Best iPad to Buy (and Some to Avoid) in 2026: Compare Air, Pro, Mini

Which Apple Pencil Should You Buy?

Photo: Julian Chokkattu

The Apple Pencil is a must-have for all iPad owners who take a lot of notes or like to draw. (You can also use it to sign documents.) iPadOS also has handwriting support within some search fields and apps (like Notes), so you don’t have to switch to the keyboard every time you want to write. Apple released a new Pencil in 2024, now there are four to choose from. Here are the differences:

Apple Pencil (1st-gen) for $99: The first generation pencil is very old but it still works well, providing speed (the lines get thicker when you push harder on the screen) and improved sensitivity (shading). Unlike the other two Apple Pencils, this one has a glossy finish instead of a matte one (if that’s the case), and it’s also round, meaning it will roll on top. There are no magnets, so you can’t put it on the tablet to keep it in place. It has a Lightning connector, so to charge it, you need to remove the cap and plug it into the iPad’s charging port. If your iPad has a USB-C port, you can buy it adapter. It only works with iPad (6th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Mini (5th gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.

Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $69: Apple’s USB-C Apple Pencil it’s a little confusing. It doesn’t come with pressure, so it’s suitable for writers rather than artists. It can be attached to the side of the iPad, so you don’t need a place to store it, but it doesn’t support wireless charging, so you have to connect it and charge via USB-C. It supports Hover Mode, which lets you see what’s going to happen before you touch the display, but this is limited to select iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Compatible with iPad (10th gen and A16), iPad Air (4th, 5th gen, M2, M3, and M4), iPad Mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later, including M4), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later, including M4 and M5).

Apple Pencil (2nd-gen) for $129: The second-generation Apple Pencil comes with all the same capabilities as the 1st-gen and USB-C models, including wireless and charging (it charges when it sticks to the edge of iPads). It also adds a dual-touch interface that lets you quickly switch between devices by double-tapping the Apple Pencil. I am associated with iPad Air (4th gen and 5th gen), iPad Mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later), and 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later). Unfortunately, Apple officially stopped it, so newer iPads don’t support it, including iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4) or iPad Pro (M4 and M5).

Apple Pencil Pro for $129: Apple’s Pro Pencil it is the most crowded of them all. It looks similar to the model of the second generation, complete with a matte finish, but it also has several new tricks. A “squeeze” gesture opens the device app (including a double tap), and a new haptic engine provides feedback as you squeeze. The built-in gyroscope allows you to change the shape of the device when you twist it (for better control), and it supports Apple’s Find My network to scan the pen when you lose it. It is only compatible with iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Pro (M4 and M5), and 7th-gen iPad Mini. (Why, why does it not match the background?)

Great iPad accessories

iPad accessories are timeless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite options to optimize your desktop viewing experience, and you can find more information on our website Best iPad Accessories Guide.

Twelve South Curve Mini for $50: iPads can be great devices to use alongside your MacBook or PC, but they require a proper stand and many adjustments. The Curve Mini is simple, but it’s sturdy and stylish, especially in the Dune version I took.

Zugu A case of $50+: This is our favorite iPad case for several reasons. It’s not durable (fits with a hard bumper), but it also has a magnetic cover that closes and a hinge that allows you to place the screen at eight corners. The case is magnetic, which allows you to stick it to the fridge. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in a variety of colors, and has room for your Apple Pencil.

Satech M1 Wireless Mouse $25: We’re already big fans of Satechi devices at WIRED, and this mouse did not disappoint. It has a good ergonomic design, a smooth aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It also has good battery life—with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and haven’t charged it yet.

Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $70: This case allows you to connect it with a magnet Apple’s Magic Keyboard case without being charged at any time. It feels solid and doesn’t add too much to the iPad. There is also a slot for Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C type. The company also offers CoverBuddy Lite for iPad Air (M2).

Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $220: Yes Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED recommends) it comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it perfect for getting work done on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, meaning you don’t have to fiddle with Bluetooth or bother charging it. It is also available for iPad Pro (M4) and M5 (although it adds a bit of weight to a thin tablet) and iPad Air (M2).

Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend the Casetify screen protector. He is very thin, has a sense of touch, and is especially finger-proof (I’ve wiped away dirt here and there). It doesn’t hurt to put it on – the company offers a microfiber cloth, dust removal stickers, wet and dry wipes.

A $70 Charcoal Paper Case: Paperlike is known for its security, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels light and luxurious. You can also support your iPad on two separate devices. It doesn’t come with a slot for the Apple Pencil, but there is a large lock that prevents it from falling out. I tried with iPad Airbut it is also available for a iPad Pro (both sizes).

Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of iPad model. This unit from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble putting it on the iPad and the case, the included USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix that.

Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: HoverBar serves two purposes. You can place it next to your bed, your kitchen, or a shelf (for a neat and hands-free view), or you can use a stand on your desk. With the 2nd-gen model, you can now remove the arm from the core and place it directly on the stand, making it easy to switch between the two models.

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