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8.7 / 10 Score Cnet Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test iPad Air (M4, 2026) $599 at Apple Pros Fantastic performance
Well-designed as always
Price is low for its chip's horsepower Cons Accessories like case and Pencil Pro add up
iPadOS is versatile but lacks some advantages of MacOS
I think, after a weekend using the latest iPad Air, that this is the best iPad right now for its price. But it might not be by the end of the year.
I've always recommended cheaper iPads. As I said in a recent story, I expected the base iPad would get an upgrade this spring. So did others. It didn't happen. Meanwhile, the iPad Air got a chip bump to an M4 processor and updated wireless specs. I've been living with the 11-inch model as my everyday home-casual computer for the past week, and it's a wonderful little powerhouse. I don't miss the more expensive iPad Pro at all.
The iPad Air doesn't come with a keyboard case and Pencil Pro in the box, but that's almost entirely how I've been using it. Scott Stein/CNET
I could say I want the iPad to be even more like a Mac, but I've come to accept that moment just isn't happening now. Judged as an iPad, and by what it does, it's still great. It's just that now you have to make a bit of a lifestyle choice.
The funny thing is that, while this iPad Air starts at $599, which is $250 more than the entry iPad, it's also exactly the same price as the MacBook Neo, Apple's new entry-level MacBook. Apples and oranges, so to speak, but which should you get?
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