Buying an iPad should be simple. You just get whatever’s new, right? If only. Apple sells four main iPad models, each with its own strengths. In addition, a growing number of older iPads are floating around the eBays of the world. Since all of these devices look pretty much 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, what’s coming up, the important differences between models, and the old models that exist (including the ones you shouldn’t buy at any price).
Be sure to check out all our buying guides, including the Best iPad Accessories, Best iPhones, Best iPhone 14 Cases and Accessories, Best Tablets, and Best MacBooks.
Updated November 2022: We’ve added our impressions on the new iPad and iPad Pro, and a section for iPadOS 16 features exclusive to Apple’s M-series chipsets.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED