Prices are accurate at the time of publication.
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Insider
Apple's tablet lineup is varied and surprisingly affordable.
At $330, the 2021 10.2-inch iPad is the cheapest iPad Apple sells, but it's quite powerful and supports the Apple Pencil, making it an ideal choice for anyone in need of a general-purpose tablet.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are the 2022 iPad Air and 2021 iPad Pro models that start at $600 and $800 respectively, and those are mobile powerhouses designed with serious work in mind.
All current models run the latest iPadOS 15 interface, which adds enhanced multitasking abilities, system-wide Quick Notes, and bigger widgets for the home screen.
I have been reviewing mobile products, including Apple iPhones and iPads, for almost a decade now. What follows are what I think are the best iPads across four categories, based on both direct testing and deep industry knowledge and expertise.
Read more about how we test tech and evaluate products, and why you can trust product recommendations from Insider Reviews.
The best iPads in 2022:
Best iPad overall: 2021 10.2-inch iPad, $329, available on Apple
The 2022 standard iPad is ideal for general-purpose use, and it's surprisingly affordable.
Best mid-range iPad: 2022 iPad Air, $599 available on Apple
The 2022 iPad Air is a cheaper, pared down version of the 11-inch iPad Pro with the same power.
Best small iPad: 2021 iPad Mini, $499 available on Apple
The 2021 iPad Mini is a powerful, compact tablet that's essentially a smaller version of the iPad Air.
Best iPad for professionals: 2021 iPad Pro, $799 available on Apple
The 2021 iPad Pros are expensive tablets that are primarily designed for creative professionals who need power and excellent cameras.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Insider
The 2021 10.2-inch iPad offers the best balance of value, performance, and features, and is the best deal for most people.
Pros: Incredible price for such a capable iPad, much improved FaceTime front camera, excellent screen, supports the Apple Pencil, increased 64GB storage for base model
Cons: Dated iPad design
The 2021 10.2-inch iPad is Apple's most affordable model, and it's the best option for those picking up their first iPad, or for those seeking a reliable tablet to run apps, games, and streaming video.
In almost every respect, it's hard to find a fault in the 2021 iPad. The 10.2-inch Retina display with 2,160 x 1,620 resolution is sharp and clear. Apple also upgraded the 2021 model's display with its excellent True Tone feature that automatically adjusts the screen white balance to make it more comfortable for your eyes based on your ambient light. The A13 Bionic processor is from the 2019 iPhone 11 series, but it's still perfectly capable for most apps and even demanding games.
Apple gave its standard iPad two important upgrades for 2021, including a much sharper and clearer Face Time front camera with Apple's Center Stage feature, which focuses the camera on you while you move around without having to reposition the iPad. The company also doubled the storage for the base model from 32GB to 64GB, which is more accomodating for storing videos for long trips without internet, large games, or a huge number of apps.
The standard iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, a reliable stylus with virtually no lag. You will have to pay $100 extra for the Pencil, but if you like to take notes or draw on your iPad, it's well worth it.
The 2021 iPad sports the classic iPad design, which means it still has large top and bottom bezels compared to the uniform bezels on the more modern iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. It still looks and feels premium with its aluminum back, even if it's an older design.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Insider
The 2022 iPad Air has the same power as the iPad Pro for a lower price.
Pros: Sharp screen, unbeatable value for performance, Touch ID, 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support, mouse support
Cons: Only 64GB of storage for base model
The most noteworthy aspect of the 2022 iPad Air is the fact that it runs on the same computer-grade processor as the 2021 iPad Pro models, 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and the Mac Mini. That means it has serious power for a tablet. Certainly, it has the most power out of any tablet we know about in the $600 range.
With a $600 price tag, the 2022 iPad Air is more of a budget version of the 2021 iPad Pros than it is a premium version of the standard iPad. I find it difficult to tell a person who uses an iPad on the couch to browse the web and run regular apps like YouTube or social media to splurge $270 more on the 2022 iPad Air.
Those who seek portable powerhouses for intense workloads that could really use the 2022 iPad Air's M1 processor may also find that the base model's 64GB storage is limiting. If not, great. If so, you may want to consider the 256GB 2022 iPad Air that costs $750.
If you need more than 64GB of storage, you could justify spending an extra $50 for the 128GB iPad Pro that costs $800. You'd get Apple's super-smooth ProMotion display that runs at 120Hz instead of 60Hz, which means the screen refreshes itself 120 times per second instead of 60. It makes for a smoother and more premium feel that's deeply appreciated. You'd also get better cameras in the iPad Pro, if that's important to you.
Still, the 256GB 2022 iPad Air does have twice as much storage as the base iPad Pro, making it near impossible to beat for value related to performance and storage.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Insider
The 2021 iPad Mini is essentially a smaller version of the 2022 iPad Air, and it's easily the best option if you prefer a smaller tablet.
Pros: Compact, more portable than larger iPads, powerful processor, sharp screen, supports 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, Apple's modern tablet design
Cons: Pricey
With an 8.3-inch display, the 2021 iPad Mini is Apple's smallest and most portable tablet. Unlike previous iPad Minis, which were essentially smaller versions of the standard iPad, the 2021 iPad Mini is more akin to a smaller iPad Air. Among other facets, this comparison is reflected in the iPad Mini's price tag, which is $100 higher than previous iPad Minis.
The 2021 iPad Mini's Liquid Retina display is the same you'll find on the 2022 iPad Air and 2021 11-inch iPad Pro, and it produces slightly bolder colors than the standard iPad. It's a sharp display with 2,266 x 1,488 resolution with more pixel density than those aforementioned iPads, which means it's technically sharper.
This iPad Mini is powered by the same powerful A15 Bionic processor found inside the iPhone 13 lineup, which means it has ample power for years to come. Arguably, it has two extra years of performance life than the standard iPad, which runs on a processor that's two generations old.
Apple upgraded the 2021 iPad Mini to support the second-generation Apple Pencil, and combined with its compact size, it makes the Mini a truly useful tablet for note-taking or quick drawing.
Overall, the iPad Mini is the best choice for those who prioritize portability above all else in a tablet. I'd even say that most people would find the iPad Mini more comfortable to use than larger iPads. If you want a screen that's bigger than your phone for running apps and streaming videos, all while maintaining a portable footprint, the iPad Mini is absolutely worth considering.
Apple
Apple's 2021 iPad Pro come with fast performance and excellent cameras at a high price, making them best for creative professionals.
Apple's 2021 iPad Pros come equipped with the company's M1 processor, bringing faster processing and better camera performance to an already-powerful tablet. But the iPad Pro's high price and power mean that it's best-suited for creative professionals looking to get work done on their tablet rather than everyday users.
The 11-inch model starts at $800, while the 12.9-inch version begins at $1,100, just like their predecessors.
The 2021 iPad Pro benefits from the Apple image signal processor in the M1 chip, resulting in better front camera quality for those who plan to take a lot of video calls from their iPad. It can also take high-quality photos or videos for your project, either as a primary camera, or a substitute that happens to be your workstation, too.
The larger12.9-inch model also has a display that uses mini-LED technology, meaning it has much greater brightness and contrast compared to Apple's other tablets.
But for that price, the iPad Pros are really best for those who want a tablet for more than just watching videos, browsing the web, and getting light work done. That's especially true since the 2022 iPad Air is compatible with Apple's Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil. All told, the iPad Pro's increased storage capacity, faster performance, better cameras, and Thunderbolt connectivity make the iPad Pro best for creatives that want a portable work device.
Apple
Apple typically announces new iPads in the fall and spring.
The iPad, iPad Mini, and iPad Air were all recently updated, so most of the rumor mill's attention is focused on the iPad Pro series. There's a possibility that Apple will launch new iPad Pro models in June during its annual WWDC event, but the general consensus on the 2022 iPad Pro's release is for the fall of 2022.
source https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-apple-ipads