I will be honest here, and I have experienced that choosing the right iPad nowadays feels very overwhelming. Apple has now offered four distinct iPad lines, and each of them is targeting a different category of user according to the budget and specification requirements. From the affordable base model to the powerhouse Pro, understanding which tablet suits your lifestyle makes all the difference.
And other than that, Apple’s iPad lineup is proving that there is a specific model for every type of user according to their unique tastes. Whether you are a student, a creative professional video editor, or you want one for simply browsing Netflix, there is an iPad for you.
I have researched, compared, and tested various models.
In this blog post, I will discuss all of them in detail, and this will help you have an Apple iPad UK comparison. So you will be able to decide which model fits your lifestyle.
Why is it Necessary to Compare iPad Models before Buying?
Prior to buying an iPad, it is important to make comparisons between the models to make sure that the model fits exactly in the needs and the budget of an individual.
The market sees a wide variety in terms of entry-level iPad to iPad Pro with varying processors, display technologies, and compatibility with various accessories.
The thinness and simplicity of a base model are essential in the hands-on applications such as Surfing and streaming. Whereas an M-series chip in the Air or Pro is needed for more heavy-duty use, such as video editing or graphic design.
Storage capacity, display quality, and connection are the factors that have a great influence on the user experience and cost. So, in short, you can say that critical comparison saves spending money on features that you do not need, or getting yourself a device that cannot perform the way you need.
Best Apple iPad Models Available in the UK
In this modern age, iPads are no longer a luxury; they’re a lifestyle upgrade. From syncing with your Apple Watch to automating your routines, iPads can change how you interact with technology. It’s about productivity, creativity, entertainment, and full-on control.
Now that most iPads are compatible with Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and the whole Apple ecosystem, there’s no reason not to make the switch.
But if you’re confused with all the options, below I have explained the best iPads to consider in the UK.
1. iPad (11th Generation, 2025)
The standard iPad is Apple’s bestseller for a reason. It’s a great value without compromising on the essentials. According to Apple UK, the latest standard iPad is out now from 12 March 2025, priced from £329.
This iPad features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD, bright, durable, and perfect for everyday use. It features a modern A16 chip, a proven, efficient processor that balances speed with affordability. The same chip is in the iPhone 15, so you know it will perform well across apps.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very affordable starting price | Writing with an Apple Pencil feels less natural |
| Good performance for everyday tasks | |
| Ideal for students and families |
2. iPad Mini (2024)
The iPad Mini occupies a unique space in Apple’s lineup. Its compact 8.3-inch screen makes it incredibly portable whilst maintaining impressive power. You will be amazed to know that due to occasional discounts, it has some high-end discounted prices. You can have it in multiple colours, such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
Unlike previous Minis, it supports Apple’s stylus: the Pencil Pro. This accessory compatibility significantly expands creative possibilities for artists and designers. The processing power matches larger iPads with an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely portable size | Smaller screen limits productivity |
| Supports Apple Pencil Pro | Battery drains faster on intensive tasks |
3. iPad Air (2025)
You should be aware that the iPad Air represents the perfect balance. Now you can have a convenient combination of professional-grade products with a manageable budget that will help you maintain your bank account by not spending much.
However, as mentioned on Apple’s comparison page, the release of the latest iPad Air comes with the faster M3 processor. The 2024 iPad Airs were the first time they were available in two sizes: 11 and 13 inches.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect balance of performance and price | Still expensive for casual users |
| Supports professional workflows | LCD display instead of OLED |
4. iPad Pro (2025)
Before explaining anything to you, let me make one thing clear: the latest iPad Pro costs more than the usual ones. However, for professionals who require ultimate performance, nothing else compares. This model is available with the M5 chip powering iPad Pro.
The display is 11-inch or 13-inch OLED, with deep blacks, incredible colour accuracy, and ideal for creative work. As stated on Apple UK, the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at £999 for the Wi-Fi model, and more than that for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
| Pros | Cons |
| Most powerful iPad available | Very expensive starting price |
| Fast charging support | |
| Professional-grade camera system |
5. iPad (10th Generation, 2022)
It is technically an older model, whereas the 10th-generation iPad remains widely available in UK markets. You should be aware that this is one of those models that introduced the modern design with USB-C connectivity.
This model sits between the 11th-gen iPad and iPad Air in specifications. It features the A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch display, and supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation). Retailers often discount this model heavily.
| Pros | Cons |
| Often available at discounted prices | Being phased out by newer models |
| Modern design with USB-C |
6. iPad Air (2024)
The previous-generation iPad Air with M2 chip remains in stock at many UK retailers. The M2-powered Air delivers impressive performance.
This model offers excellent value as retailers clear inventory. It provides 90% of the M3 Air’s performance at potentially 20-30% lower prices. In simple terms, you can say that if you want an iPad but you have a low budget, then this model is going to be your representative smart purchase.
| Pros | Cons |
| M2 chip | Older processor than latest model |
| Wide accessory compatibility | |
| Receive software updates |
Apple iPad UK Comparison
| Model | Display | Processor | Price (UK) | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (11th Gen, 2025) | 10.9″ Liquid Retina LCD | A16 chip | From £329 | Affordable, everyday use, modern design | Very affordable Good performance Ideal for students/families | Apple Pencil feels less natural |
| iPad Mini (2024) | 8.3″ LCD | 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU | Discounted prices (varies) | Compact, multiple colours, supports Pencil Pro | Extremely portable Supports Pencil Pro | Smaller screen limits productivity Battery drains faster |
| iPad Air (2025) | 11″ or 13″ LCD | M3 chip | Mid-range (Apple UK pricing) | Balance of performance & price, supports workflows | Perfect balance Professional workflow support | Still expensive for casual users LCD instead of OLED |
| iPad Pro (2025) | 11″ or 13″ OLED | M5 chip | From £999 (Wi-Fi) | Ultimate performance, OLED display, pro camera | Most powerful iPad Fast charging Pro-grade camera | Very expensive |
| iPad (10th Gen, 2022) | 10.9″ LCD | A14 Bionic | Discounted widely | USB-C, modern design, supports Pencil (1st gen) | Often discounted Modern design | Being phased out Older chip |
| iPad Air (2024) | 11″ LCD | M2 chip | 20–30% cheaper than 2025 Air | Strong performance, wide accessory support | M2 chip Wide compatibility Software updates | Older processor than latest model |
Where to Buy in the UK?
To get the best iPad deals, one has to shop. Discounts on Apple are common among retailers in the UK, but not on its website.
Official Apple Store
The Apple official site is a good point of reference regarding the level of how much an iPad costs, as Apple never sells new models at a discount on its site. This transparency is one that can be used to assess third-party discounts.
The other option, not to spend a lot, includes a refurbished tablet offered by Apple on its official store with a one-year warranty. Reform iPads come with massive discounts and a warranty.
UK Retailers
iPads are discounted on a regular basis by John Lewis, Currys, and Argos. You should also look for a list of the best Black Friday iPad deals because they will aid you in grabbing the best discounted items.
In case of negotiations in the shopping, it is important to note that several generations of iPads are currently on sale. Make sure you are using equal models and generations.
Comparison sites such as PriceSpy are used to monitor prices across retailers. Given the PriceSpy data, the prices of individual models differ greatly between the sellers.
Buying Older Generations
And keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with purchasing an older generation iPad, as it is a great source of money savings.
Always make sure that you are comparing what with what, and not a new and expensive model with an older and inexpensive model. Know specification dissimilarities prior to buying.
The price of old generations may go down as new models are released. Shopping for the new releases is a smart way of saving money.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Apple iPad in the UK is all about you and your budget. Student, techy creative, or just a Netflix fan? There’s an iPad for you, from the affordable iPad 11th Gen to the powerful iPad Pro.
In my experience, a good comparison and review of specs, prices, and accessories will get you the best value and performance.
Don’t forget to check UK deals and look at older models for savings. The right iPad is the one that fits into your daily routine.
