Brace yourself for the best Windows tablets to take on the go.
All heads turned to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you only have a month and a handful left before Microsoft introduces an expanded privacy toolset to its desktop operating system. The best part? It’s not limited to just PCs. Rather, all of the best Windows tablets run Windows 10 as well, meaning you’ ll be able to leverage these features on a slate soon enough.
Find out which of these tablets also made our best laptops list
The top Windows tablets range from convertible to detachable while each is graced with compelling features curated by Microsoft – now including a Language Community app designed for non-English speakers to improve Windows 10’s multilingual capabilities. This, along with so much more, gives the best Windows tablets an edge over their iOS and Android counterparts.
While we’ re all familiar with Microsoft’s own flagship Surface Pro – at least to some degree – it’s not the only option. In fact, some of the best Windows tablets are bundled with styluses and keyboards, and though others are obviously not, we’ ve tested every Windows tablet we could get our hands on to guarantee our recommendations.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro
The best all-around Windows tablet
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-7660U | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 12.3-inch, 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense display | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 8MP rear-facing, 5MP front-facing | Weight: 1.73 pounds | Size: 11.5 x 7.93 x 0.33 inches (W x D x H)
Hugely improved battery life
Much better Surface Pen
Surface Pen pulled from package
Only Core i7 can challenge A10X
Despite the subdued naming convention, this is actually the fifth iteration of the Surface Pro. As a follow-up to the winning Surface Pro 4, it would have been every bit deserving of a number attached to it, too. That’s because the latest Surface Pro sees not only the battery life improve by as much as 32%, but, of course, the processor has been updated to Kaby Lake as well. Plus, although it’s now sold separately, the Surface Pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro
This product is only available in the US and Australia as of this writing. UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Lenovo Miix 510.
2. Acer Switch 3
Half the price, but not half the tablet, of the Surface Pro
CPU: 1.1GHz Intel Pentium N4200 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.2-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 WUXGA IPS LCD | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Connectivity: 802.11ac; Bluetooth | Camera: 5MP rear, 2MP front | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
Excellent build quality
Great screen
Tricky hinged stand
No good for games
The Acer Switch 3 arrives at a time when most of the best Windows tablets are premium 2-in-1 devices designed to oust both your PC and your tablet. But for anyone who doesn’ t need the horsepower of a Surface Pro, the Acer Switch 3 is a wallet-friendly alternative. Even without cutting-edge specs, this tablet is highly competent in other ways. Its impeccable build quality, for example, is complemented by a top-notch active digitizer and pressure-sensitive pen.
Read the full review: Acer Switch 3
3. HP Spectre x2
Little extras make this remarkable Windows tablet even more exceptional
CPU: 1.2GHz Intel Core m7-6Y75 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 WUXGA+ IPS WLED-backlit touch screen | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: Intel 802.11ac (2×2) , Bluetooth 4.0, LTE | Camera: 5MP HP TrueVision HD front-facing webcam, 8MP rear-facing camera, Intel RealSense 3D R200 camera | Weight: 1.87 pounds | Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.23 x 0.52 inches
Ultrathin design
Exceptional performance
Massive bezels
Recessed kickstand
HP’s Spectre x2 bears a striking resemblance to the Surface Pro 4. Take a closer look and you’ ll notice that it’s thinner and lighter than Microsoft’s slate. Although the Intel Core M processor might leave you tentative to adopt the HP Spectre x2, this isn’ t the Core m3 we’ re talking about – this is a 6th-generation, Skylake Intel Core m7, which bears almost the same performance as the full-blown Core i5 chip harbored by the Surface Pro 4.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x2
4. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S
The ultimate Windows 10 media tablet
CPU: 900MHz Intel Core M3-6Y30 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ (2,160 × 1,440 resolution) multi-touch | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, VHT80 MIMO, Bluetooth v4.1 | Camera: 5MP front-facing webcam; 5MP rear camera | Weight: 2.4 pounds | Dimensions: 11.43 x 7.83 x 0.64 inches
Impeccably thin
Vibrant Super AMOLED display
Flimsy keyboard base
The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is a knockout 12-inch tablet that’s thinner and better built than most Windows 10 slates. It also offers a uniquely vibrant Super AMOLED screen you won’t find on any Windows device either, plus a pair of punchy speakers that actually sound good. Its keyboard feels a bit lackluster but if you get over this short coming, it’s the perfect Windows 10 tablet to use while streaming media and games.
Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy TabPro S
5. Lenovo Miix 510
A Surface Pro rival with the ports of the future
CPU: 2.71 Intel Core i5-7200U | Graphics: Intel HD 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12.2-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD IPS | Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: 2MP front camera, 5MP rear camera | Weight: 2.76 pounds (1.25kg) | Size: 11.8 x 0.6 x 8.1 inches (W x D x H)
Beats Surface Pro 4 on price
Has USB-C as well as USB 3.0
No microSD
Average battery life
In a sense, the Lenovo Miix 510 is the Surface Pro alternative that you buy when you’ re fed up with Microsoft’s reluctance to move forward with its connectivity practices. USB-C is here, and it’s brought USB 3.0 with it. While the screen is limited to 1080p, the Lenovo Miix 510 comes with an active stylus, a detachable AccuType keyboard and an articulating kickstand for flexibility without limits.
