Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (13-Inch, 2021)

Solid performance ; Great screen for work and play ; Reliable battery life, especially in 60Hz ; Well-built kick stand

Signature Cover and Slim Pen 2 not included ; Limited port selection

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 isn’t a huge step forward for Microsoft’s tablet line, but it’s a definite move in the right direction. The device fixes a number of niggling flaws in past Surface Pro’s designs and offers key performance upgrades thanks to...

“The Surface Pro 8 is easily the best Windows 2-in-1 you can buy.”

13-inch screen with 120Hz refresh rate ; HD webcam and 4K rear camera ; Impressive performance

Average battery life ; No MicroSD card slot ; Extra cost for the keyboard and pen

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet that works just as well in both forms. It packs in plenty of power as well as a stunning touchscreen display, and it runs on the most recent Windows 11. It won't be for everyone but it's a truly...

Finally, a modern look ; Stylus has a haptic motor and keyboard garage ; 120Hz display

Expensive (especially the base model) ; Keyboard and stylus aren’t included in the price ; Limited port selection

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 8 is a thin and light tablet / laptop convertible powered by Intel’s 11th Gen Core processors. It takes the best parts of the Pro X and the Pro 7 to make the best Surface Pro we’ve seen in years.

Gorgeous display ; Strong performance ; Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports ; Excellent webcam ; Versatile 2-in-1 form factor

Battery life could be better ; Keyboard and pen sold separately ; Relatively expensive

Much better for gaming than the last version ; Good display colour, brightness and sharpness ; As ever, the keyboard is great considering its dimensions ; Great built-in speakers

Costs a packet for a higher-end version with stylus and keyboard ; Battery won’t reliably last through a full day of work ; 120Hz mode is too much of a battery batterer to be that useful

The best Windows tablet hybrid returns with small but meaningful hardware improvements, and a major boost to gaming.

Excellent 120Hz display ; Premium design ; Great performance ; Solid battery life

Expensive ; Limited ports ; Pure tablet experience still needs work

The Pro 8 is the best Windows 2-in-1 you can buy right now, offering an excellent blend of design, performance and versatility. If you’re looking for a premium productivity tablet with detachable keyboard, it’s a no-brainer – provided you can afford it.

Beautiful design ; Excellent display and speakers ; USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports

No entry-level Core i3 model ; USB-A port has vanished ; Keyboard and pen are expensive options

Having said all that, the Surface Pro 8 is a very hard act to beat for sheer versatility. Used solo, it’s an excellent tablet, but when combined with the Surface Pro Signature keyboard it’s a thoroughly competent and powerful laptop replacement, while...

Bigger, better display ; New haptic slim stylus ; Can charge via USB-C

All-important keyboard still isn't included in the box ; No 5G options, 4G only for business customers ; Fan can get loud