More good iPads
Photo: Apple
Apple no longer sells these iPads, but these slightly older models are still good options, as long as you can find them for a decent discount. I recommend checking third-party retailers (ie Amazon, Buy the bestAnd B&H). I also suggest checking the price with the latest models to make sure you’re spending significantly less on an older tablet. Older models not mentioned here are much harder to find and may not be worth it.
iPad Pro (2022, 6th Gen): This iPad Pro tablet (7/10, Wired review) use the same M2 chip that is inside MacBook Air (2022), Mac Miniand iPad Air (2024). It also has an excellent mini-LED screen (A 120-Hz screen refresh rate) a dual camera system (with a lidar sensor), a front-facing camera with support for center stage, plus decent speakers and mics. It is compatible with the original Magic keyboard case, The second generation Apple PencilAnd Apple Pencil with USB-C. I only recommend it if you can find 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 (which can also be 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 support for 5G. It’s a great, lightweight tablet that’s powerful enough for most tasks. It packs support for Second generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil with USB-CAnd Magic keyboard case. I only recommend it for $450 or less.
Excellent iPad assistant
iPad accessories are endless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to round out your tablet experience, and you can find more in our The best iPad accessory guide.
Zugu case for $50: This is our favorite folio case for iPad for several reasons. Not only is it durable (complete with a hard bumper), it also has a magnetic cover that stays closed and a flap that allows you to position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, allowing you to securely stick it on the fridge. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in an array of colors, and has a place for your Apple Pencil.
Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $30: We’re already big fans of Satechi’s accessories at Wired, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, a sleek aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It also has great battery life — with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and it’s yet to charge.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $65: This case allows you to attach it magnetically Apple’s Magic Keyboard Case without taking off the case each time. It feels durable and doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad. There’s also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers coverbuddy light for this iPad Air (M2).
Photo: Brenda Stolier
Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $160: combo touch (8/10, Wired recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad and kickstand, making it ideal for working 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 never have to tinker with Bluetooth or bother charging it. Also available for iPad Pro (M4) (Although it does add a bit of weight to such a thin tablet) and iPad Air (M2).
Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It is very thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and is mostly Fingerprint-resistant (I wiped a few smudges here and there). It’s painless to apply—the company supplies a microfiber cloth, a de-dusting sticker, and wet and dry wipes.
Paper-like charcoal folio case for $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels light and high-quality. You can also extend your iPad at two different levels. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure that prevents it from falling out. I tested with it iPad AirBut it is also available for iPad Pro (both sizes).
Twelfth South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of iPad model. This Twelve South hub has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble fitting it to the case on the iPad, the included socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix that.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $128: For a larger trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a great option. Instead of physical buttons, it has force touch sensors where you can feel different levels of pressure on the pad. With support for various iPadOS gestures, you won’t need to touch the screen as much. It automatically connects to your iPad via Bluetooth and recharges with the Lightning port.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard for $40: If you prefer an external keyboard, it’s hard to go wrong with the Logitech K380. It’s lightweight 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 mount it on the side of your bed, kitchen counter, or shelf (for comfortable and hands-free viewing) or you can use the included stand on your desk. With the 2-gen version, you can now remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand — making it easy to swap between the two modes.
