iPad Air M1 vs Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Verdict: Microsoft Surface Pro 11 outperforms on performance and features with Snapdragon X Elite and up to 32GB RAM per manufacturer specs while iPad Air M1 excels in value at $599 MSRP and lighter weight. The Surface supports full Windows 11 desktop apps versus iPadOS limitations. iPad Air M1 is discontinued per grounded facts while Surface Pro 11 remains current as of 2024-06-18 release.
iPad Air M1 lists at $599 while Microsoft Surface Pro 11 lists at $999 — iPad Air M1 undercuts Microsoft Surface Pro 11 by $400 (67%).
Winner: Microsoft Surface Pro 11
iPad Air M1: 6.5/10
Microsoft Surface Pro 11: 8/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| iPad Air M1 | Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 13-inch touchscreen |
| Processor | Apple M1 | Snapdragon X Elite |
| RAM | 8GB | up to 32GB |
| Operating System | iPadOS | Windows 11 |
iPad Air M1
What works
- Lower MSRP of $599
- M1 chip delivers efficient performance for media consumption
- Lightweight design at 1.02 lbs
What doesn't
- Discontinued status limits software support timeline
- Maximum 8GB RAM restricts heavy multitasking
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
What works
- Up to 32GB RAM for demanding productivity
- Full Windows 11 desktop app compatibility
- Current model with Snapdragon X Elite efficiency
What doesn't
- Higher MSRP of $999
- Heavier at 1.96 lbs with keyboard attached
Bottom line
Our pick: Microsoft Surface Pro 11.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- Ergohuman Eurotech LE9ERG Executive High Back Leather Swivel Chair vs Herman Miller Aeron Chair
- Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2 vs Apple iPad Air 13-inch M4
- iPad Air 13-inch M4 vs iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2
- Aprilaire 5000 Whole-Home Air Purifier vs Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max
- Adobe Scan vs Microsoft Lens
- Apple AirTag vs Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar
- Apple MacBook Air M5 vs Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M5
- Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Apple iPad Pro M4 13 inch vs Apple MacBook Air M4 15 inch
- Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 AIO (Liquid Cooling) vs Noctua NH-D15 G2
- Autonomous ErgoChair Pro vs Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max vs Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09
People also compared
Affiliate disclosure: GoodPickr may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through partner links on this page. Verdicts are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate relationships.
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons