The best Windows tablets 2018: all of the top Windows tablets reviewed

While Microsoft toils away on Redstone 5, the next major update to Windows 10, you might be thinking the the latest version of Windows is the best. And honestly, with Windows Mixed Reality support for a wave of ARM-based laptops and tablets – you may be right.

And, now that the Windows 10 April 2018 Update has been released, even though it’s had its own fair share of problems, the best Windows tablets are more versatile than they’ve ever been. You can now even switch out of Windows 10 S Mode, so now the best Windows tablets can easily run the full-fat version of Windows 10.

It’s thanks to this flexibility that the best Windows tablets can cover a diverse set of use cases more than ever before. From economical featherweight tablets like the Lenovo Miix 630 to heavy powerhouses like the Surface Pro, there’s a Windows tablet for everyone. Even if you’ve been waiting for a cheap way to get your hands on a Surface device, Microsoft might have you covered, judging by recent budget Surface rumors.

That’s why we’ve gathered together the best Windows tablets we’ve used over the last year or so. There are obvious choices, like the Surface Pro, alongside the surprisingly powerful HP Spectre x2 and the gorgeous Samsung Galaxy TabPro S. No matter which you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a great Windows experience with any of these tablets.

1. Microsoft Surface Pro

The best all-around Windows tablet

Hugely improved battery life

Much better Surface Pen

Surface Pen pulled from package

Only Core i7 can challenge A10X

The Surface Pro is the follow-up to the massively successful Surface Pro 4 – confusing we know – and it deserves to have a number attached to it. This is because the latest version of the Surface Pro not only sees massive battery improvements up to 32%, but it now features an updated Kaby Lake processor as well. Plus, even though it’s no longer included in the box, the Surface Pen now has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro

2. Acer Switch 3

Half the price, but not half the tablet, of the Surface Pro

Excellent build quality

Great screen

Tricky hinged stand

No good for games

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

3. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

The ultimate Windows 10 media tablet

Impeccably thin

Vibrant Super AMOLED display

Flimsy keyboard base

While it may still be rocking a 6th-generation Intel processor, the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is a knockout 12-inch tablet that’s thinner and better built than most Windows 10 tablets. It also offers a beautiful Super AMOLED display that you won’t find on any other Windows Device, plus a pair of punchy speakers that actually sound good. It’s keyboard is a bit lackluster, but if you’re looking for a tablet to consume media on, you can’t really do much better than the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S.

Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft Surface Pro

4. HP Spectre x2

Fighting fire with spiffier fire

CPU: Intel Core i7-7560U | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12.3-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 WLED-backlit multi-touch-enabled edge-to-edge glass | Storage: 360GB PCIe SSD | Connectivity: Intel 802.11b/g/n/ac (2×2) Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.2 | Camera: 5MP webcam and HP IR camera with integrated dual array digital microphone (front-facing); HP 13MP camera (rear-facing) | Weight: 2.49 pounds | Dimensions: 11.57 x 8.15 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H)

Elegant design

Laudable performer

Finicky trackpad

Weak battery life

Originally designed as a budget alternative to the Surface Pro, the HP Spectre x2 has essentially been rebranded to take Microsoft’s crown. In many ways, it succeeds. You get a 7th-generation Kaby Lake i7 CPU for a lower price. And, it looks better than the Surface Pro to boot. What’s more, the Active Pen and keyboard come with it – which we still wish was the case with the Surface Pro in 2018.

Read our full review: HP Spectre x2

5. Lenovo Miix 510

A Surface Pro rival with the ports of the future

Beats Surface Pro 4 on price

Has USB-C as well as USB 3.0

No microSD

Average battery life

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

This product is only available in the US and Australia as of this writing. UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Acer Switch 3.

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

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