Best affordable iPad for Procreate? To be a successful artist in a short time, this world is a bit more challenging and probably impossible if you don’t concentrate on your work and listen to clients. So it’s not just a competition, but also several factors like the correct platform, best apps for drawing and design, best iPad Stylus for Procreate, and more. If you lack any of this, as I said, it would be difficult to beat the competition around you.
Considering all those requirements, we have prepared the best iPad and iPad Pro for Procreate. However, since Procreate is handy and most used by professionals, we’ll focus on this only. In addition, if you like one of this iPad, but don’t have that budget, then you can choose EMI options, if available on the product.
Is it worth buying an iPad for Procreate? Get the best iPad for Procreate
#1. 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, and 4th Gen(2020 Release))
Feature\Models | 12.9-inch iPad Pro 4th Gen (2020) | 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd Gen (2018) | 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd Gen (2017) | 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st Gen (2015) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Display Size | 12.9-inch Liquid Retina Display | 12.9-inch Liquid Retina Display | 12.9-inch Retina Display | 12.9-inch Retina Display |
Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 64GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 64GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/512GB |
Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil 2nd Generation | Apple Pencil 2nd Generation | Apple Pencil 1st Generation | Apple Pencil 1st Generation |
Rear Camera | 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Camera | 12MP iSight Camera | 8MP iSight Camera |
Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD Camera | 1.2MP Front Camera |
Chip | A12Z Bionic Chip | A12X Bionic Chip | A10X Six-Core Fusion Chip | Dual-Core A9X Chip |
12.9-inch iPad Pro isn’t just a typical iPad, and it’s a MacBook without a trackpad and keyboard. It’s bigger, faster, and supports almost everything that other iPad models can’t do it. The latest iPad Pro 12.9-inch has an A12Z Bionic chip that makes this iPad Pro more powerful and lets you play games and heavy software like Procreate.
iPad Pro’s gigantic display is the only reason why graphic designers prefer iPad Pro 12.9-inch to work remotely. However, it is costlier than any other iPad because it is packed with everything double, whether the Camera, Processor, Stereo Speakers, or Apple Pencil Support.
The iPad Pro 1st Gen starts from $699 and is available for up to $1300 for the iPad Pro 4th Gen, with different storage variants, 64GB to 512GB; however, the latest iPad Pro 12.9-inch doesn’t have a 64GB storage option.
If you have any questions, is a 64GB iPad Pro enough for Procreate? Well, I’d not suggest you go for 64GB if you plan to work on iPad Pro the entire time. I can’t control taking pictures, shooting videos, playing games, and watching movies over the iPad Pro, and I bet you’ll do the same. And in that case, if you buy a 64GB iPad Pro, it would be much more congested for you to manage space. So it’s better to buy 128GB or a higher version for the iPad Pro.
Meanwhile, you can check Best Buy to buy the iPad Pro on EMI if you can’t manage to pay at once or check the iPad Pro 11-inch, which is relatively less expensive than the 12.9-inch display.
- Check iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) Price on Amazon
- Check iPad Pro 12.9-inch(3rd Gen) Price on Amazon
- Check iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Gen) Price on Amazon
- Check iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Gen) Price on Amazon
#2. 11-inch iPad Pro (1st Gen & 2nd Gen)
Features\Models | 11-inch iPad Pro 2nd Gen (2020) | 11-inch iPad Pro 1st Gen (2018) |
---|---|---|
Chip | A12Z Bionic Chip | A12X Bionic Chip |
Display Size | 11-inch Liquid Retina Display | 11-inch Liquid Retina Display |
Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 64GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil 2nd Generation | Apple Pencil 2nd Generation |
Rear Camera | 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Camera |
Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth Front Camera |
What is the difference between 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro? Well, the only change is the screen size. The all-new iPad Pro 11-inch 2nd Gen comes with an edge-to-edge display retina display and powerful A12Z Bionic chip to overcome heavy tasks in daily routine. Therefore, I’d recommend 11-inch iPad Pro rather than a 12.9-inch because it makes a significant difference when you compare price-wise, and a wise person will always look for the benefit. An iPad Pro 11-inch can save you only if you are ready to compromise with screen size, which is negligible.
The iPad Pro 11-inch is available at $790, of course, for the first model, the price hikes if you select a higher storage variant of the iPad Pro 11-inch. It has built-in four-speaker audio, and five studio-quality microphones for crystal clear voice.
#3. iPad 7th Gen for Procreate App
iPad 7 (2019) | iPad 6 (2018) | iPad 5 (2017) | |
---|---|---|---|
Display Size | 10.2-inch Retina Display | 9.7-inch Retina Display | 9.7-inch Retina Display |
Storage | 32GB/128GB | 32GB/128GB | 32GB/128GB |
Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil | – | – |
Rear Camera | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP |
Front Camera | 1.2MP | 1.2MP | 1.2MP |
Chip | A10 Fusion Chip | A10 Fusion Chip | Apple A9 |
iPad 7th Gen is a decent tablet for Procreate applications, and if you are a beginner in the designer field, the investment of $400 on iPad 7 could help you learn and earn a lot. Under $400, Apple offers an A10 Fusion chip with a moderate 10.2-inch Retina Display to let you work on drawing applications. Moreover, the small-sized display has various advantages as you can easily carry it anywhere inside the bag. In addition, it consumes less battery, is compact to use, and is more convenient to work on an iPad by putting it in your lap.
It offers 10 hours of battery backup for everyday usage and is available in 32GB and 128GB storage variants.
Check iPad 7th Gen Price on Amazon
#4. iPad (6th Gen & 5th Gen)
iPad 5 and iPad 6 are hard to get nowadays; maybe Apple stopped selling that old iPad to increase the sales of the new iPad. Also, there is no meaning in spending hundreds on iPad 5 and 6 if you want to buy for Procreate mainly. However, Procreate still works with iPad 6 and iPad 5, giving the best results over the app.
Though I’d not recommend iPad 5, as it doesn’t support Apple Pencil, and if you are going to use it for Procreate drawing tablet without Stylus would be a waste. Both iPad 5 and iPad 6 have the same 9.7-inch display, up to 10 hours of battery, 8MP Rear, and 1.2MP Front Camera and Touch ID. So what is the difference between iPad 5 and iPad 6? The iPad 5 has an A9 chip, while the iPad 6 has A10 Fusion Chip.
#5. iPad Mini (5th Gen & 4th Gen)
iPad Mini 5th Gen (2019) | iPad Mini 4th Gen (2015) | iPad Air (2019) | |
---|---|---|---|
Display Size | 7.9-inch Retina Display | 7.9-inch Retina Display | 10.5-inch Retina Display |
Storage | 64GB/256GB | 128GB | 64GB/256GB |
Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil | – | Apple Pencil |
Rear Camera | 8MP HDR Camera | 8MP HDR Camera | 8MP HDR Camera |
Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD Front Camera | 1.2MP FaceTime HD Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD Front Camera |
Chip | A12 Bionic Chip | A8 Chip | A12 Bionic Chip |
iPad Mini 5 and iPad Mini 4 are alike; believe me, they are not. The very first thing to be noted is iPad mini 5 has an A12 Bionic Chip whereas the iPad mini 5 has A8; that makes sense; besides, adding roughly $50-$60, you can grab iPad mini 5 with all the latest features, plus iPad mini was launched in 2019, so, if you buy iPad mini 5, new iPadOS updates will be available for you for at least two years.
I think the iPad Mini 5th Gen is the first-ever iPad to get the 7MP FaceTime HD Camera with auto HDR. Also, since it comes with iOS 12, you can enjoy the group FaceTime and update to the latest iOS 13.
#6. iPad Air 3rd Gen for Procreate App
iPad Air 3rd Gen and iPad Mini 5th Gen are most likely similar. However, there’s nothing much to say about iPad Air 3rd Gen. Unlike the iPad Mini 5th is 9.7-inch, the iPad Air 3rd Gen has an enormous 10.5-inch display for perfect drawing and gaming. This is the only difference between iPads.
Check iPad Air 3rd Gen Price on Amazon
Best iPad Stylus for Procreate
#1. Apple Pencil 1st Gen & Apple Pencil 2nd Gen
None other stylus is best to work with iPad, and if it’s for Procreate, then Apple Pencil is recommended. However, if you prefer the iPad, then always try to pick Apple Pencil for seamless operations. It is designed specifically for the iPad. There’s no reason Apple will leave any gap while making a stylus for the iPad.
However, Apple Pencil isn’t packed with an iPad; you’ve to buy it separately. It is pretty expensive compared to another local stylus, but believe me, it is fully loaded with features to get the most out of it Procreate on your iPad.
Unluckily, the older iPad doesn’t support Apple Pencil; in that case, you might need to purchase the latest iPad as we reviewed and separately buy Apple Pencil from Amazon.
#2. Adonit Dash 3- Apple Pencil Alternative
Adonit Dash 3 cheap alternative to Apple Pencil if you take the first step towards designing on iPad. The sharp 1.9mm makes the drawing pencil just like we use while writing on paper, same responsive feedback, as if the pencil starts lagging, think of your art, how worth it will look with gaps between the colors. Dash 3 works perfectly with touch screen phones, including iPad, iPhone, and Android tablets. Just click and start using the Adonit Dash 3 on Procreate, no need to set it up every time.
Check Adonit Dash 3 Price on Amazon
#3. Wacom Bamboo Solo Stylus for iPad Procreate
Whether you are a university student or professional artist, without buying a stylus for the Procreate app, you cant start implementing drawings on iPad; even though the iPad is brilliant, but it still needs precise pinpoint to keep accurate pressure on the display, and you can see how it works. Wacom’s smart stylus is equipped with a long-lasting battery, a fine grip to hold a pencil, and a unique, customizable feature that lets you access handy functions on the go. The pencil goes to sleep mode, when not use, to save the battery.
Check Wacom Bamboo Price on Amazon
#4. Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil
From the old iPad Mini 5 to the latest iPad Pro 4th Gen, Logitech Crayon is a recommended alternative to Apple Pencil. Logitech doesn’t require any appreciation for being a trustworthy accessories brand, and if you have used its wireless mouse and keyboard, you’d already know how great Logitech products are.
Logitech’s pencil will work seamlessly without missing any single detail across the painting on your iPad. Just press the power button on the top, power up the pencil, and start using it. It can long last the whole day, on a single charge.
Check Logitech Crayon Price on Amazon
#5. HAHAKEE Rechargeable Capacitive Stylus
It’s an excellent opportunity to get such a stylish and premium Stylus for your project work on Procreate in that rich, responsive touch screen of the iPad. Furthermore, it doesn’t require any additional software or driver installation to use with the iPad despite being an intelligent stylus.
Luckily, a massive battery backup of 40-hours is enough to complete your project in one take, no need to charge the Pencil in between the work stuff. With all that, the mixture of aluminum alloy keeps up the shining for a long time and durability. Charging the stylus is easy; connect the micro-USB cable on the top of it and leave it for some time; I wouldn’t say it’s best against the Apple Pencil, but yes, it’s a recommended budget stylus that’ll ease your workload.
Check HAHAKEE Stylus Price on Amazon
#6. Adonit Mark
An ultimate affordable Apple Pencil Alternative by Adonit is here. If you’re looking for an under $10 stylus for an iPad, Adonit Mark is the one. Apart from the iPad, it supports numerous devices such as Samsung Note series phones, Samsung S series phones, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone X, and other compatible iPhones.
It offers a classic mesh tip with an anti-roll structure to increase productivity with the Procreate’s versatilities and other compatible apps. I bet it is worth spending $10 on this stylus if you are a beginner and learning how to use the Stylus on iPad for designing works.
Check Adonit Mark Price on Amazon
Best iPad Cases for Procreate
#1. i-Blason Trifold Stand Case
Compatible Procreate iPad Case: iPad 12.9-inch/iPad 11-inch/iPad Pro 10.5-inch 2017/iPad 10.5-inch
i-Blason has cases for almost all the iPad Pro and iPad Air, so what iPad do you get? You can buy i-Blason Trifold Protective Case with Pencil Holder for iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2018, iPad Pro 11-inch 2018, and iPad Air 3 10.5-inch 2019/iPad Pro 10.5-inch 2017. I think that’s enough to make you go through this review.
To create art over iPad, you’ll need to put the iPad at a convenient angle. To do so, why not invest a few bucks on iPad Trifold Case. Besides, this case is blessed with a genuine rigid material to prevent scratches, bumps, and incidental damages. Being an artist, you would need an Apple Pencil Holder or Stylus holder, and the case is equipped with a built-in pencil holder for quick access.
- Check i-Blason Case for iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- Check i-Blason Case for iPad Pro 11-inch
- Check i-Blason Case for iPad Air 3 10.5-inch 2019/iPad Pro 10.5-inch
#2. ProCase Slim Portfolio with Stylus Holder
Compatible iPad Procreate Case: iPad Air 3rd Gen 2019/iPad Pro 10.5
ProCase brings a perfect blend of leather exterior and soft interior to protect the iPad from daily wear and tear with great flexibility. Although using an iPad with and without a case makes a huge difference, if you’d ask me, I’d prefer to use the iPad without a case cover because I can’t bear the thick iPad.
On the other side, being an artist, we have to use the iPad daily, and to maintain the iPad securely, is necessary; otherwise, in less than 6-months, your iPad will break or scratch. So whether you are using Procreate on iPad, or any other painting software, it’ll let you do work at your convenience.
Check ProCase iPad Air 3 10.5-inch 2019 on Amazon
#3. Ztotop iPad Case
iPad Procreate Compatible Cases: iPad Pro 12.9-inch 4th Gen 2020/iPad Pro 11-inch 2nd Gen 2020
If you are looking for a rugged armor case for iPad to use with Procreate, then the Ztotop kickstand case with an Apple Pencil holder is worth buying. Watch movies, draw sketches and paintings, type emails, and more, everything hands-free. Merely extend the kickstand and put it on the flat surface to start with your work. The hard polycarbonate back cover ensures to keep the iPad safe from scratches and dust. With all your daily routine, it still retains the Apple pencil steady on its inbuilt pencil holder.
#4. ZUGU Magnetic Stand for iPad Air/iPad Pro (10.5-inches)
That said, ZUGU is a flagship case with more than-expected accessibility options and sleek design. The case includes multiple eight secure angles for convenient adjustment of iPad to ensure you work comfortably on the iPad, over the table, bed or couch, whatever, the multiple angle adjustment is there for you. In addition, right above the kickstand, there’s a separate Stylus holder that keeps the pencil intact while you take the iPad with you. Available in four different colors, Black, Navy Blue, Purple, and Red.
Check ZUGU Case Price on Amazon
#5. OtterBox Defender Case
Defender series by OtterBox is a combination of three protective layers to fight against the unfortunate drops, scratches, and bumps. In addition, it has a built-in screen guard with dust protection. Also, they pack the plug/dust cover, eliminating the debris and avoiding internal damage. The case already has a dock to work comfortably and conveniently while drawing projects. It’s a bit more expensive than any other case, but it’s OtterBox; you can’t miss the deal for enhanced protection.