The gap between iPads and MacBooks keeps getting narrower every year. With Apple's latest M5 chips powering both devices, they're now more capable than ever. But here's the real question: which one is actually right for you?
After weeks of hands-on testing and benchmarking, we've put together this complete guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a creative professional, student, or someone looking for your next portable device, let's break down everything you need to know.
Price Comparison: Value for Your Money
Let's talk about cost first, because it matters.
iPad Pro M5 (13-inch):
- Base model: $1,299
- With Magic Keyboard: $350
- Apple Pencil (USB-C): $80
- Total: ~$1,729
MacBook Pro M5:
- Base model: $1,599
- Comes with everything you need (no add-ons required)
- Total: $1,599
Here's what surprised us: the MacBook Pro base model actually offers better specs for less money. You're getting a 10-core CPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, compared to the iPad's 9-core CPU, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage. The MacBook even starts cheaper and includes everything out of the box.
However, if you want just the tablet experience without a keyboard, the 11-inch iPad Pro at $1,000 is your most affordable entry point to the M5 chip.
Display Technology: OLED vs LED
This is where things get interesting.
iPad Pro: Features a stunning 13-inch OLED panel (Tandem OLED) with 264 PPI pixel density. The blacks are absolutely gorgeous, with incredible dynamic contrast and saturated colors. If you're doing photo editing or color-critical work, you'll notice the superior color depth and shadow detail.
MacBook Pro: Features a 14-inch LED-backlit XDR Retina display with 254 PPI pixel density. It's still fantastic for everyday work, with great color accuracy and dynamic range.
The verdict? The iPad's OLED display technically looks better with richer blacks and more vibrant colors. The MacBook's larger size feels more practical for work. Both support ProMotion (120Hz) and can be configured with a nano-textured finish to reduce glare. In real-world use, both are exceptional—pick based on your priorities.
Performance: Raw Power Matters
We ran comprehensive benchmarks on both devices, and here's what we found:
Single-Core Performance
Both devices scored similarly (iPad Pro: ~4,100 points | MacBook Pro: ~4,200 points). For everyday tasks, you won't notice a difference here.
Multi-Core Performance
This is where the MacBook pulls ahead. The MacBook Pro delivered around 17,000 points versus 15,000 on the iPad Pro. The laptop's superior thermal management and potentially higher clock speeds give it a real-world advantage in demanding applications.
GPU Performance (Gaming)
The MacBook Pro averages 72 frames per second in 3D benchmarks, while the iPad manages 57.6 fps—a noticeable 20% gap. MacBooks have actually become legitimate gaming machines.
Sustained Performance
Here's the shocker: the MacBook Pro maintained 90.4% performance during extended stress tests, while the iPad dropped to 77.4%. The laptop's thermal architecture handles sustained workloads significantly better.
Video Editing (The Real Test)
- Final Cut Pro (simple 14-minute project): Nearly identical (iPad: 6:35 | MacBook: 6:15)
- DaVinci Resolve (complex project): MacBook dominates (iPad: 15:43 | MacBook: 5:53)
For serious video work, the MacBook Pro is substantially faster.
Connectivity: The MacBook Wins Decisively
MacBook Pro ports:
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
- 1x Full-size HDMI
- 1x SD card slot
- 1x MagSafe 3 charging (up to 96W)
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
iPad Pro connectivity:
- 1x USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps)
- Optional: second USB-C via Magic Keyboard
It's not even close. If you need to connect multiple external displays, use SD cards, or want a headphone jack, the MacBook is significantly more versatile. You can connect up to two 6K external monitors on the MacBook versus just one 6K monitor on the iPad.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Comfort Counts
The iPad Pro's Magic Keyboard is genuinely impressive for a tablet—it has a full function row, Touch ID, and backlit keys. But let's be honest: it doesn't compare to the MacBook Pro's keyboard and trackpad combination.
The MacBook offers:
- Better key travel and spacing
- Larger, more responsive trackpad (Force Touch with haptic feedback)
- More ergonomic for long typing sessions
If you're planning extended work sessions, your hands will thank you for choosing the MacBook.
Battery Life: MacBook's Real Superpower
This is where the MacBook absolutely dominates.
We tested both devices with a full battery drain:
iPad Pro: 10 hours and 54 minutes (38.9 Wh battery) MacBook Pro: 23 hours and 12 minutes (72.4 Wh battery)
Yes, you read that right. The MacBook gets nearly double the battery life. In practical terms, you could work all day, charge overnight, and continue the next day without thinking about power. The iPad needs a daily charge.
Unique Advantages of Each Device
iPad Pro Advantages
✓ Touchscreen + Apple Pencil: Perfect for artists, note-takers, and designers ✓ Lighter and more portable: At 579g (without keyboard), it's genuinely pocketable ✓ Better wireless connectivity: Newer N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support and Bluetooth 6 ✓ eSIM support: Get cellular data without a MacBook ✓ Better cameras: 12MP rear (4K 60fps) and front-facing options ✓ Superior display tech: OLED with better colors and blacks
MacBook Pro Advantages
✓ Better keyboard and trackpad: Hands-down the best on any laptop ✓ Real operating system: macOS is infinitely more versatile than iPadOS ✓ Exceptional performance: Faster CPU, GPU, and sustained performance ✓ Double the battery life: 23+ hours is genuinely impressive ✓ Superior ports: SD card, multiple USB-C, HDMI, headphone jack ✓ Better speakers: Six-speaker array with Dolby Atmos (vs iPad's four) ✓ More storage options: Up to 4TB vs iPad's 2TB maximum
The Real Deal-Breaker: Operating System
Here's something people don't talk about enough: the software limitation on iPadOS is the iPad Pro's biggest weakness.
iPadOS has improved dramatically with Stage Manager and floating windows, but it still can't match macOS for:
- Window management and multitasking
- Professional applications
- File system navigation
- Workflow customization
Internally, both devices use nearly identical architectures and components. The difference? The software. If the iPad Pro ran macOS, it would be a completely different conversation.
Which Should You Buy? Our Honest Recommendation
Choose the iPad Pro M5 if:
- You draw, sketch, or take handwritten notes regularly
- You want maximum portability (at least without a keyboard)
- You primarily consume content or do light work
- You need cellular connectivity options
- Your workflow centers around touchscreen-friendly apps
Choose the MacBook Pro M5 if:
- You need serious computing power for video editing, coding, or professional work
- You want a device that lasts all day (and then some)
- You value having a proper trackpad and keyboard
- You need versatile ports and connectivity
- You want to connect multiple external displays
- You're working with desktop software (Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, etc.)
Final Thoughts
The iPad Pro M5 and MacBook Pro M5 are now more similar than ever—but they're fundamentally different tools for different purposes. The iPad is a brilliant content consumption and creative device. The MacBook is a powerful, versatile computer.
The MacBook Pro offers better all-around value as a primary computing device. You get more power, longer battery life, better ports, and a superior working experience for the same price (or less).
But if you're primarily an artist, note-taker, or someone who values portability above all else, the iPad Pro's touchscreen and pencil support create a compelling case.
The real question isn't which is better—it's which is better for you.
What's Your Take?
Are you team iPad or team MacBook? Let us know in the comments which device you'd choose and why. And if you're considering buying either one, drop a question—we're happy to help you decide.
If you're interested in gaming performance on the M5 MacBook Pro, stay tuned—we've got a dedicated gaming video coming soon.