Which iPad Is Best for Seniors?

The best iPad for seniors is the iPad Mini. At $499, it’s one of the most affordable options in the iPad family, and it offers the best of Apple’s iPad apps and accessibility features in a slim and lightweight package. The iPad Mini has an 8.7-inch screen and weighs just 10.4 ounces, so it’s easy for seniors to pick up and take with them around the house or on the go. 

The iPad Air and the iPad (9th Generation) are other iPad models to consider. While neither are as compact and portable as the Mini, they have standout features. The iPad Air has a large 10.9-inch screen and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera for crisp video calls, along with Apple’s powerful M1 Chip for a smooth streaming, gaming or web browsing experience. The iPad (9th Generation) is the lowest-priced option at $329, and while it lacks the Liquid Retina Display of the other models, it still offers a 10.2-inch screen and a pleasant user experience for seniors. 

Why the iPad Mini Is Our Top Pick for the Best iPad for Seniors

The iPad Mini is our pick for the best iPad for seniors because it offers all of Apple’s accessibility features, user-friendly software and Siri voice assistant integrations in a compact, lightweight package. Seniors can easily enlarge the display or simplify navigation to make the iPad Mini easier to use. The iPad Mini also has a high contrast Liquid Retina Display with high pixel density for seniors who are visually impaired. 

The Mini has an 8.3-inch screen and is the smallest iPad available. It’s easy to hold and weighs just 10.4 ounces. The Mini also averages nine hours on a single charge, so it’s easy to travel with or take on the go. Reviewers praise the Mini’s ability to easily fit in a purse or bag and note that the Liquid Retina Display makes it easy to read for long periods without eye strain. 

Here’s how the iPad Mini’s specs compare to other iPad models.

For more information about this tablet, read our full product review of the Apple iPad Mini.

Other iPads to Consider

While the iPad Mini is still our top choice for seniors, the iPad Air and the iPad (9th Generation) have their fair share of appealing features as well. 

The iPad (9th Generation) is best for seniors on a budget.

At $349, the iPad (9th Generation) is the cheapest new iPad available. The lower cost has its trade-offs, and the 9th Generation iPad is the only model without the extra crisp Liquid Retina Display. But if cost is a concern, this iPad is a good compromise. 

To learn more, read our full product review of the iPad (9th Generation).

The iPad Air is best for seniors who want a larger screen.

The iPad Air has a 10.9-inch screen that’s perfect for watching movies, reading ebooks, playing games and making video calls to family and friends. Seniors who are looking for a bigger screen will probably prefer the larger iPad Air over the compact iPad Mini.

To learn more, read our full product review of the iPad Air.