What a long way Surface has come from its launch in 2012! Microsoft entered the hardware market with a bang, although many skeptics doubted it would make a lasting impression. Today, Surface laptops are renowned for their premium look and feel and distinct focus on performance. They also tend to offer customization options in processing muscle, display, and colors – perfect for the modern user who craves individuality.
The basic premise of a Surface is a classic hybrid tablet you can connect to a detachable keyboard. Many models come with kickstands that up the mobility tremendously. They adapt to the needs of diverse user groups like business people, students, and professionals. The soul of a Surface is much like an iPad, truth be told, and also similarly devoted to dazzling displays and oomph.
How many types of Surface laptops are there?
Multiple! The Surface Go series is the most affordable, starting at as low as $399.99. The Surface Pro tablets are more expensive and provide enhanced performance, even for multimedia jobs. Microsoft offers complete laptops that use standout kickstands and manual keyboards. You can also explore 2-in-1 devices in the Surface Book range.
Does it make sense to purchase a Surface?
Microsoft knows the game, and its offerings emphasize security and working on the go. The company has worked hard on new lineups to cater to changing needs. It now has a family of computers, from 2-in-1s and tablets to desktops and machines that use mobile processors.
The Surface Go devices and Pro series are incredibly light and adaptable. Even Surface laptops, although heavier, are far from the bulkiest on the market. Surface devices report good performance, lovely displays, and above-average battery life. Acquiring one can be a nifty way of getting things done while keeping style and comfort at the forefront.
Pick the Best Microsoft Surface Laptop 2023 to Get Stuff Done in Style
Things were simpler when Microsoft’s range of laptops stayed limited to a couple of options. But the tech giant has substantiated its portfolio and how! It now has products tailor-made for creators and full-power machines for those who need the extra beef. Budget, entry-level offerings like the Surface Laptop Go 2 are also getting upgrades like increased storage.
Well, we are not complaining, but it can get confusing to navigate without help. It is why we consolidated the choicest Surface picks across categories.
Best Overall: Surface Laptop 5
- Lightweight and premium build
- Powerful specs for versatile needs
- Top-notch multimedia performance
- Some users find the battery life inconsistent
- The display can feel a tad outdated
Our favorite has to be the 15″ Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 – a speedy and durable machine suitable for diverse users. It runs on an efficient Intel i7 CPU and offers 512GB of rapid storage. The battery can last up to 17 hours, but it will depend on your usage. The audio-visual experience is excellent: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Omnisonic speakers.
Microsoft lets you choose vibrant, sharp colors to match your personality. The premium and luxurious Alcantara fabric and lightweight build (around 3lbs) make this a terrific choice for mobile professionals who admire fashionable gadgetry. It also has a backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt 4 ports to keep you connected and comfortable while working on the move.
Best Budget: Surface Laptop 4
- Multiple processing and display options
- Lightweight and stylish
- Superb battery life
- Affordable pricing
- It does not have Thunderbolt support
- You cannot use discrete graphics
- It lacks a fingerprint sensor
- Fans can get loud
The Surface Laptop 4 is a delightful mix of affordability ($779.99) and versatile performance. You can choose from two screen sizes (13.5” or 15”) and processor options (up to Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7). Ample storage and memory – up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB space – ensure you have the muscle for all your daily tasks at work. The thin-bezel touchscreen is also impressive, employing an invisible hinge to give you flexible usage.
This laptop excels at the audio output with a winning combo of Studio Mics and Dolby Atmos. The warm Alcantara fabric or metal finishes exude style and luxury for everyday living.
This Surface weighs just 2.79-2.84lbs for the 13.5” form factor; the 15” version stands at 3.40lbs. Another feature you will genuinely appreciate while working on the run is the exceptional battery life. The 15” laptop provides unplugged usage from 16.5 to 17.5 hours. The 13.5” lasts even longer: 17 to 19 hours for Intel and AMD variants.
Best Performance: Surface Laptop Studio
- Brilliant performance for creative tasks
- Lightweight and portable build
- Special features for voice and video calling
- You may find the number of ports less for a creation-centric laptop
- More expensive than others on this list
Here is your safest choice if you are a creator, photographer, developer, or multimedia professional. The 14.4” Surface Laptop Studio excels at performance, surpassing its contemporaries with up to 32GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, and advanced thermals. An Intel Core i7-11370H processor and discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics let you accomplish strenuous tasks easily. The price tag is also not too intimidating at $1,399.99.
This Surface utilizes a highly sensitive pen that works well for taking notes, doodling, and even shading. The display supports Dolby Vision and has a refresh rate of 120Hz. You can comfortably dock the device in stage mode if you need to edit content in apps like Adobe Premiere Pro. Interestingly, the purchase includes one-month access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, so there are bunches to explore!
Microsoft likes to underline portability. This computer weighs 3.83lbs, supports Wi-Fi 6, and comprises two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Plus, you get a brilliant backup of around 19 hours.
A word on voice/video calls: This system encompasses Studio Mics, omnisonic speakers, and AI-based face detection. It lets you make the most of things in less than optimal lighting and acoustics.
Best 2-in-1: Surface Pro 9
- Super light build for portability
- Pleasing display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Stylish and customizable with a kickstand
- Expensive
- The keyboard is not included and must be purchased separately
This one’s a brilliant pick for users who want a reliable and flexible convertible. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (2022) is a portable hybrid device powered by an Intel i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and 256GB of space. A kickstand lets you shape it to the form factor you prefer. It makes daily use very convenient, whether sharing content or streaming Netflix. It also has long-lasting battery backup: over 15 hours.
This $1,400 laptop is a fine choice for students and multimedia lovers – we like the vivid display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, the choice of colors and super-light build (less than 2lbs) makes it a hassle-free travel companion.
Budget 2-in-1: Surface Pro 8
- Mobile, easy-to-adapt design
- Many customization options in processing
- Very light and well-connected
- Not many ports
- The tablet usage can be a little iffy
The convertible or 2-in-1 design can be perfect for travelers or anyone who needs to work on the run. The 13″ Surface Pro 8 is a sensible alternative that offers flexibility without compromising performance. It lets you choose between an Intel Core i5 and i7 CPU, with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. The classic kickstand allows you to maneuver almost 180 degrees, changing the orientation of your computer as you see fit. This Surface costs $869.99 and is ultra-light at only 1.96lbs.
A big part of opting for a convertible is its mobility. This one lasts up to 16 hours on one charge, permitting you to work from public transport if required. It also encompasses multiple connections like two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6. You can plug into a couple of 4K monitors and get going with a presentation in a blink. Windows Hello creates a safe working environment based on facial authentication.
This 2-in-1 has a vibrant display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Surface Pen is super convenient, and you can also use voice typing for speed improvements.
Best for Students: Surface Laptop Go 2
- Very affordable
- Good battery life
- Stylish and well-suited to student life
- Low performance
- Not enough inbuilt memory
Campus life has a set of unique demands: speed, convenience, and the ability to don many hats. The Surface Laptop Go 2 at $599.99 is a terrific choice for students who need a computing partner for their fast-paced lives. This 12.4” touch laptop gets powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU. While it is low on RAM (8GB) and storage (256GB), you can use USB-C ports and Wi-Fi 6 to access your stuff. The performance is not the best, but it should suffice for daily activities in and outside the classroom.
Microsoft has thrown in a tempting bonus for gamers: a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate trial. The entertainment experience on this Surface laptop is quite impressive for this price point. The best part is that the battery lasts for 13.5 hours. You don’t have to run around between classes or worry about having enough juice left for the subway.
This 2.48lbs laptop comes in many rich colors; you can pick one that defines you. It also has a fingerprint reader to keep your work and stuff confidential.
Best Mobile Pro: Surface Pro X
- Very responsive
- More vertical screen space
- Optional Gigabit LTE
- Eye Contact technology for better video calls
- ARM-based CPU is not for everyone
- It can be slow if you choose not to use Microsoft Edge
This one is for those who covet the responsiveness of a mobile processor like the Microsoft SQ1 or SQ 2. The Surface Pro X derives its power from one of these CPUs that the company has developed in collaboration with Qualcomm. The resulting PC is light (1.7lbs), has a long-lasting battery backup (15 hours), and is big on connectivity (optional Gigabit LTE). It offers 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD – specs that are good enough for standard computing tasks, calls, e-mails, cloud-based services, etc.
Microsoft has added a stylus, a 10MP rear camera with autofocus, and a mechanical keyboard with backlighting (detachable). Notably, the keyboard includes a function row for a productivity boost. The display is also a winner for its enhanced vertical real estate. It makes reading documents or books much more enjoyable.
A helpful feature is “Eye Contact” technology that focuses your gaze during a video call, creating a more connected experience. You also get a month’s access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The Surface Pro costs a reasonable $699.99, making it ideal for students and casual users.
Best Cheap: Surface Go 3
- Incredibly cheap
- It supports voice typing
- Convertible design is convenient for students
- Offers optional LTE Advanced
- Low performance
- Average battery backup
- The design is somewhat outdated
It doesn’t get better than the Surface Go 3 if you’re on the hunt for a cheap 2-in-1 that can tackle demanding days and nights. At only $399.99, this 10.5” convertible offers you decent battery backup, customized usage modes, and optional LTE Advanced. The adjustable kickstand makes life simple while traveling or when you wish to sit back and dive into a cherished movie. This computer comes with a fine stylus that is handy for creative tasks, taking notes, etc.
A particularly charming addition is the support for voice typing. You can speed life up, watching as the system translates stuff like pauses and changes in tone.
You may find the laptop wanting on the performance front since it uses an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y CPU or an Intel Core i3-10100Y. The RAM and storage are also just passable at 8GB and 128GB. But the price point is low enough to let this slide. This 1.2lbs machine can be with you for 11 hours on one charge.
Conclusion
Microsoft has grown phenomenally since the release of Surface machines. The lineup has taken off well, thanks to its premium operating environment, elevated computing experience, and convenient adaptability to user needs.
Many now consider whether to opt for a MacBook Air or a Surface Laptop. Professionals who aspire for greater productivity find it preferable to side with a Microsoft Surface. Detachable keyboards, light chassis, excellent audio output, and dependable battery go a long way in helping you on the job. While many creators still pick Mac, Microsoft is rising to the challenge with its Studio series. More screen real estate, voice typing, and compatible workspace for various multimedia apps can support creativity beautifully.
The Surface Laptop 5 or Surface Laptop Studio are your best choices for all-around performance. If you would rather get a convertible, then the Surface Pro 9 or Surface Go 3 are budget-friendly and slip into various shoes effortlessly. The family offers options like the Surface Pro X that might work for you if you appreciate mobile processors and demand responsiveness. Now that the classic tablet PC style has appealed to users, new launches should also be in the offing. It is going to be exciting.
