Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch review

Microsoft describes the 13-inch Surface Laptop as its most portable and affordable option, and calls it ideal for students. It runs a 6-core Snapdragon X2 Plus processor and has the longest battery rating on this list, up to 22.5 hours of video playback. The 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen runs at 1920 x 1280 and 60 Hz in a taller 3:2 shape that shows more of a document at once. It weighs 2.7 pounds and has two USB-C ports at USB 3.2 speed, a USB-A 3.2 port and a headphone jack, plus a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello. The problem is value. At $1,199.99 when we checked, it costs as much as the MacBook Air with education pricing while offering a 60 Hz screen, and the 120Hz display, USB4 and face sign-in are kept for the 13.8-inch and 15-inch models. As with other Snapdragon laptops, check that required course software supports Windows on Arm.

Who it is for

Students who want the longest rated battery life and a touchscreen in a Windows laptop.

Price

From $1,199.99 at the Microsoft Store when checked.

Surface Laptop 13-inch Surface Laptop 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 15-inch $1,199.99 Buy $1,299.99 Buy $1,399.99 Buy
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• 6-core Snapdragon X2 Plus processor
• 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen at 1920 x 1280 and 60 Hz
• Up to 22.5 hours of video playback
• Windows Hello fingerprint sign-in
• Two USB-C (USB 3.2), one USB-A 3.2 and a 3.5mm headphone jack

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The longest rated battery life on this list
• Strength: Touchscreen in a taller 3:2 shape for reading
• Strength: 2.7 pounds with a USB-A port
• Weakness: $1,199.99 is high for a 60 Hz 1080p-class screen
• Weakness: Snapdragon means some Windows apps run in emulation
• Weakness: Face sign-in and USB4 are only on the larger models

Key facts

• Price: From $1,199.99
• Processor: Snapdragon X2 Plus (6-core)
• Display: 13-inch touchscreen, 1920 x 1280, 60 Hz
• Battery: Up to 22.5 hours video playback
• Sign-in: Windows Hello fingerprint
• Weight: 2.7 pounds

Where it ranks

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch is No. 6 in our Best Laptops for Students verdict.