iPad Pro (M5) vs MacBook Air (M5)
Both run Apple’s M5 chip. The iPad Pro has a tandem OLED touchscreen and weighs far less, but you pay extra for a keyboard and pencil. The MacBook Air is the simpler everyday computer, with macOS and longer battery life.
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Quick answer
Choose Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) (from $1,199) if you draw, illustrate or take notes with Apple Pencil or you want the best display and the lightest device. Choose Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) (from $1,299) if you need a full laptop and desktop apps, you don’t want to buy accessories or you want the longest battery life.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) price (opens in a new tab)Check Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) | Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,299 (512GB) |
| Display | 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED, ProMotion, 1000 nits SDR (1600 nits peak HDR) | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 500 nits |
| Touch and pencil | Yes; Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C (extra) | No |
| Software | iPadOS | macOS |
| Weight | 444g (13-inch: 579g) | 2.7 pounds (1.23kg) |
We compared Apple’s iPad Pro (M5) and MacBook Air 13 (M5) using Apple’s store and spec pages, Macwelt’s[5] head-to-head comparison and WIRED’s[6] iPad Pro review, with prices checked October 2026.
Pick the MacBook Air M5 (from $1,299 with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage) if you want an uncomplicated everyday computer that runs desktop apps and needs no extra accessories. Pick the iPad Pro M5 (from $1,199 for the 11-inch) if you want the tandem OLED display, draw with Apple Pencil, or want a thin, light device you can hold. Budget extra for the Magic Keyboard and Pencil.
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5): side-by-side
| iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) | MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,299 (512GB) |
| Display | 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED, ProMotion, 1000 nits SDR (1600 nits peak HDR) | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 500 nits |
| Touch and pencil | Yes; Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C (extra) | No |
| Software | iPadOS | macOS |
| Weight | 444g (13-inch: 579g) | 2.7 pounds (1.23kg) |
| Battery (Apple) | Up to 10 hours web or video | Up to 18 hours video streaming |
| Keyboard | Extra-cost Magic Keyboard | Built in |
How much do they cost?
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 11-inch, 256GB, Wi-Fi | $1,199 | 12GB memory; WIRED listed $999 at its 2025 launch |
| Magic Keyboard | Extra | €349 or €399 depending on size (Macwelt) |
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 13-inch, 10-core CPU / 8-core GPU | From $1,299 | 16GB memory, 512GB SSD |
| 15-inch | From $1,499 | — |
What are the pros and cons?
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5): pros
- Tandem OLED display with ProMotion
- Much lighter: 579g for the 13-inch (Macwelt)
- Touchscreen with Apple Pencil support
- Same M5 chip family
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5): cons
- Magic Keyboard and Pencil cost extra
- iPadOS limits desktop apps and games (Macwelt)
- Shorter rated battery life
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5): pros
- Complete laptop with no extra accessories
- macOS runs classic desktop programs
- Up to 18 hours of video streaming
- 16GB memory and 512GB SSD to start
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5): cons
- LCD rather than OLED
- No touchscreen or pencil support
- Heavier than the iPad Pro alone
Which should you choose: Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) or Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)?
Macwelt[5] recommends the MacBook Air M5 if you want an uncomplicated everyday computer without expensive accessories, rely on desktop programs, or want some gaming. It recommends the iPad Pro M5 if the OLED display, Apple Pencil work and a thin, light device matter most, and if you’re prepared to pay extra for a keyboard and pencil. For most people who need a laptop, the MacBook Air is the better value.
Choose Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5) if…
- You draw, illustrate or take notes with Apple Pencil
- You want the best display and the lightest device
- You mostly use it as a tablet
Choose Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) if…
- You need a full laptop and desktop apps
- You don’t want to buy accessories
- You want the longest battery life
Pricing compared
Apple’s store lists the 11-inch iPad Pro M5 at $1,199 for 256GB with 12GB of memory. WIRED’s[6] 2025 review gave a $999 launch price, so the price has gone up. The MacBook Air 13 M5 starts at $1,299 with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, and the 15-inch starts at $1,499. Macwelt[5] notes the Magic Keyboard costs €349 or €399 extra depending on size, and the Apple Pencil is also extra.
Display and design
Apple specs the iPad Pro with an Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display with ProMotion, 1000 nits SDR brightness and 1600 nits peak for HDR. The MacBook Air 13 has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina IPS display at 500 nits. The 11-inch iPad Pro weighs 444g and the 13-inch weighs 579g. The MacBook Air 13 weighs 2.7 pounds. Macwelt[5] points out that the 13-inch Magic Keyboard adds 662g, which narrows the weight advantage.
Software and battery
Macwelt[5] says the M5 chip brings both devices to almost the same performance level, but the iPad Pro can’t match the Mac for gaming, and a touchscreen doesn’t replace a keyboard and mouse. Apple rates the iPad Pro at up to 10 hours of web browsing or video and the MacBook Air at up to 18 hours of video streaming.
Frequently asked questions
Can the iPad Pro M5 replace a MacBook Air?
Which is cheaper?
Which has better battery life?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 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 Pro (checked October 2026) (apple.com)
- Apple: iPad Pro (M5) tech specs (apple.com)
- Apple Store: Buy MacBook Air (checked October 2026) (apple.com)
- Apple: MacBook Air (M5) tech specs (apple.com)
- Macwelt (German): iPad Pro M5 vs MacBook Air M5 (macwelt.de)
- WIRED: Apple iPad Pro (M5) review (wired.com)
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