Best iPads for 2025 — Quick Guide & Picks
Short summary: We tested every current iPad and picked the iPad Air (M3) as our top overall pick for 2025 and the iPad (A16) as the best budget option. If you want a large screen for streaming choose a bigger iPad; if you want laptop-like productivity, pick the M3 Air and its keyboard/stylus accessories. Not sure? Read the highlights below and tell us what you use an iPad for in the comments.
Top picks
- Best overall: iPad Air (M3)
- Budget pick: iPad (A16)
How we test
We spend several days with each iPad doing typical tasks: video playback, web browsing, gaming, 4K photo/video editing, FaceTime, multitasking, and using Apple Pencil. We also run benchmarks (Geekbench 6, 3DMark, GFXBench Metal), measure boot/app-open times, test display brightness/color with side-by-side videos, check outdoors visibility, evaluate speakers with music playback, and record battery life using a 1080p loop test at ~70% brightness. We verify long-term durability using review units and staff-owned devices.
iPadOS 26 — Key changes
- More Mac-like multitasking: open and resize more windows, tile them more freely.
- New Mac-style menu bar and a dedicated Preview app.
- Exposé-style view to show all open windows.
- Design language updates (“liquid glass”).
- Note: Apple removed older Slide Over and Split View modes in this update — some workflows may feel different.
FAQ highlights
How long do iPads last? Historically, Apple supports iPads with OS updates for ~5+ years. A more powerful model (M-series) will stay faster longer.
iPad vs iPad Air: iPad Air (M3) uses an M3 chip with more RAM, better display (P3, laminated, antireflective), supports newer Pencil Pro and faster Magic Keyboards. The standard iPad (A16) is cheaper (~$349 start) and is a good value for basic use.
Replace a laptop? Depends on your workflow. For browsing, media, and document work, yes — with the right accessories. For heavy file management, multitasking, coding or other power workflows, a traditional laptop OS still has advantages.
Where to check prices & buy
Search on Amazon (affiliate):
Updates and notes
This guide reflects updates through October 2025 (iPadOS 26 rollout). Picks are based on testing and Apple’s current software support policies. If you want a tailored recommendation, tell us your main uses (streaming, art, office work, travel, budget) in the comments.
Source: summary of current product tests and iPadOS 26 features. Original detailed review appeared on Engadget; this post summarizes those findings and adds quick-buy links.