Apple iPad Air (M4) vs Apple iPad Pro (M5)
Critics score the Apple iPad Air (M4) 84 and the Apple iPad Pro (M5) 87 out of 100, from 11 and 15 professional reviews. 9 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple iPad Air (M4) higher, 5 scored the Apple iPad Pro (M5) higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple iPad Pro (M5) 4 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple iPad Air (M4)
Praised for: performance (11 of 11), picture quality (3 of 11), design (3 of 11)
Criticised for: price (5 of 11)
The catch: Still no Face ID.
All 11 reviews of the Apple iPad Air (M4) →
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Image: AppleApple iPad Pro (M5)
Praised for: performance (13 of 15), picture quality (11 of 15), battery life (5 of 15)
Criticised for: price (13 of 15)
The catch: Very expensive, and accessories add up.
All 15 reviews of the Apple iPad Pro (M5) →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple iPad Air (M4) | Apple iPad Pro (M5) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIRED | 70 | 90 | -20 |
| ZDNET | 80 | 96 | -16 |
| Tech Advisor | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| The Independent | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| CNET | 87 | 88 | -1 |
| Engadget | 85 | 85 | same |
| Tom's Guide | 90 | 90 | same |
| Trusted Reviews | 90 | 83est. | +7 |
| CNN Underscored | 89est. | 77est. | +12 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple iPad Air (M4) minus the Apple iPad Pro (M5). Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Direct comparisons
Reviewers who put these two side by side. These never change a score.
- PCMag says it depends: the Apple iPad Pro (M5) if You want the most capable, fastest iPad, especially for content creation and watching movies on its screen and speakers.; the Apple iPad Air (M4) if You want more power than the base iPad at a lower price, including portable gaming, with 11 or 13 inch choice.
Compare either one with another tablet → · All tablets ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple iPad Air (M4) or the Apple iPad Pro (M5)?
Critics rate the Apple iPad Pro (M5) higher: 87 against 84. 9 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple iPad Air (M4) higher, 5 scored the Apple iPad Pro (M5) higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple iPad Pro (M5) 4 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple iPad Air (M4) and the Apple iPad Pro (M5)?
The Apple iPad Air (M4): broad agreement, scores from 70 to 90. The Apple iPad Pro (M5): broad agreement, scores from 71 to 96.