iPad size comparison 2026: Which size should I get?

✨ TL;DR: Which iPad size should I get in 2026?

The best iPad size for you is ultimately the one that best fits your needs and your budget. Users who are looking for the biggest iPad screen size for split-screen productivity, drawing, and reading typically prefer the 13-inch iPad models. The iPad Pro 13-inch is especially powerful as a laptop substitute. The 11-inch size suits those who are looking for a balance of portability and productivity. The good news here is that you can get the base iPad 11 (A16), the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro in an 11-inch size, so you can decide your level of power for this all-around practical size. The smallest iPad is the mini at 8.3 in. This device is best for anyone prioritizing lightweight portability over everything else — frequent travelers and those who prefer one-handed use will especially like this size. And if you’re not sure which iPad model is for you, regardless of the size, check out our complete iPad buying guide.

Why can you trust our iPad size comparison in 2026?

At Back Market, our goal is simple: to make tech simple, affordable, and sustainable. To do this, we work with certified third-party refurbishers to breathe new life into old tech, including iPads. These expert refurbishers work with these devices day in and day out, inspecting them, repairing them, cleaning them, and testing them to make sure they work up to their original standards. Through this experience, they’ve gained insight into how each iPad size is built and how it performs.

We also keep our finger on the pulse of the latest tech news, scouring user reviews to determine the strengths and pain points of each iPad size during everyday use. In this article, we combine expert knowledge from our refurbishers with real-world user experiences to bring you an unbiased and practical iPad size comparison.

iPad sizes at a glance: How do they compare?

See the table below for a quick comparison of the current iPad sizes before we dive into the details.

iPad sizes 2026: Which one should I choose?

There are 3 iPad models screen sizes in 2026 across 4 different iPad models, and the one you choose depends heavily on your budget and how you will actually use your iPad. Let’s dive into each option to help you decide which is best for you.

Which iPad is best for sustained productivity and laptop replacement? iPad Pro 13-inch

✨ The current iPad Pro 13-inch is a productivity powerhouse with its M5 chip, providing users with a laptop-like workstation that can also function as a portable tablet.

“imo the 13” is still very portable. my 14” macbook was always portable enough for me and the 13” with a magic keyboard has a smaller footprint. the M5 and M4 pros are the thinnest devices apple has ever released. prior to picking up the M5 13” i only ever owned the 11” Pro and smaller iPads and always found myself wishing i had the larger display.” — Reddit user

The iPad Pro 13-inch with the M5 chip is probably the most powerful iPad you can buy today. The M5 chip allows for fast performance, and you also get plenty of storage and RAM, to be configured based on your needs. ProMotion technology with a screen refresh rate of up to 120Hz ensures graphics and transitions run smoothly. The tablet has all the latest AI features you’d need plus an additional 7 to 8 years of software support, making it future proof.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of the iPad Pro 13-inch, though, as stated by the Reddit user above, is the fact that it can work perfectly as a laptop substitute — for some users, it can even replace your laptop. It supports the Magic Keyboard, so you can set up your workstation and enjoy sustained productivity, going about 10 hours on a single charge. Just keep in mind that if you’re buying accessories, the price of this powerhouse increases quite a bit.

The 13-inch canvas also functions well even without a keyboard — creators who draw or edit photos or videos will appreciate the larger workspace, giving you more room to zoom in and make more detailed adjustments. It’s also, perhaps, the best iPad size for reading PDFs and textbooks for long periods of time.

Another thing that makes this iPad a pro compared to other current iPads is the fact that it has Face ID, whereas some of the other models only have Touch ID. In addition, the iPad Pro M5 supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster connectivity.

And while it may function well as a laptop substitute for some, it’s still a portable tablet weighing less than 1.5 lbs, so it’s easy to take apart and slide into your backpack when you’re done working.

Which iPad is best for creatives and powerful portable use? iPad Pro 11-inch

✨ The iPad Pro 11-inch enjoys the same powerful M5 chip in a smaller body, coming through for creatives and multitaskers who don’t need a full laptop substitute.

“11 inch without a doubt. I went down the same situation. I would only recommend the 13 if someone doesn’t own a laptop and if they’ll find themselves using it on a keyboard case most of the time. The 11 feels like a tablet and is portable like one. Not just in your commute but also around the house or apartment.” — Reddit user

The iPad Pro 11-inch M5 has all the same specifications as the 13-inch version, but in a smaller package. This smaller makes it less useful as a substitute for a laptop, but if you’re not looking to set up a full workstation, this probably doesn’t matter to you. Those prioritizing portability over sustained productivity will appreciate this smaller, but still powerful, option. Even the battery life is exactly the same as the larger version, making it perfect for multitasking and working on the go.

This is perhaps the best iPad size for drawing, too — not too small, not too big, and this model supports the Apple Pencil. These features make this the best iPad for creators like artists or graphic designers who rely mostly on stylus support rather than keyboard controls.

As opposed to replacing your laptop, the iPad Pro 11-inch is typically purchased as a complement to one. It’s better for on-the-go work and streaming, including spontaneous use for when inspiration strikes. But video and photo editors may appreciate having their laptop available for these tasks, or a Pro 13-inch model.

If you’re looking for power in a more hand-friendly tablet design and at a lower price, the iPad Pro 11-inch is for you.

Which is the best-value large-screen iPad? iPad Air 13-inch

✨ The iPad Air 13-inch M4 offers the best value for your money thanks to its large screen and powerful M4 chip, with just a few of the Pro features missing.

The iPad Air 13-inch with the M4 chip offers just the right amount of power for general productivity tasks like emails, casual drawing, basic keyboard work, and streaming, and the large screen size allows you to comfortably read and annotate PDFs and other documents. If you value split-screen productivity or use a keyboard often, but you don’t need the full power of an iPad Pro model, this iPad Air is for you.

This iPad also supports all the same AI features and accessories as the iPad Pro, but one major pain point that users flag is the lack of ProMotion technology. This means the screen refresh rate for the 13-inch iPad Air is limited to a mere 60Hz, making graphics and transitions feel a little slower at times, especially with heavy use. The Air also starts at a lower baseline storage of 128GB and only offers 12GB of RAM on all models.

Its battery life, however, is still great at up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi, and software support should extend through the mid-2030s, so it’s perfectly future proof. The iPad Air also offers two more color options than the Pro models, and in our opinion, they’re also more fun, so if style matters to you, you’ll be pleased.

While Air models tend to be thin and lightweight, though, the 13-inch iPad Air actually weighs a little more than its Pro sibling at almost 1.4 lbs, and it’s a little thicker, too. The main advantage of this 13-inch Air is the fact that it’s more affordable than a Pro. You certainly feel this in the tech specs, but if you’re not a heavy-duty user, you may not notice.

Which is the best iPad for students and general productivity tasks? iPad Air 11-inch

✨ The iPad Air 11-inch M4 is more affordable than the larger version with all the same specs, making it the best iPad for students and casual users on the go.

The iPad Air 11-inch, similar to the relationship between the two iPad Pro sizes, matches the 13-inch iPad Air in all specs except its size. It keeps its impressive battery life, powerful M4 chip, AI features, accessory support, and all its fun color options. However, that also means it keeps its relatively low screen refresh rate and lack of Face ID in favor of Touch ID only. But, if those didn’t matter to you on the 13-inch, they won’t matter to you here, either.

The main advantage of the 11-inch iPad Air over the 13-inch version is its size. Weighing closer to 1 lb, it feels more portable than the larger model, making it the best iPad size for students to carry around campus all day. It’s also a good iPad size for note-taking, reading, and casual drawing, but it’s admittedly less suitable for sustained keyboard work due to its size. This is the ideal iPad size for watching movies — it’s portable enough to fit easily in your bag and easy to prop up on a bus or a plane.

This future-proof device still enjoys long software support, but it is admittedly still a little heavier than its Pro counterpart. However, it is also more affordable than its Pro counterpart, so you’ll have to decide what matters more to you.

If you don’t want to spring for the newer iPad Air, though, you can always look at refurbished marketplaces for older models. Read our iPad Air M3 review to find out if this model is right for you.

Which is the best affordable iPad for basic tasks? iPad 11 (A16)

✨ The iPad 11 (A16) is a solid device, offering a standard tablet experience for basic tasks at a more affordable price.

The iPad 11 (A16) takes a significant step down from the Pro models and even the Air models with its A16 chip, but it’s still a solid tablet. Anyone who doesn’t need the power offered by a Pro or an Air will appreciate the more affordable price of this 11-inch device.

The A16 chip isn’t as powerful as the M-series chips in the Pro and Air models, but it still works well for basic productivity tasks like emails, reading, and note-taking. Due to its power and its size, this iPad is best for primary school or family use. Simple games and browsing the web are easy, and kids will appreciate the smaller size if they’re playing or watching a show. Streaming video isn’t an issue on this device either, and it still lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge like the other models do.

It doesn’t offer Apple Intelligence features or Siri AI, making it feel a little less modern than other models. It does still offer support for the older versions of the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, though, so light drawing and productivity are made simple.

For its portable size and price, this iPad can still do a lot.

Which is the best iPad for maximum portability? iPad mini (A17 Pro)

✨ The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the perfect choice for frequent travelers or those who prefer one-handed use thanks to its size.

The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the absolutely lightest iPad in 2026, weighing in at only 0.65 lbs. This makes it the most portable iPad on this list — you’ll barely feel it in your bag and it’s easier to use with one hand than any of the other iPad screen sizes on this list.

It also has a more powerful chip than the standard iPad 11, with the A17 Pro chip supporting visuals and graphics much more easily, and its 8GB of RAM also offering more power than the standard model’s 6GB. In fact, we would put the power of this iPad closer to that of the iPad Air than the standard one, even with the differences in chip.

Of course, the sheer size and weight of this model are the main reason people buy it. It’s perfect for frequent travelers, handheld use, reading, and quick note-taking or sketching. It even supports Apple Pencil Pro (unlike the standard iPad model) to this end. It also supports Bluetooth keyboards, but honestly, with its smaller size, it may feel a bit awkward to do keyboard work on this one.

Its battery life remains the same at 10 hours, and its color options are the same refined palette as the iPad Air’s. More expensive than the base model but less expensive than Airs or Pros, the iPad mini is the obvious choice for those looking for maximum portability above all else.

However, some users still note the lack of ProMotion display on this model, like this Reddit user:

“Only downside for me is the lack of ProMotion. Huge downgrade from iPhone and Macbook Pro displays. The form factor makes up for it though.

So, you’ll have to decide what matters most to you.

iPad size chart by use case: Which is best for you?

If you’re still on the fence about the iPad 11-inch vs 13-inch vs mini models, think about your use case and utilize the chart below. We’ve broken it down to help you decide the iPad dimensions that are right for you.

Are there any other iPad sizes available?

Yes, there are several other iPad sizes available if you look into the older iPad lineups. The current lineup features 13-inch, 11-inch, and 8.3-inch screen sizes, but iPads made as recently as 2022 featured screen sizes that varied a little more.

The iPad Pro, for example, came in a 12.9-inch version from the 1st generation (2015) all the way up to the 6th generation (2022). Shortly after the Pro 1st generation was released, it also came out in a smaller 10.5-inch option and a 9.7-inch option, giving you even more versatility for portability with all the power the Pro carried at the time. These models may be a little older, but they may offer some good bang for your buck if you’re looking for a mix of reasonable power and portability.

The iPad Air also slowly got larger as it crept into later generations. The first and second generations of the iPad Air (2013 and 2014) were both 9.7 in, and it wasn't until the third generation (2019) that the size grew to 10.5 in.

The base model iPad, however, has always stayed 11 in or below: the original iPad was 9.7 in and climbed slowly upwards to 10.2 in until it reached its current 11 in.

The iPad mini has also always stayed small, originally having been 7.9 in and only standing at 8.3 in now.

These older iPads are worth a look if you’re specifically interested in one of these sizes, or, particularly in the Pro’s case, if you’re looking for more power in a slightly smaller casing. These older models will also cost less than newer models. However, when you go all the way back to the smallest sizes of the earlier generations, regardless of the model, you will be compromising modern features (including AI) and chipset power. If these are compromises you’re willing to make, though, we recommend checking them out to see if they may fit your needs.

iPad measurements compared — Which is best for you?

*Back Market prices are set by sellers and taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change.

How can I buy an affordable iPad?

✨ The best way to get your hands on an affordable iPad is to shop at refurbished marketplaces like Back Market for year-round deals.

There are a few ways to find more affordable iPads if you’re in the market for a new one. The first way is to wait for sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, when many retailers offer discounts on tech items like iPads. Or, you can bundle your new iPad with other accessories like AirPods, a Magic Keyboard, an Apple Pencil, or something else to get all of these devices for less — but as mentioned above, these accessories can still hike up the price of an iPad quite a bit.

The best way, therefore, to save money on your next iPad is to shop refurbished at Back Market. We offer deals year-round not only on the current 2026 iPad lineup, but on iPads in past generations as well. This means you can get a device that works at premium quality for up to 50% off the price of new. Buying refurbished is also good for the planet, reducing the need for new manufacturing by giving old tech a new life. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the environment.

This is especially useful if you've been eyeing a 13-inch model but assumed it was out of reach. Rather than settling for an 11-inch iPad to stay within budget, buying a refurbished 13-inch Air or Pro can get you the larger screen and extra workspace you actually wanted, without the new-device price tag forcing a downgrade.

Another way to knock a little more off the price of your new iPad is to trade in your old tech at Back Market. If you’re upgrading from your old iPad or you have a smartphone or laptop lying around, you can trade it in with us for cash in your pocket or credit to put towards your next upgrade.

Is a refurbished iPad worth it?

Yes, a refurbished iPad is definitely worth it. Refurbished doesn’t just mean “used.” At Back Market, each item you see on our pages is inspected, cleaned, repaired, and tested to make sure it meets its original performance benchmarks so you know you’re getting a reliable device. Plus, each device comes with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns for your peace of mind.

In addition, if you decide that any of the iPad sizes listed in this article aren’t for you, you have the option of looking for older generations with different sizes. For example, the iPad Pro came in 12.9-inch, 10.5-inch, and 9.7-inch sizes once upon a time, and the iPad mini used to come even smaller at 7.9 in. The iPad Air also had a 10.5-inch and a 10.9-inch version. These older generations may be less powerful, but they still work well after being refurbished, so you can truly customize your pick for the size that works best for you.