5 Best iPads for Gaming: Unrestricted Gaming in 2025

You’ll have plenty of strong contenders to choose from when it comes to the best iPad for gaming, as Apple has introduced us to several of the most cutting-edge handheld touchscreen devices over the years.

Built with ultra-powerful, high-quality components, these modern iPads can do just about anything, from crushing productivity tasks to running graphically demanding games.

As a dedicated gamer and fan of Apple who’s kept up with the brand’s releases closely – through phenomenal products to more underwhelming ones – over the years, I took the liberty of curating five of the best iPads that’ll give you the best gaming experience out of all the other devices in their catalogue.

Why can you trust our advice?

Eneba‘s writers and experts spend hours testing and reviewing games and gaming gear. Each review is based on hands-on testing, real-world use, and careful analysis. Our goal is to give you honest insights that will help you make the best decision for your setup. See how we test products.

Our Top Picks for iPad for Gaming

Here are our team’s top picks for the best gaming iPads based on various factors, namely, overall specs, affordability, and screen size: 

1. iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) – the most well-rounded iPad on this list specs-wise. It’s capable of running high-end games, editing photos and videos seamlessly, and operating many other productivity-related tasks with ease, thanks to its powerful processor and supporting components. 
2. iPad (10th Generation) – a fantastic purchase for gamers who are on a budget, allowing you to play games at high FPS on a beautiful OLED display screen without breaking the bank.
3. iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) – offers a similarly impressive performance to its 11-inch counterpart due to their similar specs, albeit with more screen space that allows for more immersive gaming sessions.

These three are by far the most amazing options in Apple’s iPad lineup that you should be primarily interested in. They excel in just about every metric that matters, making them absolute must-buys for any gamer or Apple enthusiast out there.

Not convinced yet? Keep scrolling, as I’ll share with you exactly why these iPads are considered the best of the best for gaming, as well as two more fantastic iPads that might just suit your tastes better. 

Best Ipads for Gaming: Top Five Models That Are Worth Buying

1. iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) [Best iPad Overall]

Specs	Details
Chipset	Apple M4
Display Screen	11’’ Ultra Retina XDR Display (Tandem OLED)
Max Resolution & Refresh Rate	2420 x 1668 pixels at 264 ppi, 120Hz
RAM	8GB / 16GB
Storage	256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
Battery Capacity	31.9 Wh
Available Colors	Silver / Space Black
Front Camera	12MP
Back Camera	12MP

The iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) leads in 2025 as the most powerful and versatile iPad, with the latest software features boosting real-world usefulness.

Performance

The M4 chip delivers up to 50 percent faster CPU speeds and 4× enhanced GPU performance compared to M2. It essentially gives you smoother frame rates and richer visuals in demanding mobile games and creative apps. In mid‑2025, iPadOS 26 introduced a new windowing system that allows freely resizable app windows, a menu bar, and even multitasking features akin to macOS. This makes it  much easier to game on the iPad while referencing guides or chatting.

Value Assessment

Priced at the high end, it justifies its cost through sustained performance. Long-term users report no slowdown even after a year of use! Summer of 2025 Prime Day deals have made select M4 models more accessible, and increased value for those seeking longevity and speed. 

Position in the Market

This model handily beats M3-based tablets in both graphics and multitasking potential. It is more compact than its 13‑inch counterpart but keeps performance top-tier. If you want maximum capability in a travel-friendly size, this is the pick. Budget-conscious buyers may consider mid-tier alternatives, but they miss out on this level of consistency.

Usability

Out of the box, setup is immediate: login, pair accessories, and dive into apps. The OLED display remains vivid over long sessions, and weight stays manageable for handheld use. Pairing with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard shifts it toward a hybrid tablet-laptop use case. iPadOS 26 multitasking feels smooth and intuitive. You can enjoy work and play with minimal friction.

Final verdict: In 2025, the iPad Pro 11‑Inch (M4) remains the best all-around iPad available. It has unmatched fluidity and power and is enhanced by iPadOS 26 and stronger long-term value. This iPad is ideal for users who want a future-ready device for gaming and productivity.

What do users say?

(Reddit)

2. iPad (10th Generation) [Best Budget Pick]

Specs	Details
Chipset	Apple A14 Bionic
Display Screen	10.9’’ Liquid Retina Display (IPS)
Max Resolution & Refresh Rate	2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi, 60Hz
RAM	4GB
Storage	64GB / 256GB
Battery Capacity	28.6 Wh
Available Colors	Blue / Pink / Silver / Yellow
Front Camera	12MP
Back Camera	12MP

The iPad (10th Generation) remains the smart low-cost choice for basic gaming and daily tasks.

Performance

The A14 Bionic chip holds up well for casual gaming, streaming, and multitasking in iPadOS 18. It’s not built for 120 Hz gaming or heavy creative apps, but runs reliably for standard use cases.

Value Assessment

Reported price dropped in early 2025. One user noted a $180 gap between the purchase and post-update price, which makes owning this model even more practical for cost-conscious buyers. This makes it a solid stopgap for newcomers to Apple or those with tight budgets.

Position in the Market

It surpasses many low-end Android tablets in app performance and ecosystem integration. It lags behind iPad Air and Pro models in both power and features, but it fills the gap for people who don’t need advanced visuals or stylus features.

Usability

Setup remains simple: sign in and access everything in minutes. The 10.9‑inch screen offers bright and clear visuals. It’s lightweight enough for children and farms, yet supports Apple features like Touch ID and camera use. Fewer multitasking enhancements in iPadOS 18 limit productivity, which is acceptable for basic users.

Final verdict: The 10th‑Gen iPad stands firm as the top value tablet choice. If you’re after reliable performance with no frills and low cost, this remains the most practical way into the Apple world.

What do users say?

(Reddit)

3.  iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) [Best iPad for Large-Screen Viewing]

Specs	Details
Chipset	Apple M4
Display Screen	13’’ Ultra Retina XDR Display (Tandem OLED)
Max Resolution & Refresh Rate	2752 x 2064 pixels at 264 ppi, 120Hz
RAM	8GB / 16GB
Storage	256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
Battery Capacity	38.99 Wh
Available Colors	Silver / Space Black
Front Camera	12MP
Back Camera	12MP

The iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) sets the standard for immersive visuals with its sleek form and powerhouse performance.

Performance

It can technically be considered on par with some of the best gaming laptops out there performance-wise. The M4 chip offers massive efficiency and power gains. This model features dynamic OLED, ray tracing, mesh shading, and overall graphic fidelity. It is lighter and slimmer than previous generations, and provides portability and performance all at once.

Value Assessment

High cost remains a barrier. That said, creative professionals and hardcore gamers seeking large-screen portability find it more compelling than a laptop-plus-dock setup. Awards like the GQ Tech Award in 2025 outright recognized its premium design and performance.

Position in the Market

No other tablet blends screen size this large with lightweight portability. It outpaces 11-inch iPad variants in immersive use, and leaves budget tablets far behind in visuals. For those not needing ultra-light form, the iPad Air or Mini may offer better value according to need.

Usability

Though it’s the largest in this list, it weighs just under 580 grams. It’s light enough for extended use on a desk or lap. The OLED panel gives you stunning detail in games and media. The wider form supports multiple-app workflows, though one-handed use becomes challenging. Battery life is solid for its size as it can support long design and gaming sessions.

Final verdict: The 13-Inch iPad Pro (M4) remains the definitive choice for anyone chasing immersive power on-the-go in 2025. Its blend of screen size and performance outclasses laptops and larger tablets alike.

What do users say?

(Reddit)

4. iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip [Best Value for the Price]

Specs	Details
Chipset	Apple M3
Display Screen	11’’ Liquid Retina Display (IPS)
Max Resolution & Refresh Rate	2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi, 60Hz
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery Capacity	28.93 Wh
Available Colors	Space Grey / Blue / Purple / Starlight
Front Camera	12MP
Back Camera	12MP

The iPad Air 11-inch (M3 chip) firmly earns its “Best Value for the Price” label in 2025, pairing impressive speed, creative flair, and one of the freshest chip upgrades in Apple’s lineup.

Performance

With its 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, the M3 chip boosts graphics speed by up to 40 percent compared to M1, and improves multithreaded performance by about 35 percent. It more than doubles the creative potential for a mid-range tablet. It also introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. This brings visuals to a new level when using apps like Procreate or gaming at higher settings. 

Multitasking feels smart and natural all thanks to iPadOS 18, and Apple Intelligence features like Live Translation.

Value Assessment

Launched in March 2025, the M3 Air arrives with a stock price matching its predecessor. Yet, this iPad brings performance boosts that outclass older iPad Air models. Seasonal deals (for example at Walmart or Amazon) have already dropped the price by $50–$65. For anyone seeking powerful features at a fair price, this model is a great choice through and through.

Position in the Market

While it doesn’t match the M4 iPad Pro in raw horsepower or OLED brilliance, the M3 Air offers a balance of value and performance unmatched in its segment. It’s ideal for artists, students, professionals, and casual gamers not needing the Pro’s extra punch. If portability and cost-effectiveness are your priorities, the M3 Air stands out over the older A-series and base-bench iPads.

Usability

You can unbox, sign in, start drawing, or play in minutes. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display gives you vivid color and responsiveness, and weight stays under a pound. Lightweight convenience is a plus for handheld use. It supports Apple Pencil hover features and snaps seamlessly with the Magic Keyboard. 

Design and longevity feel well-considered with environmentally minded materials and Apple Intelligence enhancements. A perfect blend for productivity and entertainment.

Final verdict: In 2025, the iPad Air 11-inch (M3) leads the value-for-money category. With newer chip tech, smart AI features, and better bargains, it serves both productivity and gaming needs with ease and flair.

What do users say?

5. iPad Mini (A17 Pro) [Best Portable iPad]

Specs	Details
Chipset	A17 Pro
Display Screen	8.3’’ Liquid Retina Display (IPS)
Max Resolution & Refresh Rate	2266 x 1488 pixels at 326 ppi, 60Hz
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Battery Capacity	19.3 Wh
Available Colors	Space Grey / Blue / Purple / Starlight
Front Camera	12MP
Back Camera	12MP

The iPad Mini (A17 Pro) claims the “Best Portable iPad” spot in 2025 by providing surprisingly strong performance and unmatched convenience in a compact body.

Performance

Despite its small size, the A17 Pro chip delivers solid performance that handles graphics-intensive games and creative tasks with ease, while staying energy-efficient. When paired with iPadOS 26’s new windowing system, it offers a taste of multitasking, though screen constraints mean multiple windows can appear small. Still, touch-first navigation makes it ideal for quick tasks and single-hand use.

Value Assessment

While no fresh discounts have hit yet, its combination of portability, convenience, power, and longevity (bolstered by Apple’s robust software updates through 2025), makes it a worthwhile investment.

Position in the Market

This model stands in its own class. Larger iPads offer more screen space; compact Android competitors can’t match the A17 Pro’s power or the iOS ecosystem’s polish. It’s tailor-made for gamers who value ease of use and portability, even if it sacrifices some display real estate.

Usability

You can launch games, apps, work, or sketch sessions within seconds. It slips into one hand and doubles as a mobile sketchbook or controller for family movie nights. The tiny screen does limit split-view experiences and UI comfort, but you gain battery life and ease of carrying. It’s the only iPad that regularly lives in a jacket pocket for many users.

Final verdict: The iPad Mini (A17 Pro) remains the go-to compact tablet. It offers power where you need it, convenience where you don’t. This iPad is the perfect choice for those who want portability without compromising performance. 

What do users say?

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Best iPad for Gamers: What to Look for in a Gaming iPad?

Not all Apple products are built the same. Some more basic iPads are designed to simply handle day-to-day activities, common creativity tasks, and play casual games at most, while others can do all that in addition to being able to handle many games that you throw at it with ease.

Now, how exactly do you spot the difference between a decent iPad from a high-performance gaming iPad? It’s simple. When it comes to any kind of tech, it’s all in the specs of the components. 

And here, I’ll show you all the specs that you should look for in an iPad, just so you get the highest value for your money as a gamer:

1. Processor (Chip)

Your iPad’s processor is the most important component to look out for, as it determines how smooth your games run and how well it handles other tasks, like video editing or multi-app browsing. 

When it comes to Apple devices in general, there are two types of mobile CPUs (a.k.a. chip/chipset) that you should be aware of: 

• Apple A-series chips are designed mainly for smaller devices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch.

• Apple M-series chips are generally more powerful and are commonly installed in MacBooks.

As you can see from my list, however, some iPads are now installed with M-series chips that make them the superior option for gaming, with performance comparable to even high-end MacBooks. 

This doesn’t mean that iPads with A-series processors are obsolete, however, as in addition to still being able to run modern games comfortably, they’re also terrific budget to midrange options that’ll give you lots of bang for your buck.

For all gaming tablets in general (not just iPads), the best CPU for gaming right now is the Apple M4 chipset that’s installed in the iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) and iPad Pro 13 (M4) – both of which I’ve included in my list. This likely will continue to be the case until the end of this year when the next-gen Apple chipset is released.

2. Display

The viability of display factors such as screen size, max resolution, PPI (pixels-per-inch), and refresh rate mostly comes down to personal preference. Though personally, I’d recommend an iPad with a 120Hz refresh rate in particular if you’re willing to spend a premium for smoother-than-butter visuals when gaming or watching videos. 

On the other hand, if you’re worried about an iPad’s image quality due to max resolutions and PPI – don’t be. It’s an Apple product, after all. Modern iPads feature either high-quality OLED or IPS displays, which do wonders for visual fidelity. 

For screen size, I’d say that 11 inches is the sweet spot for an iPad, but again, it all comes down to what your preference is. An iPad with an 8-inch screen, for example, might be better for those of you who tend to travel a lot as they take up less space, not to mention they’re easier to hold on to during long gaming sessions.

3. RAM and Storage

RAM is another crucial component for iPads, as is the case for every other electronic device. Your RAM (i.e. memory) influences your iPad’s multitasking capabilities. The more RAM you have, the more apps you can run simultaneously without lagging or freezing. 

I recommend getting an iPad with at least 8GB RAM, just so you’ll rarely encounter any issues while gaming. For budget iPads, 4GB RAM should be enough as long as you stick to low to medium settings for more memory-intensive games.

For your iPad’s storage, a 64GB internal memory should be the bare minimum, as iPads do not come with a dedicated SD card slot, limiting their expandability. Ideally, your iPad should have 128GB internal storage, just so you’ll have plenty of storage not just for your games, but your photos, videos, and other non-gaming apps as well.

4. Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life determines how much time you’ll be able to play games before you’re due for a recharge, so you should always look out for this particular spec. Most iPads are generally advertised to last for at least 10 hours, but note that this usually doesn’t take into account long gaming sessions.

The easiest way to tell if an iPad has a long-lasting battery or not is determining its Wh, which is the total amount of energy its battery can store. For example, a 30Wh iPad will almost always beat out a 19Wh iPad in terms of battery life, but this can also be affected by factors such as screen types and heat management, so be wary.

For connectivity, just make sure that your iPad is capable of accessing WiFi 6E and 5G mobile data connections, as brilliant specs won’t matter much if you’re playing an online game with less-than-ideal internet speed.

5. Audio and Accessories

If you really want to unleash your iPad’s gaming potential to the fullest, I highly recommend iPads that are compatible with a variety of gaming accessories, such as Bluetooth controllers and Magic Keyboards. After all, touchscreen gaming may be good enough, but some games are just better experienced with gaming peripherals, such as FPS games or other competitive titles.

On a related note, I also suggest getting iPads that support high-quality audio for that added immersion while gaming with either your speaker or AirPods on. This shouldn’t be much of a problem, though, as almost every iPad nowadays supports Apple’s Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), which is fantastic for hi-fi audio.

6. Operating System and Future Proofing

All iPads post-2019 come with iPadOS, and it’s just as well optimized for gaming as it is for all sorts of content creation activities. Apple is known for frequent updates and long-time OS support, so you’re pretty much set in terms of future-proofing if you buy any iPad with this operating system.

iPadOS also has a sizable library of games ready for download at the App Store and other great gaming features, such as “Game Mode”, which enhances gaming performance, and the Apple Arcade, which is an Apple-exclusive subscription service where you can find tons of fun games that you can play – online or offline.

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FAQs

What is the best iPad for gaming?

The best iPad for gaming is the iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4). It has amazing processing power, capable of running just about any graphically intensive modern game with ease.

How to play Fortnite on iPad

You can play Fortnite on any iPad through the Xbox, Amazon Luna, and GeForce Now cloud gaming apps. If you’re in the EU region, you can just install the Epic Games Store app and play Fortnite from there.

Can you play Steam games on an iPad?

Yes, you can play Steam games on an iPad by taking advantage of Steam’s remote play feature. You can do this by installing the Steam Link app, which allows you to play games in your PC’s Steam library via streaming.

How to play Roblox on a school iPad

You can play Roblox on a school iPad by using a VPN or connecting to a portable hotspot before downloading and opening the game.

What is Game Mode on iPad?

“Game Mode” on an iPad is a feature that makes it easier for your device to run games at high FPS, giving you a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.

How to play Xbox on iPad

You can play Xbox games on iPad through the Xbox Cloud gaming app. Alternatively, you can check if the Xbox game has a mobile version already available on the Apple App Store.

How to play PS5 on iPad

You can play PS5 games on iPad by installing the PS Remote Play app from the Apple App Store. You can only do this if you have a PS5 console, as the app streams the game from there.

Are iPads good for gaming?

Yes, iPads are good for gaming. This is due to the innovative chipsets that Apple has developed in recent years, giving iPads enough processing power to function as a reliable handheld gaming device.

Which iPad for heavy gaming?

The best iPads for heavy gaming are the iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) and the iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4). Both of them have a high-performance processor that should more than suit all your gaming needs, as well as amazingly long battery life.