Let's be real – your iPad is basically a magic entertainment rectangle. But finding apps that aren't just time-wasters? That's the tricky part. After testing over 120 apps on my iPad Pro (and my kid's ancient iPad Mini), I'm breaking down the actual best entertaining apps for iPad that make this device worth its weight in gold.
Why trust me? I've been reviewing apps since the iPad 2 launched, plus I commute two hours daily – meaning I've accidentally become an expert in not dying of boredom. You'll get real talk including subscription costs, why some "top" apps suck on iPad, and alternatives when free trials expire.
Quick Picks: Top 5 Entertaining Apps for iPad
- – Animation studio in your pocket ($19.99 one-time)
- – 200+ premium games ($6.99/month)
- – Superhero binge-reading ($9.99/month)
- – Music with Dolby Atmos ($10.99/month)
- – Desktop editing made mobile ($29.99 one-time)
Keep reading for deep dives including free alternatives and why these beat web versions.
Must-Have Streaming & Video Apps That Shine on iPad
Watching videos on an iPhone feels like looking through a keyhole. The iPad's screen is where streaming apps actually make sense. But not all are created equal – here's what's optimized for the big canvas.
| App | iPad-Specific Perks | Price | Real-World Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | • Spatial audio support • Download 6 episodes simultaneously • Picture-in-picture mode |
$6.99-$22.99/month Free trial: 30 days |
Best for downloading whole seasons before flights – doesn't choke on long videos like Hulu sometimes does. |
| Disney+ | • GroupWatch feature • IMAX Enhanced movies • 4K HDR on Pro models |
$7.99/month Bundle with Hulu: $9.99 |
My kid watches Bluey episodes rotated sideways – app doesn't force portrait mode like Amazon Prime does. |
| TikTok | • Sidebar navigation • True fullscreen mode • Keyboard shortcuts |
Free Premium: $4.99/month |
Vertical videos fill the screen perfectly – unlike Instagram Reels which shows ugly borders on iPad. |
Last month I tried watching Lord of the Rings on Prime Video – big mistake. The app kept crashing during battle scenes on my M1 iPad Pro. Switched to Apple TV app and zero issues. Sometimes paying extra avoids headaches.
Why iPad Streaming Beats Phones & Laptops
The sweet spot between portability and screen size makes iPads killer for video. My iPhone 14 Pro Max feels cramped after using the iPad's 12.9" display. And unlike laptops, you can prop it on your stomach in bed without burning your legs. The speakers on newer models actually have bass too – watching Top Gun in bed was stupidly immersive.
Gaming Apps That Feel Like They're Cheating the System
Mobile gaming usually means candy crush clones. But with iPad processors now rivaling consoles, real games have arrived. These turn your tablet into a portable Xbox.
| App | Why It's Great on iPad | Controller Support? | Hidden Cost Trap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Arcade | 200+ premium games No ads or IAPs Family sharing included |
Full Xbox/PS support | None – $6.99/month covers everything |
| Genshin Impact | Stunning visuals at 120fps Cross-save with PC/PS5 |
Partial (menus only) | Gacha system tempts $100 pulls |
| Stardew Valley | Perfect touch controls Mod support via TestFlight |
Yes | $4.99 one-time – worth every penny |
Personal Rant: Tried Fortnite on iPad? Don't. Epic's workaround after the App Store ban makes it crash constantly. Play Apex Legends Mobile instead – same battle royale thrill without the headaches.
Controller Compatibility Matters
Touch screens suck for shooters. Period. That's why I always pack my Xbox controller. Games supporting controllers:
- Call of Duty Mobile (with gyro aiming)
- Minecraft (full mod support)
- Dead Cells (runs at 120fps on Pro)
Creativity Apps That Make You Feel Like a Pro
Here's where iPads destroy other tablets. These apps leverage Apple Pencil and M-series chips for actual creative work.
Digital Art & Animation
| App | Learning Curve | Best For | Price Shock Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procreate | Moderate | Illustrators Concept artists |
$12.99 one-time (steal of the century) |
| Procreate Dreams | Steep | Animators Motion designers |
$19.99 one-time |
| Adobe Fresco | Gentle | Hobbyists Photoshop users |
Free with limited brushes Full: $9.99/month |
I've used Procreate daily for 3 years. Made client work on planes, in coffee shops, even at the DMV. The $12.99 price feels illegal compared to Adobe's subscription bloodsucking.
Video & Music Production
Editing 4K video on a tablet sounded crazy until I tried these:
- LumaFusion ($29.99) – Multi-track editing with LUT support. Exported a documentary project that aired on local TV.
- Ferrite Recording Studio ($19.99) – Podcast editing with AI noise removal. Cut my editing time in half.
- Koala Sampler ($4.99) – Make beats with sampled sounds. Record straight from iPad mic – hilarious with kitchen noises.
Tried making music in GarageBand? The automatic drummer feature saved my terrible rhythm skills during a last-minute client project. Magic.
Social & Interactive Apps That Don't Suck on Big Screens
Most social apps are lazy iPhone ports. These actually enhance the iPad experience:
| App | iPad Advantage | Gotcha | Better Than Web? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discord | • Split-view chat • Native screen sharing • Keyboard shortcuts |
Voice chat drains battery | Yes – web version can't screen share |
| • Drag-and-drop boards • Stylus annotations • Slide-over inspiration |
Annoying shopping prompts | Absolutely – web is clunky | |
| GoodNotes 6 | • Handwriting search • Shape recognition • PDF annotation |
$9.99/year subscription now | Yes – web viewer is read-only |
Reddit on iPad is tragic though. Official app constantly crashes in landscape. Use Apollo until it dies, then switch to Narwhal.
Reading & Learning That Feels Like Fun
Comics & Manga
LCD screens > e-ink for color comics. Apps that get it right:
- Marvel Unlimited ($9.99/month) – 30,000+ comics. New releases 3-month delay.
- VIZ Manga ($1.99/chapter) – Day-one Shonen Jump releases. Better than pirating sites.
- Webtoon (Free) – Vertical scrolling format born for tablets. Prepare to lose hours.
Interactive Learning
Entertainment that tricks you into learning:
- Duolingo (Free/$6.99) – Gamified language learning. iPad version shows more exercises per screen.
- Star Walk 2 ($2.99) – Point iPad at sky to identify stars. Blew my nephew's mind at camp.
- Photomath (Free) – Scan math problems for steps. Saved my ass during calculus night terrors.
FAQ: Your iPad Entertainment Questions Answered
What are the best free entertaining apps for iPad?
Start with these: YouTube (ad-supported), Spotify (shuffle only free), Webtoon, Epic Games Store (free weekly games), Libby (library books). But remember – free apps often cost you in ads or limited features.
Which streaming app works best offline?
Netflix and Disney+ let you download tons of content. Hulu downloads are glitchy – half my downloads failed last trip. Prime Video only allows downloads in the app (can't export files).
Are there good board game apps for iPad?
Absolutely! Try Carcassonne ($4.99), Ticket to Ride ($6.99), and Wingspan ($9.99). All support pass-and-play on one iPad. Better than carrying game boxes on trips.
Why do some apps look terrible on my iPad?
Developers being lazy. iPhone-only apps blown up look pixelated. Before downloading, check the screenshots – if they show phone-shaped previews, run. Stick to apps labeled "Designed for iPad."
Can I use PlayStation/Xbox games on iPad?
Sorta. Remote Play streams from your console (requires good WiFi). Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99/month) streams directly. Lag makes competitive shooters unplayable but RPGs like Persona 5 run great.
Optimizing Your iPad for Maximum Fun
Hardware hacks to enhance entertainment:
- Storage: Get 256GB+ if downloading videos. 4K movies eat 6GB each.
- Accessories: Magic Keyboard for typing, matte screen protector reduces glare.
- Settings: Enable "Low Power Mode" during gaming – cuts heat and boosts battery 20%.
My entertainment essentials? A folding stand, Bluetooth earbuds with transparency mode (hears announcements), and a 20,000mAh power bank. Airport layovers become pleasure cruises.
The Real Cost of Entertaining Apps Breakdown
Free apps aren't really free. Here's what you actually pay:
| App Type | Upfront Cost | Hidden Costs |
|---|---|---|
| "Free" Games | $0 | • Ads every 2 minutes • $99.99 gem packs • Progress walls |
| Subscription Apps | $5–$15/month | • Annual commitments • Price hikes • Hard cancellations |
| Premium Paid | $3–$30 once | • No updates • Missing features • iPadOS compatibility drops |
My rule? Never spend more on an app than you would on lunch. Exceptions for pro tools like Procreate that pay for themselves.
Finding the best entertaining apps for iPad isn't about flashy graphics – it's about what keeps you engaged during life's boring moments. Whether you're killing time at the DMV or unwinding after work, these picks deliver real joy without feeling like digital junk food. Now go make that expensive tablet earn its keep.
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