iPad Buyer’s Guide

Videos:

iPad 2020 models compared
iPad 2021 updates

Recommended iPads (September 2021):

Best performance:

iPad Air (4th Gen) – US UK CA AU – USB-C, 10.9″ screen, A14 chip
iPad Mini (6th Gen) – US UK CA AU – USB-C, 8.3″ screen, A15 chip
iPad Pro (5th Gen) – US UK CA AU – USB-C/Thunderbolt, 11″/12.9″ screen, M1 chip

Best all-rounders:

iPad (9th Gen) – US UK CA AU – Lightning, 10.2″ screen, A13 chip
iPad Pro (3rd Gen) – US UK CA AU – USB-C, 11″/12.9″ screen, A12 chip
iPad Pro (4th Gen) – US UK CA AU – USB-C, 11″/12.9″ screen, A12Z chip

Best budget/kids/entry level:

iPad Air (3rd Gen) – US UK CA AU – Lightning, 10.5″ screen, A12 chip
iPad Mini (5th Gen) – US UK CA AU – Lightning, 7.9″ screen, A12 chip
iPad Pro (2nd Gen) – US UK CA AU – Lightning, 10.5″/12.9″ screen, A10 chip

eBay Search for “iPad”

Recommended iPad accessories are listed on my gear guide.

Note: the links above are affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase a small commission will be paid to me.

iPad Comparison Chart:

Studio Live Today – iPad Buyer’s Guide (September 2020)

What to look for?

• Screen size – do you want a smaller screen like the iPad mini, or the large 12.9″ screen of the iPad Pro?
• Storage – recommended is at least 64gb and if your budget can stretch, 128gb or more
• Speed – processor and RAM (memory) – the faster the better for music production – go for the best you can afford
• Connections – do you want a headphone jack and lighting port? Go for any except the iPad Air 4 and  iPad Pro 2018, 2020 and 2021 models which use USB-C and have no headphone jack