If you want a lightweight and portable way to stay productive when you're on-the-go, tablets can be a vital tool in your tech armory.
Although Apple and Android gadgets have traditionally dominated the tablet space, you shouldn't rule out Windows tablets. Some can run the full Windows 10 operating system and thus provide access to the apps you use every day.
If you want to learn more, keep reading. We are going to round-up the best Windows tablets for 2020.
The Microsoft Surface Book 3, which was released in May 2020, is Microsoft's attempt at offering a genuine 2-in-1. While its other Surface models, such as the Surface Go 2 and the Surface Pro 7, both make a pass at being a laptop, they remain at tablet at heart.
Conversely, the Surface Book 3 is a laptop at heart, but with a detachable screen that means it can efficiently operate as a tablet when you need it to. Of course, that extra versatility comes at a cost.
The fully kitted out version of the Surface Book 3 can run to several thousand dollars—making the other Surface devices look cheap in comparison. However, if you have the budget and the need, you will struggle to find a better Windows device with tablet capabilities.
- Magnetometer
- 30 percent faster than the Surface Book 2
- Proximity sensor
- Accelerometer
- Brand: Microsoft
- Storage: Up to 2TB
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
- Memory: Up to 32GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: 16 hours
- Ports: 2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C, 3.5mm audio, SDXC card reader
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8.0MP, 5.0MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 15 inches, 3240 x 2160
- Multiple USB ports
- Excellent graphical power
- Incredible build quality
- Very expensive
- Design has hardly changed since 2015
- Speakers could be better
Lenovo's line of 2-in-1 Yoga products has been a popular choice among users for the last few years. The latest model, the C940, is no different.
Of course, the device is not a tablet in the strictest sense; there is no way to detect the keyboard from the screen.
However, thanks to its 360-degree folding design, you can use it just like a touchscreen tablet when you are out in the field. The computer can recognize when the keyboard is folded back, and the operating system will override accidental keystrokes.
If you opt for the model, you'll get a 4K display and a 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 mobile processor, giving you way more power than a typical tablet would afford you.
This is not the device to buy if you plan to use it in tablet mode constantly—if that's the case, buy a regular tablet rather than a 2-in-1 foldable model instead.
- 360-degree flip-and-fold design
- Only 0.6 inches thick
- Stylus included in the box
- Brand: Lenovo
- Storage: 1TB
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
- Memory: 12GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: 11 hours
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C
- Camera (Rear, Front): 5.0MP, 2.0MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 14 inches, 3,840 x 2,160
- Improved sound compared to predecessor
- Built-in stylus holder
- 4K display available on premium version
- Camera resolution is lower than rivals
- Weighs 2.98 pounds
- No SD card reader
The Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme is the successor to the enormously popular Latitude 7212 Rugged Extreme. Given the specs, this refreshed Windows tablet is likely to be just as popular.
But while the specs are impressive (the top model comes with 2TB of internal storage and an Intel i7-8665U processor), the rugged design is the unique selling point of the device. An IP65 rating means it can withstand water sprays and extreme levels of dust and sand, and it can resist temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to +145 degrees Fahrenheit.
The bumpers around the bezels also mean it can withstand a four-foot drop while switched off and a three-foot drop when turned on. If you work in an environment where your devices are likely to take a hammering, such as a construction site, this is the Windows tablet for you.
- IP65 waterproof rating
- LTE connections supported
- Removable kickstand (needs a screwdriver)
- Brand: Dell
- Storage: Up to 2TB
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8665U
- Memory: 16GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Battery: 17 hours
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8.0MP, 5.0MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 11.6 inches, 1920 x 1080
- Accessories available for use in the office, the car, and the field
- Extremely bright display
- Ships with Windows 10 Pro
- Heavier than non-rugged models (2.9 pounds)
- Does not look sleek nor stylish
- No HDMI port
The Microsoft Surface Pro X marks a significant departure from every other Surface product; it is the first tablet that ships with Microsoft's own SQ1 (2019 models) or SQ2 (2020 models) ARM processor.
Created in collaboration with Qualcomm, it is a customized version of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 and is exclusive to the Surface Pro X model. According to Microsoft, the new processor makes the tablet more power-efficient (and hence, no need for a fan), improves battery life, and offers a built-in 4G LTE modem.
The big downside of an ARM processor is app support. The software needs to be compiled differently than for x86 machines. That means no Adobe and no support for 64-bit Windows apps. Microsoft claims its new App Assure program is tackling the issue, but it remains a work-in-progress.
- 13-inch screen with small bezels
- Improved battery life
- LTE connectivity
- Brand: Microsoft
- Storage: 512GB
- CPU: Microsoft SQ2
- Memory: 16GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: Up to 15 hours
- Ports: 2 x USB-C, nano-SIM
- Camera (Rear, Front): 10.0MP, 5.0MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 13 inches, 2880 x 1920
- Fast charging is supported
- Slim and lightweight
- Adreno 690 GPU
- 5G is not supported
- Lack of ports
- Some apps not supported
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 offers laptop-class specs in tablet form, making it an excellent option for anyone who needs lots of computing power while they are on the go.
Unlike Microsoft's other premium tablet—the Surface Pro X—the Surface Pro 7 runs an Intel processor. That means the device does not suffer from the same app compatibility issues that plague its cousin; you can install any 64-bit Windows software.
Three different versions of the Surface Pro 7 are available. The entry-level model uses a dual-core 10th generation Intel i3-1005G1 processor, whereas the premium model ships with a quad-core 10th generation Intel i7-1065G7 processor. All versions are only available in black.
- 10-point multi-touch screen
- Ships with Windows 10 Pro
- Wi-Fi 6 compatible
- Brand: Microsoft
- Storage: 1TB
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
- Memory: 16GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Battery: Up to 10.5 hours
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio, MicroSDXC card reader
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8.0MP, 5.0MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 12.3 inches, 2736 x 1824
- 1.7 pounds in weight
- Pro model includes USB-C
- Includes headphone jack, unlike the Surface Pro X
- Keyboard and stylus sold separately
- Only available in black
- Poor battery life
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the latest product in the Go range of products. It is cheaper than the Microsoft Surface Pro models but is also less powerful.
If you get the lowest spec model, you will only get 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. In our opinion, that leaves the device significantly underpowered. Instead, try and stretch to the mid- or premium model.
You'll get up to 256GB of space and 8GB of RAM, as well as an Intel Core m3-8100Y processor rather than the Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y.
Nonetheless, even the base model offers a notable bump in power over the old Surface 1. If you own the older model, it is worth the upgrade.
- Available at multiple price points with different configurations
- Offers expandable storage
- 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio
- Brand: Microsoft
- Storage: 256GB
- CPU: Intel Core m3 8100Y
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio
- Camera (Rear, Front): 8.0MP, 5.0MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 10.5 inches, 1920 x 1280
- Very lightweight (1.2 pounds)
- Works well with a stylus
- Gyroscope and accelerometer built-in
- Battery life is still a bit disappointing
- Only available in one color
- Need to remove Windows S Mode to realize full potential
- Type cover not included
The Fusion5 FWIN232+ is not designed for heavy-duty productivity tasks. Instead, think of it as an entertainment device. For example, if you're looking for a Windows-based alternative to the Kindle Fire 8 range of tablets, this should be near the top of your list.
But that doesn't mean you can't do any productivity tasks at all. The 4GB of RAM isn't going to be enough for Photoshop and other similar apps. However, it can still handle multiple windows open simultaneously and has no problem running essential productivity apps like Word and Excel.
We also think the Fusion5 FWIN232+ is an excellent device for kids. Suppose you need something for them to use on car journeys or are merely looking for an entry-level device so they can familiarize themselves with the Windows operating system. In that case, this tablet is a good option.
- Ultra-slim design
- Full-size USB 3.0 port
- Micro-HDMI port
- Brand: Fusion5
- Storage: 64GB
- CPU: Intel Atom Cherry Trail
- Memory: 4GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: 6 hours
- Ports: microSD, micro-HDMI
- Camera (Rear, Front): 5.0MP, 2.0MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 10.1 inches, 1280 x 800
- Expandable memory thanks to microSD slot
- Very cheap
- Perfect for entertainment
- Terrible battery life
- 4GB of RAM is below average
- Only available in black
FAQ
Q: Why Should You Buy a Windows Tablet?
When buying a tablet, you'll have four operating system choices—Windows, iOS, Android, and Fire OS.
Windows-based tablets run the full version of Windows, whereas iPads do not run macOS. Therefore, if you need a unit for productivity, Windows tablets are the way to go.
Q: How Much RAM Is Necessary?
In our list, you will see RAM varying from 4GB to 32GB. That's a massive difference in performance.
If you want to use apps like Adobe Photoshop, make sure you have at least 12GB, and ideally 16GB. If you only want to browse the web and watch Netflix, then 4GB will suffice.
Ultimately, it boils down to how you will use your tablet.
Q: Why Are the Best Windows Tablets So Expensive?
It is not uncommon to pay more than $2,000 for a top-of-the-range Windows tablet in full trim. The cost is due to the specs.
The best Windows tablets are comparable to laptops under-the-hood, but the manufacturer must fit that hardware into a much smaller space, thus driving up costs.
