If you’ve checked Apple’s iPad lineup recently, you’re not the only one who felt overwhelmed. The iPad family in 2025 is bigger than ever, and many models look almost the same at first glance. They share similar designs, similar screens, and even similar accessories — which makes choosing the right iPad harder than it should be.
This buying guide breaks everything down in simple, honest language. No marketing jargon. No confusing tech terms. Just straightforward explanations, real-world experience, and clarity about which iPad is worth your money.
Whether you’re a student, a content creator, a remote worker, or someone who just wants a solid tablet for everyday use, this guide will help you find the perfect iPad for 2025.
1. iPad Pro (M5) — Apple’s Most Powerful Tablet
The iPad Pro (M5) is the top-tier model in Apple’s lineup. It’s designed for professionals and power users who need the absolute best performance Apple can put in a tablet. This is the closest an iPad has come to replacing a laptop.
Main Features
- Blazing-fast M5 chip
- OLED / Ultra Retina XDR display
- 120Hz ProMotion smoothness
- Thunderbolt/USB-C port
- Best speakers and microphones among all iPads
- Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
Specifications
- Sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch
- Display: Ultra Retina XDR OLED
- Chip: Apple M5
- Storage: Up to 1TB
- Cameras: Advanced Pro camera system
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 6E
Real-World Experience
If you edit 4K/8K videos, draw complex illustrations, design 3D models, or work with animation, the M5 Pro handles everything smoothly. Its display is one of the best you’ll find on any device — bright, sharp, and color-accurate.
For everyday tasks like browsing or streaming, though, the extra power is mostly unused. The iPad Air and regular iPad can handle that just fine.
Who Should Buy the M5 iPad Pro?
- Professional video editors
- Graphic designers and illustrators
- Developers using remote desktops or cloud IDEs
- Musicians and sound engineers
- Anyone wanting laptop-level performance in tablet form
Pros
- Fastest iPad performance ever
- Best display Apple offers
- Premium accessory support
- Highly future-proof
Cons
- Very expensive
- Accessories cost even more
- Overkill for basic use
2. iPad Pro (M4) — Last Year’s Pro at a Better Price
The iPad Pro with the M4 chip is still a powerhouse. If you find it at a lower price, it’s easily one of the smartest buys today.
Main Features
- M4 chip still extremely fast
- 120Hz ProMotion display
- Liquid Retina XDR quality
- Great accessory support
Specifications
- Sizes: 11-inch / 12.9-inch
- Chip: M4
- Storage: Up to 2TB
- Connectivity: USB-C / Thunderbolt
Who Should Buy It?
- Creators wanting Pro performance without Pro price
- Students in design or media courses
- People who want premium features but don’t need latest-gen power
Pros
- Still extremely powerful
- Excellent display
- Better value than the M5
Cons
- Not the newest model
- Limited availability
3. iPad Air (M3) — The Best iPad for Most People
The iPad Air hits the perfect balance of price, performance, and portability. If someone asks “Which iPad should I buy?”, this is usually the answer.
Main Features
- M3 chip is fast enough for almost anything
- Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes
- Laminated display with excellent color accuracy
- Supports the Apple Pencil Pro
- Lightweight and portable
Real-World Experience
The Air can handle multitasking, digital art in Procreate, mid-level video editing, document work, and remote tools without any issues. For 90% of users, the Air feels just as smooth as the Pro models.
Ideal For
- Students
- Professionals working remotely
- Content creators
- Everyday users who want speed without overspending
Pros
- Best price-to-performance ratio
- Super portable
- 13-inch option great for productivity
Cons
- No 120Hz ProMotion
- Less GPU power than the Pro models
4. iPad (A16) — The Affordable Everyday iPad
The standard iPad is the best entry point into Apple’s tablet ecosystem. It’s reliable, fast enough for daily tasks, and perfect for school, home, and casual use.
Main Features
- A16 chip handles regular tasks smoothly
- Large 10.9-inch display
- Compatible with Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Great battery life
Ideal For
- Students on a budget
- Families
- First-time iPad buyers
- Professionals needing a simple work companion
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Reliable everyday performance
- Long battery life
Cons
- Not great for heavy creative work
- Display isn’t laminated
5. iPad mini (A17 Pro) — The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse
The iPad mini has a loyal fanbase for a reason. It’s extremely portable yet surprisingly powerful. Perfect for one-handed use.
Main Features
- A17 Pro chip (very fast)
- Compact 8.3-inch display
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Supports Apple Pencil
Ideal For
- Travelers
- Doctors, technicians, and field workers
- Readers and note-takers
- People who want a small but capable device
Pros
- Super portable
- Fast and smooth
- Perfect for reading and quick notes
Cons
- Small screen limits productivity
- Not ideal for multitasking
6. Full Specs Breakdown
| Model | Chip | Display | Sizes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (M5) | M5 | OLED / Ultra Retina XDR | 11\" / 13\" | Professionals & Creators |
| iPad Pro (M4) | M4 | Liquid Retina XDR | 11\" / 12.9\" | High-end creative users |
| iPad Air (M3) | M3 | Laminated Liquid Retina | 11\" / 13\" | Most users |
| iPad (A16) | A16 | Liquid Retina | 10.9\" | Students & everyday users |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) | A17 Pro | 8.3\" Retina | 8.3\" | Portability-focused users |
7. Which iPad Should YOU Buy?
If you want the absolute best → iPad Pro (M5)
Perfect for creators, pros, and anyone replacing a laptop.
If you want Pro features for less → iPad Pro (M4)
Great value if you find it discounted.
If you want the best overall choice → iPad Air (M3)
Balanced, powerful, affordable — ideal for most people.
If you want a budget-friendly iPad → iPad (A16)
Perfect for everyday tasks and students.
If you want something small and powerful → iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Great for travel and one-handed use.
8. Final Thoughts
Apple’s 2025 iPad lineup can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that there’s a perfect model for every type of user. Whether you need professional-level performance, an everyday learning device, or a portable tablet you can use anywhere, one of these iPads will fit your lifestyle.