Which is the Best iPad for Students?
I bought my first iPad in 2013 for college. It was slow, the app selection was rough, and the Apple Pencil didn’t exist yet. Fast forward to 2026, and the iPad lineup is so good that it’s replaced my laptop for about 80% of what I do. If you’re a student trying to figure out which iPad to buy, I’ve tested every current model and I’ll tell you exactly which one makes sense for your situation and budget.
The short version: most students should get the iPad Air with M3 chip. It hits the sweet spot between price and power. But if you’re in design, architecture, or engineering, the iPad Pro M4 is worth the extra spend. And if you’re on a tight budget, the standard iPad with A16 chip does everything a student actually needs for under $350.
I’ve organized this guide by use case, not just specs. Because the best iPad for a medical student annotating 500-page PDFs is different from the best iPad for someone taking notes in a business lecture. You’ll also find my recommended accessories at the end, because an iPad without an Apple Pencil is like buying a sports car and never leaving first gear.
iPad Air M3: Best iPad for Most Students
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) – Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E
- M3 chip delivers laptop-class performance for multitasking, video editing, and running demanding apps
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color and True Tone
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard for full laptop replacement
- 12MP front camera with Center Stage keeps you framed during video calls
This is my default recommendation for students, and it’s not close. The iPad Air with the M3 chip gives you about 90% of the iPad Pro’s performance at a price that won’t make your parents flinch. I’ve used it for everything from annotating research papers to running multiple Split View apps during study sessions, and it hasn’t stuttered once.
The M3 chip is the same one Apple put in their MacBook Air lineup. That means you’re getting laptop-grade processing power in a tablet that weighs just over a pound. For note-taking apps like GoodNotes or Notability, it’s overkill in the best way. PDFs load instantly, handwriting recognition is fast, and you can have a lecture recording playing while you take notes in split screen without any lag.
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp. Is it as good as the Pro’s OLED? No. But unless you’re doing color-critical design work, you won’t notice the difference during everyday use. The display supports True Tone, which adjusts the white balance based on ambient lighting. This matters more than you’d think when you’re reading textbooks for hours at a time.
Apple Pencil Pro support is a big deal here. The Pro version of the Pencil adds haptic feedback, a squeeze gesture, and barrel roll, so you can switch tools and adjust brush angles without touching the screen. If you’re someone who takes handwritten notes (and you should be, studies show better retention), the writing experience on the Air is identical to the Pro.
One thing I want you to know: the base model comes with 128GB of storage. For most students, that’s enough. But if you plan to store a lot of lecture recordings or downloaded videos, consider the 256GB option. Cloud storage helps, but you don’t always have reliable Wi-Fi on campus. I’d also suggest checking out the best tablets for students if you want to compare this with non-Apple options.
iPad Pro M4: Best for Creative and STEM Students
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) – Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID
- M4 chip with 10-core GPU delivers desktop-level performance for 3D modeling, video editing, and CAD applications
- 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz and extreme dynamic range
- LiDAR scanner for AR applications and room scanning, useful for architecture and design students
- Face ID, Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectivity, and up to 2TB storage options
The iPad Pro M4 is the most powerful tablet ever made, and I don’t say that lightly. If you’re studying graphic design, architecture, film, engineering, or medicine, this is the one to get. The M4 chip has a 10-core GPU that handles 3D rendering, video editing in Final Cut Pro, and complex CAD drawings without breaking a sweat.
The 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display is the real standout. It uses a tandem OLED panel that produces deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and more accurate colors than any other tablet display on the market. For design students, this matters because what you see on screen is what you’ll get in print. The 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate makes scrolling, drawing, and handwriting feel buttery smooth.
I have to be straight with you: at $1,299 for the 13-inch (or $1,099 for the 11-inch), this is not a casual purchase. The 13-inch model is also heavier than the Air, which matters when you’re carrying it across campus all day. But if your coursework involves serious creative or technical work, the Pro pays for itself. I’ve seen architecture students run full SketchUp models on it. I’ve watched med students use the LiDAR scanner for anatomy apps. The use cases are real.
The Thunderbolt/USB 4 port is another Pro exclusive that students overlook. It lets you connect external displays, fast external drives, and audio interfaces. If you’re building a portable editing setup or need to present to a larger screen, that single port gives you options the Air can’t match.
iPad Pro M4 11-inch: The Compact Alternative
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) – Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID
- Same M4 chip and Ultra Retina XDR OLED display as the 13-inch model
- Lighter and more portable at just 0.98 pounds, easier to carry between classes
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectivity
If you want the Pro’s power but don’t need the 13-inch screen, the 11-inch model is $200 cheaper and lighter. You get the same M4 chip, the same OLED display quality, and the same Thunderbolt port. The only real tradeoff is screen size, and honestly, 11 inches is plenty for note-taking and most creative work.
I’d recommend the 11-inch Pro over the 13-inch for students who commute or have packed backpacks. The weight difference is small on paper, but you feel it after carrying it around campus for 8 hours. If you’re doing a lot of split-screen work or detailed drawing, go 13-inch. For everything else, 11 inches is the smarter pick.
iPad 11th Generation (A16): Best Budget iPad for Students
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip) – Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, Touch ID
- A16 Bionic chip handles multitasking, video calls, and all popular student apps with ease
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone for comfortable all-day reading
- Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) for note-taking and drawing at a lower price point
- USB-C connectivity, 12MP front and back cameras, all-day battery life
At $349, this is the iPad I recommend to students who just need something that works. The A16 Bionic chip is the same processor Apple used in the iPhone 15, so it handles everything a student throws at it: note-taking, web browsing, Zoom calls, streaming lectures, and running apps like Google Docs, Notion, and GoodNotes without any issues.
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, color-accurate, and comfortable for long reading sessions. You get True Tone support, which adjusts the display warmth based on your surroundings. Your eyes will thank you during those late-night study sessions.
Here’s where I need to set expectations. This iPad supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C), not the Apple Pencil Pro. The USB-C Pencil doesn’t have pressure sensitivity or tilt detection, which means it’s fine for handwriting and basic sketching but not ideal for detailed illustration work. If drawing and design are part of your coursework, spend more on the Air.
The 128GB base storage is generous for a budget model. You can store thousands of documents, hundreds of downloaded lectures, and dozens of apps without running out of room. USB-C means you can plug in external drives when you need more space. For students who mainly need a device for reading, note-taking, and video calls, this iPad does everything you need at the lowest price Apple offers. Check out my best budget laptops guide if you’re also considering a laptop alternative.
iPad mini (A17 Pro): Best for Portability
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) – 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E, Touch ID
- A17 Pro chip (same as iPhone 15 Pro) delivers fast performance with Apple Intelligence support
- Compact 8.3-inch display fits in one hand, weighs just 0.65 pounds
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro for precise note-taking on the go
- Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G connectivity for constant access to study materials
The iPad mini is a niche pick, and I want to be honest about who it’s for. At 8.3 inches, it’s too small to be your primary note-taking device. Split View works, but you’ll be squinting. So why am I including it? Because it’s the best secondary iPad and the best “always in your bag” device for students who already have a laptop.
The A17 Pro chip is borrowed from the iPhone 15 Pro, which means this tiny tablet is faster than you’d expect. It supports Apple Intelligence features and runs demanding apps without slowing down. With Apple Pencil Pro support, you can quickly jot notes, mark up documents, and sketch ideas on the go.
I see the mini shine in three specific student scenarios. First, medical and nursing students who use it as a clinical reference device. It fits in a lab coat pocket and gives you instant access to drug databases and anatomy apps. Second, commuters who read textbooks and PDFs on public transit, where a full-size iPad is awkward to hold. Third, students who already have a MacBook and want a lightweight companion for reading and quick note-taking between classes.
At $499, it’s not cheap for what’s basically a secondary device. But if any of those use cases describe you, the mini is hard to beat. The 128GB base storage is enough, and Wi-Fi 6E keeps it connected on modern campus networks.
Which iPad Should You Actually Buy?
I’ve put together a quick decision framework based on the hundreds of students I’ve talked to over the years. Your major and budget should drive this decision, not marketing specs.
Get the iPad Air M3 ($599) if: You’re a general student who wants the best combination of performance, display quality, and Apple Pencil Pro support. This covers business, liberal arts, sciences, pre-med, law, and most other majors. It’s the safest bet.
Get the iPad Pro M4 ($1,099-$1,299) if: You’re in graphic design, architecture, film production, engineering, or fine arts. You need the OLED display accuracy, the M4’s GPU power, or the Thunderbolt port for external displays and drives. Don’t buy this just because it’s the “best.” Buy it because your coursework demands it.
Get the standard iPad A16 ($349) if: You’re on a budget and need a reliable device for notes, reading, web browsing, and video calls. It handles all the basics without compromise. Pair it with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $79 and you’ve got a solid study setup for under $430 total.
Get the iPad mini ($499) if: You already have a laptop and want a portable companion for reading, quick reference, or clinical use. Don’t buy it as your only device for college.
Best Accessories for Student iPads
An iPad without the right accessories is only half the equation. I’ve gone through dozens of keyboard cases, styluses, and stands over the years. Two accessories stand out as must-haves for students.
Apple Pencil Pro – Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Haptic Feedback
- Squeeze gesture and barrel roll for switching tools and adjusting line weight without interrupting your flow
- Haptic feedback confirms tool changes with a subtle tap you can feel
- Compatible with iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M3), charges magnetically on the side
The Apple Pencil Pro works with the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M3. If you’re buying either of those iPads, don’t skip this. The squeeze gesture alone saves me time every day. You squeeze the barrel to bring up a tool palette, pick what you need, and keep going. No reaching for on-screen buttons. The barrel roll feature rotates shaped brushes and pens based on how you twist the Pencil, which is great for calligraphy and sketching.
For the standard iPad, get the Apple Pencil (USB-C) at $79 instead. It doesn’t have the Pro features, but it’s accurate, responsive, and charges via the same USB-C port on your iPad. Good enough for handwritten notes and annotations.
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) – Built-in Trackpad, Function Row, USB-C
- Full-size backlit keyboard with scissor mechanism and new function row for quick controls
- Built-in glass trackpad with haptic feedback for precise cursor control
- USB-C pass-through charging so you can charge your iPad while the keyboard is attached
The Magic Keyboard turns your iPad Pro into a proper laptop replacement. The typing experience is surprisingly good for a tablet keyboard, the glass trackpad with haptic feedback responds like a MacBook’s, and the function row gives you quick access to brightness, volume, and media controls. USB-C pass-through charging means you only need one cable.
At $299, it’s expensive. I won’t pretend otherwise. But if you plan to type long essays, research papers, or code on your iPad, the Magic Keyboard is worth it over cheaper third-party options. The hinge design lets you adjust the screen angle smoothly, and the keyboard doubles as a protective case. I’ve used mine daily for over a year and the keys still feel solid.
If the Magic Keyboard’s price is too steep, look into Logitech’s Combo Touch keyboard for the iPad Air. It costs about half as much and includes a detachable keyboard with a built-in trackpad. Not as premium, but a solid alternative for budget-conscious students.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Student iPad
Buying the right iPad is step one. Setting it up properly for school is step two. After years of using iPads for work and seeing how students use them, I’ve got a few tips that make a real difference.
Get a note-taking app immediately. GoodNotes and Notability are the two big ones. I prefer GoodNotes because of its folder organization and search-through-handwriting feature. Both cost a one-time fee or a small subscription. Don’t use the default Notes app for serious academic note-taking.
Learn Split View and Stage Manager. iPadOS lets you run two apps side by side (Split View) or manage multiple floating windows (Stage Manager, available on M-series chips). Having your textbook open on one side and your notes on the other is how you should be studying. It took me about a week to build the habit, and now I can’t go back.
Use iCloud or Google Drive for automatic backups. I’ve heard too many stories of students losing notes before exams. Set up automatic cloud sync on day one. iCloud gives you 5GB free, which fills up fast. The 50GB plan costs $0.99/month, and it’s the best dollar you’ll spend all semester.
Download content for offline access. Campus Wi-Fi can be unreliable, especially in large lecture halls. Download your PDFs, lecture recordings, and key documents to the iPad itself. Most apps like Google Drive, OneDrive, and even Safari’s Reading List let you save content offline. If you need more study tools for college students, I’ve written a separate guide on that.
Enable Focus modes. Set up a “Study” Focus mode that blocks social media notifications and only allows alerts from your school email and calendar. iPadOS makes this easy to configure, and you can set it to activate automatically based on time or location. Your grades will thank you.
iPad for Students: Quick Comparison
| Feature | iPad (A16) | iPad Air (M3) | iPad Pro (M4) | iPad mini (A17 Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $599 | $1,099-$1,299 | $499 |
| Display | 11″ Liquid Retina | 11″ Liquid Retina | 11″ or 13″ OLED XDR | 8.3″ Liquid Retina |
| Chip | A16 Bionic | M3 | M4 | A17 Pro |
| Apple Pencil | USB-C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| Keyboard | Third-party only | Magic Keyboard | Magic Keyboard | Bluetooth only |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Touch ID | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C | Thunderbolt/USB 4 | USB-C |
| Best For | Budget students | Most students | Creative/STEM | Portability |
Budget Alternative: Kindle and Fire Tablets
iPads are great, but they’re overkill if you mainly read textbooks and watch lectures. The Fire HD 10 gives you a 10.1-inch screen for $140 (or $75 for the budget version), which is one-third the price of the cheapest iPad.
The Kindle Paperwhite is a different beast. It’s purely for reading. No apps, no notifications, no distractions. The battery lasts weeks, and the screen reads like actual paper. If you’re buying Kindle textbooks (which save 40-60% over print), a Paperwhite is the best way to read them. For a full comparison, see my tablets for students guide.
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) built for relaxation, 10.1" vibrant Full HD screen, octa-core processor, 3…
- Do what you love, uninterrupted — 25% faster performance than the previous generation and 3 GB RAM are ideal for seamless streaming, reading, and gaming.
- High-def entertainment — A 10.1" 1080p Full HD display brings brilliant color to all your shows and games. Binge watch longer with 13-hour battery, 32 or 64 GB of storage, and up to 1 TB expandable storage with micro-SD card (sold separately).
- Thin, light, durable — Tap into entertainment from anywhere with a lightweight, durable design and strengthened glass made from aluminosilicate glass. As measured in a tumble test, Fire HD 10 is 2.7 times as durable as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2022).
- Stay up to speed — Use the 5 MP front-facing camera to Zoom with family and friends, or create content for social apps like Instagram and TikTok.
- Ready when inspiration strikes — With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Made for Amazon Stylus Pen (sold separately) offers a natural writing experience that responds to your handwriting. Use it to write, sketch in apps like OneNote, and more.
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) built for relaxation, 10.1" vibrant Full HD screen, octa-core processor, 3…
- Do what you love, uninterrupted — 25% faster performance than the previous generation and 3 GB RAM are ideal for seamless streaming, reading, and gaming.
- High-def entertainment — A 10.1" 1080p Full HD display brings brilliant color to all your shows and games. Binge watch longer with 13-hour battery, 32 or 64 GB of storage, and up to 1 TB expandable storage with micro-SD card (sold separately).
- Thin, light, durable — Tap into entertainment from anywhere with a lightweight, durable design and strengthened glass made from aluminosilicate glass. As measured in a tumble test, Fire HD 10 is 2.7 times as durable as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2022).
- Stay up to speed — Use the 5 MP front-facing camera to Zoom with family and friends, or create content for social apps like Instagram and TikTok.
- Ready when inspiration strikes — With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Made for Amazon Stylus Pen (sold separately) offers a natural writing experience that responds to your handwriting. Use it to write, sketch in apps like OneNote, and more.
All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Our fastest Kindle ever, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of…
- Our fastest Kindle ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPad Air good enough for college students, or do I need the Pro?
The iPad Air M3 is more than good enough for 90% of college students. You get the same Apple Pencil Pro support, a fast M3 chip that handles multitasking without lag, and a sharp 11-inch display. The Pro only makes sense if you’re in a creative or technical program that requires OLED color accuracy, 3D rendering power, or Thunderbolt connectivity. For note-taking, research, writing papers, and studying, the Air does everything the Pro does at $500 less.
Can an iPad replace a laptop for college?
It depends on your major. For most coursework like note-taking, research, writing, email, and presentations, yes. Pair an iPad Air or Pro with a Magic Keyboard and you’ve got a capable laptop replacement. But some programs require specific desktop software (certain engineering, statistics, or programming tools) that don’t have iPad versions. Check with your department first. If you need specialized software, keep a laptop and use the iPad as a companion device.
Which Apple Pencil works with which iPad?
Apple Pencil Pro works with iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M3). Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with the standard iPad (A16), iPad Air (M3), iPad Pro (M4), and iPad mini (A17 Pro). Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) works with older iPad Pro models and older iPad Air models. Check Apple’s compatibility page before buying, because the wrong Pencil won’t pair with your iPad.
How much storage do I need on a student iPad?
128GB is enough for most students. That’s room for note-taking apps, a few hundred PDFs, offline lecture recordings, and all your everyday apps. If you plan to store large video files, use the iPad for video editing, or download entire textbook libraries, go for 256GB. Cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive) helps extend your local storage, but don’t rely on it completely since campus Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable.
Is the iPad mini too small for studying?
As a primary study device, yes, 8.3 inches is cramped for long note-taking sessions and split-screen work. But as a secondary device for reading textbooks, quick references, and on-the-go annotations, it’s excellent. Medical students, in particular, love the mini because it fits in a lab coat pocket. If you’re buying only one device, get the 11-inch iPad or iPad Air instead.
Should I buy the Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular model?
Wi-Fi only, for most students. Campus Wi-Fi is available in classrooms, libraries, and common areas. The cellular upgrade adds $150-$200 to the price, plus you’ll need a separate data plan. The only exception is if you study in locations without Wi-Fi regularly, like field research, clinical rotations at hospitals without guest Wi-Fi, or long commutes where you need constant connectivity. For everyone else, Wi-Fi is fine.
What’s the best note-taking app for iPad students?
GoodNotes and Notability are the two top choices. GoodNotes charges a one-time fee and is better for organization with folders, tags, and handwriting search. Notability uses a subscription model and is better for recording lectures synced to your handwritten notes. I prefer GoodNotes for its cleaner interface and the fact that I own it outright. Both work well with Apple Pencil and support PDF annotation.
When is the best time to buy an iPad for school?
Apple runs a Back to School promotion every summer (usually June through September) that gives students a free Apple Gift Card (up to $150) with qualifying iPad purchases. Amazon also discounts iPads during Prime Day (July), Black Friday, and back-to-school season. If you can wait for one of these sales, you’ll save $50-$150. Apple’s education pricing at apple.com/education is available year-round and knocks a small amount off retail prices.
The iPad lineup in 2026 is the strongest it’s ever been for students. My pick hasn’t changed: the iPad Air M3 is the one most students should get. It’s fast enough for anything you’ll throw at it in college, the Apple Pencil Pro support makes note-taking feel natural, and at $599 it’s priced where you’re not overpaying for features you won’t use. Pair it with an Apple Pencil Pro and a good case or keyboard, and you’re set for the next four years.