ouch, but it's your toolbox!)
Scenario: The Casual User / Family iPad
- Priority: General web browsing, YouTube/Netflix, social media, light games, video calls, recipes.
- Best iPad to Buy: iPad (10th Gen) 64GB OR iPad (9th Gen if still available) + Basic Case
- Why: The 10th Gen offers modern looks and USB-C. If you find a deal on the older 9th Gen (A13 chip, Lightning, home button), it's still great for casual use and cheaper. Don't need Pencil/keyboard. 64GB *can* work here if you aggressively manage cloud storage and streaming.
- Total Cost (approx): $449 (10th Gen) + $79 (case) = $528
Scenario: The On-The-Go Power User
- Priority: Portability without sacrificing performance, note-taking, reading, presentations.
- Best iPad to Buy: iPad mini (256GB) + Apple Pencil 2 + Cellular (Optional)
- Why: Fits anywhere. Powerful A15 handles productivity apps, light photo edits, and presentations. Perfect for reading PDFs/books, quick notes. Pencil 2 magnetically attaches. Cellular makes it truly independent.
- Total Cost (approx): $649 (mini) + $129 (Pencil) + $150 (cellular) = $928
FAQs: Your Burning iPad Questions Answered
Let's tackle the real questions people type into Google when figuring out what is the best iPad to buy.
Is the iPad Pro overkill for me?
Probably. Unless you're editing 4K video daily, doing complex 3D modeling, or illustrating professionally, the Pro is serious overkill (and heavy on your wallet). The Air or even the base iPad often do the job just fine. That M2 chip is insane... for tasks most people never throw at it. Buying Pro for Facebook is like buying a Ferrari for grocery runs.
iPad Air vs iPad (10th Gen): Is the Air worth $150 more?
Depends. The Air gives you a significantly better chip (M1 vs A14), a fully laminated display (better for drawing/writing), support for the superior 2nd Gen Pencil (magnetic charging), and a sleeker design. If those things matter for your work or hobbies, yes, absolutely worth it. If you're mostly streaming and browsing? Stick with the 10th Gen and save the cash.
How long do iPads typically last?
Apple supports iPads with software updates for a shockingly long time – often 5-7 years. My mom is still using an iPad Air 2 from 2014 (sluggish now, but works!). The hardware is built tough. Expect 4-5 years of great performance from a new iPad, easily. Longer if you treat it well.
Should I buy an older/refurbished iPad?
Refurbished from Apple? Excellent idea – same warranty as new, cheaper. Older models (like the 9th Gen iPad or previous Air) can be bargains if you find them new/refurbished. Key check: Make sure it runs iPadOS 16 (minimum) to get decent app support for a few more years. Avoid anything older than an A12 chip (like iPad 6th/7th gen).
Which iPad has the best battery life?
Honestly, they're all pretty stellar. Apple quotes around 10 hours of web/video use. In real life, expect a solid 8-10 hours depending on brightness and what you're doing. The larger Pros might edge out slightly under heavy load, but the difference isn't huge across the lineup.
When is the best time to buy an iPad?
Apple usually announces new iPads around October. Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November) see decent discounts on current models. Back-to-School season (July-Sept) often includes gift cards with purchase. Avoid buying right after a new model announcement unless you want the latest.
The Final Word: Cutting Through the Noise
Figuring out what is the best iPad to buy boils down to brutal honesty about your needs and budget. Don't get dazzled by the Pro's specs if you won't use them. Don't cheap out on 64GB storage if you hoard photos. Think about accessories – that Pencil or keyboard isn't optional for some tasks. Seriously consider screen size and weight; that thing lives in your hands or bag.
My personal take? For most people wanting a powerful, future-proof, do-almost-anything tablet, the iPad Air strikes the best balance in 2023. It avoids the Pro's wallet-crushing price tag while delivering pro-level features. If tight on cash, the iPad 10th Gen covers the essentials well. Need ultimate portability? The mini is a joy. Only truly need desktop power in tablet form? Then, and only then, justify the Pro.
What's the best iPad to buy? Your perfect iPad is out there. Skip the hype, match the tool to your life, and happy browsing!
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