iPad Pro is one of the best tablets available in the market. It is renowned for its combination of power, portability, and a beautiful display. It could be ideal for students, professionals, gamers, and any individual who needs a fantastic and versatile device. Overall, it is a great device. However, this doesn’t mean it is perfect for everyone. There are various other compelling options that might be an ideal pick.
Whether you seek an economical device, favor an alternative operating system, or possess specific requirements, there are tons of options to consider. This article outlines the top contenders for the iPad Pro that are worth considering for your next purchase.
Note: The entries are arranged in no particular order.
What are the best alternatives to iPad Pro?
1) Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
If you are looking for a big and premium tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is arguably the best iPad Pro alternative. It's nearly flawless in every aspect. The tech giant has dedicated more time to perfecting its tablets and productivity software than any other company, even surpassing Apple.
The S Pen and DeX functionality adds to the seamless and integrated user experience, setting it apart from other competition.
This Samsung device currently holds the crown of the biggest tablet available on the market. It features a 14.6-inch dynamic AMOLED display, which is quite huge. Besides that, you get a powerful Qualcomm chip, long battery life, and a decent camera performance. However, it comes with a hefty price tag.
Pros:
- The display is superb.
- Multitasking is better than iPad.
Cons:
- It is an expensive design compared to other competitors.
2) Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Surface Pro 9 is a high-end 2-in-1 detachable Windows tablet. Its unique blend of portability, performance, and versatility makes it a great alternative to iPad Pro for professionals, students, and creative individuals who prioritize a mobile work style.
It is available in two variants — one with a 12th-gen Intel Core CPU and another with the new Microsoft SQ3 ARM processor. Its integrated kickstand also comes in handy.
The other highlight of Microsoft’s tablet is that it comes pre-loaded with Microsoft 365 apps and the Xbox app. You can use them on the 30-day free trial period. By connecting it with Signature Keyboard, it can also be your laptop replacement. The Slim Pen 2 also works well. However, these accessories don’t come bundled with the tab. You need to buy them separately.
Pros:
- The design is slim and light.
- It runs on Windows 11, which ensures compatibility with a vast library of software and applications.
Cons:
- You can get the most out of it with the accessories. Unfortunately, they are sold separately, adding to the cost of the device.
3) iPad Air
If you want to leverage the benefits of the Apple ecosystem and iPad OS at a lower price, you can go for the iPad Air. Apple recently revamped its tablet lineup, and the latest “Air” machine features some significant upgrades.
You get a powerful processor, a decently sized display (11-inch and 13-inch), and a battery that can run a full day on casual tasks. Though the new “Pro” variant is now the thinnest, the “Air” variant is still far from chunky.
The iPad Air also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. So you can utilize the latest features and be more productive. The front camera is shifted to landscape, giving a more natural feel while on video calls.
Pros:
- It comes bundled with M2 chip, which delivers top-of-the-class performance.
- The battery life is decent.
Cons:
- No Face ID.
- No Thunderbolt support.
4) Pixel Tablet
The Pixel Tablet is currently one of the best alternatives to iPad Pro. It is a simple-looking device featuring a 10.95-inch screen with a rounded side and soft finish. The display is good, which is great for avid readers.
Thanks to the Tensor G2 chipset, it boasts enough power to handle all your daily tasks without any hiccups. Moreover, it has a special control panel through which you can control all your smart home devices.
The Pixel Tablet is a decent machine overall. However, there are a few tradeoffs. The OS is not well optimized and a lot of the third-party apps look lackluster. Coupled with that, the screen size is relatively smaller.
That said, you can set up multiple users with a unique environment. Plus, there is a Kids Space mode, which comes out useful if you want to give your kids their own virtual space.
Pros:
- Available at a good price.
- The speakers are superb.
- The display is impressive.
Cons:
- The operating system is not optimized for the big screen.
- It has thick bezels.
5) OnePlus Pad
The OnePlus Pad is a great substitute for the iPad Pro. Reason — its price-to-feature ratio. It comes out as a complete package with an excellent display, a loud and clear speaker, a premium and sleek build, impressive performance, and decent battery life.
The 9510mAh battery is another highlight of this OnePlus tablet. Thanks to its 67W charging, you can fully charge it in around 80 minutes, which is pretty impressive. On the downside, it is available with a single option for storage, RAM, and color. Plus, there is no cellular option.
Pros:
- The display is fantastic.
- It has 65W charging speed.
Cons:
- No other variant other than 8GB/128GB.
- You need to rely on WiFi.
These are some recommended alternatives for the iPad Pro. The list mentions devices ranging from top-tier models to budget-friendly options. You can pick any based on your needs and budget.