Best iPad for 2020:

Best iPad for 2020: iPad Air 2019 vs. iPad Pro 2020 vs. iPad 2019

Apple's iPad turned 10 this year and, while current models are still essentially a slate of glass and metal, their size, features and performance have changed a lot since it was first officially unveiled onstage by Steve Jobs on Jan. 27, 2010. The current lineup includes the 10.2-inch iPad (2019, seventh-generation), 10.5-inch iPad Air (2019, third-generation) and second-gen 11- and fourth-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released earlier this year. There's also the fifth-gen 2019 7.9-inch iPad mini.

As you might expect, the features and performance get better as you move up in the line. Regardless of the iPad you go with, though, all of the current iPad models support one of Apple's Smart Keyboard and either the first- or second-gen Apple Pencil. That's good news for anyone looking to do more than play Apple Arcade games, look at websites and stream videos and music. Plus, all of the current models support mouse and trackpad use for a more MacBook-like experience. 

That said, Apple iPads hold their value, and there's generally a huge market for older used and refurbished iPads. Availability dried up some over the past several months with more people working and learning from home. You'll want to make sure you're getting the best deal before you buy an iPad. 

iPad 2019 vs. iPad Air 2019 vs. iPad Pro 2020 specs iPad 2019 (10.2) iPad Air 2019 (10.5) iPad Pro 2020 (11) iPad Pro 2020 (12.9) Availability See it at Amazon See it at Amazon See it at Amazon See it at Amazon Display resolution 2,160x1,620-pixel resolution 2,224x1,668-pixel resolution 2,388x1,668-pixel resolution 2,732x2,048-pixel resolution Pixel density (ppi) 264 ppi 264 ppi 264 ppi 264 ppi Rear camera 8-megapixel f2.4 8-megapixel f2.4 12-megapixel f1.8 wide, 10-megapixel f2.4 ultrawide 12-megapixel f1.8 wide, 10-megapixel f2.4 ultrawide Video recording 1080p at 30fps 1080p at 30fps 4K at 24, 30 or 60fps (wide); 60fps (ultrawide) 4K at 24, 30 or 60fps (wide); 60fps (ultrawide) FaceTime front-facing camera 1.2-megapixel photos; 720p video 7-megapixel photos; 1080p video 7-megapixel TrueDepth; 1080p video 7-megapixel TrueDepth; 1080p video Processor A10 A12 A12Z A12Z Dimensions 9.8x6.8x0.29 inches 9.8x6.8x0.24 inches 9.7x7x0.23 inches 11x8.5x0.23 inches Weight 1.07 lbs. (Wi-Fi); 1.09 lbs. (LTE) 1 lbs. (Wi-Fi); 1.02 lbs. (LTE) 1.04 lbs. (Wi-Fi); 1.04 lbs. (LTE) 1.41 lbs. (Wi-Fi); 1.42 lbs.(LTE) Battery Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular Up to 10 hours use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular Headphone jack Yes Yes No No Connector port Lightning; Apple Smart Connector Lightning; Apple Smart Connector USB-C; Apple Smart Connector USB-C; Apple Smart Connector Apple Pencil-compatibility Yes; 1st generation Yes; 1st generation Yes; 2nd generation Yes; 2nd generation Unlock with Touch ID Touch ID Face ID Face ID Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0 SIM card support for cellular model Nano-SIM; eSIM Nano-SIM; eSIM Nano-SIM; eSIM Nano-SIM; eSIM iPad Keyboard compatibility Smart Keyboard Smart Keyboard Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio Audio Two-speaker Two-speaker Four-speaker Four-speaker Capacity and price: Wi-Fi models $329 (32GB) / $429 (128GB) $499 (64GB) / $649 (256GB) $799 (64GB) / $899 (256GB) / $1,099 (512GB) / $1,299 (1TB) $999 (128GB) / $1,099 (256GB) / $1,299 (512GB) / $1,499 (1TB) Capacity and price: LTE models $459 (32GB) / $559 (128GB) $629 (64GB) / $779 (256GB) $949 (64GB) / $1,049 (256GB) / $1,249 (512GB) / $1,449 (1TB) $1,149 (128GB) / $1,249 (256GB) / $1,449 (512GB) / $1,649 (1TB)

The least-expensive iPad is also the one we're most likely to recommend for people looking for a new iPad for the family and general use. Despite its older A10 processor, the 10.2-inch iPad can handle the latest iPadOS just fine, and its display that's slightly larger than its predecessor's is better for productivity and entertainment. One word of caution, though: The base 32GB of storage can fill up fast, so we recommend going with the 128GB version if possible. Read our Apple iPad 10.2-inch 2019 review.

The 2019 iPad Air is a lot like the 10.5-inch iPad Pro from 2017. Starting at $499, it's built around a 10.5-inch Retina display like the 2017 Pro but has an updated A12 Bionic processor like the one powering the iPhone XS. If you want better performance and more storage space -- there are 64GB or 256GB options -- you should consider stepping up the Air. Plus, while it's larger than the entry-level iPad, it actually weighs a hair less. Read more.

Whether you're a digital artist or have waited years for an iPad that blurs the line between tablet and MacBook, the 2020 iPad Pro is what you want. Aside from different screen sizes (and respective resolutions) and weight, the 11- and 12.9-inch Pros are the same. If you're considering the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, you'll likely want to spring for the 12.9-inch version for the significant increase in workspace. As for performance, this has all the latest and greatest components Apple's iPads have to offer. If device longevity is key, you'll want to pay the premium for the 2020 iPad Pro. Read our Apple iPad Pro 2020 (12.9-inch) review.