Microsoft Surface Laptop vs Surface Book vs Surface Pro

Microsoft Surface Laptop vs Surface Book vs Surface Pro: Head to Head

Fancy a Microsoft Surface device but confused about the range? We break down the details of the line up below:

Surface Laptop 3 vs Surface Book 2 – What’s the Difference?

On the surface – pardon the pun – the Laptop and Book don’t look worlds apart. They both have the form of a traditional laptop (albeit a stunningly slim and beautifully designed one), and will both serve your portable computing needs adequately.

Where they part ways, however, is that the Book has a removable display. This means that you can detach it and use it as a Windows tablet, wholly separate of the keyboard itself – although it’s worth noting that both the Laptop and the Book have touchscreens, and are compatible with the Microsoft Pen. The Laptop also has higher specs, thanks to the recent release of the Surface Laptop 3, which boasts a 10th gen Intel processor over the Book's 8th gen.

In essence, the Laptop is a better work machine, while the Book is more suited to play and creativity.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

A brilliant MacBook competitor, great for students or work purposes

Whisper it, but the Surface Laptop is Microsoft’s response to the Apple MacBook – from the high end styling to the price tag. The recent release of the Laptop 3 doesn't change the wheel, but does make a few small tweaks to ensure that it is the best Surface Laptop yet.

The range starts at $899, and for that you'll get a 10th gen i5 processor. That's the case for the 13.5-inch model at least. Microsoft has added a 15-inch model to the range this time around, which swaps Intel processors for AMD instead, with users able to opt  for the AMD Ryzen 5 3580U or AMD Ryzen 7 3780U.

As with most laptop models, the scope of specs is wide – you can opt for the entry level i5 processor model, or upgrade to an i7. Those looking to do some creative work or play games will want to look to the 15-inch models, which comes with additonal GPU power options in the shape of AMD Radeon Vega 9 and RX Vega 11 GPU chips. Basically, there's a Surface Laptop 3 model out there for pretty much everyone.

Those improvements we talked about earlier? Well, they're small, but not insignificant. The trackpad is now 20% larger, giving you more space when navigating with you fingers, and the chiclet-style keys now have a slight, shallow recess, meaning your fingers find their positioning more naturally.

In our opinion, the one step back is battery life. The Surface Laptop 2 could manage over 10 hours, but the 3 seems to settle on around 8 to 9, depending on use.

Read our full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Microsoft Surface Book 2

A hybrid laptop with plenty of power for creative tasks

The Surface Book 2, like the Laptop, feels every inch its price tag – which is just as well, given that the basic model starts at $1,049. However, this will only net you a 7th gen Intel Core i5 and no dedicated graphics hardware, which almost defeats the point of this range for the creative market it’s aimed at.

If you’re a budding artist, or a professional one, you’ll want to pick up the variant with NVIDIA GeForce graphics, which starts at $1,799 for the 13.5-inch model. Pick up the 15-inch version, and things get a lot more expensive. Are there cheaper options out there for Windows laptops with dedicated graphics hardware? Definitely. Do they have the style and versatility of the Surface Book 2? Not quite.

Another feature that the Book has over the Surface is battery life. While the Laptop 2 will go an impressive 14 hours between charges, the Book can, in theory, get up to 17. This puts it way above its rivals, and is a serious boon to those who want to create on the move.

Best Surface Pro to Choose

Microsoft’s Surface Pro range is aimed at those who are looking for a high-powered tablet/laptop hybrid. While the Surface Book 2 ticks those boxes, it first and foremost feels like a laptop. The Pro range, on the other hand, feels more like a tablet with a keyboard attachment (assuming you buy that accessory).

The latest version of the Surface Pro, the Pro 6, comes in a couple of spec configurations – but you might also find the older Pro 5 at some retailers for a knock down price.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (i7)

The Surface Pro 6 is available with an i7 processor, and doesn’t come cheap. At $1,499 for the starting price, there are plenty of laptops out there with better specifications that will cost you hundreds less. However, if you’re after a Windows alternative to the iPad Pro, then this is a good choice.

If we have one complaint about the Surface Pro, it’s that the kickstand, which makes it super stable on flat surfaces, doesn’t translate so well to use on your lap. Make sure to keep that in mind if you like to do some typing on your commute, or when sat on the couch.

Ports wise, you get a USB 3 port, as well as a microSD card reader. No USB-C here, unfortunately. Battery life is pretty good at around 10 hours, putting it on a par with the iPad.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (i5)

If budget is a consideration, the Pro 6 is also available with an i5 processor, which starts at $899. It’s a more palatable price, and unless you’re set on really pushing the Pro to the limits, you won’t notice the difference in power.

Externally, the two models look the same – both are well designed, with a sleek appearance that sees them rank alongside the iPad Pro as some of the best looking tablets on the market today.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5

Although it’s a couple of years old at this point, the Surface Pro 5 could prove a good entry point to the Pro range if you’re not too concerned about having the latest model. The Pro 5 series offered older processors, starting with a rather underpowered m3 that we wouldn’t recommend (grab a Surface Go instead).

However, design wise, there’s little difference between the 5 and the 6. If you can find a decent deal for an Intel Core i5 or i7 model – and are happy with a seventh generation processor over the new eighth generation – then the Pro 5 is worth considering. However, if you do want to jump through all those caveats, save a bit more cash, and futureproof yourself, go for the Pro 6.

Microsoft Surface Go

Best budget Surface model to choose

If you came to this guide looking for a bargain, you’re probably on the brink of thinking you won’t find one – but hold up. Let us introduce you to Microsoft’s Surface Go. Got $399 to your name? Then you can pick one up. Ostensibly Microsoft’s answer to the iPad, the 10-inch tablet is its entry point into the Surface range.

Unlike the Pro models, the Go appeals to mostly casual users. Its Intel Pentium processor might not be as powerful as the standard iPads, but unless you were to have them side by side, the average person would be unlikely to notice any dips in speed. With 8GB of RAM, it’s a snappy enough tablet, and daily browsers and streamers will find plenty to like here.

Unlike the more expensive Surface Pro 6, Microsoft does offer up a USB-C port here….but no USB 3.0. It seems like it's one or the other. While the USB-C connector is the more more versatile and modern port, you might need to buy an adaptor if your peripherals use the USB 3.0 standard.

As it’s Windows based, to really make the most of the Go, you’ll want to pick up a keyboard to go with it. These start at $99. Throw in the Pen too, and suddenly the price starts to creep up – but it’s still cheaper than getting a Surface Pro.

Rather have an iPad? Check out our guide to Apple's full tablet range

Verdict: Which Surface is Best?

Which Surface is best really depends on your needs and budget. The first thing to know is that you can get more powerful laptops and tablets for less. However, the design of the Surface range is impressive, and they are generally a joy to use – not to mention head turners.

If you’re a student or an avid worker, go for the Surface Laptop 3. Creative and need graphical horsepower? Opt for the Surface Book 2.

Those who crave portability should look towards the Pro 6 if they have high demands of their hardware, or the Surface Go if they don’t. However, we highly recommend that if you go down this road, you should purchase the Type Cover keyboard accessory – a Surface tablet without it really does feel like half a product.