Skip to main content

The best Surface Pro accessories you can buy right now

Microsoft’s Surface Pro, whether it’s the Pro 7, the 2018 Surface Pro 6, or one of the older versions, straddles the line between laptop and tablet by offering a full-featured computing experience in a compact package. It’s a powerful device, but it can feel a little bare-bones right out of the package. Without a keyboard or Surface Pen, it’s just a Windows-based tablet.

With that in mind, we put together a list of the best Surface Pro accessories to help you get the most out of Microsoft’s detachable 2-in-1 PC.

Surface Pen

Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Pen 2017
Kyle Wiggers/Digital Trends

The Surface Pen is such an essential part of the Surface Pro experience that previous versions just included it in the box. Unfortunately, Microsoft now opts to provide it only as an optional accessory, but it’s such a killer creative tool that it’s definitely worth the price.

Without it, the Surface Pro is a powerful Windows-based tablet. But with the Surface Pen, it’s a mobile sketchpad, notebook, and professional-grade artistic suite.

Surface Pen Tip Kit

Surface Pen Tip Kit
Image used with permission by copyright holder

On its own, the Surface Pen is a versatile tool for note-taking or artistic endeavors, but it’s still not quite as tactile as a real pen or pencil. With this optional tip kit, however, it comes remarkably close to the real thing. Plus, it’s a handy kit to keep around just in case you lose your Surface Pen’s tip.

The Surface Pen Tip Kit allows users to customize the friction and drag of their Surface Pens, based on use or just personal preference. One emulates the frictionless glide of a ballpoint pen, while another provides the crisp and slightly resistant drag of a number two pencil.

Surface Dial

Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Pen 2017
Kyle Wiggers/Digital Trends

Have you ever adjusted the volume on a high-end stereo system and experienced that ever-so-slight resistance and smooth scrolling action? Microsoft had the crazy idea to put that kind of user experience into a unique peripheral designed for its high-end Surface Studio desktop.

The Surface Pro doesn’t have the same screen real estate, but the Dial is still a worthy companion for Microsoft’s 2-in-1 PC. On its own, it can be used to adjust system volume, rotate images, and scroll seamlessly through options in professional creative suites like Adobe Photoshop.

Sure, the Surface Dial might not be for everyone, but it’s both really weird and really cool.

Surface Arc Mouse

Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Pen 2017
Kyle Wiggers/Digital Trends

Even if you spend most of your time using the Surface Pro as an artistic tool, now and then you might need to use it as a standard laptop. That’s where the Surface Arc mouse comes in, as sometimes you just need a mouse to easily navigate browser tabs or all those fiddly little options in Microsoft Word.

To make sure it’s always with you on the go, the Surface Arc actually bends to a flat position, so it’s easier to toss into a messenger bag pocket than a typical wireless mouse. When it’s time to work, just snap it into mouse mode, with a comfy little curve for your hand. From there, just pair it up with Bluetooth and start clicking through those browser tabs.

Surface Pro Signature Type Cover

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Surface Pro is pretty versatile with just the on-screen keyboard. Try typing your way through anything longer than a quick email, though, and you’ll start to feel the touchscreen limitations. Naturally, Microsoft developed its own ultra-fancy keyboard cover for the Surface Pro that turns an ordinary tablet into a portable — and super-soft — workstation.

Clad in luxurious Alcantara material, the Surface Pro Signature Type Cover will set you back about $160. But for usability’s sake, it’s definitely worth the cost. Microsoft markets the Surface Pro as an alternative to a standard laptop, but we beg to differ. Without an external keyboard like the Signature Type Cover, it just doesn’t get the job done.

Outback Solo Case for Surface

Outback Solo Case
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Carrying all the things you need for your mobile workstation will require a unique bag. These can help you organize all of your things plus your Surface Pro without damage or loss. There are quite a few options that will carry just the Surface Pro, but we love the quality and design of Waterfield’s Outback Solo.

This flexible option allows you to carry your Surface Pro and a few other essentials in one bag. The organization is flawless, but we love that you can remove the strap and the Outback Solo Case for Surface converts to a luxurious Surface Pro sleeve. You won’t find that kind of versatility in most other options.

Surface Dock

Microsoft Surface Dock
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Pro is acceptable for hobbyists, but you’ll need to invest in critical accessories if you want to use it in a professional capacity. The Pro’s advertised benefits include portability and minimal heft. However, it sacrifices essential ports in the process. To overcome this, you can use the Surface Dock device.

You might balk at spending $200 on a USB hub, but this device offers much more than just that. The Surface Dock sits on your desk and connects straight to the Surface Pro for charging, giving you more USB ports, two Mini-DisplayPort plugs, and an ethernet jack. It transforms your Pro into a comprehensive workspace with all the necessities for peripherals. Get an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and you’re all set.

The Surface Pro is a decent investment in itself

You will significantly improve your Surface Pro experience with some well-chosen accessories, whether your purposes are professional or recreational. Score the accessories we listed, and you won’t be able to distinguish between your Surface Pro and a standard laptop.

Editors' Recommendations

Jayce Wagner
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A staff writer for the Computing section, Jayce covers a little bit of everything -- hardware, gaming, and occasionally VR.
These are the best AMD laptops you can buy in 2024
A rendering of the two color options for the Asus Zephyrus G14.

Intel processors have historically dominated the laptop market, overshadowing AMD counterparts. Having said that, AMD's Ryzen family of mobile CPUs has made significant strides in gaining popularity. Consequently, an increasing number of exceptional laptops now boast AMD processors, challenging Intel's supremacy.

AMD-powered laptops are prevalent today across various segments of the market, offering respectable performance in gaming, premium, and productivity-oriented devices. Whether you're seeking a powerful gaming rig, a sleek premium laptop, or a reliable workhorse, AMD processors stand at the core of many cutting-edge devices. In this guide, we've listed some of the finest AMD laptops currently available that should suit your needs depending on your preferences.

Read more
The best budget CPU coolers you can buy for under $50
Arctic Freezer 36 mounted in a black PC.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great CPU cooler. Indeed, some of the best budget CPU coolers can give you seriously impressive performance, even giving you some headroom for overclocking. You might need to sacrifice on noise levels or aesthetics, as you can't expect to get the same all-round excellence of coolers that cost in excess of $100.

But you might be surprised how good a $30 cooler (or even less) can be.

Read more
People are returning the Vision Pro. Here are the best alternatives you can buy now
The Immersed Visor appears on the left and Apple Vision Pro on the right.

The Vision Pro is impressive, but it's not for everyone. That's why some people are already returning their orders just two weeks after the $3,500 product first launched. Fortunately, if that's you, or if you like the concept of Apple's Vision Pro, but aren't convinced it's a match for your needs, there are several alternatives to consider. Similar options start at $500 and climb to $3,900.

Some of the best VR headsets available now offer many of the same capabilities, but require a VR-ready Windows gaming PC. Others fall short of the Vision Pro's specifications, but are still great choices at a much lower price. Either way, it's a great time to review what Vision Pro alternatives you can buy right now and what's coming in the near future.
Meta Quest Pro

Read more