iPad Air (M4) vs iPad Pro (M5)
Air is the value multitasker from $749. Pro adds Tandem OLED, ProMotion, Face ID and Thunderbolt — worth it when the display is the product.
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Quick answer
Choose iPad Air M4 for notes, school, Netflix and light creative work — especially with Apple Pencil Pro sold separately. Choose iPad Pro M5 if you need Ultra Retina XDR (Tandem OLED), ProMotion 120Hz, Face ID, LiDAR, four speakers and Thunderbolt/USB4. Most people should save about $450 and buy the Air.
Last updated Prices checked Nov 2026
Check Apple iPad Air 11 (M4) price (opens in a new tab)Check Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Apple iPad Air 11 (M4) | Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) | |
|---|---|---|
| US starting price | From $749 (11"); $949 (13") | $1,199 (11", 256GB) |
| Display | Liquid Retina LCD, 60Hz, ~500 nits SDR | Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED, ProMotion 120Hz, 1000 nits SDR / 1600 peak HDR |
| Chip / memory | M4, 12GB | M5, 12GB (16GB on 1TB/2TB) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (top button) | Face ID |
| Port | USB-C (USB 3.1-class) | Thunderbolt / USB4 |
After Apple’s June 2026 price increase, the 11-inch Air starts at $749 and the 11-inch Pro at $1,199 (256GB), per Wirecutter[2].
Apple iPad Air 11 (M4) vs Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5): side-by-side
| iPad Air 11 (M4) | iPad Pro 11 (M5) | |
|---|---|---|
| US starting price | From $749 (11"); $949 (13") | $1,199 (11", 256GB) |
| Display | Liquid Retina LCD, 60Hz, ~500 nits SDR | Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED, ProMotion 120Hz, 1000 nits SDR / 1600 peak HDR |
| Chip / memory | M4, 12GB | M5, 12GB (16GB on 1TB/2TB) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (top button) | Face ID |
| Port | USB-C (USB 3.1-class) | Thunderbolt / USB4 |
| Cameras | 12MP wide + Center Stage front | 12MP wide + LiDAR + TrueDepth front; ProRes options |
| Audio | Landscape stereo | Four speakers |
| Pencil / keyboard | Pencil Pro; Magic Keyboard for Air | Pencil Pro; Magic Keyboard for Pro |
How much do they cost?
Apple iPad Air 11 (M4) plans
| Config | Price |
|---|---|
| 11" | From $749 |
| 13" | From $949 |
| Education | Lower; check Apple |
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) plans
| Config | Price |
|---|---|
| 11" 256GB | $1,199 |
| 13" | Check Apple (raised in June 2026) |
| Nano-texture | 1TB/2TB option |
What are the pros and cons?
Apple iPad Air 11 (M4): pros
- About $450 cheaper at entry
- M4 + 12GB is plenty for most apps
- Lighter on accessories budget
- Colors beyond Space Black/Silver
Apple iPad Air 11 (M4): cons
- 60Hz LCD
- No Face ID / LiDAR
- Slower port than Thunderbolt
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5): pros
- Best iPad display
- ProMotion scrolling/drawing feel
- Thunderbolt for pro docks/SSDs
- Pro audio + Face ID
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5): cons
- Starts at $1,199
- Pencil + Magic Keyboard add hundreds
- Overkill for media/notes
Which should you choose: Apple iPad Air 11 (M4) or Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5)?
Default to Air M4. Upgrade to Pro when OLED/ProMotion or Thunderbolt workflows pay the rent. Students: see best tablets for students. Android alternative: best Android tablets.
Choose Apple iPad Air 11 (M4) if…
- Budget under ~$800 before Pencil
- Notes, classes, streaming
- You want Touch ID
Choose Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) if…
- Color-critical or HDR media
- You draw for hours (120Hz)
- You need Thunderbolt storage/docks
Frequently asked questions
Is M4 Air close to M5 Pro in speed?
Which Pencil?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Nov 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Apple Store: Buy iPad Air (11-inch and 13-inch prices) (apple.com)
- Wirecutter: The best tablet (iPad prices after June 2026 increase) (nytimes.com)
- Apple iPad Air M4 newsroom (apple.com)
- MacRumors Air M4 vs Pro M5 guide (macrumors.com)
- Apple iPad compare (apple.com)
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