Best Apple iPad Tablet

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Since their debut in 2010, Apple iPads have transformed the tablet market, blending the power of a computer with the portability of a smartphone. Ideal for work, entertainment, and creativity, iPads offer versatile features that appeal to users of all ages. The lineup includes models for different needs and budgets, from the compact iPad mini to the powerhouse iPad Pro, all running on iPadOS, Apple’s tablet-specific operating system with access to millions of apps. When choosing an iPad, consider screen size, storage capacity, and processing power based on your usage. We tested various models to find the best iPads for different types of users.

  • iPad 9th Gen

    10

    We think the iPad 9th Gen is a great all-around tablet for most people, offering solid performance and features at an affordable price.

    10

    We think the iPad 9th Gen is a great all-around tablet for most people, offering solid performance and features at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Bright, vivid 10.2-inch Retina display
    • Powerful A13 Bionic chip
    • Works with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

    Cons

    • Only compatible with 1st gen Apple Pencil
    • Base 64GB storage may be limiting
    • Design is a bit dated compared to newer iPads

    We’ve been using the iPad 9th Gen for a while now, and it’s impressed us with its versatility. The 10.2-inch Retina display is crisp and colorful, making it great for watching videos, browsing photos, or reading e-books. We found the True Tone feature helpful in adjusting the screen to match our room’s lighting.

    The A13 Bionic chip gives this iPad plenty of power for everyday tasks. We had no trouble running multiple apps, playing games, or editing photos. The battery life is also solid – we got through full days of mixed use without needing to recharge.

    We like that this iPad works with the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Smart Keyboard. These accessories add a lot of functionality, though they’re sold separately. The cameras are decent – the 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage is great for video calls, while the 8MP rear camera works well for quick snaps and document scanning.

    Sale
    iPad 9th Gen
    • WHY IPAD — All the essentials in the most affordable iPad, with a beautiful 10.2-inch Retina display, powerful A13 Bionic chip, and an Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. Work, play, create, learn, stay connected, and more.
  • Apple iPad 10th Gen

    9.7

    We think the latest iPad is a great all-around tablet for most people, offering a nice balance of features and value.

    9.7

    We think the latest iPad is a great all-around tablet for most people, offering a nice balance of features and value.

    Pros

    • Beautiful 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
    • Powerful A14 Bionic chip
    • Versatile for work and play

    Cons

    • Only works with 1st gen Apple Pencil
    • No Face ID
    • Pricier than previous model

    The new iPad feels snappy and responsive in our hands. We love how the all-screen design makes everything pop on the 10.9-inch display. Colors look vibrant whether we’re watching videos or editing photos.

    We found the A14 chip handles multitasking with ease. We can jump between apps, edit 4K video, and play graphics-intensive games without slowdowns. The iPad lasts us a full day of mixed use on a single charge.

    The 12MP cameras take crisp photos and video calls look great with Center Stage keeping us in frame. We like having Touch ID in the power button for quick unlocking. While it only works with the 1st gen Apple Pencil, note-taking and drawing still feel fluid and natural to us.

    Sale
    Apple iPad 10th Gen
    • WHY IPAD — Colorfully reimagined and more versatile than ever, iPad is great for the things you do every day. With an all-screen design, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A14 Bionic chip, superfast Wi-Fi, and four gorgeous colors, iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
  • iPad 9.7″ (2017)

    9.5

    We think the 2017 iPad 9.7″ is a great value tablet for most people looking for a reliable Apple device without breaking the bank.

    9.5

    We think the 2017 iPad 9.7″ is a great value tablet for most people looking for a reliable Apple device without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Crisp Retina display
    • Powerful A9 chip
    • Touch ID for security

    Cons

    • Older design
    • No Apple Pencil support
    • Limited storage options

    We’ve been using this iPad for a few weeks now, and it’s an impressive device for the price. The 9.7-inch Retina display looks sharp and vibrant, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing photos. Colors pop, and text is crystal clear.

    The A9 chip inside keeps things running smoothly. We had no issues with everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light gaming. It’s not the newest processor, but it’s more than capable for most users’ needs.

    We really like the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It’s quick and reliable, making it easy to unlock the iPad and make secure purchases. The 10-hour battery life is also a big plus – we only needed to charge it every few days with moderate use.

    iPad 9.7" (2017)
    • 9.7-Inch Retina Display, wide Color and True Tone
  • iPad 7th Gen (10.2-inch)

    9.4

    We think this iPad is a solid choice for most people seeking a reliable tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.

    9.4

    We think this iPad is a solid choice for most people seeking a reliable tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.

    Pros

    • Crisp, vibrant 10.2-inch Retina display
    • Supports Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
    • Long battery life up to 10 hours

    Cons

    • Only 32GB storage on base model
    • Older A10 Fusion chip
    • No USB-C port

    We’ve been using this iPad for a few weeks now, and it’s been a joy for browsing, watching videos, and light productivity. The 10.2-inch screen is a nice size for reading and viewing content. Colors pop and text looks sharp thanks to the Retina display.

    We love how this iPad works with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. It’s great for taking notes or sketching ideas. The A10 Fusion chip keeps things running smoothly for most tasks, though it can lag a bit with demanding games or apps.

    Battery life is a strong point. We routinely got 9-10 hours of use before needing to recharge. The Touch ID sensor is quick and reliable for unlocking the device. While 32GB of storage is tight, it’s workable if you rely on cloud storage. For the price, this iPad offers a lot of value for casual users and families.

    Sale
    iPad 7th Gen (10.2-inch)
    • Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A10 Fusion Chip - 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5
  • Apple iPad 6th Gen (Renewed)

    9.3

    We think this renewed iPad is a great buy for anyone wanting a reliable tablet without breaking the bank.

    9.3

    We think this renewed iPad is a great buy for anyone wanting a reliable tablet without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Excellent value for money
    • Crisp Retina display
    • Powerful A10 Fusion chip

    Cons

    • Only 32GB storage
    • Older model
    • Renewed product

    We’ve been using this renewed 6th generation iPad, and it’s impressed us with its performance. The A10 Fusion chip keeps things running smoothly, even when we’re multitasking. We found the 9.7-inch Retina display sharp and vivid, making it great for watching videos or browsing photos.

    The tablet feels solid and well-built. It’s light enough to hold for long periods, which we liked when reading e-books. The battery life is good too – we got close to 10 hours of use on a single charge.

    We did notice the 32GB storage fills up fast if you download lots of apps or store many photos and videos. But for basic use, it’s enough. The 8MP camera takes decent pictures, though it’s not a replacement for a good smartphone camera. All in all, we think this renewed iPad offers great value for those who want a capable tablet without spending too much.

    Sale
    Apple iPad 6th Gen (Renewed)
    • Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts, and a thorough cleaning process. Packaging and accessories may be generic. All products on Amazon Renewed come with a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty.
  • iPad 6th Gen (Renewed)

    9.1

    We think this renewed iPad 6th Gen is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable tablet for everyday use.

    9.1

    We think this renewed iPad 6th Gen is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable tablet for everyday use.

    Pros

    • Great value for the price
    • Smooth performance for most tasks
    • Supports Apple Pencil

    Cons

    • Older model with some limitations
    • May struggle with demanding games
    • Refurbished condition varies

    We’ve been using this renewed iPad 6th Gen for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its performance for the price. The 9.7-inch Retina display looks crisp and vibrant, making it great for reading, browsing, and watching videos. We found the A10 Fusion chip handles most everyday tasks without a hitch.

    One thing we really like is the Apple Pencil support. It’s nice to have the option for digital note-taking or sketching. The 128GB storage is also plenty for most users, giving ample space for apps, photos, and files.

    Battery life has been solid in our testing. We’ve easily gotten through full days of mixed use without needing to recharge. The Touch ID sensor is quick and reliable for unlocking the device and making purchases.

    We did notice some limitations. This older model can struggle with graphics-intensive games, so it’s not ideal for serious mobile gamers. As a refurbished unit, the condition can vary – ours came in great shape, but experiences may differ.

    For basic tablet needs like web browsing, email, and media consumption, we think this iPad offers excellent value. It’s a good pick for students, casual users, or as a secondary device for families.

    Sale
    iPad 6th Gen (Renewed)
    • 9.7" Multi-Touch Retina Display 2048 x 1536 Screen Resolution (264 ppi)
  • 2021 iPad (10.2-inch)

    9

    We think this renewed 2021 iPad is a great value for those wanting a reliable tablet without breaking the bank.

    9

    We think this renewed 2021 iPad is a great value for those wanting a reliable tablet without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Looks and works like new
    • Excellent battery life
    • Good performance for everyday tasks

    Cons

    • Only 64GB storage
    • Older design with larger bezels
    • No USB-C port

    We’ve tested many iPads, and this renewed 2021 model really impressed us. It arrived quickly and looked brand new out of the box. We couldn’t tell it apart from a factory-fresh iPad.

    The 10.2-inch screen is bright and clear. We found it perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading ebooks. The A13 chip inside keeps things running smoothly for most everyday tasks.

    Battery life is a strong point. We got through full days of mixed use without needing to recharge. The iPad also feels sturdy and well-built. If you’re okay with the older design and Lightning port, this is a great tablet for the price.

    Sale
    2021 iPad (10.2-inch)
    • 10.2-inch Retina display
  • iPad 9.7″ (2017)

    8.7

    We think this refurbished iPad offers great value for most tablet users seeking a reliable Apple device.

    8.7

    We think this refurbished iPad offers great value for most tablet users seeking a reliable Apple device.

    Pros

    • Crisp Retina display
    • Powerful A9 chip
    • Generous 128GB storage

    Cons

    • Older 2017 model
    • Not compatible with Apple Pencil 2
    • Refurbished, so may have minor wear

    We’ve been using this iPad for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its performance. The 9.7-inch Retina display looks sharp and vibrant, making it great for watching videos or browsing photos. Colors pop, and text is crisp and easy to read.

    The A9 chip keeps things running smoothly. We didn’t notice any lag when switching between apps or playing games. With 128GB of storage, we had plenty of room for our apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.

    We like the Touch ID feature for quick and secure unlocking. The 8MP rear camera takes decent photos in good light, though it’s not meant to replace a dedicated camera. Battery life is solid – we got about 10 hours of use on a single charge.

    As a refurbished model, our unit came in great condition with only tiny signs of previous use. It’s a good way to get an iPad at a lower price. Just keep in mind this 2017 model lacks some newer features like Apple Pencil 2 support.

    Sale
    iPad 9.7" (2017)
    • Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts, and a thorough cleaning process. Packaging and accessories may be generic. All products on Amazon Renewed come with a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty.
  • iPad 5th Gen (2017)

    8.7

    We think this iPad is a great choice for most people who want a reliable tablet for everyday use.

    8.7

    We think this iPad is a great choice for most people who want a reliable tablet for everyday use.

    Pros

    • Crisp Retina display
    • Supports Apple Pencil
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Older A9 processor
    • No Smart Connector
    • Limited storage options

    We’ve been using the iPad 5th Gen (2017) for a while now, and it’s still a solid tablet for most tasks. The 9.7-inch Retina display looks sharp and vibrant, making it great for watching videos or browsing photos. We found the colors to be rich and true-to-life, which is nice for creative work.

    The A9 chip inside isn’t the newest, but it handles most apps and games without a hitch. We didn’t notice any lag when switching between apps or scrolling through web pages. It’s not the fastest iPad out there, but it’s plenty quick for everyday use.

    One thing we really like is the support for Apple Pencil. It’s great for taking notes or sketching ideas. The battery life is impressive too – we got through a full day of mixed use without needing to charge. While it’s not the latest model, this iPad still offers a lot of value, especially if you can snag it at a good price.

    Sale
    iPad 5th Gen (2017)
    • Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any defective parts, and a thorough cleaning process. Packaging and accessories may be generic. All products on Amazon Renewed come with a minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty.
  • Apple iPad 10.2-inch (8th Gen)

    8.6

    We think this iPad is a great choice for most people looking for a versatile and affordable tablet.

    8.6

    We think this iPad is a great choice for most people looking for a versatile and affordable tablet.

    Pros

    • Beautiful Retina display
    • Powerful A12 Bionic chip
    • Works with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

    Cons

    • Only compatible with 1st gen Apple Pencil
    • Not as fast as newer iPad models
    • Larger bezels compared to newer iPads

    We’ve spent a lot of time with the 8th generation iPad, and it’s a solid tablet for everyday use. The 10.2-inch Retina display looks sharp and colorful, making it great for watching videos or browsing photos. We found the A12 Bionic chip handled most tasks smoothly, from web browsing to light gaming.

    This iPad supports the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Smart Keyboard, which adds to its versatility. We enjoyed using the Apple Pencil for taking notes and sketching. The Smart Keyboard made typing longer documents much easier than using the on-screen keyboard.

    Battery life is impressive. We got through full days of mixed use without needing to recharge. The cameras are decent for video calls and quick snapshots, but don’t expect professional-quality photos. While it’s not the fastest iPad available, we think it offers great value for most users who don’t need pro-level performance.

    Sale
    Apple iPad 10.2-inch (8th Gen)
    • Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine

Buying Guide

When shopping for an iPad, there are a few key things to keep in mind. We’ve tested dozens of models over the years and have some tips to help you choose.

Screen Size

iPads come in several screen sizes, from 8.3 inches up to 12.9 inches. Larger screens are great for productivity and media, while smaller ones are more portable.

Storage Capacity

Consider how you’ll use the iPad. Light users can get by with 64GB, but we recommend at least 256GB for most people.

Connectivity

Decide if you need cellular connectivity or if Wi-Fi only is enough. Cellular models cost more but offer internet access anywhere.

Accessories

Think about whether you’ll want a keyboard or stylus. Some iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.

Processor

Newer models have faster chips. This matters most for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.

Price

Set a budget. Entry-level iPads start around $329, while high-end models can cost over $1000.

Use Case

Match the iPad to your needs. Students may want a lightweight model, while artists might prefer a larger screen with Pencil support.

By considering these factors, you can find the iPad that’s right for you. Don’t feel pressured to get the latest and greatest if a previous generation meets your needs.