Which iPad should you choose based on your music usage?
You can often recognize a musician by two things: their instrument and everything they carry around with them. Crumpled sheet music at the bottom of a bag, binders that weigh a ton, a notebook for song ideas, a computer that's not really designed for the stage. In recent years, however, one device has changed the game: the iPad. On a music stand, in an orchestra pit, in a home studio or classroom, the tablet has become an indispensable companion for any good musician.
There remains one question that all musicians ask themselves sooner or later: which iPad should I choose? With different screen sizes, new chips, different models (Pro, Air, mini, the "classic" iPad), and the 2025–2026 generations, it's hard to know where to start. A large model for sheet music? A powerful device for Logic Pro? A lighter option for rehearsing on the go? There's an iPad model to suit every use.
iPad: what criteria should musicians consider?
Choosing an iPad for music means understanding what will really change your everyday experience: the readability of sheet music, the fluidity of rehearsals, the speed with which you can record an idea, compatibility with your accessories... In short, the tool must adapt to your practice, not the other way around. Here are the criteria that really make the difference.
Screen size: your reading comfort above all else
When reading sheet music (especially during rehearsals or on stage), screen size is often the most important factor.
13 inches: ideal for reading without zooming, annotating easily, and replacing a paper music stand. It's the closest thing to an A4 sheet of paper placed on a music stand. You can see everything, breathe easier, and play with more confidence.
11 inches: a good compromise between comfort and portability. An 11-inch tablet is fine for most uses, but may require a little more zooming for dense sheet music.
8 inches (iPad mini): perfect for musicians who are always on the go, but too small for demanding sheet music.
Reading sheet music on screens: our tips for protecting your visual health
Power: essential if you do CAM
If you only use it to read sheet music, all current models perform very well.
On the other hand, for music production, multitrack recording, virtual synthesizers, or apps such as Logic Pro for iPad, processor power becomes a real issue.
iPad Pro (M4 chip): best suited to heavy-duty projects.
iPad Air: excellent balance of power and price.
Classic iPad: sufficient for instrumental practice and lessons.
Storage: samples, sounds, videos... It goes fast.
Musicians often underestimate this point. Between sound libraries, PDF scores, recordings, and CAM projects, gigabytes disappear at an astonishing rate.
128 GB: acceptable for pure partitioning use.
256 GB: the real minimum for comfort.
512 GB and above: recommended for CAM or large audio projects.
Autonomy: holding rehearsals and concerts
A 90-minute class, a three-hour ensemble rehearsal, a concert in the blazing sun... The solid battery life of recent iPads is a real asset, but the Pro models hold up better under heavy use (video, high brightness). The more affordable models consume less power, but run out of juice faster with intensive use.
Outdoor concerts: how to extend iPad battery life?
Brightness and anti-glare: your best allies on stage
Complicated lighting, backlighting, outdoor rehearsals... A screen that is too dark or too bright can quickly become a constraint.
The iPad Pro offer the best brightness and highly effective anti-glare.
iPad Airs perform very well in most conditions.
The "classic" models are still perfectly usable, but slightly less suited to demanding situations.
Good lighting = more comfortable reading = safer gaming.
Accessory compatibility: a real musical criterion
Using the iPad is even easier and smoother with its accessories:
Apple Pencil: essential for quickly annotating your sheet music.
Bluetooth pedals (page turners): a must on stage.
USB-C audio interfaces: for recording with true quality.
MIDI keyboards: compose wherever you are.
Budget: a long-term investment
The good news is that today, all iPads are good choices depending on how you use them. The real issue is investing in a model that will last throughout your musical journey, even if your skill level or needs change over time.
In Newzik, the score is not fixed: it adapts to your practice. You can display several versions of the same work, switch instantly from playback mode to annotation mode, and even add your own annotations. annotation, prepare your rehearsals with colored markers, or even synchronize audio files to work on a passage in depth. You organize your repertoires, annotations, and ensembles effortlessly. Try Newzik for free
Comparison of iPad models 2025–2026 for musicians
| Model | Screen size | Storage | Price | Ideal musical use | Highlights | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-inch iPad Pro (M5) | 13 inches | 256 GB to 2 TB | Starting at $1,469 | The best for demanding musicians, CAM, ensemble leaders, XXL scores, Studio/Live | Comfortable reading, brightness, maximum fluidity, top power | Quite expensive, less portable than smaller formats |
| iPad Pro 11" (M5) | 11 inches | 256 GB to 2 TB | Starting at $1,119 | Stage, instrumentalists, CAM , heavy plugins, live with multiple audio interfaces | Lightweight, responsive, excellent for professional applications, maximum power in a compact format, professional connectivity | High price |
| 13-inch iPad Air (M3) | 13 inches | 128 GB to 1 TB | Starting at $869 | Sheet music, rehearsals, versatile work Studio or live musicians who want the big screen | Affordable large format, perfect for a digital lectern | Less portable than 11-inch/Mini; higher price |
| 11-inch iPad Air (M3) | 11 inches | 128 GB to 1 TB | Starting at $669 | Students, rehearsals, CAM , mobile recording, light live | Great balance between power and price, easy-to-handle size | Screen slightly smaller than 13" for wide displays |
| 11th generation iPad - 2025 (A16) | 11 inches | 128 to 512 GB | Starting at $389 | CAM usage, rehearsals, displaying apps/scores, daily work | Reliable, accessible, ideal for beginners. Excellent value for money. | More modest connectivity, perhaps less "professional" for multiple audio interfaces, low latency, advanced monitoring |
| iPad mini - 2025 (A17 Pro) | 8.3 inches | 128 to 512 GB | Starting at $559 | Nomadic musician: score display, lightweight MIDI control, practice, second screen, note-taking | Ultra-portable, good processor for its size, very practical when traveling | Small screen: not well suited to complex mixes or long sessions |
💡The Newzik buying guide: which iPad should you choose?
No matter which iPad model you choose, the Newzik app lets you take all your sheet music with you, organized by program, project, or ensemble. No more bulky binders: your repertoire becomes an interactive, synchronized space where every version, annotation, or setlist is just a click away. Download the Newzik app!
What is the best iPad for musicians?
Not all musicians have the same needs. Some read sheet music every day, others record, and still others spend their lives between rehearsals, lessons, and concerts. Here is a simple guide to finding the iPad that best suits your practice.
For reading sheet music: visual comfort is key
If your iPad is going to be your primary workstation, the screen size will change your life.
iPad Pro 13" (M5): the gold standard. Bright, comfortable, perfect for reading an entire page without zooming.
iPad Air 13" (M3): the more affordable alternative, while retaining the comfort of the large format.
11th generation iPad (2025): readable, but less comfortable for large scores.
Key takeaway: When it comes to music, the 13-inch iPad is truly the sweet spot for your eyes.
Reading sheet music on an iPad isn't just a question of pixels, but also one of musical comfort. In Newzik, you can test your sheet music on different screen formats and immediately see what suits you best. A dense passage, a fast passage, a nuance stuck to the edge? Newzik automatically readjusts the display so that reading remains fluid, regardless of the iPad model.
For musicians on stage: lightweight, reliable, fast
When you're playing songs back-to-back or reading live, you mainly want an iPad that doesn't get in the way of your movements.
iPad Pro 11": fast, bright, perfect for smooth page turns.
iPad Air 11": excellent balance between lightness and power.
The iPad Pro 11" and Air 11" are compatible with Bluetooth pedals, a real plus on stage.
Key takeaway: The 11-inch iPad is the most versatile size for playing games while standing, moving around, and turning pages without thinking.
For CAM, production, or heavy audio projects
Here, power is not a luxury: it's a necessity. If your Logic Pro sessions run up to 40 tracks, forget about models that are too "basic" and opt forthe iPad Pro (M5), designed for virtual instruments, power-hungry synths, multi-track recording, and Logic Pro for iPad. Its USB-C connectivity allows you to connect audio interfaces, microphones, or controllers.
For music students and conservatories: versatility and budget control
An instrument, lessons, exams, recordings to do at home... You need a reliable iPad, but not one that costs a fortune.
iPad Air 11" (M3): ideal if you juggle between sheet music, theory, videos, and training apps.
11th generation iPad (2025): an excellent choice for getting started without compromise.
For nomadic composers and musicians who write everywhere
Do you jot down ideas in the studio, on the train, or in a café? Choosethe iPad mini. Compact and practical, it slips into a bag pocket. It's perfect with the Apple Pencil for musical sketches, annotations, and improvised ideas. Portability comes first, even if the screen is limited for large scores.
For choir directors, ensemble directors, and educators
Need to see the score at a glance, make quick notes, and display multiple pages? The best companion for conducting, analyzing, or preparing for rehearsal is undoubtedlythe 13-inch iPad Pro (M5). It's the most suitable model for multi-page viewing thanks to its resolution and brightness. If your job involves reading large sections of music, the bigger the screen, the better.
Working with a choir or orchestra often involves multiple versions of the same piece. Newzik allows you to layer annotations, send a conductor's changes to an entire ensemble, and share a complete program in seconds. A real time saver for rehearsals.
Essential accessories for the ideal music setup
An iPad alone can transform the way you work. But if you play regularly, rehearse often, or record, a few accessories can really make a difference.
Apple Pencil: the must-have for annotating
It's probably musicians' favorite accessory. With the Pencil or its alternatives, annotating becomes as natural as holding a pencil: fingering, nuances, bow strokes, breathing... Everything is done without thinking. Precise and responsive, the Apple Pencil is perfect for working quickly during rehearsals, ideal for teachers and conductors. For any practice where annotation is important, it's a yes.
Bluetooth pedal: turn pages without lifting your hands
On stage or during rehearsals, turning a page can quickly become a source of unnecessary stress. The Bluetooth page-turning pedal solves this problem once and for all. Just tap your foot and you can easily turn to the next page. Compatible with sheet music apps and ultra-discreet, it is invaluable for pianists, guitarists, and wind instrument players... A real comfort, especially when the rythm leaves rythm pause.
On stage, fluidity is essential. Newzik is compatible with most Bluetooth pedals on the market, allowing you to turn pages discreetly without interrupting your performance. You can keep your hands on your instrument and your mind on the music.
Suitable lectern support: the right angle makes all the difference
Not all music stands are designed to hold a tablet. A sturdy, non-slip stand with the right angle prevents glare and unpleasant surprises. It may not be the most exciting accessory, but it can save a concert. Choosean iPad music stand with an adjustable angle that is stable on stage and can hold 13" models without wobbling.
USB-C audio interface: for high-quality recording
If you compose, record, or work on CAM projects, this is the essential accessory. The USB-C port on recent iPads greatly simplifies connections: all you need is a cable and that's it. You can easily connect a microphone, instrument, and synthesizer and use Logic Pro for iPad, Cubasis, or other creative apps. Record cleanly and without hiss.
Portable MIDI keyboard: create anywhere, easily
Whether you compose regularly or just want to jot down ideas quickly, a small MIDI keyboard will make your life easier. Connected via USB-C, it is both compact and lightweight, ideal for mobile sessions, improvising, or working on a melody line.
Suitable headphones or earphones: precision above all else
The quality of your listening directly influences your work: intonation, mixing, dynamics, etc.
Closed headphones for recording
A neutral headset for mixing
Reliable headphones for everyday work
Here too, the iPad integrates very well with most models.
The best way to find out if an iPad is right for you is to try out your sheet music in real-life conditions. Newzik lets you test, annotate, organize, and rehearse just as you would on a paper music stand, but with greater flexibility, clarity, and speed.
With the Newzik app, reading sheet music on your iPad becomes more intuitive than with a traditional PDF. The app automatically handles complex layouts, repeats, bookmarks, and format changes. Combined with the Apple Pencil, it's like a real digital sheet of music: you can annotate, erase, go back, duplicate, without ever losing your work.
