The Best iPads of 2024
In 2024, Apple’s iPad lineup continues to impress with its powerful performance, stunning displays, and versatile features. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply looking for a reliable tablet for entertainment, there’s an iPad that caters to your specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best iPads of 2024 and help you determine which one is the perfect fit for you.
The Best Overall iPad: iPad Air (2024)
The iPad Air (2024) is the best overall iPad for most people in 2024. It strikes an excellent balance between portability, power, and value. Starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch variant, the iPad Air (2024) offers impressive performance thanks to its M2 chip, which is 50% faster than its predecessor’s M1 chip.
The iPad Air (2024) features a sleek and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, allowing for precise and responsive note-taking and drawing. The tablet’s display is sharp and vibrant, with a resolution of 2,360 x 1,640 pixels.
One of the standout features of the iPad Air (2024) is its landscape-oriented front-facing camera, which is ideal for video calls. The tablet also boasts landscape stereo speakers with spatial audio, providing an immersive audio experience.
While the iPad Air (2024) is more affordable than the iPad Pro, it still offers impressive performance and features that make it a great choice for students, creators, and professionals who want a powerful tablet without breaking the bank.
The Best Premium iPad: iPad Pro (2024)
For those who want the absolute best iPad experience, the iPad Pro (2024) is the top choice. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, the iPad Pro (2024) starts at $999 and $1,099, respectively.
The iPad Pro (2024) is powered by Apple’s M4 chip, which sets new tablet performance records. The 13-inch model is the only iPad to feature Apple’s stunning Ultra Retina XDR (or OLED) display, boasting a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for exceptional image quality.
In addition to its powerful performance and stunning display, the iPad Pro (2024) features a landscape-oriented camera, which is ideal for video calls. The tablet also retains its quad-speaker setup, providing a rich and immersive audio experience.
While the iPad Pro (2024) is undoubtedly the most expensive iPad, it’s worth the investment for creative professionals who demand the best performance and features for their work. The optional Magic Keyboard, which has been updated for the 2024 model, offers a comfortable typing experience.
The Best Budget iPad: iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
For those on a tighter budget, the iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is the best option. Starting at $449, the 10th-generation iPad offers a sleek design with slimmer bezels and a larger 10.9-inch display.
The iPad (10th Generation, 2022) features a USB-C port, a relocated front-facing camera for better video calls, and improved speakers. It also boasts faster performance thanks to the A14 Bionic chip and supports 5G connectivity.
While the iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is a significant upgrade over previous base-model iPads, the $120 price increase from the 9th-generation model may be a deterrent for some buyers. Additionally, the awkward charging method for the Apple Pencil and the lack of a place to store the stylus when not in use are drawbacks to consider.
Despite these minor issues, the iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is still a great value for those looking for a capable tablet at a lower price point than the iPad Air or iPad Pro.
The Best iPad for Students: iPad Air (2024)
The iPad Air (2024) is also an excellent choice for students, thanks to its combination of portability, power, and affordability. The 11-inch model starts at $599, while the 13-inch variant costs $799.
The iPad Air (2024) features the powerful M2 chip, which is three times faster than the A14 Bionic chip found in the 2021 iPad Air model. This makes it an ideal choice for students who need a tablet for research, note-taking, and creative projects.
In addition to its impressive performance, the iPad Air (2024) boasts a lightweight design, making it easy to carry around campus. The tablet supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, allowing students to take handwritten notes and annotate documents with ease.
The iPad Air (2024) also features a landscape-oriented front-facing camera, which is perfect for video calls with professors and classmates. The tablet’s USB-C port allows for fast charging and data transfer, ensuring that students can stay productive throughout the day.
While the iPad Air (2024) is more expensive than the base-model iPad, its combination of power, portability, and features make it a worthwhile investment for students who want a reliable and versatile tablet for their academic pursuits.
The Best iPad for Creators: iPad Pro (2024)
For creative professionals who demand the best performance and features, the iPad Pro (2024) is the top choice. The tablet’s powerful M4 chip and stunning display make it an ideal tool for digital artists, photographers, and video editors.
The 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) features Apple’s Ultra Retina XDR (or OLED) display, which offers a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for exceptional image quality. This makes it perfect for tasks that require precise color accuracy and high dynamic range, such as photo and video editing.
The iPad Pro (2024) also features a landscape-oriented camera, which is ideal for recording high-quality video content. The tablet’s quad-speaker setup provides a rich and immersive audio experience, making it perfect for video editing and content creation.
In addition to its impressive hardware, the iPad Pro (2024) supports the Apple Pencil, allowing for precise and responsive drawing and note-taking. The optional Magic Keyboard, which has been updated for the 2024 model, offers a comfortable typing experience for those who need to write lengthy documents or code.
While the iPad Pro (2024) is the most expensive iPad, its combination of power, features, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for creative professionals who demand the best.
Choosing the Right iPad for You
When choosing the best iPad for your needs, it’s important to consider factors such as your budget, intended use, and personal preferences. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
– If you’re on a tight budget, the iPad (10th Generation, 2022) is a great option that offers solid performance and features at a lower price point.
– For students who need a powerful and portable tablet for academic pursuits, the iPad Air (2024) is an excellent choice.
– Creative professionals who demand the best performance and features should opt for the iPad Pro (2024), which offers unparalleled power and a stunning display.
– For most people who want a balance of power, portability, and value, the iPad Air (2024) is the best overall choice.
No matter which iPad you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality tablet that will serve you well for years to come. With its powerful performance, stunning displays, and versatile features, Apple’s iPad lineup continues to set the standard for tablets in 2024.
