What series and models of iPad are considered the best for the Procreate app, as of 2025? Which of these are good for at home, and also which ones are good for on the go?
Executive summary
The current consensus among reviewers and Procreate documentation is that the iPad Pro line (latest M4/M5 generations) and the iPad Air M3 deliver the best Procreate experience for professionals and serious hobbyists, while the A16-based 11" iPad and iPad Mini remain strong budget or ultra‑portable options (examples: iPad Pro M5, iPad Air M3, iPad A16 11") [1] [2] [3]. Procreate requires iPadOS 16.3 or newer, so compatibility and layer/feature limits depend on both model and OS — newer Pro/ Air models give more layers, better Apple Pencil features (hover, barrel roll, squeeze) and higher frame/refresh rates for a seamless drawing feel [4] [5] [2].
1. The short list: Which series and models reviewers single out
Reviewers put the latest iPad Pro models at the top for raw power and display quality — Creative Bloq highlights the M5 iPad Pro as "the most powerful" with the best screen and fastest refresh for Pencil use, while other outlets name the M4/M5 Pro and the iPad Pro 12.9" variants as the pro picks [1] [6] [7]. The iPad Air M3 is repeatedly cited as the best value for most artists — it delivers marked performance gains over M2 Air and supports advanced Procreate workflows for a lower price than Pro models [2] [1]. Budget and portable recommendations include the 11" A16 iPad and iPad Mini for mobile sketching and beginners [3] [8].
2. Why the Pro models matter for heavy Procreate use
Pro models matter because they offer the fastest chips, highest RAM options, and best displays, which increase maximum canvas size, layer counts and smoothness when working with complex files — reviewers tested these advantages in benchmarks and layer-count differences [2] [9]. Creative Bloq and other testing sites emphasize OLED displays and fast refresh rates on Pro models as decisive for a "seamless drawing experience" with Apple Pencil Pro [1].
3. Why the iPad Air M3 is the pragmatic favorite
Multiple reviewers and tests position the iPad Air M3 as the balance point: a step up in CPU/GPU from older Airs and enough performance for almost all Procreate projects while keeping cost and weight down [2] [1]. Creative Bloq notes the M3 Air outperforms the M2 Air in multi‑core and graphics tests — translating to more usable layers and less lag for typical digital-illustration work [2].
4. Budget and ultra‑portable options that still work well
For artists on a budget or who need true portability, the A16 11" iPad (early‑2025 A16 model) and the iPad Mini are repeatedly recommended: they run Procreate, support Apple Pencil (generation varies), and deliver acceptable layer counts and battery life for sketching on the go [3] [8]. Blogs aimed at artists present the A16 11" as "the best budget option" starting at low price points and the Mini as the "best portable iPad for Procreate" [3] [8].
5. On‑the‑go vs at‑home: matching model to workflow
If your workflow is studio‑grade—large canvases, many layers, animation or Dreams projects—pick a current iPad Pro (M4 or M5), especially the larger 12.9/13" OLED models for screen real estate and higher layer/track capacities [7] [1]. For mixed home-and-mobile use, the iPad Air M3 is the pragmatic choice: strong performance at lower weight and price, making it comfortable both on a desk and in a bag [2] [1]. For strictly mobile sketching, quick concept work, or tight budgets, the A16 11" iPad or iPad Mini give the best portability tradeoffs while remaining Procreate‑capable [3] [8].
6. Compatibility, features and hidden tradeoffs to watch
Procreate requires iPadOS 16.3+; newer OS versions unlock features (hover, barrel roll, squeeze) and increased layer limits so a model's OS upgradeability matters as much as raw chip speed [5] [4]. Apple Pencil generation compatibility varies by iPad — some cheaper iPads only take first‑gen Pencil or lack certain Pencil Pro features — and that affects pressure/shortcut features essential to advanced Procreate workflows [1] [10]. Reviewers warn that Pro models can be overkill for casual users and that storage/RAM choices materially alter maximum layers and project sizes [2] [11].
7. How to choose now: practical guidance
If you want "best possible" for demanding work and have the budget: choose the latest iPad Pro (M4/M5) and the larger display for detailed, multi‑layer projects [1] [6]. If you want the best value that will handle professional work: choose iPad Air M3 [2] [1]. If you prioritize portability or low cost: choose the A16 11" or iPad Mini [3] [8]. Confirm the Apple Pencil compatibility and that the device can run at least iPadOS 16.3 — reviewers and Procreate docs flag these as gating factors for features and performance [5] [4].
Limitations: available sources do not list an exhaustive per‑model layer table in a single canonical Apple/Procreate source; recommendations above synthesize multiple reviewer tests and Procreate compatibility notes [2] [4].