The Best iPad for Gaming in 2025
December 23, 2025
In a world where tablet gaming has become almost console-like, choosing the right iPad is not just about hardware, but about how you want to spend your time: epic quests in Genshin Impact or quick sessions in Apple Arcade. With the new chips and displays of 2025, gaming on these devices has reached a level where even demanding titles like Star Rail run smoothly without stutter. But which one should you choose to avoid overpaying and still get the most fun? Let’s break it down by models - from top-tier options to those that suit casual players.
1. Apple iPad Pro 13
Apple iPad Pro 13 2025 comes with a 13-inch Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display, resolution 2752 × 2064, refresh rate 10-120 Hz, and brightness up to 1600 nits. It runs on the M5 processor with a 10-core GPU and 12 GB of RAM, with storage starting at 512 GB. The body is aluminum, 5.1 mm thick, with four speakers, a Thunderbolt/USB-C 4 port, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and a version with 5G and eSIM. The rear camera is 12 MP f/1.8, the front is a 12 MP ultra-wide 122°, running iPadOS 26. Charging is fast, and the battery lasts a full day of active gaming.
The display delivers true blacks, and in games with ray tracing the image looks noticeably deeper than on IPS panels. The M5 chip handles any new release at maximum settings without throttling even after two or three hours.
Who it is for:
Those who play Resident Evil 4 Remake or Death Stranding with ray tracing on a large screen
Gamers who need 120 Hz and accurate color reproduction in dark scenes
Users who output games to a 6K monitor via Thunderbolt
Anyone ready to pay for the thinnest and most powerful tablet right now
2. Apple iPad Pro 11
Apple iPad Pro 11 2025 is equipped with an 11-inch Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display, up to 120 Hz refresh rate, and brightness up to 1600 nits. At its core is the M5 chip with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 12 GB of RAM. The aluminum body is 5.3 mm thick. It has four speakers, a Thunderbolt/USB-4 port, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and 5G in cellular models. Cameras include a 12 MP rear and a 12 MP ultra-wide front with Center Stage. It runs iPadOS 26, with up to 14 hours of battery life for video or web browsing.
Who it is for:
Gamers who play the most demanding games at max settings with ray tracing
Those who edit 4K/ProRes video or render 3D directly on the tablet
People who care about perfect blacks and 120 Hz in every game
Users who connect the device to 6K monitors and fast external storage
3. Apple iPad Air 13
Apple iPad Air 13 2025 features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 × 2048 and 600 nits of brightness. Inside is the M3 chip with an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and 8 GB of RAM. The aluminum body is 6.1 mm thick and weighs 617 g in the cellular version. It includes stereo speakers, a USB-C 3.1 port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Cameras are 12 MP front and rear, with Center Stage on the front camera, and Touch ID built into the power button. It runs iPadOS 18 and supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
Who it is for:
Those who want a large screen for games, movies, and reading
Gamers who run modern titles at high settings without overheating
People who actively draw or take notes with a stylus
Those who travel often and want stable 5G
4. Apple iPad Air 11
Apple iPad Air 11 2025 comes with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, resolution 2360 × 1640, standard 60 Hz, but the image remains bright and sharp even in direct light. Inside is the M3 chip with an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and 8 GB of RAM, with storage up to 512 GB. The aluminum body is 6.1 mm thick and weighs around 460 grams, barely noticeable in hand. Stereo speakers are loud with decent bass, plus USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Touch ID in the top button. Cameras are 12 MP front and rear, with Center Stage on the front.
11 inches is the sweet spot where the tablet is still comfortable to hold with one hand, yet spacious enough for controls in shooters or MOBA games. The M3 chip runs Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail at high settings without frame drops, and heat stays moderate even after one or two hours of active play. The display may be 60 Hz, but response is fast, finger movement feels smooth, and colors are rich - in RPGs with detailed worlds, the image is genuinely pleasing.
Who it is for
Those who play on the go or on the couch and value portability
Gamers who find 11 inches more comfortable than 13 for quick sessions
People who run modern titles at high settings but do not chase 120 Hz
Those who want a balance between screen size and device mobility
5. Apple iPad 11
Apple iPad 11 2025 generation comes with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, resolution 2360 × 1640. Inside is the A16 chip with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 6 GB of RAM. The aluminum body is 7 mm thick. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 only, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C 2.0, and stereo speakers. Cameras are 12 MP front and rear, with Touch ID in the power button. It runs iPadOS 18.
Who it is for:
Those just starting to game on a tablet and not looking to spend much
Families with children, for video watching and simple games
People who are fine with 60 Hz and mid-range performance
Those who mostly use the device at home over Wi-Fi
6. Apple iPad mini 7
Apple iPad mini 7 features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 × 1488, P3 color coverage, and an anti-reflective coating. Inside is the A17 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 8 GB of RAM. The aluminum body is 6.3 mm thick and weighs 293 g. Stereo speakers (four in total), USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, with versions available as Wi-Fi only or with 5G. Cameras are 12 MP front and rear, with an ultra-wide front camera and Center Stage. It runs iPadOS 18 and supports Apple Pencil Pro.
Who it is for:
Those who play one-handed on public transport or while lying in bed
Gamers who value compact size and the ability to carry the tablet in a jacket pocket
People who read a lot of comics, manga, or books in the original language
Those who want a powerful chip in the smallest form factor for AR games and quick sessions
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to how much you are willing to spend and what you actually expect from gaming. If you just want to play for a couple of hours a day on the subway or on the couch, a standard 11th-generation iPad or even the mini 7 will handle it without issues - the battery holds up, graphics run smoothly in most titles, and the price stays reasonable.
If you want a large screen and smooth performance at high settings, go with the Air 13.
But if you are the kind of player who pushes everything to ultra, turns on ray tracing, plays for four to five hours straight, and even streams to a TV, then only a Pro with M4 or M5 makes sense. There is simply no real alternative - 120 Hz and OLED genuinely change the experience, especially in dark games like Resident Evil or Alan Wake 2.
In short, there is no single tablet that is perfect for everyone. Some people will be happy with a basic model, while others will find even the top-tier Pro not enough. The key is understanding your own personal threshold of what is enough and not overpaying for features you will never use.