Greatest iPad to Purchase (and Some to Keep away from) in 2025

Different Good iPads

Apple not sells these iPads, however these barely older fashions are nonetheless good choices, so long as you’ll find them for the correct low cost. I like to recommend checking third-party retailers (like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H). I additionally recommend cross-checking the value with the newest fashions to be sure you’re spending a good quantity much less on the older pill. Older fashions not talked about listed below are more and more onerous to seek out and won’t be value it.

iPad Pro (2022, 6th Gen): These iPad Professional tablets (7/10, WIRED Review) use the identical M2 chip that is contained in the MacBook Air (2022), Mac Mini, and iPad Air (2024). It additionally has a superb mini-LED display (with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate) together with a twin digicam system (with a lidar sensor), a front-facing digicam with help for Middle Stage, in addition to nice audio system and mics. It is suitable with the unique Magic Keyboard case, second-generation Apple Pencil, and Apple Pencil with USB-C. I solely advocate it if you’ll find the 11-inch for $749 or much less and the 12.9-inch for $900 or much less.

iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen): This iPad Air has an M1 processor (which may also be discovered within the 2020 MacBook Air), a 10.9-inch LCD display, a USB-C port, Contact ID constructed into the highest energy button, and help for 5G. It is a fantastic, light-weight pill that is loads highly effective for many duties. It packs help for the second-generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil with USB-C, and the Magic Keyboard case. I solely advocate it for $450 or much less.

Nice iPad Equipment

iPad equipment are countless. Under, we have highlighted a few of our favorites to spherical out your pill expertise, and you’ll find extra in our Best iPad Accessories guide.

Zugu Case for $50: That is our favourite folio case for the iPad for a number of causes. It isn’t solely sturdy (full with a inflexible bumper), it additionally has a magnetized cowl that stays shut and a flap that permits you to place the display at eight completely different angles. The case is magnetic, permitting you to stay it on the fridge securely. It is also fairly priced, is available in an array of colours, and has a spot to your Apple Pencil.

Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $30: We’re already huge followers of Satechi’s equipment at WIRED, and this mouse did not disappoint. It has a snug ergonomic design, a modern aluminum end, and clean scrolling. It has nice battery life too—with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I have been utilizing it for the previous 4 months and have but to cost it.

Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $65: This case permits you to magnetically join it to Apple’s Magic Keyboard case with out having to take off the case every time. It feels sturdy and would not add an excessive amount of bulk to the iPad. There’s additionally a slot for the Apple Pencil Professional or the USB-C model. The corporate additionally gives the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).

Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $160: The Combo Contact (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it perfect for getting work executed in your iPad. It is also removable, so you may simply take away the keyboard when you do not want it. It connects by way of Apple’s Sensible Connector, that means you by no means have to tinker with Bluetooth or hassle charging it. It is also accessible for the iPad Pro (M4) (though it does add a little bit of weight to such a skinny pill) and the iPad Air (M2).

Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you happen to’re nervous about damaging your iPad display, I like to recommend this protector from Casetify. It is tremendous skinny, has wonderful contact sensitivity, and is principally fingerprint-resistant (I’ve wiped some smudges right here and there). It is painless to use—the corporate provides a microfiber material, a de-dusting sticker, and moist and dry wipes.

Paperlike Charcoal Folio Case for $70: Paperlike is understood for its display protector, however the firm additionally gives a fantastic case. It is designed to really feel like a sketchbook, full with a polyester material cowl that feels light-weight and high-quality. You may as well prop your iPad up at two completely different ranges. It would not include an Apple Pencil slot, however there’s a massive flap closure that retains it from falling out. I examined it with the iPad Air, but it surely’s additionally accessible for the iPad Pro (each sizes).

Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are restricted whatever the iPad mannequin. This hub from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI, and a headphone jack. You probably have bother becoming it on an iPad with a case, the included socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will repair this.

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $128: For a spacious trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a superb selection. As an alternative of bodily buttons, it has Drive Contact sensors the place you may really feel completely different ranges of strain on the pad. With help for numerous iPadOS gestures, you will not have to the touch the display as a lot. It routinely pairs along with your iPad by way of Bluetooth and recharges with the Lightning port.

Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $40: If you happen to want an exterior keyboard, it is onerous to go mistaken with the Logitech Ok380. It is light-weight and moveable and will be related to as much as three gadgets by way of Bluetooth (with devoted buttons to change between them). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries, which lasted us round 4 months, so you do not have to fret about carrying a charger round.

Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two functions. You may mount it to the facet of your mattress, kitchen counter, or shelf (to view content material comfortably and hands-free) or you should use the included stand at your desk. With the 2nd-gen model, now you can take away the arm from the clamp and connect it on to the stand—making it simpler to swap between each modes.