The 4 best iPads of 2025: Which iPad should you shop during Black Friday?
Apple’s iPad lineup has recently undergone significant upgrades, making their tablets more powerful and versatile than ever. Each model now features the latest silicon chips, enhancing performance across the board. The current lineup includes the standard iPad equipped with the A16 chip, the compact iPad Mini with the A17 chip, the iPad Air boasting the M3 chip, and the high-end iPad Pro featuring the M5 chip. This extensive range means that whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a premium device, there’s an iPad that meets your needs. With the right sales, especially during events like Black Friday, consumers can find great deals on these advanced devices.
The advancements in iPad technology, particularly with the introduction of iPadOS 26, have blurred the lines between tablets and laptops. Users can now perform a multitude of tasks, from streaming and browsing to video editing and digital illustration, all on their iPads. The Pro and Air models have also been optimized for gaming, making them suitable for a wider audience, including those who enjoy mobile gaming. However, with the rapid pace of updates and the variety of options available, choosing the right iPad can be overwhelming. To simplify this process, a recent review tested all models to help consumers identify the best fit for their specific needs.
For those in the market for an iPad, it may be wise to wait until Black Friday, as this shopping event often yields some of the best discounts on technology. When deciding which iPad to buy, consider your primary use cases—whether it’s for streaming, reading, or as a work device. For most users, the recommended choice is the new M3 iPad Air (2025), striking an ideal balance between performance, price, and features. This model is particularly appealing for those who want a powerful device without breaking the bank, making it a top contender in Apple’s impressive tablet lineup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lapeX5Ygl_s
Apple’s iPads are better than ever. Within the past year, every model has received an upgrade, meaning Apple’s tablets are now equipped with the latest silicon. iPads remain versatile
tablets
and can even be budget-friendly — especially when you catch them on sale. The full line-up now includes: the iPad with A16 chip, iPad Mini with A17 chip, iPad Air with M3 chip, and iPad Pro with M5 chip.
At this point, iPads can do (almost)
anything your laptop can do
thanks to
iPadOS 26
. Whether you want to stream, browse the internet, illustrate, or edit videos, you can do it on the iPad. Recent developments in
the Pro and Air models
also set them up as
gaming devices
.
The rapid pace of Apple’s update schedule makes shopping for a tablet all the more difficult. So, we tested every model to help you find the best iPad for you.
If you are in the market to buy an iPad, we recommend holding out until
Black Friday
. The annual shopping event brings the best prices we’ve ever seen on tech, and this year we’re hoping to see a discount on the new
iPad Pro with M5 chip
.
Which iPad model should I buy?
The right iPad for you depends purely on your needs. Do you want something that has enough storage and speed for streaming? Do you want to use it to read? Do you want to use a tablet as your primary workstation? Your answers should factor into your decision.
To get you started, we believe the best iPad for most people is the new
M3 iPad Air (2025)
. It has exceptional performance but is also in the middle range for both price and capability.
