What's the Best iPad for You?

Apple offers a range of options—from the budget-friendly iPad to the premium iPad Pro to the diminutive iPad Mini—but our advice hasn’t changed. Most consumers seeking an iPad for “tablet-y” activities like browsing the web, watching videos, and reading e-books should seriously consider the entry-level iPad.

For more demanding users—those who view an iPad as more of a laptop replacement, a tool for editing hi-res photos and videos—the iPad Pro makes more sense. It’s more powerful, and the larger, higher-quality display makes working with apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro easier and more enjoyable.

We buy and test every model Apple releases, measuring performance across a variety of metrics, including the ease of use, the display quality, and how quickly the model completes certain tasks, like loading web pages and applying filters to photos. Whatever your budget and needs, we can help you find the device that’s right for you.

CR members are also welcome to consult our buying guide and full tablet ratings to see how more than 45 models have performed in our labs, including those from brands like Amazon, Lenovo, and Samsung.