Traditionally, lobectomy was standard for stage IA non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent RCTs suggest sublobar resection's comparable outcomes. Our meta‐analysis, incorporating 30 studies (including four RCTs), assessed sublobar resection's efficacy. Employing a random‐effects model and I2 statistics for heterogeneity, we found sublobar resection reduced DFS (HR 1.31, p < 0.01) and OS (HR 1.27, p < 0.01) overall. However, RCT subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in DFS (p = 0.28) or OS (p = 0.62). Sublobar resection is a viable option for well‐selected patients.