Discover the best iPads for college students, considering functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Heading off to college? Congrats! It’s an exciting time filled with new experiences, challenges, and of course, tons of studying. And what better way to tackle those textbooks and assignments than with a trusty iPad? But with so many different models out there, choosing the right one for your needs can feel overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with our top 5 picks for the best iPads for college students in 2024.
Whether you’re a note-taking whiz, a digital artist, or just need a reliable device for browsing and streaming, there’s an iPad perfect for you. We’ll break down each model’s features, pros, and cons, so you can make the best decision for your budget and study style.
From the powerful iPad Pro for creative pursuits to the budget-friendly iPad for everyday use, we’ve got options for everyone. We’ll also dive into the importance of accessories like Apple Pencil and keyboards, and how they can enhance your iPad experience.
So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s find the perfect iPad to help you conquer your college journey!
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iPad Air (5th generation) | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iPad Pro (12.9-inch) | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iPad (9th generation) | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iPad Pro (11-inch) | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
iPad Air (5th generation)
A great balance of features and affordability, the iPad Air is a solid choice for college students.
Specifications:
- Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640 resolution)
- Processor: Apple M1 chip
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Cameras: 12MP Wide rear camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, USB-C
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance: The M1 chip handles demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking with ease.
- Excellent display: The Liquid Retina display is bright, vibrant, and perfect for studying or watching movies.
- Versatile camera: The front-facing camera with Center Stage keeps you in the frame during video calls.
- Affordable: Compared to the iPad Pro, the iPad Air offers excellent value for its price.
Reasons to avoid:
- No Face ID: It only uses Touch ID for authentication.
- Limited storage options: The base model only comes with 64GB of storage, which may not be enough for some students.
- No Thunderbolt port: Unlike the iPad Pro, the iPad Air doesn't support the faster Thunderbolt connection.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful and versatile iPad for schoolwork, entertainment, and creative tasks.
- You're looking for a good value and don't need the most advanced features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the absolute latest technology and features, like Face ID or Thunderbolt connectivity.
- You need a larger screen.
Bottom Line:
The iPad Air (5th generation) is a fantastic choice for college students who want a powerful and versatile iPad without breaking the bank. It offers excellent performance, a great display, and versatile cameras, making it perfect for studying, entertainment, and creativity. While it lacks some of the advanced features found on the iPad Pro, like Face ID and Thunderbolt connectivity, it still provides an excellent overall experience. If you're looking for a well-rounded iPad that doesn't require a significant investment, the iPad Air is an excellent option.
iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
The iPad Pro (12.9-inch) is the ultimate iPad for college students who demand the best in performance and display quality.
Specifications:
- Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (2732 x 2048 resolution)
- Processor: Apple M2 chip
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Cameras: 12MP Wide rear camera, 10MP Ultra-Wide rear camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 6
Reasons to buy:
- Unparalleled performance: The M2 chip delivers the fastest performance in any iPad, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
- Stunning display: The Liquid Retina XDR display offers incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, perfect for creative work and entertainment.
- Powerful cameras: The multi-camera system is great for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Extensive storage options: You can choose from a range of storage options, from 128GB to 2TB, to accommodate your needs.
- Thunderbolt port: The Thunderbolt port enables fast data transfer and supports external displays.
Reasons to avoid:
- High price: The iPad Pro (12.9-inch) is significantly more expensive than other iPads.
- Bulky and heavy: The large size and weight can be cumbersome to carry around.
- No major upgrades over the M1 model: The M2 upgrade isn't as significant as the jump from A12Z to M1.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need the absolute best performance and display quality for demanding tasks and creative work.
- You're willing to pay a premium for the latest technology and features.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a budget.
- You need a more portable and lightweight iPad.
- You don't need the most powerful processor.
Bottom Line:
The iPad Pro (12.9-inch) is the ultimate iPad for college students who demand the best. Its powerful M2 chip, stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, and professional-grade cameras make it an excellent choice for demanding tasks, creative work, and entertainment. However, its high price and bulky size may not be suitable for everyone. If you're serious about productivity and want the most advanced iPad available, the iPad Pro (12.9-inch) is a worthy investment.
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iPad (9th generation)
You can find more information on 20 Best iPads for Note Taking in College
The iPad (9th generation) is the most affordable iPad, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious college students.
Specifications:
- Display: 10.2-inch Retina display (1640 x 2160 resolution)
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic chip
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Cameras: 8MP Wide rear camera, 12MP Wide front camera
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price: The iPad (9th generation) is the most budget-friendly iPad, making it an excellent value for students.
- Solid performance: The A13 Bionic chip delivers fast performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
- Excellent battery life: The iPad (9th generation) offers long battery life, perfect for all-day use.
Reasons to avoid:
- Basic display: The Retina display is adequate, but it doesn't offer the same brightness, color accuracy, or resolution as the iPad Air or iPad Pro.
- Limited features: It lacks some features found on more expensive iPads, such as Face ID, Center Stage, and a USB-C port.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget and need a basic iPad for everyday tasks.
- You don't need the most advanced features or a high-resolution display.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the best performance or display quality.
- You want a more versatile and feature-rich iPad.
Bottom Line:
The iPad (9th generation) is a solid choice for college students who are on a budget and need a basic iPad for everyday tasks. It offers decent performance, a good battery life, and a low price, making it an excellent value for its price. However, it lacks some of the features and display quality found on more expensive iPads. If you're looking for a budget-friendly iPad that can handle basic tasks, the iPad (9th generation) is a good option.
iPad Pro (11-inch)
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The iPad Pro (11-inch) is a great balance of power, portability, and features, making it a top choice for many college students.
Specifications:
- Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (2388 x 1668 resolution)
- Processor: Apple M2 chip
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Cameras: 12MP Wide rear camera, 10MP Ultra-Wide rear camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 6
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance: The M2 chip delivers the fastest performance in any iPad, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
- Excellent display: The Liquid Retina XDR display offers incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, perfect for creative work and entertainment.
- Versatile camera system: The multi-camera system is great for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Portable size: The 11-inch screen is smaller and lighter than the 12.9-inch model, making it easier to carry around.
- Thunderbolt port: The Thunderbolt port enables fast data transfer and supports external displays.
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price than the iPad Air: The iPad Pro (11-inch) is more expensive than the iPad Air.
- No major upgrades over the M1 model: The M2 upgrade isn't as significant as the jump from A12Z to M1.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful and portable iPad for demanding tasks and creative work.
- You want a high-quality display and a versatile camera system.
- You need Thunderbolt connectivity.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a budget.
- You need the largest possible screen.
- You don't need the most powerful processor.
Bottom Line:
The iPad Pro (11-inch) is a powerful and portable iPad that is perfect for college students who need the best performance, display quality, and features. It's a great option for creative work, demanding tasks, and entertainment. While it's more expensive than the iPad Air, the iPad Pro (11-inch) offers a more premium experience and a larger display than the iPad Air. If you're looking for a balance of power, portability, and features, the iPad Pro (11-inch) is an excellent choice.
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iPad mini (6th generation)
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The iPad mini (6th generation) is the smallest and most portable iPad, perfect for students who value compact size and portability.
Specifications:
- Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2266 x 1488 resolution)
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic chip
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Cameras: 12MP Wide rear camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi 6
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and portable: The iPad mini is incredibly small and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a backpack or purse.
- Powerful performance: The A15 Bionic chip delivers fast performance for everyday tasks and some creative work.
- Excellent display: The Liquid Retina display is bright, vibrant, and perfect for reading, browsing, and watching videos.
- Versatile camera system: The front-facing camera with Center Stage keeps you in the frame during video calls.
Reasons to avoid:
- Small screen: The 8.3-inch screen may be too small for some students who prefer larger displays.
- Limited storage options: The base model only comes with 64GB of storage.
- No Thunderbolt port: The iPad mini doesn't support the faster Thunderbolt connection.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a small and portable iPad that you can easily carry with you.
- You're looking for a powerful and versatile iPad with a great display.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a larger screen for multitasking or creative work.
- You need the most powerful processor or Thunderbolt connectivity.
Bottom Line:
The iPad mini (6th generation) is a great choice for college students who value portability and compactness. It's a powerful and versatile tablet with a great display, making it perfect for reading, browsing, watching videos, and light productivity tasks. While its small size may not be ideal for everyone, it's a great option for students who want a compact and convenient iPad. If you're looking for the most portable iPad available, the iPad mini is a solid choice.
Choosing the right iPad for college can be a daunting task, but hopefully, this guide has given you the tools to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize portability, power, or budget, there's an iPad out there that fits your needs. Remember, the best iPad for you is the one that best complements your study habits and academic goals.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to your individual preferences and budget. Do your research, consider your specific needs, and explore the features offered by each iPad model. Remember, a good iPad can be a powerful tool for college success, making note-taking, studying, and research a breeze.
Investing in a reliable iPad can significantly enhance your college experience. It can be your digital notebook, library, and entertainment hub, all in one compact device. Embrace the versatility and functionality of an iPad, and unlock a new level of academic productivity and enjoyment.
As technology constantly evolves, be sure to stay informed about the latest iPad releases and updates. Keep your eyes peeled for new features and improvements that could further enhance your college journey. With a well-chosen iPad by your side, you'll be equipped to tackle any academic challenge with confidence.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem