The top iPad model for 2024

The most costly iPad in 2024 won't always be the best iPad. Although the iPad Pro is the most feature-rich device, its price is almost equal to that of the MacBook—in some combinations, even more.

Thus, we've explored every aspect of the iPad universe here at PT. We are here to assist you choose the appropriate tablet since we have years of expertise with them. See our analysis of the group below, or for extra purchasing guidance, see the best Samsung phones, best portable gaming consoles, and best rugged phones.

Nevertheless, these are the top iPads that will be available in 2024:

• iPad Pro – best iPad overall
• iPad Air – best iPad for most
• iPad (9th Gen) – best budget iPad
• iPad Mini – best small iPad

1. Overall best iPad

Overall, the iPad Pro is the finest; however, the 11-inch model will set you back £899, while the 12.9-inch will set you back £1,099 (£1,249).

Advantages:

• Gorgeous high-refresh-rate screen
• Bags of power
• Great cameras

Drawbacks:

• Expensive
• Expensive
• Expensive

The iPad Pro is pricey, but there's a good reason for that: professionals only use it. This iPad isn't for you if it doesn't describe you. However, this is the best option if you're looking for a tablet for on-the-go video editing, taking sharp pictures and movies, designing new spaces with augmented reality, or creating music with a plethora of plug-ins.

The M2 processor, found within the new iPad Pros—yes, the same lightning-fast Apple silicon found inside the Mac mini, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro—makes this tablet an absolute beast. When it comes to performance, nothing compares.

The same is true with regard to gaming. Genshin Impact goes by quickly, and there are plenty other Apple Arcade games to pass the time. Playing games on the 12.9-inch model is delightful.

The cost is, of course, a drawback. Due to its performance and features, this iPad may be the greatest overall, but it's overkill. The lower-end versions can often function more than well enough.

2. The ideal iPad for most

The iPad Air is the greatest iPad for the majority of users. The lowest storage option begins at $599 (£669).

Advantages:<

• Excellent performance
• Great build quality

Drawbacks:

• Cheapest model has very little storage
• Cameras are just okay

For most individuals, the iPad Air is the best option. You get desktop-level performance in a small container with the M1 processor inside. This, together with the many colour options, affordable basic model pricing, and superb construction quality, make it a fantastic choice.

The Air is a formidable competitor, even if the Pro could perform better. It's sufficient for a variety of activities, including 3D rendering, movie editing, music production, and gaming. This can do a little of that if you'd like.

Of course, there are drawbacks as well. First, let's talk about the price range. The entry-level model, which is reasonably priced at $599 (£669), only has 64GB of storage. Even for an occasional user in 2024, this is insufficient. However, upgrading to 256GB of storage brings the price up to $749 (£849), which is just $50 (£50) cheaper than an iPad Pro with 128GB of storage.

You are thus forced to use the smaller storage unless you can negotiate a better price for the larger storage. The basic model iPad (10th generation) has the same problem below the Air, demonstrating how picky this pricing ladder is. Although it's difficult to reconcile and makes you want to spend more money on the iPad Pro, in my view the Air is still the better option for most people—even with its 64GB capacity.

3. Lowest-cost iPad

Starting at $329 (£369), the basic model of the range, the ninth-generation iPad, is the greatest iPad for a low price.

Advantages:<

• Inexpensive
• Classic form factor

Drawbacks:

• Less powerful
• Old form factor

It's possible that some users want their tablets to have buttons on the front. Although I've never met them, the 9th generation iPad is the best option if you want to save some cash. As of this writing, it's the cheapest option available straight from Apple and does the task more than well.

for viewing films, reading publications, and surfing the web This iPad is perfect. Although the screen of a more costly iPad is beautiful, it also comes with a tonne of extra features that not everyone wants. This is the one to purchase if all you want for a daily smartphone is a larger screen.

The most recent iPad basic model, the 10th generation, is available for $130 (£140) extra, although its improvements don't really make daily activities more enjoyable. It only has a new camera positioning and a little better form factor. Do you think that's worth that much?

Needless to say, the 9th generation iPad is not without its drawbacks. The power isn't the finest, and the form factor is starting to seem a little outdated. Sure, you can play around with it, but multitasking may be a little challenging. Still, a lot of people find it to be a terrific option.

For a more thorough overview, visit our iPad (9th gen) review. Additionally, we've included a review of the iPad (10th generation) for comparison with the most recent model.

4. The best iPad mini

The iPad mini is the greatest compact iPad; 64GB of storage is available for $499 (£569). Advantages:

• Pocketable form factor
• Great build quality

Drawbacks:

• Pricey by comparison
• iPad OS looks a little strange

Since the iPad Mini is the only little iPad that the firm currently offers, it is the greatest small iPad. In case you are in dire need of a little iPad, this is the only option available to you.The build quality is evidently superb, the tiny form factor is attractive, and it is shockingly powerful—even more so than the most recent iPad model. It seems respectable overall, with nice cameras and a decent screen. However, there are still problems.It is priced at $499 (£569), to start. That costs somewhat less than the iPad Air, which has a larger screen, far greater power, and a host of other advantages. Given its price, the iPad Mini's form factor is the sole compelling incentive to purchase one; there are no other compelling ones.Additionally, there's a little problem with how iPad OS looks on the smaller screen—at least for some users. The area around the home screen icons seems like an ocean, and the icons themselves are oddly tiny. It is rather strange and un-Apple-like.<>

How can I choose the ideal iPad for my needs?

To choose the greatest iPad for you, it's essential to consider a few different options. How much money do you have? Many of the alternatives on the list become instantly clear when you realise that you have just $500 to work with.Secondly, you should be aware of your needs. Will you ever need a tablet with a decent camera? or LiDAR? or any of the other goodies the Pro provides? If not, disregard it. And do you really need a large screen for Netflix and magazines, or do you really need to multitask? If the latter, go with the least expensive one; it will work just fine.It's important to know what you need, and the best way to achieve so is to review all of the information above and determine how you fit in. Given the size of the commitment, you want to do it correctly.Check out our purchasing guides for thebest gaming phones and thebest gaming iPhone for more guidance beyond the top iPads available now.