iPad vs iPad Air vs iPad Pro: What Each One Is Actually For

Most spec sheets make the iPad vs iPad Air vs iPad Pro choice look like good, better, best. It works better as three tablets built for three different jobs. Pick the job first, and the tablet mostly picks itself.

The standard iPad is for everyday use: streaming, browsing, reading, video calls and kids' apps. The iPad Air is for school, handwritten notes and drawing, with a fully laminated screen, an M-series chip and better Apple Pencil support. The iPad Pro is for demanding creative work, adding a 120Hz ProMotion display, Face ID and a much faster port. Within each tier, the generation decides which software it gets and what you pay.

A quick note on where the numbers come from. Specs are from Apple's own pages, checked on Oct 22, 2026, not hands-on testing by Plug. Prices are Plug's live "from" prices that same day, and they move. Plug's iPad range runs from older standard iPads up to the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022), so it doesn't include Apple's newest A16 iPad, an Air newer than the M1 or a Pro newer than the M2.

The Short Answer: Three iPads, Three Jobs

Match the tier to what you'll do on it most days:

• iPad: Everyday Use. Shows, recipes, homework, FaceTime and games for the kids, at the lowest price.
• iPad Air: School, Notes and Drawing. The better screen and Pencil for anyone who writes or sketches on the glass every day.
• iPad Pro: Creative or Demanding Work. The best screen, the fastest port and the most storage, for editing, illustration and plugging in drives or a monitor.

The iPad mini sits off to the side as the small option. Most people deciding between the three main tiers are really deciding on screen, Pencil and budget, and if you don't plan to write on the screen, it's mostly screen and budget.

iPad: The Everyday Tablet

The base iPad is the right pick if you mostly watch, read, browse and video call. It's also the one most families should look at first for a kid, because it does all of that for the least money.

Plug's newest standard model is the iPad (10th generation, 2022). Apple lists it with an A14 Bionic chip, a 10.86-inch Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, a USB-C port and 64GB or 256GB of storage. For a show on the couch or a recipe on the counter, that's plenty.

Here is where it holds back:

• The Port: the 10th generation's USB-C runs at USB 2.0 speed (up to 480Mb/s, per Apple). Fine for charging, slow for moving big video files.
• The Pencil: it takes the Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the 1st-generation Pencil only with a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. It doesn't take the 2nd-generation Pencil the Air and Pro use.
• The Screen: Apple calls the Air's and Pro's screens fully laminated. The standard iPad's spec page doesn't say that, and there's no ProMotion on any standard iPad.
• Apple Intelligence: Apple's features need an M1 chip or later (or the A17 Pro in the iPad mini). No standard iPad Plug sells qualifies, and neither does Apple's current A16 model.

Plug Certified prices on Oct 22, 2026: the iPad (9th generation, 2021) from $179.99 and the iPad (10th generation) from $289.99. Both are on Apple's iPadOS 27 list. The 8th generation and older cost less, but they're not on that list, which the generation section below explains.

iPad Air: The Middle Tier Most People Should Look At First

The iPad Air is where most buyers should start, because it adds the two things you feel every day (a better screen and a better Pencil) without the Pro's price.

Plug's newest Air is the iPad Air (5th generation, M1, 2022). Apple lists it with:

• M1 Chip and 8GB of Memory: the step up that matters for heavier apps and two apps side by side.
• 10.9-Inch Liquid Retina Display: fully laminated, so the image sits right under the glass and your Pencil tip feels closer to the line it draws. No ProMotion.
• Touch ID in the Top Button: no Face ID on any Air.
• USB-C at USB 3 Speed: up to 10Gb/s, about twenty times the 10th generation iPad's port.
• 64GB or 256GB of Storage: if you'll keep downloaded lectures, video or big art files on it, 256GB saves you from juggling space later.

Pencil support on the Air (M1) covers both the 2nd-generation Pencil and the USB-C one. This means a student can take handwritten notes or sketch for an hour with the drawn line sitting right under the tip. The Air (M1) also gets Apple Intelligence, since it meets Apple's M1-or-later rule.

The Air suits students, note-takers, people who draw for fun and anyone who works across two apps at once. Plug Certified prices on Oct 22, 2026: the Air (3rd generation, 2019) from $169.99, the Air (4th generation, 2020) from $289.99 and the Air (M1) from $319.99.

iPad Pro: Paying for the Screen and the Ports

The iPad Pro is for people who'll use what it adds every week: a 120Hz screen, Face ID, a much faster port and more storage. If that list doesn't describe your work, the Air covers the rest.

ProMotion means the screen refreshes faster than a standard iPad screen, so scrolling looks smoother and Pencil strokes follow your hand more closely. Every Pro Plug sells has it. The 12.9-inch Pro (M1, 2021) and (M2, 2022) add a mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display. The two 2018 Pros have ProMotion and Face ID but an LED-backlit screen, not mini-LED.

The 12.9-inch Pro (M2) is the top of Plug's range. Apple lists it with an M2 chip, Face ID, a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, 128GB up to 2TB of storage, a LiDAR Scanner, and Apple Pencil hover (the screen shows where the tip will land before it touches). It takes the 2nd-generation and USB-C Pencils, like the Air.

Who actually gets their money's worth:

• Illustrators: the 12.9-inch canvas and 120Hz screen make long drawing sessions feel closer to paper.
• Video and Audio Editors: the fast port and the extra storage help when video content runs into the gigabytes.
• Desk Users: anyone who plugs in fast drives or an external display.
• Screen Lovers: some people simply want the best display Apple made in those years, and that's a fair reason.

Will you regret not getting the Pro? Probably not, if you mostly browse, stream, study and sketch. Wirecutter found the Air close to the Pro for everyday tasks, with the gap showing in heavy gaming, video and 3D work, and both run the same iPadOS apps. Those reviews covered newer models than Plug's, so treat them as a guide to the tiers, not to one model.

Plug Certified prices on Oct 22, 2026: the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation, 2018) and 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018) from $369.99, the 12.9-inch (M1) from $499.99 and the 12.9-inch (M2) from $599.99.

Side by Side: What Actually Differs

The real differences come down to the chip, the screen, the Pencil, how it signs you in and the port. Here is the newest model in each tier that Plug sells, per Apple's spec pages:

	iPad (10th generation, 2022)	iPad Air (M1, 2022)	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022)
Chip	A14 Bionic	M1	M2
Screen	10.86-inch Liquid Retina	10.9-inch Liquid Retina, fully laminated	12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED), fully laminated
ProMotion (120Hz)	No	No	Yes
Touch ID or Face ID	Touch ID	Touch ID	Face ID
Port	USB-C (USB 2.0)	USB-C (USB 3)	Thunderbolt / USB 4
Apple Pencil	USB-C; 1st generation with adapter	2nd generation or USB-C	2nd generation or USB-C, with hover
Top storage	256GB	256GB	2TB
Apple Intelligence	No	Yes	Yes
On Apple's iPadOS 27 list	Yes	Yes	Yes
Plug Certified from (Oct 22, 2026)	$289.99	$319.99	$599.99

Apple's new lineup is a step ahead of this table: the iPad (A16), the iPad Air with the M4 chip (launched March 2026), the iPad Pro (M5, launched October 2025) and the iPad mini (A17 Pro). The current Pro uses a tandem OLED screen, and the current Air and Pro take the Apple Pencil Pro. Accessories such as the Magic Keyboard are made for specific models, so check the exact fit before you buy a keyboard for any iPad.

A faster chip works like counter space in a kitchen. More room doesn't make the meal taste better, but it lets you cook three dishes at once without things piling up. The A14 handles a show, a game or a document comfortably; the M1 and M2 keep more going at the same time.

In dollars, at Oct 22, 2026 prices: stepping from the 10th generation iPad to the Air (M1) costs $30, and stepping from the Air (M1) to the 12.9-inch Pro (M2) costs $280. The first $30 buys the laminated screen, the better Pencil, the faster port and Apple Intelligence. The next $280 buys ProMotion, mini-LED, Face ID, Thunderbolt and room for 2TB.

Pick by Use: Student, Artist, Gamer, Parent

Whether you're buying for yourself or someone else, start from what the iPad will spend most of its time doing:

• Student or Note-Taker: the iPad Air (M1) is the safest pick, with the laminated screen, the 2nd-generation Pencil and Apple Intelligence. On a tighter budget, a 10th generation iPad with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) handles class notes well.
• Artist: the Air for sketching and practice. The 12.9-inch Pro if you draw for hours or for paid work, where the bigger canvas, 120Hz and Pencil hover earn their cost.
• Gamer: casual games run fine on a recent standard iPad. An M-series Air is the big step up for heavier titles. The Pro's 120Hz screen only helps games that offer high frame-rate modes.
• Parent Buying for a Kid: a 9th or 10th generation iPad, both on Apple's iPadOS 27 list. For drops and spills, budget for a sturdy case: the 12-Month Plug Warranty covers hardware and software faults under normal use, not accidental damage.
• Couch and Travel: the standard iPad, or an iPad mini if you want something you can hold in one hand.

If you're shopping for a student or a child this season, Plug's guide to the best Black Friday iPad for students or kids goes deeper on that one buyer, including which deals to watch.

Generation Beats the Name: What to Check on an Older iPad

On an older iPad, the generation tells you what it can still run, so check software support, Pencil fit and Apple Intelligence before you weigh the tier name. A 2022 Air and a 2019 Air share a name and very little else.

1. Is It on Apple's iPadOS 27 List?

Apple publishes a list of the iPads each iPadOS version supports. Here is how Plug's range lines up against Apple's iPadOS 27 list:

Plug's range	On Apple's iPadOS 27 list
iPad (9th generation, 10th generation)	Yes
iPad (5th to 8th generation)	No
iPad Air (4th generation, M1)	Yes
iPad Air (3rd generation)	No
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, M2)	Yes
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation, 2018) and 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018)	No

An iPad that isn't on the list keeps working on the iPadOS version it already has. It just won't move to iPadOS 27. For a kid's video tablet, that may not matter. For a school iPad you want to keep for years, start with a model that's on the list.

2. Which Apple Pencil Fits?

Per Apple's Pencil compatibility page:

• Apple Pencil (1st Generation): iPad 6th to 9th generation, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad mini 5th generation, and the iPad (10th generation) and iPad (A16) with the USB-C adapter.
• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st to 4th generation, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd to 6th generation, iPad mini 6th generation.
• Apple Pencil (USB-C): iPad (10th generation and A16), iPad Air 4th generation and later, every iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch from 2018 on, and the iPad mini 6th generation and A17 Pro.
• Apple Pencil Pro: only Apple's newer models, the iPad Air (M2, M3, M4), iPad Pro (M4, M5) and iPad mini (A17 Pro). No iPad in Plug's range takes it.

If you're adding a Pencil to an Air (M1) or a 12.9-inch Pro from Plug, the 2nd-generation or USB-C Apple Pencil is the one to buy. Plug's Apple Pencil compatibility guide has the full chart.

3. Does It Get Apple Intelligence?

Apple's iPadOS page says Apple Intelligence runs on iPads with M1 or later, plus the iPad mini with A17 Pro, and that availability can vary by language and region. In Plug's range, that's three models: the iPad Air (M1) and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (M1 and M2).

4. How to Find the Model of an iPad You Already Own

Go to Settings > General > About and look at Model Name. It shows the tier and generation, such as "iPad Air (5th generation)." That's the quickest way to check a hand-me-down against the lists above before you buy a Pencil or a case for it.

An Older Pro or a Newer Air?

For most people, the newer Air. On Oct 22, 2026, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) starts at $369.99 and the iPad Air (M1) at $319.99. The extra $50 buys ProMotion and Face ID, but the Air (M1) is on Apple's iPadOS 27 list and gets Apple Intelligence, while the 2018 Pro has neither. Both take the 2nd-generation Pencil. If you want the Pro's screen and Apple's newest software support together, the 12.9-inch Pro (M1) starts at $499.99.

If your real question is new versus Plug Certified rather than which tier, Plug's guide to certified pre-owned vs refurbished explains what you're actually buying.

What Each One Costs Plug Certified

A Plug Certified iPad starts at $89.99 for the 5th generation and runs to $599.99 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (M2), as of Oct 22, 2026. These are the lowest in-stock "from" prices that day:

Tier	Model (year)	From (Oct 22, 2026)	On Apple's iPadOS 27 list
iPad	5th generation (2017)	$89.99	No
iPad	6th generation (2018)	$100.00	No
iPad	7th generation (2019)	$99.00	No
iPad	8th generation (2020)	$139.99	No
iPad	9th generation (2021)	$179.99	Yes
iPad	10th generation (2022)	$289.99	Yes
iPad Air	3rd generation (2019)	$169.99	No
iPad Air	4th generation (2020)	$289.99	Yes
iPad Air	M1 (2022)	$319.99	Yes
iPad Pro	11-inch, 1st generation (2018)	$369.99	No
iPad Pro	12.9-inch, 3rd generation (2018)	$369.99	No
iPad Pro	12.9-inch, M1 (2021)	$499.99	Yes
iPad Pro	12.9-inch, M2 (2022)	$599.99	Yes

The price of any one iPad moves with its grade, storage and Wi-Fi or cellular. Wi-Fi and cellular versions of the same iPad are priced separately, and you only need cellular if you'll use the tablet away from Wi-Fi. Grades (Good, Great, Excellent) describe looks only. Every iPad Plug sells passes the 90+ Point Inspection, is tested and cleaned, and carries the 12-Month Plug Warranty, whatever the grade.

Plug prices run up to 70% off retail, with free shipping on US orders, 30-day returns, and Afterpay and Affirm at checkout. Plug's iPad Black Friday deals page collects the offers by tier. Prices change often, so check the live listing on the day you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, iPad Air or just iPad?

For writing and drawing, the Air. For watching and reading, the base iPad, and the money you save can go to a case or more storage. A good test is your last month: if you'd have marked up a PDF, signed a form or sketched on it more than a few times, the Air's laminated screen will earn its place.

Is it worth getting the iPad Pro instead of the Air?

Not for most people. PCMag found the Air enough for GarageBand and iMovie, and the Pro worth it for ProRes video and heavier creative work. Ask whether your week includes video edits, commissioned illustration or a desk setup with external drives. If none of those apply, the Air is the better use of the money.

What can an iPad Pro do that an iPad Air cannot?

On the Pro Plug sells (12.9-inch, M2), Apple lists a port that moves data at up to 40Gb/s against the Air's 10Gb/s, which matters for fast drives and external displays. It also has a LiDAR Scanner and storage up to 2TB, eight times the Air's top 256GB.

Which iPad is better for gaming?

The Air, for most players. In Macworld's tests, the M3 iPad Air scored 46,007 in Geekbench 6 graphics against 20,123 for the A16 iPad, more than double. Those chips are newer than the ones in Plug's range, so read it as the gap between tiers, not a score for any iPad Plug sells.

Do iPad Airs last longer than iPads?

Not always. The release year matters more than the name. Apple decides which models get each new iPadOS release model by model, so the newest generation you can afford is the better bet for more years of updates, whatever the tier.

Will there be a new iPad in 2026?

Apple hadn't announced one when this was written. MacRumors reported on Oct 11, 2026 that the next entry-level iPad is expected in early 2027, with a refreshed Air and a new Pro also rumored for 2027 and an OLED iPad mini reported for late October. Apple hasn't confirmed the details, and they may change.