By Tati Taylor 2 days ago, Graphic Tablets
The best Microsoft Surface Pro alternatives at an affordable price.
Those on the lookout for a device that will serve both as a tablet and a laptop should pay attention to these Surface Pro alternatives. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is undoubtedly one of the best 2-in-1 laptops, offering a USB Type-C port and decent efficiency.
But it still has certain drawbacks, like a slow and expensive SSD and unsatisfactory battery life.
To facilitate the process of searching for the best Surface Pro alternative, we have collected all the top options in this overview. In case you don’t find a suitable tablet for your needs, check out other articles on our blog dedicated to tablets for different purposes and budgets.
Weight: 1596g | Screen size: 14 -inch | Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels | CPU: AMD R Series 2.1 GHz | Storage: 256GB
⊕ Capacious battery
⊕ Webcam slider shutter
⊕ Fingerprint reader in keyboard deck
⊕ High price
⊖ Screen is a bit dimmed
⊖ Slightly heavy
⊖ Pen isn’t featured
In case you are totally fine with boosting the screen’s brightness, take this Surface Pro alternative into consideration. For the price of $900, you get a Core i5 2-in-1 solution that isn’t inferior to more expensive Core i7s.
Besides, the model is manufactured by a widely known and trustworthy brand – Lenovo. Due to the efficient feature-set, this 14-inch tab is one of the most appealing options presented on the market, although it isn’t exactly budget-friendly.
Weight: 748g | Screen size: 10.5-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels | CPU: Octa-Core(2.8GHz+3x2.4, 4x1.7) | Storage: 128 GB | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP
⊕ Swift operation
⊕ Built-in S Pen charging
⊕ Remarkable speakers
⊕ Incredible cameras
⊖ Absence of a headphone jack
⊖ Inconvenient keyboard
⊖ Disappointing battery life
Galaxy Tab S6 is notable for its reliability and remarkable efficiency. The model is often referred to as one of the best Surface Pro like tablets, despite the fact that its use as a laptop may be problematic. The Samsung-native keyboard cover and DeX desktop software require fiddling – only after that, the device will be able to handle proper multi-tasking.
However, if you are after a 2-in-1 device to work with the docs and spreadsheets, answer emails and messages on the move, Tab S6 won’t disappoint you. Moreover, the S Pen will come in handy whenever you have to note down something quickly and then store all these notes conveniently on one device.
Weight: 861 g | Screen size: 11 -inch | Resolution: 2388*1668pixels | CPU: A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine | Storage: 512GB | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7 MP
⊕ Exceptional efficiency
⊕ Gorgeous, high refresh rate display
⊕ Wonderful speakers
⊕ New Pencil
⊖ Lacks HDR options in the screen
⊖ Not the best multi-tasking
⊖ High price
⊖ Single USB-C port
11-inch iPad Pro is certainly one of the primary Surface Pro competitors. However, it may not suit everyone. Judging by the name, this iPad is aimed at professionals and people involved in various fields of expertise who require a qualitative device with exceptional efficiency and accuracy. Those regular users who decide to opt for an iPad Pro will get a high-end tablet to brag about in front of their friends.
Weight: 2000 g | Screen size: 14 -inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160pixels | CPU: 1.3 GHz Intel Core i7 | Storage: 512GB | Front camera: 1MP
⊕ Decent CPU and GPU performance
⊕ Capacious battery
⊕ 4K screen
⊕ Active pen with built-in garage
⊖ Unsatisfactory display’s calibration
⊖ Lack of connectors and ports
⊖ Soldered RAM
⊖ Only 1x M.2 storage slot
⊖ Up-market price
I would suggest this model as one of the best Surface Pro 6 alternatives due to its versatility. Regardless of your occupation – a content creator, a businessman or a student, Yoga C940 will become your faithful companion.
It is distinguished by incredible efficiency, top-grade build, satisfactory battery life and a stunning display (particularly the 4K option). Among other prominent characteristics of the tab are webcam cover and a stylus garage.
Weight: 1329g | Screen size: 13.3-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels | CPU: Intel 4-Core i7-8565U up to 4.60 GHz | Storage: 256GB | Front camera: 1MP
⊕ Highly efficient and productive
⊕ Outstanding battery life
⊕ Doesn’t weigh much
⊕ USB Type-A port
⊖ Touchpad isn’t precise
⊖ Too dimmed screen
⊖ Performance mode has to be additionally optimized
⊖ Expensive
Spectre x360 is praised for outstanding battery life, top-notch efficiency and striking design. We would call this model the best Surface alternative had it not been for the second-rate touchpad.
As you already know, Lenovo Flex 14 is our current favorite. However, in case you are more dissatisfied with the occasional power-button presses and peripheral cords than clumsy and awkward cursor movements, Spectre x360 may become a perfect fit.
Weight: 800g | Screen size: 11.6-inch | Resolution: 1920x1280pixels | CPU: Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-cores | Storage: 256GB | Rear camera: 5MP | Front camera: 2MP
⊕ Larger number of ports
⊕ WACOM pen is featured
⊕ Totally noiseless
⊖ Pliant keyboard and spongy key response
⊖ Insufficient battery life
⊖ System performance could be faster
UBook wins over the Surface Pro line in two aspects: a number of ports and display brightness. That’s why you can use this device outside without any problems. Besides, it doesn’t rely as much on heavy docking stations due to the integration of a greater number of ports than in other Surface tabs.
However, several drawbacks don’t let the device occupy the first place on the list of the best Surface Pro alternatives. Its Core m3 CPU can’t boast the speed of the Core i5 or i7 SKUs of Surface Pro. The removable keyboard is also not on par with the Microsoft one in terms of the key response and quality.
Therefore, in case you are going to type much, you should stick to the Surface tab or Wacom tablets. When it comes to non-intense surfing of Internet pages and dealing with docs, the device will cope decently compared to similar tabs in its category.
Weight: 1678g | Screen size: 14 -inch | CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8565U | Storage: 512GB | Front camera: 2 MP
⊕ Guarantees 6 hours of uninterrupted use
⊕ Wonderful efficiency for all typical tasks
⊕ Incredible speakers
⊕ Almost doesn’t heat up
⊖ Much useless software that has to be uninstalled
⊖ The build seems plastic and appears tacky
Those who are interested in budget-friendly and flexible Surface Pro alternatives that boast optimal display quality and satisfactory sound, take Acer Spin 3 into account. It is admired for a stunning touchscreen display with the ability to flip it to 360 degrees.
Belonging to the middle market, the device offers a remarkable feature-set for a rather modest price. In case you can’t afford a more expensive option and require decent efficiency, go with Acer Spin 3 and you won’t regret it.
Weight: 771g | Screen size: 12.3-inch | Resolution: 2736 x 1824pixels | CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core Processor | Storage: 128GB | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 5MP
⊕ Speedier Intel 10th Gen CPU
⊕ Up to 10+ hours of battery life
⊕ Dual far-field mics
⊕ Integrated Wi-Fi 6
⊖ Keyboard and Surface pen for an extra price
⊖ No Thunderbolt 3
⊖ Performance becomes worse because of a fanless design
Basically, this model is very similar to Surface Pro 6 in all aspects but one – USB-C. Its microphones and overall efficiency were enhanced, but for the sacrifice of the battery life.
On the whole, the Pro 7 version is a decent hybrid PC, particularly for those who were expecting a new port. In other cases, it is better not to invest $750 in the upgrade.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lenovo Flex 14
OUR CHOICE |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
BUDGET |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Apple iPad Pro
PROFESSIONAL |
CHECK PRICE → |
Microsoft Surface Pro alternatives boast more capacious battery life and a larger number of ports, preserving a similar design. They feature keyboard covers to type in the text and a touchpad (instead of a touchscreen) to interact with the OS.
A worthy Surface Pro equivalent is capable of running Microsoft Office 365, iTunes and all the other desktop applications that the user typically works with on a PC or a laptop.
It is a must for Microsoft alternatives to provide USB ports, two cameras and a digital pen for note-taking and drawing purposes. The same as the Surface Pro 7, they are supposed to include a USB-C port.
The majority of well-known alternatives to Surface Pro are based on Android and iOS (iPads). The array of Windows tablets is steadily expanding as well. Besides, you may find a decent alternative run on Amazon OS or considerably altered versions of Android OS.
Surface Pro 6 competitors should be superior in terms of battery capacity.
The choice depends on personal needs and preferences. The Surface Laptop is nothing more than a regular laptop that will conveniently sit on the desk or your legs. But drawing on it will be more challenging, and the overall drawing process will be smoother on Surface Pro.
This 4G LTE tablet is multifunctional. However, less expensive options will outrun it if we speak about raw efficiency. Still, Pro 7 will decently cope with the majority of tasks. Those who require a 2-in-1 solution for working or entertainment purposes will appreciate Surface Pro 7.
The Pro 7 version offers to pick between 4GB, 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x memory. It is improved and is speedier in comparison with the RAM in Pro 6. According to the manufacturer, Pro 7 is 2+ times faster than Pro 6.
Undoubtedly, Surface Pro is the best Windows-based tablet. As for iPad Pro, it is the current epitome of Apple devices, and the situation will be improved soon with iPad OS. Speaking of MacBook Air, it isn’t the best Mac. However, it is highly efficient, doesn’t weigh much and is a perfect match for those who tend to work with macOS on the move
