iPad Pro vs MacBook Pro - A Winner Emerges 

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I have used an iPad Pro for 90% of my work (as an entrepreneur managing a successful international business) and leisure for the last 5 years. I hate using a Mac, and only do so when I come across something I can’t do on the iPad (due to software limitations which get less year by year), which is only a handful of times each year. I am all in with the iPad Pro - the MacBook Pro to me is the past. And don’t forget there are various things the iPad can do that the Mac can’t, such as for me use as tablet to play music, access the internet where there is no Wi-Fi, scan documents and even measure objects. And using touch is so much more intuitive, satisfying and involving (e.g. pinch to zoom editing photos). You will never get me back on a Mac!

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As a travel photographer for whom weight and size are important I’ve spent literally years of frustration trying to make an iPad-only workflow viable. File management and multi-asking are the killers for me. The M1 Macbooks with their light weght and insane battery life changed the game. I now have a Macbook Air and couldn’t be happier! I still carry an iPad Mini for content cosumption in tight spaces (like on Ryanair!)

M1 iPad Pro 11” and an M1 MacBook Pro. No limits here. Heavy work done on the MacBook. Video conferencing, note taking, brainstorming and recreating on the iPad. A perfect couple.

Well thought our presentation. I have and use both. I use the iPad when I’m away from my office for both work and leisure. For serious projects where I want multiple screens, multiple desk tops and in some cases more complete programs, I use the MBP. Can’t say I like one better than the other. Pretty much love them both. They are just very different tools.

The ability for the iPad to have native Microsoft office apps that can be secured at the enterprise level is a must have for me. I can instantly authenticate and check teams or outlook on my personal device. I can’t do that on a MacBook unless it is a corporate MacBook. To me that is a “Pro” level feature.

I currently have the m2 IPad Pro 12.9” and I love it I just got it 2 days ago and it is the most amazing machine to use. I use it for school and for Normal use. But it’s amazing super fast and super reliable. I haven’t had any issue with the iPad yet but don’t forget apple have only just recently been able to pack everything in to the newer iPads to make them feel more like laptops. I think the ipad is the best ipalotop (ipad and laptop together). I currently am using the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil and it makes it feel so nice to use! HopeFully this helps!

I use my iPad in combination with my MacBook Pro as a very expensive external monitor using universal control

Great video! I have the 11” M1 iPad Pro, and a 14” M1 Max MacBook Pro. To me, the M1 iPad Pro has so much potential that’s not being realized. I’ve been using mainly the 12.9” ones since 2018, but last summer I decided to go for the smaller one because I realized portability was missing, and it’s the reason why I opted for the 14” MBP instead of the 16.” The more I use the MBP, the more I’ve come to the realization that the limits that were once the bane of the Intel Macs has more-or-less broken through with the Apple silicon models. After the M1 Mac mini, which was the best desktop I had in ages, I passed it down to my mother for this MBP. Putting up with system overload messages in Logic is a thing of the past. Video editing in LumaFusion on the Mac is speedy, though rendering can still be taxing but gets it done. But otherwise, just the smoothness, the quickness, and the fact that I can focus on the work without limits is a really good feeling. (I know there are limitations, but the threshold is much higher). I know there are limits on the iPad Pro, some by necessity, but it really needs a step up (where are the Apple Pro apps? Wassup with glitchy limitations with SD cards and portable SSD drivers? Files….still needs work). Both have valid use cases that I that I take advantage of for sure, but I don’t feel like I have to play catchup with the MBP, the way I’m still waiting for the iPad Pro to do. Again, thank you!

Great video as always Chris! It's really important to have that critical thought process when making a purchasing decision like this, and the way you laid it out was straightforward.

I have the iPad Air 5, specked out and it is amazing. I use it in high school, video creating, photoshop, etc. It is so nice to take the ipad off the Magic Keyboard and use the Apple Pencil for taking notes, drawing, photoshop, stuff like that. They keyboard is also amazing! I have ipad os 16 beta and stage manger is something that has changed the game (in a good way!)! It is very fast and works amazing for what i need!

Apple's answer to this dilemma is: "buy both." Like many others I have bent over backwards trying to make the iPad Pro work as a daily machine, but the limitations of iPad OS are not worth surmounting when Mac OS offers such superiority in time savings alone (not to mention the iPhone being much more convenient for most iOS-type tasks). I believe the limits on iPad are a deliberate choice by Apple, perhaps not something they planned from 2010, but at least several years ago they decided that rather than cannibalizing Mac sales by making iPads legit replacements they'd make them just functional enough to be complementary devices. When you see the new base iPad get a Magic Keyboard Folio with function keys and camera on the horizontal orientation while the "Pro" languishes in these areas, the game of limiting features across the iPad line so that no one device gives you everything, no matter how much you pay, becomes increasingly transparent. The iPad is k like Siri for me, if I am very deliberate and specific with what I am asking for it to do (based on past experience) then it's great, once I stray a bit and expect seemingly obvious things to work, they don't.

Great assessment. I came to that same conclusion about the MacBook Pro -Vs-the iPad Pro about two years ago. Initially, I was taken in by the iPad’s note taking features. To that end, I started using Notability and GoodNotes to capture design review details. But, after watching dozens of videos by medical students creating pretty notes with these two apps I concluded that I would never get to that level of competency with these tools nor did it actually matter. I still use the iPad Pro for note taking but I find that to be a smaller percentage of my workflow these days.

Have you considered using the 11” iPad Pro instead? The only reason I use my iPad Pro more than my 14” MBP is because the smaller size is more convenient to take with me around the house. If they were the same size like the two you are using, I might hesitate to grab the iPad as well. Just a thought. Great video!

Great video! Very informative in what to think about. I"m getting ready to buy a MacBook Pro 14", with a 1 TB SSD Drive. I've been conflicted on whether or not to instead get the new MacAir with the M2 chip,..but I've been pretty convinced lately to still purchase the Pro. Thanks for giving me new ways to confirm my decision.

Thank you so much for this video. Thank you for your candor ! This was super helpful.

I’ve got a 2012 MacBook Pro and a first gen iPad Pro. Both still work great. I think that, in and of itself speaks volumes. You won’t go wrong no matter what you get. As an artist, the first time I used the pencil I was sold. It’s everything for me. That being said, the price and the software offered on MacBook is tempting and something I want to use more of….idk what should I get?

Great video. People all too often lose track of the fact that these are tools. Get the tool YOU need, not the tool someone else needs.

Great video Chris! I own both and I’m the opposite. I feel like if I lost my iPad Pro, I’d be scrambling on how to do my job. I’d manage but my workflow personally wouldn’t be as condensed, streamline and just fun. I’m a real estate agent, so for me, having the combination of the best of both worlds using an iPhone and MacBook in one device means the world to me. To be able to have a device where I can do all of the communication I need, all of the social media and advertising task, note taking, actually USING the LiDar sensor to scan 3D models for clients who can only view homes remotely…it’s been amazing. I think my utilization percentage between my iPad Pro and MacBook pros has been 85% iPad/15 MacBook at WORST, probably higher for the iPad. I just got done conducting a company training on Zoom, settling up searches for and sending emails for clients, planning my routes for tomorrow while saving them on my iPad so that way the destinations are waiting for me on the iPhone when it’s connected to CarPlay in the car, and then after I split screen RU-vid and my CRM to do some follow up. Yes, I can do this all on my MacBook. But for ME, not as conveniently. But I respect your choice for the MacBook and can see why it’s the preferred machine for a lot of people. Good choices either way lol

Man I love your videos! Long time subscriber. Thank you for the content! 👌🏻🙏🏻

Really good analogies, Chris. I appreciated them.

I like the way you explain it mate. Thanks for helping me compare before purchasing.

The best thing ever is the combination of the two. I need both of them in my workload. I take all my notes and read the papers I need on the iPad Pro while I do all my coding on the 14" MacBook Pro. Also, sidecar is the best thing ever. Having a second screen for your Mac anywhere you go is just perfect! The thing to note here is that while I do take advantage of a the power of the MacBook, I don't really count on the iPad for heavier workflows. I tried to, I actually planned to completely switch to the iPad before I bought my current Mac, but I very quickly realised that while it might be possible, it would very severely handicap my workflow and make me have to find workarounds all the time. So, I ended up getting the Mac and don't regret it a bit. And the final nail in the coffin is that while I would not consider downgrading the computer, the iPad Pro I use is a 2015 12.9". I planned to upgrade to the M2 12.9", but I realised that since it is only used for basic stuff there is no reason to upgrade. I am planning to keep the 2015 iPad Pro for at least another year. But I know that after having tried the combo of both iPad and Mac Pro, I am not going back. A workflow that has both of these is vastly superior to one that doesn't.

Another great video. Thanks for sharing your insights.

I used the iPad Pro 10” (2nd gen?) with keyboard + Pencil in 2019 and tried to make it my only device for work and personal. I needed a bigger screen for hours-long sessions. I ended up adding an iMac to work flow. The iPad Pro has advanced so much in power, capability, and versatility since. It could handle 100% of my computing needs now and can connect to an external. If the issue is budget and have to choose one device, the MacBook Air or 13” Pro wins for me.

If you have a 12.9 IPad Pro, does it load up full web pages as standard? Like if you were using a MacBook etc? Not the normal iPad or iPhone web pages?

Isn't the mirroring screen affecting full screen mode when connecting from ipad to TV or monitor? You showed it as if it was full screen on the TV too but I've only seen complains about this not being possible from iPad. Please and thanks!

What would you recommend for a traveling nursing student? I'm leaning more towards the iPad pro. I have the MacBook pro right now and I find it tricky to some times take notes the way I would like to with a iPad.

I’m having this debate with myself right now and am sort of coming to the conclusion that at the ~$2000 price point an iPad Pro plus Mac mini might be a more versatile combo for me than a 14” MBP.

Can you use the iPad to edit delete data before transferring that data to a new iPhone?

Your content was truly helpful. I am in the process of launching my 3D modeling business and this gave me full clarity on my decision!

This was soooooo helpful Chris thank you!!!!

8 months later I am here. Apple just announced that Logic and FCP are coming to iPad. I actually start shopping for the iPad Pro as a result but there is still one issue. As a software developer I can't do that on an iPad. And when price out an iPad Pro vs a MacBook M1 or M2 there is not much price difference but the performance limitations are too great. I think the iPad is getting close, but still too distant.

Finally someone with logic and no fluff… thank you… great video and content

This was very helpful. Thank you

I need both and always will I’m afraid. I’m a UX/UI designer and I do concept work on iPad and execute on Mac. With full display support coming (for an M1, which I don’t own), I may be able to just use an iPad if I really wanted to. But I still have a preference for MacOS for more things.

Thank you for this video. It only took me less than 2 minutes to make my decision with your video! Thanks again!

Hi DailyTekk, have you done a revamp on these 6mos later i.e. 2023? Thanks :)

Which of the two would you advise a student to get? I have used a MacBook Pro for the past years and am now in need of a new device. I am hesitant about whether the IPad would be a better fit for me. I need to read and write a lot, and sometimes, though not often, I need to use programs such as excel or ATLAS. Any advice you could offer?

I haven’t event upgraded to M1 in my iPad Pro - but I do have the M1 MBA. I find I use the iPad more for content consumption and taking notes from presentations as it is easier to take a pic of the slide and embed into Notes and take me typed notes and thoughts on the iPad which is then shared among my devices. Love the apps for the iPad as well (like RU-vid vs web login for RU-vid) and the touchscreen as well. I am by no means a power user - but if I could get a MBA with the screen of the MBPro - that would be amazing!

Which one would you recommend for a 5yr old for school work

Love the Honesty.. You have a new subscriber!

This is a great video. My current MacBook Pro is a 2012 version and Pro-Tools runs so slow in it. But there are blue moon cases where Apple Music stopped carrying a CD I should’ve just bought, but didn’t. So I bought the digital album on Amazon, burned it onto a CD, and then uploaded it to iTunes so I could steam it. Sounds like a lot. But that flexibility means a lot when albums and streamed albums disappear out of Apple Music. And that’s happened to me more than once. Yet. I haven’t had an iPad since the 3rd generation mini and I really want an iPad that just can at least compliment me more than just a giant iPhone. I want more capability out of an iPad so I want the iPad Pro. Crossing my fingers pro tools or Logic Pro comes up with a version for the iPad. I just want to be able to read a book in bigger form. Write and/or probably write my book finally. And have the freedom to live about without lugging around a laptop. I don’t even reach for my MacBook now. I get off work using a Dell and yeah. My MacBook Pro just collects dust. I feel like mentality I’ll be more productive with an iPad. Which might prove I may still need to get a new MacBook Pro later down the road.

Excellent review - excellent details and excellent description of both products Made my decision a lot easier 🙏🏼

great articulation and very good script... very professional. Well done

Excellent video! Thank you!

Very good comparison, you gave good example as well makes lot of sense

My cousin and I are thinking about making a channel on Rumble, and we don't have anything for recording and video editing. So I wasn't sure which one would be the best route for that.

I am currently a third-year law student using both the 12.9” M1 iPad Pro and the M1 MacBook Pro. There is a lot that I need the MacBook Pro for, especially when it comes to features in Microsoft Office. If Office were updated on iPad OS with all of the features found on MacOS, the iPad would be my go to. There are a lot of things I use the iPad for that I cannot do on the Mac. For example, I am given a lot of pdf documents to read or edit. With the iPad, I can hand write notes directly on the page rather than type them on a separate document or in margins as required by the Mac. I agree that losing my Mac would completely halt my career as Office is lacking on iPad, but there are definitely features of iPad OS that are super beneficial for productivity. If I had to choose just one, it would be the MacBook Pro; however, if someone can afford both, the two machines complement each other so well that investing in both is a great option.

Ive got a m1 12.9 with the magic keyboard. Debating a 14 inch or 16 inch macbook pro. What yall think?

Thank u so much @dailytekk this video helped me so much

I have the new M2 MBA and the 11” iPad Pro w/ Magic Keyboard: and its been a wonder to have both i honestly haven’t seen myself with just one or the other. I’m in college and for my Freshman and sophomore year; i depended more on my iPad for notes, content, and such. But when it came to essays it’s always felt better on the [M1] MBA. Now that I starting becoming a content creator for the past couple of months and getting the new M2 MBA and the Studio Display and the same iPad Pro 11” and starting my Junior year of college I’ve started to depend more on both [almost] equally because i still take notes here and there and now making content to edit and such. So honestly in my opinion if you can get both GET BOTH, even with experience of universal control its been an absolute BEAST when controlling more than one screen and if you have a keynote on you Mac but then some info on the iPad it’s such a cool perk to have. So at the end of the day i would recommend getting (even if maybe not the pro version) an M1 based iPad and a MacBook Air or Pro

Great comparison. Thank you

this makes sooooo much sense. you sir, just removed my itch of buying an ipad! thank you so much! banger video

I totally agree with EVERYTHING you just said 110%. I had/have a 17" MBP ... yes it is old... I still love it... but YES it is time to get a new one... I can't update the 2011 anymore. I am a Writer... and I want to get into filming too... video etc. I want to write screenplays... so I feel the MBP is what I will get again... I also think I need an iPad... maybe even a mini iPad... not even a pro... but I will be using this for work... Filming etc... Do you agree .... I need both?

the most honest review i’ve seen so far

Using an iPad Pro for the first time in 2021 M1 . I would say, the IPad Pro is sufficient for the majority out there. You can design and sculpt some really high grade projects. The iPad has more options as far as portability and convenience. But it’s limited in a software aspect. If you want to use it for serious work, I would go back with the MB pro. For browsing, light Microsoft work, or drawing get the iPad. :)

Im starting vet school next year and I’m not sure which to get. Any opinions ?

I just got an iPad Air 5 a few days ago and the M1 MBA in November, the computer is to do pro apps I need for school and the tablet to read ebooks and note taking.

Do you HAVE to use gestures to operate macbook trackpad or can you just use it like a nornal one?

If U use Sketchup, witch one is better though?

Yup. Same. I'd like to have them both but if given the choice? MBP before iPP.

As a uni student on a budget, will an ipad suffice for the higher level processing power activities, such as coding or running algorithms?

I like how your set straight!!

It’s the 14” MacBook Pro to me. I have the M1 11” iPad Pro personally. The problem with the iPad is iOS killing the hardware in it. It’s not even using this chip. No pro apps in the iPad Pro like even Final Cut Pro on that. I’d do everything on iPad Pro if Apple just unlocks the device.

Maybe someone on here can help me out. I just recently change from android to Apple iPhone 14 pro max and so far after 2 months on using it I love it !. The only downside for me would be the music. Which leads to my main question. If I want to get something to use only photos , videos and music would the iPad be a good choice or would the Mac be better ?. For photos and videos it would just be for editing nothing professional just for me. And for music it wouldn’t be for professional either it’s just for me. Overall music is very important to me. If anyone can help that would be great cause I am debating on which one to buy.

I feel the same way but I still love them both!👍🏾🙏🏾

Agree 100% Chris. As a musician, the iPad Pro simply cannot do what I need. I need to be able to run Pro Tools, Logic and a ton of plugins. The iPad Pro can’t do any of those things. So for me it’s not even an option - Macbook Pro all the way. But I do have an iPad Pro and I like it for certain things. But like you said - my business would be crushed without my Macbook Pro. Without my iPad Pro, nothing would really change except now I need to use my Macbook Pro to watch RU-vid videos in bed.

I think you're right Chris. It's really up to the individual's work but.. for me personally, I used to have a iPad Mini 4 with my Macbook 2017 (12inch). I sold off the Mini 4 and upgraded to the 12.9 Pro from 2018. Now, I use my iPad pro 90% of the time and don't see the need to upgrade to a new MacBook since my accounting work is largely done online nowadays. 10% is just for me to download multiple files easily. This is the only annoying thing in the workflow right now 😂

Great video. I don't necessarily need the pro but the better speakers and screen to me seems worth it. I am debating getting the iPad Pro (or air) to use as my home device. Instead of getting the 14 Pro, I will stick with the 12 Pro.This video gave me more info to help make that decision.

what a fantastic video I just loved the way you compared the specs to the actual workflow in the real world....sooo helpful and gives you a moment of saying to yourself ...".oh yeh Chris that's exactly right " well done:)

Great tool analogy. Don’t look at the hammer, what did you build?

As a student and designer / photographer, I need both devices because I use the Pencil every day for notes & sketches but pro apps are necessary (e.g Adobe CC) as well. It's hard but I think that's the option Apple wants. Go with the combination.

Great video. Correct conclusion. It depends on workflow.

Of course, keyboard functionality and ergonomics for the IPad depends on which keyboard accessory you choose to buy. Also, when i want productivity I always grab my Windows Laptop over my Macbook anyway, as MacOS is sort of betwixt and between, it lacks the full utility of Windows and lacks the straightfowardness of a tablet.

Guys i am a student and i have to make documents and all that study stuff so i should use macbook or go for the ipad pro?

I have a MacBook Air and 12.9 inch iPad Pro, and I love them both for different reasons. I feel like I’d be more lost without my MacBook Air then I would be without my iPad Pro. I do very basic stuff on both so I don’t need a MacBook Pro, although I did have one years ago. I can’t imagine life without both of them actually. And then for quick on the go I have the iPad mini which is easy to throw in my purse and take it everywhere.

I use a combo of the 12” M2 iPad Pro and 14” M1 MacBook Pro and they both work seamlessly for me.

Thanks man for the honest review! The reason IpaD won't ever be "pro" is that Apple will loose product line if it brings the same SW to the iPad HWas for the MC. And HW of iPad is quite close to the MC, still SW so far away just for the latter. Anyways, great review compared to the "pro reviewers". Hope you get 10M subscribers soon!

giid point . liked the video. still havent decides yet if i should get the m2 air oder ipadpro 12 inch, but im tending more to the iPad cuz most of the stuff i do on my macbook i also do on my iPdad

Hey Chris! Anyone know the name of the app to the desktop widget of the quote?

I am more of an iPad person, but well done on presenting the thought process and helping others to figure out what is best for them.

the ipad pro suits my needs for what I do, but I just cannot deal with the file management system

I like your subjects, pls. Keep it up.

The day you can actually game on an iPad with keyboard and mouse natively without having to do key maps, it's game over for most laptops, also proper office then it's all set, also more ports

Loved the video! Hey do you use your devices por bible studying? I think it would make a very interesting/ different video! Blessings!

Nice points

I run an iPad for my stuff and a good spec windows laptop for work, they pay for it so helps with that decision, been waiting to replace my 2018 iPad Pro with something new so really hoping for something better on the 7th sept

You should try to do a Mac mini & iPad Pro vs MacBook Air & iPad.

Super helpful!

What about using the ipad for most remote applications, logging back in to your desktop Mac using Chrome Remote Access (or a paid service like Splashtop) getting you the best of both worlds? There are times and situations where even the laptop is not as versatile or lightweight enough. Do you see any limitations to that plan?

The simple ability to quickly and easily open multiple windows on a larger display, or multiple displays, makes the macbook (air or pro) so much better for productivity. File management workflows are also just a little faster, easier. People focus on geekbench scores etc, but what about the time it takes to move a mouse across the screen and have the clicks do exactly what you want the first time, everytime? Yet to be able to use certain apps such as Ical and photos, whatsapp and messages, etc, the ipad is superior. Apple's answer: buy both. The Ipad can replace the macbooks, but it does not live up to its full potential of convenience, and I don't think it ever will. because then, why would you need both? I stick with my macbook and spend my money on iphone upgrades. I have a keyboard from logitech that changes from macbook to iphone with the touch of a button. All the things more convenient for Ipad OS my iphone screen is large enough for me to comfortably use. I feel my macbook is a bit more durable taking it out of the house and travelling compared to an ipad as well. bottomline is I am more productive, faster, with less mental friction using a macbook on the go, despite it being tempting to try to make an ipad do the same thing.

Does microsoft office offers all features on an ipad as on mac? Thanks

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I have full fledged base model iPad Pro 11 inches with 5G and keyboard and pencil, + m2 MacBook Air based model, I do like pro’s mini-LED display and 120Hz promotion refresh rate, but choose this pair because of costs and portability over better display only, I don’t think most people who don’t do video editing a lot , needs a Pro Mac power, many channels prefer Pros just because they do video editing, so you and me can view, the only advantage to most people is just the display, most of you don’t need large RAM, SSD , more CPU GPU power, why pay more money for those thing you don’t need 99% percent of time when you use it ?

Why not both?

Too much emphasis is put on audio and video production in most of your and others' comparison/selection podcasts. I would like a comparison without any video or audio production (other than viewing and listening) included in the comparison. Using the 80/20 rule I think most of the users do very little video or audio production (the 80).

Excellent writing. Excellent video.

Nice video and it’s very helpful… 😊