The Best Windows Tablet Deals This Week*
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9 With Intel i5, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM — $789.99 (List Price $1,099.99)
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9 With Intel i7, 256GB SSD, 16GB RAM — $1,199.99 (List Price $1,599.99)
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9 With Intel i7, 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM — $1,499.99 (List Price $2,199.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
A tablet that's as powerful as a conventional laptop but still slim and light enough to hold and tap with one hand was once the exclusive province of Hollywood's imagination. But thanks to manufacturers' ability to fit more powerful hardware into ever slimmer and lighter devices, it's now possible to hold a Windows-based tablet that can do almost everything your laptop does—and, in most cases, is even more portable. Think of it as an Apple iPad combined with the power and flexibility of the Windows 11 operating system.
Just as with any system, however, a Windows tablet requires you to make choices. How big and powerful do you want (or need) it to be? What sort of features are you looking for? Do you care about using it on the road, or will you only need it while you're near a Wi-Fi connection? We'll help answer all these questions with our picks for the best Windows tablets for 2024, followed by some brief additional buying advice.
Table of Contents
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best Windows Tablet for Most Users
Bottom Line:
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 is its most polished yet, with unmatched performance, helpful features, and long battery life among high-end 2-in-1 detachable Windows tablets.
PROS
- Impressive performance and battery life
- Outstanding cameras
- Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
- Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
- User-upgradable storage
CONS
- Essential accessories still not included
- No more headphone jack
- 5G only available with SQ3 processor
- High starting price
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1255U |
| Processor Speed | |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 13 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1920 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 13:12 |
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Best Budget Windows Tablet
Bottom Line:
Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 is the best budget Windows 2-in-1 tablet, but its performance and value are a bit below expectations for a third-generation product that competes against Chromebooks and the Apple iPad.
PROS
- Low starting price
- Lightweight
- Sunny display with vivid colors
- Windows Hello webcam with 1080p video support
- Integrated kickstand
- SD card reader for easy storage expansion
- Long battery life
CONS
- Keyboard cover not included
- Only one USB-C port
- Optional extras pump up price quickly
- Disappointing computing performance, even with Core i3 upgrade
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1, Budget |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-10100Y |
| Processor Speed | 1.6 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 8 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 10.5 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1280 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | LED |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.33 by 9.7 by 6.9 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 11:34 |
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)
Best High-End Windows Tablet
Bottom Line:
Dell's 2022 rework of its XPS 13 2-in-1 is a well-made, broadly useful detachable Windows tablet in the Surface Pro vein, with just a few quibbles keeping it from top marks.
PROS
- Lightweight tablet design
- Effective and intuitive XPS Folio keyboard accessory
- Sharp, bright 3K touch display
- 1080p user-facing webcam and 2160p rear-facing camera
CONS
- $100 XPS Folio keyboard not included
- Middling battery life
- Limited to just two USB-C ports, with no headphone jack
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1230U |
| Processor Speed | |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 13 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1920 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.29 by 11.5 by 7.9 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 6:58 |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3)
Best Windows Tablet for Battery Life
Bottom Line:
Offering Intel- and Arm-based versions of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 widens both your options and caveats. The Arm-based SQ3 model delivers 5G support and a long-lasting battery at the expense of the overall Windows experience.
PROS
- SQ3 model delivers long battery life and 5G connectivity
- Premium metal build
- Best-in-class kickstand and keyboard cover design
- SQ3 supports advanced camera and voice call features
- Superior 1080p webcam
- User-accessible SSD
CONS
- SQ3 processor brings the usual Arm-based drawbacks: lackluster performance and compatibility
- Core feature differences between Intel and SQ3 models can be confusing
- No headphone jack
- Keyboard cover still sold separately
- New colors only available on Intel model
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1 |
| Processor | Microsoft SQ3 |
| Processor Speed | 2.4 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 13 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1920 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Qualcomm Adreno GPU |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, 5G |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.95 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 21:16 |
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
Best Windows Tablet for Business Travelers
Bottom Line:
Lenovo's ThinkPad X12 Detachable is an obvious choice for corporate jet-setters who need a Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard, plenty of security and manageability features, and traditional black styling.
PROS
- Sturdy construction
- Optional Intel vPro
- Integrated kickstand
- Keyboard cover is reasonably comfortable for typing
- Good value
- Impressive computing performance
CONS
- No 4K display option
- Short standard one-year warranty
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1130G7 |
| Processor Speed | 1.8 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 12.3 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 x 1280 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.35 by 11.15 by 8.01 |
| Weight | 1.85 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 11:30 |
Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable
Best Windows Tablet for Enterprise
Bottom Line:
The Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable is a well-designed Windows tablet that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus, along with plenty of security and manageability options.
PROS
- Included keyboard cover with built-in stylus holder
- Integrated kickstand
- Roomy 13-inch display
- Decent audio volume
- Intel Core i7 processor with vPro support
- Three-year standard warranty
CONS
- No 4K display option
- Merely average computing performance
- Expensive as configured
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1, Business |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1180G7 |
| Processor Speed | 1.3 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 13 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 x 1280 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | LED |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.33 by 11.4 by 8.19 inches |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 12:37 |
Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet
Best Rugged Windows Tablet Overall
Bottom Line:
It's not the best performer, but Dell's Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet does the job anywhere—whether down a mineshaft, on a construction site, or at the scene of an accident. You'll likely be hard-pressed to find an environment this slate can't survive.
PROS
- Rugged design can survive almost anything
- Sunlight-ready touch screen works with gloved hands and included pen
- Plenty of features, including 4G/5G mobile data
- Optional handle for grab-and-go use
- Dual hot-swappable batteries with long battery life, too
CONS
- Heavy and chunky
- Middling performance
- Keyboard not included
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Rugged, Detachable 2-in-1 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1240U |
| Processor Speed | |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 12 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1080 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | WVA |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.94 by 11.65 by 8 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 pounds |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 15:34 |
Getac F110 (2022)
Best Rugged Windows Tablet for First Responders
Bottom Line:
With an Intel Core i7 CPU to give it some punch, and a case that can take real abuse, Getac's F110 rugged tablet steps in for first responders, roaming service workers, factory employees, and anyone else whose job needs the extra PC protection.
PROS
- Fully rugged, with IP66 rating
- Optional keyboard is as rugged as the tablet
- Bright touch screen that’s usable with gloves
CONS
- Expensive
- Heavy
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Rugged |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1185G7 |
| Processor Speed | 3 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 11.6 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1080 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, 4G, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.98 by 12.4 by 8.15 inches |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 14:02 |
Of course, just like the iPad line, with its range of sizes, computing power, and prices, we know of no single Windows tablet that fits everyone's needs. As you begin shopping, you'll note that they fall into a few different categories.
First are the inexpensive models with 10-inch screens, designed to let you browse the Web and enjoy streaming a movie from Netflix or Amazon Prime. Because these budget-friendly devices usually rely on low-power processors and minimal storage, you're better off with one as a second or third device to serve alongside your laptop or smartphone. In other words, these aren't the full-powered Windows devices you can rely on to replace a conventional laptop PC.
Then you have larger 12-inch and 13-inch models designed to work in tandem with an included or optional stylus and docking keyboard. These give you a better way to take notes in class or type up an email or a term paper, and they generally provide a well-rounded Windows experience. The best example of this is the iconic Microsoft Surface Pro.
Finally, you'll find premium and business systems, designed as productivity tools rather than media consumption devices. Dell and Lenovo have dabbled in these, in their Latitude and ThinkPad lines, respectively, and Microsoft's Surface Pros also qualify in this space.
Windows Tablet Processors: Parsing Low-Power CPUs
With Windows tablets running the gamut from low-power entertainment devices to potent tools for productivity, how do you know which one to buy if you plan to use your device for both types of tasks? As with conventional laptops, a lot comes down to the processor.
Intel's Celeron and Pentium processors include several chips built for low-power usage and passive cooling. These are two necessary attributes for tablets since they house nearly all of their components behind the screen, which itself generates heat. They don't require built-in cooling fans, and they provide usable performance that lasts for several hours on a single charge, or even a day or two of light use without visiting a power outlet. Low-power processors like these have limits, though, which make them best suited for inexpensive tablets. They lack the processing oomph you might want for applications like Photoshop, but they are ideal if you want to check Facebook and Twitter, then kick back with some YouTube videos or an episode of a Netflix show.
At the other end of the tablet-CPU spectrum are Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors also used to power full-fledged laptops. While these CPUs draw more power and require more cooling hardware, they are much more capable, letting you get real work done. Tablets equipped with these processors are priced more like laptops (usually above $1,000), but you get performance to match the increased cost.
Some Windows tablets have ditched Intel chips in favor of Arm-based alternatives from companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek. They include the earlier Microsoft Surface Pro X and late-2022 Surface Pro 9 (SQ3), tablets with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. We haven't seen any recent tablets that use processors from AMD.
This year, watch out for new AI-ready processors from AMD and Intel. These contain neural processing units, or NPUs, which are core clusters designed to handle AI-specific tasks, like managing chatbots and automatic system optimizations. Windows tablets are ideal candidates for these low-power, high-efficiency chips designed to further spread workloads across three cores.
Windows Tablet Security and Connectivity
Once you've determined which processor will fit your usage pattern, it's time to move on to the features that make handheld PCs far more flexible than conventional laptops. Sensors previously seen in smartphones bring new ways to interact with your PC, with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and e-compasses providing positional awareness for both automatic screen rotation and new immersive applications.
Microsoft even has a Windows tablet version of FaceID, which lets you unlock your Apple iPhone or iPad Pro simply by looking at it. Called Windows Hello, it's also available on laptops and desktops, but it's most useful on tablets that don't have a keyboard handy to enter a complex, secure password.
And let's not forget touch screens. With capacitive screens that track five or 10 fingertips at a time, you can pinch, swipe, and tap your way through any task, even those that would have required a keyboard and mouse years ago. Many tablets also come with optional digital pens. Some are housed in "garages," tiny holes in the tablet that secure the stylus and charge its battery. Others must be carried separately or attached via magnets to one of the tablet's edges.
Then you have the question of connectivity. With eminently portable designs, it's only natural that some shoppers will want tablets that feature the same sort of mobile data that they enjoy on their smartphones. A few Windows tablets on the market have 5G and LTE connectivity and can be added to your mobile phone plan.
Don't Overlook the Convertible Hybrid
Finally, what if you simply can't live without a real keyboard, but don't want the hassle of carrying a separate one around? Some convertible laptops have keyboards that fold around the back so you can use them as traditional clamshell laptops, as tablets, or at any position in between. We've only included detachable Windows tablets here; to learn more about screen-rotating convertibles, read our roundup of the best 2-in-1 laptops.
The switch from a laptop to a tablet doesn't come without issues, though. The thin confines of a tablet make worries about heat buildup all the more important—especially when that heat is literally in hand. Touch screens add a new opportunity for frustration when taps and touches won't register properly, and the opportunities provided by docks and accessories also open up the chance to lose a valuable part of your PC while out and about. (Say what you will about tablets, but you'll never misplace your keyboard while using a conventional laptop.)
So, Which Windows Tablet Should I Buy?
We've waded through the current tablets available, and tested and compared dozens of tablet PCs to discover what works and what doesn't. Below are our top picks for Windows tablets. If you're not married to Windows, read our report on the best tablets overall, as well as our roundup of the best Android-based models.
