The Best Windows Tablets for 2021

A Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard can be a more portable and versatile alternative to a laptop. We’ve tested all the major models, and these top performers should be on your short list. Check them out, along with our deep-dive reviews.

Our 9 Top Picks

Best for Outdoors Professions, All-Weather Computing

Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet

Best for Budget Buyers

Microsoft Surface Go 2

Best for Style-Conscious Frequent Travelers

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Best for Office Deployment, Easy SSD Upgrades

Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ for Business

Best for Speedy Performance

Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable

Best for Digital Artists, On-the-Go Professionals

Microsoft Surface Book 3 (15-Inch)

Best for In-Vehicle Integration

Panasonic Toughbook 33 (2021)

Best for Foldable-Screen Early Adopters

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold

Best for Light Work and Long Battery Life

Microsoft Surface Pro X

Compare Specs The Best Windows Tablets for 2021

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 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 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.

How Big Should Your Tablet 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.

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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, now in its seventh generation.

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.

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 typically designated with a «Y» somewhere in the chip’s model name, and they’re perfect 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.

Settling in between these extremes are variants of Intel’s Core lineup with a «Y» designation. Like the Y series chips in the Celeron and Pentium lines mentioned above, the Core Y series models also keep cool without needing a built-in cooling fan, but they offer more muscle to drive productivity.

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 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 10, read our report on the best tablets overall, as well as our roundup of the best Android-based models.

Use your PC like a tablet

Tablet mode makes Windows more intuitive and easier to use when you have a touchscreen device.

Use tablet mode

To turn on tablet mode, select action center on the taskbar, then select Tablet mode .

Note: To find out if your device can automatically turn on tablet mode, search for your device on the manufacturer’s website. Support for this feature depends on the hardware, the driver that’s installed, and how the device was set up by the manufacturer.

In tablet mode, apps open full screen, giving you more space to work. To close an app, drag it to the bottom of the screen.

Tip: The taskbar is available when your PC is in tablet mode, but you can hide it if you want more room on the screen. Select the Start button, select Settings > System > Tablet mode , then turn on Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode. To see the hidden taskbar, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, or use your mouse to hover there.

Use two apps simultaneously

To use two apps side by side in tablet mode, drag an open app down and to the side. You’ll see where it’ll snap, and you’ll see any open apps next to it.

In this view, you can also:

Use the shared edge between two snapped apps to resize both apps at the same time.

Open a new app from task view—select Task view on the taskbar, select an app, then drag it to one side to snap it into your divided screen.

Use the back button on the taskbar to go back in an app, or to open an app that you were using before.

To learn basic touchpad gestures, see Use touch with Windows.

Android vs Windows Tablet: Which one should you buy?

We use tablets for an array of things. We watch films, send emails, check out on Tinder, engage in Twitter wars, create SOP for an interview, do an entire academic dissertation, click candid photos… the possibilities are endless. Today, tablets have almost become synonymous with laptops for their amazing features that are upgraded after every version. With the onset of detachable keyboard, the lines between laptops and tablets have started becoming blur now. Even though that is the case, Laptops can never be beaten. You can only have a good or high-end tablet. Now what is a good tablet?

The definition of a good tablet depends upon your budget, orientation and style sense. How often do you use your tab for illustration? Were your tablets only meant for kids? A Game Aficionado. Functionality wise

There was a time when you had only two choices for a tablet. But now you have apple pads, Amazon tablets and others too. Microsoft could make up for what it lost in smartphones using amazing tablets like the Surface Pro. So did Dell, Acer and others.

Let’s delve into the origins of the history of android and windows. Both have features to outsmart each other. They’ve been waging wars against each other since their inception.

Android is arguably the first operating system for smartphones. Created by Andy Rubin in 2003, Android, as an operating system went on to be bought by Google. Cupcakes, Donuts, eclairs, gingerbread, honeycomb, jelly Bean, kitkat marshmallow, nougat, oreo and pie are various versions of the operating system.

However, Microsoft started earlier as an interface manager in 1981. From Windows 1.0 to Vista to Windows 10, it has been quite a journey for Windows too. Both Android and Windows have had their respective share of struggle to metamorphose from desktops/laptops to tablets.

Let us take a look at some of the advantages and features of Android:

Feasibility: One of the best attractions of Android tablets has to be its low-cost, economical feature. They are affordable. Lighter on the pockets with incredible quality. Android Tablets are time-tested and durable.

Integration with Google: Seamless integration with Google helps Android users take up online lessons. Google Play’s content is easily accessible. Content development, deployment, access, marketing and sales are easy with Android and Google play store.

Free Market: Android tablets let you buy and sell anything product, services or commodity.

Now let us take a look at some unique features of Windows:

For a very long period, Windows have been monarchs of and have ruled workplaces. There are several reasons why a Window Tablet has a better hand than an Android Tablet.

Options to choose from:

There is no dearth to sizes and shapes and types of windows tablets as compared to android and apple tablets. Windows continue to remain the hottest devices on the planet. Executives, IT geeks, corporate honchos continue to clank on windows. Devices range from a seven-inch screen to 15.6 inches. You rarely see android tabs crossing over the ten-inch mark.

Office friendly and dock worthy:

Windows seamlessly integrate with and let plugging in of monitors, keyboards, mice, and hard drives. Windows are pretty good when it comes to docking stations. These tabs could be used as standalone computers.

Universal Hubs are available where you can plug in and morph into full desktop PC simulation. IPads have zero Docking Station facilities and can never be used as an enterprise system. Although several Android devices have USB ports and HDMI ports, they aren’t generally considered to be convenient.

P for Peripherals:

Considering the fact that, for a considerable number of users, docks may be redundant and an overkill; plugging in peripherals props up the immediate alternative. Almost all windows tablets have a couple of USB ports to support hard drives and peripherals. Even Android jumped into the bandwagon and started providing The iPad is even worse because it has limited options. The industry standards allow windows and android tabs to deploy cross-brand peripherals whereas it is lesser practised. Impossible in apple products.

Unlimited world of Apps:

Windows are way behind android tabs. Google Play store is a wonderful place to download and access unlimited apps. Windows are no match to Google Play store

Proprietary Software:

Windows tabs can run proprietary software on its devices, unlike android and apple products.

The game changer – Windows 10:

Microsoft launched its ultimate version Windows 10 which has been offered to the majority of the netizens free of cost. This version of Windows helps all tablets work smoothly.

Multi window efficiency:

The most appealing advantage of a Windows platform is that unlike Android, one could run multiple apps at the same given point of time without any lag. An Android tablet shall allow you to open a few apps together, but that will affect the overall performance of the tablet.

Working in sync with Team:

A Windows tablet comes equipped with all that you would need to collaborate smoothly with your co-workers. It comes loaded with the complete version of Office, and this helps you to keep all your work at the same place and easily accessible by others who might need to work on the same worksheet.

An Android tablet also has the feature of getting the various Office apps, but its sharing and collaborating abilities are much less than that of a Windows tablet.

Wider range of options:

Working on a tablet becomes much smoother when the screen space is more extensive. The Windows-based Surface tablet became a revolutionary one in this field as it works equal to a laptop. With more screen space and a smooth flowing pen as an aide. This tablet gives its user the advantage of doing all the work in a more seamless and faster manner.

Smoother Input:

Pen support is provided by Windows as an option in the majority of its tablets, unlike Android. The pen support is embedded into the core of the Operating System, and this enables its smooth functioning and free-flowing support. Some tablet versions being provided by Lenovo having Windows OS will allow you to use any pen or pencil to work on it. These features make a Windows tablet much more user-friendly in comparison to an Android tablet which has only a few select options for using pen support and those also do not provide effortless assistance and are much lower in performance.

Why not a Windows tablet?

Now that we have clogged our brains with all the pros of Windows, lets also look into the aspect of why not a Windows tablet:

While there are a lot of good reasons to choose a Windows 10 tablet, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t. Let’s check out the cons of using a Windows tablet, so you know what you will be giving up when you make the switch.

Windows tablets are more expensive:

The ones which are easily affordable are not at par with the other costly versions of Windows tablets. So the amount that you are ready to shell out decides the quality and features of the Windows tablet you want to own. In comparison to an Android tablet, any time a Windows tablet is more expensive for the same kind of features and overall package.

Protection and Security:

Just like your laptop or workstation, a Windows tablet would require you to acquire antivirus protection to secure all your data and work. A Windows tablet is a mini version of a laptop and gives all features of a full-fledged computer. Hence, proper security enabled network needs to be provided to protect all workers from viruses of malware.

Scope of Applications:

In comparison to Android, Windows looks pale and loses out on the variety of apps that are being provided. There might be some viral games being given but you will not be able to use any Windows mobile app on a tablet as it is not compatible. The Windows Store has a lot to develop compared to the Android App store as far as variety and user-friendliness goes.

Interface:

The Windows interface seems to suffer some lag when it switches to tablet mode. An Android tablet is much more sleek and agile as far as the touch experience goes. Every new version of Windows is improving on this aspect, but it still keeps losing out to its robust rival.

Accessory Crunch:

Windows 10 tabs offer phenomenal peripheral support but have limited accessories to adorn with like customised keyboards, individual cases etc. It contrasts with android tablets which have tons and tons of accessories available in the market for customisation. Even third-party support is limited from tablet to tablet.

The discussion never ends. Having distinct individual features, Android and Windows tablets fight it out to control the market. Windows takes credit for giving you a more polished and customized experience as far as technology goes, but Android gives you a wider range of options as now as apps and the user-friendliness quotient is concerned.