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Apple iPad Air (M4) vs Apple iPad Pro (M5)
Which is better in 2026? A straight answer from our researched Top 10 Tablets ranking.
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Apple iPad Air (M4) wins for most people: it ranks #2 in our Top 10 Tablets (Best for power users), while the Apple iPad Pro (M5) ranks #3 (Best premium). The Apple iPad Air (M4) usually costs less. Pick the Apple iPad Pro (M5) if its strengths below match how you'll use it.
Side-by-side
| Apple iPad Air (M4) | Apple iPad Pro (M5) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rank | #2 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Best for | Best for power users | Best premium |
| Brand | Apple | Apple |
| Typical price* | ~$599+ | ~$999+ |
| Top strength | PCMag Editors' Choice | OLED display, laptop-level speed |
| Main drawback | Pencil Pro is $129 extra | Very expensive |
*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 Air (M4) if…
- You want the pick we rate best for power users.
- PCMag Editors' Choice
- M4 speed
Choose the Apple iPad Pro (M5) if…
- You want the pick we rate best premium.
- OLED display, laptop-level speed
Honest pros and cons
Apple iPad Air (M4)
Pros
- PCMag Editors' Choice
- M4 speed
Cons
- Pencil Pro is $129 extra
Apple iPad Pro (M5)
Pros
- OLED display, laptop-level speed
Cons
- Very expensive
Apple iPad Air (M4) vs Apple iPad Pro (M5) FAQs
Is the Apple iPad Air (M4) better than the Apple iPad Pro (M5)?
For most people, yes. In our researched ranking of the 10 best tablets, the Apple iPad Air (M4) is #2 (Best for power users) and the Apple iPad Pro (M5) is #3 (Best premium). The Apple iPad Pro (M5) can still be the better buy if you value: oled display, laptop-level speed.
Which is cheaper, the Apple iPad Air (M4) or the Apple iPad Pro (M5)?
At time of writing the Apple iPad Air (M4) runs ~$599+ and the Apple iPad Pro (M5) runs ~$999+. The Apple iPad Air (M4) is usually cheaper.
How did you compare the Apple iPad Air (M4) and Apple iPad Pro (M5)?
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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