Windows tablets are becoming more popular as they offer the flexibility of a tablet with the functionality of a PC. You can use them for work, entertainment, education, and more. They come in different sizes, shapes, and prices, so you can find one that suits your budget and preferences.
However, not all Windows tablets are created equal. Some have better performance, battery life, display quality, or design than others. Some also have unique features like detachable keyboards, stylus support, or dual screens. To help you narrow down your options, we have selected the best Windows tablets in 2024 based on their features, reviews, and value.
Our Top Picks
1. Best overall: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the ultimate Windows tablet that combines power and portability. It has a stunning 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It runs on an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage.
It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G connectivity for fast internet access. The Surface Pro 9 comes with a kickstand that lets you adjust the viewing angle and a magnetic connector that attaches to various accessories like the Surface Pen or the Surface Keyboard (sold separately). The battery life is rated at up to 11 hours of typical usage.
2. Best budget: Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the best small Windows tablet that offers the Surface experience in a compact package at an affordable price. It has a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 60Hz. It runs on an Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 processor with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB of SSD storage.
It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and optional LTE connectivity for mobile internet access. The Surface Go 3 comes with a kickstand that lets you adjust the viewing angle and a magnetic connector that attaches to various accessories like the Surface Pen or the Surface Go Type Cover (sold separately). The battery life is rated at up to 11 hours of typical usage.
3. Best performance: Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable is the best Windows tablet for performance-oriented users who need a reliable laptop replacement. It has a robust design with MIL-STD-810H certification for durability against shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. It has a 12-inch FHD+ IPS display with Dolby Vision HDR support and a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels.
It runs on an Intel Core i5 or i7 vPro processor with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and optional LTE connectivity for fast internet access. The ThinkPad X12 Detachable comes with an integrated kickstand that lets you adjust the viewing angle and a detachable backlit keyboard that doubles as a cover. It also includes a Lenovo Precision Pen stylus that works seamlessly with Windows Ink apps. The battery life is rated at up to 10 hours of typical usage.
4. Best design: HP Elite Folio
The HP Elite Folio is the best Windows tablet for design-conscious users who want a sleek and stylish device. It has an innovative design that allows it to switch between laptop, tablet, and media modes using its flexible hinge mechanism. It has a 13-inch WUXGA+ touch display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection and a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels.
It runs on an Qualcomm Snapdragon SC8180X processor with Adreno GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage.It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G connectivity for mobile internet access. The Elite Folio comes with a backlit keyboard that attaches magnetically to the screen and a rechargeable HP Elite Slim Active Pen that slots into a built-in holder.
5. Best dual-screen: ASUS ZenBook Duo 14
The ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 is the best Windows tablet for multitasking enthusiasts who want to use two screens at once. It has a unique design that features a main 14-inch FHD IPS touch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a secondary 12.6-inch ScreenPad Plus touch display with a resolution of 1920 x 515 pixels. The ScreenPad Plus can be used for various tasks like launching apps, viewing widgets, or extending the main screen. It runs on an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage.
It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and optional Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for fast data transfer. The ZenBook Duo 14 comes with an ergonomic hinge that lifts the keyboard and ScreenPad Plus for better cooling and typing comfort. It also includes an ASUS Pen stylus that works well with both displays. The battery life is rated at up to 17 hours of typical usage.
Things to Consider
Before buying a Windows tablet, there are some factors that you should consider to make sure you get the best device for your needs. Here are some of them:
-
Size and weight: Windows tablets come in different sizes and weights, ranging from small devices like the Surface Go 3 (10.5 inches, 1.2 pounds) to large devices like the Surface Pro X (13 inches, 1.7 pounds). Depending on how often you plan to carry your tablet around or use it on your lap, you may prefer a smaller or larger device. Generally, smaller devices are more portable and easier to hold, while larger devices offer more screen space and better performance.
-
Performance: Windows tablets vary in their performance levels depending on their processors, memory, storage, and graphics capabilities. Some tablets have low-end processors like Intel Pentium Gold or Qualcomm Snapdragon that offer decent performance for basic tasks like web browsing, email, or media consumption, but may struggle with more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or multitasking. Other tablets have high-end processors like Intel Core i7 vPro or AMD Ryzen that offer excellent performance for any task you throw at them, but may consume more battery power or generate more heat. You should also consider how much RAM and storage space you need for your apps and files, as well as whether you need a dedicated GPU for graphics-intensive tasks.
-
Display quality: Windows tablets have different display qualities depending on their resolution, brightness, color accuracy, contrast ratio, and viewing angles. Some tablets have low-resolution displays like HD (1366 x 768 pixels) or FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels) that offer decent clarity but may not show fine details or sharp text. Other tablets have high-resolution displays like QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) or UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) that offer stunning clarity but may consume more battery power or require scaling adjustments.
Conclusion
Windows tablets are versatile devices that can run various apps and programs on a touch-enabled screen. They come in different sizes, shapes, and performance levels to suit different needs and preferences.
Depending on your intended use case, you may want to consider different factors when choosing a Windows tablet, such as size and weight, performance, display quality, graphics performance, cooling system, battery life, keyboard and pen support, connectivity options, and price.