An iPad for students should be something that should have great features and is budget-friendly. You can easily take notes, read through digital books, make presentations, complete your assignments, and do anything related to your schoolwork.
Of course, iPad for students can come in different sizes. While some may look for a small iPad to throw in the backpack, others want something capable of editing long videos and even working with audio.
Cutting to the Chase: We think that it is best to be frank from the start. While not every iPad will be for every student, for an average gal and guy, we recommend the iPad 9th generation!
Best iPad for Students on a Budget
Apple iPad (10th Generation)
With its vibrant display and powerful performance, the iPad 10th Gen is the perfect companion for everyday tasks, from studying late in the library to staying connected with your classmates.
Vibrant Display:
The iPad 10th Gen is sometimes even called the eye of Rowena Ravenclaw, for it is the hub of learning. It has a crisp 10.9" Liquid Retina Display. Whether you are reading your textbooks or taking notes in a lecture, everything looks absolutely stunning. Additionally, True Tone adjusts to the light in which you are, so your eyes are always comfortable.
Powerful Inside:
While looking absolutely delightful from the outside, the inside is also very powerful. The iPad has got the A14 Bionic chip, which while not the latest, is still more than enough for whatever tasks you do with it. This gadget can keep up with your activities without breaking a sweat.
- 10.9-inch display
- A14 Bionic is a solid chip
- Looks old
- No Face ID
- Does not support Apple Pencil 2
Best Portable iPad for Students
Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)
What is the most important factor of an iPad for students? That it should be portable, of course. When we think about the most portable iPad for students, the iPad Mini 6th Gen comes to mind.
Compact and Mighty:
The iPad Mini 6th Gen may be tiny, but it packs a powerful punch. With a powerful A15 Bionic chip, it is like having a full-sized iPad in the palm of your hand.
Stay Connected:
With ultra-fast Wi-Fi and USB-C connectivity, the students can stay connected wherever they go, whether it is in the blazing sun of the university grounds or the chilling cool of the lecture hall.
Capture Every Moment:
From video calls to group selfies, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage and the 12MP Wide back camera with True Tone Flash ensure you always look the best, better fro the rest, and stand out from the crowd!
- Battery life is impressive
- Sleek design
- Small size
- Not compatible with Magic Keyboard
Best Drawing iPad for Students
Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)
Shout out to the Arts students! The iPad Air 5th Gen is the perfect iPad for students who have a specialization in drawing. Though it may have been surpassed by its predecessors in terms of affordability, its performance and features make it a compelling choice for students who can splurge a little.
M2 Chip:
The VIP of this iPad is undoubtedly the M2 Chip, which is the powerhouse behind seamless multitasking, lightning-fast performance, and smooth navigation between apps. When paired with the latest iPadOS, it opens up the doors to an experience reminiscing of the laptop, especially with features like Stage Manager.
Connectivity Options:
For those extroverted people who constantly crave connectivity, the 5G model offers access to the internet on the go, although at a premium price. While we understand that it is an investment, the freedom to surf the web in any place, anytime might be the deciding factor for some.
- 10 inch Liquid Retina Display
- 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage
- Smart Connector with Magic Keyboard support
- No Face ID
- Pro is now two chip generations ahead
Best Content Creation iPad for Students
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation)
With the extraordinary performance of the M4 chip, fast wireless connectivity, and multiple productivity features in iPadOS, the iPad Pro 4th Gen sets the bar high for a tablet experience that is unparalleled.
Enhanced Accessories:
Your productivity would be maximum with top-graded accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, transforming your iPad Pro into an adaptable workstation.
Face ID Security:
Unlock your iPad Pro, authenticate your purchases securely, and sign in to applications with just a glance, all thanks to the advanced Face ID technology built into the gadget.
- OLED display
- Face ID
- Has Apple's M4 chip
- Expensive
- Limited color options
Best Overall iPad for Students
Apple iPad 9th Gen
Despite being an older-generation iPad, even the refurbished iPad 9th-gen offers the perfect blend of affordability and functionality for college students on a budget.
Essential Features:
The iPad features an exquisite 10.2" Retina Display, with A13 Bionic Chip in the lead. It also features an ultra-wide front camera. With all these essential items, the iPad 9th gen covers all the essentials for work, play, learning, and staying connected.
Connectivity and Performance:
Users can stay connected with fast Wi-Fi wherever they go. The A13 Bionic Chip ensures that the iPad performs smoothly, making it the perfect device for a wide spectrum, ranging from everyday productivity tasks to immersive gaming.
- Budget-friendly
- 10.2-inch display size
- Compatible with 1st-generation Apple Pencil
- It has Smart Connector so you can connect to Smart Keyboard and other accessories.
- No Face ID and still has bezels
Apple Student Discount vs. the MSRP
| iPads | MSRP | Student Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| iPad (9th gen) | $329/£369 | $309/£349 |
| iPad (10th gen) | $449/£499 | $419/£469 |
| iPad mini | $499/£569 | $449/£509 |
| iPad Air | $599/£669 | $549/£609 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch | $799/£899 | $749/£839 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
| Is it worth buying iPad for students? |
|---|
| Considering the costs, the iPad Pro can be pricy, often ranging from $700 to over $1000. However, there is a way around it. The first option is thrifting an old used iPad for half the price. Secondly, options like iPad 9-gen or 7-gen can be more affordable. Notetaking on an iPad combines handwriting and digital features. It is useful for recording lectures, importing slides, and practicing math problems. |
| How do I get a free iPad as a student? |
|---|
| As a student, what you should do is reach out to your school to see if they are part of the programs like ConnectED. Apple donates iPads to students in the program, mainly in the K-12. If your school participates, you might get your hands on a free iPad. Even if it is not your forever, you can use it at school or even borrow it overnight. |
| How much discount on iPad for students? |
|---|
| Apple does not provide a uniform discount for students across the board. What it does is that it offers varying discounts based on what you are purchasing. Students can save up to $50 on iPads. |
Conclusion
And there you have it folks! This lineup of iPads offers various options catering to every person’s needs. But of course, if you are looking for a mix of affordability and functionality, the iPad 9th gen stands out as the top choice.
