8.8
Review
iPad Air M3 review: the iPad most people should buy
Pro-level speed for daily tasks, Apple Pencil Pro support and a much lower price than the iPad Pro.
The iPad Air sits in the middle of Apple’s lineup, and for most people it is exactly where they should be. The M3 chip is far more than you need for notes, reading, video and light editing, and it leaves room for years of software updates.
Display
The LCD panel is sharp and well calibrated but runs at 60Hz. Coming from a ProMotion iPad Pro, scrolling feels less fluid. Coming from anything else, you will not notice.
Accessories
The Air supports Apple Pencil Pro and a new, cheaper Magic Keyboard. With both, the Air makes a very capable note-taking machine for students.
11 or 13 inches?
The 11-inch is the better tablet; the 13-inch is the better laptop replacement. If you mostly hold it, go small.
What we like
- Fast M3 chip
- Pencil Pro support
- Great value
What we don’t
- 60Hz display
- Accessories add up
8.8
Verdict. The sweet spot of the iPad range. Buy the Pro only for the OLED display or Thunderbolt.
Devices in this article
Keep reading
More reviews →
Buying guides
The best iPad for students
Notes, reading and writing essays: which iPad and which accessories actually make sense on a student budget.
9.1Reviews
iPhone 17 Pro review: the cool-headed Pro
An aluminum body, a better telephoto and battery life that finally impresses. The best Pro iPhone in years.
9.2Reviews
MacBook Air M4 review: the default laptop gets cheaper and better
A lower price, 16GB of memory as standard and support for two external displays. There is very little to complain about.