With the recent release of the M4 iPad Pro and the M2 iPad Air, choosing an iPad is more confusing than ever. Whether you are a student, a digital artist, or just someone who wants to watch Netflix on a plane, there is a specific model for you.
Here is the breakdown of the best iPads to buy in 2024.
1. The Best Overall: iPad Air (M2)
The perfect balance of power, features, and price.
- Who it’s for: Students, office workers, and casual creatives.
- Why we love it: For the first time, the iPad Air comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. It uses the powerful M2 chip (which was in the Pro models last year), making it incredibly fast for multitasking and gaming.
- Key Specs: M2 Chip, Liquid Retina Display, landscape front camera, compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
- Pros: Much cheaper than the Pro; supports the newest Pencil features.
- Cons: No ProMotion (120Hz) display; still uses an LCD screen rather than OLED.
2. The Best for Power Users: iPad Pro (M4)
The most advanced tablet ever made.
- Who it’s for: Professional artists, video editors, and those who want the absolute best technology.
- Why we love it: The new Tandem OLED display is breathtaking—it’s the brightest and most color-accurate screen on the market. It’s also impossibly thin (the 13-inch is the thinnest Apple product ever). The M4 chip is overkill for most, but for 4K video editing or 3D rendering, it’s a beast.
- Key Specs: M4 Chip, Ultra Retina XDR (OLED) display, ProMotion (120Hz), Nano-texture glass option.
- Pros: Best screen in the world; incredible performance; Apple Pencil Pro support.
- Cons: Extremely expensive; battery life hasn’t increased despite the new chip.
3. The Best Value/Budget Pick: iPad (10th Generation)
The iPad for everyone else.
- Who it’s for: Kids, casual browsers, and budget-conscious students.
- Why we love it: After a recent price drop, this is the best deal in the lineup. It has a modern design (no home button), USB-C charging, and comes in fun colors. It handles everyday tasks like Zoom calls, emails, and streaming perfectly.
- Key Specs: A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch display, Landscape-oriented camera.
- Pros: Affordable; great battery life; modern aesthetic.
- Cons: Not compatible with the newest Apple Pencil Pro; screen isn’t laminated (slight gap between glass and display).
4. The Best for Portability: iPad Mini (6th Generation)
The powerhouse that fits in your hand.
- Who it’s for: Readers, gamers, and people who work on the go (pilots, doctors, etc.).
- Why we love it: It’s roughly the size of a notebook. It’s the only small tablet that doesn’t feel like a toy. It’s perfect for reading eBooks or taking quick notes with the Apple Pencil.
- Key Specs: A15 Bionic chip, 8.3-inch display, USB-C.
- Pros: Super portable; fits in a jacket pocket; great for one-handed use.
- Cons: The hardware is getting a bit older (released in 2021); “jelly scrolling” is still a minor issue for some.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Best For | Starting Price | Chip | Screen Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (10th Gen) | Budget / Kids | $349 | A14 | LCD |
| iPad Mini | Portability | $499 | A15 | LCD |
| iPad Air (M2) | Most People | $599 | M2 | LCD |
| iPad Pro (M4) | Professionals | $999 | M4 | OLED |
Key Things to Consider Before Buying
- The Apple Pencil Confusion: Not every Pencil works with every iPad. The new Apple Pencil Pro only works with the M4 Pro and M2 Air. The iPad 10th Gen requires the USB-C Pencil or an adapter for the 1st Gen Pencil.
- Storage: 64GB (on the 10th Gen and Mini) fills up very fast. If you plan to download movies or games, try to go for at least 128GB or 256GB.
- Accessories: Remember to budget for a case or a keyboard. The Magic Keyboard for the new Pro models is different from the one for the Air models.
Final Verdict
- Buy the iPad Air (M2) if you want a tablet that will last 5+ years without breaking the bank.
- Buy the iPad (10th Gen) if you just want an iPad for the couch or schoolwork and want to save money.
- Buy the iPad Pro (M4) only if you are a creative professional who needs the OLED screen.
Which iPad are you leaning toward? Let us know in the comments!