Apple’s iPad has consistently outperformed any other tablet available and each new iteration improves upon its predecessor. This still holds true with the 10th generation iPad, which brings USB-C and several quality-of-life enhancements. However, these new features come with a significant price increase, and Apple continues to offer the excellent 9th generation iPad, which is familiar, budget-friendly, and offers ample power for most users. It’s well-suited for typical tablet activities such as consuming content or gaming, and Apple has significantly enhanced the front-facing camera for video calls. As a result, the 9th-gen iPad should be the first choice for most people, ahead of the iPad Pro, iPad mini, or even the 10th-gen iPad.
Our top recommendation
Featuring a large screen, a sufficiently fast processor, and support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, the 9th-gen iPad offers the essential features that most tablet users require.
All iPads offer an incomparable selection of apps, exceptional hardware quality, long battery life, and unparalleled customer support. Priced at $330, the 10.2-inch Apple iPad (9th generation) strikes the best balance between price and performance, capable of most activities that the more expensive iPad Pro can handle, such as pairing with a Smart Keyboard or Apple Pencil, despite being smaller and featuring a slightly inferior screen. While the 9th-generation iPad shares the same processor as the iPhone 11, it is still sufficiently speedy for most tasks, with the exception of the most demanding ones. For those intending to create high-resolution images and videos, an iPad Pro would likely be preferable. The new 64 GB base storage capacity means most users won’t need to upgrade for more space; for those requiring more storage, an upgrade to 256 GB costs $150.
Upgrade choice
If you’re willing to pay more for an updated design, a faster processor, and more color options, the 2022 iPad is the tablet for you.
The latest entry-level tablet from Apple incorporates some long-awaited updates, including new color choices, increased processing power, better rear cameras, and an improved FaceTime camera. It also finally transitions the entry-level iPad to USB-C while removing the Lightning port, but Apple has also removed the headphone jack and Home button. The 10th-gen iPad manages to maintain the same 10-hour battery life as its predecessors, but its starting price of $449 is much higher than the 9th-gen iPad’s.
Another excellent option
If you’re willing to pay for laptop power in a tablet, the iPad Air is the tablet for you.
If you are undecided between the base iPad models and the iPad Pro, the Apple iPad Air (5th generation) strikes a balance. In the latest Air, you get the fast M1 chip and an iPad Pro-like design, making the tablet more appealing and comfortable to use. Apple also offers more color options for the Air than for any other tablet, and we liked the blue model we tested. However, Apple has reserved professional features such as Face ID and a smoother 120 Hz screen, originally expected to have a greater impact on day-to-day use, for the iPad Pro. Nevertheless, you can still use Apple’s best accessories, like the second-generation Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio, with the Air, making it an excellent tablet for those willing to spend a bit more for an enhanced experience but may balk at the price tag of an iPad Pro.
