Choosing an iPad in 2026 can be a bit of a headache: there are several models, generations coexisting in stores, and a significant price difference between them. Before you rush out to buy, it's worth taking the time to read real reviews and opinions to understand what each iPad offers and who it makes sense for..
In this guide we'll break everything down for you: from the "basic" iPad to the powerful iPad Pro with M5 chip, including the versatile iPad Air and the compact iPad mini. We'll integrate the ratings, strengths, common drawbacks, and ideal user profile for each model, so you'll know exactly which iPad is right for you before you buy..
What's the iPad catalog like today and what should you keep in mind?
Apple's tablet ecosystem has diversified over the years, to the point that saying iPad is almost like saying tablet directly. The combination of a good screen, solid battery life, plenty of power, and a highly polished operating system makes them the benchmark in the market.But that also means there are several ranges and it can be difficult to find your way around.
Currently, there are four main families of iPads: the regular iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro. Each of these lines is designed for a different type of use and budget: from those who just want something simple to browse and watch series, to professionals looking to replace their laptop..
In addition, many stores still carry models from previous years, especially in the Pro and Air ranges, usually with attractive discounts. User reviews and recommendations from specialized media agree that these "older" iPads can still be a great buy if the price is right..
A key point that is repeated in the reviews is the product's longevity: Apple supports its tablets for years, both in iPadOS updates and apps. That's why even models like the iPad Pro M2 or the Air with the M1 or M2 chip are still considered very valid, as long as you don't pay as if they were brand new..
"Basic" iPad: the entry-level model for general use
Within the catalog, the iPad without a specific model name is usually the most affordable and the most popular. In its latest generation (11th), It features a modern design with slim bezels, a 10,9-inch IPS LCD panel, and the A16 Bionic chip., the same one that was used in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 at the time.
This processor isn't Apple's latest, but it's more than enough for everyday use: browsing, email, social media, streaming, casual gaming, video calls… Reviews agree that its performance is more than sufficient for the average user and that the experience is smooth for almost everything considered "normal use" of a tablet..
A change that has been widely celebrated in user and analyst reviews is the jump from the 64 GB model to the minimum of 128 GB. This increase in base storage prevents the iPad from running out of space too quickly, especially if you install a lot of apps or download content to view offline..
Regarding battery life, Apple mentions about 10 hours of video playback, a figure that in real-world tests usually falls within that range depending on brightness and usage. It's not the tablet with the longest battery life on the market, but it does maintain a very consistent battery life with what it promises and easily lasts through a day of classes, light work, or entertainment..
Who do experts recommend the 11th generation iPad for?
Expert reviews often describe this iPad as being "for almost everyone". It's ideal if you want a reliable device for basic tasks: writing texts, browsing websites, checking email, studying with PDFs or presentations, playing games occasionally, or using streaming platforms..
Among students, the entry-level iPad has a very good reputation: being compatible with Apple Pencil and keyboards—and even allowing Use your iPhone or iPad as a keyboard—, it can be used to take notes, mark up documents, or follow online classes. Its starting price (around 359 euros for 128 GB Wi-Fi) makes it considerably more accessible than Air or Pro models, while maintaining a very solid experience..
One detail to keep in mind: by using the A16 Bionic chip, it is excluded from some of Apple Intelligence's most advanced features. If you're really drawn to the generative AI aspect and want it as a "smart productivity machine," you might want to look at an Air or a Pro with an M chip..
iPad Air: the balance between lightness and power
In the 2025 generation, known as iPad Air M3, we find two sizes: a compact version of about 10,86 inches and a larger one that is close to 12,9 inches. Both share a high-resolution Liquid Retina IPS display, around 500 nits of brightness, and compatibility with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard..
The jump to the M3 chip is one of the most praised points in reviews: it is a "computer" level processor that allows you to edit video, work with photos at a good level, manage demanding projects or have many apps open at the same time. Benchmarks and performance tests place it well above entry-level iPads and close to some MacBooks, although limited by the boundaries of iPadOS..
In terms of memory and storage, the Air starts at 128 GB and offers higher configurations up to 1 TB, something appreciated by those who handle many files or heavy apps. Battery life is once again around 10 hours, with positive comments about how well it manages power consumption even in somewhat more demanding tasks..
The Air 2025 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard with trackpad, and also has a USB-C port for turn your iPad into a second screen, connect monitors, hard drives or other peripherals. This gives it a very attractive point in terms of productivity, because it allows you to "convert" it into a pseudo-laptop for basic office tasks, light editing and multitasking..
iPad Air 2024 with M2 and earlier models
There is still quite a bit of talk about the 2024 iPad Air with the M2 chip, which is still being sold in many stores at a good price. This model, also available with 11- and 13-inch screens, offers more than enough power for most users and shares many advantages with the M3, but generally at a lower cost if you find a good deal..
Reviews recommend the Air M2 when the discount is significant: it's usually a great buy if the 11-inch version drops below certain price thresholds. The key is not to pay almost the same as for a new Air M3, because then it loses its point to opt for an older generation..
For which user profile is the iPad Air most recommended?
The surname “Air” has always pointed to mobility, and here it is fulfilled to the letter: it is a tablet designed to be taken out of the house every day. User reviews and opinions point to it as the perfect iPad for university students, remote workers, and people who combine leisure and productivity outside the home..
If you're going to use it a lot with a keyboard and Apple Pencil, the Air stands out for its comfort and power for slightly more advanced use than the basic iPad: light video editing, creative apps like Procreate, serious office work, AI use, and many apps open at the same time. Starting prices typically range from €599 for the small size to €799 for the large size, varying according to storage and 5G..
iPad mini: the compact option for those who want maximum portability
The iPad mini is the rare bird in the catalog: a small, very manageable tablet that you can almost carry in any bag or even in some jacket pockets. The 2024 model, with its 8,3-inch Liquid Retina IPS display, is clearly designed for those who prioritize small size above all else..
In terms of hardware, it doesn't fall short: it features the A17 Pro chip, the same one that debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro, giving it serious performance for games, creative apps, and multitasking. Reviews highlight the feeling of having "a souped-up iPhone Pro in tablet form," with more than enough power for almost any app in the ecosystem..
Another strong point is the compatibility with Apple Intelligence thanks to that recent processor, which allows the use of advanced AI features. The battery life again hovers around 10 hours of multimedia use, and USB-C charging opens the door to connecting drives, microphones, or cameras..
In terms of cameras, it features a 12 MP main sensor and a 12 MP wide-angle FaceTime HD front camera, specially designed for high-quality video calls. The security system is based on Touch ID integrated into the side button, making it convenient and quick to unlock with your fingerprint..
In terms of price, the 2024 iPad mini starts at around 519 euros for the Wi-Fi 6E version with 128 GB. Many users feel that, unless you're specifically looking for something compact, it's easy to opt for the basic iPad or even stretch to an Air for the relatively small price difference..
In what uses does the iPad mini truly shine?
Due to its size, this model is highly recommended as a "portable console" or advanced PDA: perfect for gaming, quick productivity apps, notes, maps, music, and content consumption when you don't want to carry something large. Among doctors, pilots, field technicians, and other professionals who always carry it in their hands, the iPad mini has a very good reputation..
It is also seen as an interesting option for reading comics, manga, and documents. download free booksHowever, for intensive reading of long books, an e-ink reader is usually suggested for visual rest. Its weak point lies precisely in "desktop" productivity: the screen size is not the most comfortable for prolonged office work or heavy multitasking..
iPad Pro: Reviews of the most powerful range
The iPad Pro family is where Apple goes all out. Here you'll find the most advanced displays, the most powerful chips, and the best integration with professional accessories. Reviews agree that they are genuine laptop replacements for many users, provided that the software they use is available on iPadOS..
In recent models, the OLED panels with a 120 Hz refresh rate (ProMotion technology) stand out, offering deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent fluidity. Designers, illustrators, and content creators often highly value this screen quality, especially for video and photo editing..
In addition, the Pro models integrate a better speaker system, high-quality microphones, more complete cameras, and sensors such as LiDAR in some generations, designed for AR and fast focusing. They are also the most compatible with Apple's accessory ecosystem: Apple Pencil Pro, next-generation Magic Keyboard, and advanced keyboard cases..
iPad Pro M5 (2025): the most powerful in the ecosystem
El iPad Pro M5Available in 11 and 13 inches, it's the current crown jewel. It features a 120Hz OLED panel and the M5 chip, Apple's latest evolution for tablets. This processor, paired with 12 to 16 GB of RAM depending on the configuration, is designed for intensive workloads, including AI, multi-track 4K editing, and large creative projects..
In terms of storage, it ranges from 256 GB to 2 TB, making it a very attractive device for photographers, videographers, or professionals who want to carry large libraries of files with them. Reviews indicate that, in overall fluidity and multitasking capabilities, it performs on par with (or better than) many high-end laptops..
In terms of autonomy, the famous figure of around 10 hours is maintained, which is relatively easy to achieve in mixed use. Although power consumption increases with video editing or AAA games, it still offers a "work-all-day unplugged" experience for many users..
In terms of price, we're talking about an expensive device, clearly aimed at users who will really push it to its limits: professional creators, developers, people who intensively use productivity apps and want a highly portable "all-in-one". Opinions often add a nuance: it's a spectacular piece of equipment, but not everyone needs such a powerful machine..
iPad Pro M4 (2024): still highly recommended if the price drops
The iPad Pro M4, released in 2024, is still being sold in some stores and, in many cases, at a higher price than the new M5. This makes it currently pointless to pay more for it, because it offers less power for more money..
Even so, the hardware remains outstanding: a 120Hz OLED panel, a good speaker system, quality cameras, and an M4 chip capable of handling professional tasks without breaking a sweat. If a very aggressive offer comes along that puts it significantly below the equivalent M5, it can still be a sensible purchase for years to come..
iPad Pro M2 (2022) and other recent Pros: when they are worth it
The 2022 iPad Pro M2, especially the 11-inch model, continues to appear frequently in comparisons and recommendations. With a 120Hz Liquid Retina IPS LCD panel, HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility, and the M2 chip, they are still considered more than capable high-end tablets..
The reviews highlight its battery life of around 13 hours, the dual 12 and 10 MP camera with LiDAR and Face ID, and compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil and original Magic Keyboard. Many experts recommend them only if the price falls to levels clearly lower than that of the current Pro models, for example, below certain ranges in dollars or euros..
It is also mentioned that the 2021 and 2020 Pro models (both 11 and 12,9 inches) are still powerful machines, comparable in raw performance to some recent models. The general recommendation is the same: if you find a new or refurbished one with a significant discount, it can be a smart option, but if not, it's better to buy the latest generation..
Older iPad Air and iPad Pro models: how long is it worth buying them?
In the case of previous generation iPad Airs, such as the 2022 Air with M1, the opinions are similar: a very capable device, 10,9-inch screen, USB-C, Touch ID on the top button, and 5G support in cellular models. This Air M1 is still considered "light and powerful" for general and creative tasks, but it's only recommended if it appears at a really discounted price..
Meanwhile, the 2018 iPad Pro tablets and similar generations are starting to fall off the recommendation lists. They are considered too old to be a new purchase these days, mainly due to limited software support in the medium term and their inability to compete in efficiency with M-chips..
In summary, the key with older models is always the price-performance ratio. If the discount is substantial, they can still be fantastic, but if they get too close to the cost of a new model, the scales clearly tip towards the latest generation..
Is an iPad worth it compared to other tablets and devices?
Beyond comparing iPads with each other, many reviews bring up rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra or the Microsoft Surface Pro. The Galaxy Tab shines thanks to its gigantic AMOLED screen and the flexibility of Android, while the Surface Pro plays the card of offering a full Windows experience in tablet format..
The iPad, especially in its Air and Pro versions, counters with the brutal performance of the M chips, the stability of iPadOS, and the apps optimized for touchscreen. For creativity, design, illustration, and video, the combination of Apple Pencil and a high-quality screen is considered one of the strongest selling points..
In terms of camera capabilities, iPad Pro tablets are quite solid for video calls and casual photography, but it's rare to find a review that places them above top-of-the-range smartphones like the iPhone 14 Pro or Google Pixel 7 Pro. In low light conditions and for advanced photographic functions, mobile phones continue to dominate thanks to software and dedicated sensors..
If we look at the price, things change: a top-of-the-range iPad Pro can cost as much as or more than many very capable Android laptops or tablets. That's why experts repeatedly insist that before buying a Pro, you should ask yourself if you're really going to use its full power, or if a basic iPad or an Air will more than cover your needs..
Finally, the ecosystem plays a fundamental role: those who already have an iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch especially value the integration of Handoff, AirDrop, iCloud, synced notes, and more. If you already live in the "Apple world," an iPad is a perfect fit; if you prefer open Android or Windows, perhaps other options from Samsung, Lenovo, or Microsoft might suit you better.. Furthermore, it is possible Use your iPad screen on your Mac to improve productivity.
When it comes to getting the most out of an iPad Pro, accessories make all the difference: Apple Pencil (or Apple Pencil Pro) for drawing and annotating, Magic Keyboard for working like on a laptop, USB-C adapters for connecting hard drives, cameras, or extra monitors… Reviews often point out that the total cost increases considerably if you add a keyboard, stylus, and high storage capacity, but also that the resulting combo is a very serious work tool..
Given this whole picture, the general feeling of those who test and compare these devices is clear: Each iPad has a very defined "typical user," and the right decision involves aligning your budget and how you use the tablet with the strengths of each model; only then can you ensure that your purchase doesn't fall short or get out of hand in terms of power and price..
