We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

7 Best Ipad For College Student 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Pink

The Apple iPad (10th Generation) is a solid choice for college students, offering a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that is perfect for reading textbooks, watching videos, and taking notes. Its A14 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for multitasking and running various apps. With 64GB of storage, it provides enough space for essential documents and apps, though heavy users might prefer the 256GB option. The all-day battery life is a major plus, allowing students to go through their day without constantly needing to charge.

Additionally, the iPad supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation), making it a great tool for note-taking and drawing, though the adapter needed is sold separately. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 guarantees fast internet connectivity for online research and streaming. The device runs on iPadOS, which is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring multitasking capabilities and a wide range of apps available on the App Store. One downside is that the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio are sold separately, potentially adding to the overall cost.

On the camera front, the 12MP front and back cameras are impressive, supporting high-quality video calls and photography. The iPad is fairly lightweight and portable, which is ideal for carrying around campus. Touch ID adds an extra layer of security for unlocking the device and making payments. This iPad model provides a balanced mix of performance, portability, and versatility, making it well-suited for college students who need a reliable device for both academic and personal use.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Battery Life
The battery life is excellent, there have been no glitches, and the price of $240 is definitely good, as some iPads are $1000.
#2

Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4): Built for Apple Intelligence, Ultra Retina XDR Display, 512GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black

The Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) is a strong contender for college students due to its impressive screen size, robust performance, and enhanced productivity features. The 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display is ideal for reading textbooks, watching educational videos, and taking notes with its extreme brightness and color accuracy. The 512GB storage capacity is ample for storing notes, assignments, and multimedia files. The M4 chip ensures fast and smooth performance, whether you're multitasking between apps or running demanding software. The all-day battery life is particularly beneficial for long study sessions and back-to-back classes without needing to recharge frequently.

Compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard adds versatility, making it easy to take notes, draft essays, and complete assignments efficiently. The inclusion of advanced cameras and a LiDAR scanner can be useful for projects that require high-quality photos or augmented reality applications. Connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E and USB-C with Thunderbolt support, ensure fast internet access and the ability to connect to various peripherals, which is helpful for presentations and data transfers.

The iPadOS offers intuitive multitasking features and a wide range of educational apps, enhancing the learning experience. However, the high-end features and specifications come at a premium price, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious students. Additionally, the reliance on Face ID for unlocking and payments may not be preferable for everyone. Despite these minor cons, the iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) stands out as a powerful, portable, and versatile tool that can significantly enhance a college student's academic life.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Screen Size
The large screen size and power make it worth the extra weight, especially for long-term use.
Storage Capacity
Opting for the iPad without cellular data and highest memory capacity can save money while still offering excellent performance.
Processor
The M4 processor, thinner design, and upgraded cameras are significant improvements.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Investing in the Magic Keyboard case and Apple Pencil Pro significantly enhances the functionality of the iPad.
#3

Apple iPad (9th Generation): with A13 Bionic chip, 10.2-inch Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi, 12MP front/8MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Space Gray

The Apple iPad (9th Generation) offers a 10.2-inch Retina Display that provides clear and vibrant visuals, making it great for reading, studying, and multimedia consumption. Its A13 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance, whether you're taking notes, multitasking with multiple apps, or engaging in creative tasks. The inclusion of 64GB storage should suffice for most college-related tasks, although heavy users might consider the 256GB option. The battery life is described as 'all-day,' which should help students go through most of their classes without needing to recharge frequently.

Apple Pencil compatibility (1st generation) and the availability of a Smart Keyboard enhance its functionality for note-taking and typing assignments, although these accessories are sold separately. Fast Wi-Fi connectivity ensures that you stay connected for research and collaboration, and the device runs on iPadOS, which is optimized for productivity and supports a wide range of educational apps. The iPad also features a 12MP front camera for video calls and an 8MP back camera that can be used for scanning documents or taking photos. Touch ID adds an extra layer of security for unlocking the device and making payments.

However, students who require extensive storage for large files and media might find the base model's 64GB limiting. Also, the accessories being sold separately can add to the overall cost. Despite these points, the iPad (9th Generation) is a solid choice for college students, balancing performance, functionality, and affordability.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Screen Size
Its A13 Bionic chip ensures snappy performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming, while the vibrant 10.2-inch Retina display delivers crisp visuals.
Battery Life
The long battery life, including impressive standby time, allows for extended use without frequent recharging.
Processor
Its A13 Bionic chip ensures snappy performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming, while the vibrant 10.2-inch Retina display delivers crisp visuals.

Buying Guide for the Best Ipad For College Student

Choosing the right iPad for a college student involves considering various factors that will ensure the device meets their academic and personal needs. An iPad can be a versatile tool for taking notes, reading textbooks, creating presentations, and even unwinding with some entertainment. To make the best choice, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Screen SizeScreen size is the measurement of the iPad's display diagonally from corner to corner. This spec is important because it affects how portable the device is and how comfortable it is to use for different tasks. Smaller screens (around 8-10 inches) are more portable and easier to carry around campus, but may be less comfortable for reading and multitasking. Larger screens (10-13 inches) provide more space for split-screen multitasking and are better for viewing detailed content, but they are less portable. Consider how you will use the iPad: if you need something lightweight and easy to carry, go for a smaller screen. If you plan to use it for detailed work or media consumption, a larger screen might be better.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of internal space available for storing apps, documents, photos, videos, and other data. This is important because it determines how much content you can keep on your iPad without needing external storage. iPads typically come in various storage options ranging from 32GB to 1TB. For basic use like note-taking and streaming, 32GB to 64GB might be sufficient. If you plan to store a lot of media files, download large apps, or keep many documents, consider 128GB or more. Think about your storage needs based on your study habits and personal use.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the iPad can run on a single charge. This is crucial for students who need to use their device throughout the day without frequent recharging. Battery life is usually measured in hours, with most iPads offering around 10 hours of usage. If you have long days on campus or need to use the iPad for extended periods without access to a charger, look for models with longer battery life. Consider your daily schedule and how often you can recharge the device.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of the iPad, determining how fast and efficiently it can run apps and perform tasks. A more powerful processor means better performance, especially for multitasking, running demanding apps, and gaming. iPads come with different processors, ranging from basic to high-end. For general use like browsing, note-taking, and streaming, a basic processor will suffice. If you need to run complex apps, edit videos, or play high-end games, opt for a model with a more powerful processor. Assess your performance needs based on your academic and personal activities.
Apple Pencil CompatibilityApple Pencil compatibility refers to whether the iPad can be used with the Apple Pencil, a stylus designed for drawing, note-taking, and navigation. This is important for students who prefer handwritten notes, need to annotate documents, or engage in creative tasks like drawing. Not all iPads support the Apple Pencil, and there are two versions of the Pencil, each compatible with different iPad models. If you plan to use the Apple Pencil, ensure the iPad you choose supports it and consider which version of the Pencil is compatible. Think about how you prefer to take notes and whether you need the precision of a stylus.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include Wi-Fi and cellular capabilities, which determine how you can access the internet and other networks. Wi-Fi-only models are typically less expensive and rely on available Wi-Fi networks for internet access. Cellular models can connect to mobile data networks, providing internet access anywhere with a signal. This is useful for students who need internet access on the go, outside of Wi-Fi range. Consider your connectivity needs based on your study locations and whether you need constant internet access.
Operating System and SoftwareThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs the iPad, with iPads using Apple's iPadOS. This is important because it affects the user experience, app compatibility, and available features. iPadOS is designed to be user-friendly and supports a wide range of educational and productivity apps. Ensure the iPad you choose runs the latest version of iPadOS for the best performance and security. Consider the software ecosystem and whether it supports the apps and tools you need for your studies.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now