Our pick
iPad 9 10.2 Inch
Our top pick: newest model, longest software support, same easy setup
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 364 reviews
From$169
New from $329
- Fair
- Good
- Excellent
iPads for Grandparents
An easy iPad for video calls, photos and news
10-inch screens, tested and graded, with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns.
- 1-year warranty
- 30-day free returns
- Tested in Las Vegas
Will it work for me?
Good for
- FaceTime and Zoom calls with family
- Photos and videos you share
- News, email and books
- Netflix, YouTube and TV apps
- Larger text and Zoom for easier reading
Not for
- Lots of typing (add a keyboard if needed)
- Use away from Wi-Fi, unless you pick a cellular model
Our verdict
The iPad 9 is the easy pick. If budget matters most, the iPad 7 handles the same video calls and photos for less.
Our picks
Our pick
iPad 8 10.2 Inch
Same screen and apps as the iPad 9 for less
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 743 reviews
From$109
New from $329
- Fair
- Good
- Excellent
Our pick
iPad 7 10.2 Inch
Lowest price that still runs FaceTime, Zoom and Netflix well
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 664 reviews
From$99
New from $329
- Fair
- Good
- Excellent
Our pick
iPad Air 10.5 Inch
Thinner and lighter, with a sharper screen for photos
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 218 reviews
From$139
New from $499
- Fair
- Good
- Excellent
All iPads for Grandparents
iPads for Grandparents buying guide
Which iPad for a grandparent
- iPad 9: our top pick. Its 12MP front camera with Center Stage keeps them in frame during video calls, and it runs iPadOS 26.
- iPad 8: the same 10.2-inch screen for less, and it also runs iPadOS 26.
- iPad 7: the lowest price. It stops at iPadOS 18 but handles FaceTime, Zoom and photos fine.
- iPad Air 10.5: thinner and lighter, with a laminated screen that sits right under the glass.
Setting it up
You'll need a Wi-Fi network and an Apple Account. In Settings, under Accessibility, you can make the text larger and turn on Zoom. Add FaceTime and Photos to the home screen, and use a Shared Album so the family can send pictures straight to the iPad.
What the grades mean
Excellent, Good and Fair only differ in how the outside looks. Every grade passes the same tests, has battery health of 80% or higher and gets the same 1-year warranty, which also covers accidental damage like a cracked screen or a drop.