The Best IPad For Procreate In 2022

Procreate is an incredible tool for creating digital art. Both beginners and professionals can enjoy this program and create amazing art. And the best part is that it’s super accessible so that anyone can give it a go!

But as Procreate was designed with iPads in mind, you’ll need an iPad to start! The difficult question is, which is the best iPad for Procreate?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Procreate on an iPad. I’ll cover which iPads are best for Procreate and what to look for when buying a new iPad.

So, let’s get stuck in!

A Buying Guide to the Best iPad for Procreate
Here’s what you need to know when shopping for the best iPad for Procreate.

What iPads work with Procreate?
Before you buy an iPad, the first thing you should check is its Procreate compatibility. It’s fairly straightforward, as any iPad that dates from 2015 or later will work with Procreate.

So, unless your iPad is very old, you shouldn’t need to worry. And if you’re buying a new iPad, it’s unlikely you’ll go for one of these older iPads. In the meantime, Apple has come up with many newer, more powerful models.

That doesn’t mean you need to splash out on the latest iPad. Loads of iPads work seamlessly with Procreate, from affordable to premium models. So, you’re sure to find something that suits your budget.

Screen Size & Quality
When choosing an iPad for Procreate, the display is one of the most crucial factors in your decision. You want a high-quality screen to make your artwork look amazing and show it in high definition.

The more recent the iPad (and the more expensive), the better the screen. You should look for a high resolution and check the technology used for the display.

The best iPads have Apple’s premium technology, the Liquid Retina display. While the iPad Pro and Air fall into this category, the iPad mini has the more basic Retina screen. That relies on OLED technology, while the Liquid Retina uses LCD tech.

The main difference is the deepness and vividness of colors. The Retina display also uses more energy.

Other factors that affect the display are the resolution and color gamut. The higher the resolution, the more crisp and sharp the visuals will be.

And when it comes to the color gamut, it’s normally measured in percentages. A wider color gamut (or higher percentage) will provide vibrant and true-to-life colors.

But it’s not just the screen quality you should consider, though. You’ll also need to decide on the right size screen for your needs.

For Procreate users, the more space you have to work on, the better. It will allow you to get creative without any screen limitations. In contrast, you’ll need to zoom in and out more on a smaller iPad.

You should also consider whether you’ll need to travel or commute with your iPad. If so, a smaller iPad may be more practical as it’s compact and can slip into most bags.

Chip/Processor
The processor is another vital factor that will affect your Procreate drawing experience. As it’s an intensive program, you’ll need a robust processor, commonly known as the chip in Apple products.

The more powerful the processor, the more responsive your iPad will be. So, you’ll be able to run demanding apps and have several programs open at once, all without lags or crashes.

As a result, using Procreate will feel more streamlined, and you can draw to your heart’s content.

RAM
RAM is important for Procreate iPad users as it will affect how many layers you can use in your designs.

Adding in more layers gives you greater creative control. It also opens up more options for your artwork. So, you’ll find it easier to make edits and adjustments, making the process more flexible.

An iPad with more RAM costs more, but it’s worth it. A powerful chip and plenty of RAM are the perfect combinations for an iPad with Procreate.

Storage Options
Finally, don’t forget to consider how much storage you’ll need on your iPad. Your artwork, fonts, and Procreate design elements all take up space.

The iPad Pro provides up to 1 TB of storage, which even the most prolific artist will struggle to fill. But other models may offer as little as 64 GB of storage. If that’s the case, you could risk running out of space, or you’ll need to back up more often.

Plus, if you have more storage, you can download as many apps as you like. That’s why I recommend going for at least 256 GB of storage. Ample storage translates to peace of mind, as you’ll know you won’t max out space on your iPad.

At the same time, you should weigh the price compared to how much storage you get. If you don’t need 1 TB of space, there’s no need to pay extra. You can use the 256 or 512 GB model and save yourself some cash!

Top 3 Products Quick Comparison
If you’re short on time, check out this quick summary of the best iPads for Procreate. These three options are each excellent and won’t let you down.

The iPad Pro is the clear choice if you want a luxury iPad and don’t mind paying for a premium product.

If you’re looking for a mid-range tablet, the iPad Air fits the bill. Cheaper than the iPad Pro, it still provides a great user experience.

Finally, the iPad Mini is compact and makes for a fantastic travel iPad. It’s reasonably priced and easy to take anywhere, making it a great first iPad.

Product Name & CategoryApple iPad Pro 12.9 – Best Overall iPad for ProcreateApple iPad Air – Runner UpApple iPad Mini – Best Portable iPad for ProcreateSize11.04 x 8.6 x 0.25 inches9.74 x 7 x 0.24 inches8 x 5.3 x 0.24 inchesScreen size12.9 inches10.9 inches7.9 inchesResolution2732 x 2048 pixels2360 x 1640 pixels2048 x 1536 pixelsConnectionsLightning, USB 3.0, magnetic connector, WiFi, BluetoothLightning, USB 2.0, WiFi, BluetoothLightning USB 2.0, Bluetooth, WiFiOSiPadOS 14iPadOS 14iPadOS 14Best iPads for Procreate
Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Best Overall iPad for Procreate

(Image credit: Apple)

Let’s start with the Apple iPad Pro. This is the flashiest (and most expensive) iPad available right now. It rivals a laptop in size and beats it in clarity. And while it’s quite an investment, it’s an excellent tool at your disposal.

You can use the iPad Pro to create amazing artwork in Procreate. But it’s a versatile tablet that you can use for anything from streaming video to Facetiming.

If you only plan to use it for Procreate, you may not want to spend as much. In that case, skip this review and look at some of the cheaper iPads reviewed below.

But if you want to hear more, here’s all you need to know about this iPad!

The iPad Pro is a superb tablet with a breathtaking liquid retina display. Visuals look incredible on this 12.9-inch screen, with outstanding clarity and contrast. It’s hard to find a tablet that can beat the iPad Pro for its exceptional display.

So, if you value your artwork and want it to look as crisp and vivid as possible, that’s the reason for buying the iPad pro.

But it has a lot more going for it, too. A powerful, robust processor powers this iPad, so it can handle anything you throw at it. You won’t have any issues with lags or because you’re running too many apps. You can run intensive programs like Procreate with ease.

It also comes with up to 1TB of storage, so you’ll unlikely run out of space. And despite its generous size, it feels lightweight yet sturdy. You won’t need to baby it, and it’s easy to travel with it.

The Apple iPad Pro is ideal if you want an amazing tablet and are willing to pay a premium. That beautiful large screen is a joy to draw on and works seamlessly with the Apple Pen. The precision and responsiveness will blow your mind.

The iPad Pro allows you to go beyond what you could imagine and let your creativity flow. So, if you have the budget, what are you waiting for? Snap it up now!

* Size: 11.04 x 8.6 x 0.25 inches
* Screen size: 12.9 inches
* Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels
* Connections: Lightning, USB 3.0, magnetic connector, WiFi, Bluetooth
* OS: iPadOS 14

Pros:

* The iPad Pro is the largest of all the iPads and is ideal for use with Procreate
* It has dazzling visuals with crystal clarity and vivid colors
* It has extensive storage, with up to 1 TB of space
* It’s robust and can handle the most demanding apps with no delays

Cons:

* It’s the most expensive iPad on the market right now

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Apple iPad Air
Runner Up iPad for Procreate

(Image credit: Apple)

While the iPad Pro is a sensational tablet, the high cost makes it less accessible. The good news is that there’s the right iPad for everyone, no matter your budget.

The iPad Air wins runner-up for the best iPad for Procreate for several reasons. Firstly, it’s less expensive than the iPad Air and won’t cut into your savings as much.

But it’s also an excellent tablet that’s powerful and looks great. The TrueTone display is gorgeous, making it perfect for drawing in Procreate.

You can also use it for many other uses, such as video editing, taking photos, etc. It has great cameras, with a 12MP back camera and a 7MP front camera for selfies and video calls.

The 10.9-inch screen is slightly smaller than the iPad Pro, and you’ll notice the difference. But it’s not all bad – this iPad is more easily portable and will fit in most bags. At the same time, 10.9 inches is still a decent size for digital art.

The iPad Air boasts an improved processor and 4 GB of RAM. These features make this model more responsive, powerful, and faster. You’ll experience fewer lags than with older iPads, so you’ll spend less time waiting and more time creating!

One minor drawback is that this iPad provides up to 256 GB of storage. You may find that restrictive if you produce a lot of artwork or animations. Unfortunately, there’s no way to expand the storage. So, you’ll need to get into the habit of backing up to the Cloud instead.

The iPad Air offers a fantastic yet affordable option while providing a large space to draw on. It’s for anyone who wants quality but is watching their spending. The specs and features don’t disappoint; you still get a generous screen to work on.

* Size: 9.74 x 7 x 0.24 inches
* Screen size: 10.9 inches
* Resolution: 2360 x 1640 pixels
* Connections: Lightning, USB 2.0, WiFi, Bluetooth
* OS: iPadOS 14

Pros:

* An excellent tablet that is more affordable than the Pro and offers great value for money
* It’s more compact, so it’s easier to travel or commute with the iPad Air
* It has two great cameras
* It has a good processor and 4 GB of RAM, so it’s responsive

Cons:

* The storage is quite small, with up to 256 GB, and no way to upgrade beyond that
* The specs aren’t as impressive as the iPad Pro

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Apple iPad Mini
Best Portable iPad for Procreate

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPad Mini is Apple’s solution for the budget-conscious or anyone who prefers a smaller tablet. It’s one of the cheapest iPads on the market, making it attractive if you’re on a tight budget. You can use Procreate on the iPad Mini without any problems, too!

At 7.9 inches, it’s not much larger than the biggest smartphones. But you still get the signature Apply quality and stellar Retina display. Apple has used a different technology for the Retina screen than Liquid Retina. But only the most discerning eye will notice the difference.

The iPad Mini costs less than the iPad Air, but it rivals it for processing power and storage. So, the screen size is the biggest deciding factor if you choose between these two models.

The benefit of the iPad Mini is that you can take it anywhere without needing an extra bag to carry it. It’s so lightweight that you’ll hardly even notice it’s there. So, if you often travel and prefer to pack light, go for the iPad Mini.

It does have a smaller area to work on, though. For heavy Procreate users, you may find the little screen cramps your style. You can zoom in, but it’s not such a smooth user experience.

Besides the size, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on much. The screen lacks nothing in accuracy and sharpness, and it works well with Procreate. With the high resolution and vibrant colors, your artwork will look beautiful.

The iPad Mini is an excellent compact tablet that’s reasonably priced. For this reason, it’s popular among students, beginners, and anyone on a budget.

Whether you want a portable tablet or need to save cash, it’s a great option for getting started with Procreate. But if you become an avid digital artist, you may want to upgrade to a larger screen at some point.

* Size: 8 x 5.3 x 0.24 inches
* Screen size: 7.9 inches
* Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels
* Connections: Lightning USB 2.0, Bluetooth, WiFi
* OS: iPadOS 14

Pros:

* It’s the smallest and most portable iPad around
* It offers fantastic value for money and is a good budget option
* The screen is sharp and high-quality

Cons:

* You only get a limited space to draw on
* It doesn’t have as much storage
* The cameras aren’t as powerful

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Apple Pencil
Best Stylus for iPad

(Image credit: Apple)

This next product isn’t an iPad, but it is an essential product you’ll need when working in Procreate. The Apple Pencil is my recommended stylus for pairing with any iPad.

Procreate alone is powerful. But it excels when paired with an excellent stylus like the Apple Pencil.

The Apple Pencil is the only officially supported stylus for iPads. While some other third-party pens may work, it’s not guaranteed, and you may get an error message from time to time. Plus, you may be unable to access advanced features such as tilt and pressure sensitivity.

Both the first and second-generation Apple Pencils work seamlessly with most iPads. Depending on your iPad, you can find out which one you need here.

The Apple Pencil will take your digital art to the next level. It is very accurate and responsive, giving you greater precision over your drawings. That’s essential for perfecting those intricate details.

But most importantly, it offers tilt recognition and has pressure sensitivity. These features let you control the line thickness, weight, and shading.

It feels like drawing with a regular pencil, with smooth gliding, and just the right amount of texture. Using this pen will come naturally to beginners and professional artists.

You will need to buy the Apple Pencil separately, and it’s not cheap. But it’s worth every dollar. You’ll get a flawless experience, lag-free drawing, and precise control. It’s hard to find another stylus that compares to the Apple Pencil.

* Length: 6.92 inches
* Weight: 0.73 oz
* Pen pressure sensitivity: Yes – unspecified
* Connections: Bluetooth and Lightning Connector

Pros:

* The Apple Pencil is super sensitive and responsive
* It’s lightweight and attaches magnetically to your iPad
* It works seamlessly with iPads

Cons:

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FAQ
Is Procreate Only Available for iPad?
You’ll first need to know that Procreate only works on iPads and iPhones. It was created specifically for Apple products, so it won’t work on an Android tablet.

For this reason, you won’t even find it for sale in the Google Play Store or anywhere else.

Due to the screen size, an iPad works better for digital art than an iPhone. And that’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best iPads for Procreate!

How Much is Procreate on iPad?
You may be wondering where I can get Procreate and how much does it cost? You can only download Procreate from the App Store. It’s not available on Google Play Store or anywhere else.

The good news is that Procreate is very affordable. It costs only $9.99 for lifetime use (although the price may vary slightly from region to region).

Do You Need an Apple Pencil for Procreate?
The short answer is no; you don’t need an Apple Pencil for Procreate. But there’s a bit more you should consider before you buy a stylus for your iPad.

You can use a third-party stylus with your iPad for Procreate. But the Apple Pencil is widely thought of as the best stylus for Procreate. In fact, the official advice from the Procreate team is to use the Apple Pencil.

The reason is that this app was created and designed specifically for use with the Apple Pencil. So, without a doubt, it will give the best results.

If you do decide to go for a different stylus, make sure you do your research. Digital pens vary from basic (and disappointing) models to high-end styluses. The best stylus will be responsive with pressure sensitivity for accuracy and precision.

The Wrap Up
Now you know everything you need to know about using an iPad with Procreate. And you should have a good idea of which iPad will work best for you.

While that will depend on your needs and budget, the iPad Pro wins the title of the best iPad for artists. You can’t beat that incredible display with vibrant colors and crystal-clear visuals. It’s the fastest, most powerful tablet and gives you more space to get creative.

But if you’re looking for a cheaper option, the iPad Air is an excellent runner-up. It provides great specs at lower prices beginners will appreciate.

And finally, the iPad Mini is ideal for anyone on a budget or wanting a portable tablet. It’s compact and easy to take anywhere, allowing you to stay creative wherever you go!

Each of these iPads has its pros and cons, but they all work perfectly with the Apple Pencil.

So take your pick, and let me know which one you go for in the comments! Drop any questions below, and then head to Pinterest and follow me there. I’ll keep you updated with the best creative resources, reviews, and more.

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My name is Outmane, I’m the creative artist designer behind Proactive Creative

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