Microsoft Surface Go 3 (10.5-Inch, 2021)

Boosted performance ; Windows 11 improves the tablet experience ; Great design, with built-in stand

Minor improvements compared to Surface Go 2 ; Poor battery life ; Type Cover costs extra ; iPad is faster and has a better screen

The Surface Go 3 has seen minor improvements since its predecessor, with a CPU upgrade and Windows 11 improving the tablet experience. But there’s little here to make it more tempting than Apple’s iPad, especially once you factor in the poor battery...

“The affordable Microsoft Surface Go 3 isn't a performer, but it still finds way to delight.”

10.6-inch FHD+ screen ; Weighs less than 550g ; Decent speakers built-in

Underwhelming performance ; Short battery life ; Grainy rear camera

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a tablet that you can use as a computer as well if you buy the snap-on keyboard to go with it. It won't blow you away with fast speeds or a long-lasting battery but it will be perfect for casual work on the go.

Windows 11 ; A slight improvement in processing power

Windows 11 ; A slight improvement in processing power

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the Surface Go 2 of 2021, and that’s about all there is to say.

Small and light ; Windows 11 looks nice ; Multi-user support

Bad battery life ; Keyboard cover too flimsy ; Too expensive

Microsoft’s tiniest Surface tablet got a small update, but it’s a step backward. Battery life is worse while the price is too high. It’s a computer begging for an Arm chip but stuck on Intel.

Low starting price ; Lightweight ; Sunny display with vivid colors ; Windows Hello webcam with 1080p video support ; Integrated kickstand ; SD card reader for easy storage expansion ; Long battery life

Keyboard cover not included ; Only one USB-C port ; Optional extras pump up price quickly ; Disappointing computing performance, even with Core i3 upgrade

Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 is the best budget Windows 2-in-1 tablet, but its performance and value are a bit below expectations for a third-generation product that competes against Chromebooks and the Apple iPad.

Excellent webcam ; Lightweight and easy to carry ; No bloatware

Super short battery life ; Appalling performance ; Type Cover not included ; Thick bezels

Windows 11 so you're free to install apps and executables as you please ; The webcam is genuinely decent ; Kickstand design is great

Lacklustre performance and battery life ; Type Cover keyboard not included ; Chunky screen bezel looks dated ; Only one USB-C (ditch the Surface Connect port already)

A super-portable machine for getting bits and pieces done while on the go, but it's just not adept enough when it comes to power and battery life. That makes it difficult to see how this device represents the Surface name well, as even a decent...

Bright and colorful display ; Solid speakers ; Good build quality ; 1080p webcam

Poor battery life ; Weak performance ; Accessories sold separately

A far better webcam than almost all laptops ; High-quality, ultra-portable design ; Can run full Windows 11

It’s begging for more power ; Price gets less appealing when you consider the must-have keyboard

The Surface Go premise makes sense. It’s a tablet that can run any Windows app you like. But it arrives with already dated-looking performance thanks to Intel’s lack of major progress in battery-sipping processors.