What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?

The Best iPads We've Tested for 2026 | PCMag

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p~*:not(#readMore,#trust-badge,#commerce-group)]:!hidden" x-data="{ readMore: false }" :class="{ '[&>p:first-of-type~*:not(#readMore)]:!block': readMore }"> iPads dominate the US tablet market for good reason—Apple has a top-notch set of tablet-focused apps, an easy-to-use operating system, and high-quality hardware. We've been reviewing iPads since the very first one hit the market back in 2010, and we're intimately familiar with every tablet the company has released. With six different iPad models available, which one is right for you? Our top picks include the standard iPad for most people, the iPad Air for students and creators, and the iPad Pro for professionals. Be sure to read about all our recommended iPads and click through to the full reviews for in-depth analysis. Don't forget to scroll down below our picks to find out everything you need to know about shopping for an iPad.

Our Top Tested Picks

div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:hidden" :class="{ '[&>div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:!flex': showMore }"> Best iPad for Most People Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025) $299.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $50.00 See It Bottom Line Editors' Choice 4.0 Excellent this.$refs.template.innerHTML, onCreate: (instance) => this.tippyInstance = instance, onShow: (instance) => { this.escapeHandler = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') instance.hide(); }; window.addEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); }, onHide: (instance) => { if (this.escapeHandler) { window.removeEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); this.escapeHandler = null; } }, onMount: (instance) => { const closeBtn = instance.popper.querySelector('[data-tooltip-close]'); if (closeBtn) closeBtn.addEventListener('click', () => instance.hide()); }, }; }, }">   What Our Ratings Mean 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. The base iPad for 2025 has little to set it apart from the 2022 model, but a new processor gives it just enough of a boost to remain Apple's best tablet for most people. Jump To See More Details product_name }} Review" x-track-ga-click>Apple iPad (11th Gen, 2025) Review Pros li]:leading-normal"> Most affordable iPad Good everyday performance High-quality hardware Improved storage options Cons li]:leading-n