In the quest for the ideal tool to fuel your Procreate adventures, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of iPads.
Questions like “Do I need the latest model?” or “Can I make do with an older version?” are common.
This article cuts through the noise, offering a straightforward guide to finding an iPad that fits both your artistic needs and your budget.
Whether you’re sketching your first lines or refining a digital masterpiece, let’s explore which iPad can be your perfect, budget-friendly partner in creativity.
Top 6 iPad for Procreate in 2024
Navigating the world of iPads can be overwhelming, especially when your goal is to find the perfect match for Procreate.
In 2024, the range of iPads available offers a diverse array of options, catering to everyone from budding digital artists to seasoned professionals.
Here, we delve into the top 6 iPads that have marked their place as the best choices for Procreate users this year, each standing out for its unique features and capabilities.
1. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022)
A Smart Choice for Budget-Conscious Creatives
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch with the M2 chip, released in 2022, stands as a titan in the realm of digital art and productivity. Boasting a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, it offers an expansive canvas that brings colors and details to life like never before. This model is a game-changer for Procreate users, offering unmatched performance coupled with Apple’s cutting-edge technology.
Our in-depth exploration of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) revealed its extraordinary capabilities. The device’s responsiveness with the Apple Pencil is second to none, providing an almost tangible connection between the artist’s hand and the digital canvas. The M2 chip ensures that even the most complex Procreate projects run smoothly, making it a robust tool for professional artists and designers.
While the iPad Pro excels in performance and display quality, its integration with iOS offers an intuitive and seamless experience. The flexibility to use various apps alongside Procreate, coupled with the portability of the device, makes it a versatile choice for creatives on the go. However, it’s essential to note the premium price tag, which might be a consideration for those on a strict budget.
Specifications:
- Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Chip: M2
- Compatibility with Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- Storage Options: 128GB up to 2TB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models
- Operating System: iPadOS
Reasons to Buy:
- Superior display quality, ideal for high-end graphic work
- Exceptional performance with the M2 chip
- Seamless integration with Apple Pencil for precise and natural drawing
- Portability combined with powerful computing capabilities
- Access to a wide range of apps for enhanced productivity and creativity
Reasons to Avoid:
- High cost, particularly for higher storage models
- Apple Pencil is sold separately, adding to the overall investment
- Limited to the iPadOS ecosystem, which might not suit all users’ preferences
2. Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022)
The Sweet Spot for Procreate Users
The Apple iPad 10th Generation, released in 2022, offers a harmonious balance of affordability and functionality, making it an attractive option for artists and hobbyists using Procreate. This iPad features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, providing a vibrant and crisp visual experience, although not as advanced as the Pro models. It’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which delivers solid performance for most creative tasks.
Our assessment of the Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022) underscores its capability to handle Procreate with ease. The device supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, providing a good level of precision and responsiveness for drawing and painting. While it may not match the Pro line in terms of processing power and screen quality, it offers a very capable platform for most digital art projects, especially for those just starting out or with moderate requirements.
The iPad 10th Gen’s integration with iPadOS offers a user-friendly interface and access to a broad range of apps. Its lightweight design and impressive battery life make it ideal for artists on the move. However, it’s important to note the compatibility with only the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the absence of some features found in the Pro models, such as ProMotion technology and a wider color gamut.
Specifications:
- Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina
- Chip: A14 Bionic
- Compatibility with Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
- Storage Options: Starting from 64GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models
- Operating System: iPadOS
Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable pricing compared to Pro models
- Decent performance with the A14 Bionic chip
- Good screen size and quality for digital art and everyday use
- Lightweight and portable with long battery life
- Access to the vast ecosystem of iPadOS apps
Reasons to Avoid:
- Only compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil
- Lacks some advanced display features of the Pro models
- Limited base storage capacity, with higher costs for increased storage
3. Apple iPad Air (2022, 5th generation)
Compact Powerhouse for On-the-Go Creatives
The Apple iPad Air (5th Generation, 2022) strikes a perfect balance between performance and price, making it a highly appealing choice for a wide range of Procreate users. This model boasts a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details that are a pleasure to draw on. It is powered by the impressive M1 chip, which is the same processor found in some of the higher-end iPad Pro models, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience even with demanding creative tasks.
In our review of the Apple iPad Air (2022), its compatibility with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil stands out, offering a highly accurate and enjoyable drawing experience. The M1 chip’s capability is evident, handling Procreate’s more complex features and larger canvases with ease. It’s a great middle-ground choice for those who need more power than the base iPad offers but don’t require all the features or the price tag of the iPad Pro.
The iPad Air (2022) also benefits from the versatility and user-friendliness of iPadOS. Its slim and lightweight design makes it a perfect companion for artists on the go. The device, however, lacks some of the advanced display features like ProMotion technology found in the Pro models and offers a relatively smaller base storage.
Specifications:
- Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina
- Chip: M1
- Compatibility with Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- Storage Options: Starting from 64GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models
- Operating System: iPadOS
Reasons to Buy:
- Powerful M1 chip provides excellent performance
- Good balance between affordability and advanced features
- Quality display suitable for detailed artwork
- Lightweight and portable design
- Broad compatibility with a range of iPad apps
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited base storage capacity
- Lacks some high-end features of the Pro models, such as ProMotion display
- Apple Pencils are sold separately, adding to the cost
4. Apple iPad mini (2021, 6th generation)
The Artist’s Perfect Travel Companion
The Apple iPad mini (6th Generation, 2021) is a marvel of technology for artists and creatives who value portability without compromising on power. With its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, the iPad mini packs a high-quality screen into a small frame, making it ideal for drawing, sketching, and editing on the move. It’s powered by the A15 Bionic chip, ensuring that it runs Procreate smoothly, offering a seamless creative experience.
In our review of the iPad mini (2021), the device’s compatibility with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil was particularly impressive. This feature allows for precise and fluid drawing, making it a suitable choice for artists who prefer a smaller, more manageable device. The A15 Bionic chip delivers enough power to handle complex layers and textures in Procreate, making it more than just a secondary device for casual use.
Despite its smaller size, the iPad mini does not fall short in delivering a satisfying drawing experience. Its integration with the latest iPadOS means access to a multitude of apps, enhancing its versatility. However, the smaller screen might be a constraint for artists used to larger canvases, and the base storage option may be limiting for those who work with high-resolution images.
Specifications:
- Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Chip: A15 Bionic
- Compatibility with Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- Storage Options: Starting from 64GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models
- Operating System: iPadOS
Reasons to Buy:
- Highly portable, easy to carry and use anywhere
- A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth operation with Procreate
- Quality display for its size, suitable for detailed artwork
- Compatible with Apple Pencil for accurate drawing and sketching
- Ideal for both personal and professional use
Reasons to Avoid:
- Smaller displays may not suit all artistic needs
- Limited initial storage capacity
- Requires additional investment in the Apple Pencil
5. Apple iPad 10.2 (2021, 9th generation)
Affordable Gateway to Digital Artistry
The Apple iPad 10.2 (9th Generation, 2021) represents an accessible entry point for those venturing into the world of digital art with Procreate. Boasting a 10.2-inch Retina display, it offers a sufficiently large and clear canvas for budding artists and hobbyists. Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, this iPad provides a solid performance for most creative endeavors, balancing capability with affordability.
During our review of the iPad 10.2 (2021), we found that its compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil delivers a satisfactory drawing experience. It’s an ideal choice for those beginning their digital art journey or for users who need a simple, no-frills device for occasional artwork. The A13 Bionic chip, while not as advanced as in higher-end models, handles Procreate’s basic to moderate features effectively, making it a great value proposition for its price.
This model also benefits from the robust ecosystem of iPadOS, offering versatility beyond just drawing. Its classic design and strong battery life add to its appeal as a dependable everyday device. However, it’s important to note the limitations in terms of display and processing power compared to the Pro and Air models, as well as the compatibility with only the 1st generation Apple Pencil.
Specifications:
- Display: 10.2-inch Retina
- Chip: A13 Bionic
- Compatibility with Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
- Storage Options: Starting from 64GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models
- Operating System: iPadOS
Reasons to Buy:
- Very affordable, especially for those new to digital art
- Adequate performance for basic to moderate Procreate use
- Good screen size for drawing and everyday tasks
- Access to a wide range of iPadOS applications
- Long battery life for extended use
Reasons to Avoid:
- Lacks advanced features of higher-end iPad models
- Compatible only with the 1st generation Apple Pencil
- Limited processing power for complex, professional-grade projects
6. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation)
A Compact Powerhouse for Advanced Creativity
The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation) stands as a formidable choice for professional artists and designers seeking top-tier performance in a more compact form. Featuring an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, it offers a crisp, fluid, and vibrant visual experience, ideal for detailed and dynamic artwork. This model is equipped with the powerful M2 chip, ensuring smooth, responsive operation even with the most demanding Procreate projects.
Our review of the iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Gen) highlights its exceptional capabilities. The compatibility with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil elevates the drawing experience, providing precision and responsiveness akin to real-life drawing. The M2 chip’s power is evident in handling complex layers, textures, and effects in Procreate without any lag, making it a robust tool for professional-grade creative work.
Besides its raw power and superb display, this iPad Pro model benefits from the advanced features of iPadOS. Its size strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability, making it a great choice for artists who frequently work on the go. However, it’s important to consider the premium pricing, especially for models with higher storage capacity.
Specifications:
- Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina with ProMotion
- Chip: M2
- Compatibility with Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- Storage Options: Starting from 128GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models
- Operating System: iPadOS
Reasons to Buy:
- High-performance M2 chip suitable for professional use
- Excellent display quality with ProMotion technology
- Perfect balance of size and functionality
- Wide range of features with iPadOS
- Long battery life for uninterrupted creative sessions
Reasons to Avoid:
- High cost, particularly for models with more storage
- Apple Pencil sold separately
See also these guides:
- How to Draw A Baby Step By Step
- How To Use an iPad as a Drawing Tablet With a PC
- Top 10 Best Drawing Apps for iPad
Which iPads Support Procreate?
Procreate, a renowned digital art application, is designed exclusively for iPads, but not all iPad models support this powerful tool. To help you understand which iPads are compatible with Procreate, here’s a comprehensive overview:
- iPad Pro: All iPad Pro models, including the latest iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2, 2022) and iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation), support Procreate. These devices offer the most advanced features like Liquid Retina displays with ProMotion technology and are powered by high-performance chips like the M1 and M2.
- iPad Air: The iPad Air series, including the latest 5th generation (2022) model, is compatible with Procreate. These models strike a balance between performance and affordability, with features like the M1 chip and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display.
- iPad mini: The iPad mini, particularly the 6th generation (2021) model, supports Procreate. This compact device, with its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and A15 Bionic chip, is ideal for artists who need portability.
- iPad (Standard Models): Standard iPad models, including the 9th generation (2021) and the 10th generation (2022), also support Procreate. While they may not have the advanced features of the Pro or Air models, they are a more affordable entry point for digital art enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don’t necessarily need an iPad Pro for Procreate. While the iPad Pro offers the best performance and features for Procreate, such as a larger screen, higher resolution, and more processing power, Procreate is also fully functional on other iPad models like the iPad Air, iPad mini, and the standard iPad. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, such as the level of detail in your artwork, the complexity of your projects, and your budget.
32GB can be sufficient for Procreate, especially for beginners or those who work on smaller projects. However, if you plan to work on high-resolution projects with many layers, or if you intend to store a lot of artwork on your device, you may find 32GB limiting. Additionally, if you use your iPad for other applications or store other media, you might run out of space quickly. Opting for a model with more storage is a good idea if your budget allows.
Yes, the regular iPad is perfectly fine for Procreate. It supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, offering a good drawing experience for most users. The regular iPad is a great choice for beginners, hobbyists, or those on a tighter budget. While it may not have the advanced features of the iPad Pro, like a ProMotion display or the latest processors, it is still a capable device for digital art creation.
Procreate works well on both the iPad Pro and the iPad Air, but it may perform better on the iPad Pro due to its more advanced hardware. The iPad Pro has a more powerful processor, higher RAM, and better display technology (like ProMotion), which can make a difference in handling large, complex projects and achieving smoother brush strokes. However, the iPad Air, particularly the latest models, still offers excellent performance for Procreate and is a more budget-friendly alternative to the iPad Pro. The choice between the two would depend on the level of performance you need and your budget.
Best Budget iPad for Procreate
If budget constraints are a primary concern but you’re eager to embark on your Procreate journey, the base model iPad is your go-to choice. Aim for the 256 GB variant, if possible, to future-proof your investment.
The non-expandable storage of iPads means that choosing a model with more memory upfront can save you from the need to upgrade prematurely. The standard iPad offers well-rounded specifications that are more than capable of meeting your basic Procreate and iPad needs, providing a balance between performance and affordability.
Making Your Decision
With all the information laid out, the final decision rests in your hands. It’s essential to weigh your needs against your budget carefully. Are you a professional artist requiring a device with high performance and a large display? Or are you a beginner looking for a budget-friendly entry into digital art? Perhaps you’re somewhere in between, needing a versatile device for both Procreate and other applications.
Remember, your iPad is a personal tool, and the best choice is the one that aligns closely with your specific requirements and financial limits. Reflect on the factors discussed – screen size, RAM, storage, and iPad generation – to make an informed decision. Whichever iPad you choose, it will be a window to a world of creativity and a partner in your artistic journey.