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10 Best iPad Generations 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,173
Display Size
Processor
Battery Life

Most important from
1280 reviews

Display Size
The 11-inch display is bright, sharp, and noticeably larger, enhancing both productivity and entertainment.
Processor
The iPad delivers swift performance and a smooth setup experience even for those with limited technical skills.
Battery Life
Battery life meets expectations for extended daily use without frequent recharging.
Connectivity Options
The absence of a physical SIM card slot on the cellular model can be a dealbreaker for users needing traditional SIM support.
Accessory Compatibility
The Magic Keyboard Folio with 360-degree swivel expands versatility, making it great for note-taking and drawing.

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.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,173
Display Size
Processor
Battery Life

Most important from
1280 reviews

Display Size
The 11-inch display is bright, sharp, and noticeably larger, enhancing both productivity and entertainment.
Processor
The iPad delivers swift performance and a smooth setup experience even for those with limited technical skills.
Battery Life
Battery life meets expectations for extended daily use without frequent recharging.
Connectivity Options
The absence of a physical SIM card slot on the cellular model can be a dealbreaker for users needing traditional SIM support.
Accessory Compatibility
The Magic Keyboard Folio with 360-degree swivel expands versatility, making it great for note-taking and drawing.
#3

Apple iPad (9th Generation): with A13 Bionic chip, 10.2-inch Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi, 12MP front/8MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Space Gray

Rating
9.1
Display Size
Processor
Camera Quality

Most important from
75262 reviews

Display Size
The 10.2-inch Retina display offers vibrant visuals and comfortable viewing with True Tone technology.
Processor
Delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks with smooth multitasking and no noticeable lag.
Camera Quality
Offers great picture quality and fast charging at a budget-friendly price point.
Battery Life
Long battery life supports extended use and standby time, making it reliable for on-the-go productivity.
Connectivity Options
Retains the classic Touch ID Home Button and headphone jack, features appreciated by users preferring traditional design.
Accessory Compatibility
Compatible with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and charges via Lightning connector, which suits those with existing 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.

Rating
9.1
Display Size
Processor
Camera Quality

Most important from
75262 reviews

Display Size
The 10.2-inch Retina display offers vibrant visuals and comfortable viewing with True Tone technology.
Processor
Delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks with smooth multitasking and no noticeable lag.
Camera Quality
Offers great picture quality and fast charging at a budget-friendly price point.
Battery Life
Long battery life supports extended use and standby time, making it reliable for on-the-go productivity.
Connectivity Options
Retains the classic Touch ID Home Button and headphone jack, features appreciated by users preferring traditional design.
Accessory Compatibility
Compatible with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and charges via Lightning connector, which suits those with existing accessories.

Buying Guide for the Best iPad Generations

Choosing the right iPad generation can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of models available. The key to making the best choice is to understand your specific needs and how different iPad generations cater to those needs. Whether you are looking for an iPad for casual use, professional work, or creative projects, knowing the key specifications and what they mean can help you make an informed decision.
Display SizeThe display size of an iPad is measured diagonally in inches and determines how large the screen is. This is important because it affects how comfortable the device is to use for different tasks. Smaller screens (around 7.9 to 10.2 inches) are more portable and easier to handle, making them ideal for casual use, reading, or travel. Medium screens (10.5 to 11 inches) offer a balance between portability and screen real estate, suitable for both casual and some professional use. Larger screens (12.9 inches) provide ample space for multitasking, drawing, and professional work, but they are less portable.
ProcessorThe processor, or chip, in an iPad determines how fast and efficiently it can run apps and perform tasks. This is crucial for users who need to run demanding applications or multitask. Older generations may have A-series chips (like A10 or A12), which are sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. Newer generations feature more powerful chips (like A14, A15, or M1), which are better suited for intensive tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and running multiple apps simultaneously. Choose a processor based on the complexity of the tasks you plan to perform.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of internal space available for apps, photos, videos, and other data. This is important because it affects how much content you can store on your iPad without needing external storage. iPads typically come with storage options ranging from 32GB to 1TB. For casual users who mainly stream content and use cloud storage, 32GB to 64GB may be sufficient. For users who store a lot of media or use large apps, 128GB to 256GB is a better choice. Professionals and creatives who work with large files may need 512GB to 1TB.
Camera QualityThe camera quality on an iPad is determined by the resolution and features of its front and rear cameras. This is important for users who plan to use their iPad for photography, video recording, or video calls. Basic models may have lower resolution cameras (8MP rear, 1.2MP front), which are adequate for casual photos and video calls. Higher-end models offer advanced camera systems (12MP or higher, with additional features like LiDAR scanners), which are ideal for professional photography, augmented reality applications, and high-quality video recording. Choose based on how much you value camera performance.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long an iPad can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for users who need their device to last through the day without frequent recharging. Most iPads offer around 10 hours of battery life with mixed usage, which is sufficient for general use. However, if you plan to use your iPad for intensive tasks or extended periods without access to a charger, consider models known for longer battery life. Your usage pattern will guide you in choosing the right battery performance.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include Wi-Fi and cellular capabilities, which determine how you can connect to the internet. This is important for users who need constant internet access. Wi-Fi-only models are suitable for users who primarily use their iPad at home or in places with reliable Wi-Fi. Models with cellular connectivity (Wi-Fi + Cellular) are ideal for users who need internet access on the go, as they can use mobile data networks. Choose based on your mobility and internet access needs.
Accessory CompatibilityAccessory compatibility refers to the iPad's ability to work with various accessories like the Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and other peripherals. This is important for users who want to enhance their iPad's functionality. Basic models may support fewer accessories, while higher-end models are compatible with a wider range of tools, making them suitable for creative professionals, students, and those who want to use their iPad as a laptop replacement. Consider what accessories you plan to use and ensure the iPad generation you choose supports them.

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