Best iPad for Students in 2022

Since we expect that students are likely to be looking to save money where they can, we’d suggest that the 10.2in iPad (9th gen) is the closest you can get to a bargain iPad–especially once you apply the student discount. It has seen the same price rises around the globe as Apple recently applied (except in America), so it is not the bargain it once was. It is still the best option if you need an iPad for basic needs.

Although this iPad is the most affordable, it still offers enough performance and features that it’s an excellent choice for many students. Apple updated the device in 2021 with the A13 processor that was used to power the iPhone 11. There were also significant improvements made to the front-facing camera, which now features an Ultra-Wide lens, support for Center Stage, and a new Ultra-Wide lens. 

The Microsoft Office apps for iPad can be used with ease. There are also many productivity apps that Apple offers that make it easy to take notes and work on assignments. You can also add a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse to make your laptop more versatile and able to cope with all coursework requirements. Apple Pencil (gen 1). This allows you to sketch, annotate, and practice your handwriting. 

The iPad 10.2in is a great pick if your demands aren’t too onerous. It can handle academic life and will provide entertainment for students when classes are finished. But be careful. The base model has 64GB storage. This is a very small amount in these modern times. With that in mind we’d recommend opting for the 256GB version as it would be more practical, albeit more expensive.

Take the best deal on a new 10.2in iPad

If the most important factor to you is portability there’s one iPad in particular that you might want to consider.

The iPad mini is the smallest and lightest iPad available. It was updated in September 2021 with A15 Bionic technology and a new design. It is 293g in weight, while the iPad Air weighs 487g and the iPad 10.2in are 487g. The iPad’s 8.3in screen and Apple moving Touch ID to the top edge of the iPad result in a lighter weight. The result is a compact but powerful device that doesn’t feel too small. We think this screen size is perfect for reading books or taking notes (especially with an Apple Pencil) so it may well be ideal if that’s how you intend to use your iPad.

And don’t let the diminutive form fool you: the mini boasts an A15 Bionic chip, the same as in the iPhone 13 Pro Max, so there’s no shortage of power on tap. Connectivity is also top-notch, with support for both Wi-Fi 6 (or LTE 5G) networks depending on which model you choose. 

The Ultra-Wide front camera can track you and keep your face in the center of the frame when you are using video calls with Center Stage. Meanwhile, the 12MP Wide back camera can take great photos and videos for presentations and media-based assignments. 

There are two storage options available (64GB and 256GB) and, as with the 10.2in iPad, we’d recommend the larger of the two as it allows you to store more apps, music, movies, photos and videos. 

One disadvantage is that the mini only works with Bluetooth keyboards, rather than Apple’s range of iPad-specific keyboards–but whether that’s a significant disadvantage is debatable. It will save you money.

Prices start at $499/£569 for the 64GB model, with the 256GB option raising the cost to $649/£749. This is an increase over the previous generation, and the recent price bump outside the US doesn’t help, but you do get some serious up-to-date tech in the new iPad mini.  

Get the Best deal on a brand new iPad mini.

The iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation) is the newest addition to the iPad family. It features the same design philosophy as the iPad Air and iPad mini. This means you don’t have the traditional Home button, as it’s been replaced with swipe gestures and the Face ID sensor has been embedded in the power button on the top edge. This makes room for a larger display than on its predecessor, the iPad 10.2-inch (9th gen), which Apple has kept in its catalogue for those who want a cheaper device that’s still equipped with a Home button.

On the new iPad there’s a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display which, like all the other devices that are called iPad (rather than mini, Air or Pro) is unlaminated. This means there’s a slight air gap between the glass and digitiser beneath. You probably won’t notice it at all, but if you intend to use the Apple Pencil for notes (gen 1 is supported) then you may experience slight delays in the tracking.

One welcome addition is that the front-facing camera is located on the longer end of the panel, meaning it offers a true landscape view that’s centrally located. There are no awkward side views caused by portrait cameras on other iPads. That new landscape 12MP Ultra Wide camera has a f/2.4 aperture that delivers a 122-degree view; it’s also compatible with the Center Stage feature that keeps you in the center of the frame even if you move about while on FaceTime calls. Apple’s new iPad comes with the same 12MP rear camera f/1.8 as the iPad Air. This allows you to capture great photos and video at 60 frames per second. If your course requires any kind of video content, then either the front or back optics of the new iPad should prove more that sufficient–plus you can call home and look good doing so.

The A14 Bionic processor powers the new iPad. This is the same chip used in the iPhone 12 (including the Pros) devices. So there’s more than enough power for word processing, note-taking, coding and most other education apps, not to mention gaming and entertainment duties. Switching from a Lightning port into USB-C allows you to use different peripherals and even power external displays if your iPad wants to be more of a full-fledged computer.

Apple provides the base model with 64GB. This is the same as all other iPads in this list. Apple needs to increase the storage capacity over the next year if it wants to continue charging high prices. With this in mind, we’d recommend you opt for the 256GB version, although it does push the price from $449/£499 (64GB) to $599/£679 (256GB). You will benefit from the extra space in the long-term.

There are four colors to choose from (Blue, Yellow, Silver and Pink) so you should be able to find one that suits your personality, and for extra functionality you could invest in the new two-piece Magic Keyboard Folio, although the $249/£279 price tag does seem very high. A standard Bluetooth keyboard will give you the same results but for much less. As mentioned above, the new iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but as the charging port is now USB-C you’ll need an adaptor from Apple if you’ve already bought the Pencil. The dongle will still be included in the box when the Apple Pencil (1st Gen) is purchased.

There are some limitations, mainly about the price, but the new 10.9-inch iPad (10th generation) is a great all-rounder and a smart investment for students who plan to continue their education.

Our website has more information. iPad 10.9-inch (10th gen) guide.

The iPad Pro range is the most powerful iPads, but they are too expensive and not sufficient for the typical student’s needs. The iPad Air is our top choice for students, as it has a 10.9in screen, modern design, 461g weight, great cameras, and a powerful processor.

Unfortunately it’s not as cheap as it once was, especially outside the US, with the updated format and construction methods bringing the costs up to $599/£669 for the 64GB model and $749/£849 for the 256GB variant (which is the one we’d recommend).  

Because of the price increase it’s no longer our top choice for students, but if you can afford it then it really is worth the investment. 

There are many things the iPad Air has going on. The iPad Air’s design allows for a larger screen with slimmer bezels. Touch ID embedded in its power button side-by-side replaces the Home button. There are many colours available, but the M1 CPU is the highlight of the 2022 model. This chip is the same one that powered the iPad Pro models prior to the current generation. It makes an iPad Air fly. 

The 12MP Wide lens, also found on the iPad Pro, can record video at 4K/60fps. As with all other iPads in this list, the front-facing cameras have been upgraded to the 12MP Ultra-Wide, which allows for Center Stage. Unlike the iPad 10.9-inch (10th gen) the camera isn’t on the longer side of the chassis, so you still have the slightly off-centre angle, but that’s about the only advantage the less expensive model has over the Air.

The iPad Air is basically an iPad Pro at a lower price. The only major feature it’s missing is the 120Hz ProMotion screen refresh rate, but that’s hardly something most people will even notice. 

The iPad Air is highly recommended for students who require premium performance and the best iPad that you can buy, even if they don’t have the Pro name.

For more information, please see our complete article iPad Air (2022) Review.

Get the best deal on a new iPad Air.