Apple · Android · California · Wired
The Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026: Air, Pro, Mini
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FINDING THE BEST iPad should be simple.
Key facts
- Every iPad model now costs between $100 and $200 more
- The iPad Mini 1 through 6 and iPad 1 through 10 either have low-resolution, pixelated screens or are too old
- Forget buying a 2014 iPad Air 1 or a 2015 Air 2, as those are simply too long in the tooth
- IPadOS 27 will also refine the highly controversial Liquid Glass redesign from last year's iPadOS 26, adding a slider in Settings that allows you to change the opacity
Summary
And to make things more complex, Apple recently announced a price increase across its entire lineup, further complicating knowing which model to buy in 2026. This guide covers the iPad models currently available, what’s coming up, the key differences between them, and the older versions that are still in use (including those you should avoid at any price). Be sure to check out all their buying guides, including the Best iPad Accessories, Best iPhones, Best iPhone 17 Cases, Best Tablets, Best Android Tablets, and Best MacBooks. Updated July 2026: the reporter has included information on iPad price increases and how they could affect buying decisions. There are tons of iPads on the market.