Best iPad Accessories for Students in 2026
I’ve used an iPad for work and study since the first iPad in 2015. Ten years later, the iPad is the best note-taking, reading, and study device money can buy. But only if you pair it with the right accessories. A naked iPad with just your finger is a $500 Netflix device. Add a keyboard, pencil, and case, and it replaces a $1,500 laptop for 80% of students.
This guide covers the iPads and accessories that actually matter for students. I’m skipping the overpriced Apple-branded accessories where third-party options work just as well. For Android tablet alternatives, see my best tablets for students guide.
Best iPads for Students in 2026
Not every student needs the same iPad. Pick based on your major and budget.
Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4): Built for Apple Intelligence, Ultra Retina XDR Display, 512GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera,…
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro is the ultimate iPad experience in an impossibly thin and light design. Featuring the breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, outrageous performance from the M4 chip, superfast wireless connectivity,* and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. It draws on your personal context while setting a brand-new standard for privacy in AI. Coming in beta this fall.
- 13-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — Ultra Retina XDR delivers extreme brightness and contrast and exceptional color accuracy and features advanced technologies like ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Plus a nano-texture display glass option is available in 1TB and 2TB configurations.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — Up to 10-core CPU in the M4 chip delivers powerful performance, while the 10‑core GPU provides blazing-fast graphics. And with all-day battery life, you can do anything you imagine on iPad Pro.* Up to 2TB of storage means you can store everything from apps to large files like 4K video.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* Stage Manager makes multitasking easy with resizable, overlapping apps and external display support. iPad Pro comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4): Built for Apple Intelligence, Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera,…
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro is the ultimate iPad experience in an impossibly thin and light design. Featuring the breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, outrageous performance from the M4 chip, superfast wireless connectivity,* and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. It draws on your personal context while setting a brand-new standard for privacy in AI. Coming in beta this fall.
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — Ultra Retina XDR delivers extreme brightness and contrast and exceptional color accuracy and features advanced technologies like ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Plus a nano-texture display glass option is available in 1TB and 2TB configurations.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — Up to 10-core CPU in the M4 chip delivers powerful performance, while the 10‑core GPU provides blazing-fast graphics. And with all-day battery life, you can do anything you imagine on iPad Pro.* Up to 2TB of storage means you can store everything from apps to large files like 4K video.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* Stage Manager makes multitasking easy with resizable, overlapping apps and external display support. iPad Pro comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2): Built for Apple Intelligence, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera,…
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air is powerful, versatile, and comes in a choice of two sizes. Featuring a stunning Liquid Retina display and the amazing performance of the M2 chip, along with Touch ID, advanced cameras, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and a USB-C connector.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS and next-generation Apple Pencil Pro experience.*
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M2 chip lets you multitask smoothly between powerful apps and play graphics-intensive games. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage depending on the room you need for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* Stage Manager makes multitasking easy with resizable, overlapping apps and external display support. iPad Air comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
New Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro): Apple Intelligence, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP Front/12MP…
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Apple iPad (10th Generation) 10.9-inch, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Back Camera, Touch ID + 1 Year Limited Warranty (WiFi, Silver,…
- 10.9" Multi-Touch Retina Display
- Apple A14 Bionic Chip
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Rear 12MP Ultra Wide Camera
Apple iPad Mini (A15 Bionic): 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID,…
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience designed to fit in one hand. With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A15 Bionic chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, and ultrafast Wi-Fi. Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Fast Wi-Fi keeps you connected at home, work, school, or wherever you go with your iPad.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A15 Bionic chip delivers powerful performance and blazing-fast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project. Choose from 64GB or 256GB storage options depending on the room you need for apps, music, movies, and more.
- APPLE PENCIL AND SMART FOLIO — With Apple Pencil (2nd generation), iPad mini transforms into the world’s best note‑taking device. To protect your iPad mini and easily prop it up, you can use the slim Smart Folio covers, available in five colors. Accessories sold separately.
Which iPad Should You Actually Buy?
The iPad 10th Gen at $409 is the right choice for 70% of students. It handles note-taking, reading, Zoom classes, and basic creative work without breaking a sweat. The A14 chip is still fast enough for everything except heavy video editing.
If you’re in design, engineering, or art, the iPad Air M2 at $499 is the upgrade worth making. The M2 chip handles Procreate, AutoCAD, and multitasking without lag. And the iPad Pro M4 is only for students doing professional video editing or 3D modeling.
The iPad Mini is a special case: perfect for medical students, law students, and anyone who reads a lot of PDFs. It fits in a lab coat pocket. For my full take on iPads, see the best iPad for students guide.
Must-Have Accessories for Student iPads
Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil turns your iPad into a digital notebook. For note-taking apps like Notability and GoodNotes, it’s the single best accessory you can buy. The Apple Pencil 2 works with iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini (6th gen+). The Apple Pencil USB-C works with the iPad 10th Gen.
Third-party alternatives like the Logitech Crayon exist, but they lack pressure sensitivity. If you’re taking handwritten notes or doing any creative work, get the real Apple Pencil. It’s one of the few Apple accessories where the premium is justified.
Apple Pencil Pro: Pixel-Perfect Precision and Tilt Sensitivity for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art
- Pixel-perfect precision with industry-leading low latency, tilt and pressure sensitivity for natural writing and drawing
- New squeeze gesture lets you quickly switch tools, and barrel roll gives precise control of shaped pen and brush tools
- Find My support with built-in speaker helps you locate Apple Pencil Pro if misplaced
- Compatible with iPad Pro M4 (11-inch and 13-inch) and iPad Air M2 (11-inch and 13-inch). Charges and pairs magnetically
Apple Pencil (USB-C): Pixel-Perfect Precision for Note-Taking and Drawing on iPad
- Pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity for writing, drawing, and marking up documents
- Pairs and charges via USB-C. Compatible with iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2, iPad 10th Gen, and iPad Mini A17 Pro
- Great budget option if you don't need pressure sensitivity or the advanced gesture features of Apple Pencil Pro
Keyboard Case
Apple’s Magic Keyboard costs $300, which is absurd for a student. The Logitech K380 at $37 connects to your iPad via Bluetooth and costs a fraction of Apple’s keyboard. It’s not a case-keyboard combo, but it’s lighter and works with your laptop and phone too (switches between three devices with one button).
If you want a case-keyboard combo, Logitech’s Combo Touch is the move. It has a trackpad, detachable keyboard, and protective case in one. Around $150-200 depending on iPad model, still cheaper than Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
Logitech Combo Touch iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Keyboard Case with Detachable Backlit Keyboard and Kickstand
- Detachable backlit keyboard with trackpad turns your iPad into a laptop-like experience for typing essays and notes
- Integrated kickstand with adjustable viewing angles for typing, sketching, or watching lectures
- Full front and back protection with a slim, lightweight design perfect for carrying between classes
- Smart Connector technology means no charging or Bluetooth pairing needed. Just snap on and start typing
Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard: Compact, Wireless, Works with iPad, Laptop, and Phone
- Connect up to 3 devices simultaneously and switch between iPad, laptop, and phone with one-button Easy-Switch
- Compact, lightweight, and portable with 2-year battery life on pre-installed batteries
- Works with iPadOS, macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, and Android. The budget-friendly alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard
Screen Protector
A matte screen protector (often called a “paper-like” protector) makes writing with the Apple Pencil feel like writing on actual paper. Without it, the pencil glides on glass, which feels wrong for handwriting. I use one on every iPad and replace it every 6-8 months when it wears down.
MOBDIK Paperfeel Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Air 10.9-inch (2-Pack)
- Matte PET film creates a paper-like texture that makes Apple Pencil writing and drawing feel natural, not slippery on glass
- Anti-glare coating reduces fingerprints and reflections for comfortable note-taking during long study sessions
- Easy bubble-free installation with included alignment frame. 2-pack means you have a replacement ready when the first wears out
Best Apps for Students Using iPad
GoodNotes and Notability are the two dominant note-taking apps. I prefer GoodNotes because it syncs with iCloud and the handwriting recognition actually works for searching your notes. For PDF reading and annotation, check my best PDF apps for students.
Other apps worth installing: Quizlet (flashcards), Notion (project management), Anki (spaced repetition for medical and law students), and Apple’s Freeform (collaborative whiteboarding during group projects).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an iPad replace a laptop for college?
For most non-STEM students, yes. English, business, communications, psychology, and similar majors can do everything on an iPad with a keyboard. STEM students will still need a laptop for specialized software like MATLAB, SolidWorks, and certain IDEs. Get the iPad Air M2 or iPad Pro if you want to try going iPad-only.
Which Apple Pencil do I need?
Apple Pencil 2 for iPad Air (4th gen+), iPad Pro (3rd gen+), and iPad Mini (6th gen). Apple Pencil USB-C for iPad 10th Gen. They’re not interchangeable due to different charging methods. Check Apple’s compatibility list before buying.
Is 64GB or 128GB storage enough?
128GB is the minimum I’d recommend. Apps, notes, and textbook PDFs add up fast. If you download lecture recordings or store large files offline, go 256GB. The 64GB models will feel cramped by your second semester.
Should I buy AppleCare for a student iPad?
Yes. Students break things. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for two incidents at $49 each (versus $300+ for a screen repair without it). It’s $79 for two years on most iPads. Worth every dollar.
iPad Air or iPad Pro for college?
iPad Air for 90% of students. The Pro has a better display (ProMotion 120Hz) and the M4 chip, but you won’t notice the difference in daily student use. Save the $400+ difference for accessories and apps.
Can I use a Samsung tablet instead?
Samsung Galaxy Tabs are solid alternatives, especially the Galaxy Tab S8 with S Pen. The app ecosystem for note-taking is smaller on Android, though. GoodNotes and Notability are iOS-only. If you prefer Android, check my tablets for students guide.
Start with the iPad 10th Gen ($409) + Apple Pencil USB-C ($79) + Logitech K380 keyboard ($37). That’s $525 for a complete student setup. Upgrade to the iPad Air M2 if your major demands it.
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