iPad Air 13-inch (M2, 2024)

The iPad Air is an excellent choice for students and creators who need more performance than the standard iPad provides but do not require the advanced power or expense of the iPad Pro. It earns the Editors' Choice award for its capable M2 processor, doubled base storage, and versatile 13-inch screen option.

The M2 iPad Air is recommended as the 'pro' tablet most people should actually buy because it offers enough high-end features for everyday needs at a much better value than the iPad Pro. While it lacks some premium features like an OLED display, its performance, new Pencil Pro support, and the addition of a 13-inch option make it a compelling, futureproofed device.

Although described as an unexciting iteration of previous hardware, the 13-inch iPad Air is praised as the best 'pro' level tablet for most users due to its excellent performance, screen quality, and significantly lower price compared to the M4 iPad Pro. It is deemed a no-brainer for those needing a productivity and graphics tablet without the pro-tier cost.

The iPad Air remains Apple's best overall tablet, providing about 80 percent of the Pro experience at a much more reasonable price. The new 13-inch model is highlighted as a great option for users wanting a larger display without the Pro-level investment, offering a compelling blend of speed, multitasking, and accessory support.