The best Windows tablets in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed | ZDNET

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

While Apple iPads are certainly flashy, Windows tablets blend the power of a laptop with the convenience of a touchscreen. These devices are a smart choice for anyone who needs to stay productive on the go, and the best Windows tablets offer impressive performance, flexibility, and great storage options to help you tackle your everyday tasks.

We conducted extensive research and hands-on testing to find the best Windows tablets available right now. When compiling this guide, we evaluated various factors, including hardware configurations, display quality, and price, to help you make the most informed purchase.

Also: The best tablets of 2025 (Apple, Samsung, Amazon, & more)

Our pick for the best Windows tablet overall is the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 for its long-lasting battery, high-quality OLED display, and great-performing chipset. But while the Surface Pro 11 is our top recommendation, it's far from the only option. We've compared leading models from other brands, like Asus and Lenovo, to help you decide which tablet is right for you.

Microsoft's 11th-generation Surface Pro absolutely earns the title of best Windows tablet. The tech giant introduced several upgrades to this generation, most notably Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus chipset. The hardware delivers solid performance, allowing the device to handle multiple apps and tasks without noticeable slowdowns.

Review: The tablet I recommend most for business travel is not an iPad or ThinkPad

The Snapdragon X Plus chipset also enhances energy efficiency. During our testing, the Surface Pro 11 lasted about 13 hours on a single charge. In our experience, purported battery life runtimes are just marketing claims, so it was surprising to see the tablet last as long as it did (13 hours is just under Microsoft's declared 14-hour battery life).

Additionally, the Surface Pro features a PixelSense OLED touchscreen that delivers high-resolution images. Advanced color-enhancing software, such as adaptive contrast, further enhances the quality. It's important to note that despite what the above image implies, the Surface Pro 11 does not come with a keyboard--that accessory is a separate purchase.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | Display size: 13-inch OLED | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery life: 14 hours | Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches

Microsoft's 11th-generation Surface Pro absolutely earns the title of best Windows tablet. The tech giant introduced several upgrades to this generation, most notably Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus chipset. The hardware delivers solid performance, allowing the device to handle multiple apps and tasks without noticeable slowdowns.

Review: The tablet I recommend most for business travel is not an iPad or ThinkPad

The Snapdragon X Plus chipset also enhances energy efficiency. During our testing, the Surface Pro 11 lasted about 13 hours on a single charge. In our experience, purported battery life runtimes are just marketing claims, so it was surprising to see the tablet last as long as it did (13 hours is just under Microsoft's declared 14-hour battery life).

Additionally, the Surface Pro features a PixelSense OLED touchscreen that delivers high-resolution images. Advanced color-enhancing software, such as adaptive contrast, further enhances the quality. It's important to note that despite what the above image implies, the Surface Pro 11 does not come with a keyboard--that accessory is a separate purchase.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | Display size: 13-inch OLED | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery life: 14 hours | Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches

The Asus ProArt PZ13 was designed with graphic designers and other artists in mind, as it is more focused on supporting creative work. Like the Surface Pro, it has a 13-inch display, a Snapdragon X Plus chipset, and an optional detachable keyboard. But the software is what makes this tablet shine.

The ProArt PZ13 includes several image-enhancing features, such as Dolby Vision for vibrant colors and Vesa DisplayHDR True Black for deep, rich shadows. Additionally, Asus' Creator Hub app allows you to adjust on-screen colors quickly, offering four different modes optimized for specific tasks, whether you're working, creating, or watching movies.

Review: One of the best tablet for work travel I've tested is not made by Microsoft or Lenovo

The ProArt PZ13 surpasses the Surface Pro in battery life, lasting up to 21 hours on a single charge. It can remain powered overnight and be ready for use the next day. However, it's worth noting that the tablet has only three ports with no support for USB drives or HDMI cables.

Asus ProArt PZ13 specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | Display size: 13.3-inch OLED | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Battery life: 21 hours | Dimensions: 11.71 x 7.99 x 0.35 inches

The Asus ProArt PZ13 was designed with graphic designers and other artists in mind, as it is more focused on supporting creative work. Like the Surface Pro, it has a 13-inch display, a Snapdragon X Plus chipset, and an optional detachable keyboard. But the software is what makes this tablet shine.

The ProArt PZ13 includes several image-enhancing features, such as Dolby Vision for vibrant colors and Vesa DisplayHDR True Black for deep, rich shadows. Additionally, Asus' Creator Hub app allows you to adjust on-screen colors quickly, offering four different modes optimized for specific tasks, whether you're working, creating, or watching movies.

Review: One of the best tablet for work travel I've tested is not made by Microsoft or Lenovo

The ProArt PZ13 surpasses the Surface Pro in battery life, lasting up to 21 hours on a single charge. It can remain powered overnight and be ready for use the next day. However, it's worth noting that the tablet has only three ports with no support for USB drives or HDMI cables.

Asus ProArt PZ13 specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | Display size: 13.3-inch OLED | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Battery life: 21 hours | Dimensions: 11.71 x 7.99 x 0.35 inches

If the Surface Pro 11 is out of your price range, we strongly recommend the 2021 Surface Go 3, which is still a solid option. The Surface Go 3 is the smallest tablet on our list, sporting a 10.5-inch display and weighing a little over a pound, making it ideal for travel or remote work.

Review: Microsoft Surface Go 3 review: A portable and versatile 2-in-1, but battery life disappoints

The Surface Go 3 features stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos, delivering impressively immersive sound. Above the PixelSense display is a 5MP camera capable of making video calls in 1080p. It even has Windows Hello 3D technology, which enables the camera lens to recognize users under various lighting conditions. The Intel Core i3 processor is a bit old by today's standards, but it still performs well.

Despite its small size, Microsoft's Surface Go 3 is quite power-hungry. In our initial testing, the device consumed up to 11% of its battery in just 22 minutes. If you purchase the Surface Go 3, we suggest carrying the power adapter wherever you travel.

Microsoft Surface Go 3 specs: Processor: Intel Core i3-10100Y | Display size: 10.5-inch PixelSense display | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery life: 21 hours | Dimensions: 10.82 x 7.98 x 1.89 inches

If the Surface Pro 11 is out of your price range, we strongly recommend the 2021 Surface Go 3, which is still a solid option. The Surface Go 3 is the smallest tablet on our list, sporting a 10.5-inch display and weighing a little over a pound, making it ideal for travel or remote work.

Review: Microsoft Surface Go 3 review: A portable and versatile 2-in-1, but battery life disappoints

The Surface Go 3 features stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos, delivering impressively immersive sound. Above the PixelSense display is a 5MP camera capable of making video calls in 1080p. It even has Windows Hello 3D technology, which enables the camera lens to recognize users under various lighting conditions. The Intel Core i3 processor is a bit old by today's standards, but it still performs well.

Despite its small size, Microsoft's Surface Go 3 is quite power-hungry. In our initial testing, the device consumed up to 11% of its battery in just 22 minutes. If you purchase the Surface Go 3, we suggest carrying the power adapter wherever you travel.

Microsoft Surface Go 3 specs: Processor: Intel Core i3-10100Y | Display size: 10.5-inch PixelSense display | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery life: 21 hours | Dimensions: 10.82 x 7.98 x 1.89 inches

Asus promotes the ROG Flow Z13 as a gaming tablet due to its hardware configuration, but we believe it excels more as a tablet for content creators.

The device has a 13th-gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card. According to the product page, the ROG Flow Z13 is well-suited for creating art, 3D rendering, music production, and coding. While more memory would have been a nice addition, the 16GB RAM is sufficient for most applications.

Given its powerful hardware, the ROG Flow Z13 can run hot. Asus has given the tablet large fans and a custom vapor chamber module to maintain cool operating temperatures. The company also claims that the fans operate quietly for minimal noise disturbance. For those seeking greater control, you can fine-tune the tablet's performance with the Armoury Crate app.

It's worth noting that models featuring an RTX 4060 graphics processing unit (GPU) are also available, though they were difficult to find at the time of publication.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 specs: Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H | Display size: 13.4-inch Quad HD Plus display | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Battery life: 21 hours | Dimensions: 11.89 x 8.11 x 0.51 inches

Asus promotes the ROG Flow Z13 as a gaming tablet due to its hardware configuration, but we believe it excels more as a tablet for content creators.

The device has a 13th-gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card. According to the product page, the ROG Flow Z13 is well-suited for creating art, 3D rendering, music production, and coding. While more memory would have been a nice addition, the 16GB RAM is sufficient for most applications.

Given its powerful hardware, the ROG Flow Z13 can run hot. Asus has given the tablet large fans and a custom vapor chamber module to maintain cool operating temperatures. The company also claims that the fans operate quietly for minimal noise disturbance. For those seeking greater control, you can fine-tune the tablet's performance with the Armoury Crate app.

It's worth noting that models featuring an RTX 4060 graphics processing unit (GPU) are also available, though they were difficult to find at the time of publication.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 specs: Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H | Display size: 13.4-inch Quad HD Plus display | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Battery life: 21 hours | Dimensions: 11.89 x 8.11 x 0.51 inches

Tablets, for the most part, are fragile devices meant to be used at home or in the office. But if you need to brave the elements, our pick for the best rugged tablet available is the Getac K120 G3.

Sporting a tough exterior, the device is MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning it can survive extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and drops. To be specific, the K120 can be dropped from six feet in the air and continues to work well in temperatures up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It possesses a host of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 inputs, a headphone jack, plus a single USB-A port. There's also a pair of docking connectors for the device's detachable keyboard on the bottom of the tablet. To protect these components from the elements, the K120 has a series of sliding and locking doors.

Also: I thought I knew about rugged tablets, until I tested a Getac running Windows

Of course, there is more to this tablet than just its design. The touchscreen runs at 1080p resolution with a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits. This allows the Getac K120 to maintain visual clarity under bright sunlight. According to ZDNET writer Matthew Miller, it performs well, too. Miller's review unit housed a 13th-Gen Intel Core alongside 64GB of RAM which delivered "a flawless experience."

Getac K120 G3 specs: Processor: Intel Core i7-1365U vPro | Display size: 12.5-inch LCD Full HD display | RAM: 16GB DDR5 | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 3450 mAh (2) | Dimensions: 12.97 x 9.37 x 0.94 inches

Tablets, for the most part, are fragile devices meant to be used at home or in the office. But if you need to brave the elements, our pick for the best rugged tablet available is the Getac K120 G3.

Sporting a tough exterior, the device is MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning it can survive extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and drops. To be specific, the K120 can be dropped from six feet in the air and continues to work well in temperatures up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It possesses a host of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 inputs, a headphone jack, plus a single USB-A port. There's also a pair of docking connectors for the device's detachable keyboard on the bottom of the tablet. To protect these components from the elements, the K120 has a series of sliding and locking doors.

Also: I thought I knew about rugged tablets, until I tested a Getac running Windows

Of course, there is more to this tablet than just its design. The touchscreen runs at 1080p resolution with a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits. This allows the Getac K120 to maintain visual clarity under bright sunlight. According to ZDNET writer Matthew Miller, it performs well, too. Miller's review unit housed a 13th-Gen Intel Core alongside 64GB of RAM which delivered "a flawless experience."

Getac K120 G3 specs: Processor: Intel Core i7-1365U vPro | Display size: 12.5-inch LCD Full HD display | RAM: 16GB DDR5 | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 3450 mAh (2) | Dimensions: 12.97 x 9.37 x 0.94 inches

The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We're Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy

Televisions, many of which are manufactured in these nations, may experience price increases of up to 20%, making them less affordable for consumers. Manufacturers contemplate relocating assembly operations to countries with tariff exemptions, but such moves involve logistical challenges and substantial costs. Companies like Samsung, which produces a significant portion of their TVs in Mexico, anticipate being less affected than competitors relying heavily on Chinese manufacturing.

Overall, consumers should brace for higher prices and potential shifts in product availability within the home entertainment market.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 is the best Windows tablet thanks to its Snapdragon X Plus chipset and long-lasting battery. Below is a list comparing the model's specs to everything else.

*MSRP at the time of publication

With numerous specifications, features, and visual designs to consider, it's easy to get overwhelmed when choosing a tablet.

The table below provides a brief overview of each recommended tablet and highlights key features of interest.

When selecting the best Windows tablet, several key factors were considered in our recommendations:

ZDNET receives a lot of tablets to review, and many of them could've made the list. To separate the best from the rest, we follow the criteria mentioned in the previous question -- which ones have the nicest displays, the best hardware, and more. At first, the tablet is tested casually. We surf the internet, watch videos, download apps, and work on them to get a feel for them. From there, we run more labor-intensive apps and perform benchmark tests to see what the hardware is capable of.

Once all the testing is complete, we place the best of the best on the list. Picking the premiere options can be tricky, but sometimes there's a clear winner, like the Surface Pro 11.

For more on how we test tablets at ZDNET, check out our full tablet testing methodology.

Microsoft consistently produces some of the best Windows tablets. The Surface Pro 11, in particular, is a significant advancement for the series. Much of this improvement is due to the Snapdragon X Plus chipset, which has been a key factor in the tablet's performance boost. Qualcomm's SoC has notably impacted consumer technology, and we expect it to continue making waves on Windows tablets.

Asus and Lenovo are also strong contenders in the tablet market. Asus is known for equipping its devices with powerful central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) combinations. Lenovo is recognized for its innovation, often pushing the boundaries of the traditional tablet. While not every Lenovo device is a hit, models like the ThinkPad X1 Fold stand out as strong recommendations.

Windows tablets can be an excellent alternative to laptops, offering better versatility and flexibility. Unlike laptops, tablet keyboards are detachable and can be swapped for a stylus for added functionality. If portability is a priority, a tablet might be the better option.

If power is your priority, we suggest you go with a laptop, as they're better for tough workloads and typically have larger storage drives. The two tablets with a 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) on this list are the most expensive. But with laptops, you can find models housing a 1TB SSD for a much lower price.

Tablets are capable of handling many tasks, but they're limited. While tablets and laptops are portable and can assist with work, the former offers a more user-friendly experience. The touchscreen interface is typically easier to navigate than a touchpad and keyboard, especially since many users nowadays are more familiar with smartphones. Tablets also tend to be better suited for creative tasks.

Laptops typically have more powerful hardware, which allows them to run more demanding software. Thanks to their size, they also generally have larger screens and more ports. Tablets are designed to be slim and lightweight, which limits the number of ports they can accommodate.

That depends on what you need from a tablet. Android tablets are typically cheaper and more lightweight. If you just want a casual device for browsing the internet or streaming movies, an Android model will do the job. Plus, there are a ton of affordable options on the internet. For example, you can buy an Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus for a little over $100.

Also: The best cheap tablets: Expert tested

If you need something that can double as a laptop, you're better off purchasing a Windows tablet. These types of machines are better suited for work. Not only do they support Windows apps that your job may rely on, but they also have more supportive hardware. Every entry on this list houses processors normally found on laptops, whereas Android tablets typically have smartphone-like chipsets.

Android models can offer good performance and workflow, but they're not on the same level as a Windows machine.

Tablets frequently go on sale throughout the year, but you can find deeper discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday -- two of the best days to purchase a tablet.

Many brands get in on holiday sales throughout the year. Apple slashes the price tag on iPads, Lenovo does the same with Tab models, and Microsoft discounts its Surface Pro tablets. You'll be able to find these deals across multiple online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

The Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED is comparable to the Surface Go 3, as it is a more affordable and less powerful alternative to the ProArt PZ13.

The HP Spectre 3-in-1 provides an immersive experience with its 17-inch 2.5K OLED display, though it comes at a high price.

If you're taking your tablet into harsh outdoor conditions, check out the Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet. The lightweight 12-inch device works even if you're wearing gloves, and its screen is viewable in direct sunlight at 1200 nits.

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.