The best iPad for drawing: fully tested by creative experts

Three of the best iPads for drawing on an orange background
(Image credit: Future / Apple)

There are so many iPad models and configurations it can be hard to decide which is the best iPad for drawing. But it's worth making the effort, because modern iPads are great for digital art. Slim and portable, they're up there with the best drawing tablets, especially recent models.

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✅ Over 100 tablets tested over 10,000 hours

Ian Dean headshot
Ian Dean

Ian is Creative Bloq's digital art and 3D editor and he is our resident drawing tablet tester, having tried tablets by Huion, Wacom and more. Here, he's focusing on Apple's offerings for digital artists.

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

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Apple iPad Pro 13 (M4) scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildSleek and super slim.★★★★★
DisplayThe best display on an iPad for drawing and anything else...★★★★★
PerformanceSuper fast and supports Apple Pencil Pro.★★★★★
PricingThe most expensive iPad.★★★★
Our expert says
Glen Southern author bio shot
Our expert says
Glen Southern

This is an amazing piece of hardware and has a 5.1mm thick glare-free glass. It works with Apple Pencil Pro and boasts serious power. It may be overkill for some.

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Apple iPad Air (M1) scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildSleek and super slim★★★★★
DisplayNot as bright or responsive as the new iPad Pro but still looks great.★★★★
PerformanceThe M1 chip is enough for drawing software.★★★★
PricingWell priced with discounts available.★★★★★
Our expert says
Matt Bolton Headshot
Our expert says
Matt Bolton

The iPad Air (5th gen) is an incredible computer for the price. The screen is sharp and light and works well with the likes of Procreate.

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Apple iPad mini (2024) scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildGreat size for using on the go but a bit small for drawing.★★★
DisplayDecent quality, though with little upgrade from 6th gen.★★★½
PerformanceSuperb all around, and the Pencil Pro is a delight.★★★★★
PricingReasonable enough, though costs climb if you spec up.★★★½
Our expert says
Daniel Piper headshot
Our expert says
Daniel John

With the addition of the A17 Bionic chip and Apple Pencil Pro support, the iPad mini really does offer the 'full' iPad experience in a smaller package.

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Apple iPad (2022) scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildAn improvement on the base iPad with a few quirks.★★★★
DisplayPerfectly good enough for beginners.★★★★
PerformanceWon't handle demanding creative apps, but drawing presents no problem.★★★
PricingGreat price.★★★★★
Our expert says
Kerrie Hughes
Our expert says
Kerrie Hughes

The 2022 iPad boasts a brighter display than its predecessor, more power, USB-C support and all-new accessories. It's a decent option for drawing.

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Apple iPad Pro (M2) scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildThicker than the new Pro, but it's hardly bulky.★★★★
DisplayThe display is looks fantastic.★★★★
PerformancePlenty of power for drawing software and much more besides.★★★★
PricingOnly makes sense if you find a discount that makes it significantly cheaper than the new M4 models.★★★★
Our expert says
Kerrie Hughes
Our expert says
Kerrie Hughes

This is a great iPad for drawing due to a combination of sheer power under its hood, a fantastic screen and the range of app/software available.