The best Windows tablets are a fantastic option if you’re looking for something different from the typical laptop or higher-end iPad. These portable devices are more flexible and more powerful than you might think. In fact, there’s enough power inside one of these tablets to get you through most of your productivity needs and creative tasks, such as light video editing.

Windows tablets are more than just good for connecting with friends and family on social media, getting some casual gaming done, or enjoying the newest show on Netflix. And, the best of them have some advantages over more traditional laptops, as well. Balancing power with better portability and a cheaper price makes them excellent for those constantly on the move or on a budget.

Whether you have a limited budget or need something more portable, a tablet might just be the ideal choice for you. Take a look at the best Windows tablets to find one that fits your needs, just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One of our top picks will be perfect for you.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 against a white background

The Surface Pro 8 is one of the best Windows tablets for illustrators, graphic artists, and coders. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Rebirth of the Surface Pro

Specifications

CPU: Up to 11th-gen Intel Core i7

Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics

RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR4x

Screen: 13-inch PixelSense Flow display

Storage: Up to 1TB

Reasons to buy

+Faster processors+Gorgeous new design

Reasons to avoid

More expensive

The Surface Pro 8 comes with an all-new design, but it boasts internals that are faster than ever, allowing it to rise above its predecessor. There are other things to love here as well, like the two Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2-in-1 design, and a bigger screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it one of the best Windows tablets for illustrators, graphic artists, other creative professionals, and coders. It’s a bit more expensive, which might turn some folks off. But, for professionals, it’s well worth the money.

Read the full review: Surface Pro 8

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet offers great value all around. (Image credit: Lenovo)

A versatile Windows 10 tablet that moonlights as a powerful laptop

Specifications

CPU: Up to 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8650U

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

Screen: 13-inch QHD+ 3k (3,000 x 2,000) IPS multi-touch

Storage: Up to 1 TB PCIe SSD

Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8265 (2 x 2), Up to Bluetooth 4.1 with vPro

Camera: 8MP rear-facing, 2MP front-facing

Weight: 1.69 pounds (890g), 2.79 pounds (1.27kg) with keyboard

Size: 11.96 x 8.88 x 0.59 inches with keyboard

Reasons to buy

+Great design and build quality+ThinkPad Pen Pro included+Vivid 13-inch 3K touchscreen

Reasons to avoid

Battery life is still limitingBulkier than the Surface Pro

Touted by Lenovo as ‘an IT admin’s dream,’ the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet indeed offers many of the makings of such a device. That includes dual Thunderbolt ports for faster data transfers, Windows Hello login via fingerprint reader, and the optional IR camera for a more secure login and Microsoft AutoPilot readiness. And, that’s without mentioning the SSD and battery that are field serviceable so that you can get a certified technician to come to you if you need parts replaced. But that’s not all; it’s also got a light and sleek chassis, and it comes with the ThinkPad Pen Pro, which means it’s great value all around.

Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet

Surface Go 3 against an off-white background

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Most affordable Surface

Specifications

CPU: Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615

RAM: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR3

Screen: 10.5-inch PixelSense display

Storage: 64 GB eMMC – 128 GB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Excellent webcam+Lightweight and easy to carry

Reasons to avoid

Super short battery life

The successor to the Surface Go 2 might not be as powerful as many had hoped it would be. However, for fans of the tablet line, the Surface Go 3 is still a capable and affordable prospect. There are compromises made here, but it also has the best webcam at this price, which makes it great for keeping in touch with family and friends. And, again, its price is more than appealing for most people. If you don’t need a whole lot of power anyway, it’s a terrific, money-saving choice.

Read the full review: Surface Go 3

Acer Switch 5

The Acer Switch 5 is the perfect solution for students and professionals who don’t want to buy into the Surface trend. (Image credit: Acer)

A great Surface Pro alternative

Specifications

CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i3 – i5

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

RAM: 4GB – 8GB

Screen: 12-inch, 2,160 x 1,440 IPS touchscreen

Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSD

Connectivity: 802.11ac; Bluetooth

Camera: 3MP rear, 1MP front

Weight: 2.8 pounds

Dimensions: 11.49 x 7.94 x 0.62 inches

Reasons to buy

+Great price +Solid performance 

Reasons to avoid

Dim display 

The Acer Switch used to be a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro. These days, the Acer Switch 5 will cost you just as much, but that’s also for comparable specs except perhaps an older processor. Price increase aside, this tablet is still one of the best Windows tablets – not to mention, best performing – out there, and it’s the perfect solution for students and professionals who don’t want to buy into the Surface trend.

Read the full review: Acer Switch 5 

Lenovo Yoga Book C930

It’s second stunning screen that’s the biggest selling point of the Lenovo Yoga Book C930. (Image credit: Lenovo)

Lenovo Yoga Book C930

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core i5-7Y54

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615

RAM: 4GB

Screen: 10.8” QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS touchscreen – 10.8” FHD (1920 x 1080) Flexible E Ink Mobius touchscreen

Storage: 256 GB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Very thin and light+Gorgeous main display+E Ink screen works well

Reasons to avoid

Very expensiveLow on RAM

The Lenovo Yoga Book C930 is a truly innovative 2-in-1 laptop, with a second E Ink display that moonlights as a keyboard, a pad for making notes and drawing and a traditional E Ink reader for viewing documents. It’s perhaps this second stunning screen that’s the biggest selling point of the Lenovo Yoga Book C930. That fact that it’s thin and light makes it an excellent tablet as well. If you’re looking for a laptop that doubles as a tablet and a drawing pad, this one’s an ace in our book.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga Book C930

Foto’s van andré hazes imitator rené van beeten.