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Which iPad Should You Buy? A Smart Guide for Every Need and Budget

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3 days ago
Written by Flexshopper

Which iPad Should You Buy? A Smart Guide for Every Need and Budget

The Apple iPad, for most people, has never been more powerful—or more confusing. With multiple iPad models available, from the compact iPad mini to the supercharged iPad Air 11 inch and 13-inch M4 chip versions, choosing the right one takes more than a glance. Should you go for the base model iPad for casual use, or invest in the new upgraded iPad Air with Apple Intelligence compatibility for work and creative projects?

At FlexShopper, we simplify the process by making the best iPad models accessible through flexible weekly payments. You don’t need perfect credit, and with “90 Days Same as Cash” and spending limits up to $5,000, you can lease-to-own the iPad that suits your lifestyle and budget. This guide will help you explore which iPad you should buy—whether you’re watching 4K videos, editing in Adobe Lightroom, or simply want a reliable device for web browsing and playing games.

Why Buy an iPad Through FlexShopper?

FlexShopper gives you a smarter way to own consumer electronics—especially if you’re looking for flexible payments without the hassle of traditional financing. With our lease-to-own options, you can shop all the iPads in our marketplace, from entry-level iPad options to the latest powerful tablet with USB C ports and wireless charging. Apply for free in minutes and get approved in seconds. Choose your device, sign electronically, and we’ll ship your iPad—often directly from trusted retailers like Best Buy or Amazon.

How to Choose the Right iPad for You

Choosing the right iPad depends on what you need it to do. For creative professionals and students, performance and processing power may be top priorities. For others, battery life, size, and affordability matter most. Luckily, Apple has upgraded its entire iPad lineup to support diverse use cases—from watching videos to replacing your laptop with Magic Keyboard and Bluetooth keyboards. If you’re comparing Android tablets or upgrading from an older iPad, FlexShopper offers options that make even the cheapest iPad feel like a smart investment.

Featured iPads Available on FlexShopper

Explore these top FlexShopper picks and discover which Apple iPad model best fits your needs.

13-inch Apple iPad Air with M3 Chip (Wi-Fi, 128GB, Space Gray)

Best for: Power users, creatives, and remote workers

This is not your basic iPad. Apple sells its 13-inch iPad Air is equipped with the M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence. With a Liquid Retina display, blazing Wi-Fi 6E, and landscape stereo speakers, it’s ideal for video editing, multitasking, and creative work. Pair it with the Magic Keyboard case and Apple Pencil Pro, and you’ve got a potential laptop replacement that’s sleek, powerful, and portable. It even supports external display connections via its USB C port—a feature once exclusive to the previous iPad Pro models.

11-inch iPad Air with M3 Chip (Wi-Fi, 512GB, Purple)

Best for: Students, designers, and media creators

If you need performance in a more portable form factor, the iPad Air 11 is your go-to. With double the base storage at 512GB and the same M3 chip, this new iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence, fast app performance, and seamless wireless pairing with accessories. The facetime camera and Center Stage keep you centered during video calls, while support for the Pencil Pro and new Magic Keyboard unlocks pro-level features without the iPad Pro price tag.

10th Gen 10.9-Inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB, Yellow + Rose Gold Case Bundle)

Best for: Everyday use, families, and casual users

This gen iPad is a colorful refresh of the standard iPad, perfect for those who want an entertainment device that also handles work and school. The fully laminated display and liquid retina screen bring videos to life, while the included case makes it a great gift. If you’re comparing with the base iPad, this is a step up with modern design, a USB C port, and support for both Apple Pencil generations (via adapter or USB C Pencil). It’s ideal for watch videos, web browsing, and light productivity.

iPad mini (Latest Model, Wi-Fi, 256GB, Space Gray)

Best for: On-the-go professionals and minimalists

The new iPad mini (7th generation) proves that good things come in small packages. With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen, Face ID, and support for the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, this is the best tablet for mobility. The design mimics all the other iPads in terms of style and features—just in a smaller footprint. Whether you’re reading, note-taking, or streaming 4K video on the go, the iPad mini offers big functionality in a lightweight form. It’s the perfect base model iPad for travelers and minimalists alike.

10.2-Inch iPad (Latest Model, Wi-Fi, 64GB, Silver)

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers and first-time tablet buyers

Looking for the cheapest iPad that still gets the job done? The 10.2-inch base iPad is still part of the current iPad lineup, offering everything a casual user needs. With support for the original Apple Pencil, this budget iPad is great for note-taking, watching videos, and general use. While it uses a lightning port rather than USB C, it’s a solid choice if you’re testing iPads for the first time or want a secondary device for your family. Think of it as the reliable, entry-level Apple experience.

Lease-to-Own iPads with FlexShopper: How It Works

Getting an iPad through FlexShopper is simple, secure, and designed to meet you where you are—especially if you’re short on cash or working with less-than-perfect credit. In just four easy steps, you can shop premium iPads and pay over time:

Step 1 – Apply: Complete a free application online and get approved for up to $5,000.

Step 2 – Shop: Browse from over 100,000 consumer electronics, including iPads, Bluetooth keyboards, and more.

Step 3 – Sign & Ship: Sign the agreement with one click, and your items are shipped directly or picked up from Best Buy.

Step 4 – Autopay: Set up autopay and enjoy your iPad. Once your lease is complete—you own it!

With FlexShopper, you’re not just testing the best tablet—you’re on the path to owning it, on your terms.

Final Thoughts: The Best iPad is the One That Fits Your Life and Budget

When asking which iPad should I buy, remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some need the raw power of the iPad Air models for creative tasks, while others just want a basic iPad for FaceTime, watching videos, or casual use. Whether it’s the 11 inch Air with Apple Intelligence or the 7th generation iPad mini, FlexShopper lets you choose confidently with payment flexibility and zero pressure.

Shop smart. Shop with FlexShopper. Get the Apple iPad that fits your world.

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* Prices and quantities are subject to change

1 If you are approved for a lease this is your estimated weekly lease payment. On this site, we use the terms "lease," "lease agreement," "rental-purchase agreement" and "agreement" the same. (We usually use the term "Lease.") Under your Lease, you can: (a) weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments or exercise an Early Purchase Option pursuant to your payment offer (not applicable in FL, NC and TX) and some restrictions may apply in CA to acquire Ownership of the rented goods or (b) rent the goods for at least the initial term and then end the lease when you want by making all required payments and returning the goods. In NC, the final payment required to purchase the rented goods will be an amount greater than 10% of the Cash Price. If you are approved for a loan the weekly payment is only an estimate. Please review the actual terms in your loan agreement if you are approved. Your rates, terms and payment schedule are subject to approval pursuant to underwriting criteria and may vary by state. FlexShopper provides offers for Lease to Own Options, however, we do not make any loan or credit decisions and are not representative, brokers or agents for any Lenders.

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5 Good credit is not necessary but not everyone with bad credit is approved. Our goal is to help consumers with not so perfect credit get goods they want through a payment offer that works for you.

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8 If approved by FlexShopper customers that reside in Florida, Texas and North Carolina you will own the item(s) and not have to pay any additional amount if you pay the full Cash Price (the Cash Price is the price we charge for a cash sale of the item (or $50 more than the price the merchant you select charges) plus sales taxes and may be higher than the price you would pay if you were to purchase the item(s) directly; if you rent multiple items at the same time, we reduce the Cash Price (and increase the Cost of Rental) by $50 for the second and each subsequent item you rent, which makes it less expensive to purchase the items before the end of the term of the Lease). After 90 days, you also have an Early Purchase Option that allows you to own your item(s) for less. Simply refer to the table in your Lease to look up the Early Purchase Option amount after each payment date. If approved by another payment option provider please refer to the terms and conditions of your agreement.

9 All lease/loan decisions and rates and terms are subject to approval pursuant to underwriting criteria related to the applicant’s credit quality. Rates and terms may also vary depending upon the state where you reside.