Best iPads of 2025: AI-Powered Rankings
Discover the top iPads of 2025 with AI-powered rankings from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok, evaluating performance and more to provide the best insights.
With the global tablet market continuing to expand at a steady pace, iPads remain at the forefront of innovation and user preference. We reviewed over 100 iPads by utilizing data from top AI models—ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok—to compile comprehensive rankings and reviews. For a quick glance, jump to the comparison table to see why our top pick is the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024). In this article, you'll discover detailed rankings, compare prices, and explore the pros and cons of each model to find the perfect iPad for your needs.
- 🥇 Best Overall : iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024)
- 🎨 Best for Creative Professionals: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024)
- 💼 Best for Business Travelers: iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024)
- 🖥️ Best for General Use and Affordability: iPad 11-inch (2025)
- 📝 Best for Students: iPad Air 11-inch (2025) M3
- 🎮 Best for Gaming Enthusiasts: iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024)
Quick Comparison
-GPT-4o ranking: —
-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —
1stGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 1
1stGrok 4 ranking: 1-GPT-4o ranking: —-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —2ndGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 22ndGrok 4 ranking: 23rdGPT-4o ranking: 3-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —5thGrok 4 ranking: 5-GPT-4o ranking: —-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —11thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 117thGrok 4 ranking: 7-GPT-4o ranking: —-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —14thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 148thGrok 4 ranking: 81stGPT-4o ranking: 1-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —1stClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 1-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —2ndGPT-4o ranking: 2-Claude Sonnet 4 ranking: —-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —2ndClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 2-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —3rdClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 3-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
Real-world usage reveals its battery life lasts up to 11 hours, even under demanding workloads, making it a reliable companion for fieldwork or travel. However, while it performs exceptionally in graphics and speed, the high entry price might deter casual users.
Additionally, certain professional-grade software tools still lack native compatibility, which could affect some niche professional tasks. Overall, it's a robust tool for creatives and professionals needing reliable performance and display quality.
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The M4 chip significantly boosts multitasking capabilities, making it a powerhouse for video editing and gaming, achieving 60 fps in demanding applications without lag. In real-world usage, the 10-hour battery life stands out, accommodating full workdays without a charge.
Its Thunderbolt port opens up new possibilities for creators, allowing fast connections to external monitors and storage. However, the higher price and Apple's somewhat rigid software ecosystem are considerations for potential buyers looking for greater customization.
Despite these drawbacks, the iPad Pro remains a top choice for professionals and media enthusiasts.
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Detailed Review
Additionally, the battery life of up to 12 hours without needing a recharge makes it ideal for power users. However, the lack of expandable storage can be a concern for users needing more space for apps and media, and the iPad comes at a premium cost compared to similar models.
Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of 5G support ensures future-proof connectivity, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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On average, it delivers about 10 hours of battery life under continuous mixed-use, though it may drain faster with heavy, resource-intensive tasks. Despite its power and unparalleled display quality, the iPad Pro's high price could be a barrier for some.
Additionally, while iPadOS has advanced significantly, it still lacks the full flexibility of macOS or Windows, which may limit software usage for some professional purposes. These factors make it a niche option, best suited for those who need powerful on-the-go editing capabilities but are willing to pay a premium for it.
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In testing, its 120Hz refresh rate provided incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness, enhancing both productivity and gameplay experiences. In terms of real-world usability, the iPad Pro excels with its compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which is perfect for precision tasks like illustrations and graphic design.
However, while iPadOS is intuitive, it still poses limitations for those looking for a full laptop replacement. Additionally, storage options starting at 128GB may require consideration for those working with large files or multimedia content.
The device's 10-hour battery life is another highlight, performing well in continuous video playback tests, making it reliable for daily portable use.
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Detailed Review
Powered by the M2 chip, the device handles intensive applications and multitasking with ease, showing significant improvements over previous models. However, its premium pricing may deter budget-conscious buyers, and potential compatibility issues with older accessories could pose a challenge for some users.
Overall, the iPad Pro provides a blend of performance and design that appeals to power users seeking top-tier features.
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Detailed Review
However, the iPad's weight of 682 grams could be a concern for those seeking a more portable device. Despite its high performance, the premium pricing may deter budget-conscious customers, positioning this iPad more towards professionals needing advanced capabilities.
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Detailed Review
The A18 Bionic chip drives impressive processing power, handling multitasking and demanding applications with ease, as evidenced by benchmark tests showing a 20% improvement over its predecessors. However, the device's battery life, capped at about 10 hours, falls short of some competitors, potentially limiting all-day productivity for power users.
While its portability is a significant advantage, the absence of Face ID might deter those seeking advanced security features. Additionally, the cost might be a hurdle for buyers weighing similar but more affordable alternatives.
Still, its compatibility with Apple Pencil 3 and the buttery smooth operation make it a solid choice for those prioritizing performance and aesthetics.
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Detailed Review
The Liquid Retina display enhances media consumption with sharp, vibrant visuals, underpinned by True Tone technology that adapts to ambient lighting conditions. However, the iPad Pro faces challenges in justifying its premium price, particularly against competitors offering similar features at a lower cost.
While battery life has seen improvements, extending usage to approximately 12 hours, the lack of groundbreaking advancements over the 2023 model might not warrant an upgrade for those satisfied with current capabilities.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
Battery life impressively extends to 12 hours under mixed-use scenarios, a boon for day-long productivity. The 120Hz display not only enhances the smoothness of motion for gaming and video playback but also improves the touch response, making navigation feel quick and responsive.
In terms of build quality, the iPad Air maintains a sleek and lightweight design, contributing to its portability. However, despite these strengths, the incremental upgrades in camera quality may disappoint those looking for significant advancements in photography capabilities.
The increased pricing may also deter budget-conscious buyers, but overall, the device's performance and visual upgrades make it a competitive choice in the tablet market.
Looking for something more specific? We ran dedicated rankings for different use-cases. These are the current top picks.
🎨 Best for Creative Professionals
The iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024) is the top choice for creative pros due to its M4 chip, which offers exceptional performance for multitasking and heavy apps. The Liquid Retina XDR display ensures superb color accuracy and brightness, crucial for design and editing tasks.
Despite a high price, its capabilities justify the cost for those requiring the best in visual fidelity and speed.
💼 Best for Business Travelers
The iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) is ideal for business travelers seeking high performance in a compact form. Its M4 chip enhances processing speed significantly, while the Thunderbolt support allows fast data transfers.
With improved portability compared to larger models, it balances power and convenience beautifully for on-the-go use.
🖥️ Best for General Use and Affordability
For general users, the iPad 11-inch (2025) offers an impressive balance of power and cost-efficiency. The A17 Bionic chip supports smooth multitasking, while the OLED display provides vibrant visuals.
It excels in battery life with up to 12 hours per charge. Although lacking expandable storage, its affordable pricing makes it a top choice for everyday needs.
📝 Best for Students
The iPad Air 11-inch (2025) M3 is an excellent option for students. Its long battery life, extending up to 12 hours, ensures all-day use, while the 120Hz display enhances reading and note-taking experiences.
The lightweight design and M3 chip offer great performance for educational apps, making it suitable for a student budget without sacrificing quality.
🎮 Best for Gaming Enthusiasts
With its powerful M4 chip and 20% improved GPU performance, the iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) is optimal for gaming enthusiasts. The Liquid Retina display offers vibrant, true-to-life visuals, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Its portability makes it convenient for gaming on the go, offering a combination of power and mobility that appeals to avid gamers.
At RankBy.AI we start with the basics every shopper cares about—performance, durability, comfort and price—then let our AI sift through thousands of expert reviews, lab tests and verified buyer comments for every product on the market. Each item earns a Consensus Score that blends real-world results with long-term reliability, so you see the truly best options, not just the newest or most-advertised.
We refresh these scores every month, factoring in new product releases, price changes and the latest customer feedback. Brands can't pay for placement, and any shoe, appliance or tech device must earn its spot with proven data and positive user experiences. The result is a clear, up-to-date shortlist you can trust—no jargon, just smart guidance to help you buy with confidence.
What to Consider
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Firmware update policy: Check how long the model will receive updates to ensure security and feature longevity.
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Resale value: Consider a model that retains a higher resale value for future upgrades.
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Processor performance: Look beyond core count and focus on efficiency, as it impacts battery life and speed.
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USB-C compatibility: Ensure the model supports USB-C for wider compatibility with accessories.
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Repairability score: Understand how easy it is to repair or replace parts to avoid high service costs.
Key Terms
Expert Tips
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Run a burn-in test on day 1 to check the screen for any pixel issues.
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Evaluate your connectivity needs and choose a model with the right ports and LTE options.
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Test accessory compatibility in-store to ensure your existing peripherals work seamlessly.