iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro: What's the Difference?

Compare prices, apps, security, performance, displays, cameras, keyboards, and styluses

As the Microsoft Surface has evolved, it's become one of the industry's go-to hybrid tablets. But is it as good as an iPad Pro? To find out, we compared the iPad Pro to the Surface Pro. Which one will work best for you?

iPad Pro vs Surface Pro

Overall Findings

iPad Pro
  • The operating system is optimized for mobile.

  • Apps are designed for touch.

  • Secure out of the box.

  • Apps are vetted before being made available for download at the App Store.

  • Liquid Retina display, 7-megapixel front-facing camera, and 12-megapixel rear-facing camera.

Surface Pro
  • Runs Windows and desktop applications.

  • Greater flexibility and open file system leave it open to attack.

  • Takes a performance hit because the operating system isn't optimized for mobile.

  • Easy to upgrade the processor, RAM, and storage.

  • PixelSense Display, 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera.

These devices give solid performance and many customization options for working or playing on the go. They also provide access to hundreds of apps in the companies' respective app stores. And, the price points for iPad Pro and Surface Pro are more or less comparable, depending on the device configuration you select.

The biggest difference between these two tablets comes down to Windows vs. iPadOS. If you want a true tablet that's secure, iPad Pro is a fantastic choice. If you need to run the full desktop version of apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, check out Surface Pro instead.

Apps: Mobile vs. Desktop Apps

iPad Pro
  • iPadOS is optimized for mobile.

  • Runs mobile versions of software, including Office.

  • The App Store has mobile-optimized alternatives to desktop applications.

Surface Pro
  • Runs the Windows desktop operating system.

  • Install desktop versions of Office and Photoshop.

  • Apps that run well in laptop mode don't run as smoothly when the device is in tablet mode.

The number-one deciding factor between the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro is the apps. When most people buy a computer, they mostly care about what they can do with it—in other words, the software that can run on it.

The Surface Pro runs a full version of the Windows operating system. This gives it more customizable features, access to an open file system, and access to powerful software, including the desktop versions of Office and Photoshop.

Where the iPad Pro shines is having apps that are designed for a touch-based computer. Much of the software that runs on Windows is designed for a mouse or touchpad. This may not be a big deal if you use the Surface Pro smart keyboard, which includes a touchpad. However, one reason to buy a Surface Pro is to use it as a laptop and a tablet. Unfortunately, not all software runs smoothly when you use your fingers.

The software you use comes down to what you need. If you need software that is only available on the Windows platform, you need a Windows device. But, the Apple App Store is filled with great alternatives, and you can do a lot in a web browser. Windows has an advantage in the enterprise. At home, the iPad is king.

Security: Can't Beat iPad out of the Box

iPad Pro
  • Secure out of the box.

  • Apps must pass a security check before being made available for download.

Surface Pro
  • Open file system leaves Surface Pro vulnerable to attack.

  • Antivirus software is strongly recommended.

Security is a priority for everyone. The idea that a computer can be hijacked and files or data held for ransom should be enough to worry anyone.

In terms of malware like viruses and ransomware, the iPad is a more secure device. Windows offers more flexibility in terms of an open file system, but this openness makes Windows computers vulnerable to attack. The iPad places each app—and that app's documents—in a separate environment, an environment that no other app can access. As a result, the iPad cannot be infected by a virus, and the files on the iPad cannot be held hostage.

Apple's curated App Store is also a boon for those who worry about security. Malware can slip past the App Store, but it's rare, and such malware is caught within weeks. The biggest malware threat to the iPad comes through the web browser, where a web page may pretend to hold the iPad hostage. To thwart these attacks, close the web page or the web browser.

Performance: iPad Pro Offers More Bang for the Buck

iPad Pro
  • Optimized for mobile.

  • Better value in lower-end models than Surface Pro.

  • Runs apps designed for mobile, which take up less storage space.

Surface Pro
  • More of a laptop than a tablet.

  • Many customization options mean that you can get the device you want.

  • Runs apps designed for desktop, which take up more storage space, require faster processors, and need more RAM.

It's easy to list technical specifications and benchmarks. Still, specifications don't matter much when comparing a device that has a mobile operating system with a device that has a desktop operating system. The Surface Pro is more of a laptop than a tablet. It has many customization options, including upgrading the processor, boosting the RAM, and adding storage.

For example, 4 GB of RAM in the iPad Pro provides plenty of room for apps and makes multitasking smooth. The same 4 GB of RAM in an entry-level Surface Pro slows the tablet down, even if it's running only one application. This is where the differences in operating systems play a huge role.

The same can be said for the amount of storage. The 128 GB in a low-end Surface Pro may sound like a lot compared to 32 GB in the iPad Pro, but it's not. The software takes up more room on the Surface Pro than on the iPad Pro because it's desktop software, not software optimized for a mobile device.

If you're thinking about the Surface Pro, target the Intel Core i5 processor with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage—at a minimum. This model compares well with the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro may have more raw processing power, but the Intel Core i5 processor in the Surface Pro should be enough for most people.

Display and Cameras: Apple Continues to Push Boundaries

iPad Pro
  • True Tone display offers an amazing range of colors and supports ultra-high definition (HD)

  • Offers 600-nit–level brightness.

  • 7-megapixel front-facing camera.

  • 12-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of shooting 4K video.

Surface Pro
  • PixelSense Display is solid.

  • 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of shooting HD video.

Apple consistently pushes the boundaries of device displays. The True Tone display offers an amazing range of colors and supports ultra-HD. It also alters the colors on the screen based on ambient lighting.

This generates a realistic reaction when transitioning between sunlight and indoor lighting or shade. However, you may not notice the difference unless you hold an iPad Pro side by side with the Surface Pro, which also has a good display.

The iPad Pro also comes with a better set of cameras. Its 7-megapixel front-facing camera is slightly better than the 5-megapixel camera in the Surface Pro. It's the back-facing camera that sets the iPad Pro apart. The Surface Pro has an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of shooting HD video. In contrast, the 2017 iPad Pro models have a 12-megapixel camera. It's capable of shooting 4K video.

Keyboard and Stylus: It's a Toss-Up

iPad Pro
  • Doesn't come with a smart keyboard but works with many Bluetooth keyboard models.

  • Doesn't come with a stylus, but the Apple Pencil is a nice—though expensive—addition.

Surface Pro
  • Doesn't come with a smart keyboard but works with many Bluetooth keyboard models.

  • Unlike the Surface Pro 4, it doesn't come with a stylus.

The focus of the Microsoft commercials that show off the Surface tablet is the smart keyboard that connects to it, but the keyboard doesn't come with the Surface Pro. Some Surface Pro models include the Surface Pen.

The iPad Pro has a smart keyboard and the Apple Pencil, which is a high-tech stylus. Neither peripheral comes with the iPad Pro.

Skip the smart keyboard with either device when making your initial purchase. You may be amazed at how much you can get done using the on-screen keyboard. If you do a lot of typing, the smart keyboard is a nice addition. The iPad Pro works with most Bluetooth keyboards.

The same goes for the stylus. These are great for artists, but you may find that a cheap stylus works just as well for your needs.

Price: iPad Pro Is a Better Deal

iPad Pro
  • Lower entry-level price.

  • Comparing the specs, the iPad Pro is considerably less expensive.

Surface Pro
  • Entry-level Surface Pro has a larger display.

  • Comparing the specs, the Surface Pro offers similar performance to the iPad but at a higher price point.

An entry-level iPad Pro costs less than the entry-level Surface Pro. However, this isn't an even comparison. The iPad Pro is faster than the Surface Pro with an Intel Core m3 processor, but the Surface Pro has a larger display.

The fairest comparison is the Surface Pro with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 256 GB of storage. The iPad Pro is faster and has a slightly larger display, but the specs for the two devices are mostly the same, except for the price.

Apple is known for having steep prices for its line of laptops and desktops, but the iPad has been one of the best deals in tech since its release. Every release seems to raise the bar in terms of performance in a laptop, and the price remains under $1,000 for most models.

Final Verdict: It All Depends on What You'll Do With It

Whether you choose the iPad Pro or the Surface Pro depends on what you plan to do with the device. If you primarily want a laptop, the Surface Pro with the additional smart keyboard is the way to go. It runs Windows and desktop software, offers more configuration options, and can be used as a tablet.

If you mainly want a tablet, the iPad Pro offers the best tablet experience at a lower cost. It's optimized for mobile but, with a smart keyboard, it converts to a capable laptop.

The biggest factor to consider comes down to your preference for Windows vs. iPadOS. Even if you like the better security and lower price tag of the iPad Pro, if you must use software that only runs on Windows, the Surface Pro is the only choice.

If open access to files or plugging in flash drives is a big deal, the Surface Pro again wins. But, if you aren't tied to Windows software, the iPad Pro provides more power at a cheaper price, has a better display and superior cameras, and is more secure out of the box.

FAQ
  • How do I turn off my iPad Pro?

    To turn off an iPad Pro with a Home button, press and hold On/Off/Sleep until a slider appears, then slide the power off. For iPads without a Home button, press and hold On/Off/Sleep and Volume Down.

  • How do I screenshot on my iPad Pro?

    To take screenshots on an iPad Pro with a Home button, press and release the top and Home buttons to capture a screenshot. For iPads without a Home button, press and release the top and Volume Up buttons. You can also use an Apple Pencil by sliding it up from a corner.

  • How do I take a screenshot on my Surface Pro?

    To take screenshots on Surface Pro with a Windows button, press and hold the Windows button and the Volume Down button simultaneously. For modern Surface models without the built-in Windows button, press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons to take a screenshot.

  • How do I factory reset my Surface Pro?

    To factory reset a Surface Pro, go to your device's recovery settings to reset Windows. How you do this depends on which version of Windows you're running.

  • How do I connect AirPods to my Surface Pro?

    To connect AirPods to a Surface Pro, open the AirPods case and press the sync button until the light flashes. Go to Bluetooth Settings, turn on Bluetooth, add a device, and choose your AirPods. To switch sound output, select the Speaker icon on your taskbar, then select the arrow next to the volume control.

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