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 in your hand 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? And 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 2023, followed by some brief additional buying advice.
Buying Guide: The Best Windows Tablets for 2022 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
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 in your hand 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 10 or 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? And 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 you answer all these questions and more, and tell you which of the Windows tablets on the market are our favorites.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Modern design with bezels and larger display | - Higher starting price |
| + Superior 1080p webcam | - Accessories and config upgrades are pricey |
| + Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support | - Keyboard base still sold separately |
| + Well-implemented kickstand | - USB-C ports only |
| + Perky performance | |
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Why We Picked It
It's been a few years since Microsoft launched an all-out new entry in its Surface Pro line, and even longer since there's been a noticeable redesign. The Surface Pro 8 changes that, introducing a sleeker chassis with a larger display than the Surface Pro 7. It's much more attractive, thanks to its new thin-bezel 13-inch screen, but its core functionality is otherwise unchanged. This is still a best-in-class detachable 2-in-1 in terms of design, and when paired with the improved 11th Generation Core i7 "Tiger Lake" processor in our model (and the advantages of Windows 11), this tablet can compete as a true laptop replacement.
Mind you, the $1,099.99 starting price is much higher than the Surface Pro 7's $749.99, reducing the appeal of its lower-end configurations. And its expensive accessories jack up the price whichever config you choose, with the keyboard being essential if you aim to use the Pro 8 as a laptop replacement. Despite losing its value play, the Pro 8's boosted performance, smart redesign, and new stylus make the Surface Pro line an object of envy once again, and a repeat Editors' Choice winner among Windows tablets.
Asus Vivobook 13 Slate OLED T3300
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Gorgeous OLED display | - Poky performance |
| + Comes with keyboard cover, pen and kickstand | - Heavy |
| + Capable cameras |
Asus Vivobook 13 Slate OLED T3300
Why We Picked It
Imagine the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook but with Windows 11, and you'll have the Asus Vivobook 13 Slate OLED, a detachable 2-in-1 tablet with a stunning 13.3-inch OLED touch screen. With the base model likely to ship in early 2022 for $599 including kickstand, keyboard, and pen, it should be a bargain compared to the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Apple iPad Pro with their optional accessories (though $100 more than the Chrome OS Lenovo). But even in the enhanced model tested here, the tablet's Intel Pentium Silver processor is a knock-kneed weakling that gives it barely acceptable performance. Asus' marketing has the right idea: Think of the Vivobook 13 Slate as your personal OLED TV (well, YouTube and streaming TV) that can also handle email and modest Microsoft Office duty.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Low starting price | - Keyboard cover not included |
| + Lightweight | - Only one USB-C port |
| + Sunny display with vivid colors | - Optional extras pump up price |
| + Windows Hello webcam with 1080p video support | - Disappointing computing performance |
| + Integrated kickstand | |
| + SD card reader | |
| + Long battery life |
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Why We Picked It
Although it runs Windows 11 and can be used with an optional keyboard, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a tablet designed to compete with Chromebooks and the Apple iPad, not traditional laptops. A compelling starting price of $399.99, coupled with the refined styling and high-quality construction we’ve come to expect from the Surface product family, make this the best inexpensive Windows-powered 2-in-1 tablet you can buy. But with few improvements over its predecessor and computing performance that remains lackluster, the Surface Go 3 is also a slightly disappointing third-generation revision to Microsoft’s most affordable tablet, given the advances we're seeing on other platforms. Plus, our Core i3-based tester comes in at $629.99, and that's without Microsoft's compatible keyboard accessory, which adds at least another Benjamin.
Getac F110 (2022)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Fully rugged, with IP66 rating | - Expensive |
| + Optional keyboard is as rugged as the tablet | - Heavy |
| + Bright touch screen that's usable with gloves |
Getac F110 (2022)
Why We Picked It
Forget the old Timex watch that “takes a licking and keeps on ticking”—how about a versatile Windows tablet that keeps on running, despite a drubbing? That would be an appropriate motto for the sixth-generation Getac F110, a 2-in-1 rugged laptop with an optional detachable keyboard. (Models start at $2,579; our test sample is $4,954.) This is not an everyday approach to tablet computing—the F110 is armored to the gills, with a price to match. Granted, the high price is for a fully loaded system with the keyboard and two high-capacity batteries. But if you’re going for a tablet that can take the kind of abuse the F110 can, you’re going to have to pay for the privilege. It's an excellent alternative to the less expensive but otherwise similar Panasonic Toughbook G2.
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| +Study construction | - No 4K display option |
| + Optional Intel vPro | - Short standard 1-yr warranty |
| + Integrated kickstand | |
| + Keyboard cover is comfortable | |
| + Good value | |
| + Computing performance |
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
Why We Picked It
Lenovo’s flagship ThinkPad tablet (the ThinkPad X1 Tablet) was discontinued for a few years, but now it’s back in the form of the new ThinkPad X12 Detachable (starts at $1,097; $1,337 as tested). This Windows tablet is designed to compete with the Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ for Business, and it’s ready to give Redmond some serious competition. Speedy computing performance, a keyboard that's reasonably comfortable to type on, and a sturdy chassis make the X12 Detachable worth a look if you need a Windows tablet for your business with the added flexibility of a removable physical keyboard.
Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Included keyboard cover with built-in stylus holder | - No 4K display option |
| + Integrated kickstand | - Merely avg computing performance |
| + Roomy 13" display | - Expensive as configured |
| + Decent audio volume | |
| + Intel Core i7 processor with vPro support | |
| + 3-yr warranty |
Dell Latitude 7320 Laptop
Why We Picked It
Tablets running Windows 10, like the new Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable, are mostly aimed at business users who prioritize portability and interact with their PCs mostly via the touch screen. With IT-friendly features and an included keyboard cover for when you want to use it as a conventional laptop, the Latitude 7320 (starts at $1,559; $2,219 as tested) is an excellent option. But the similar Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ for Business is slightly more capable for the price, and remains our Editors' Choice pick among detachable 2-in-1s.
Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Supremely sturdy construction | - Expensive |
| + Extra-bright display | - No HDMI or Thunderbolt 3 port |
| + Comfortable keyboard cover | - Glove-compatible touchscreen require extra pressure |
| + Hot-swappable, long-life batteries |
Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet
Why We Picked It
Except probably for battery life, you can skip the benchmarks section of this review. Our usual performance scores, especially things like the 3DMark graphics and gaming simulation, simply aren't all that relevant to the Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme (starts at $1,899; $3,197 as tested). What's relevant is toughness—this 11.6-inch Windows tablet is designed to be used outside in crummy conditions, getting wet and getting dropped and used with gloves on when it's freezing cold. It carries an ingress protection rating of IP65, meaning it's immune to dust and sandstorms and spray from most water nozzles, though not immersion in water. It's bulky and heavy and ready to communicate over LTE mobile broadband when Wi-Fi is miles away. If Microsoft's Surface Pro was exposed to gamma radiation and got angry, it would be the Latitude 7220.
Microsoft Surface Pro X
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Sleek styling | - Expensive |
| + High-quality PixelSense display | - Keyboard and pen cost extra |
| + Excellent camera quality | - Incompatible with some third-party apps and drivers |
| + LTE connectivity via eSIM | - Impractical for lap use |
| + Built-in kickstand | - No headphone jack |
| + All-day battery life |
Microsoft Surface Pro X
Why We Picked It
No matter your budget, some kind of name-brand tablet PC is in your reach. For tens of dollars, Amazon will sell binge watchers and email checkers a Fire HD. Big spenders and digital artists might gravitate toward an Apple iPad Pro. And for bleeding-edge dwellers, there's the new Microsoft Surface Pro X. (It starts at $999, in the configuration we're looking at here.) It's a candidate for the best-looking pure Windows 10 tablet ever, as sleek as the iPad Pro. And thanks to its custom, unique ARM-based processor, the Surface Pro X is whisper-quiet and features long battery life. All those high points, though, can't offset some key flaws: It suffers from occasional sluggishness and—crucially—software incompatibilities and nuances that buyers will have to navigate. It's fine for basic use but a poor value, appealing mostly to Surface superfans willing to work within its limitations. Microsoft's own Surface Pro 7 is a better bet.
HP Tablet 11-be0097nr
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Excellent screen | - Sluggish even for basic tasks |
| + First-class camera | - Modest battery life |
| + Runs silently | - Just one USB port and no headphone jack |
| - Keyboard and pen are costly extras | |
| - So-so speakers |
The Bottom Line:
HP's 11-inch Windows tablet offers a terrific display and camera, but its performance and relative battery life are letdowns.
Why We Picked It
Low-priced Windows tablets (or detachable 2-in-1 models with snap-on keyboards) are less popular than Android or iPadOS tablets for good reason—most struggle with day-to-day tasks and don't include accessories. That describes the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the HP competitor seen here, the Tablet 11-be0097nr ($379.99 as tested, exclusive of its key accessories). The 11-inch HP slate has some good qualities—its touch screen offers a better image than you'd get from an inexpensive laptop, and its rotating camera is impressively sharp and colorful.
But its battery life is a bit too short, its Intel Pentium Silver CPU will have you yawning and drumming your fingers waiting for basic operations, it has only one USB port and no headphone jack, and you'll pay an extra $218 for a pen and keyboard cover. Unless you truly need Windows in tablet form at a very low cost, the 2021 Apple iPad delivers a superior tablet experience, while the admittedly much pricier Microsoft Surface Pro 8 remains the gold standard for laptop-replacement Windows tablets. Among budget convertibles, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 is a larger but much more capable option.
How Big Should Your Windows Tablet's Screen Be?
Of course, just like the iPad line, with its range of sizes, computing power, and prices, there's 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 getting 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 that you might long for after seeing Westworld or another Hollywood fantasy.
Then there are 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 generally provide a well-rounded Windows experience. The best example of these is the iconic Microsoft Surface Pro.
Finally, there are 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.
These are sometimes designated with a "Y" somewhere in the chip's model name, and they're best suited for inexpensive tablets. They don't require built-in cooling fans, and they offer 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. 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 that are also used to power full-fledged laptops. While these CPUs draw more power and require more cooling hardware, they offer a much higher level of capability, 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.
There are a few Windows tablets that don't use Intel chips, but they're rare. They include the Microsoft Surface Pro X, a tablet with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. We haven't seen any recent tablets that use processors from AMD.
Features 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.
There's even a Windows tablet version of FaceID, the feature that 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. 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 only a couple of years ago. Many tablets also come with optional digital pens. Some are housed in "garages," tiny holes in the tablet itself 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 there's 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 thus require a separate data 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 offered 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 tablet offerings, 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.