Best Microsoft Surface: Which Models to Buy or Avoid (2024)

Surface Pro Type Cover for $130: This Type Cover is one of our favorite accessories. The cover is easy to attach, the clicky keys feel satisfying to type on, and it’s the least expensive option for the Surface Pro lineup. It’s compatible with the Surface Pro 8 and earlier. There’s a similar Type Cover for the Surface Go line that also costs $130.

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard for $126: The Pro Signature Keyboard is expensive, but it’s the best option if you’re using the Surface Pro X or Surface Pro 8 with the Slim Pen 2. It comes with built-in storage for the stylus that doubles as a charger. That way, you don’t have to worry about losing it or running low on battery.

Surface Pen for $100: The Surface Pen is compatible with myriad Surface devices, so it’s useful if you’re always switching between Microsoft’s laptop and tablet. It packs precision ink—with tilt for shading—along with thousands of pressure points and virtually zero lag. Unlike the Slim Pen, which supports wireless charging, the Surface Pen runs on batteries.

Surface Slim Pen 2 for $130: With the second-generation Slim Pen, Microsoft added haptic feedback and lower latency (sketching and writing should feel more responsive). We liked using it with the Surface Pro 8, but it’s also compatible with a variety of other Surface devices. It’s an ideal accessory if you rely on your tablet for taking notes or drawing.

Logitech K380 Wireless Keyboard for $40: If you want a cheap Bluetooth keyboard to use with your Surface device, we like Logitech’s K380 Wireless Keyboard. It’s inexpensive, offers a nice typing experience, and is compact. It also comes in a super cute pink color.

Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports can be a bit scarce on Surface devices. This hub from Twelve South comes with a USB-A port, an HDMI, a headphone jack, and a USB-C port for pass-through charging. You can either plug it into the device or extend it with the included cord.

Microsoft Adaptive Accessories ($15 to $45): Microsoft offers a range of PC hardware for people with limited mobility including a programmable button, adaptive mouse, and a hub to connect them to a PC wirelessly.

Protect Your Surface With Microsoft Complete

If you’re rough on your gadgets, get the Microsoft Complete extended warranty. Starting at $99, it gives you additional warranty coverage, plus two accidental damage claims with a $49 deductible. Microsoft will provide up to four years of coverage for Surface devices specifically and will cover things like cracked screens, drops, and spills.

You can get Microsoft Complete in a few different ways. You can add it in real-time when buying a Surface device. But if you’re not sure whether you need it, you can either book an appointment with a Microsoft product expert, add it directly through the Surface App, or contact Microsoft Store Support. However, it’s worth noting you’ll have up to 45 days after purchase to add a protection plan.

Should You Wait to Buy?

No. Back in September, Microsoft launched a new Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Surface Laptop Go 3. There’s also a new Surface Go 4, but the refresh is strictly for enterprise consumers. More recently, Microsoft announced a new Surface Pro (11th edition) and Surface Laptop (7th Edition). These are successors to the Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5, but the company no longer follows a numerical naming structure—instead, it’s going by “editions.” Both devices are currently available for preorder with full availability starting June 18.

We’re still waiting on the Surface Studio 3 (the all-in-one desktop). The last version was released in October 2022. Microsoft has yet to release any details on a next-gen model.