Apple finally released two new iPads this calendar year: the iPad Air (2024) and the iPad Pro (2024). However, the standard iPad hasn’t been updated since 2022. This is not a bad tablet by all means, but with a little research and know-how you can find other tablets that might be a much better fit.
Here are the best iPad (2022) alternatives you can buy now. A few might surprise you.
iPad Air (2024)
Let’s start with the most obvious alternative: the iPad Air (2024). The sixth-generation model slots between the iPad Pro series and the regular iPad. You can choose between an 11-inch iPad Air and, for the first time, a 13-inch iPad Air.
For the purposes of this discussion, it’s important to highlight the distinctions between the 11-inch iPad Air and the 10.9-inch iPad (2022), of which there are many.
The M2 chip, a significant step up from the previous model’s A14 Bionic chip, powers the new iPad Air (2024). The M2 chip features an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and 16-core neural engine, providing improved power efficiency for a smoother tablet experience. It’s the same chip on the always impressive iPad Pro (2022).
Additionally, unlike the iPad (2022), the iPad Air will support Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI tools announced earlier this year. AI is a big deal and something to watch out for in the years to come.
The iPad Air (2024) has a slightly larger screen and incorporates a P3 wide color and anti-glare coating. These improvements result in a more dynamic and immersive visual experience.
With iPad Air (2024), you also get support for the all-new Apple Pencil Pro, which has more features than Apple Pencil (USB-C), the drawing tool that works with the Current iPad.
Finally, the iPad Air now comes with more storage, which is ideal for creatives, gamers, and anyone who needs ample storage on their tablet. You have the choice between 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB.
The iPad Air 2024 costs $250 more than the iPad 2022, but its upgraded chip, Apple Intelligence support, and bigger, better screen justify the higher price. Additionally, the iPad Air is two years newer than the iPad, which means it will support more versions of iPadOS in the coming years.
Finally, don’t forget that there’s also a 13-inch iPad Air this time around, which offers the same features as the 11-inch model but with a larger screen and battery.
iPad Pro (2024)
The iPad Pro (2024) is Apple’s best iPad on the market and the best iPad ever. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch versions. The iPad Pro not only inherits all the features of the iPad Air (2024), but also gets a range of remarkable upgrades, making it stand out from other competitors in the tablet market.
The iPad Pro (2024) kicks off its impressive upgrades with the exclusive Apple M4, a chip that currently has no equivalent in the Mac lineup. This powerful chip offers a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a sophisticated 16-core Neutral Engine, setting a new benchmark for tablet performance.
iPad Pro (2024) is the first tablet with an Ultra Retina XDR display. This display uses industry-leading OLED technology in tandem to deliver incredible contrast, ProMotion, and True Tone. It also delivers 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness and 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness, making iPad Pro (2024) easy to use in a variety of lighting conditions.
Just like the iPad Air 2024, the iPad Pro 2024 also supports Apple Pencil Pro. It features a new, more durable Magic Keyboard, designed to mimic MacBook keyboards, providing a better typing experience on the go. The iPad Pro (2024) is also the thinnest iPad Apple has created and one of the lightest.
Unsurprisingly, the iPad Pro 2024 is significantly more expensive than the iPad 2022, with a starting price of $999. You’ll need to decide if the advanced features justify the higher cost. For some people, the iPad Pro may not be worth much more. But for others, it will be obvious.
iPad (2021)
The iPad Air (2024) and iPad Pro (2024) offer experiences that far exceed the iPad (2022). Now, let’s go in the opposite direction. Instead of buying the current iPad, you might want to consider opting for the older model, the iPad (2021).
Apple no longer sells this aging tablet, but it is still available from third-party sellers. Overall, you’ll find old features on the iPad (2021), like an A13 Bionic chip, a smaller 10.2-inch screen, a lower quality rear camera, a Lightning connector instead of a USB-C connector and Touch ID at the bottom of the home page.
That said, the iPad (2021) may be better than the iPad (2022) due to its lower price. It’s often available for less than $250, making it a great budget option since it’s about $100 less than the iPad (2022).
We don’t recommend the iPad (2021) as a primary tablet, but it’s a great choice for those new to iPad or as a secondary tablet in the household.
Amazon Fire Max 11
Our final two iPad (2022) alternatives are from two other companies. The first is the Amazon Fire Max 11, an affordable Android tablet released in 2023.
Amazon’s 11-inch tablet is worth considering for several reasons, provided you’re okay with using Fire OS 8 (built on Android) instead of iPadOS. It’s priced lower than the 2021 and 2022 iPads, but it offers a 2K display, an octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 for fast streaming. Additionally, it includes a fingerprint sensor for easy and secure unlocking and an 8 MP rear camera.
Consider another critical factor: battery life. While each tablet mentioned above offers up to 10 hours between charges, this Amazon tablet offers 14 hours. Its price makes it a great choice for kids, retirees, and anyone who is frequently on the go.
Our review praised the Amazon Fire 11 Max as “a great Android tablet you should consider buying.” In addition to the points mentioned previously, the tablet is known for its excellent screen for video and great accessories such as a keyboard and a case with kickstand, which only increase its price to about what Apple charges for the tablet. iPad (2022) without any accessories.
Lenovo P11 Pro Gen 2 Tab
If you’re an Android fan and want a more powerful alternative to the Amazon Fire Max 11 as an iPad (2022) replacement, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is a compelling choice. This 11.2-inch tablet, released around the same time as the iPad (2022), has seen a significant price drop, with some models now available for less than $200.
For this, you will receive a 2.5K OLED display (2560 x 1536), an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor and up to 14 hours of battery life. The tablet also has a 13 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera. It also offers a stylish two-tone design with its aluminum body.
Like the Amazon Fire Max 11, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 is a cheaper iPad (2022) with better battery life and a slightly larger screen. Although most models come with Android 12, the Lenovo tablet supports Android 13 and Android 14.