Buying Guide

iPad Pro 13" M4 Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before buying. We compare alternatives, recommend accessories, and give you our honest verdict.

Quick Verdict

Our take in 30 seconds.

4.7(1,894)

The iPad Pro 13-inch with M4 is the most advanced tablet ever made. The tandem OLED display is breathtaking, the M4 chip delivers incredible performance, and the Apple Pencil Pro unlocks new creative possibilities. However, iPadOS remains the limiting factor — it's still not a full laptop replacement for everyone. For creative professionals, students, and media consumers, it's the best tablet money can buy. If you need desktop-class multitasking, also consider a MacBook Air.

Buying Guide

Step-by-step breakdown to help you decide.

1

iPad Pro vs iPad Air: Which is right for you?

The iPad Pro offers M4 (vs M3 in Air), tandem OLED (vs Liquid Retina), 120Hz ProMotion, Thunderbolt 4, and Face ID. The iPad Air is lighter and $500 cheaper with 90% of the performance for most users.

  • Choose iPad Pro: Creative pro, HDR work, needs ProMotion
  • Choose iPad Air: Great performance, better value, most users
2

Essential accessories for the iPad Pro

The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro transform the iPad Pro into a creative workstation. Consider a USB-C hub for display output and SD card reading.

  • Must-have: Apple Pencil Pro for creators
  • Must-have: Magic Keyboard for productivity
  • Nice-to-have: USB-C hub with HDMI

Best Alternatives

Other great options worth considering.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

$1,199

Android tablet with 14.6-inch display, S Pen, and DeX mode.

4.4
View Review
Larger displayS Pen includedDeX desktop mode

MacBook Air 15" M3

$1,299

Traditional laptop alternative with macOS and physical keyboard.

4.6
View Review
macOS multitaskingPhysical keyboardBetter file management

Recommended Accessories

Complete your setup.

Apple Pencil Pro

Next-gen stylus with squeeze and barrel roll.

$129

Magic Keyboard

Floating keyboard with aluminum palm rest.

$349

iPad Smart Folio

Slim protective cover in multiple colors.

$79
FAQ

Still Have Questions?

We've got answers.

For creative professionals, students, and media consumers, yes. The M4 + Magic Keyboard handles most workflows. For software development or heavy file management, a MacBook is still better due to macOS.