iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 11 Inch M3: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Air 11 Inch M3 — 8.5/10
The iPad Air 11 Inch M3 is the better choice for users who need a powerful and feature-rich tablet experience, with a significant performance advantage and higher-quality display (per CNET). However, the iPad 9th Generation is a more affordable option for casual users who don't need the latest and greatest features.
See the interactive comparison →iPad 9th Generation Overview
The iPad 9th Generation is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Good for basic tasks like browsing and streaming
- Compatible with Apple Pencil (1st generation)
Cons
- Outdated processor compared to other iPads
- No USB-C, only Lightning port
iPad Air 11 Inch M3 Overview
The iPad Air 11 Inch M3 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Powerful Apple M3 chip
- USB-C port with faster transfer speeds
Cons
- More expensive than the iPad 9th Generation
- No major design changes from the previous generation
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad 9th Generation and iPad Air 11 Inch M3 stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad 9th Generation tends to lead in Good for basic tasks like browsing and streaming, while the iPad Air 11 Inch M3 stands out for Powerful Apple M3 chip.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad 9th Generation if…
- You want good for basic tasks like browsing and streaming
- You want compatible with apple pencil (1st generation)
Buy the iPad Air 11 Inch M3 if…
- You want powerful apple m3 chip
- You want usb-c port with faster transfer speeds
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Air 11 Inch M3. The iPad Air 11 Inch M3 is the better choice for users who need a powerful and feature-rich tablet experience, with a significant performance advantage and higher-quality display (per CNET). However, the iPad 9th Generation is a more affordable option for casual users who don't need the latest and g
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad 9th Generation or iPad Air 11 Inch M3?
The iPad Air 11 Inch M3 is the better choice for users who need a powerful and feature-rich tablet experience, with a significant performance advantage and higher-quality display (per CNET). However, the iPad 9th Generation is a more affordable option for casual users who don't need the latest and greatest features.
What are the scores for iPad 9th Generation and iPad Air 11 Inch M3?
iPad 9th Generation scores 6.5/10 and iPad Air 11 Inch M3 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad 9th Generation?
Good for basic tasks like browsing and streaming. Compatible with Apple Pencil (1st generation).
What are the main advantages of the iPad Air 11 Inch M3?
Powerful Apple M3 chip. USB-C port with faster transfer speeds.
Is the iPad 9th Generation worth the price?
The iPad 9th Generation offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize iPad's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
Get notified when prices drop
We'll alert you when iPad 9th Generation or iPad Air 11 Inch M3 hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.