Best iPads for Students in 2025

The iPad has become an essential tool for students — from online classes and note-taking to creative projects and research. In 2025, Apple’s iPad lineup offers something for everyone, whether you’re a high school student, a college learner, or a university student working on design and media projects. But with so many options available, choosing the best iPad for your studies can be tricky.

This guide lists the 10 best iPads for students in 2025, their features, pros and cons, and approximate prices in Pakistan. Whether you want an affordable device for lectures or a powerful tablet for editing videos, this list will help you find your perfect match.

Top 10 iPads for Students in 2025

Below are the 10 best iPads for students based on performance, price, features, and suitability for academic life.

1. iPad (11th Generation, A16) — Best Budget Option

Why It’s Great:
The 11th-generation iPad is Apple’s most affordable and student-friendly model in 2025. It comes with the powerful A16 Bionic chip, which delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like note-taking, browsing, video calls, and streaming lectures.

Key Features:

• 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
• A16 Bionic chip
• 128GB base storage
• Apple Pencil (USB-C) support
• Up to 12 hours of battery life

Perfect For: Students on a budget who need a reliable tablet for schoolwork.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 113,999

2. iPad Air (11-inch, M3) — Best Overall for Most Students

Why It’s Great:
The iPad Air (M3) offers the best balance between price, performance, and portability. It’s powered by Apple’s M3 chip, which brings professional-grade speed without the hefty price tag of the iPad Pro. The new Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro and works seamlessly with the Magic Keyboard.

Key Features:

• 11-inch Liquid Retina display
• M3 chip for fast performance
• Apple Pencil Pro support
• Available in 128GB, 256GB, and higher storage options
• Thin and lightweight design

Perfect For: College and university students who want a powerful iPad for multitasking, research, and creative projects.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 169,900

DO NOT MISS: iPad Pro 2025 Rumors: OLED Display & M5 Chip Coming

3. iPad Air (13-inch, M3) — Best for Multitaskers and Visual Learners

Why It’s Great:
For students who prefer a larger screen for note-taking, reading, or design work, the 13-inch iPad Air (M3) is ideal. It provides a near-laptop experience with the same M3 chip as the smaller model but offers extra screen space for multitasking and comfort.

Key Features:

• 13-inch Liquid Retina display
• M3 chip
• Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro
• Larger workspace for drawing, editing, and split-screen work

Perfect For: Art, architecture, and business students who need extra screen real estate.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 237,900

4. iPad Pro (11-inch, M4) — Best for Creatives and Professionals

Why It’s Great:
The iPad Pro (M4) is Apple’s most advanced iPad in 2025. It’s designed for students who work with graphic design, video editing, 3D modeling, and digital art. The new Ultra Retina XDR display with OLED technology provides stunning visuals, and the M4 chip ensures top-tier performance.

Key Features:

• 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display
• M4 chip (fastest Apple silicon for iPad)
• Apple Pencil Pro with hover and haptic feedback
• 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate
• Up to 2TB storage

Perfect For: Creative students and professionals who need maximum power and precision.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 285,900

5. iPad Pro (13-inch, M4) — Best for Designers and Video Editors

Why It’s Great:
The 13-inch iPad Pro offers a massive workspace, making it ideal for students in creative fields like filmmaking, graphic design, and architecture. The large screen combined with the M4 chip creates a laptop-like experience.

Key Features:

• 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display
• M4 chip
• Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support
• Up to 10-core GPU for heavy tasks

Perfect For: Design, fine arts, and multimedia students.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 349,900

6. iPad Air (M2, 6th Generation) — Best Mid-Range Performer

Why It’s Great:
If you want to save some money while still getting premium performance, the M2 iPad Air (2024 version) is a solid choice. It’s still widely available in 2025 and supports most of the latest iPadOS features.

Key Features:

• M2 chip
• 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
• 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support
• USB-C charging
• Great for multitasking

Perfect For: Students who want strong performance but don’t need the latest chip.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 182,999

7. iPad Mini (7th Generation, A17 Pro) — Best for Portability

Why It’s Great:
Small but mighty, the iPad Mini is ideal for students who prefer a compact tablet. It’s perfect for reading, quick note-taking, and carrying around campus. The new A17 Pro chip ensures it’s fast and efficient.

Key Features:

• 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• A17 Pro chip
• Apple Pencil (2nd gen) support
• Lightweight and easy to hold

Perfect For: Commuters, bookworms, and note-takers.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 149,900

8. iPad (10th Generation, A14) — Best for Basic Use

Why It’s Great:
The 10th-gen iPad is slightly older but still performs well for basic academic tasks. It’s perfect for students who mainly attend online classes, read eBooks, and use word processors.

Key Features:

• A14 Bionic chip
• 10.9-inch display
• USB-C charging
• Great battery life

Perfect For: School or college students on a strict budget.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 160,000–210,000

9. iPad Air (5th Generation, M1) — Still a Solid Choice

Why It’s Great:
The M1 iPad Air may be older, but it’s still very capable in 2025. It’s perfect if you find it at a discounted price. It can handle note-taking, media editing, and all educational apps easily.

Key Features:

• M1 chip
• 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
• Compatible with Apple Pencil (2nd gen)
• Excellent performance for the price

Perfect For: Students looking for premium quality on a lower budget.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 160,000–190,000

10. iPad Pro (12.9-inch, M2) — Best Older Pro Model

Why It’s Great:
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro (M2) remains one of the most powerful older-generation tablets. It’s perfect for students who want Pro features but can find it at a reduced price.

Key Features:

• M2 chip
• 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Apple Pencil (2nd gen) support
• Great for creative, technical, and research work

Perfect For: Advanced students and professionals who want high performance without paying M4 prices.
Approx. Price in Pakistan: Rs. 250,000–300,000

Which iPad Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Type of Student	Best iPad	Reason
School/College on Budget	iPad (11th Gen)	Affordable and reliable
University / Power User	iPad Air (M3)	Best performance for price
Art & Design Student	iPad Pro (M4)	Powerful, perfect for creativity
Commuter / Reader	iPad Mini (7th Gen)	Lightweight and compact
Value Seeker	iPad Air (M2 or M1)	Great balance of performance and price

 

Accessories to Enhance Your iPad Experience

• Apple Pencil (2nd Gen / Pro): Ideal for note-taking and sketching.
• Magic Keyboard or Folio Case: Makes typing essays and reports easier.
• Screen Protector: Protects from scratches during everyday use.
• External Storage / Cloud Subscription: Essential for students handling large files.
• Stylus Alternatives: Cheaper pens from Logitech or Adonit work well for casual use.

Conclusion

The iPad has evolved from a luxury gadget into a classroom essential. In 2025, Apple’s lineup caters to every student — from those on a tight budget to those in creative programs demanding power and precision.

For most students, the iPad Air (M3) will be the best overall option — powerful, future-proof, and affordable. Budget buyers should go for the iPad (11th Gen), while creative professionals can’t go wrong with the iPad Pro (M4). And if portability matters most, the iPad Mini remains unbeatable.

No matter which iPad you choose, it’s an investment in your education and productivity. With the right accessories and apps, your iPad can become your all-in-one notebook, study partner, and creative studio.