

If you're looking to pick up your first Apple tablet, the 2021 iPad is an excellent option, particularly for students and the budget-minded. The ninth-gen iPad doesn't house the latest hardware, nor does it offer the fastest performance, but it's still extremely capable of doing essential daily tasks like running apps, playing games, or streaming video. The ninth-gen iPad from 2021 and 10th-gen iPad from 2022 are Apple's base iPads, and both are in the current lineup. Pros: Most affordable iPad, Apple Pencil (first-gen) support

However, if the price difference doesn't deter you, we recommend the latest model because it will have a slightly longer lifespan than the 2021 model in terms of product support. While the 2022 iPad runs on a newer and more powerful processor than the 2021 iPad, we don't think that should count toward the price increase - Apple previously included processor upgrades without raising prices in the past. It's still modest starting at $449, but significantly less so than the $329 price of previous generations. The 2022 iPad erodes one of the best things about the standard iPad - its affordability. Unlike any other iPad, the 2022 iPad's front-facing camera is in the long horizontal edge of the iPad, which captures a better forward-facing angle of your face during video calls. As a result, it's less ideal than other iPads for Apple Pencil users. However, if you're an existing iPad owner who has invested in lots of Lightning accessories, you may need to purchase new ones.Īnd since the 2022 iPad only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector, those who plan on using an Apple Pencil will need an adapter to charge it. Charging and data speeds are the same as the 2021 iPad's Lightning port, but it's gratifying that you can charge the 2022 iPad with the same cable that charges your laptop and many other devices. Gone is the Lightning port, in favor of USB-C.
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As such, it offers a similar experience as the iPad Air and iPad Pro for a lower price and more than enough power to run basic apps, games, and streaming video, making it the best option for most people. Pros: Excellent screen, modern design, USB-C charging port, front camera in horizontal positionĬons: $120 more expensive than 2021 iPad, Apple Pencil requires adapter to chargeįor the 10th and latest generation, Apple's basic iPad gets a larger 10.9-inch display and a modern design that's in line with the rest of the iPad lineup. It's also the most expensive, which makes it best suited for creative professionals. The 2022 iPad Pro, which includes the fourth-gen 11-inch and sixth-gen 12.9-inch model, is the most powerful and capable tablet in Apple's lineup.

The sixth-generation iPad Mini is essentially a smaller and more powerful version of the 10th-generation iPad, and it's the best (and only) option if you prefer a smaller Apple tablet.īest for power users: iPad Pro (2022) - See at Amazon The iPad Air has many features in common with the 2022 iPad Pro while costing less.īest small size: iPad Mini (2021) - See at Best Buy The fifth-generation iPad Air boasts computer-grade performance thanks to Apple's impressive M1 processor. The ninth-generation iPad offers an incredible balance of value, performance, and features.īest mid-range: iPad Air (2022) - See at Amazon Our top picks for the best iPadīest overall: iPad (2022) - See at Amazonĭespite its higher price, the 2022 iPad's modern design, bigger screen, and USB-C port make a strong case over the 2021 iPad. To help you decide which iPad is right for you, I break down the pros and cons of the best iPads below - all based on my near-decade experience of hands-on testing.

And then there's the new 10th-gen iPad, which brings a bevy of upgrades to Apple's most basic tablet at an elevated price. The iPad Air and iPad Mini are still excellent options. There's the premium and recently upgraded iPad Pro, where choosing between the 11-inch and 12.9-inch model matters. Currently, Apple sells five main models: the 2021 iPad, 2022 iPad, the iPad Mini, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro, and all of them share industry-leading hardware, excellent battery life, and support for iPadOS 16. If you're stuck on figuring out which iPad is best for you, it's probably because distinguishing between models is more complicated than ever.
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Apple's iPad lineup offers levels of performance for certain needs at prices that make sense for different users, whether you're looking for a tablet for doing casual day-to-day tasks or running power-hungry apps for professional creative work.
