But the range has come a long way since then. The original Surface morphed into the Surface Pro, joined by an affordable alternative in the Surface Go – both of which work with a keyboard cover. Microsoft also makes regular laptops, with the thin-and-light Surface Laptop and budget alternative in the Surface Laptop Go. While the detachable Surface Book has now been retired, it’s been replaced with the Surface Laptop Studio, a true 3-in-1 device. However, we shouldn’t forget that Microsoft has started making phones again – sort of. The Surface Duo is more of a mobile productivity device, but it runs Android and can replace your phone. All the other entries in this chart run Windows 11, but there are plenty of alternatives available in our best laptop chart. We also have separate guides covering 2-in-1s, student laptops, budget laptops and business laptops. But if you’re set on Microsoft hardware, you’ve come to the right place. This guide runs through the best Surface device for specific use cases, also linking out to our full reviews. While they can be expensive, Microsoft and other retailers have great deals on Surface products throughout the year.
Best Microsoft Surface 2023
Great design and display Excellent keyboard and pen Solid battery life Impressive webcam
Poor port selection Underwhelming performance on ARM Expensive
Its attractive design and excellent display haven’t been upgraded from the Pro 8, but they’re still among the best you’ll find on any tablet – even without OLED. You can also expect video calling experience, despite not having the extra features available on the ARM version. That model has superb battery life, but the performance drop-off isn’t worth it for most people. 12th-gen Intel processors guarantee a solid level of performance, and you avoid any of the app compatibility issues with ARM. However, it’s still not perfect. Having just two USB-C ports simply isn’t enough, while the device is expensive even before you add the necessary keyboard cover that’s sold separately. But for most people, it’s the best 2-in-1 you can buy. And for that reason, it deserves top spot in this chart.
Solid performance Great keyboard Thin-and-light build
Dated design No option for AMD CPUs Can get expensive
Microsoft has ditched the option for AMD on both the 13.5in and 15in models, and it’s expensive once you go beyond the cheapest configurations. But if you’re willing to spend in excess of $1,000/£1,000, this is a solid option. Microsoft’s trademark thin-and-light build is here, alongside one of the best keyboards in the business and Windows 11 software that’s now very easy to use. However, you will have to contend with that dated design, which hasn’t been updated since the Surface Laptop made its debut. It’s still the best Microsoft laptop for most people, but other companies offer more in the Windows space.
Solid Core i3 performance Premium build Great for video calling
Poor battery life Dated design Can get expensive
Aside from that, this is essentially the Go 2 from 2020. The 10.5in LCD display is still a highlight, despite sticking at a 60Hz refresh rate. The fairly chunky bezels mean it’s starting to look dated, while battery life is underwhelming. However, it does retain that premium build quality, with an excellent built-in kickstand. The combination of 1080p webcam and dual mics also makes for a great video calling experience. Combining the i3 model with a Type Cover and mouse makes the full Go 3 experience relatively expensive. Pentium Gold performance is still an unknown, but that’s where you’ll find better value for money. Either way, it’s still a capable yet ultra-portable Windows tablet, running a full version of Windows 11 out of the box.
Three distinct modes Excellent 120Hz display Impressive battery life
Expensive Limited to three positions Not enough ports
A gorgeous 120Hz display is housed within some slim bezels, although there’s still room for an excellent webcam and IR sensor for Windows Hello face unlock. The screen’s refresh rate is adaptive, meaning it can dynamically adjust to help prolong the excellent battery life. You also get solid performance from 11th-gen Intel chips and an RTX 3050 Ti GPU on more expensive models. But whether you buy this laptop will come down to the 3-in-1 functionality. The device works well as a traditional laptop and with the display pulled forward or laid flat, but those are your only options here. Many people may prefer a convertible laptop or tablet with detachable keyboard, especially given the Laptop Studio’s high asking price and limited port selection. But in some creative industries or work scenarios, this design really can’t be beaten.
Impressive performance Excellent keyboard Decent battery life Compact design
Can get hot Slow charging No backlit keys
Performance is much improved thanks to 11th-gen Intel CPUs, which also helps significantly improve battery life. A 12.4in screen will be too small for most people, but it means the Laptop Go 2 a compelling, compact computer that weighs just 1.16kg. The keyboard is great aside from missing backlighting, especially when combined with a reliable fingerprint sensor built into the power button. However, the Laptop Go 2 is prone to overheating, and charging is slower than many rivals. If you can look beyond these things, it’s certainly worth considering.
Excellent 120Hz display Slick, modern design Impressive battery life Plenty of discounts
Expensive Very limited ports Still not great as a tablet
Microsoft finally updated the design here, with a 13in display within almost the same footprint as previous 12.3in devices. The screen itself is now 120Hz, meaning the great viewing experience has a super-smooth refresh rate. Performance from 11th-gen Intel chips is impressive, while both cameras are solid and speakers are excellent. However, a lack of ports means you’ll probably need to connect adapter or hub. It’s also worth highlighting the accessories, which transform the Pro 8 into a laptop replacement for many. The Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen 2 stylus are the best they’ve ever been, but also quite expensive. Given Windows 11’s continued limitations as a pure tablet, you’ll want to pay extra for the accessories. But with the Pro 8 itself already significantly more expensive than it’s predecessor, this isn’t something everyone will be able to justify.
Impressive display Solid performance Great battery life
Outdated design Loud fans Quickly gets expensive
The big one here is processor – you can now choose between Intel’s latest and powerful AMD Ryzen chips across both 13.5in and 15in models. These chips deliver a significant improvement to power efficiency, and it shows – battery life is very solid, even when playing 4K videos. Many of the reasons why the Laptop 3 was so good still apply. The displays offer a compelling viewing experience, continuing to support touch and pen input. There’s also a solid keyboard and lightweight, premium design. However, it’s not perfect. This tried and tested design could do with a refresh, while noisy fans regularly kick in during everyday use. It can also get expensive, particularly if you need. But if you’re set on Microsoft hardware, the Laptop 4 offers the best pure laptop experience right now. That may change soon, though, with the Surface Laptop 5 expected soon.
Impressive performance Stunning displays Decent cameras
Buggy software Most apps not optimised Expensive
Microsoft has almost nailed the hardware here, with a premium build and two gorgeous 90Hz OLED displays connected via a tough hinge. A new triple rear camera system delivers impressive results in good lighting, while battery life has also been upgraded. Performance and stereo speakers are among the other highlights. But its the software side that really lets the Duo 2 down. Android simply isn’t optimised to work on this dual-screen device – many apps either crash or stutter when you try to open them full-screen. Microsoft’s apps are designed to take advantage of both displays, but few third-party options are. There’s also the issue of content between the screens being obscured. At this price, it’s a dealbreaker for most people. It’s the best smartphone Microsoft makes right now by far, but that’s not saying much. However, there are signs Microsoft has made significant progress following software updates. That should make the Surface Duo 3 a significantly better buy once it arrives.
Gorgeous display Excellent keyboard Great port selection
Hit-and-miss performance Expensive
A gorgeous display, excellent keyboard and solid port selection provide the foundation for a great laptop experience. However, performance is seriously mixed. The Book 3 copes just fine in most situations but is a serious letdown when it comes to gaming performance. That wouldn’t usually be much of an issue, but Microsoft has specifically advertised its suitability for gaming. That’s far from the only drawback, with chunky bezels, mediocre speakers and lack of fingerprint scanner among the most prominent. But with some big discounts, these shortcomings are easier to excuse. If a fully detachable laptop screen appeals to you, this is the device to go for. It’ll work with Windows 11 just fine, and remains relatively well future-proofed.
Impressive display Solid keyboard Excellent audio
Power comes at a price Poor battery life
However, you’ll need to pay significantly more than the starting price for a model that’s worth buying. Battery life is also a concern, with the device struggling to make it through a full working day on a single charge. Nonetheless, there’s still plenty to like about the Surface Laptop Go. Performance on the top-spec model is solid, while including a great keyboard and display in such a slimline body is really impressive. The Dolby Audio speakers and dual studio mics also make for a great audio experience. There are plenty of laptops that also excel in these areas, though, many of which are more affordable or offer a better all-round experience. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
