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Head-to-head · Tablets
Apple iPad (A16) vs Apple iPad Air (M4)
Which is better in 2026? A straight answer from our researched Top 10 Tablets ranking.
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Apple iPad (A16) wins for most people: it ranks #1 in our Top 10 Tablets (Best overall), while the Apple iPad Air (M4) ranks #2 (Best for power users). The Apple iPad (A16) usually costs less. Pick the Apple iPad Air (M4) if its strengths below match how you'll use it.
Side-by-side
| Apple iPad (A16) | Apple iPad Air (M4) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rank | #1 of 10 | #2 of 10 |
| Best for | Best overall | Best for power users |
| Brand | Apple | Apple |
| Typical price* | ~$299–$349 | ~$599+ |
| Top strength | CNET's top tablet value | PCMag Editors' Choice |
| Main drawback | Accessories cost extra | Pencil Pro is $129 extra |
*Approximate, at time of writing; check the retailer for today's price. Ratings shown only where we found a sourced rating.
Choose the Apple iPad (A16) if…
- You want the pick we rate best overall.
- CNET's top tablet value
- 128GB base storage
Choose the Apple iPad Air (M4) if…
- You want the pick we rate best for power users.
- PCMag Editors' Choice
- M4 speed
Honest pros and cons
Apple iPad (A16)
Pros
- CNET's top tablet value
- 128GB base storage
Cons
- Accessories cost extra
Apple iPad Air (M4)
Pros
- PCMag Editors' Choice
- M4 speed
Cons
- Pencil Pro is $129 extra
Apple iPad (A16) vs Apple iPad Air (M4) FAQs
Is the Apple iPad (A16) better than the Apple iPad Air (M4)?
For most people, yes. In our researched ranking of the 10 best tablets, the Apple iPad (A16) is #1 (Best overall) and the Apple iPad Air (M4) is #2 (Best for power users). The Apple iPad Air (M4) can still be the better buy if you value: pcmag editors' choice; m4 speed.
Which is cheaper, the Apple iPad (A16) or the Apple iPad Air (M4)?
At time of writing the Apple iPad (A16) runs ~$299–$349 and the Apple iPad Air (M4) runs ~$599+. The Apple iPad (A16) is usually cheaper.
How did you compare the Apple iPad (A16) and Apple iPad Air (M4)?
Both come from Rank the Rest's Top 10 Tablets ranking, built from published expert testing, sourced review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test them, and brands can't pay for placement.
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