Struggling with finding an affordable alternative to the Surface Pro for your computing needs?

In this blog, we introduce the best cheap Surface Pro alternatives, ideal for those who admire the Surface Pro’s versatility and functionality but are looking for more budget-friendly options. We cover a variety of tablets and 2-in-1 devices that offer similar features to the Surface Pro, such as detachable keyboards, touchscreens, and pen support, from brands that provide reliable performance at a lower cost. This includes alternatives that cater to different user requirements, whether for professional work, educational purposes, or casual use.

With over 15 years of experience in mobile computing and technology reviews, we’ve assisted numerous clients, from students to professionals, in finding tablets and 2-in-1s that meet their specific needs without overspending. Our selection of cheap Surface Pro alternatives is based on rigorous testing and real-world usage, ensuring our recommendations are practical, reliable, and offer good value for money. These devices aren’t just about being affordable; they excel at delivering a good balance of performance, portability, and functionality.

We’ve evaluated them for their processing power, display quality, battery life, and overall usability, finding them ideal for anyone seeking a versatile computing device similar to the Surface Pro but at a more accessible price point.

Cheap Surface Pro Alternatives 2024

NEW Microsoft Surface Go 2 (Epic Mobility)

Connect and keep up as you wish with the 10.5″ Surface Go 2. You’ll enjoy its speed, effectiveness, and power. On the Surface Go 2, Office and other everyday applications run smoothly thanks to a revolutionary Intel processor.

In terms of the battery, it’s somewhat disappointing. Batteries cannot last nine to ten hours, as advertised. It barely meets the needs of your daily life, despite its short battery life.

Windows 10 in S Mode allows you to accomplish what you need with assurance and performance that keeps on going on a PC designed for the most recent version of the Windows PC working framework and Office 365. This is a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro.

Simply fold back the surface signature-type cover and close the kickstand for an ultra-compact, independent Intel tablet. The Surface Go additionally has Studio mode, which enables drawing with the Surface Pen when in Studio mode by lowering the kickstand.

With its seamless and secure design, the new Surface Go from Microsoft boasts several comforting features. However, its battery life is below average.

What We Like

  • A more comfortable keyboard.
  • Display with excellent retina quality.
  • excellent build-up.
  • Secure, seamless, and safe.
  • Performance of the highest calibre.

What We Don’t Like

  • A limited number of ports are available.
  • It is necessary to buy accessories separately.
  • A long power cord is a must.
  • Batteries run out quickly.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Top-rated)

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6 laptop is the perfect daily computer because it’s both adaptable and ultra-light. With the Surface Pro, you can compose more easily and naturally because the keyboard is spread out slightly. It also has a larger two-button display and a larger trackpad for greater accuracy and routing.

The Surface Pro 6 is both a top-tier PC and a tablet in one. Now, it has an even more powerful Intel Core processor. Online educators should consider it for 2023. As a result of the pandemic, your child will need a well-functioning laptop so that he or she can study without interruption during this time.

Using the Surface Pro 6 is quicker than ever, thanks to the Intel Core 8 processor and support for Windows 10. This tablet is equipped with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display that provides 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI) resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

As far as its visual characteristics are concerned, it is quite impressive, but the bezels make it difficult to use. The large bezels make viewing difficult. The frame rate is high enough to run popular games, but not enough to run them. You can choose from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB solid-state drives (SSDs). Surface Connect connects to a Surface Type Cover port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and a microSD card reader.

Although it’s not the best gaming laptop, its superior performance, graphics, and display work together to make it a highly efficient workspace.

What We Like

  • Long-lasting batteries.
  • Display of perfect quality.
  • A chassis that is lightweight.
  • Durable.
  • A wide range of options

What We Don’t Like

  • Limited functionality.
  • USB-C ports are not available.
  • Pricey.

 

Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen) (Admirable Displays)

You can create, study, work, and play pretty much anywhere with the Microsoft Surface Pro 5th generation. The Surface Pro is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It offers you full flexibility and all-day battery life, as well as a milder, ultra-convenient design.

The Surface Pro 4 has half the battery life of the Surface Pro 4, despite having a significantly faster processor thanks to an amazing Intel Core processor. Microsoft Surface Pro includes Microsoft Office and the full Windows experience, along with 3D creation instruments, a Surface Pen, a Surface Dial, and a Surface Pen. Windows Hello offers easy sign-on without a secret phrase.

There is also on-screen support for the Surface Dial. The Surface Arc Mouse, Surface Type Cover, and Surface Pen all have continuous compositions and new tilts designed for aesthetic concealment. These are among the most affordable alternatives to the Surface Pro.

A PixelSense capacitive touch-sensitive display with a powerful 2736*1824 resolution is available for 12.3 inches. We offer 16 GB, 8 GB, and 4 GB of RAM, so you can run multiple programs quickly without any lag. Its storage capacity varies from 1TB to 512GB to 256GB to 128GB.

The Microsoft Surface Pro has limited ports. A USB C port is absent, so it only promotes USB 3.0 and mini-DisplayPort.

When you open the Surface Pro kickstand and add a Surface Pro Signature Type Cover, the Surface Pro can be transformed into a laptop. The Surface Pro Signature Type Cover can be collapsed or folded back for an independent Intel tablet when the kickstand is closed. There is a cheaper alternative.

Featuring an epic design and iconic functionality, the Microsoft Surface Pro (5th generation) is a piece of tech history. With blazing contrast and bright levels, it is one of the best gadgets out there. On the downside, it has a limited range of ports.

What We Like

  • Powerful ability.
  • A performance of epic proportions.
  • Versatility at its finest.
  • Mobility without compromise.
  • There are three modes.

What We Don’t Like

  • The variety of ports is limited.
  • Expensive.

Lenovo Flex 14 (Awesome Flexibility)

Featuring a 1920 x 1080 touchscreen, an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U so powerful that it can handle video editing and a Radeon Vega 8 GPU so you can game, stream, and work for hours on this Lenovo Flex 14 laptop. A variety of information sources are available, including HDMI, USB-C, and USB 3.1.

Comprehensive and advanced anti-infection, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware protection for Windows 10 is also included. Get started right away.

The Lenovo Flex 14’s real-square protection screen can be closed whenever you are not using the webcam. A high-quality webcam makes video calls easy and convenient. The quality of the connection is universally wished for. Alternatives to the Surface Pro are reasonably priced.

Digital artists who want a surface to draw on will find this tool useful. The included dynamic pen enables you to draw on the screen legitimately and anywhere, so if you need something to draw on, this is it. It offers a 10-hour battery life and energizing technology that allows your PC to be charged up to 80% within 60 minutes.

However, the enterprise seems to have given up on quality storage, despite its efforts to make the stylus accurate. Pen holders are poorly positioned and poorly constructed.

The Lenovo Flex 14 is a commendable computing beast that is lacking in some areas but is nonetheless a reliable companion because of its performance and functionality. It is certainly a cheap alternative to the Microsoft Surface Pro!

What We Like

  • Batteries that last a long time.
  • Design of the highest quality.
  • The accuracy of the stylus is admirable.
  • Performance that is fast.
  • The audio quality is excellent.

What We Don’t Like

  • As configured, this is very expensive.
  • There are no high-resolution options.
  • Touchpad of poor quality.

Microsoft Surface Go (Iconic Versatility)

Versatile, customizable, and ultra-convenient, the Microsoft Surface Go is a great tablet. Surface Go, our smallest and lightest Surface to date, starts at 1.3 lbs. The device fits easily in your bag and combines PC functionality with tablet mobility. Hence, it can now be carried anywhere, anytime. Nevertheless, a small display may be uncomfortable for some people to use comfortably.

You can run it unplugged for a long time, and it’s fast and effective. Office and other everyday applications can run smoothly on the new Surface Go, thanks to an Intel processor and a battery life of up to 9 hours. Surface Go is included in cheap alternatives to the Surface Pro.

In addition to supporting Windows 10 in S Mode, Surface Go is designed to be used with Office 365 and the latest Windows PC framework. You can rely on the performance and confidence you need to handle the tasks at hand. There is another important difference between the Simple Windows 10 home mode and Windows S: Simple Windows 10 home mode consumes less battery power.

For an ultra-compact, independent Intel tablet, simply disengage or fold the surface signature-type cover back and close the kickstand. Moreover, the Surface Go can also be set to studio mode if the kickstand is lowered. This allows for characteristic, precisely inclined compositions and drawing with the Surface Pen.

The Microsoft Surface Go offers excellent flexibility and portability at an affordable price. For bulky and complex tasks, this is an unsuitable option because it does not have enough storage capacity or a large display.

What We Like

  • A more comfortable keyboard.
  • Display with excellent retina quality.
  • It is gold in colour.
  • Batteries that last a long time.
  • Graphics and computing performance are good.

What We Don’t Like

  • According to the configuration, it is expensive.
  • The variety of ports is limited.
  • There is not enough storage space.
  • Too small a screen.

 

Acer Spin 3 (Premium Quality)

With its uncompromised mobile performance, the Acer Spin 3 delivers on all of your day-to-day computing needs. Enhance effectiveness with an Intel Core i5 tenth generation processor, but fails to provide the promised 12 hours of battery life. You can view and edit recordings and applications easily and quickly with a 512GB PCIe SSD and 8GB LPDDR4 memory.

The Acer Spin 3 is a device that demands attention. The 14-inch FHD IPS contact display additionally boasts a 0.38-inch slight bezel, giving a 78.9% screen-to-body ratio and more screen land. Additionally, it sounds good with its dual forward-facing speakers that give off an engaging sound in every mode. Family users will enjoy the laptop’s performance.

With Powerful Wireless, you’ll get dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ac) with MU-MIMO, which will give you faster remote speeds and will allow you to connect more devices simultaneously. A cheap alternative to the Surface Pro.

As well as that, it offers a fingerprint reader, so you can enjoy an additional level of biometric protection, preventing unapproved users from accessing your PC.

Although this laptop boasts a quality cooling system, it still occasionally gets hot.

The Acer Spin 3 provides an impressive amount of computing power. You can rely on this laptop for high-speed work, but when purchasing, be aware of its shortcomings as well.

What We Like

  • A more comfortable keyboard.
  • Batteries that last a long.
  • Wireless power.
  • Reader for fingerprints.
  • High-quality audio.

What We Don’t Like

  • As configured, this is very expensive.
  • Display that is dull.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (Good Stylus Precision)

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 has ultra-lightweight design and is adaptable. For a more natural and efficient writing experience, Surface Pro’s sort layout has been improved by spreading out the keys a little. The two-segment trackpad has been enlarged for better accuracy and navigation.

Now with the 6th Generation Intel Core processor and the Windows 10 professional understanding, you can use the Surface Pro 4 faster than ever before. With a PixelSense Display of 12.3″ with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI), proportion of 3:2, and ten-point multi-touch.

Additionally, it has solid state drives (SSD) with capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. A microSDXC card reader, a mini-DisplayPort, a USB 3.0 port, and a Surface Connect port are also included. The device can be compared to the Surface Pro 2023.

Similar to the Surface Pro 3 stylus, the Surface Pro 4 stylus is exactly the same as the Surface Pro 3 stylus. However, the pen holder is the only difference. For stylus storage, the Microsoft surface pro 4 utilises a magnetic pen holder rather than the loop on the surface pro 3. For a strong hold, magnets are installed on both the left and right sides of the model. The magnets on the right side are less powerful, however.

The Surface Pro 4 is a top-tier PC that also doubles as a tablet and a studio. This model now comes with an Intel Core 6 processor for more power. For the best family laptop in 2023, choose this model. As a result of this pandemic, your child needs a laptop that will work smoothly and allow him/her to study without any interruptions.

A computer gadget with stunning brightness and a captivating display, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a commendable device. However, there are some shortcomings. In addition to them, it’s a good tech to invest in and is included in cheap alternatives to the Surface Pro.

What We Like

  • A more comfortable keyboard.
  • Display with excellent Retina quality.
  • Batteries that last long.
  • Graphics that are well done.
  • Performance that is second to none.

What We Don’t Like

  • As configured, this is very expensive.
  • Variety of ports is limited.
  • Separate keyboards are available for the type cover.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 (Remarkable CPU)

Using a keyboard and trackpad, you can instantly convert your Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 2-in-1 tablet into a PC workstation.

You can quickly switch between applications while running errands or playing realistic serious games with a quick, versatile processor. Another inexpensive Surface Pro alternative is PC-grade RAM.

New features are included in the S Pen. The included S Pen offers delay and skip capabilities. The application supports increasing the number of documents, signing documents, taking notes, and increasing the number of documents. The S Pen is also easily connected for easy charging and storage. Although the stylus pen is active, it has a downside: it is stored at the back. Because of this, using it is uncomfortable.

It is light in weight. It diverts a substantial amount of attention. AKG’s quad speakers and Super AMOLED display, combined with a 2-in-1 device that weighs about a pound, will bring vivid games into your hands. Bluetooth 5.0 (LE up to 2 Mbps) support.

Bixby lacks any additional features, despite its allure. Basically, it’s the same as its predecessors.

Longer periods of intensive activity. You can make and change throughout the day as the battery lasts up to 15 hours. Fast-charging batteries are available for immediate use.

Galaxy Tab S6 boasts incredible graphics and computing power, and is one of the best and cheapest alternatives to the Microsoft Surface Pro 2023. Although this model has a few downsides, working on it is difficult

What We Like

  • Enhanced keyboard comfort.
  • Display with excellent Retina quality.
  • Batteries that last long.
  • A powerful audio experience.
  • The performance of graphics and computing is good.

What We Don’t Like

  • Variety of ports is limited.
  • It’s cramped on the keyboard.
  • There is no headphone jack.

Microsoft Surface Book 2 (Intuitive Touchscreen)

There is no denying that Surface Book 2 is a smooth, convenient machine. With as much as 17 hours of battery life, you can handle complex errands in a hurry. Use the intuitive touchscreen or a full console with a large trackpad.

With exceptional performance for a PC of this size, it’s lightweight and ground-breaking. An illuminated console and a presentation designed for touch and Surface Pen let you jot down your ideas quickly.

Utilise recent Intel quad-centre processors and NVIDIA GeForce GPUs to achieve the best execution in evaluation programming throughout the day. Surface Book 2 can be transformed into a slender, innovative and powerful quad-core Intel Core i7 tablet by removing its stunning PixelSense display.

There is frequently a problem with NVIDIA GeForce graphic cards burning out or not being recognized by the laptop. Consumers’ productivity is affected by these issues.

According to the brand, this model has a battery life of 17 hours, but in practice, it does not. You would immediately lose 10 – 20% of your battery life if you were running beefy applications. That’s terrible! In addition to being the best surface book alternatives, it can be overlaid into Studio Mode so you can draw and sketch comfortably in a normal position. For a vivid, innovative experience, include Surface Dial, Pen, and contact.

With the new Surface Book 2, you get a flexible PC, a groundbreaking tablet, and a versatile studio all in one. You can complete more four utilisation techniques, and you can separate the screen by pressing a catch, turn the screen around, and reattach it if you want to share content and introductions. Use only voice commands to communicate with Cortana. Watch movies or play games with Cortana.

Aside from its stellar displays, audios, and computing speed, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 has a number of admirable qualities. However, its GPU problems prevent it from being your ideal companion. Companies consider it a cheaper alternative to the Surface Pro.

What We Like

  • Display with excellent Retina quality.
  • Adaptable and versatile.
  • Excellent value for the price.
  • A great deal of flexibility.
  • The performance of graphics and computing is good.

What We Don’t Like

  • Variety of ports is limited.
  • Chassis with heavy components.
  • Separately, Surface pen is available.

Buying Guide: Cheap Surface Pro Alternatives

You can choose the right cheap surface pro alternative based on these cheap surfaces alternatives.

Quality:

You can easily replace a Surface Pro with a cheap laptop if you are happy with a low-quality model. If you are looking for a quality product, you would be better off buying a laptop instead of a Surface Pro.

Brand:

There are many recognizable laptop brands, including Acer and Apple. You may want to consider Alienware or Acer as alternatives to the Surface Pro if you wish to run heavy software without experiencing any difficulty.

Size:

What you intend to do with your next PC will determine the size. It is crucial that you pick the appropriate size based on your needs. A PC cannot be upgraded later in terms of memory or ROM. Your choice cannot be changed later, so make it carefully.

Workstations can range from as small as 11.6 inches up to 17.3 inches in size on average.
Numerous OEMs and brands offer three different presentation sizes – 13.3 inches, 15.6 inches, and 17 inches. However, some merchants sell PCs other than these, such as 11.6-inch, 12.5-inch, and 14-inch models.

CPU:

Intel Core Processors are the best performing when it comes to handling numerous tasks and media endeavours. Frameworks with the Centre i3 typically appear in sections, while notepads based on it typically appear at the section level

Most standard PCs feature a Core i5.

The Centre i7 framework should be used by people who want to get the most from their PCs. When you use the computer heavily on your lap, a Core i7 can generate a significant amount of heat. Intel Core i5 is also a good option.

RAM:

I would suggest starting with 8GB. If you’re forced to choose, go with 16GB. If you want the best performance, you might want to go up to 32GB. A framework that has more RAM can access more information at once, which is invaluable when editing photographs. Surface Pro has four to eight gigabytes of RAM. This depends on your needs.

FAQs: Cheap Surface Pro Alternatives

Alternatives to Surface Pro: What’s the Best?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the best alternative to the Surface Pro. Your Android tablet can be converted into a PC-like workspace by attaching the keyboard and trackpad in a fraction of a second.

You can switch between apps and errands rapidly with the fast multitasking processor or play realistic serious games at high speed. There is also a PC-sized inner RAM. There is also a PC-sized inner RAM.

It comes with the new S Pen. With the included S Pen, you can now delay and skip. In addition to adding documents, signing documents, and taking notes, you can also add papers. This attractive connection also simplifies the process of charging and storing the S Pen.

It is a light weight. There is substantial divertissement. On this 2-in-1 that weighs about a pound and features a Super AMOLED display, unmatched illustrations, and AKG-tuned quad speakers, you can enjoy vivid games. With Bluetooth LE 5.0, you can transfer data at a maximum of 2Mbps.

Which Surface Pro has the lowest price?

One of the cheapest alternatives to the Surface Pro is the Microsoft Surface Pro 5th generation. By using this, you can basically work, study, or play anywhere. With the lightest Surface Pro ever, you get total versatility, all-day battery life, and a mild, ultra-convenient design with rounded edges.

As a result of its powerful Intel Core processor, the Surface Pro 4 offers half the battery life of the Surface Pro. A fantastic Intel Core processor makes Surface Pro a better performer and battery saver than Surface Pro. With the Microsoft Surface Pro, you gain the full Windows experience, which includes Microsoft Office, Surface Dial, Surface Pen, and 3D creation tools. It’s great that you can sign in with a secret phrase for Windows Hello and that it’s quick.

Which factors should I consider when picking a surface?

Its ultralightness and adaptability do not alter its power. By redesigning the layout and spreading the keys out, Surface Pro feels more like a regular PC. The two catch trackpad has been enlarged for precise control and route.

In addition to being a top-tier PC, the Surface Pro 6 can also function as a tablet. A new Intel Core processor now gives the Surface Pro 6 even more power. We recommend it to all online educators in 2023. During this time of the pandemic, your child will need a good laptop that will run smoothly so that he/she can study without being interrupted.

Surface Pro 6 vs. Surface Pro 7: which is better?

Your battery life is also longer, which implies better performance. Surface Pro 7 is also available with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of LPDDR4x memory, which is marginally faster and more current than the RAM in the Surface Pro 6. There are 2.3 times more processor cores in Surface Pro 7 compared to Surface 6.

Is the Surface Pro a replacement for a laptop?

Microsoft called the Surface Pro line a “genuine PC”—a tablet that ran the full Windows operating system and could replace a PC. A more conventional laptop, the Surface Laptop compares to the MacBook Air. The keyboard is not removable.

How should I choose a Surface Pro model for 2023?

In 2023, you should buy the new Microsoft Surface Pro 6. With the most recent Intel Core processor and full Windows 10 Home comprehension, you can utilise the Surface Pro 6 now quicker and more easily than ever before.

Along with the display of 12.3-inches PixelSense Display (267-pixel-per-inch), 3:2 angle ratio, and multi-touch functionality, it has 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB solid state drive (SSD). The tablet features 1 x USB 3.0, 3.5mm Headphone jack, microSDXC card reader, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, and Surface Type Cover port.

In addition to being a top-tier PC, the Surface Pro 6 can also function as a tablet. A new Intel Core processor now gives the Surface Pro 6 even more power. We recommend it to all online educators in 2023. During this time of the pandemic, your child will need a good laptop that will run smoothly so that he/she can study without being interrupted.