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The Best iPad for Dec. 2023 – Our Top 5 Picks | BestReviews

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Best of the Best

Apple 2022 iPad Air (5th Generation)

Bottom Line: The thinnest full-screen iPad now includes the powerful Apple M1 processor.

Pros: Runs on the powerful Apple M1 processor for excellent performance in creativity and productivity. Hi-res screen boasts an antireflective coating and P3 color. Widescreen 12MP front camera is perfect for video conferencing. Offers USB-C port for compatibility. Compatible with keyboard cases.

Cons: More expensive than the previous generation. The chassis feels too thin to some.

Check Price: Apple 2022 iPad Air (5th Generation)

Best Bang for the Buck

Apple 2021 iPad Mini

Bottom Line: The 6th-generation iPad Mini brings styling and features from the Pro and Air down to a highly portable size.

Pros: Rounded corners and squared edges for an updated look. The Widescreen 12MP front camera provides excellent video conferencing. A15 processor is fast and capable for most apps. Stereo speakers are now in landscape orientation. Comes with a USB-C port for wide compatibility.

Cons: Doesn’t have an M1 processor. Screen and keyboard can feel cramped.

Check Price: Apple 2021 iPad Mini

Also Great

Apple iPad 10th Generation

Bottom Line: Great for students thanks to a crystal-clear 10.9-inch screen ideal for drawing and taking notes.

Pros: You get up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. All of the cameras are impressively clear with many custom settings. Includes 64-256 GB of onboard storage. Compatible with the Apple Pencil and other Apple products. It’s fast, clear, and beginner-friendly

Cons: Battery life is much shorter if you’re using lots of power.

Check Price: Apple iPad 10th Generation

Also Great

Apple iPad 9th Generation

Bottom Line: The latest generation of the entry-level iPad combines classic elements with up-to-date technologies.

Pros: Upgraded with up-to-date technologies, including an A13 Bionic chip. Dedicated home button with touch ID for security. Stereo speakers for improved sound with audio or video. Enhanced front camera for video chatting. Compatible with Smart Keyboard and 1st-gen Apple Pencil.

Cons: Not compatible with 2nd-gen Apple Pencil. Rear camera is basic.

Check Price: Apple iPad 9th Generation

Also Great

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation)

Bottom Line: The 11-inch iPad Pro with M2 processor is a full-powered computer in a slim tablet form factor.

Pros: Powered by an M2 processor for desktop-level performance and productivity. Bright, fluid, super-high-resolution OLED screen with adaptive refresh rate. Front camera features intelligent subject-centering for video calls and conferencing. USB-C port for connectivity. Supports WiFi 6E.

Cons: Pricey. Less immersive than its 12.9-inch sibling. Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2 not included.

Check Price: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation)

Buying guide for best iPads

Apple iPads are some of the best tablets in the world. They set the standard for other brands and delight consumers with a user-friendly design.

While each iPad may have different specs, each includes the core apps users need. Plus, it has an expansive marketplace where users can download thousands of popular apps from the App Store to do just about anything else.

The latest models have some serious hardware under the hood. They can handle anything from simple spreadsheets to high-resolution video editing.

In fact, there are many versions of iPad available. Each has its own feature set and style. Read on for everything you need to know to discover your ideal iPad and to compare it to our favorites.

No new releases?

It’s been almost a year since Apple announced new iPad models in October 2022, when it revealed the iPad 10th Generation and two new iPad Pro models. The most recent Apple press conference that occurred on September 12 did not contain any reveals or so much as a tease of possible iPads to come. There’s no reputable news available now on possible new iPads coming in the near future either. The soonest we could hear of new iPads would be when Apple holds its next big press conference in the first half of 2024.

Apple’s iPads come in a variety of different colors, including Rose Gold, Silver, and Space Gray, but the iPad Air introduced new hues like Green and Sky Blue to the iPad lineup.

Buying guide for Key considerations

iPad vs. iPad Pro vs. iPad Air vs. iPad Mini

The first thing to know about the iPad is that there are four different base models.

Here are some of the core differences between them.

EXPERT TIP

iPads running Apple’s iOS 15 can invite Android users to FaceTime video calls.

Jaime Vazquez

BestReviews Electronics Expert

Choosing a model

If you’re not sure which iPad would suit you, answer these questions first:

EXPERT TIP

Not all iPads have headphone jacks! Consider ahead of time how you’ll listen to music and video on your iPad. If your iPad doesn’t have a headphone port, you’ll need to get a set of Bluetooth headphones or truly wireless earbuds. If it does have a headphone port, make sure you get a good pair so you can fully enjoy the audio.

Jaime Vazquez

BestReviews Electronics Expert

iPad features

How do the features of different iPads stack up against one another?

While every iPad is worth considering, the one for you may stand apart from the pack because of a few key specifications.

Keyboard compatibility

Power users who plan on typing on their iPad on a regular basis will want to learn which keyboards are compatible with each iPad.

For example, Apple’s Smart Keyboard works well with the core iPad, but it is incompatible with the superior Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

Serious typists should consider the newer iPad Air or iPad Pro for their premium keyboard accessories.

Every iPad comes with Apple’s mobile web browser, Safari, but you can easily download and install third-party browsers. For example, Google Chrome and Firefox Focus are both available for iOS, and each includes unique features like browser profiles, advanced privacy controls, and more. 

Staff

BestReviews Expert

Camera quality

All iPads feature multiple cameras for taking photos and live video calls via FaceTime. But some models are equipped with advanced cameras.

More affordable iPads have adequate front- and rear-facing cameras, such as the core iPad’s 8MP Wide camera.

If you really want to impress with your photography skills, though, the iPad Pro’s 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras make it a must-have tablet.

Storage options

It may be tempting to save money by opting for the lowest amount of storage offered.

However, you will appreciate the larger storage capacity of your new iPad when you are loading it up with apps, games, and other content.

Our advice: budget for the largest amount of storage possible. We think you will be happy you did.

EXPERT TIP

Every model of iPad is a little different, so when you first buy one, be sure to familiarize yourself with the basics: How to power it on and off, how to raise and lower the volume, and how to quickly take a screenshot.

Jaime Vazquez

BestReviews Electronics Expert

Essential accessories

Get the most out of your iPad with these essential accessories.

Stylus – Apple Pencil
All iPads support the Apple Pencil, and it is a must-have for digital artists and note-takers. The second-generation Apple Pencil is the best solution available for pixel perfect writing. Plus, its design has been improved over the first-generation Apple Pencil. It can charge wirelessly, and it has a flat edge so it does not roll off surfaces.

Note, however, that some older iPads do not support the second-generation Apple Pencil.

Case – Twelve South BookBook for iPad
There are hundreds of iPad cases out there. There are super thin sleeves, rugged shells, and everything in between.

We like the BookBook series from Twelve South. It’s a case designed to look like an encyclopedia-style book. It’s got an adjustable kickstand, easy storage for an Apple Pencil, and full access to the front camera. When you’re not using it, your iPad stays safely hidden as an ordinary book. (Make sure the one you buy matches the size of iPad you own.)

Earbuds – AirPods Pro
Since iPads are optimized for portability, why not take the opportunity to enjoy your favorite music and streaming apps on the go?

Between their battery life of over 24 hours, powerful bass, and active noise cancellation, a pair of AirPods Pro is a top accessory for anyone who travels with their iPad.

Keyboard – Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
This innovatively designed keyboard doubles as a protective case. One of the most useful features of the Magic Keyboard is its highly adjustable magnetic stand. It provides users with the perfect angle for comfortable typing, no matter where they are.

EXPERT TIP

If your iPad’s device notifications are getting out of hand, go to the Settings app and review which apps have permission to send you alerts. 

Jaime Vazquez

BestReviews Electronics Expert

iPad prices

Inexpensive

The most affordable iPads start between $329 and $529. This covers the iPad Mini and core iPad models. Both are optimized for portability. They have all of the mainline features you should expect to see in an iPad, but they lack the power and gorgeous displays of pricier models.

Mid-range

You can customize your own iPad Air for anywhere between $599 and $750. These colorful tablets have a variety of features. Blazing-fast WiFi speeds, a sharp display, and a rugged design are a few. The iPad Air gives a superior experience that is worth it for work or play.

Expensive

Dedicated mobile gamers and creative professionals can customize and buy an iPad Pro for anywhere between $799 and $2,399. The price depends on the specs. Most iPad Pro owners will not come close to spending over $2,000 on this tablet. But even at its lower specs, it gives a desktop-like performance and has a gorgeous display.

Tips

One of the best things about owning Apple products is that it’s easy to find high-quality accessories. If you want to protect your investment, consider getting an iPad case. There are options available in just about any color or style you can think of.

FAQ

Q. Does the iPad feature a digital assistant?

A. Yes. Her name is Siri. You verbal commands to do a wide range of things with Siri’s help, such as “Call Grandpa,” “Set a timer for an hour,” or “Take a selfie.”

New iPad owners should take a little time to see what Siri can do.

Q. Is an iPad still a good purchase if I do not own any other Apple products?

A. Yes. While the iPad can offer some extended functionality when paired with other Apple products running the iOS operating system, like being able to answer an incoming phone call on your Apple Watch, Mac, or smartphone, iPads still shine as standalone devices.

If you are an Android or Windows user and unsure if an iPad is the best long-term fit for you, it may be worth investing in a cheaper model to give iOS a trial run before committing to one of Apple’s premium tablets.

Q. How many ports does an iPad have?

A. Modern iPads feature a simple Thunderbolt/USB 4 port or Lightning port for recharging. 

The latest Apple iPads are designed to wirelessly connect with the vast majority of accessories, such as game controllers and earbuds.

WATCH: 5 best iPads on YouTube

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