As of March 10, 2025, Apple’s iPad lineup offers a variety of options tailored to different needs, budgets, and lifestyles. With recent updates and a range of models available, choosing the right iPad can feel overwhelming. To simplify your decision, I’ve broken down the top three iPads to buy this year into “Good,” “Better,” and “Best” categories, based on performance, features, and value. Each recommendation includes an Amazon link for easy purchasing and is paired with the type of person or lifestyle that would benefit most from it.
Good: iPad (11th Generation, 2025)
- Price: Starting at $349
- Key Features: A16 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, 128GB base storage, USB-C port, support for Apple Pencil (1st Gen or USB-C), 12MP front and rear cameras with Center Stage, Wi-Fi 6.
- Amazon Link: Apple iPad (11th Generation, 2025)
Overview
The 11th-generation iPad, newly released in March 2025, is the entry-level option in Apple’s tablet lineup. It’s a spec bump over the 10th-generation model, featuring the A16 Bionic chip (the same one that powered the iPhone 14 series) and doubling the base storage to 128GB. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display remains vibrant and sharp, and the design retains the modern flat edges and USB-C port introduced in 2022. It’s compatible with the more affordable Apple Pencil options but lacks support for the newer Pencil Pro or advanced accessories like the Magic Keyboard.
Who Should Buy It?
This iPad is the “Good” choice for casual users with straightforward needs. It’s perfect for:
- Students on a budget: Ideal for note-taking (with the USB-C Apple Pencil), reading e-books, and streaming lectures or videos.
- Families with kids: Its durability, paired with parental controls and a reasonable price, makes it great for entertainment like games, shows, or educational apps.
- Everyday multitaskers: If you browse the web, check emails, watch Netflix, or video chat with friends, this iPad handles it all without breaking the bank.
Why It’s “Good”
Better: iPad Air (2025, M3 Chip)
- Price: Starting at $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch)
- Key Features: M3 chip, 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 128GB base storage, Apple Pencil Pro support, Magic Keyboard compatibility, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP cameras with Center Stage.
- Amazon Link: Apple iPad Air (2025, M3 Chip, 11-inch) | 13-inch
Overview
The 2025 iPad Air, updated with the powerful M3 chip, sits comfortably in the middle of Apple’s lineup. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, it offers a significant performance boost over the base iPad, thanks to the M3’s ability to handle demanding apps and multitasking. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro for precise drawing and note-taking, as well as the Magic Keyboard for a laptop-like experience. The Liquid Retina display is bright and colorful, though it doesn’t match the Pro’s OLED quality.
Who Should Buy It?
The iPad Air is the “Better” option for those who need more power and versatility. It suits:
- College students or hybrid workers: The M3 chip and Magic Keyboard support make it great for writing papers, managing spreadsheets, or light creative work like photo editing.
- Hobbyist creatives: Artists or designers who sketch with the Apple Pencil Pro or edit videos casually will appreciate the performance and screen size options.
- Tech-savvy travelers: Its lightweight design (especially the 11-inch) and long battery life make it a portable productivity hub for those on the go.
Why It’s “Better”
Best: iPad Pro (2024, M4 Chip)
- Price: Starting at $999 (11-inch), $1,299 (13-inch)
- Key Features: M4 chip, 11-inch or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR (OLED) display, up to 2TB storage, Apple Pencil Pro support, Magic Keyboard compatibility, Face ID, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP cameras with ProRes video recording.
- Amazon Link: Apple iPad Pro (2024, M4 Chip, 11-inch) | 13-inch
Overview
The 2024 iPad Pro, powered by the M4 chip, remains the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet lineup in 2025. Its Ultra Retina XDR OLED display offers unmatched contrast and brightness, making it a standout for media and creative work. The M4 chip is blazing fast, rivaling many laptops, and it supports up to 2TB of storage—perfect for large projects. With Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard compatibility, plus pro-level features like ProRes video recording, it’s built for serious performance.
Who Should Buy It?
The iPad Pro is the “Best” choice for power users who demand the ultimate tablet experience. It’s ideal for:
- Professional creatives: Graphic designers, video editors, and 3D artists will love the OLED display, M4 power, and Pencil Pro precision for their workflows.
- Remote professionals: If you need a tablet to replace a laptop for heavy multitasking, presentations, or coding, the Pro (with a Magic Keyboard) is a beast.
- Tech enthusiasts: Gadget lovers who want the latest and greatest—think stunning visuals for gaming or 4K video playback—will find this worth the splurge.
Why It’s “Best”
Comparison at a Glance
| Model | Starting Price | Chip | Display | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (11th Gen) | $349 | A16 | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | Casual users, kids, students |
| iPad Air (2025) | $599 | M3 | 11- or 13-inch Liquid Retina | Students, hobbyists, travelers |
| iPad Pro (2024) | $999 | M4 | 11- or 13-inch OLED | Pros, creatives, enthusiasts |
Final Thoughts
- Good (iPad 11th Gen): A budget-friendly all-rounder for everyday use. If you just need a reliable tablet without fancy extras, this is your pick.
- Better (iPad Air): The sweet spot for performance and price. It’s powerful enough for most tasks and flexible for growing needs.
- Best (iPad Pro): The ultimate iPad for those who can justify the cost with intensive workloads or a love for cutting-edge tech.
No matter your choice, all three iPads benefit from Apple’s ecosystem, regular software updates, and top-notch build quality. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle and budget, and you’ll have a device that lasts for years to come.
Note: Amazon links are based on search terms for the latest models as of March 10, 2025. Prices and availability may vary, so double-check before purchasing.
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