Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

Best Apple iPads. A buying guide on Apple tablets at the best price suitable for any need.

Apple probably makes the best tablets out there, but they also make quite a few different models, so picking the best iPad out there could be very tricky for you.

Do you want theiPad Pro 11 high-end (and very expensive)? Or theiPad 10.2 relatively affordable but faster? You need a lot of space that offersiPad Pro 12.9 (2020)? Or would you rather have theiPad Mini 5 more compact?



IPads have functions similar to those of a computer. You can use it for taking notes with the Apple Pencil, for reading and writing as an eBook reader, for recording and audio editing, for shooting and audio editing, for creating presentations and for applying digital drawings.

Specifications, price, dimensions and more are all things you should consider before buying an Apple tablet. There are iPads suitable for most combinations, especially if you consider the models no longer sold in Apple stores but that you can find on Amazon at bargain prices.

All iPad models

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

Here are the various types of iPads that you will find on the market:

  • iPad - is the basic model identifiable with the year of birth. In the latest version (the seventh generation), Apple has made it an affordable product even for those with limited budgets, especially students and teachers. It is also compatible with the Apple Pencil, now in version 2.
  • iPad Pro - is in its fourth generation and is a family of high-performance models with advanced internal components. The purchase price is very high.
  • iPad Air - is in its fourth generation and comes with a thin and light design. Its features have been assimilated by the new iPad, making these devices obsolete.
  • iPad Mini - is in its fifth generation and has a small size and high prices.

Best iPad ranking

What you will find below are the best Apple iPad of all sizes and prices, the only requirement is that they are all powerful and fairly easy to obtain.



But in addition to listing them, I've also included their main specs, their positive and negative elements, and an overview of what sets them apart.

Thanks to this information you should be able to identify among the various latest generation iPad models, which one to buy, also making sure to check the ratings of users who have already purchased them.

That said, I also invite you to check out the best tablet, best Windows tablet, and best Android tablet.

IPad Pro models

iPad Pro 11

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

The best iPad ever.

Weight: 468 g | Sizes: 247,6 x 178,5 x 5,9 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Screen size: 11 inches | Resolution: 2388 x 1668 pixel | CPU: A12X Bionic | RAM: 6 GB | Memory: 64 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 7.812 mAh | Camera back: 12MP | Camera front: 7MP.

For

  • Apple Pencil finally
  • Light
  • Not as expensive as the 12.9 version
  • LiDAR sensor

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lower side-by-side app experience
  • LiDAR has limited use cases

THEiPad Pro 11 is among the best iPads you can buy right now. It may be expensive, but it's Apple's most powerful tablet and promotes the 2-in-1 design ethos if you're looking for the expensive new keyboard folio.


It has a notebook-like experience in terms of design and performance, and the new Apple Pencil magnetically clips into the frame of the new iPad Pro. With stunning speakers and a new screen-to-body ratio, it's hard not to fall in love with the finely crafted hardware design. realized.


It has the same LiDAR sensor as the 12,9-inch model but almost 2 inches less. It is certainly smaller and lighter than the largest iPad. With the arrival of iPadOS its software has been transformed, making it even better than it was at launch.

While it doesn't have a headphone jack, this Apple mobile device enhances the user experience with professional power in a smaller form - you'll only have to face a salty purchase.

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iPad Pro 12.9

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

The best large iPad around.

Weight: 641 g | Sizes: 280,6 x 214,9 x 5,9 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Sizes the screen: 12,9 inches | Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixel | CPU: A12Z Bionic | RAM: 6 GB | Memory: 64 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 9.720 mAh | Camera back: 12MP | Camera front: 7MP.

For

  • Big screen
  • USB-C
  • Support for second generation pencils
  • Integrated pen holder
  • Face ID
  • The LiDAR sensor

Cons


  • Face ID easy to accidentally block
  • LiDAR still has limited use cases

L’iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) is the best big tablet that can cover all your needs. Its large screen is perfect for those who want to use it as a tool of creativity. It is also suitable for any type of work even for its useful peripherals and a iPadOS 14 snappy.


It has the fastest processing power ever seen in a mobile device and plenty of storage power depending on the model you choose. The new built-in magnetic induction area that charges and stores l’Apple Pencil Generation II is a really nice addition.

With this new version, Apple has also revised the photographic sector. With both cameras: 12MP wide-angle and 10MP ultra-wide angle, the iPad Pro ranks among the best iPads for photography. There is also a new one LIDAR sensor (Light Detection And Ranging) capable of accurately measuring the environment up to 5 meters from the iPad to provide more accurate data for AR applications.

We also find support for external drives thanks to its USB-C port and support for powerful apps that have nothing to envy to their desktop counterparts, such as Lightroom and Affinity Photo that make photo editing a breeze.

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iPad Pro 10.5

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

One of the best iPad Pros at a low price.

Weight: 469 g | Sizes: 250,6 x 174,1 x 6,1 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Screen size: 10,5 inches | Resolution: 1668 x 2224 pixel | CPU: A10X Fusion | RAM: 4 GB | Memory: 64 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | slot for microSD: No | Battery: 8.134 mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP.

For

  • Great speakers
  • 512GB version

Cons

  • The screen adds a lot of expense
  • It's still not a laptop replacement

The iPad Pro from 10,5 inches is an all-star tablet replaced by the iPad Pro 11. However, the good news is that you can find it on Amazon for a remarkably cheap price as it is no longer sold directly by Apple.

Its brilliant screen ProMotion Retina HD is its strong point. It adds an impressive level of fluidity to everyday use, and the smaller bezels mean you're able to work with a much larger display.

It is an iPad for professionals, but also for those who want to make multimedia use of it.

Take advantage of Apple Pencil and several tablet-centric features like dock, Control Center and Instant Markup with the stylus. If you invest in the recommended Smart Keyboard, you can connect it to a professional-grade iPad in no time.

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8. iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

A really great old iPad.

Weight: 677 g | Sizes: 305,7 x 220,6 x 6,9 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Sizes the screen: 12,9 inches | Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixel | CPU: A10X Fusion | RAM: 4 GB | Memory: 64GB / 256GB / 512GB | slot for microSD: No | Battery: 10,875 mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP.

For

  • Large screen for large tablets
  • Tremendous power

Cons

  • Too expensive as a laptop replacement for some

THEiPad Pro 12.9 (2017) It's very popular for its large size and - aside from the new iPad Pro 12.9 model - it's the closest thing to a 2-in-1 touchscreen MacBook. The only difference is that it uses iPadOS 13 instead of macOS.

It's one of the best productivity and entertainment tablets around thanks to its 12,9-inch screen, four speakers, and dock and multitasking interface. Apple has redesigned its Control Center interface to make switching apps even easier, and this tablet is compatible with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

The biggest flaw? The 12,9-inch iPad Pro price and size doesn't suit everyone. But if you can afford it and want to have a larger iPad, you will love it.

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IPad models

New iPad 10.2 (8th generation)

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

Not much has changed with the latest iPad from the previous version.

Weight: 483 g | Sizes: 250,6 x 174,1 x 7,5 mm | System operating: iPadOS 14 | Sizes the screen: 10,2 inches | Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixel (264ppi)  | CPU: A12 Bionic | RAM: 3 GB | Memory: 32 / 128GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 7.306 mAh | Camera back: 8MP | Camera front: 1,2 MP.

For

  • Excellent screen
  • Keyboard stand
  • IPadOS 14 features

Cons

  • Few updates compared to the previous version.
  • Limited stereo speakers

The new iPad 10.2 is truly identical to its predecessor, it has pretty much the same specs. There's the same 10,2-inch retina display, the same 8MP rear and 1,2MP front camera array, and roughly the same specs: 3GB RAM, 32GB and 128GB storage options GB and a battery life of about 10 hours. The silver, gold and space gray finishes are also retained.

So what's new? Apple has updated the processor - inside you will find A12 Bionic, the same chip that powers the iPhone XS, iPad Air 2019, and fifth-generation iPad Mini. It's not the newest Apple chip, but it still offers an incredible 40% speed increase over the previous iPad with double the graphics performance. Despite this, the new iPad was launched at a lower price than its predecessor.

The screen is no better than that of the seventh generation, but it is not fundamental. It still does a great job of rendering images, with a punchy yet natural color palette, well-defined detail, and glossy smoothness. And the audio is still typically Apple: detailed, dynamic, crisp, and neutral tones.

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3. iPad 10.2 (7th generation)

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

Apple's basic iPad offers a slightly larger screen.

Weight: 483 g | Sizes: 250,6 x 174,1 x 7,5 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Sizes the screen: 10,2 inches | Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixel | CPU: A10 Fusion | RAM: 3 GB | Memory: 32 / 128GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 8.827 mAh | Camera back: 8MP | Camera front: 1,2 MP.

For

  • Slightly larger screen
  • Works with smart keyboard

Cons

  • Marginally better than iPad 9.7
  • iPad Air is superior for drawing

THEiPad 10.2 takes Apple's basic tablet range one step closer to the iPad Pro line - or at least the latest iPad Air - with the addition of support Smart Keyboard and a slightly larger screen, going from 9,7 inches to 10,2 inches.

The iPad 10.2 also had a boost in power, with a gigabyte more RAM than the iPad 9.7 (2018), although it is stuck with the same A10 chipset.

It has basically the same design, which means large bezels and a home button, but with high battery life, decent performance, and a fairly low price. Definitely one of the best iPads you can choose.

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IPad Air models

New iPad Air 4 10.9

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

A huge improvement over the iPad Air 3.

Weight: 456 g | Sizes: 250,6 x 174,1 x 6,1 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Sizes the screen: 10,5 inches | Resolution: 1668 x 2224 pixel | CPU: A12 Bionic | RAM: 3 GB | Memory: 64 GB / 256 GB | slot to microSD: No | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 7MP.

For

  • Powerful new A14 system on one chip
  • Design simile to iPad Pro
  • Support for Apple Pencil 2
  • Magic Keyboard support

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Storage starts at 64GB

Apple's latest effort, theIPad Air 4 it is truly amazing. It takes its cue from the design of the iPad Pro with a 10,9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. It supports Apple Pencil 2, is equipped with USB-C and is available in various colors, including: rose gold, green and sky blue.

The feature that impresses most of this iPad Air 4 is the hardware side. The iPad Air is now powered by Apple's latest system-on-a-chip, theA14 Bionic. The A14 offers up to 40% better CPU performance and 30% better GPU performance than the A12. Bottom line, the iPad Air is powerful enough for whatever you want to do and, in some cases, even better than the current iPad Pro.

It also works with most accessories that are used for the 11-inch iPad Pro. For example: Magic Keyboard e Smart Keyboard.

The only drawback is the basic storage space: 64 GB, which you can however carry up to 256 GB in case of need.

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iPad Air 3 10.5

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

The best Apple tablet for students.

Weight: 456 g | Sizes: 250,6 x 174,1 x 6,1 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Sizes the screen: 10,5 inches | Resolution: 1668 x 2224 pixel | CPU: A12 Bionic | Memory: 64 GB / 256 GB | slot to microSD: No | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 7MP.

For

  • Brilliant looking laminated screen
  • Cheapest smart keyboard for iPad

Cons

  • Uses 1st generation Apple Pencil
  • Traditional design

THEiPad Air, with a 10,5-inch screen, it's the ultimate compromise between the entry-level iPads and the more powerful, but more expensive, iPad Pro 11. It's cheaper than the iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) it replaces, and while it's not a 'Pro' tablet in name, it has several high-end features that make it a compelling laptop.

It is one of the cheapest models of iPad compatible with the Smart Keyboard Cover di Apple, which means you won't have to deal with complicated Bluetooth keyboard connections to work with it.

It also has Apple's A12 chipset, borrowed from the iPhone XS. It is incredibly fast. Students will be able to take notes and reply to emails on this tablet, but artists will hate the first generation Apple Pencil.

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IPad Mini models

5. iPad Mini 5

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

The only small tablet to consider.

Weight: 304 g | Sizes: 203,2 x 134,8 x 6,1 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Sizes of the screen: 7,9 inches | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixel | CPU: A12 Bionic | Memory: 64 GB / 256 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 5.124 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 7MP.

For

  • Perfect portable size
  • Surprisingly powerful specs

Cons

  • Heavy, embedded design
  • Use the old Apple Pencil

Sometimes with a tablet you just want a slightly larger phone and theiPad Mini (2019) fits this choice perfectly. It's a wacky device with some impressive specs, boasting Apple's latest processor and decent battery life.

What makes the iPad Mini (2019) great is the fact that you can use the Apple Pencil alongside it, turning the iPad Mini into a small portable notebook.

The iPad Mini is one of the best Apple iPad small in size that you can find at a good price, so if you are looking for the best pocket tablet you cannot fail to consider it.

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10. iPad Mini 4

Best Apple iPads 2022: buying guide

Dated but decent.

Weight: 299g | Sizes: 203,2 x 134,8 x 6,1 mm | System operating: iPadOS 13 | Screen size: 7,9 inches | Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixel | CPU: A8 | RAM: 2 GB | Memory: 16/32/64/128 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 5124 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Camera front: 1,2 MP.

For

  • Good screen
  • Stylish Design

Cons

  • Outdated chipset
  • Nessun touch 3D

Big screens aren't for everyone, and that's where the4-inch iPad Mini 7,9. The screen size means that it is much more portable than Apple's larger tablets, especially since it is light and weighs only 299g. It's not small enough for one-handed use, but you can comfortably hold it for much longer than most of the best Apple iPads on this list, or just put it in a bag and forget about it.

It's also big enough for surfing the net or watching videos when you're away from home and want to have a big screen, but it's obviously not quite as strong an experience for most visual media as Apple's larger 9.7, 10.2 devices. 10.5, 11 and 12.9.

The small size and lack of Smart Connector make productivity worse than the iPad Pro range, but this tablet was not designed to be a laptop replacement.

It's still quite powerful thanks to 2GB of RAM and an impressive Apple A8 chip, while the screen is crisp, rich, and easy to see even in sunlight.

The iPad Mini 4 costs a lot less than Apple's Pro range and with 128GB of storage it offers good capacities. Unfortunately it has been replaced by the iPad Mini (2019), which for many is a better buy but still a good choice for those on a budget.

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10 best iPad accessories

Looking for an accessory for the new iPad. I have collected for you the best adapters, speakers, pencils, keyboards and much more.

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For Smart keyboards you can visit the Apple store on Amazon, for other components I invite you to read our guide on the best accessories for iPad.

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