Best iPads

Apple’s iPad lineup in 2026 is both simpler and more complicated than ever before. With four distinct models, each targeting a different user, picking the right one means knowing exactly what you need. Do you need a laptop replacement or just a great screen for watching movies?

I’ve spent the last month living with all of them. I’ve used the Pro for video edits on the train, sketched on the Air with the new Pencil Pro, and read comics on the Mini before bed. Here’s how they stack up after weeks of real-world use.

 

 

The Best iPad for Most People

iPad Air (M4)

For years, the iPad Air has been my go-to recommendation, and the 2026 model makes that an even easier call. The big news is the M4 chip inside. Yes, it’s the same processor that’s in the top-end iPad Pro, which is frankly absurd power for a device at this price. It means this tablet will feel fast for years.

The other huge update is the new 13-inch size option. Previously, if you wanted a big screen, you had to shell out for the Pro. Now, you can get that expansive 13-inch Liquid Retina display on the more affordable Air. I tested the 13-inch model, and at 617 grams, it’s still comfortable to hold while offering so much more room for multitasking or watching movies.

It also supports the fantastic new Apple Pencil Pro and the redesigned Magic Keyboard. With a solid 10 hours of battery life and a price that doesn’t make your eyes water, the M4 iPad Air is the perfect balance of power and value. It’s the one I’d buy myself.

 

 

The Best iPad for Professionals

iPad Pro (M4)

Let’s be clear: the M4 iPad Pro is a statement piece. It’s an exercise in engineering that you absolutely do not need, but you will desperately want. The star of the show is the Ultra Retina XDR display, which uses a tandem OLED panel to achieve mind-blowing brightness (1600 nits for HDR) and perfect blacks. Photos and videos look unreal on this screen.

Then there’s the design. It is shockingly thin. The 13-inch model I’ve been using is just 5.1mm thick and weighs only 579 grams, making it thinner and lighter than the Air. That M4 chip tears through 4K video rendering in Final Cut Pro without breaking a sweat. It’s a genuine laptop replacement for creative workflows.

Of course, it costs a fortune, especially when you add the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. But if your work demands the absolute best screen and most power you can get in a tablet, nothing else comes close. This is the pinnacle.

 

 

The Best iPad on a Budget

iPad (11th Generation)

The classic iPad is still the best entry point into Apple’s ecosystem. After a price cut this year, it’s an even more compelling deal for students, families, or anyone who just wants a simple, reliable tablet. It won’t wow you with specs, but it nails the fundamentals.

It runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is a couple of generations old but still plenty fast for browsing, streaming video, and playing App Store games. The 10.9-inch screen is bright and colorful, though it lacks the anti-reflective coating of the more expensive models. I still get a full day of use out of it, averaging around 9 to 10 hours.

You have to accept some compromises. It only works with the USB-C version of the first-gen Apple Pencil and the older Magic Keyboard Folio. But for basic tablet tasks, it’s fantastic. It’s the best tablet you can buy for under $400, period.

 

 

The Best Small iPad

iPad mini (7th Generation)

The iPad mini fills a unique niche, and for those who love it, there’s no substitute. The latest model gets a welcome speed bump to the A17 Pro chip, the same one found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This little tablet is deceptively powerful.

Its defining feature is its size. The 8.3-inch display and 293-gram body make it the ultimate one-handed tablet. I used it constantly as a digital notebook for meetings and as an e-reader on my commute. It’s infinitely more portable than even the 11-inch Air.

It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically snaps to the side to charge—a huge convenience. The screen is too small for serious multitasking, but that’s not what it’s for. For portability and power in a tiny package, the iPad mini is in a class of its own.

 

 

What to Look For in 2026

Choosing an iPad really boils down to three things: how much you want to spend, what size screen you want, and what you plan to do with it. If your answer is “a bit of everything,” the iPad Air is almost certainly the right choice. It has pro-level power in a more accessible package.

Don’t forget to factor in accessories. The Apple Pencil Pro, with its new squeeze gesture and haptic feedback, is a brilliant upgrade for artists and note-takers. And the Magic Keyboard transforms the Air and Pro into highly capable laptop alternatives. But they are expensive additions, so budget accordingly.

Ultimately, there’s no bad choice here. The iPad Pro is a specialized tool for creators with deep pockets, while the base iPad remains the undisputed king of casual content consumption. Whatever your needs, Apple has a tablet that fits perfectly.