The Best iPad for Construction: Equipped for Success

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Tablets have been around for some time, but only recently have they become truly mainstream.

If you’ve used a modern-day tablet lately, they can offer so much as a productivity device. 

I use an iPad for work and personal use, and I can’t imagine working without one. 

But that’s not why you’re here. You want to know what is the best iPad for construction professionals — whether you’re a contractor, project manager, or someone working in the field.. 

Over the last three years, I have had the opportunity to integrate the iPad into my daily workflow. I have learned to utilize the tool to increase productivity and streamline construction processes. 

While it might not be my primary device, I still think the iPad has a strong place in the construction industry.

With the industry continuously improving, new applications are coming out that are revolutionizing how we work. 

I am excited to see what the future holds for us with technology and construction. 

To determine which tablet you should get for construction, click here.

If you want to jump straight to the iPad model rankings, click here.

What Role Do Tablets Have in the Construction Industry? 

For one, gone are the days of having to worry about lugging around a large set of drawings. With a tablet, you can pull up digital construction drawings instantly, saving time on the jobsite.

Also, in construction, there are various documents that you need to refer to in addition to the drawings. A central hub for accessing all these files will make you more efficient in the field. 

When you start to add accessories to your tablets, that further increases your productive capability. 

A handful of tablets on the market today allow you to use a keyboard and stylus with the device. 

With a keyboard, you almost turn the tablet into a laptop replacement. While there are some limitations, you can get a lot done from the tablet. 

The stylus is handy because it allows you to take handwritten notes and mark up your construction drawings, like MEP plans.

If you’ve ever had to create redlines by hand, you know it’s not a good time.

It is inefficient, and when you make a mistake, it is hard to correct. Mainly due to the fact that you’re using a red pencil that doesn’t erase very well.

Unfortunately, federal government projects still require a set of handwritten redline drawings

There’s also software that makes markup collaboration and document sharing between the field and office much more fluid. 

One program that I use regularly is a mobile application called Autodesk Build, previously considered PlanGrid. It allows the entire team to upload the documents necessary for the field to complete their job. They can mark the drawings, fill out reports, and photograph the job site. 

Deciding on Which iPad to get for Construction 

The best iPad for construction professionals is going to come down to your role in the construction industry. Let’s go over a few questions so you can understand what I mean by this.

1. Is your work more in the field or office? 
2. Do you value portability over screen real estate?
3. How do you want to use the device? 

Based on how you answer these questions, this can provide you with some guidance on which iPad to purchase. 

I’ll give you some insight based on how you answered the questions above so you can make your selection accordingly.

The Best Overall iPad for construction

My overall recommendation is the iPad Air — the best iPad for contractors and field engineers thanks to its portability and versatility.

The iPad Air has two options for size. A 11” and 13″ display. In this case, I would suggest you select the iPad Air that has the 11″ display.

Why? Because if you’re in the field and have to hold up a tablet all day, the less weight, the better. 

While it might not be as powerful as the iPad Pro when it comes to processing speed, it will certainly take care of most if not all of the tasks you throw at it. I am considering this from a construction industry stance with tasks such as emails, viewing drawings, project documents, etc..

My most computing task would be viewing any 3D models through Build.

Also, once you start adding accessories, and you can turn this into a laptop replacement. Something that can be so valuable if you’re always on the go.

I recall times where I had the iPad Air in the field without a keyboard, and had no choice but to use the onscreen keypad. I would not recommend this to anyone.

But when you look at this option, the Air is a cheap tablet compared to the Pro model. So with the savings, you can purchase the accessories to make it a laptop replacement. 

When it comes to storage size, the iPad Air now comes with 128 GB in the base model. Previously, they would offer 64 GB, which made no sense for a device that you couldn’t upgrade the storage.

Now, I would say even with the 128 GB model, that might not be enough total storage. You’ll need to make that determination yourself.

If you run numerous projects and plan to take a lot of photos with the iPad, then you might want to consider going with the 256 GB option.

Personally, I run anywhere between 10-15 jobs at a given time. The storage alone for Build takes up roughly 50-60 GB. Then add messages, photos, videos that you might take. It can add up fast.

Considering all these things, I still think the iPad Air 11″ with 128 GB of storage is still the best option you can choose for construction.

Accessories for the iPad Air

You’ll need a rugged iPad case for construction sites since this device will see tough conditions in the field. I suggest purchasing the Otterbox case. 

The case protects not only the body of the iPad but also the screen. It provides a built-in screen protector. 

I worry less about placing the iPad down when I have this case for protection.

The downside of this case is that it removes the ability to attach a keyboard. You can still use Bluetooth keyboards,but to use accessories like the Smart Keyboard Folio, you’ll need to remove the case. 

The next must-have accessory is the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil. The device allows you to create handwritten markups on documents. 

I use this accessory daily with my iPad. It’s great for taking notes and marking up drawings or construction documents. 

Whenever I review a submittal, I will use the Apple Pencil to mark up any issues. This tool is also excellent for redlining or reviewing shop drawings or as-built drawings. 

I can’t express how much this tool adds to the experience and productivity of the iPad. 

The biggest downside here is the price point. For the Apple Pencil Pro, it will run you about $129. Apple offers another option, the pencil with a USB-C port on it.

It’s just an inconvenience because you’ll need to charge the pencil with a USB-C cable. While the Pro version can be charged with the magnetic charger at the top of the iPad.

There are alternatives and third-party devices, but the OEM Apple products tend to work the best. Your next best option would be Logitech’s stylus. They’re a bit different, but can get the job done.

Also, the Apple Pencil Pro is the only one that charges from the iPad. The third-party devices require that you plug these in separately to charge them. 

So, to conclude, we covered the iPad Air with the Otterbox Case and Apple Pencil. With these three items, you’ll notice an improved quality of life on the construction site. Once you learn how to use these tools effectively, your job will get a bit easier. 

The Best iPad for Working in the Office

If you answered that your work mainly involves working in an office or from a desk, you’ll want to go with the iPad Pro

As a project manager, most of my work is in the office. So, I use the iPad Pro 12.9” 5th Generation. The current model is on the the 7th Generation which introduces some new features to it. Most of which I haven’t had a chance to use yet.

This particular iPad has an Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio. It also has cellular and includes 128GB of storage.

I use this setup because I sometimes use the device as a replacement laptop. This is the best way to check emails when I’m away from the office. 

With the help of OneDrive and Autodesk Build (which I will refer to as just Build), I can easily view documents from the iPad that were uploaded from a desktop. I use this method before going to a job site instead of printing several documents. 

Since I use the iPad more like a laptop, I felt the best choice was the 12.9” screen. I want to fit as much information on a single screen as possible. 

This size is still very usable as a tablet too. But it can be more cumbersome when bringing it out into the field. I’d advise using something like Otterbox case. It offers a good amount of protection for the iPad and even protects the screen.

As of right now, if I need to bring it into the field, I remove the keyboard and keep the pencil in my back pocket. Depending on how long I’ll be in the field or what activities I’ll be doing, I use a Otterbox case to protect the iPad.

You may wonder, “Why use the iPad when you can use desktop computers in the office instead?” 

I still use the device quite often to take handwritten notes and mark up submittals and drawings. Some tasks are better off written by hand. The iPad has the versatility in acting as your sketch pad or document viewer when needed. 

There are also times where I will need to step into a meeting in a different room, and having the iPad on me can be helpful in pulling up supporting documents.

For office personnel such as construction project managers or engineers, the iPad Pro 12.9” is the best choice. 

While this option has a higher price point, this tool can be a solid investment. It may take some time to learn to use the operating system, but once you get it down, you find ways to improve your workflow. 

iPad Pro 12.9″ Pricing

In the image below, you can see the iPad’s price with the accessories I use. 

Here’s the current price if you purchase the device directly from the Apple website should you buy the most recent model.

I will say that the iPad for the office is not for everyone. At my company, most project management and project engineers have iPads. They often don’t see much use in the office as their intent was for use in the field or on the go.

At the end of the day, you should consider your workflow and see if you truly need the iPad or not.

Additionally, you can buy refurbished or older models that go on sale occasionally. You can find some sale at places such as Costco, Amazon, or Best Buy.

Thankfully we have multiple options to choose from when it comes to iPad. That way, you don’t feel like you’re wasting money. 

At this point, you must be wondering, “Well, surely there are more than two iPad models.” You’re right; there is, and we will rank them all and discuss the pros and cons now. 

iPads for Construction Ranked

Here’s a list of the best tablets that Apple has to offer. 

#1 Best iPad for Construction (Overall): iPad Air

At number one, we have the iPad Air!

It combines both portability and performance while saving you some money. It is ideal for walking around while in the field and jotting quick notes. 

The Air uses a 11” or 13″ screen, and you have 128 GB up to 1 TB of internal storage choose from. 

You can purchase the device with cellular, which is mainly for convenience. If you don’t want to switch the hotspot on your phone on/off constantly, this might be for you. 

Paired with an Apple Pencil, you have the ultimate productivity machine. 

You’ll charge this device with a USB-C cable. You can also transfer files as needed with the USB-C port. 

The device is rated to have 10 hours of battery life on a single charge while browsing the internet. 

The only downside of this device would be the screen size, but this is only during times where you need the extra screen for multitasking.

The iPad has unique multitasking features. It allows you to have two apps open at once which can be a game changer. 

Only downside, is that when you perform this function, it makes you wish you had a bigger screen.

I like to use the iPad more for single task focused work, but it’s nice to have the ability for multitasking. For that reason, it’s not necessary to purchase the 12.9” iPad Pro. 

You’ll also get a decent camera for documenting the progress on the job site. 

#2 Best iPad for Contractors Who Need More Power: iPad Pro 11″ 

The 11” iPad Pro offers all the same features as the iPad Air and more. I don’t think the added features are necessary for construction, but this is just my opinion. 

Here are some benefits you can get with the iPad Pro. 

1. Faster processor 
2. Better display and refresh rate
3. High resolution lens for taking videos
4. Face ID vs. Touch ID
5. Additional Speakers

Again, while these are nice, they aren’t necessary. I suggest saving the money and maybe upgrade the storage on the iPad Air instead.

#3 Best Budget iPad: 11th Generation  

Next on the list, we have the standard iPad. I bet you’re surprised this came before the 12.9” pro model, but I have my reasons. 

The biggest one, and what I’ve touched on numerous times here, is portability. They use the same form factor as the 10.9” Air and 11” Pro. Making it easy to lug around on the job site. 

These iPads are third on the list because while they have the 11″ display, they lack in performance compared to the Air and Pro models. It also does not support the Apple Pencil Pro which can connect and charge wirelessly.

It would be good to know you can view a 3D model on your iPad without having to worry about a laggy interface.

I’ve seen the 9th Generation used by a general contractor on the job site. It was my introduction to tablets on the construction site. 

I watched this person go through their file management application and open the drawings on their iPad. We needed to coordinate conflicting work, and the tablet had everything he needed. 

It was pretty amazing how easy he made it seem. 

This was on a big 100+ million dollar project. With the sheer number of documents they needed to access, it only made sense to use tablets. 

With the introduction of the 10th generation iPad, Apple added a case and keyboard accessory. You can now turn the standard iPad into a laptop replacement as well. 

These new accessories are costly though. You might as well go with the Air if you plan to spend that money. 

A base model iPad will still work well and has its place in construction. I think that shelling out a little bit more to buy the Air over the standard iPad can have some benefits depending on the complexity of your work.

The standard iPad is still a great option.

Here’s a comparison between the 11″ models should you still be on the fence about your decision.

#4 Best iPad for Project Managers in the Office: iPad Pro 12.9” 

I know, the top of the line model is near the bottom of the ranking. What’s up with that? 

It comes back to portability. The 12.9” Pro model is the least portable of all the iPads. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the 12.9” Pro and use it as my primary device at home. It just does not suit the construction industry well. 

Especially in the field.

I don’t enjoy holding the device while walking around the job site. If I don’t need to have it on me, I would prefer to leave it back in the office. 

Whereas the iPad Air was not that bad to walk around with. I had no issue carrying it around at any site visit. 

Enough bashing on the 12.9”. Let’s cover some of the features that this model has. 

Like the 11” Pro, you will get the following specs: 

1. 120 Hz refresh rate
2. 12MP Wide Camera
3. Ability for 4k and ProRes video options
4. Face ID

In addition, you will have a display capable of increased brightness from 600 nits on the 11″ Pro to 1600 nits on the 12.9″. 

I find the 12.9″ model useful because I use it more like a laptop replacement. Paired with the smart keyboard folio, I can send emails, browse plans, and documents with ease when I’m away from my desk. I will also bring it with my on vacation to keep up to date with emails so I don’t fall that behind.

Some other helpful uses for the iPad are taking meeting notes, discuss construction drawings with foremen or superintendents, and view certain documents. I try to eliminate the use of paper by using the iPad instead. 

#5 Best iPad for Portability (But Not Drawings): iPad Mini

The last up on this list is the iPad mini. 

Why? Because the screen size is a limitation here. 

The mini has the smallest screen at 8.3”. So, when you want to view the construction drawings, you will spend more time navigating the interface. That would be very inefficient. 

Also, consider that this device can still perform multitasking. You won’t be able to use this feature since everything is so small. 

Sure, this device will offer you the most excellent portability, but you sacrifice too much screen real estate. 

The battery life, processor, and rear camera are exemplary. It will perform most, if not all, tasks you throw at it. You also have the 2nd generation Apple pencil support. 

Yet this is not the overall best device for your job site. 

The mini can be a great mobile device for reading, watching videos, or taking handwritten notes. But in construction, you want the most information on a single screen while maintaining portability. You won’t get that with the mini. 

Other Tablets in Construction

Numerous tablet brands are out on the market but run on the Android operating system (OS).

While some people swear by Android devices, I find the iPad OS more straightforward due to its simplicity. You may lose some flexibility with the OS, but I prefer the simplicity of iPadOS over flexibility. 

Conclusion

If you’re buying a new tablet, the iPad Air is the best iPad for construction professionals. Go with the 128 or 256 GB model with cellular. Pair it with the Apple Pencil and a rugged case for jobsite use, and you’ll be ready to tackle your next project.

Tablets are fantastic devices, and construction apps are advancing rapidly. They make our jobs more manageable, so I love using the iPad. 

They might be tough to implement into the work space, especially for more experienced workers who are used to paper.

Think about this; you have construction workers who have used paper for most of their life. He won’t want to switch to using a device, especially if it is too difficult to adopt. 

That was definitely a learning curve that I observed in the companies that I worked at. There are plenty of questions that arise because people are learning how to use the new technology.

Before you go, consider checking out my article on what it means to be a project engineer in construction. You’ll then understand why having an iPad on you is essential to help with your work. 

Thank you for reading.