The Best iPad to Buy (And One to Avoid) in 2025
Some iPads are great
Apple no longer sells these iPads, but these older models are still good options, as long as you can get them at a reasonable discount. I recommend checking out third-party sellers (like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H). I also suggest checking the price with the latest models to make sure you’re getting the right price for an older tablet. Older models not listed here are getting harder to find and may not be worth it.
iPad Pro (2022, 6th Gen): These iPad Pro tablets (7/10, WIRED Review) use the same M2 chip inside the MacBook Air (2022), Mac Mini, and iPad Air (2024). It also has an excellent mini-LED screen (with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate) and a dual camera system (with a lidar sensor), a front-facing camera with Center Stage support, and good speakers and microphones. . Compatible with the original Magic Keyboard case, the second-generation Apple Pencil, and the Apple Pencil with USB-C. I only recommend it if you can get the 11-inch for $749 or less and the 12.9-inch for $900 or less.
iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen): This iPad Air has an M1 processor (which can also be found in the 2020 MacBook Air), a 10.9-inch LCD screen, a USB-C port, Touch ID built into the top power button, and 5G support. It’s a great, lightweight tablet with plenty of multitasking power. It packs support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil with USB-C, and a Magic Keyboard case. I only recommend it for $450 or less.
Best iPad accessories
iPad accessories are endless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to round out your tablet experience, and you can find more at Best iPad Accessories guide.
Zugu case for $50: This is our favorite iPad folio case for many reasons. Not only is it sturdy (complete with a hard bumper), it also has a magnetic cover that stays closed and a flap that lets you position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, which allows you to attach it to the refrigerator safely. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in several colors, and has a place for your Apple Pencil.
Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $30: We’re already big fans of Satechi accessories at WIRED, and this mouse did not disappoint. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, smooth aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It has great battery life too—it has a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and I haven’t charged it yet.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $65: This case allows you to magnetically attach it to the Apple Magic Keyboard case without having to remove the case each time. It feels solid and doesn’t add much bulk to the iPad. There is also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).
Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $160: The Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it perfect for getting work done on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, meaning you don’t need to set it up via Bluetooth or bother charging it. It’s also available on the iPad Pro (M4) (although it adds a bit of weight to such a small tablet) and the iPad Air (M2).
Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It is very thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and it is mostly fingerprint resistant (I wiped smudges here and there). It’s easy to use—the company provides a microfiber cloth, dust removal sticker, and wet and dry wipes.
The Charcoal Folio paperback case costs $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels lightweight and high quality. You can also fund your iPad at two different levels. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure to keep it from falling out. I tested it on an iPad Air, but it’s also available on the iPad Pro (both sizes).
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of iPad model. This hub from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with pass-through charging, a USB-A port, HDMI, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble getting it into the iPad with the case, a socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix this.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $128: For a wider trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a good choice. Instead of physical buttons, it has Force Touch sensors where you can feel different levels of pressure on the pad. With iPadOS multi-touch support, you won’t have to touch the screen as much. It automatically pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth and recharges via the Lightning port.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $40: When choosing an external keyboard, it’s hard to go wrong with the Logitech K380. It’s lightweight and portable and can be connected to up to three devices via Bluetooth (with dedicated buttons to switch between them). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries, which last about four months, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a charger around.
Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it on your bedside, kitchen counter, or shelf (for comfortable and hands-free viewing) or you can use the included stand on your desk. With the 2nd-gen version, you can now remove the arm from the grip and attach it directly to the stand—making it easy to switch between the two modes.
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