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
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
