Which iPad is best for most people in 2025?

Across the reviewers and specialist communities we read, the consensus 'most-people' pick is the iPad Air with M4. It pairs an M-series chip and 12GB of RAM with a more reasonable price than the Pro, and r/ipad threads routinely steer buyers toward the Air over the base iPad whenever budget allows. If you only browse, stream, and take light notes, the $299 A16 iPad is widely described as more than enough.