6 Best iPad for Note Taking in 2024

When it comes to taking notes in the class room or business meetings, you need an iPad that combines great stylus support, a high-quality display, portability, and productivity features. The iPad is a top choice for many because of its versatility, ease of use, and the many note-taking apps available.

Perfect for students, professionals, and creatives alike, the iPad offers a variety of options to enhance your note-taking experience.

This guide explores the best iPads for note-taking and helps you find the ideal device to fit your needs, whether you prioritize affordability or advanced features.

Once you’ve found the right iPad for note-taking, you may want to consider enhancing your setup with additional accessories. For example, investing in a high-quality keyboard can dramatically improve your productivity. Check out the best keyboards for Mac that integrate seamlessly with your new iPad to make note-taking easy and efficient.

Is an iPad good for note-taking?

All iPad variants are great for note-taking, mainly because there are so many great note-taking apps available for iPad. Most iPad models work with the rather expensive Apple Pencil to help you write notes, draw, and take other note-taking notes.

List of top 6 Best iPad for Note Taking in 2024

1. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

The iPad Pro packs all of Apple’s latest technology into a tablet form factor. If you’re looking for an iPad to use for note-taking, essay writing, watching Netflix, playing games, and video calling at home, the iPad Air offers a better balance of performance and price.

But for those with a hole in their pockets and who plan on playing a lot of games when they should be studying, the 11-inch iPad Pro comes with a new Ultra Retina XDR OLED display that has two layers (Apple calls it Tandem OLED) to produce the brightest panel ever, generating up to 1600 nits. It also has ProMotion for a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

The Pro iPad is the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet lineup, and as such, its performance and price feel like overkill for the average student. That said, if you want the best, you’ll find it here.

The 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) was released in May 2024, and despite its incredibly light and thin build, it packs a ton of performance inside. In an unprecedented move, Apple has introduced the new M4 processor to the iPad before the Mac, making the 11-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Pro the most recent devices in the Apple catalogue.

The camera is a 12-megapixel sensor, while the rear unit has a wide lens capable of recording video at up to 4K/60fps, as well as ProRes capabilities that will be interesting to video content creators. The front lens also has a TrueDepth array, enabling Face ID, a Pro-only feature on the iPad. There’s a center stage for video calls, and the cameras are positioned on the long edge to allow for landscape viewing.

The two size variants offer the same features, with 256GB of base storage, and are priced at $999/£999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299/£1,299 for the 13-inch model.

As I said, the iPad Pro might be too expensive for the average student, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great product for those who can afford it and take advantage of all the power it has to offer.

No other iPad supports up to 2TB of memory, up to 8GB of RAM, or the same processor as the MacBook Pro. That means that for the average student, you might need to spend all these extra upgrades.

Check Price

2. iPad Air M2 2024

With its 11-inch display, modern design, light weight (462g), great camera, and very powerful processor, the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) is a great choice for students.

Unfortunately, it’s a bit pricey for a tablet at the moment, starting at $599/£599, but it now includes 128GB of storage, which is double the base iPad Air (2022, M1) it replaces. That’s the perfect combination of power, storage, and features, and at a reasonable price, I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone starting out in school.

The biggest change to the 2024 model is the inclusion of the M2 processor, the same chip used in previous-generation iPad Pro models and several new Macs. In the iPad Air, it’s this chip that makes the device fly.

The camera is a 12MP wide lens (same as the iPad Pro) that can record video at up to 4K/60fps, and like the other iPads in this list, the front-facing camera takes centre stage with a 12MP ultra-wide, now cleverly placed on the long side of the chassis to allow for landscape viewing.

Essentially, the 2024 iPad Air is a cheaper 2022 iPad Pro. The only major feature missing is the 120Hz ProMotion screen refresh rate, but most people won’t notice.

There are plenty of colours to choose from, and if you want to complete the Apple-flavored package, the 11-inch iPad Air supports the Magic Keyboard ($299/£299), Apple Pencil Pro ($129/£129), and Apple Pencil USB-C ($79/£79). See also: Apple Pencil comparison: Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad?

If you prefer a larger display, there’s also the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) with all the same specs and features, starting at $799/£799.

For students who need premium performance and the best iPad you can get without the Pro name, we highly recommend the 11-inch iPad Air (M2).

Check Price

3. Apple iPad Air (5th generation)

The best iPad for note-taking, the Apple iPad Air offers impressive processing and internet speeds, and a build that rivals the more expensive Pros, making it the best value for money iPad.

The lightweight tablet can do it all, including note-taking. Compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), the iPad Air makes it easy to take notes in class or meetings, and even lets you watch seminars virtually if you need to. Most of Apple’s products are customisable, and this one is no different. You can choose from five colours and increase or decrease the storage space as needed.

You can also set your iPad to use cellular data if you feel Wi-Fi isn’t enough for class or commuting. For students or professionals who frequently use their tablets on the go, a cellular data plan will ensure you’re always online and accessible.

Check Price

4. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)

The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) is the perfect iPad for note-taking. The M2 chip and 8-core CPU deliver incredible speed and efficiency. This iPad offers a variety of storage options, from 128GB to a massive 2TB, so you can store all your digital notes, documents, and apps.

Plus, the Liquid Retina display makes all your notes, sketches, and documents look sharp and vivid, making it a pleasure to use for long periods of time.

While the iPad Pro has many great features, it’s important to consider its drawbacks. Some people have mixed opinions about its battery life and performance during intensive use. However, its impressive features, including USB-C with Thunderbolt support, and powerful performance make it the perfect iPad for note-takers.

Check Price

5. Apple iPad Mini (6th generation)

The Apple iPad mini features 64GB of storage, an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488, and is powered by the A15 Bionic chip. It features a 12MP wide rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera, USB-C connectivity, and up to 10 hours of battery life.

The Apple iPad Mini (6th generation) has emerged as the best mid-range iPad for note-taking. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488 provides a vivid and clear viewing experience. The A15 Bionic chip allows for smooth performance, allowing for seamless multitasking during note-taking sessions.

While opinions vary on battery life and overall quality, the iPad Mini shines with its compact design and user-friendly interface. With its lightweight design and stunning display, it’s a preferred choice for students looking for the best mid-range iPad for note-taking.

Check Price

6. Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro

The Apple iPad Pro offers the processing power and visuals to replace your laptop. Why we chose it: iPad Pro was chosen for its processing power and versatility for a variety of classroom uses, from video and photo editing to Zoom meetings and organizing studies.

The Apple iPad Pro offers everything a college student could want. From access to useful apps to the ability to use the best video, audio, and photo editing software. Apple’s M2 processor, which is also used in several laptop models, can replace a laptop or desktop CPU.

It’s great for working with complex apps and working with a variety of media for presentations. It also offers impressive 5G performance (as an add-on) on a bright, clear screen with minimal reflection. Adding 5G will improve performance when using programs or streaming from unusual locations.

The price of this model can be a barrier. Yes, it’s the best tablet for college students, and it can help you transition from undergraduate to professional without any problems. However, you’ll pay the same or more for a laptop. The M2 also outperforms the iPadOS operating system, which can’t take full advantage of all its capabilities. The gap is reflected in its poor multitasking capabilities.

Check Price

What to Know Before Buying an iPad for Note-taking?

With so many options available, it’s important to know which iPad best suits your needs, as each iteration of Apple’s products is increasingly geared toward a variety of uses.

Types of Note-taking

There are two types of note-taking devices to consider before purchasing one. The first is the traditional way, using a pen or stylus. Most versions of the iPad come with a great stylus called the Apple Pencil, which allows users to quickly take notes while using apps installed on the device or the Notes app. The second form of note-taking requires a keyboard. Apple has its own Pencil, but keyboards are generally available from a variety of manufacturers, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.

Note-taking Apps

An important consideration when using an iPad for note-taking is which apps to use. The App Store is full of great options, each with its own unique interface and set of tools. Whether it’s a small feature that sets the app apart or a workspace that makes note-taking much easier, all of the apps on the App Store help you take notes, organize them, and have all your information available whenever you need it.

Also consider what storage features the app has. Some apps support iCloud storage or backups, while others take up storage space on your device.

Apple Pencil

To fully control the iPad, Apple has created an updated version of the Apple Pencil with each iteration of the iPad. The tablet works great without it, but when it comes to taking notes, the Apple Pencil truly enhances the iPad experience and is compatible with all note-taking apps.

Portability

A good note-taking device needs to be portable. For it to be a good replacement for a small notebook and pen, it also needs to be neither too heavy nor too bulky. As such, the larger iPad models may not be a good fit for this use case. Size matters when you’re holding a laptop or resting it on your lap for long periods of time. A good note-taking device should be large enough to allow you to see as much information as possible on the screen without wrist fatigue or screen tearing.

iOS

One of the biggest reasons for the rise in popularity of the iPad has been the constant improvement of its operating system. The features of iOS far surpass those of any other operating system on the tablet, and have inspired the creation of countless apps that have become a major selling point for Apple products. That means you need a more powerful note-taking app to boost your productivity.

Battery

A good note-taking device should have long battery life. Without a reliable battery, you can’t take notes on the jobsite or on a long international flight. Battery life is also an important consideration for students or conference attendees who want to lighten their load without having to carry a charger everywhere. The new iPad models feature larger batteries.

Budget

On average, an Apple iPad costs between $500 and $900, depending on the size and model. The first-generation Apple Pencil costs $99, while the latest generation costs over $900.

Is the iPad Pro better for note-taking or the iPad Air?

Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro support Apple’s second-generation Apple Pencil, but only the iPad Pro supports Apple’s Hover feature thanks to the M2 processor. Whether you’re drawing complex drawings or taking simple notes, the Hover feature can be a key part of your iPad Pro.

FAQs

Which iPad is best for note-taking?

The iPad Pro is considered the best for note-taking due to its performance and Apple Pencil support.

Is an Apple Pencil necessary for note-taking on iPad?

While it’s not strictly necessary, the Apple Pencil greatly enhances your note-taking experience with its precise input and additional features.

Which Apple Pencil is compatible with my iPad?

If you’ve chosen Apple Pencil as the iPad stylus that’s best for you, you’ll need to choose the right stylus for your iPad. The latest model is the Apple Pencil Pro, which is compatible only with the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), and iPad Air 11-inch (M2).

The Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with the iPad Air (4th generation or later), all iPad Pro models from 2018 onward, and the latest iPad mini (6th generation).

The first-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the current standard iPad (the 10.2-inch model from 2020/10.9-inch model from 2022) and the previous iPad Pro, Air, and mini models. For more information, see our Apple Pencil vs. Apple Pencil 2 guide, which details the differences and compatibility between the two models. If you’re not sure which iPad you have, check out our list of iPad generations.

What’s the best iPad for writing?

I think the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is a great choice for writers, offering a great screen size, enough processing power to fit most laptops, and a keyboard that can keep up with even the most demanding writers.

Is the iPad and Apple Pencil good for note-taking?

A good note-taking app should make the most of the pressure sensitivity and tilt support of the Apple Pencil to make writing on screen feel like writing on paper. For those who prefer to type, the app should also offer full keyboard support.

Which iPad is best for students note-taking according to Quora?

A larger iPad is the right device for you. I recommend using the iPad 12.9-inch iPad with a Pencil (or keyboard, if you can). The larger screen size, higher refresh rate, higher data transfer speed of the Pencil, and excellent screen quality will make note-taking a pleasure.

Are there any free note-taking apps available for the iPad?

Yes, there are several free note-taking apps available, including Apple Notes, Microsoft OneNote, and Evernote.

Which iPad is best for drawing and typing?

The current generation of iPads are all great for drawing. However, if you want new features like the Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil hover support, the iPad Pro 11-inch M2 (or the 12.9-inch M2 if you don’t mind the bulkier size) is the best option.

Can students use iPads instead of laptops?

Whether you’re a student or a parent, finding the right computer for your school is an important decision. Both Macs and iPads are great choices for college and would be great choices. To decide which device is best for you, consider how you work and what you’ll be using the device for. Many students choose to use both.

Is an iPad good enough for note-taking?

While all iPads offer a great note-taking experience, here are some recommendations on how to choose. If you want the best experience, get an iPad Air. The 2nd generation Apple Pencil makes all the difference.

Can a stylus damage your iPad?

Styluses that are certified or designed for iPad, such as the Apple Pencil or third-party options like the Zagg Pro Stylus, are made with a soft tip, so there is no risk of damaging your iPad. The only real risk is if you use a stylus that is not intended for iPad and is not specifically optimized for the iPad screen. This can damage your iPad screen and may not work properly. So stick with an iPad stylus and you should be fine.

Can any stylus work with an iPad?

Theoretically, yes. Passive styluses that do not have a wireless connection work on any tablet, as they work in a similar way to using your finger. You simply apply pressure to the screen. That said, we recommend only buying from reputable brands to avoid damaging your tablet display (see the question above).

However, to take advantage of more sophisticated features, you’ll need an iPad stylus that connects to the tablet and provides more input. There are hundreds of these styluses advertised as compatible with iPad, but they all offer different features and experiences. We recommend the Apple Pencil, as it’s one of the few choices that offers full pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and palm rejection support for a better drawing experience.