The Microsoft Surface is the flagship PC brand from the brains behind the Windows operating system, aiming to be a meaningful alternative to Apple's MacBooks and iPads. The two primary models, the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, received an impressive update in 2024, relaunching the lineup with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips that finally boasted competitive battery life and performance.
Even in 2026, they're still among the best Windows laptops you can buy. But you'll still have to decide which model is right for you: the highly mobile Surface Pro 2-in-1 or the traditional (and more affordable) Surface Laptop? Things are even more complicated with the cheaper Surface devices that came out last year. Don't worry, we'll help you decide.
Be sure to read our other buying guides for more, including the Best Laptops, Best Cheap Laptops, Best 2-in-1 Laptops, Best MacBooks, and our tips on choosing a laptop.
Updated February 2026: We've added a note about the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips and context around current pricing.
Table of Contents
Best for Most People
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Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
Microsoft
Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (7th Edition)
After years of incremental upgrades, Microsoft finally made some proper changes with the Surface Laptop (7th Edition) (7/10, WIRED Recommends), which launched in 2024. While it's over a year old, it remains one of the very best laptops you can buy. It's a fantastic Windows alternative to the MacBook Air, and although it's not quite as thin, it's plenty compact.
But more than anything, the polish of the laptop's design and the quality of its components are what make it feel on par with Apple. You can get it with either a 13.8- or 15-inch screen size. The smaller model has a slightly larger display than its predecessor (up from 13.5 inches) with thinner bezels and rounder corners. It's brighter, too, and features a 120-Hz screen refresh rate, giving it an edge over the MacBook Air. Content looks vivid and sharp, even outdoors in broad daylight (but you'll have to crank it up to about full brightness under direct sunlight).
My favorite thing about the screen is the aspect ratio. Because it's 3:2 rather than 16:10, the laptop has a taller screen that's closer to square. This provides more vertical space for webpages, spreadsheets, and apps. When choosing between the two, I'll always gravitate toward the 3:2 screen of the Surface Laptop, which is one of the few laptops that use this aspect ratio. The 1080p webcam, customizable haptic feedback trackpad, and snappy keyboard all feel every bit as strong as the MacBook Air, too.
None of that would matter if the performance and battery weren't competitive though. Fortunately, the Surface Laptop 13.8 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors, with options for the X Elite or X Plus. It was one of the first laptops to embrace these chips and has benefited from their exceptional battery life and efficient performance. We tested the Elite, and performance has been perfectly smooth, no matter how many windows, tabs, and apps are open. This is not a machine for graphics-intensive tasks, like video editing or gaming, but it's perfectly capable of powering all the usual tasks most people do on a laptop.
The Surface Laptop 13.8-inch used to start with an option with only 256 GB of storage, which is how Microsoft was able to sell it at such a low starting price. But now that starts at 512 GB, regardless of if you choose the 13.8-inch model or the larger 15-inch. The 13.8-inch model now starts at $1,099, though you can often find it for less at Best Buy or Amazon. In addition, Microsoft has a newer (and more budget-oriented) option in the lineup called the Surface Laptop 13, which launched in 2025 and starts with 256 GB of storage. Although we haven't tested this machine yet, it comes with several downgrades, including a lower-resolution screen (that isn't 3:2 aspect ratio), no Surface Connect magnetic charging port, and no Windows Hello IR camera. With all the discounts available on the larger models, I don't find the price difference with the Surface Laptop 13 worth all the compromises.
| Specs |
| Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite or Plus |
| Memory: 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB |
| Storage: 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Display: 13.8-inch at 2304 x 1536 at 120Hz (IPS) or 15-inch at 2496 x 1664 at 120 Hz (IPS) |
Best 2-in-1 Laptop
Microsoft
Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition, 2024)
The Surface Pro 13 is the best Surface tablet Microsoft has ever made. It uses the original Surface design, pairing a 13-inch tablet with a built-in kickstand to a detachable keyboard. You get the same two USB-C connectors as before, along with Microsoft's Surface Connect port. It's still awkward to use on a lap, but on a desk, the new Flex Keyboard is an excellent (and pricey) upgrade—you can use the keyboard and Surface separately, so you can space your setup out a little.
In terms of design, the Surface Pro has had the polish to compete with the iPad Pro for years. What held it back were the Intel chips, which impacted performance and battery life. But with the switch to Qualcomm processors, the Surface Pro can finally hold its own against the iPad Pro. Like the Surface Laptop, it's powered by either the Snapdragon X Elite or the X Plus. If you choose the higher-end option, it even comes with an OLED screen and can be connected to up to three 4K external monitors. Our review unit had a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1-TB solid-state drive. Microsoft claims the new chip delivers double the performance at a third of the power, but we only saw a 6 percent performance improvement over the Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU. As for graphics, the various benchmarks we ran delivered results “in line with units featuring year-old, pre-Core Ultra Intel processors and integrated graphics.” It's just not designed to be a machine for graphics-specific tasks, similar to the Surface Laptop.
But battery life is really where this 2-in-1 shines. We hit more than 15 hours on a full-screen, full-brightness YouTube playback test, which is not only beyond Microsoft's claim of up to 14 hours but also more than double the battery life of the old Surface Pro X. While it was expensive when it launched, there are some really solid discounts now that make it fairly affordable. Just remember: you don't want to use the Surface Pro without the detachable keyboard, and it doesn't come bundled. That requires an extra purchase, as does the Surface Slim Pencil 2—though this bundle puts the two accessories together. All in all, it's the best Windows 2-in-1 tablet you can find, and a surprisingly good alternative to the iPad Pro.
| Specs |
| Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite |
| Memory: 16 GB |
| Storage: 512 GB |
| Display: 13-inch at 2880 x 1920 at 120Hz (IPS or OLED) |
Best Budget Surface Device
Photograph: Luke Larsen
Microsoft
Surface Pro 12
I've always liked the idea of a smaller Surface Pro, and in theory, the Surface Pro 12 (6/10, WIRED Review) model checks the right boxes. It maintains the premium look and feel of the Surface Pro line, keeping the Snapdragon X Plus chip (with two fewer cores) while making small changes to get the price down and thin out the tablet even more. I can live with most of the smaller downgrades made here in the webcam and display. My problem at launch, when I first reviewed the Surface Pro 12, was the pricing. Microsoft had tried to slot this cheaper, smaller Surface below the Surface Pro 13.8, and immediately stopped selling the lower-tier configurations of that larger device to create space. But third-party retailers continued to sell those 256-GB models for only $800, the same price as the Surface Pro 12. It never made sense to buy the 2025 model, as the 2024 flagship is superior in nearly every way. It's even more repairable and upgradable.
But over the months since launch, pricing has more or less settled. Unfortunately, that means you can't get a Surface Pro 13.8 for as cheaply as you once could. On the other hand, it also means the Surface Pro 12 makes much more sense than it once did. You can get the cheapest model for as little as $600 when on sale. This is definitely some of the best Windows hardware you can get at that price. I should mention that the Surface Pro 12 also doesn't include a bundled power supply, so you'll need to pay an additional $70 to add one. Like every Surface tablet, you also have to pay to add the corresponding keyboard or Surface Pen.
| Specs |
| Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus |
| Memory: 16 GB |
| Storage: 256 GB |
| Display: 12-inch, 2196 x 1464, IPS |
Should You Wait to Buy?
It's been a year-and-a-half since the launch of Snapdragon X platform alongside the the Surface Laptop 7th Edition and Surface Pro 11th Edition. While I still wholeheartedly recommend these devices, I do think it's reasonable to think that Microsoft could launch new models in the coming months.
Qualcomm announced its Snapdragon X2 chips last fall, and partnering laptop manufacturers like HP and Asus already announced new models with the Snapdragon X2 Elite Enhanced, X2 Elite, or X2 Plus. While Microsoft hasn't officially announced any new Surface devices for these chips, I wouldn't be surprised if they were incoming. Meanwhile, if you are interested in one of the newer Surface Laptop 13 and Surface Pro 12 models, which were launched in May 2025, I'd say those still have some legs in them. It may be a while until those are refreshed.
The other reason you might want to buy now is to avoid any incoming price hikes due to the ongoing memory shortage. While Microsoft hasn't explicitly announced price changes yet, almost every other laptop manufacturer already has. Buying now locks you in at the current prices.
Unfortunately, the more adventurous Surface designs don't appear to be in line for updates anymore. It's been more than two years since the Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Studio all-in-one were updated, and Microsoft has been taking a more measured approach to hardware since Panos Panay left shortly after.
Things That May Annoy You
There are a few things about Surface devices that may annoy you. First, when it comes to the Surface Pro, you'll want to know that when you buy one, the keyboard is not included, and you'll definitely want one. While the tablet works fine for occasional use detached, Windows just isn't cut out for touch-only use in the way that Apple's iPadOS is on iPads. So, when you buy a Surface Pro, don't expect Windows to help you navigate much without a mouse or touchpad available.
Ports are a bit of a mixed bag for Surface devices. You'll find USB-C ports throughout the Surface line, and the high-end models support Thunderbolt 4. Some models, like the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition, also use the magnetic Surface Connect charger, despite having USB-C ports on hand. The new 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro ditch the Surface Connect port. The real kicker on the Surface Pro lineup, however, is that it doesn't have a headphone jack. It also lacks USB-A and any other legacy ports, while the Surface Laptop includes USB-A, which I find handy to keep around.
Lastly, all modern Surface devices use Qualcomm chips (outside of the commercial models), which are ARM-powered processors rather than x86. While Microsoft and Qualcomm have done a lot of work to get nearly all major applications to run natively, you'll still come across some niche pieces of software that won't run or run slowly through emulation. This has become much less of a problem recently, but if you rely on a specific application, make sure it has a native ARM version before moving forward with a Surface device.
Laptop vs. Tablet
Microsoft Surface devices currently come in two form factors: clamshell laptop and detachable 2-in-1 tablet. The laptop is simple enough, aiming to target the MacBook Air audience. The major difference is that all the Surface Laptop models have always come with a touchscreen. This is what most people interested in a Surface device should go for, primarily because this is the most versatile and comfortable form factor.
The detachable 2-in-1, meanwhile, is a tablet that can be attached to a keyboard cover. It has a sturdy kickstand built into the back, which allows you to prop it up to use with the keyboard. It's a lot like the iPad Pro when paired with a Magic Keyboard. But the idea is that it can function as a tablet alone to use one-handed or attached to a keyboard to use a laptop. The problem is that Windows doesn't have as touch-friendly of an interface as iPadOS. Nor does it have an expansive touch-friendly mobile app ecosystem. That means you'll primarily be using the Surface Pro as a highly-portable laptop replacement.
Do You Need Microsoft Complete?
If you're rough on your gadgets, the Microsoft Complete extended warranty might be a good idea. Starting at $99, it gives you additional warranty coverage, plus two accidental damage claims with a $49 deductible. Microsoft will provide up to four years of coverage for Surface devices specifically and will cover things like cracked screens, drops, and spills.
You can get Microsoft Complete in a few different ways. You can add it in real-time when buying a Surface device. But if you're not sure whether you need it, you can either book an appointment with a Microsoft product expert, add it directly through the Surface App, or contact Microsoft Store Support. You have up to 45 days after purchase to add a protection plan.
Other Microsoft Surface Devices to Consider
Courtesy of Microsoft
Surface Laptop 13 for $729: We've yet to test this model, though it's difficult to recommend due to the price alone. The nerfed model slots in where the entry-level Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (7th Edition) with 256 GB of storage used to be. Microsoft no longer sells a 256 GB version of the Surface Laptop 13.8. However, the smaller model loses many important features we liked about its larger sibling, dropping the haptic trackpad, the Windows Hello IR webcam, high-resolution (and high refresh rate) screen, and even undoing its excellent repairability. But like the Surface Pro 12, the way Microsoft has changed pricing on the flagship models seemingly raises the value of the Surface Laptop 13 a bit.
Surface Laptop For Business for $1,500: We haven't tested this model yet, either, but it's currently the only way to get an Intel-powered Surface Laptop. It's also the only way to get a Surface Laptop with 5G connectivity. This is primarily for commercial use, though you can currently buy one directly from Microsoft.
Surface Go 3 for $390: These days, there isn't a good reason to pick up any Surface device before the 2024 models. Between what's come out with the four available models, retailers aren't typically selling anything older, and there's little reason to get one. But if you really want something cheap, you can still buy the Surface Go 3 for under $400. This is the smallest member of the Surface lineup (6/10, WIRED Review), with a 10.5-inch screen. With a Type Cover, it's a decent, tiny tablet and laptop hybrid. The Surface Pen also makes note-taking convenient. However, it lacks all-day battery life, and the smaller, slower storage drive, coupled with limited RAM, can make multitasking and demanding apps feel slower, especially compared to newer models.
Surface Laptop Studio 2 for $600: The Surface Laptop Studio 2 was the only Surface laptop that came with an option for discrete graphics, appealing to creators and gamers. It also has its unique hinge that allows for multiple use modes. While we had a great experience with the first-generation Laptop Studio, we can't say the same for the Laptop Studio 2 (6/10, WIRED Review). The second-generation version has worse battery life (four hours on the Studio 2 versus 12 hours on its predecessor) and runs super hot. At the time of its launch, it was also far too expensive, with the high-end version setting you back $3,700. It's been discontinued, though you can buy this refurbished model for $600, which might make it worthwhile if you're really into this unique design.
Great Surface Accessories
Courtesy of Microsoft
You’ll have to purchase these accessories separately (unless they’re available as a bundle), on top of shelling out money for the device itself. We've got a few first- and third-party recommendations.
Surface Pro Flex Keyboard for $379: Microsoft redesigned its signature keyboard cover for the new Surface Pro 13 (11th Edition). It's detachable, so you can position it anywhere you'd like while using the tablet. The touchpad is also larger this time around. There's a bold key option too, to assist people with low vision and reduce eye strain. We like that it allows you to space out the tablet and keyboard on your desk for a more comfortable experience.
Surface Pro Type Cover for $160: This Type Cover is one of our favorite accessories. The cover is easy to attach, the clicky keys feel satisfying to type on, and it’s the least expensive option for the Surface Pro lineup. It’s compatible with the Surface Pro 8 and earlier.
Surface Slim Pen 2 for $110: With the second-generation Slim Pen, Microsoft added haptic feedback and lower latency (sketching and writing should feel more responsive). We liked using it with the Surface Pro 11th Edition, but it’s also compatible with some older Surface devices, like the Surface Pro 8, popping into the storage slot right above the keyboard. It’s an ideal accessory if you rely on your tablet for taking notes or drawing.
Microsoft Arc Mouse ($90): This hyper-portable wireless mouse is great if you need something compact to travel with, especially when paired with the Surface Pro. For storage in your bag, the ergonomic shape can snap to being flat, while providing a comfortable angle for when you need it. Battery life is fantastic too, which is important when you're on the road. I wouldn't choose this for my daily mouse due to the limited buttons, but it's a great mobile mouse and matches the graceful Surface aesthetic perfectly.
Microsoft Adaptive Accessories ($15 to $99): Microsoft offers a range of PC hardware for people with limited mobility, including a programmable button, an adaptive mouse, and a hub to connect them to a PC wirelessly.
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