Best iPads for personal use

Top pick: iPad Air (M3). For personal use it's the sweet spot — the M-series chip keeps it quick for years, the 11-inch screen is big enough for streaming, browsing and notes, and it works with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard if you want them later. It's the one most people should buy.

Who the others suit:

• iPad (A16, 11-inch) — the sensible budget choice if it's mostly Netflix, email and FaceTime; you give up some speed and the nicer screen.
• iPad mini — best if you read, take it on commutes or hold it one-handed; the 8.3-inch screen is small for split-screen work.
• iPad Pro (M5) — only if you edit video, draw seriously or want the best display; overkill for casual use.

Skip the older 9th/10th-gen models unless the saving is large — they'll feel dated sooner.