At this point, iPads can do (almost) anything your laptop can do thanks to iPadOS 26. Not to mention, the iPad Air with M4 just got a memory boost up to 12GB, putting it a tier above some laptops. Whether you want to stream, browse the internet, illustrate, or edit videos, you can do it on the iPad.
The rapid pace of Apple's update schedule makes shopping for a tablet all the more difficult. Later this month, Apple is expected to announce a new iPad mini. We've tested every available model to help you find the best iPad for you.
2026 iPad price increases
With the global memory crisis, iPad pricing took a hit. Apple raised prices across the board. Here's a breakdown of the price increases.
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 M4 iPad Air (2026). It has exceptional performance but is also in the middle range for both price and capability.