The Best iPad for Most People in 2025? It’s Not the Pro, and That’s a Good Thing
My coworker Isabella is still rocking an iPad mini 2 (respect).
She also asked me recently: “Hey, what’s the best value iPad to buy right now?”
Instead of shouting “Get the Pro!” like every YouTube reviewer, I asked her the real question:
In fact, the best iPad for most people in 2025? It’s not the Pro.
“How long are you planning to use this thing?”
Because if you’re not editing 4K video or sketching full-time for Pixar, you probably don’t need an iPad that costs more than your laptop.
TL;DR – The Best iPad for Most People in 2025? It’s Not the Pro
The Best iPad for Most People in 2025? It’s Not the Pro
Buy the iPad 11 (2025) – Buy from Apple (Canada)
- $499.99 CAD / $349 USD
- 128GB storage (finally not 64GB)
- 6GB RAM (great for multitasking)
- A16 Bionic chip (still solid in 2025)
- USB-C port
- Supports Apple Pencil USB-C & 1st Gen (with adapter) → Buy USB-C Pencil
This is the first time the base iPad actually feels like a good deal.
My Parents Still Use a 2017 iPad Air
They stream videos, chat on WeChat, and take photos. No complaints.
And when their iPad finally slows down or stops charging? I’ll just buy them the cheapest current iPad again.
Why? Because for 90% of users, that’s all you need.
Don’t get sucked into “Pro” reviews showing $1,200 setups with hover pens and keyboards.
If you actually need that stuff — you’re probably not reading this post.
iPad 11 vs iPad Air vs iPad Pro – What You’re Missing (But Might Not Care About)
| Feature | iPad Air (2025, M3) | iPad Pro (2024, M4) | iPad 11 (2025) | Do You Actually Need It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 11″ or 13″ Liquid Retina, fully laminated | 11″ OLED or 13″ Mini-LED (XDR) | 10.9″ Liquid Retina, non-laminated | Pro display looks best, but iPad 11 is still solid |
| Brightness | Around 500 nits | 600–1000 nits (1600 peak HDR on XDR) | Around 500 nits | You’ll only notice in direct sunlight |
| Chip | M3 | M4 | A16 | A16 still holds its own for normal tasks |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 16GB | 6GB | More RAM is nice, but 6GB is smooth enough |
| Apple Pencil Support | Pencil Pro (with hover) | Pencil Pro | USB-C and Gen 1 (w/ adapter) | You’ll survive without hover gestures |
| Keyboard Support | Magic Keyboard (with function row) | Magic Keyboard | Magic Keyboard Folio | Folio is fine unless you’re writing full time |
| Biometric | Touch ID | Face ID | Touch ID | Touch ID’s still faster in bed anyway |
| Battery Life | Around 10 hours | Around 10 hours | Around 10 hours | All last a full day, no problem |
| Base Storage | 128GB | 256GB | 128GB | Finally not 64GB — this is the sweet spot |
| Starting Price (CAD) | $799.99 | $1,199+ | $499.99 | You save $300–$700 or more |
If you need all that Pro gear, you’re not here reading this — you’re already editing footage on your M2/M3/M4 MacBook.
iPad 11 Keyboard Options – Turn It Into a Mini Laptop (Sorta)
Magic Keyboard Folio – Buy here – $329 CAD
- Detachable with a kickstand back
- Function keys row
- No number pad — but works like a mini laptop
Budget Option: Bluetooth Keyboard
- Logitech, Anker, or anything off Amazon
- $30–60
- Pair it with a stand and you’re good
ByteFlip Tip: Unless you’re writing essays daily, a Bluetooth setup does the job.
Final ByteFlip Take
You want something that just works for the next 4–5 years?
- Good screen
- Big storage
- Enough RAM
- Apple Pencil support
- No sketchy Marketplace meetup
The iPad 11 is it.
Sure, the Air and Pro are more powerful — but the iPad 11 does what most people need without blowing the budget.
Don’t let a YouTube spec sheet tell you how to use your tablet.
Buy smart. Use what works.
Bonus Tip – Use Education Discount for extra saving! https://www.apple.com/ca-edu/store?cid=aos-ca-kwgo-edu
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