Gone are the days when Windows devices used to be very expensive. It is possible to get a good, cheap Windows tablet if you know what to look for. The best thing about Windows tablets is that they will run on a Windows 10 or 11 operating system, just like laptops.
Additionally, their processor is identical to one found on Windows computers, making them perfect laptop alternatives. Simply adding a keyboard and mouse converts them to look and work like laptops while still maintaining portability.
The availability of many affordable options, like the Microsoft Surface Go 3, and a wide range of brands to choose from, like the CHUWI Hi10 Pro, have ensured their dominance in the tablet niche. With all these brands and versions, how can you choose the very best one?
This article explains exactly that and also explains our picks for the best and their pros and cons. We have ranked them based on price and affordability.
What to Look for in a Cheap Windows Tablet
What to Look for in a Cheap Windows Tablet To come up with the best, we considered processor power, RAM, storage, screen size, resolution, and battery life. For the best experience, we found that a dual-core processor provided faster and smoother performance.
Intel Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 also work perfectly, especially when combined with 4 GB of RAM and above. Intel Core i3 processors were a little slower and could only be considered as entry-level options.
If you intend to perform complex or professional tasks with your tablet, we recommend 8 GB of RAM and above. 4 GB will only be good for basic tasks like streaming, video conferencing, and photo editing. Screen size is also a key consideration.
Choose a tablet with at least a 10-inch screen size and Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. For the battery life, at least 8 hours will get you through a full working day. Although cheap Windows tablets exist, the lower the price, the more you compromise on specifications.
You need to consider the task you want to do with the tablet so that you can balance it with the price. For example, if you choose 4 GB of RAM, the Intel Core i3 and Microsoft Surface Go 3 will be cheaper but not recommended for video editing or drawing.
Similarly, an Intel Core i7 with 16 GB of RAM is far too much power if you need a simple streaming tablet. Always keep the end use in mind as you choose to avoid issues.
Top Picks for Cheap Windows Tablets
| Microsoft Surface Go 3 | Chuwi UBook X | Fusion5 10 Inch Tablet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Best Value | Cheapest Tablet | Best Budget |
| Screen | 10.5 inches | 12 inches | 10.1 inches |
| Resolution | 1920×1280 Pixels | 2160×1440 Pixels | 1920×1200 Pixels |
| Brightness Levels | 356 nits | 450 nits | Not sure |
| Storage | 64 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB Exp to 1 TB | 64 GB Expandable to 256 GB |
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i3 | Intel Core i5 | Intel Quad-Core CPU |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Battery Life | 11 Hours | 6 to 8 Hours | – |
| OS | Windows 11 Home in S mode | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Pro |
| Rear Camera | 8 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP |
The 6 Best Windows tablets with USB ports
- Microsoft Surface Go 3: Best Value windows tablet
- CHUWI Hi10 Pro: Cheap Windows tablets with USB port
- Fusion5 10 inch tablet: Best Budget
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9: best Windows based tablet
- Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i – Lenovo Windows Tablet
- Microsoft Surface Go 2: Windows tablet with USB port
Microsoft Surface Go 3: Best Value windows tablet
- Screen: 10.5 inches
- Resolution: 1920×1280 Pixels
- Storage: 64 GB
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor
- RAM: 4 GB
- Battery Life: 11 Hours
- OS: Windows 11 Home in S mode
- Camera: 8 MP rear camera
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is our best overall pick. It is the most affordable of the Surface line of tablets.
Surface Go tablets were very popular because they can be used as either tablets or simple 2 in 1 laptop alternatives.
You will get a laptop type tablet with touch screen sensitivity.
The spectacular display can easily be used as a digital notebook thanks to touchscreen with inking support.
For processing power, you will have an upgraded 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor. It is more powerful than the 8th Gen i3 chips or Pentium Gold processors found on the older Surface Go and the Surface Go 2.
Additionally, 4 GB RAM will reduce unnecessary lags on your tablet/ laptop device. If you prefer a laptop-like experience, you can get the optional Type Cover that makes the 2 in 1 laptop experience possible.
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is compatible with both wired and wireless keyboards. You will however have to buy the pen, keyboard and tablet cover separate, which adds to the cost.
For the screen and display, you will have a large 10.5 inch screen size with Full HD resolution 1920×1280 Pixels resolution. The overall look is sleek and modern thanks to the slim bezels that make the tablet seem to have a larger view.
The Surface Go 3 is neither too big nor too small and will make it comfortable to use at the comfort of your seat during your travel. Additionally, you will have a long 11 hours battery life that ensures long usage without having to recharge it.
Pros
- Compact and easily portable design
- Powerful processor compared to its predecessors
- Touch screen sensitivity
- Affordable price range
- Large screen with Full HD resolution
- Long battery life
Cons
- Pen and keyboard bought separate
Chuwi UBook X: Cheap windows tablet with a keyboard
- Screen: 12 inches
- Resolution: 2160 x 1440 Pixels
- Brightness Levels: 450 nits
- Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB Exp to 1 TB
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8 GB
- Battery Life: 6 to 8 Hours
- Camera: 5 MP rear camera
- OS: Windows 11
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Surface Go 3, we recommend the Chuwi UBook X. It comes with a larger 12 inches
Screen with better resolution at 2160 x 1440 Pixels.
The screen features bright 450 nits brightness levels half that found on the expensive iPad Pro. It is possible to use it in both low and high light conditions.
The Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB or 12 GB RAM options on the Chuwi UBook X stands out with very powerful processing.
To save your files, you will have a large 512 GB SSD storage that can be expanded using a MicroSD card up to 1 TB.
The features professional connectivity thanks to the powered USB-C and Micro HDMI slots.
You will have a kickstand just like the Surface Go 3 to support the tablet. Additionally, the detachable keyboard and stylus pen are a great addition for the price.
Pros
- Large screen with 1440p resolution
- Powerful processor with 12 GB RAM
- Long 8 Hours battery life
- Touch sensitive screen
- Kickstand available
Cons
- Pen and keyboard bought separate
- An option with the Intel N4100 processor is slow
Fusion5 10-inch tablet: Best Budget windows tablet
- Screen Size: 10.1 Inches
- Resolution: 1920*1200 Pixels
- Storage: 64 GB Expandable 256GB
- RAM: 4 GB
- Processor: Intel Quad-Core CPU
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
- Cameras: 5MP and 2MP Cameras
- Connectivity: USB 3.0, Micro HDMI
The slim Fusion5 tablet is the Best Budget Windows tablet. It features a 10.1 Inches screen size with Full HD 1920*1200 Pixels resolution. This makes it a perfect option for streaming movies and reading notes.
To save files you will have 64 GB storage which is small. However, it is expandable using a MicroSD slot to 256 GB to accommodate software installation and file saving.
The Intel Quad-Core CPU is fast and reliable but 4 GB RAM will be limited in various tasks such as animation. If you want a tablet strictly for listening to music or streaming movies this is the best.
It features great sounding dual speaker setup plus an external 3.5 mm audio jack if you prefer using headphones.
Pros
- Affordable price range
- Many connectivity ports
- Large screen and HD resolution
- Expandable storage to 256 GB
- Good sounding speakers with 3.5 mm audio jack
Cons
- Low RAM
- Not the best Processor
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Best Windows tablets with USB port
- Screen Size: 13 Inches, Touch Screen
- Resolution: 2880 x 1920 Pixels
- Brightness: 453 nits
- Storage Space: 512 GB SSD
- RAM: 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB
- Battery Life: up to 15.5 hours
- OS: Windows 11
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Ports: 2 USB-C
- 4 USB 4.0/Thunderbolt Ports
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the Best Overall tablet with a USB port. It is large and versatile with an elegant 13-inch full touchscreen display. You will be able to view your work in rich vivid colors thanks to a 2880 x 1920 Pixels resolution.
If you prefer using your tablet in high-light outdoor settings, the Surface Pro 9 display has 453 nits brightness levels which is okay but I felt it could have been a little higher since this is one of their new premium-level tablets.
This tablet is perfect for streaming and will allow you to connect to even 2 external monitors at a go. This is made possible by 2 USB-C and 4 USB 4.0 Thunderbolt Ports.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a premium-level tablet and does not come cheap. However, it makes up for the price with powerful multi-purpose features that will make it possible to use it for any professional tasks even animation.
A powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB RAM options will help power the tablet. This already powerful system is further made more powerful by a dedicated Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU or graphic processing unit.
As mentioned this Windows tablet comes with 2 USB-C slots which is perfect. Unfortunately, if you prefer an HDMI slot, you will notice Microsoft Surface Pro 9 does not support an HDMI connection.
Pros
- Large screen Size and resolution
- Powerful processor and RAM
- 2 USB-C slots
- 4 USB 4.0/Thunderbolt Ports
- Long battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Not compatible with HDMI
Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i: Lenovo Windows Tablet
- Screen: 12.3 inches
- Resolution: 2.5K or 2560 x 1600 Pixels
- Brightness Levels: 450 nits
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Processor:: Intel Core i3-1215U
- RAM: 8 GB
- Battery Life: 11 hours
- Camera: 5 MP front and rear
- Weight: 809 g
Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i comes with a sleek body look, featuring slim bezels running around the 12.3-inch screen. This together with the charcoal greyish look gives it a sleek and modern look.
The screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio which makes it usable both in landscape and portrait orientation. This makes the screen seem even larger than it is.
Despite this cool look and a host of other features, this tablet is still affordable and will give great value for your money. It is the best Budget Windows Tablet in this list.
The screen is one of the best stand-out features on the Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i. Apart from the size and aesthetic, the screen features 2.5 k or 2560 x 1600 Pixels Resolution. This is crisp and clear and will be perfect for streaming.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Windows Duet 5i is ideal for both indoor and outdoor or high light conditions thanks to up to 450 nits brightness levels.
Pros
- Large screen with 2.5 K resolution
- Unique 16:10 aspect ratio makes it seem larger
- Bright display.
Cons
- Not as bright as iPads
Microsoft Surface Go 2: Windows tablet with USB port
- Screen Size: 10.5″
- Resolution: 1920×1280 Pixels
- Pixel Sense Touch-Screen
- Processor: Intel Pentium/ Intel Core i3
- RAM:4 GB/ 8 GB
- Storage Space: 64 GB / 128 GB
- Connection: Wifi
- Battery life: 10 hours
- OS: Windows 10 Home Upgradable Windows 11
- Comes with an adjustable Kickstand and Signature Type Cover to protect the tablet.
If you are looking for a Windows tablet under 300$, we recommend the Microsoft Surface Go 2. It has a nice and large 10.5 inch Full HD screen at 1920 x1280 pixels.
It is easily portable weighing only 1.2 pounds with a 10 hour full day battery retention. Its perfect screen and audio headphone jack allows you to watch and stream videos in clear high quality.
Whether you need a tablet for basic gaming or watching videos, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a perfect pick. However, you will experience lags if you try to use it for animation, complex gaming or video editing because of the old Intel Pentium/ Intel Core i3 processor and 4 GB/ 8 GB RAM.
It would have been great if they had an16 GB Intel Core i5 option if you want the same tablet but with more power. Unfortunately, they do not. They only have the Windows 10 Home OS upgradable to Windows 11 which does not change much.
It comes at a very affordable price range which is not bad and helps justify the limitations. You will be able to make clear Web conferencing calls or rear camera videos thanks to the Full HD front- and rear-facing cameras. The inbuilt camera features 8 MP for the rear and 5 MP front camera.
This is good but nowhere near as good as iPad Pro tablet at 12 MP front rear. However you will have to edit your recordings on another device because of the low RAM and 64 / 128 GB storage space. The storage space is at least expandable using a Micro SD card to 512 GB.
Pros
- Comes with Audio Jack
- Large screen with 1920 x1280 pixels resolution
- Windows 10 Home OS upgradable to Windows 11
- Good cameras
- Free adjustable kick stand on purchase
- Long battery life
- Affordable Price range
Cons
- Slow Intel Pentium processor and 4 GB RAM limiting complex tasks
- Low storage space
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Type-C USB port more popular?
Most tablets use USB Type-C ports for their versatility, fast data transfer, quick charging, and industry-wide standardization.
Are Tablets with USB ports more useful?
Yes. Tablets with USB ports will allow easy connectivity with External Keyboards, Storage devices, File Sharing, and Output Devices. It is also the fastest and most reliable file transfer method compared to wireless.
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Denis is a Graphic Designer with over 8 years experience. He can design logos, convert existing logos to vector format and print ready files. He enjoys designing fliers, banners, labels, social media graphics and posters. He spends most of his time creating digital art and vectors for different clients when not writing for this blog.