The iPad Is the Best Tablet
Apple’s iPad has consistently outperformed all other tablets on the market, with each new iteration delivering incremental improvements. The 10th-generation iPad maintains this trend by incorporating USB-C, enhancing the display, and adding several practical upgrades over its predecessor. Whether you’re using it to enjoy media or engage in gaming, this iPad excels in all areas. Notably, the upgraded front-facing camera significantly boosts the quality of video calls. For most users, this model is likely the ideal choice for a tablet.
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Apple’s most affordable iPad offers a generous display, impressive speed, a convenient USB-C port, and a variety of color choices, making it the perfect option for the average user.
Apple’s 10th-generation iPad, now the company’s entry-level tablet, has undergone a notable redesign, leaving behind the Home button and introducing a broader range of colors. This model also packs a punch with enhanced processing speed, upgraded rear cameras, a switch to USB-C, and an improved FaceTime camera—all significant upgrades over the now-discontinued 9th-generation iPad. Despite these advancements, it still maintains the 10-hour battery life that users have come to expect, all starting at a price of $431.04.
For those seeking the power of a laptop in a tablet without breaking the bank, the iPad Air offers an ideal balance of performance and value.
If you’re torn between the base iPad models and the iPad Pro, the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) offers a compelling middle ground. This latest version of the iPad Air features the speedy M2 chip, increased base storage, and even a larger 13-inch model, enhancing your experience when streaming videos or multitasking with two apps. While the iPad Air lacks some of the iPad Pro’s premium features—such as the faster 120 Hz OLED screen, Face ID, a slightly more powerful processor, and upgraded speakers—these extras aren’t essential for most users. Plus, the iPad Air is compatible with Apple’s top accessories like the Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio, making it an excellent choice if you want to avoid spending $1,000 on a tablet.
Our Testing Approach
We’ve had hands-on experience with every iPad model Apple has released, putting each device through its paces for several days to understand how they perform in everyday scenarios. Whether it’s multitasking with multiple apps, streaming high-definition video, or enjoying a gaming session, we assess how each iPad handles these tasks. To objectively measure performance, we use the Geekbench 6 benchmarking tool, which helps us compare each new iPad not just against its predecessors but also against higher-end models like the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Additionally, multiple members of the Wirecutter team have used our top iPad picks over extended periods, ensuring they maintain their performance and reliability over time.
The best tablet: Apple iPad (10th generation)
The display has grown from 10.2 inches to 10.9 inches, with only a slight bump in resolution. With its slimmer bezel, the device now offers a larger screen.
The 10th-generation Apple iPad may not include every feature from the iPad Air, but it comes close. It offers a slightly smaller form factor while still boasting a larger, higher-resolution display compared to the now-discontinued 9th-gen iPad. The upgraded model also includes a faster processor and repositions the FaceTime camera to a more practical landscape orientation. Additionally, it introduces Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a USB-C charging port, though it sacrifices the classic Home button and headphone jack that long-time iPad users may miss.
