How to choose the right iPad (2025 guide)

Choosing an iPad doesn’t have to be complicated

Looking to buy an iPad but unsure which model is right for you? Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, a creative, or just someone who wants a reliable device for everyday use, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple models and price ranges.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need the newest iPad to enjoy a fast, powerful, and versatile tablet. At Swappie, you can find refurbished iPads that match your needs, at up to 40% less than buying new, all covered by a 12-month warranty and a 30-day return policy.

This guide will help you understand which iPad fits your goals, whether it’s studying, streaming, working remotely, or creating digital art.

iPad 9 (2021) – Best for everyday use and students

The iPad 9 is a great starting point. It offers excellent value, with the A13 Bionic chip providing smooth performance for apps like Notion, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Zoom. The 10.2-inch Retina display is clear and bright, ideal for reading, note-taking, or watching lectures.

It supports the Apple Pencil (1st gen), making it a strong choice for students or anyone who wants to annotate, draw, or sketch. It also handles casual gaming and video streaming with ease.

Perfect for:

• Students on a budget
• Everyday tasks: notes, reading, browsing, video calls
• Light creative work with Apple Pencil.
  

Pros:

• Reliable performance
• Affordable price point
• Long battery life.
  

Things to consider:

• Uses Lightning port, instead of USB-C
• Older design with larger bezels.
  

iPad 10 (2022) – Best for modern design and everyday productivity

With its edge-to-edge 10.9-inch display and USB-C charging, the iPad 10 feels more modern than the iPad 9. It runs on the A14 chip, making it fast and fluid across all standard tasks, document editing, multitasking, streaming, or even light gaming.

It supports the Apple Pencil (1st gen, via USB-C adapter), and pairs well with Bluetooth keyboards, making it a great entry-level productivity tool.

Perfect for:

• Students or professionals looking for modern design
• Streaming and light content creation
• Web-based work and remote meetings.
  

Pros:

• Large and vibrant screen
• USB-C compatibility
• Upgraded cameras for FaceTime and video calls.
  

Things to consider:

• Apple Pencil support requires adapter
• Pricier than iPad 9, but no Pencil 2 support.
  

iPad Air 4 (2020) – Best for performance and portability

The iPad Air 4 is a strong middle ground between everyday tablets and high-end productivity devices. It features the A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and USB-C. It supports the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Apple Magic Keyboard, making it a compact alternative to a laptop.

Whether you’re multitasking, designing in Canva, or preparing slides for a presentation, the iPad Air 4 keeps up with no trouble.

Perfect for:

• University students and professionals
• Portable work setups
• Writing, multitasking, research, basic design work.
  

Pros:

• Supports advanced accessories
• Thin, light, and powerful
• Ideal balance of performance and price.
  

Things to consider:

• Its A14 chip is not as powerful as the M1 chip
• Higher price point than standard models like those mentioned above.
  

iPad Air 5 (2022) – Best for creatives and power users

If you’re looking for performance that rivals a laptop, the iPad Air 5 is the one for you. It runs on Apple’s M1 chip, the same one found in MacBooks, and handles demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modelling, or pro-level illustration.

Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display offers excellent colour accuracy, and support for Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Magic Keyboard make it a favourite among digital artists, architecture students, and creators.

Perfect for:

• Creative professionals and students
• Video editing, animation, music production
• Gaming and demanding apps.
  

Pros:

• Incredible speed and responsiveness
• Superpowered with Apple’s M1 Chip
• Premium hardware and build quality.
  

Things to consider:

• Highest price in the range
• If you’re only going to be performing basic tasks, this iPad may be more than you need.
  

What do you need your iPad for?

Studying and note-taking
The iPad 9 and iPad 10 are great tools for students. They run apps like Notability, Evernote, or OneNote smoothly and can be paired with the Apple Pencil for handwritten notes. Their long battery life also makes them perfect for all-day use on campus.

Work and productivity
If you need a work-friendly setup that fits in your bag, the iPad Air 4 and Air 5 are excellent options. They support multitasking, advanced keyboard use, and are powerful enough to run Google Workspace, Office 365, or creative tools.

Streaming and entertainment
Watching Netflix, YouTube or attending virtual lectures is easy on all models, but the iPad 10 and iPad Air displays offer a wider screen and better color for media.

Gaming and performance
Casual gaming works well on any iPad, but for smoother graphics and demanding games, the iPad Air 5 with the M1 chip offers desktop-level performance.

Creative work
For digital drawing, photo editing, and design apps, the Apple Pencil 2 combined with iPad Air 4 or Air 5 provides unmatched precision and usability.

Accessorising your iPad

Adding the right accessories turns your iPad into a complete workstation or creative studio.

Accessory	Use	Compatible iPads
Apple Pencil (1st gen)	Note-taking, sketching	iPad 9, iPad 10 (via adapter)
Apple Pencil (2nd gen)	Creative work, precision	iPad Air 4, iPad Air 5
Bluetooth keyboards	Typing, productivity	All models
Magic Keyboard	Laptop experience	iPad Air 4, iPad Air 5
Screen protectors and cases	Durability, portability	All models

Swappie also offers a curated selection of accessories to complement each model. Using these extras can extend the life and functionality of your iPad dramatically.

iPadOS: performance, security, and support

Every iPad at Swappie runs iPadOS, Apple’s operating system designed specifically for iPads. It includes features like Split View, Drag & Drop between apps, widgets, and Stage Manager for advanced multitasking (available on newer models).

All models covered in this article (iPad 9 and newer) receive regular software updates from Apple, ensuring compatibility with apps, strong security, and long-term usability. This means even a refurbished iPad stays relevant for years to come.

Compare iPad models side by side

iPad Model	Display	Chip	Apple Pencil	Keyboard Support	Charging Port	Price from
iPad 9	10.2″ Retina	A13 Bionic	1st gen	Bluetooth keyboard	Lightning	€249
iPad 10	10.9″ Retina	A14 Bionic	1st gen (USB-C adapter)	Bluetooth keyboard	USB-C	€319
iPad Air 4	10.9″ Liquid Retina	A14 Bionic	2nd gen	Magic Keyboard	USB-C	€339
iPad Air 5	10.9″ Liquid Retina	M1	2nd gen	Magic Keyboard	USB-C	€379

Note on pricing: Prices reflect Swappie Ireland’s current listings and may vary by condition or availability. For updated offers, visit swappie.com/ie/ipad.

FAQs

Are refurbished iPads reliable?

Yes. All Swappie iPads are refurbished in-house using a 52-step quality process. Each comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day return policy.

Can I take notes with an iPad?

Absolutely. With an Apple Pencil and apps like GoodNotes or Notability, you can take handwritten notes or sketch ideas just like on paper, only better.

Can I use an iPad instead of a laptop?

Yes. With a Bluetooth or Magic Keyboard and cloud-based apps, your iPad can become a powerful productivity tool.

How long do iPads stay updated?

Apple typically supports iPads for 5–6 years. All models in this guide are compatible with the latest iPadOS and will continue to receive updates.

What if I pick the wrong model?

Swappie gives you 30 days to return your iPad, no questions asked. If it’s not the right fit, you can easily exchange or refund it.

Choose smart, spend smarter

Whether you’re heading back to class, working on the go, or creating your next masterpiece, there’s a refurbished iPad that fits your needs, and your budget. At Swappie, you’re not just saving money; you’re choosing a more sustainable and smarter way to buy tech.