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The best iPad to buy (and one to avoid) in 2025


Other good iPads

Apple iPad Pro 6th Gen

Photography: Apple

Apple no longer sells these iPads, but these slightly older models are still good options, as long as you can find them for the right discount. I recommend checking third-party resellers (such as Amazon, Best Buyand B&H). I also suggest checking the price with the latest models to make sure you spend a good amount less on the older tablet. Older models not mentioned here are increasingly hard to find and not worth it.

iPad Pro (2022, 6th generation): : These iPad Pro tablets (7/10, WIRED Review) Use the same M2 chip that is in the MacBook Air (2022), Mac Miniand iPad Air (2024). It also has an excellent mini-LED screen (with​​a 120 Hz screen refresh rate) with a dual camera system (with a lidar sensor), a front camera with support for Center Stage, as well as large speakers and mics. It is compatible with the original Magic Keyboard case, Second generation Apple Penciland Apple Pencil with USB-C. I only recommend it if you can find the 11-inch for $749 or less and the 12.9-inch for $900 or less.

iPad Air (2022, 5th generation): : This iPad Air has an M1 processor (which can also be found in the MacBook Air 2020), a 10.9-inch LCD screen, a USB-C port, Touch ID integrated into the top power button, and support for 5G. It is a great lightweight tablet that is very powerful for most tasks. Pack support for the Second generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil with USB-Cand the Magic Keyboard case. I only recommend it for $450 or less.

Great iPad accessories

Zugu Case for iPad

Case Zug

Photography: Zug

iPad accessories are endless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to enrich your tablet experience, and you can find more in our The best iPad accessories.

Zugu Case for $50: : This is our favorite iPad folio case for several reasons. Not only is it durable (complete with a hard bumper), it also has a magnetized cover that stays closed and a flap that lets you position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, which allows you to stick it in the refrigerator safely. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in a variety of colors, and has a place for your Apple Pencil.

Satechi M1 wireless mouse for $30: We’re already big fans of Satechi accessories at WIRED, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, a sleek aluminum finish, and a smooth glide. It also has great battery life – with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and haven’t had to charge it.

Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $65: This case allows you to connect magnetically Apple Magic Keyboard case without having to remove the case every time. It feels durable and doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad. There is also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).

Tablet supported with a stand and placed in front of a detachable keyboard

Photography: Brenda Stolyar

Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $160: : The Touch Combo (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, a trackpad and a kickstand, making it ideal for getting work done on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, which means you never have to replace it with Bluetooth or worry about charging it. It is also available for the iPad Pro (M4) (although it adds some weight to such a thin tablet) and the iPad Air (M2).

Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you are worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It is super thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and it is especially fingerprint resistant (I removed some smudges here and there). It’s painless to apply – the company provides a microfiber cloth, a dedusting sticker, and wet and dry wipes.

Paperlike Charcoal Folio Case for $70: : Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels light and high quality. You can also offer your iPad at two different levels. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure that prevents it from falling out. I tried with the iPad Airbut it is also available for the iPad Pro (both sizes).

Twelve South StayGo Mini USBC Hubs

StayGo Mini

Photography: Dodici Sud

Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: : Ports are limited regardless of iPad model. This hub from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, HDMI, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble fitting an iPad with a case, the included socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will solve this.

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $128: : For a spacious trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a great choice. Instead of physical buttons, it has Force Touch sensors where you can feel different levels of pressure on the pad. With support for various iPadOS gestures, you don’t need to touch the screen as much. It automatically pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth and charges using the Lightning port.

Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $40: : If you prefer an external keyboard, it’s hard to go wrong with the Logitech K380. It is light and portable and can be connected to a maximum of three devices via Bluetooth (with dedicated buttons to switch between them). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries, which lasted about four months, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a charger around.

Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: : The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it on the side of your bed, the kitchen counter, or a shelf (to view the contents comfortably and hands-free) or you can use the included stand at your desk. With the 2nd-gen version, you can now remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand, making it easier to swap between the two modes.



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