The 5 best Windows tablets: top Windows tablets reviewed

Update: Having replaced the HP Pavilion x2, the Acer Switch 3 is an affordable alternative to the Surface Pro that even gives the Lenovo Miix 510 a run for its money. Read on to number 2 on our list to find out more!

Despite its flagship Surface devices having been pegged as unreliable by Consumer Reports, Microsoft has taken strides to get its return rates to an all-time low and – in turn – inspire its partners to create some of the best Windows tablets around. Though they’re not all equipped with physical keyboards and industry-leading specs, they are all worth your consideration.

Find out which of these tablets also made our best laptops list

Most of these top Windows tablets are outfitted with Windows 10 (or Windows 10 S in some cases). However, it’s a little known fact that even the ones that aren’t can still be updated to the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system completely free of charge. Either way, you don’t have to worry about resorting to stripped-down mobile versions of your favorite sites and apps.

The top Windows tablets range from convertible to detachable and they’re all graced with compelling features curated in Redmond by Microsoft itself that give these devices the edge over competing machines from the likes of Apple and Google, and we don’t just say that because of the default browser.

Whatever makes a slate the best Windows tablet for you, count on finding it here.

Best Windows tablets

Despite the subdued naming convention, this is actually the fifth iteration of the Surface Pro. As a follow-up to the winning Surface Pro 4, it would have been every bit deserving of a number attached to it, too. That’s because the latest Surface Pro sees not only the battery life improve by as much as 32%, but, of course, the processor has been updated to Kaby Lake as well. Plus, although it’s now sold separately, the Surface Pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro

This product is only available in the US and Australia as of this writing. UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Lenovo Miix 510.

The Acer Switch 3 arrives at a time when most of the best Windows tablets are premium 2-in-1 devices designed to oust both your PC and your tablet. But for anyone who doesn’t need the horsepower of a Surface Pro, the Acer Switch 3 is a wallet-friendly alternative. Even without cutting-edge specs, this tablet is highly competent in other ways. Its impeccable build quality, for example, is complemented by a top-notch active digitizer and pressure-sensitive pen.

Read the full review: Acer Switch 3

Best Windows tablets

HP's Spectre x2 bears a striking resemblance to the Surface Pro 4. Take a closer look and you’ll notice that it’s thinner and lighter than Microsoft’s slate. Although the Intel Core M processor might leave you tentative to adopt the HP Spectre x2, this isn’t the Core m3 we’re talking about – this is a 6th-generation, Skylake Intel Core m7, which bears almost the same performance as the full-blown Core i5 chip harbored by the Surface Pro 4.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x2

Best Windows tablets

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

In a sense, the Lenovo Miix 510 is the Surface Pro alternative that you buy when you’re fed up with Microsoft’s reluctance to move forward with its connectivity practices. USB-C is here, and it’s brought USB 3.0 with it. While the screen is limited to 1080p, the Lenovo Miix 510 comes with an active stylus, a detachable AccuType keyboard and an articulating kickstand for flexibility without limits. While the battery suffers, the Lenovo Miix 510 is still a surefire win.

Read the full review: Lenovo Miix 510