what gb ipad should i get

First launched in 2010, the Apple brand still dominates the tablet market, despite iPads being some of the most expensive tablets you can buy. There are four current models of the iPad, each with a different user (and budget) in mind.

Here, we take you through the similarities and differences between the latest Mini, standard, Air and Pro versions of Apple's iconic tablet, and take a look at whether it's still worth buying some of the older-generation models.

Feeling open minded? Unless you're a die-hard Apple devotee, take a look at our full collection of tablet reviews from brands including Amazon, Lenovo and Samsung.

Which iPad is best for me?

Given there are four distinct iPad models – five if you include the two sizes of iPad Pro – there's never been more choice of them. Below we summarise what sort of buyer should choose each type, then highlight how the latest version of each scored in our expert tests.

Standard iPad

Screen size: 10.2 inches
Good for:watching video and web browsing at home

The standard 10.2-inch iPad is the cheapest you can buy, but also the heaviest and thickest of all the non-Pro iPads. While it still weighs under 500g, the large screen and slightly bulkier size means it's best suited for use when you're sitting down.

It doesn't have the very latest tech powering its processor or cameras, and it doesn't have Apple's Face ID facial recognition features. All that said, if you just want a tablet for simple video-watching or web-browsing, it should deliver the goods.

iPad Mini

Screen size: 8.2 inches
Good for: anyone who wants iOS on a small screen

There's a clearer difference between the Mini and the standard iPad now that the Mini has the A15 processor. It means the Mini is a stronger option if you want a powerful, quick tablet without a huge display.

It's more expensive as a result, though. It costs almost £200 more than a standard iPad.

iPad Air

Screen size: 10.9 inches
Good for: Those looking for a more premium experience

The iPad Air ups the specs compared with the standard iPad. It gets the latest processor and the ability to magnetically connect to Apple's range of Smart Keyboards so it can be used like a laptop.

It has a large, 10.9-inch screen, but weighs less than the standard, smaller iPad. On the downside, some may find the extra screen size makes it a touch unwieldy to use while standing up.

iPad Pro

Screen size:11 inch or 12.9 inch
Good for:If you're looking for a tablet that doubles as a laptop

The iPad Pro comes in two sizes – the smaller is more or less on par with the iPad Air, while the screen on the larger is more akin to a medium-sized laptop.

Both models are as fast as your typical laptop and are powered by the very latest processors. You also get an upgraded screen that can show colours more accurately and four speakers surrounding the device for a more immersive sound. Plus, like the iPad Air, Pro iPads can connect to Apple's Smart Keyboard accessories.

For most people these extras will be overkill, but if you are a creative professional who wants to edit photos, videos or 3D projects on the move an iPad Pro could be a great choice.

Looking to buy the best tablet or iPad for a cheaper price? Our experts found the best iPad deals.

Standard iPad Range on test

While there are a number of similarities between iPads, that's not to say they all perform the same – it's worth considering your options further to find the right one for your needs.

Below we reveal how the latest versions of the iPad Mini, standard iPad and iPad Air performed in our tests, and what features made some stand out over others.

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The iPad Air 2020 boasts an all-new design, the very latest Apple A14 Bionic processor and a large, 10.9-inch display. It has the ability to connect to Apple's Smart and Magic keyboards, just like the iPad Pro, and also works with the second-generation Apple Pencil. You pay a premium over the base model iPad, but you do get quite a lot extra. Read our review to see how it fared.
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The smallest current-generation iPad, this 7.9-inch tablet is better suited for one-handed use than any other iPad in the range, which should make it an ideal commuting companion if its performance matches its price.
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iPad Pro range on test

Find out how the 11 and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro fared in our labs.

Apple

iPad Pro 2020 11-inch

£649.00

This iPad is closer to the size of a regular iPad, but with an extra 1.3 inches of screen space. That gives you lots of extra room for putting apps side-by-side to get more things done at once. It also has the same powerful processor as the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It uses the latest Apple Pencil 2 (sold separately), which can be attached to the side or top of the tablet, which will automatically charge it as well. This machine, like its larger sibling, will be better as a work machine with a keyboard - log in to read more about the smaller Pro.
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Apple

iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch

£849.00

The biggest iPad ever, this 12.9-inch tablet is the size of a small laptop, without the keyboard. iPad Pros work best with the Apple Pencil stylus and are even more effective with a keyboard attached. Without one or the other you simply have a very large tablet. With accessories, this iPad Pro – and the 11-inch model – aim to replace your laptop. Our full review reveals all.
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Streamline your working with iPad, iPhone and Mac Continuity

If you already have an iPhone or Mac computer, you'll unlock extra iPad features from the off thanks to Apple's Continuity feature. This includes Handoff, which lets you start work on an app on one device and continue it on another where you left off. You could start writing a note on your iPad before you leave the house and immediately continue it on your iPhone on your commute.

There's also a Universal Clipboard, which means any content you copy on one device can be pasted on another. Make calls on your iPad as if it were your phone and auto-unlock your phone if your iPad is nearby, and vice-versa.

Do I need a 4G or 5G-connected iPad?

As standard, iPads connect to the internet over wi-fi; you pay a premium to get a 4G or 5G-enabled iPad, and that's not including the monthly cost of the subscription.

Most phones nowadays feature so-called 'hotspots', letting you easily share your 4G or 5G connection from your phone to your iPad as a wi-fi network. Plus, with free, public wi-fi now very common on long-distance trains and cafes in towns, you probably don't need to pay extra for this added connectivity.

Pick the best 4G and 5G provider with our guide to the best mobile networks .

How much storage do I need on an iPad?

Because iPads can't have extra storage added post-purchase – unlike Android tablets with microSD card slots – it's important to pick the right amount for you. This is what we'd recommend for different uses:

32GB: Pick this option if you're only streaming video and reading on an iPad or iPad Mini.
64GB: Choose this amount of storage if you download TV and films. Also pick this option if you take photos and videos on your iPad.
128GB: If you have lots of apps and games, and also plan on downloading lots of TV and films, it's worth getting more storage.
256GB: This option is only available on the iPad Pro. If you're planning on using your iPad Pro like a laptop - with multimedia projects such as music, video and photos - it's sensible to invest in this amount.

Do I need a keyboard or stylus with an iPad?

As of October 2021, all current iPad models support Apple Pencil. The 10.2-inch iPad and iPad Mini released before 2021 only support the first-generation Pencil, which has an awkward charging mechanism that requires it to be shoved into the charging port of the tablet. The iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad 2021 and iPad Mini 2021 models all support the second-generation mode, which charges when attached to the edge of your iPad using a magnet.

All iPads work with Bluetooth keyboards, such as those made by Logitech and other companies. All the most recently released iPads from 2021, as well as the iPad Pro and iPad Air from 2020 support the official Apple keyboard.

Should I buy an older iPad?

It's still possible to pick up a new version of a previous-generation iPad. If you're buying new, a last-generation model of a 9.7-inch iPad will cost around £20 less than the current model. Saving money is great, but Apple's policy on updating devices typically means that older iPads will stop receiving updates sooner than newer models.

This isn't necessarily a disaster, but people using older Apple devices have eventually found that some apps will no longer update to the latest version because their device is too old to support this.

You can use our tablet support guide to see exactly how many years of updates the iPad you have or would like to buy will get.

If you're looking to buy an older version of the iPad, you can find out how last-generation models fared in our full round up of Apple iPad reviews.