If you've ever asked someone "what tablet should I get?", there's a good chance they said "just get an iPad." And for a long time, that was genuinely good advice.

But tablets have come a long way, and the iPad now costs quite a bit more than it used to. So I want to give you an honest answer: is the standard iPad still the right choice for most older adults in 2026, or are there better options?

Here's what I found after spending several weeks with the current model.

I used the iPad (10th generation), which is Apple's entry-level model and the one most people are referring to when they say "just get an iPad." At the time of writing, it retails for around $449 CAD.

I used it for the things most of my readers actually do: video calls, reading articles and books, watching YouTube, browsing the web, and keeping in touch with family through email and messaging apps.

The 10.9-inch display is bright, sharp, and easy to read. Text looks crisp even at smaller sizes, and colours are vivid without being garish. If you're coming from an older tablet or a small phone screen, the difference will be immediately noticeable.

One of the most frustrating things about cheaper tablets is that they start to feel sluggish after a year or two. Apps take longer to open, scrolling gets choppy, and the whole experience becomes annoying. The iPad doesn't have this problem. It's fast when you buy it and stays fast.

Almost every app you'd want — FaceTime, WhatsApp, Netflix, YouTube, CBC Gem, Kindle, your bank's app — is available on iPad and tends to be better designed than on Android. Apps are generally more polished and easier to navigate.

If your children or grandchildren have iPhones, setting up an iPad to share photos, contacts, and messages through iCloud is very straightforward. Everything just connects.

I consistently got 9 to 10 hours of real use on a charge — enough for a full day of reading, video calls, and browsing without needing to plug in.

$449 is a lot of money for a tablet, especially when you can get a capable Android tablet for $200 to $300. If budget is a concern, the price difference is hard to ignore.

Apple removed the headphone jack from the 10th-generation iPad, which means you can't plug in regular wired earbuds. You'll need to use Bluetooth headphones or buy an adapter. This is a genuine inconvenience, especially if you already have earbuds you like.

The 10th-generation iPad uses a USB-C cable to charge, but it comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable — which means it won't charge with the power brick that came with older iPhones (those use USB-A to Lightning). You may need to buy a new charger. It's a small thing, but it catches people off guard.

iOS has a lot going on. Notifications, settings menus, app permissions — there's a learning curve. Most people get comfortable within a few weeks, but the first few days can feel like a lot.

The iPad is still my top recommendation if:

• You want the best possible app quality and long-term software support
• You already use an iPhone and want everything to work together seamlessly
• You're comfortable spending a bit more for something that will last 5+ years
• Someone in your family uses Apple devices and can help you set it up

Consider an Android tablet (like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+) if:

• Budget is a priority — you can save $150 to $200
• You already use an Android phone and want things to stay consistent
• You mainly want to browse the web, watch videos, and video call — Android handles all of this well

Check the current price of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ on Amazon →

The iPad is still excellent. It's fast, reliable, has the best app selection of any tablet, and will receive software updates for many years to come. If you can afford it, you won't regret it.

But it's no longer the obvious choice it once was. Android tablets have improved significantly, and for many people, a Samsung Galaxy Tab at a lower price point will do everything they need just as well.

Bottom line: Buy the iPad if you want the best and the budget is there. If you're watching your spending, a mid-range Android tablet is now a perfectly reasonable alternative.

Check the current price of the iPad on Amazon →

Have a device you'd like me to review? Send me a message through the contact page.