Other good iPads
Photo: Apple
Apple no longer sells these iPads, but these slightly older models are still good options as long as you can find them at the right discount. I recommend checking third-party retailers (like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H). I also suggest you cross-check the price with the latest models to make sure you’re spending quite a bit less on the older tablet. Older models not listed here are increasingly difficult to find and may not be worth it.
iPad Pro (2022, 6th generation): These iPad Pro tablets (7/10, WIRED Review) use the same M2 chip that’s inside the MacBook Air (2022), Mac Mini, and iPad Air (2024). It also has an excellent mini-LED screen (with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate) along with a dual-camera system (with a lidar sensor), a front-facing camera with support for Center Stage, and great speakers and microphones. It is compatible with the original Magic Keyboard case, second-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil with USB-C. I only recommend it if you can find the 11-inch for $749 or less and the 12.9-inch for $900 or less.
iPad Air (2022, 5th generation): This iPad Air has an M1 processor (which can also be found in the 2020 MacBook Air), a 10.9-inch LCD screen, a USB-C port, Touch ID built into the top power button, and support for 5G. It’s a great lightweight tablet that’s very powerful for most tasks. It packs support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil with USB-C, and the Magic Keyboard case. I only recommend it for $450 or less.
Great iPad accessories
iPad accessories are endless. Below we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to round out your tablet experience, and you can find more in our Guide to the best iPad accessories.
Zugu case for $50: This is our favorite iPad folio case for several reasons. Not only is it durable (complete with a rigid bumper), it also has a magnetized lid that stays closed and a flap that lets you position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, so you can attach it to the fridge. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in a range of colors and has a slot for your Apple Pencil.
Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $30: We’re already big fans of Satechi’s accessories at WIRED, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, a slim aluminum finish and smooth scrolling. It also has great battery life – with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and have yet to charge it.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $65: This case allows you to magnetically connect it to Apple’s Magic Keyboard case without having to remove the case each time. It feels durable and doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad. There is also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).
Photo: Brenda Stolyar
Logitech Combo Touch (10th Gen) for $160: The Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and stand, making it ideal for getting work done on your iPad. It’s also detachable so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, meaning you never have to fiddle with Bluetooth or bother charging it. It’s also available for the iPad Pro (M4) (although it adds a bit of weight to such a thin tablet) and the iPad Air (M2).
Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It is super thin, has excellent touch sensitivity and is most fingerprint resistant (I have wiped some spots here and there). It’s painless to apply—the company provides a microfiber cloth, a dusting sticker, and wet and dry wipes.
Paper-like Charcoal Folio Case for $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels light and high quality. You can also support your iPad at two different levels. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure that prevents it from falling out. I tested it with the iPad Air, but it’s also available for the iPad Pro (both sizes).
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of iPad model. This hub from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI and a headphone jack. If you have trouble mounting it to an iPad with a case, the included plug-USB-C to plug-USB-C cable will solve this.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $128: For a spacious trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a good choice. Instead of physical buttons, it has Force Touch sensors where you can feel different levels of pressure on the pad. With support for various iPadOS gestures, you don’t have to touch the screen as much. It automatically pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth and recharges with the Lightning port.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $40: If you prefer an external keyboard, it’s hard to go wrong with the Logitech K380. It’s lightweight and portable and can be connected to up to three devices via Bluetooth (with dedicated buttons to switch between them). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries, which lasted us about four months, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a charger around.
Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it on the side of your bed, kitchen table or shelf (to view the contents comfortably and hands-free), or you can use the included stand at your desk. With the 2nd generation version, you can now remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand – making it easier to switch between both modes.