Apple iPad Air (M4)
Exact average 83.6 · 9 printed, 2 estimated · printed scores only: 82
Image: Apple10 of 11 reviewers who tested the M4 iPad Air recommend it, and their scores sit within 20 points. They call it fast enough for almost anything and the sensible choice over the iPad Pro. The design hasn't changed, and there is still no Face ID.
Reviewed by Tom's Guide, Trusted Reviews, CNET and 8 more
The catch: Still no Face ID.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 11 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 90Tom's Guide
A modest upgrade on a tablet that remains the best for most people.
Read Tom's Guide review - 90Trusted Reviews
Another small spec bump, but it is fast, capable and still the best tablet for most buyers.
Read Trusted Reviews review - 87CNET
The reviewer calls it the best iPad for the money right now, with excellent performance at $599, but warns that accessories add up and a new base iPad could change the picture.
Read CNET review - 85Engadget
A fast, well-built tablet that remains Apple's best pick for most people, though the dated display and lack of Face ID hold it back.
Read Engadget review - 80The Independent
A strongly positive review calling it the perfect choice for near-Pro quality at a lower price, with outstanding performance.
Read The Independent review - 80PCMag UK
An Editors' Choice tablet with fast M4 performance and modern wireless.
Read PCMag UK review - 80Tech Advisor
Called an excellent tablet and the best iPad Air so far, thanks to the faster chip, extra RAM and newer wireless.
Read Tech Advisor review - 80ZDNET
A very good mid-range tablet with strong M4 performance at $599, recommended for those spending around that much, though it keeps a 60Hz screen and pricey accessories.
Read ZDNET review - 70WIRED
A very capable but unexciting update that is the best iPad for occasional real work.
Read WIRED review - 89est.CNN Underscored
Called easily the best tablet for most people who outgrow the basic iPad, with Pro-level speed at half the price.
Read CNN Underscored review - 89est.The Guardian
Called the best premium tablet for most Apple buyers, with laptop-level speed, fast wireless and good battery life.
Read The Guardian review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
How it compares
Direct comparisons by professional outlets, exact models only, in our words. Shown as evidence; they never change the critic score.
vs Apple iPad Pro (M5)87
- PCMag (2026): it depends. Choose this one if: you want more power than the base iPad at a lower price, including portable gaming, with 11 or 13 inch choice.
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other tablets critics rate highly
Also reviewed, not yet scored
- Huawei MatePad 11.5 · 3 reviews so far
- Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch · 3 reviews so far
- OnePlus Pad Go · 3 reviews so far
Common questions
Is the Apple iPad Air (M4) worth it?
Most critics think so: 10 of 11 recommend it. Still no Face ID.
Do critics agree about the Apple iPad Air (M4)?
Broad agreement: scores range from 70 (WIRED) to 90 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 20 points across 11 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the Apple iPad Air (M4)?
Price (5 of 11 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple iPad Air (M4)?
The OnePlus Pad 3 (critic score 88), top pick, narrowly.