What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?

The base-model iPad features an expansive 11-inch screen with a dense resolution of 2,360 by 1,640 pixels. Its A16 chip ensures that you can easily run most apps from the App Store. This tablet even gives you access to iMessage, is compatible with the Apple Pencil USB-C, and has a centered front camera for video chats.

Most people: The base iPad makes the most sense for the vast majority of buyers, thanks to its combination of functionality, power, and price. It's the most affordable iPad and is a great platform for your browsing and entertainment needs.

Children: If you're going to get an iPad for your kids, this is the one to get. It's fast enough to satisfy their needs, can run the games and apps they want to use, and isn't too expensive to replace or repair if needed.

The AI averse: The base iPad cannot run Apple Intelligence and doesn't have any other type of AI on board. If you're not interested in AI for the moment, this is the "safe" iPad to get.

The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch versions. It comes with a pro-level M4 processor, a centered user-facing camera for video calls, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. It offers more storage options than older Air models, is available with 5G, and comes in several different colors. It also supports Apple Intelligence and is a solid performer when manipulating media.

Students: High school and college students need a solid tablet with enough power to handle classroom apps—and the iPad Air is the ideal choice. This tablet offers the perfect blend of price and power, enabling students to excel in the classroom and beyond.

Creators: If you're an artist or creator who dabbles in photography, videography, podcasting, or social media, the iPad Air provides the platform you need to accomplish your creative goals. It's compatible with nearly every media format and is as comfortable manipulating 4K footage as it is streaming 4K movies from Netflix.

Big-screen lovers: While the base iPad is only available in an 11-inch model, the iPad Air is available in both 11- and 13-inch sizes. The 13-inch version is particularly well-suited for productivity, thanks to its expanded screen real estate, making it wonderful for work and play.

The latest iPad Pro, powered by Apple's M5 processor, C1X modem, and N1 triple-radio chip, is packed with high-end technology. The advanced M5 processor delivers huge gains in CPU, GPU, and AI performance, making the device a powerful AI companion. It also features an Apple-designed 5G modem that's more efficient, a combined Bluetooth, Thread, and Wi-Fi radio for faster connections, and faster RAM and storage components to enhance its speed. It is available in 11- or 13-inch models and supports up to 2TB of storage for large apps and projects. Toss in one of the best cameras available from a tablet, good speakers, and decent battery life, and it's a pro-level powerhouse through and through.

AI early adopters: With Apple's most powerful mobile chip on board with AI-focused GPU and NPU components, the iPad Pro runs Apple Intelligence better than most other Apple products. It handles AI tasks effortlessly, allowing you to accomplish tasks faster and more effectively.

Power users: If you want the thinnest, lightest, most powerful Apple tablet money can buy, the iPad Pro is your top choice. It has the processor, graphics, and algorithm-crunching chops to handle the most intense workflows and do them quickly.

Professional creators: No other tablet is as adept a platform for editing media as the iPad Pro. With its capacious memory and storage options, you have all the RAM and space you need to manipulate massive audio and video projects.

Stylus lovers: The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which has advanced functionality compared with the base Apple Pencil. This lets artists take more control over their projects with gestures like the barrel roll.

Sometimes smaller is better. The iPad mini carries over most of the features and design elements of the capable iPad Air, but in a smaller, more bag-friendly size. It travels really well and even fits in some coat pockets. The mini supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), which makes it an excellent device for taking notes. It also has a newer processor and supports Apple Intelligence.

Constant travelers. The mini is the best tablet to take on your next trip. It lets you leave the laptop at home and still carry a powerful computing platform (that's bigger than your phone) with you practically anywhere you need to go.

Portability lovers: The iPad mini packs most of the power of the iPad Air into a slate small enough to fit into a coat pocket. It's compact for a purse or sling and still provides all the performance you need to browse the web, stream media, and create on the go.

People who prefer pint-sized stuff: The iPad mini's compact size makes it ideal for those who need devices that fit their life, not the other way around. The mini truly is diminutive for a tablet and works well as an alternative to the massive platters of the 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro.