10 Best iPad Generations 2025 in the United States

The Apple iPad 11-inch with the A16 chip offers a great balance of power and portability, making it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, video calls, gaming, and creative work such as drawing or photo editing. Its 11-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp and bright, providing an enjoyable viewing experience for movies and artwork with True Tone technology that adjusts colors to your environment. The A16 chip ensures smooth performance, whether multitasking or using demanding apps, while the base 128GB storage is ample for most users, with options to upgrade if needed.

The 12MP front and back cameras deliver clear photos and excellent video call quality, including features like Center Stage that keeps you centered in the frame. Battery life is designed to last all day, supporting extended use without frequent charging. Connectivity is modern with Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds and USB-C for versatile charging and accessories. It also supports Apple Pencil (both 1st and USB-C versions) and the Magic Keyboard Folio, turning it into a solid tool for creativity and productivity. Touch ID adds convenience and security, letting you unlock the device and make payments easily.

While the storage starts at 128GB, users needing a lot of space might find it limiting unless they pay for higher capacity models. The iPad's 11-inch screen is great for portability but might feel small for those wanting a larger display for intensive work. Also, it doesn’t come with cellular by default, so staying connected on the go requires choosing a more expensive model. This iPad suits students, professionals, and casual users looking for a high-quality, versatile tablet that can handle a wide range of activities with ease.

The Apple iPad 10th Generation offers a solid upgrade with its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which delivers clear and vibrant visuals suitable for watching movies, browsing, or drawing. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, it handles everyday tasks smoothly, including gaming and photo editing, making it fast enough for most users. With storage options starting at 64GB, it covers basic needs, though users who store lots of apps or media might prefer the 256GB model. The camera setup is quite strong for an iPad in this range: a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage improves video calls by keeping you centered, while the 12MP back camera supports 4K video capture, which is great for casual photography and video creation. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 10 hours on a full charge, so you can use it comfortably during a workday or study session. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet access, which is handy for streaming and downloads, though cellular models cost a bit more.

The iPad supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio, expanding its versatility for drawing and typing, but these accessories are sold separately and require a USB-C adapter for the Apple Pencil. Touch ID is integrated into the top button, making unlocking and payments secure and convenient. The base storage of 64GB might feel limited for heavy users, and compatibility only with the 1st generation Apple Pencil means missing out on some newer features. This iPad represents a well-rounded choice for students, casual creators, and anyone looking for a reliable tablet with good performance, a bright screen, and useful accessories.

The Apple iPad 9th Generation offers a solid balance of performance and features ideal for users seeking a reliable, budget-friendly tablet. Its 10.2-inch Retina display delivers clear and vibrant visuals suitable for watching videos, browsing, or drawing, with True Tone technology that adjusts screen colors to your environment for comfortable viewing. Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, this iPad handles everyday tasks, apps, and even some games smoothly without lag. The base 64GB storage is adequate for casual use like media and apps, though it does not support expandable storage, which might be limiting for heavy users.

The front 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage is great for video calls, easily keeping you centered, while the 8MP rear camera is fine for scanning documents or casual photos but not intended for professional photography. Battery life is designed to last all day on regular use, supporting portability and on-the-go productivity. Connectivity is Wi-Fi only in this model, so if you need mobile data access, this could be a drawback. Accessory support includes the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard, which enhance creativity and productivity but are sold separately, adding to the total cost.

Touch ID provides convenient security and Apple Pay support. This iPad is well suited for students, casual users, and families wanting a dependable tablet for media consumption, learning, and light creative work without the higher price of the latest models.