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Some good iPads
Image: Apple
Apple no longer sells these iPads, but slightly older models are still good options, as long as you can get them at a reasonable discount. I recommend looking at third-party vendors (eg Amazon, Best Buyand B&H). I also recommend looking at the price and the latest models to make sure you’re spending less on an older tablet. Older examples not listed here are increasingly difficult to find and may not even be relevant.
iPad Pro (2022, 6th Gen): These iPad Pro tablets (7/10, WRED Review) use the same internal M2 device MacBook Air (2022), Mac Miniand iPad Air (2024). It also has an excellent mini-LED screen (with a 120-Hz refresh rate display) along with a dual camera system (with a lidar sensor), a front-facing camera with Center Stage support, as well as large speakers and a microphone. It corresponds to the original Magic Keyboard case, Second generation Apple Penciland Apple Pencil with USB-C. I only recommend it if you can get the 11-inch for $749 or less and the 12.9-inch for $900 or less.
iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen): This iPad Air has an M1 processor (also found in the 2020 MacBook Air), a 10.9-inch LCD screen, a USB-C port, Touch ID built into the top power button, and 5G support. It’s a great, lightweight tablet that’s powerful enough for most tasks. It carries support for second generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil with USB-Cand Magic Keyboard case. I only recommend $450 or less.
Great iPad accessories
iPad accessories are timeless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite options to optimize your desktop viewing experience, and you can find more information on our website Best iPad Accessories Guide.
Zugu Case for $50: This is our favorite iPad case for several reasons. It is not durable (fits with a hard bump), it also has a magnetic cover that is closed and a hinge that allows you to place the screen at eight corners. The case is magnetic, which allows you to stick it to the fridge. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in a variety of colors, and has room for your Apple Pencil.
Satech M1 Wireless Mouse $30: We’re already fans of Satechi gear at WIRED, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It has a good ergonomic design, a smooth aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It also has a good battery life – with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I have been using it for the past four months and have yet to charge it.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $65: This case allows you to connect it with a magnet Apple’s Magic Keyboard case without being charged at any time. It feels solid and doesn’t add too much to the iPad. There is also a slot for Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C type. The company also offers CoverBuddy Lite for iPad Air (M2).
Photo: Brenda Stolyar
Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $160: The Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it ideal for getting work done on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, meaning you don’t have to tinker with Bluetooth or bother charging it. It is also available for iPad Pro (M4) (although it adds a bit of weight to a thin tablet) and iPad Air (M2).
Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend the Casetify screen protector. He is very thin, has a sense of touch, and is especially finger-proof (I’ve wiped away dirt here and there). It doesn’t hurt to put it on – the company offers a microfiber cloth, dust removal stickers, wet and dry wipes.
$70 Charcoal Paper Case: Paperlike is known for its security, but the company also offers a serious problem. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels light and luxurious. You can also support your iPad on two separate devices. It doesn’t come with a slot for the Apple Pencil, but there is a large closure that prevents it from falling out. I tried with iPad Airbut it is also available for a iPad Pro (both sizes).
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of iPad model. This unit from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, HDMI, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble putting it on the iPad and the case, the included USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix that.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $128: For a large trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a good choice. Instead of physical buttons, it has Force Touch sensors where you can feel different pressure on the pad. With iPadOS multi-hand support, you won’t have to touch the screen as much. It pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth and reboots with the Lightning port.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $40: If you need an external keyboard, it’s hard to go wrong with the Logitech K380. It’s light and portable and can be connected to up to three devices via Bluetooth (with dedicated buttons to switch between them). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries, which lasted us four months, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a charger around.
Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can place it next to your bed, your kitchen, or a shelf (for a neat and hands-free view) or you can use a stand on your desk. With the 2nd-gen model, you can now remove the arm from the core and place it directly on the stand—making it easy to switch between the two models.
