Which iPad should you buy?
The answer to this question really depends on what you need your iPad for.
I want the cheapest iPad you can buy
Consider the standard iPad. The cheapest iPad is the 128GB A16 iPad, which costs from $349 / £329. It’s a good option if you are likely your iPad is destined for general use, such as emails, one taking, web browsing, social networks, watching movies and reading books. It’s got a great sized screen and is light enough to pop in a bag and not feel weighed down.
Britta O’Boyle
I’m for an iPad to use instead of a computer
If you are just planning to edit documents and spreadsheets, any iPad can be a good supplement for a computer. If you need something with a little more power then the iPad Air or iPad Pro might be a better option. Apple and other companies sell iPad cases that come with built in keyboards, so you can turn your iPad into a laptop. Read our round up of the best iPad keyboards.
Foundry
I want an iPad that won’t weigh too much
You have two choices here. The iPad mini is the lightest iPad you can get, it’s also the smallest. If you need a bigger screen the iPad Air is a good choice.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
I want an iPad to use for gaming
If you are wanting to play the latest games on your iPad then the iPad Pro may be the one to choose. Other iPads will be able to play casual games, but to be sure of getting the power and graphics prowess necessary to play the latest games. The iPad Pro also offers a better screen with the 120Hz refresh rates that serious gamers will want.
I want an iPad so I can draw
The iPad is a great device for artists. Any iPad, accompanied with an Apple Pencil or other iPad stylus, will allow you to draw using an app such as Adobe’s Sketchpad (now called Adobe Fresco) which can be used for free, but has in-app purchases.
If you are really serious about your art you may prefer an iPad Pro though, and you may even consider the nano-texture display option for less glare and reflections.
Petter Ahrnstedt
We also round up the best iPad for students, best iPad for kids and best iPad for the elderly.
