The 7 best Windows tablets: top Windows tablets reviewed

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After pushing for tablet computers for the better part of a decade, you can imagine how exciting it was for Microsoft to see companies like Apple and Samsung overtake the market first, namely with the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab series, respectively.

Though Windows 8 was a bit of an oversight in retrospect, it budded Microsoft’s renewed interest in producing the operating system for only the best Windows tablet. Sure, there were more than a handful of missteps along the way, including the barebones Windows RT, but with all of the conflicts eventually arose triumph with Windows 10.

The range of Windows tablets is wide – all coming from different manufacturers and even exhibiting a breadth of form factors. From simple slates to fully convertible laptop-tablet hybrids, you’ll find that Windows tablets cannot be summed up in one pithy descriptor. Instead, they vary not only in looks and functionality, but in price too.

Now the question is what sort of Windows-powered tablet do you want. Are you looking for a tablet to use as an e-reader, a portable video player or perhaps even a sketchpad to grow your ideas? To help you decide, here’s a rundown of the best Windows tablets that we’ve reviewed so far.

1. Surface Pro 4

The best all-around Windows tablet

Larger, sharper screen

Vastly improved Type Cover

Type Cover still sold separately

Battery life hasn’t improved much

The Surface Pro 4 is by far the best Windows 10 tablet. Though it comes at a pretty penny, it’s well worth the expense for the nearly premium built quality, perfect screen and ample power. Microsoft’s latest tablet introduces a larger and sharper screen, bettered only by a redesigned island that makes typing feel almost as good as a real laptop. The Surface Pro 4 truly is the tablet that can replace your traditional laptop, which is why it deserves the top spot as our Windows 10 tablet king.

Read the full review: Surface Pro 4

2. HP Spectre x2

Little extras make this remarkable Windows tablet even more exceptional

CPU: 1.2GHz Intel Core m7-6Y75 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 WUXGA+ IPS WLED-backlit touch screen | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: Intel 802.11ac (2×2), Bluetooth 4.0, LTE | Camera: 5MP HP TrueVision HD front-facing webcam, 8MP rear-facing camera, Intel RealSense 3D R200 camera | Weight: 1.87 pound | Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.23 x 0.52 inches

Ultrathin design

Exceptional performance

Massive bezels

Recessed kickstand

HP’s Spectre x2 bears a striking resemblance to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4. However, it’s thinner and lighter thanks to being powered by a fanless Intel Core M processor. It also comes at a more affordable price tag than Microsoft’s premium slate and with an included keyboard to boot. Equipped with an Intel Core m7 processor offers nearly the same performance as the Core i5 chip on the Surface Pro 4, while being more economical and efficient with battery life.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x2

3. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

The ultimate Windows 10 media tablet

Impeccably thin

Vibrant Super AMOLED display

Flimsy keyboard base

The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is a knockout 12-inch tablet that’s thinner and better built than most Windows 10 slates. It also offers a uniquely vibrant Super AMOLED screen you won’t find on any Windows device either, plus a pair of punchy speakers that actually sound good. Its keyboard feels a bit lackluster but if you get over this short coming, it’s the perfect Windows 10 tablet to use while streaming media and games.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

4. HP Pavilion x2

The most affordable Windows 10 convertible

Long battery life

Absurdly affordable

32-bit Windows 10

Limited storage and memory

Getting into the world of Windows 10 convertible’s isn’t cheap unless we’re talking about the Pavilion x2. This 10-inch hybrid comes packing a surprising amount of goods considering its small size. The frugal slate comes stacked with a HD screen and more than enough power to get you through a day of web browsing and basic image editing. When you’re ready to kick back with some streaming media, you can pop off the 10-inch works as a portable tablet.

Read the full review: HP Pavilion x2

5. Surface 3

A solid micro-sized Windows 10 tablet

CPU: 1.6GHz Quad Core Intel Atom x7-78700 processor | Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 10.8-inch (1,920 x 1,200) ClearType Full HD Plus Display | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac); Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: 3.5 megapixel front-facing camera; 8.0 megapixel rear-facing | Weight: 1.37 pounds | Dimensions: 10.52 x 7.36 x 0.34 inches

Alluring magnesium-alloy build,

Bright, clear display

Skimpy storage and RAM

Limited kickstand articulation

If you’re interested in a Surface Pro 4 but you’re worried about the 12-inch form factor being too unwieldy, the Surface 3 might be perfect for you. Sporting a more timid 10.8-inch screen and Intel Atom processor, the Surface 3 is meant to be less of a laptop replacement and more of a solid Windows 10 tablet. Though the kickstand is limited to a smaller range of motion, it’s nearly as versatile and works well with Microsoft’s nearly perfected type cover.

Read the full review: Surface 3

6. Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000

This 2-in-1 laptop takes thinness to a new level

Vibrant display made for media

Flexible use cases

Colors a touch too saturated

Unimpressive battery life

Whereas the original Dell Venue 11 Pro maxed out at a Core i5 processor, the Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000-series opts for something a little more compact (albeit controversial), namely a Core M. Despite the notably less-than-spacious 11-inch display, the revamped Dell Venue 11 Pro runs laps around the original, especially around the Atom-wielding base model. Moreover, Dell’s optional keyboard dock add-on more than doubles the runtime of the Venue 11 Pro without it, effectively making the Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000 one of the longest lasting Windows tablets on the market.

Read the full review: Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000

7. Lenovo Yoga Book

The future of Windows tablets, right now

CPU: Quad-core Intel Atom x5 | Graphics: Intel HD 400 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 10.1-inch (1,920 x 1,200) LED | Storage: 64GB flash

Insanely thin and light

Halo keyboard surprisingly accurate

Woefully underpowered

Dated microUSB port

Whether it’s a tablet or a laptop, the Lenovo Yoga Book is a distinct piece of tech that takes some getting used to. Its unconventional – and completely digital – removable keyboard effectively doubles as a Wacom drawing tablet (the Yoga Book even ships with a stylus for good measure). However, while an Intel Atom processor might be acceptable in the Android version of the Lenovo Yoga Book, it’s dismally slow when paired with Windows 10. Luckily, the price tag is so affordable, it more than makes up for the limitations of the Lenovo Yoga Book. Moreover, it scored a battery life of 8 hours and 32 minutes in our tests, which only serves as icing on this experimental tablet’s cake.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga Book

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

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