I tested the best Windows tablets, from rugged models to sleek, lightweight devices
Windows tablets are highly versatile devices. They combine the slim form factor of a tablet with the functionality of a Windows 11 laptop, making them an excellent choice for working professionals and casual users. A good Windows tablet can hop between virtual meetings and tackle work projects without breaking a sweat.
There are many options. Asus' ROG Flow Z13 costs $2,100 and has a 2.5K touchscreen that is great for content creators, while the DT Research Rugged Tabletalso $2,100, is best suited for outdoorspeople. To help you find the right fit, we've tested and researched the best Windows tablets currently available.
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What is the best Windows tablet right now?
Each model was evaluated for performance, display quality, hardware configurations, and overall value. After considering these criteria and much deliberation, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 rose to the top as the best Windows tablet. It has solid hardware, a high-resolution OLED touchscreen, and a long-lasting battery. However, it's not the only option out there. There are plenty of other great tablets that excel in certain situations and are worth your consideration.
Also: The best tablets of 2025 (Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and more)
Sort by AllBest Windows tablet in 2025
Show lessWhy we like it: Leading the pack as the best Windows tablet overall is the 2025 Microsoft Surface Pro. The company refined the previous model's design for this generation, making it lighter and sporting rounded corners. The Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers a snappy performance perfect for everyday tasks. It's also flexible enough to switch between laptop and tablet modes seamlessly. Battery life is another highlight. During testing, the tablet ran for a little over 15 hours of video playback. When it comes to sustained use, the Surface Pro's longevity dropped to 10 hours.
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)
Who it's for: Microsoft's Surface Pro is perfect for people who want a lightweight tablet that can double as a laptop with the right accessories. The 12-inch Surface Pro Keyboard for Business feels satisfying to type on, housing spring keys and a smooth trackpad. It snaps securely to the bottom of the tablet via magnets. The accessory sits closer to the tablet, so it doesn't leave a gap.
Who should look elsewhere: The 12-inch Surface Pro isn't meant for power users. Its Snapdragon X Plus chipset is fine, but it'll struggle under heavy workloads. During testing, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski discovered that the Surface pen will sometimes lag under certain conditions. Additionally, while the tablet isn't super pricey, accessories like the keyboard and pen will drive up the price tag.
Microsoft Surface Pro specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | Display size: 12-inch PixelSense| RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Battery life: 15 hours | Dimensions: 11.55 x 8.2 x 1.43 inches
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Refined, sleek design
- Accessories inflate price
Why we like it: Leading the pack as the best Windows tablet overall is the 2025 Microsoft Surface Pro. The company refined the previous model's design for this generation, making it lighter and sporting rounded corners. The Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers a snappy performance perfect for everyday tasks. It's also flexible enough to switch between laptop and tablet modes seamlessly. Battery life is another highlight. During testing, the tablet ran for a little over 15 hours of video playback. When it comes to sustained use, the Surface Pro's longevity dropped to 10 hours.
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)
Who it's for: Microsoft's Surface Pro is perfect for people who want a lightweight tablet that can double as a laptop with the right accessories. The 12-inch Surface Pro Keyboard for Business feels satisfying to type on, housing spring keys and a smooth trackpad. It snaps securely to the bottom of the tablet via magnets. The accessory sits closer to the tablet, so it doesn't leave a gap.
Who should look elsewhere: The 12-inch Surface Pro isn't meant for power users. Its Snapdragon X Plus chipset is fine, but it'll struggle under heavy workloads. During testing, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski discovered that the Surface pen will sometimes lag under certain conditions. Additionally, while the tablet isn't super pricey, accessories like the keyboard and pen will drive up the price tag.
Microsoft Surface Pro specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | Display size: 12-inch PixelSense| RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Battery life: 15 hours | Dimensions: 11.55 x 8.2 x 1.43 inches
Read MoreWhy we like it: The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a sleek tablet with surprisingly powerful hardware. It ditches the Intel and Nvidia configuration found in the previous generation and opts for a full AMD build. Under the hood is an AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 processor, an AMD Radeon 8050S graphics card, and an AMD XDNA NPU for extra performance.
User reviews across the internet praise the device for its top-notch hardware. Some have called it a "portable powerhouse." The 13-inch Nebula display is a standout feature, covering the entire DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant images. Toss in a refresh rate of 180Hz and PANTONE validation, and you've got a touchscreen perfect for content creators.
Who it's for: Asus' ROG Flow Z13 is ideal for creative professionals and hobbyists who want a tablet that punches well above its weight class. The Z13 has the specs to handle heavy workloads, like editing high-resolution photographs or designing a website. Digital artists who work with a stylus will appreciate the tablet's flexibility. It comes with a kickstand that lets you work comfortably from various angles.
Who should look elsewhere: There are a couple of downsides to the ROG Flow Z13. First off, it's expensive at $2,100. Secondly, it runs hot. A customer review on B&H Photo Video claimed the tablet's internal components reached 90 degrees Celsius, or 194 degrees Fahrenheit. And third, the battery only lasts 10 hours max on a single charge.
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 | Display size: 13.4-inch 2.5K display | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB | Battery life: 10 hours | Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.03 x 0.51 inches
Pros
- Great hardware
- Compact
- High-quality display
- Minimal noise
- Expensive
Why we like it: The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a sleek tablet with surprisingly powerful hardware. It ditches the Intel and Nvidia configuration found in the previous generation and opts for a full AMD build. Under the hood is an AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 processor, an AMD Radeon 8050S graphics card, and an AMD XDNA NPU for extra performance.
User reviews across the internet praise the device for its top-notch hardware. Some have called it a "portable powerhouse." The 13-inch Nebula display is a standout feature, covering the entire DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant images. Toss in a refresh rate of 180Hz and PANTONE validation, and you've got a touchscreen perfect for content creators.
Who it's for: Asus' ROG Flow Z13 is ideal for creative professionals and hobbyists who want a tablet that punches well above its weight class. The Z13 has the specs to handle heavy workloads, like editing high-resolution photographs or designing a website. Digital artists who work with a stylus will appreciate the tablet's flexibility. It comes with a kickstand that lets you work comfortably from various angles.
Who should look elsewhere: There are a couple of downsides to the ROG Flow Z13. First off, it's expensive at $2,100. Secondly, it runs hot. A customer review on B&H Photo Video claimed the tablet's internal components reached 90 degrees Celsius, or 194 degrees Fahrenheit. And third, the battery only lasts 10 hours max on a single charge.
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 | Display size: 13.4-inch 2.5K display | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB | Battery life: 10 hours | Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.03 x 0.51 inches
Why we like it: The DT Research Rugged Tablet is an exceptionally tough device. ZDNET Senior Contributing Editor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes ran it through the wringer when he tested the tablet earlier this year. He dropped it on sharp rocks, covered it in mud, and splashed it with water. The Rugged Tablet survived every endurance test with style. The outside of the tablet is made out of a combination of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a polycarbonate polymer, and a magnesium-aluminum alloy. Together, they create a hardy device able to withstand everything thrown at it.
It's no slouch in the performance department either. Inside is an Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 8GB of RAM, and "storage options ranging from 512GB to 2TB," which is plenty for "data-intensive tasks." On the front is a 1920 x 1200 LED touchscreen that outputs 1,000 nits of brightness, enough to remain visible under the sun.
Review: DT Research Rugged Tablet
Who it's for: I don't think the average person would get a lot of usage out of the DT Research Rugged Tablet. It's primarily meant for professionals working in harsh conditions or people who love going outdoors. It cannot be understated just how tough this laptop is. Plus, key features like the hot-swappable battery and the ability to read inputs through gloves make it a practical choice for many.
Who should look elsewhere: If you just need a lightweight device for emails, notetaking, or streaming movies, you're better off buying a consumer tablet and buying a hardy protective case. The DT Research Rugged Tablet is great at being an outdoorsman's tablet, but it's not user-friendly. On top of that, it's expensive.
DT Research Rugged Tablet specs: Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U | Display size: 11.6-inch 1920 x 1200 display | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB | Battery: 3,800 mAh | Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.3 x 0.8
inches
Pros
- Rugged design
- Good performance
- Expensive
Why we like it: The DT Research Rugged Tablet is an exceptionally tough device. ZDNET Senior Contributing Editor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes ran it through the wringer when he tested the tablet earlier this year. He dropped it on sharp rocks, covered it in mud, and splashed it with water. The Rugged Tablet survived every endurance test with style. The outside of the tablet is made out of a combination of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a polycarbonate polymer, and a magnesium-aluminum alloy. Together, they create a hardy device able to withstand everything thrown at it.
It's no slouch in the performance department either. Inside is an Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 8GB of RAM, and "storage options ranging from 512GB to 2TB," which is plenty for "data-intensive tasks." On the front is a 1920 x 1200 LED touchscreen that outputs 1,000 nits of brightness, enough to remain visible under the sun.
Review: DT Research Rugged Tablet
Who it's for: I don't think the average person would get a lot of usage out of the DT Research Rugged Tablet. It's primarily meant for professionals working in harsh conditions or people who love going outdoors. It cannot be understated just how tough this laptop is. Plus, key features like the hot-swappable battery and the ability to read inputs through gloves make it a practical choice for many.
Who should look elsewhere: If you just need a lightweight device for emails, notetaking, or streaming movies, you're better off buying a consumer tablet and buying a hardy protective case. The DT Research Rugged Tablet is great at being an outdoorsman's tablet, but it's not user-friendly. On top of that, it's expensive.
DT Research Rugged Tablet specs: Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U | Display size: 11.6-inch 1920 x 1200 display | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB | Battery: 3,800 mAh | Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.3 x 0.8
inches
Why we like it: At a glance, the Asus ProArt PZ13 looks identical to the 2025 ROG Flow Z13, but they have different use cases. Where the ROG Flow excels in gaming and content creation, the ProArt PZ13 excels in art, as the name suggests. This device boasts a stunning 3K OLED touchscreen. Color pops out thanks to a combination of Dolby Vision, full DCI-P3 coverage, and HDR True Black support, enabling an ideal environment for creative work. The Creator Hub is a standout feature. It's an app that lets users adjust visual settings and change color spaces on the fly. This single feature provides a level of flexibility that artists will appreciate.
Performance is solid, too. Its Snapdragon X Plus chipset can run dozens of tabs, videos, and livestreams running smoothly without a hitch. Adding the super long battery -- over 21 hours on efficiency modes -- and you have a tablet that'll get you through the day.
Review: Asus ProArt Z13
Who it's for: As stated, this tablet is meant for artists, designers, and other types of creative professionals. The combination of OLED screen and Creator Hub makes it perfect for photo editing, digital illustration, and similar workloads. I also recommend it to users constantly on the go. Its slim 0.35-inch frame and long battery make it perfect for travel.
Who should look elsewhere: Overall, the ProArt PZ13 remains a solid tablet in 2025, although I have a few nitpicks. First, the port selection is limited. There are only two USB-C ports and an SD card reader, and there isn't a headphone jack. I also wish Asus had included a stylus with the purchase since the tablet is meant for artists. You have to purchase the pen separately.
Asus ProArt Z13 specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | Display size: 13.3-inch 3K OLED display | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Battery life: 21 hours | Dimensions: 11.71 x 7.99 x 0.35 inches
Pros
- 3K OLED touchscreen
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting battery
- Limited ports
Why we like it: At a glance, the Asus ProArt PZ13 looks identical to the 2025 ROG Flow Z13, but they have different use cases. Where the ROG Flow excels in gaming and content creation, the ProArt PZ13 excels in art, as the name suggests. This device boasts a stunning 3K OLED touchscreen. Color pops out thanks to a combination of Dolby Vision, full DCI-P3 coverage, and HDR True Black support, enabling an ideal environment for creative work. The Creator Hub is a standout feature. It's an app that lets users adjust visual settings and change color spaces on the fly. This single feature provides a level of flexibility that artists will appreciate.
Performance is solid, too. Its Snapdragon X Plus chipset can run dozens of tabs, videos, and livestreams running smoothly without a hitch. Adding the super long battery -- over 21 hours on efficiency modes -- and you have a tablet that'll get you through the day.
Review: Asus ProArt Z13
Who it's for: As stated, this tablet is meant for artists, designers, and other types of creative professionals. The combination of OLED screen and Creator Hub makes it perfect for photo editing, digital illustration, and similar workloads. I also recommend it to users constantly on the go. Its slim 0.35-inch frame and long battery make it perfect for travel.
Who should look elsewhere: Overall, the ProArt PZ13 remains a solid tablet in 2025, although I have a few nitpicks. First, the port selection is limited. There are only two USB-C ports and an SD card reader, and there isn't a headphone jack. I also wish Asus had included a
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