Your buying guide for the best Windows tablets in 2019

We've reviewed and ranked the best Windows tablets you can buy today. Check out this buying advice before spending your money.

Windows tablets have - over the last few years - been gaining in popularity, although they represent less than a quarter of the whole tablet market.

Because they run Windows most models come with a keyboard, although strangely not Microsoft's Surface Pro - you usually have to buy the keyboard separately. Whether you want to work or play, you'll find something here to suit your budget.

If you don't really need to get any work done on your tablet, an iPad or and Android tablet might suit you better, so check out our list of the best tablets, and also the best new tablets coming in 2019.

Unlike the alternatives tablets running Windows 10 offer true portable computing on the move. Microsoft's own Surface Pro, for example, is as powerful as many desktop PCs, and it offers decent battery life. You can install proper Windows software on it, and perform any task for which you would normally rely on a desktop PC. All it will fit into any man bag.

The Surface Pro line offers the best of all worlds, with relatively little sacrifice. If you can afford one and you really want one device for everything, it is a great purchase now that the new Surface Pro is available, and the Surface Pro 4 has dropped in price. Bearing in mind that the new version doesn't include a stylus in the box, it could be that the older version works out better value for you.

Should I buy a tablet or a 2-in-1 hybrid?

You'll note in our chart below that not all the devices look the same. That's because Windows offers manufacturers flexibility of form. Some Windows tablets are tiny portable devices. Others are more like laptops which can also be used like tablets. These are often called 2-in-1s or hybrids.

Just remember that by its very nature a tablet should be a flexible and portable device. So ask yourself whether you need a keyboard (and if so whether an ultraportable laptop would be a better idea). How big a screen do you need, and how much weight are you prepared to carry? Hybrid devices can seem like the best of all worlds, but they tend to be equally imperfect as laptops and tablets - how often will you transform their functions in your daily life?

If anything in the list below grabs your attention, read the full review in detail, and the answers to these and other questions should become clear. If you specifically want a 2-in-1 device then check out our best convertible tablets chart.

Best Windows tablets 2019

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 Rating :

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If you're looking for a Windows 10 tablet you could do a lot worse than the Surface Pro 6. The necessary Type Cover still isn't included in the price, so budget for this as well as the Surface Pen if you need them. Now in matt black, the Pro 6 is a powerful and versatile Windows tablet that is a great portable option if you want a tablet that is as good as a laptop with full Windows 10. It's a shame there's no USB-C port, as can be found on the Surface Pro 7, but otherwise we can fully recommend it. Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro 6 review

2. Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) Rating :

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The 2017 Surface Pro is a superb 2-in-1 despite the newer Pro 6. It’s beautifully built and performs well. The screen is excellent and even the speakers sound good. However, it’s very expensive, especially when you add the cost of the Type Cover and – if you need one – the Surface Pen. Few should opt for the base model, and you’ll pay a heck of a lot more for a Core i7. Ultimately, while a fantastic device, it’s hard to recommend the Surface Pro unless money is no object. Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) review

3. Microsoft Surface Go Rating :

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If you want a new Windows laptop you should seriously consider the Surface Go. It's more portable and lightweight than the Surface Pro and thanks to its size you can actually use it on your lap. We recommend the more expensive version with 8GB RAM but if you are a light user than the base model is fine for email, word processing and Netflix. The build quality is excellent but you will have to pay for the not-included Type Cover. Overall the Surface Go is a triumph and a genuine option over similarly priced, cumbersome laptops. Your main decision may now be between this or the newer Surface Go 2. Read our full Microsoft Surface Go review

4. Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Rating :

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Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro 4 review

5. Chuwi Hi10 Pro Rating :

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Read our full Chuwi Hi10 Pro review

6. Samsung Galaxy Book 12in Rating :

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The plastic build is unforgivable at this price point and while performance is decent, it’s not a product that is all that compelling to use. It lacks the Surface Pro’s effortless appeal to the business and causal user; who is the Galaxy Book really for? Samsung has yet to figure out how to make the rest of the Galaxy line as appealing as its superior S series of phones. If you buy the Galaxy Book, you’re getting a solid 2-in-1. But if you don’t need stylus support, for the same price you could get a laptop with better build quality and battery life. Read our full Samsung Galaxy Book 12in review

7. Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA Rating :

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Read our full Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA review

8. Chuwi HiBook Pro Rating :

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Read our full Chuwi HiBook Pro review

9. Chuwi Hi13 Rating :

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It's usefully large with a fantastic screen, and it allows you to get your hands on a cheap Windows tablet (potentially 2-in-1 laptop) at an excellent price. But the Chuwi Hi13 is underpowered and heavy, a burden for your bag. The keyboard (sold separately) also makes us want to cry. Read our full Chuwi Hi13 review