iPad vs laptop: Which one should you buy in 2026?

In October, Apple launched the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro powered by the M5 chip. The new devices are the most powerful iPads yet and are more powerful than some laptops on the market. Their astonishingly thin design and incredible performance continue to beg the question: iPad vs laptop: Which one should you buy in 2026?

iPad or laptop: Which is better

This debate stems from the fact that Apple will not bring macOS to iPad or add touch to MacBook, leaving users wondering whether to go for iPad or laptop, which is better. Let’s look at the advantages of each:

iPad advantages:
– Highly portable and lightweight
– Touch and Apple Pencil support for creative tasks, drawing, and note-taking
– Long battery life
– Seamless integration with Apple products and services

Laptop advantages:
– Full desktop OS with broad software support
– Superior multitasking experience
– Multiple ports for connectivity
– Upgradable storage and memory in some models

Laptop or iPad: Which is better for students

A laptop wins over iPad with a desktop operating system, upgradability, and multiple ports, while iPad is better for portability and creative tasks. For students, the iPad is ideal for note-taking, reading, light coding, and drawing, while a laptop is better for writing assignments, research, coding, and running productivity or specific software. If your course requires specialised software, then a laptop becomes essential.

FAQs

Q1: Is a laptop better for online classes?
A: Laptops offer better multitasking and screen space for video calls, allowing you to join online classes and research simultaneously.

Q2: What lasts longer, an iPad or a laptop?
A: In terms of battery life, the iPad has an edge, but a laptop has a longer useful life thanks to upgradability and repairability.

ALSO READ: Best laptop for video editing and 4K rendering in 2025

You should choose an iPad for portability, casual work, and creativity, while a laptop is a better option for power, multitasking, and professional software use. Students should also consider course requirements before concluding.