Group test: what's the best iPad?

5. 5th generation iPod touch

• Reviewed on: 16 October 12
• RRP: £249 inc. VAT
• Rating:

Price aside, whether you're in it for the apps, games, or media, this is an iPod you'll treasure. With its improved cameras, zippy performance, bright and roomy display, support for Siri, and more colourful and statuesque form, the fifth-generation iPod touch is a winner. It may be slightly fascetious to include it in an iPad chart - but only slightly. It's smaller, but has much the same functionality as the iPad mini. And it's a much cheaper option.

4. Apple iPad

• Reviewed on: 21 March 12
• RRP: From £399 inc VAT (16GB with Wi-Fi) -
• Rating:

You may not be able to buy direct from Apple, but expect there to be plenty of third-generation iPads kicking around for a while yet. It may lack 4G connectivity, but the iPad 3 remains a stunning device.

3. Apple iPad 2

• Reviewed on: 18 April 11
• RRP: From £329 inc VAT
• Rating:

Still available as the cheapest full-sized iPad, the second-generation Apple tablet remains a classic - better than almost all Android devices.

2. Apple iPad Mini

• Reviewed on: 9 November 12
• RRP: Wi-Fi: £269 (16GB), £349 (32GB), £429 (64GB)
• Rating:

The iPad mini is a premium small tablet, with a price to match. It's a shame Apple couldn't have included a Retina screen and newer processor - expect the next iPad mini to get those updates. This Wi-Fi only model also lacks GPS. It's not cheap by any stretch, especially if you want more storage spare or the 3G/4G cellular version, but it's great value compared to a full-size iPad. You can save £80 by buying a Nexus 7, which has double the storage, GPS and NFC, but if you must have an iDevice, it won't disappoint.

1. iPad 4

• Reviewed on: 29 January 13
• RRP: WiFi only: £399 (16GB); £479 (32 GB); £559 (64 GB); £639 (128GB)
• Rating:

Current iPad 3 owners needn't bother upgrading unless you desperately want 4G connectivity. For everyone else, the iPad 4 is the quickest iPad yet and a solid choice for a tablet in which we can barely find fault.