Buying guides
The best iPad for students
Notes, reading and writing essays: which iPad and which accessories actually make sense on a student budget.
iPad
Read our coverage All ipad
iPad Air 11" (M3)
The sweet spot of the iPad line. Fast enough for anything most people do, supports Pencil Pro, and costs far less than the Pro.
Our score8.8 / 10
Released2025
Launch price$599
Our take
The sweet spot of the iPad line. Fast enough for anything most people do, supports Pencil Pro, and costs far less than the Pro.
We judge iPads on what people actually do with them — reading, notes, drawing, video — and on how well the accessories work, because an iPad is rarely used alone.
Pros
- Great performance for the price
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Light
Cons
- 60Hz LCD display
- Touch ID instead of Face ID
Specifications
| Display | 11-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) |
|---|---|
| Chip | M3 |
| Biometrics | Touch ID in top button |
| Port | USB-C |
| Pencil | Apple Pencil Pro, USB-C |
Mentioned in
8.8Reviews
iPad Air M3 review: the iPad most people should buy
Pro-level speed for daily tasks, Apple Pencil Pro support and a much lower price than the iPad Pro.
Buying guides
Apple Pencil Pro vs Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Squeeze, barrel roll and pressure sensitivity: which Pencil you need depends on whether you draw or take notes.
