Buying an iPad should be simple. You just buy whatever’s new, right? If only. Apple sells four main iPad models, each with its own strengths. In addition, there are a growing number of older iPads floating around the eBays of the world. Since all these devices generally look the same, it’s important to know what you’re buying and what you should pay for it.
This guide covers the best iPads available right now, the important differences between each model, and every old model that exists, including the ones you shouldn’t buy at any price.
Be sure to check out all our buying guides, including the Best iPhones, Best Tablets, and Best MacBooks.
Updated for April 2020: We’ve added the 2020 iPad Pro and updated pricing throughout.
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Photograph: Apple
A Good iPad
Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, 2019)
Apple’s most affordable tablet is a very slight refresh of the iPad that debuted in 2018, except now there’s support for the Apple Pencil (first-gen) and the Smart Keyboard (Amazon). It’s a shame Apple didn’t update the processor as it has the same A10 Fusion chip from 2016 inside, but the iPad should have no trouble running most apps and games. We do like the small 0.5-inch bump in screen size from 9.7 inches to 10.2 (this one is half an inch taller to compensate).
The only downside is, like