iPads and MacBooks are two of the most popular choices for mobile computing and are also some of Apple’s best-selling products. While both devices offer similar capabilities, they generally target different types of users. The iPad is a tablet that runs on a custom operating system, which is more similar to the iPhone’s than a Mac’s.
On the other hand, the MacBook is a full-fledged computer that does everything you would expect it to. MacBooks run on Apple’s macOS operating system, which supports everyday tasks. Unlike the iPad, it has a built-in keyboard and trackpad, but it doesn’t have a touchscreen.
You should carefully consider the two devices to find out which one is the best for you. Either way, both are great devices that will provide a great experience.
iPad vs MacBook: Side-by-Side Comparison
| iPad | MacBook | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $329 – $2,399 | $999 – $6,499 |
| Screen Range | 10.2″ – 12.9″ | 13.3″ – 16.2″ |
| Operating System | iPadOS | macOS |
| Compatible Software | iPad App Store Only | Mac App Store and User-Installed Applications |
| Models | Classic, Mini, Air, Pro | Air, Pro |
| Processors (Currently Available) | A13, A14, M1, M2 | M1, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max |
iPad vs MacBook: What’s the Difference?
iPads and MacBooks each offer great features that target different types of users. The iPad is a tablet device, whereas the MacBook is a computer. The two devices run on very different operating systems, with the iPad resembling a mobile device, and the MacBook running on a conventional computer operating system.
The difference in operating systems means that each device also runs very different programs. The iPad is much more limited in use, but there are a number of accessories that make it operate like a computer.
However, nothing can replace the inputs and power of an actual laptop. Strangely enough, these two devices are closer in price than you may think.
©History-Computer.com
User Interface
The glaring difference between an iPad and a MacBook is how you use them. A MacBook is a traditional laptop that deviates little from what a consumer expects. An iPad, on the other hand, is a tablet that is often described as a large iPhone. While that may be partially true, the iPad fits in a weird spot between the iPhone and MacBook products.
In the early days of the MacBook, its features and usability were very limited to essentially that of a large iPhone or iPod Touch. But today, the iPad is a solid alternative to a MacBook.
- 10.9" Liquid Retina display
- 64GB RAM
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- 12MP front/12MP back cameras
- Touch ID
- All-day battery life
While it doesn’t have a trackpad or keyboard, you can purchase really high-quality ones that work with it. The iPad gets very close to a MacBook when paired with an Apple Magic Keyboard.
The limiting factor for the iPad, though, is that it requires specific apps and cannot run traditional software. While that may be a hindrance to some, the iPad’s simple interface makes up for its limited uses. However, some still feel that the lack of a traditional interface is frustrating, and, in reality, an iPad won’t replace a computer.
Operating System
The iPad’s operating system is a hotly debated topic. Some users love its simplicity, while others hate its simplicity. If you are an iPhone user, then you will likely enjoy just how similar the operating system is.
Moreso, the iPad features almost all of the same apps as the iPhone. While it can’t make a normal phone call, it does offer FaceTime and iMessage.
In comparison, the MacBook runs on a Macintosh operating system that remains true to its roots while getting a number of upgrades over the years; macOS is simple to use and offers a lot of customizability that you can’t get on the iPad. In recent years, Apple has done a lot to blend iOS and macOS, creating a seamless experience between devices and streamlining many apps.
Connections
Another glaring difference between the MacBook and iPad is the number and types of connections on each. The iPad traditionally had a Lightning USB port and a 3.5mm audio jack. But several years ago, Apple removed the 3.5mm ports and switched from Lightning connectors to USB-C. MacBooks, on the other hand, are much more complicated.
- 13.6 inch liquid retina display
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD storage
- Features up to 18 hours of battery life
- Has an advanced 1080p HD camera
MacBooks have gone through countless connectivity changes over the years, but most of the new ones have USB-C and 3.5mm audio ports. The USB-C ports do work for charging and are the sole means of charging certain MacBook devices, like the M1 MacBook Air.
However, many of Apple’s newer MacBooks use the new MagSafe charger. Connectivity is still pretty limited with USB-C, but its growing use means that more devices, such as flash drives, are using the connector.
In the meantime, you will need to use an adapter to connect older USB-A peripherals to your MacBook. The iPad Air can also connect to select devices such as HDMI displays and SD cards by using an adapter, though its supported devices are very limited.
Apps
As previously mentioned, the line between Apple’s various operating systems has blurred significantly over the years. MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads can all access an Apple App Store, but the apps that each one contains differ widely.
To start with, the iPhone app store offers programs designed specifically for the small phone platform. Meanwhile, the iPad’s app store offers all of the same apps as the iPhone’s store but adds apps designed specifically for it.
These iPad apps use the entire screen space and may be optimized for the iPad’s hardware. iPhone apps running on an iPad natively shrink to the size of an iPhone, but you can maximize them to fit the iPad’s screen.
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E
- Comes with an Apple M2 processor
- Thin, sleek bezels with an aluminum chassis
- 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
The MacBook’s app store is the most limited, featuring select mobile apps that developers must approve to make available on macOS. Additionally, there are a large number of apps specifically designed to run on Mac computers.
If you are in the Apple ecosystem of products, your purchased apps typically go between all device types. But the one place where iPads and MacBooks really differ is that the MacBook has a lot more flexibility in the types of programs it can run.
With a MacBook, you can easily download a program from the internet and install it, whereas the iPad is limited to only running apps purchased from the app store. This is a major concern if you want to use your device for specific software that isn’t available in the app store.
Power
It is difficult to quantify the power capabilities of the iPad and MacBook since they are very different devices. However, you can get iPads that run on Apple’s latest M-Series processors. These are the same chips that Apple uses on its laptops. Keep in mind that each tier of MacBook and iPad comes with different processor options.
- Liquid Retina display with 1,000 nits brightness
- M2 Pro or M2 Max processor
- Up to 32GB of unified memory
- Touch ID and Magic Keyboard
Additionally, an iPad with an M1 processor may not be as powerful as a MacBook running the same M1 processor. This is partly due to power and cooling limitations with the iPad’s smaller form factor, but also because of the components used. For instance, MacBooks often use the more powerful Pro and Max chips alongside more RAM.
Pricing
The price difference between iPads and MacBooks is pretty hard to pin down because there are so many versions of each. In the iPad family, there are three main types of devices, the traditional iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. These roughly align with the models of MacBooks, which currently include the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
The Air and Pro versions of both devices line up pretty close with regard to power and offerings. The base model iPad Air may look deceptively cheap compared to some of the pricier MacBook Air models, which go over $1,000. However, you need to add $200-$300 to the iPad Air’s price tag account for a keyboard and other accessories.
Additionally, both the iPad Air and MacBook Air are available with an M1 chip, but there is a new MacBook available with the M2 chip. While the M2 MacBook Air is more expensive, it is newer and offers increased speeds.
Meanwhile, the M1 MacBook Air is on the cheaper end of the Apple computer spectrum, much like the standard iPad. But don’t let the standard iPad’s low price fool you. It still runs on an iPhone processor rather than the MacBook M-Series.
On the other end of the spectrum are the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, which both offer top performance. Both of these devices are available with the M2 chip, but they come at a premium. Just like with the Air, the Pro devices are pretty close in price when accounting for accessories.
iPad vs MacBook: Pros and Cons
| MacBook Pros | MacBook Cons |
|---|---|
| Better for work tasks, like typing | Bulky compared to an iPad |
| Works with more accessories than an iPad | Limited games and software compared to a PC |
| More powerful processors | MacBook’s starting prices are very high |
| Larger storage and RAM options are available | No touchscreen or Apple Pencil support |
| Supports software not in the app store | Can only run select mobile and iPad apps |
| iPad Pros | iPad Cons |
|---|---|
| Features a touchscreen | Limited app store, cannot run desktop programs |
| Compact with smaller screen options | Keyboard and Trackpad sold separately |
| The device on its own is cheaper | The screen is prone to scratches or cracking |
| Cellular internet options are available | Not available with a 14″ or 16″ screen |
| Supports Apple Pencil | More expensive than other tablets, like the Surface |
iPad vs MacBook: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Both MacBooks and iPads offer great portability with long-lasting batteries.
- iPads and MacBooks run on different operating systems, known as iPadOS and macOS, respectively.
- Both devices can connect to external displays and accessories, such as mice and keyboards.
- The iPads have special cases which house a keyboard and even a trackpad.
- New Apple Silicon processors are used in all new MacBooks and select iPads, such as the Air and Pro.
iPad vs MacBook: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Whether an iPad or MacBook is better really depends on what you want to do with the device. For instance, iPads are great tablets, but they are not a replacement for a computer. Similarly, MacBooks are great computers, but they are not as convenient or portable as an iPad.
While both devices have their own pros and cons, it is best to make a list of tasks you need to complete with either device. An iPad is a good option to use around the house for web surfing or watching videos. Its compact size makes it ideal for carrying around.
It is also important to remember that the iPad has a touchscreen that works with the Apple Pencil. Many users rave about it as a great drawing tablet, which is something that you cannot do with an iPad.
In comparison, a MacBook has a much larger set of features, all built-in. For instance, it is much easier to take notes on a MacBook because it has a full-size keyboard. More importantly, MacBooks can run a large number of programs that are not available on iPadOS. Therefore, the MacBook is usually a better choice for office or school use.
- Apple iPad Air (5th Generation) with M1 Chip
- 10.9" Liquid Retina display
- 64GB RAM
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- 12MP front/12MP back cameras
- Touch ID
- All-day battery life
- MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip
- 13.6 inch liquid retina display
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD storage
- Features up to 18 hours of battery life
- Has an advanced 1080p HD camera
- Apple 2022 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th Generation)
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E
- Comes with an Apple M2 processor
- Thin, sleek bezels with an aluminum chassis
- 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro
- Liquid Retina display with 1,000 nits brightness
- M2 Pro or M2 Max processor
- Up to 32GB of unified memory
- Touch ID and Magic Keyboard
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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