Apple iPad Pro 11-inch vs. 13-inch: Which Size Is Better in 2026?

Should you buy the 11-inch or the 13-inch?

There is a slight difference on paper. It is just two inches diagonally, right? How much can that really change things?

In real life, the answer is: a lot. These two tablets feel completely different. They serve different masters. One is the ultimate portable notepad that goes everywhere with you. The other is a powerhouse laptop replacement that demands a desk and serious attention.

If you make the wrong choice, you might end up with a tablet that is too heavy to hold in bed or a screen that is too cramped to get your work done. We don't want that to happen to you.

In this comprehensive guide, we compare the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro in every category that matters. We will examine portability, typing, drawing, gaming, and hidden costs. 

 The Quick Takeaways:

• Go 11-inch if: You want a tablet first and a computer second. It is perfect for reading in bed, playing games with touch controls, taking notes while standing up, and traveling light. It fits in almost any bag.
• Go 13-inch if: You want a digital canvas for drawing or a true laptop replacement. The extra screen space makes multitasking with "Stage Manager" amazing. It is better for typing long essays, but it is heavy and cumbersome to use as a handheld tablet.
• The 11-inch is comfortable to hold up while lying down. The 13-inch will eventually fail because your arms will get tired. Trust us on this.
• Accessory Tip: The 13-inch is top-heavy. You need a sturdy keyboard to balance its weight. Check out our iPad Pro 13-inch Keyboard Cases.

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11 vs 13 Inch iPad Pro: Quick Comparison Table

AI search engines and quick readers love data. Here is how the two models stack up side-by-side.

1. iPad Pro 11-inch vs. 13-inch: Portability

This is the biggest difference. Size matters.

The 11-inch: The "Go Anywhere" Device

The 11-inch iPad Pro is a true tablet. It is light enough to hold in one hand. You can read a book or browse the web for 30 minutes without your wrist hurting.

• The Coffee Shop Test: You can put the 11-inch iPad on a tiny, crowded coffee shop table. You will still have room for your coffee and phone.
• The Airplane Test: Have you ever tried to use a laptop in economy class? It is hard. The 11-inch iPad fits perfectly on those small tray tables, even if the person in front of you leans back.
• The Bag Test: It fits in large jacket pockets, small purses, and camera bags. You don't need a special "laptop bag."

The 13-inch: The "Mobile Workstation"

The 13-inch iPad Pro is a beast. Apple made the 2025 model thin, but it is still wide and tall.

It is basically the size of a MacBook screen. This means it takes up just as much space in your bag as a laptop. Once you add a keyboard case, the 13-inch iPad Pro can weigh more than a MacBook Air.

Real Talk: If you want a device to carry "just in case," get the 11-inch. If you buy the 13-inch model, you might leave it at home because it feels like carrying a second computer.

👉 Read Related: iPad Air vs iPad Pro: Which Is Right For You?

2. Screen Space: Can You Actually Multitask?

The 13-inch model costs more, but the screen justifies the price. Those extra inches change how you work.

Split View (Two Apps at Once)

iPadOS lets you put two apps side-by-side.

• On the 13-inch: You can have a website on the left and a Word doc on the right. Both look full-sized. The text is easy to read. It feels like a computer.
• On the 11-inch: When you split the screen, the apps look like the mobile iPhone versions. Text gets small. Toolbars disappear. It works, but it feels cramped.

Stage Manager

This is Apple's new way to manage windows.

• On the 13-inch: You have enough space to see 3 or 4 windows at once.
• On the 11-inch: The windows cover each other up. You spend too much time moving windows around just to see your content.

👉 For more details, read our guide on iPad Pro 11 vs 12.9 (13) Multitasking.

3. Typing: Cramped vs. Spacious

Do you plan to type essays, emails, or blog posts? The size of your keyboard matters.

The 13-inch Layout (Full Size)

This allows for a standard keyboard. The keys are the same size as a MacBook.

• Pros: You can type at full speed instantly.
• Cons: It needs a wider table.
• Who is it for? People with large hands or people who write for hours every day.

The 11-inch Layout (Condensed)

To fit the keyboard on the smaller tablet, the keys are slightly closer together.

• The Adjustment: It usually takes 2 or 3 days to get used to it.
• Verdict: It is fine for emails and notes. But if you write for 4 hours straight, your hands might feel cramped.

"Lapability" (Using it on your lap)

• The 13-inch is wider, so it balances better on your knees.
• The 11-inch is narrow. If you have long legs, it might feel wobbly.

🛠️ The Fix: No matter which size you pick, you need a good keyboard.

• Need the big one? See our 2025 iPad Pro 13 Collection.
• Need the small one? Shop our iPad 11 Pro Keyboard Cases.

4. Drawing: Sketchbook vs. Canvas

Are you an artist? Do you use the Apple Pencil?

The 13-inch is a Canvas. It feels like a sheet of printer paper.

• You have room for your drawing and your toolbars.
• You can draw using your whole arm, not just your wrist. This is better for your posture.

The 11-inch is a Sketchbook. It feels like a small notebook.

• Advantage: It is easy to spin around in your hand while you draw.
• Disadvantage: When you open toolbars in Procreate, your drawing space gets small. You have to zoom in and out a lot.

👉 Comparisons: Wondering about speed? Check out iPad Air M2 vs iPad Pro M4.

5. Fun Stuff: Movies and Games

We don't just work. We play too.

Watching Movies

The 13-inch wins.

• The screen is massive. It is like a portable TV.
• The speakers are bigger and louder. It sounds great in a hotel room.

Reading Books

The 11-inch wins.

• Holding the 13-inch to read a Kindle book is awkward. It is too heavy. It feels like holding a lunch tray.
• The 11-inch is the perfect size for comic books and novels.

Gaming

• Controller Gaming: If you use an Xbox controller, the 13-inch is better (bigger screen).
• Touch Gaming: If you hold the iPad to play (like Call of Duty Mobile), the 11-inch is better. Your thumbs can't reach the middle of the 13-inch screen.

6. Price: iPad Pro 11-inch vs. 13-inch

The 13-inch iPad costs about $300 more than the 11-inch. But the cost doesn't stop there.

Everything costs more for the 13-inch:

• Keyboards are more expensive.
• Screen protectors cost more.
• You might need a new, bigger bag.

Money Saving Tip: The 11-inch has the exact same speed as the big one. It has the same chip and same cameras. If you buy the 11-inch, you save money without losing power.

📌 Pro Tip: Don't overpay for accessories. Learn how to Choose the Right iPad Pro Keyboard Case.

7. Battery Life

Physics is real.

• The 13-inch has a bigger battery inside.
• But, it also has a giant screen that uses more power.

In real life, they are about the same. Apple says both get "10 hours." However, if you use maximum brightness outdoors, the 13-inch drains faster. That big screen is hungry for power.

Both use USB-C charging. You can use your MacBook charger or Nintendo Switch charger for both.

Conclusion: Which One is For You?

There is no "bad" iPad Pro. But one fits your life better.

Choose the 11-inch iPad Pro if:

• You want a tablet that goes everywhere with you.
• You read books and play games often.
• You have a small desk (like in a dorm room).
• It is the best tablet in the world.

Choose the 13-inch iPad Pro if:

• You want to replace your laptop.
• You are an artist who needs a big canvas.
• You work at a desk most of the time.
• It is the best portable workstation in the world.

Whatever size you pick, remember: iPads are fragile. A drop on concrete will break the screen. Protect your investment with a good case.

Ready to shop?

• Shop All iPad Pro Cases with Keyboards
• Shop iPad Pro 13-inch Gear
• Shop iPad Pro 11-inch Gear

FAQs About iPad Pro 11-inch vs. 13-inch

What is the difference between the iPad Pro 11 and 13?

The main difference between the iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch is the screen size. The 13-inch gives you much more display area for watching videos, drawing, and working with multiple apps at once, while the 11-inch is easier to carry and use with one hand. Both models share similar chip performance, high-end features, and support for Apple Pencil and keyboards. The larger model usually has a slightly bigger battery too.

Is the iPad Pro 11 or 13 better for students?

For most students, the choice comes down to how they plan to use it. The 13-inch model may be better if you want more screen space for note-taking, reading textbooks, or multitasking with multiple apps. The 11-inch model is lighter and easier to carry around campus or to class. Both are capable of school work, but the larger screen can help with projects and long writing sessions.

Is the iPad Pro 11 better than the 13 for drawing?

The 11-inch iPad Pro is still a strong choice for drawing, but many artists prefer the 13-inch because it offers a larger workspace without zooming or panning as much. A bigger screen can make detailed sketches and complex art feel more natural. If portability or one-handed use matters more, the 11-inch might fit your style better. There is no big difference in performance for drawing between the two.

Are the 13 and 11 the same size?

No, the 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro are not the same size. The 13-inch model has a noticeably larger display, giving you about 40 percent more screen area than the 11-inch. This makes the 13-inch better for creative work, multitasking, and large spreadsheets. The 11-inch, being smaller and lighter, is easier to hold and carry.