Apple iPad 10 review: a versatile, budget-friendly tablet with a bigger screen and faster performance

How we tested the Apple iPad 10

Over the past four months, I’ve tested the iPad 10th Gen with my two boys—a reception-aged child and a pre-schooler. 

As part of this review, I also tried out the iPad Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil to see how they enhanced the experience.

I’ll admit, testing started off slow for me. My husband is an Apple devotee, but I’ve been firmly in the Samsung camp for years, so it took me a while to adjust. However, after four months of hands-on use, I now have a solid grasp of what this tablet offers for families.

Apple iPad 10: how does it look?

The iPad 10th Gen has a sleek, modern design with flat edges, giving it a more premium look similar to the iPad Air and Pro models. It features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with slim, uniform bezels, offering a larger screen area compared to previous models without increasing the overall size too much.

The Home button is gone, and the Touch ID sensor has been moved to the power button on the top edge. It comes in vibrant colour options like blue, pink, yellow, and silver. The device I tested was pink, which I’m personally okay with, but if I were purchasing one as a device for the whole family, I’d opt for a more neutral colour like grey.

The aluminium body feels sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy to carry around for school or everyday use. Overall, it’s a stylish and functional upgrade from older iPads.

What age group is the Apple iPad 10 for?

The iPad 10th Gen is a solid device for school-aged kids and teenagers, especially if paired with a keyboard for homework or creative projects. However, for younger children (under six), I’d be hesitant to let them use it without a robust protective case and close monitoring.

The good news is that this iPad will receive software updates for years to come—likely up to eight years—so it’s a device that will last well into your child’s later school years if you choose to purchase one for them now.

Is the Apple iPad 10 child friendly?

While it’s an excellent tablet in many ways, the iPad 10th Gen isn’t the most child-friendly device out of the box. Here’s why:

• No kids’ mode: Unlike Samsung tablets, there’s no built-in child profile for safe browsing.

• Parental controls are limited: Apple’s Screen Time feature is useful but can be restrictive for families sharing one device.

• No multi-user support: This means it’s difficult to set different rules and limits for each child.

• Durability: Without a solid protective case, it’s not as robust as some kids' tablets, like Amazon’s Fire tablets.

That said, it’s still a fantastic device for older children who don’t need as many restrictions.

How parent-friendly is the Apple iPad 10?

For parents, the iPad 10th Gen shines in areas like usability and performance. If you’re using it for work, personal admin, or entertainment, it’s a pleasure to use—especially with the Magic Keyboard Folio, which turns it into a mini laptop.

However, the lack of separate user accounts means you’ll constantly be toggling parental controls, which can be frustrating. 

It’s also worth noting that while the base price is attractive, you’ll likely need to invest in a case, storage upgrade, and possibly a keyboard or Apple Pencil—so the cost can add up quickly.

What are the differences between the Apple iPad 10 and its predecessor?

If you’re upgrading from the 9th Gen iPad, here’s what’s new:

• Modern design: The 10th Gen ditches the home button and bezels for a sleek, edge-to-edge look.

• Bigger screen: A 10.9-inch display (vs. 10.2 inches on the 9th Gen).

• USB-C charging: No more Lightning port!

• Better performance: Upgraded from the A13 to the A14 Bionic chip.

• Improved cameras: 12MP rear and front cameras for better photos and video calls.

• New placement for front camera: Now centred when in landscape mode, making video calls more natural.

• Higher price: The 10th Gen costs more than its predecessor.

What are the standout features of the Apple iPad 10 for school-age children?

For school-going kids, the iPad 10th Gen offers a larger 10.9-inch display that's perfect for reading and multitasking, along with the Apple Pencil support for easy note-taking and creative projects. The horizontally positioned front camera also makes video calls and online classes more natural and engaging in my opinion.

Another bonus is that this tablet offers great value for money. It delivers a high-quality Apple experience at a fraction of the price of premium models. 

While not perfect for families, it’s still a great option for parents looking for a versatile tablet that can grow with their child—whether for school, creativity, or entertainment.

Do you think the Apple iPad 10 is good value for money?

At £329 (often found on sale or refurbished), the iPad 10th Gen is an excellent choice for families looking for a solid, long-lasting tablet. It’s not perfect—multi-user support and a dedicated Kids Mode would make it far better—but for older kids, teenagers, and parents alike, it offers impressive performance at a fair price. Just be prepared to spend extra on accessories like a protective case, keyboard, and additional storage.

Would I recommend it? Yes—but with some caveats. If you need a purely child-friendly device, a Samsung tablet with dedicated Kids Mode or an Amazon Fire device might be better fits. However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded family tablet that works for parents and older kids alike, this is a great investment.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. As a parent of two DC, she knows how much time and effort is needed when searching for the best toys and technology for children.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.