Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 12.4" offers a compact, lightweight design for everyday computing. If you are searching for microsoft surface laptop go 2 12 4 alternatives, you likely need a device that fits your specific workflow. This model features an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM in a 2.48-pound chassis. Its 12.4-inch touchscreen and fast charging make it ideal for travelers who prioritize portability over screen size. However, you might prefer a different screen dimension, more memory, or a distinct brand experience.
We selected these 6 options because their specifications overlap with the original. Some picks offer larger 15.6-inch displays for stationary office work. Others provide 14-inch screens with legacy ports for business users. A few models include 16GB of RAM for heavier multitasking. Each alternative addresses a specific need that the compact Surface might not fully satisfy. You can compare screen sizes, processor types, and memory capacities to find the right fit for your daily tasks. These choices ensure you have reliable options whether you need a larger display or more robust connectivity.
Our top pick: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 12.4" Touchscreen.
How alternatives differ from Surface Laptop Go 2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 14" Ultrabook
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 offers a larger 14-inch screen compared to the Surface Laptop Go 2's 12.4-inch display. This extra screen real estate benefits business users who need more workspace for spreadsheets or documents. It matches the Surface in processor speed with an Intel Core i5 and has the same 8GB of RAM. However, it weighs 2.5 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the Surface's 2.48 pounds. You gain legacy ports and enterprise security features, but you lose the compact form factor and touchscreen capability. This model suits professionals who prioritize connectivity and screen size over maximum portability.
Dell Latitude 15.6" Core i5 Laptop
The Dell Latitude 5500 provides a significantly larger 15.6-inch screen, making it ideal for users who find the Surface Laptop Go 2's 12.4-inch display too small. It also includes 256GB of storage, doubling the Surface's 128GB SSD capacity. While it shares the Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM, it weighs 1.8 kilograms, which is substantially heavier than the Surface's 2.48 pounds. This device is designed for stationary office work rather than travel. You get more screen space and storage, but you sacrifice the lightweight, portable design that defines the Surface Laptop Go 2.
Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop
The Dell Latitude 5420 stands out with 16GB of RAM, which is double the 8GB found in the Surface Laptop Go 2. This extra memory helps with multitasking and running heavier applications. It features a 14-inch display, offering more screen real estate than the Surface's 12.4-inch screen. Like the Surface, it uses an Intel Core i5 processor and includes 256GB of SSD storage. However, it weighs 3 pounds, making it noticeably heavier than the Surface. This laptop is best for users who need more memory and a larger screen but do not mind the added weight for daily commuting.
Aurant 15.6-Inch Ryzen R5 Laptop
The Aurant 15.6-inch laptop offers a much larger screen than the Surface Laptop Go 2, which is helpful for users who need more visual space. It uses a Ryzen 5 processor and includes 8GB of RAM, matching the Surface's memory. The device weighs 3.64 pounds, which is significantly heavier than the Surface's 2.48 pounds. You gain a full-size keyboard and a larger display, but you lose the compact, lightweight design. This laptop is suitable for students or remote workers who prioritize screen size and keyboard comfort over portability and ease of transport.
Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" Core i5 Laptop
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 provides a 15.6-inch display, which is larger than the Surface Laptop Go 2's 12.4-inch screen. It includes 256GB of SSD storage, offering double the capacity of the Surface's 128GB drive. Both devices use an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. The ThinkBook is designed for users who prioritize screen real estate and storage over portability. It handles standard productivity tasks well but lacks the compact form factor of the Surface. This model is a solid choice if you need more space for work but do not require the lightweight design of the Surface Laptop Go 2.
HP x360 11.6" Touchscreen Convertible Laptop
The HP x360 11.6-inch is smaller than the Surface Laptop Go 2, making it even more compact. It features a touchscreen, similar to the Surface, but lacks the same processor specifications. It includes 8GB of RAM, matching the Surface's memory. The HP weighs 4 pounds, which is considerably heavier than the Surface's 2.48 pounds. This convertible laptop is designed for basic portable computing tasks. You get a touchscreen and a different form factor, but you sacrifice the performance and portability of the Surface. It is best for casual users who need a small, versatile device for simple tasks.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 12.4" Touchscreen
Best for: portable everyday computing and travel
- Processor
- Intel Core i5
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 12.4"
- Dimensions
- 8.96 × 11.9 × 2.15 inches
- Weight
- 2.48 pounds
View on Amazon: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 12.4" Touchscreen
This is a lightweight 12.4-inch touchscreen laptop weighing 2.48 pounds. It features an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. The 128GB SSD offers basic storage. You get 13.5 hours of battery life and fast charging. The 1080p camera and studio mics support video calls. It runs Windows 11 and includes a fingerprint power button for secure login.
Pros
- 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
- 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage
- 13.5-hour battery life with fast charging
- Fingerprint power button for Windows Hello
Cons
- 128GB SSD limits storage capacity
- 8GB RAM may restrict heavy multitasking
- 12.4-inch screen is smaller than standard 14-inch models
Good fit if
- You need a highly portable device under 2.5 pounds
- You primarily use web browsers and office apps
- You value fast charging and long battery life
Skip if
- You require large internal storage for media files
- You need a 14-inch or larger display
- You run memory-intensive professional software
Verdict: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 12.4" i5 is a compact option for travelers who prioritize portability over screen real estate. It suits users who need a reliable machine for light daily tasks and value quick charging capabilities.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 14" Ultrabook
Best for: business users needing legacy ports
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-8250
- Memory
- 8GB DDR4
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 14"
- Display Resolution
- 1920x1080 FHD
- Use
- Business
This 14-inch business laptop features an Intel Core i5-8250 processor and 8GB DDR4 memory. The 256GB SSD provides fast storage, while the 1920x1080 FHD display offers clear visuals. It includes Windows 11 Pro for enterprise security. This refurbished unit is built for professionals who need reliable performance and legacy port compatibility without modern adapters.
Pros
- Intel Core i5-8250 processor handles multitasking
- 14-inch 1920x1080 FHD IPS display
- 256GB SSD for quick file transfers
- Includes HDMI and USB-A ports
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
- 256GB storage fills up quickly
- Refurbished condition varies slightly
Good fit if
- You need Windows 11 Pro features
- You require HDMI connectivity
- You want a lightweight 14-inch laptop
Skip if
- You need more than 8GB RAM
- You require more than 256GB storage
- You prefer new condition devices
Verdict: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 fits users who prioritize portability and enterprise security over raw power. It suits those who need legacy ports and a 14-inch screen for business tasks.
Dell Latitude 15.6" Core i5 Laptop
Best for: Office work requiring large screens
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-8365U
- Memory
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.6"
- Display Resolution
- Full HD
- Use
- Business
The Dell Latitude 5500 is a 15.6-inch business laptop featuring an Intel Core i5-8365U processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It includes a Full HD display and Windows 11 Pro. This model offers extensive connectivity with USB 3.1, HDMI, and Bluetooth. It weighs 1.8 kilograms and measures 0.79 inches thick. You will find this machine suitable for daily office tasks and light multitasking.
Pros
- 15.6-inch Full HD display for clear visuals
- Intel Core i5-8365U processor for reliable performance
- 256GB SSD for fast boot times
- Windows 11 Pro with enterprise-grade security
- Extensive connectivity including USB 3.1 and HDMI
Cons
- 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
- 1.8 kg weight reduces portability
- Older generation processor
Good fit if
- You need a large 15.6-inch screen for spreadsheets
- You require Windows 11 Pro for business security
- You want extensive port connectivity for peripherals
Skip if
- You prioritize lightweight portability under 1.5 kg
- You need high-end gaming or video editing performance
- You prefer a touchscreen display
Verdict: Dell Latitude 5500 15.6" Business Laptop suits users who prioritize screen real estate and business security features over maximum portability. It is a solid choice for stationary office work requiring reliable connectivity.
Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop
Best for: Users needing 16GB RAM and a 14-inch screen
- Processor
- Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 14"
- Display Resolution
- FHD
- Use
- Business
The Dell Latitude 5420 is a 14-inch business laptop featuring an Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes a 256GB SSD and a Full HD display. This machine offers more memory than the Surface Laptop Go 2 and other 8GB alternatives on this list. It is designed for users who need reliable multitasking capabilities in a portable form factor.
Pros
- 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking
- Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7 processor
- 14-inch Full HD display
- 256GB SSD storage
Cons
- 256GB SSD is smaller than 512GB options in similar business laptops
- Weighs 3 pounds, which is heavier than the 12.4-inch Surface Laptop Go 2
- No mention of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity in the specifications
Good fit if
- You need 16GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
- You prefer a 14-inch screen over a 12-inch model
- You require a business-class laptop with Windows 11
Skip if
- You prioritize portability and want a lighter device under 2.5 pounds
- You need more than 256GB of internal storage
- You are looking for a touchscreen display
Verdict: Dell Latitude 5420 14" Business Laptop provides a solid balance of performance and screen real estate for professionals. It is the best choice for users who prioritize 16GB of RAM and a 14-inch display over the compact size of the Surface Laptop Go 2.
Aurant 15.6-Inch Ryzen R5 Laptop
Best for: portable daily office work
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen R5
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.6"
- Display Resolution
- FHD
- Dimensions
- 15.1 × 9.02 × 0.76 inches
The Aurant 15.6-inch laptop offers a practical entry point into Windows 11 computing. It pairs an AMD Ryzen R5 processor with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. The lightweight 3.64-pound chassis includes a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad and backlight. You get essential connectivity via HDMI, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth 4.2. This setup supports daily office tasks and web browsing without bulk.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen R5 processor handles multitasking
- 15.6-inch HD display for clear viewing
- Full-size keyboard with backlight and numeric keypad
- Lightweight 3.64-pound design for portability
- Includes HDMI and USB 3.0 ports
Cons
- 128GB SSD limits storage capacity
- Bluetooth 4.2 is older than modern standards
- 8GB RAM may restrict heavy workloads
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight laptop for commuting
- You require a numeric keypad for data entry
- You prioritize basic office tasks over gaming
Skip if
- You need extensive local storage space
- You require the latest Bluetooth connectivity
- You plan to run demanding creative software
Verdict: Aurant 15.6" Ryzen 5 Laptop provides a balanced build for students and remote workers. It fits users who value portability and a full-size keyboard for daily productivity.
Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" Core i5 Laptop
Best for: Users needing a larger 15.6-inch display
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1135G7
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.6"
This Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G2 ITL offers a 15.6-inch display paired with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for daily tasks. The larger screen provides more workspace than the 12.4-inch Surface Laptop Go 2. It suits users who need a standard laptop size for office work or media consumption without requiring high-end gaming performance.
Pros
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor
- 15.6-inch screen size
- 8GB RAM capacity
- 256GB SSD storage
Cons
- 8GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
- 256GB storage fills up quickly
- Renewed condition varies in wear
Good fit if
- You want a larger 15.6-inch display
- You need basic office performance
- You prefer a standard laptop form factor
Skip if
- You require high-end gaming graphics
- You need extensive storage space
- You prefer a compact 12-inch screen
Verdict: Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" i5 8GB is a solid option for users who prioritize screen real estate over portability. It handles standard productivity tasks well but lacks the expandability for power users.
HP x360 11.6" Touchscreen Convertible Laptop
Best for: basic portable computing tasks
- Graphics Card
- Intel Graphics
- Processor
- Intel 4-Core
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB
- Screen Size
- 11.6"
- Dimensions
- 14.2 × 9.2 × 0.7 inches
View on Amazon: HP x360 11.6" Touchscreen Convertible Laptop
The HP 2026 X360 offers an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen with a convertible design. It runs on an Intel 4-Core processor up to 3.29GHz, paired with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage. This model includes WiFi 6 and Bluetooth for connectivity. It is suitable for users needing a compact, portable device for basic computing tasks and light productivity.
Pros
- 11.6-inch HD touchscreen display
- Intel 4-Core processor up to 3.29GHz
- 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- 128GB storage capacity is limited
- HD resolution is lower than FHD
- 4-pound weight is heavy for its size
Good fit if
- You need a convertible touchscreen laptop
- You want basic portability for light tasks
- You require standard connectivity ports
Skip if
- You need high-end gaming performance
- You require large storage capacity
- You prioritize high-resolution displays
Verdict: HP 11.6" X360 Convertible Laptop is a compact option for students or casual users who value touchscreen versatility over raw power. It fits those who prioritize portability and basic functionality.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 12.4" Touchscreen | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 14" Ultrabook | Dell Latitude 15.6" Core i5 Laptop | Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop | Aurant 15.6-Inch Ryzen R5 Laptop | Lenovo ThinkBook 15 15.6" Core i5 Laptop | HP x360 11.6" Touchscreen Convertible Laptop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics Card | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Intel Graphics |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i5-8250 | Intel Core i5-8365U | Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7 | AMD Ryzen R5 | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Intel 4-Core |
| Memory | 8GB | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Capacity | 128GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 128GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 128GB |
| Screen Size | 12.4" | 14" | 15.6" | 14" | 15.6" | 15.6" | 11.6" |
| Display Resolution | not specified | 1920x1080 FHD | Full HD | FHD | FHD | not specified | not specified |
| Storage | not specified | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | not specified | 256GB SSD | not specified |
| Use | not specified | Business | Business | Business | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 8.96 × 11.9 × 2.15 inches | 12.8 × 8.54 × 0.63 inches | 9 × 14 × 0.79 inches | 12.8 × 8.35 × 0.76 inches | 15.1 × 9.02 × 0.76 inches | not specified | 14.2 × 9.2 × 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 2.48 pounds | 2.5 pounds | 1.8 kilograms | 3 pounds | 3.64 pounds | not specified | 4 pounds |
| Size | 8GB | 128GB | not specified | not specified | i5-1145G7-16-256-SV-Win11 | not specified | 8 GB RAM | 256 GB SSD | not specified |
| Color | Platinum | not specified | Silver with Black Keyboard | Gray | Ash gray | not specified | Pastel Black |
| Model | 1135G7 | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 | Latitude 5500 | Latitude 5420 | R5 | ThinkBook 15 G2 | HP 11.6" Laptop |
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Frequently asked questions
Which alternative has the largest screen size?
The Dell Latitude 15.6" Core i5 Laptop offers the largest display in this list. Its 15.6-inch screen provides significant workspace compared to the Surface Laptop Go 2's 12.4-inch panel. This makes it ideal for stationary office work where you need maximum screen real estate for documents and spreadsheets.
Which laptop is the lightest option?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is the lightest device at 2.48 pounds. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 follows closely at 2.5 pounds. Heavier options include the Aurant Ryzen 5 at 3.64 pounds and the HP x360 at 4 pounds. The Surface remains the most portable for travel.
Is there an option with 16GB of RAM?
Yes, the Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop includes 16GB of RAM. Most other alternatives listed, such as the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and the Surface Laptop Go 2, feature 8GB of memory. The Dell Latitude 5420 is the best choice if you need higher memory capacity for multitasking.
Does any alternative feature a touchscreen?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 includes a 12.4-inch touchscreen. The HP x360 11.6" also features a touchscreen convertible design. The other listed laptops, including the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Dell Latitudes, do not have touchscreen capabilities in their published specifications. You must check specific listings for screen type.
Which laptop is best for business use?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 is designed for business users needing legacy ports. The Dell Latitude 5500 and Latitude 5420 are also labeled for business use with security features. These models suit professionals who require reliable connectivity and enterprise-grade hardware for daily office tasks.
Which option offers the best balance of portability and screen size?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 balances a 14-inch screen with a lightweight 2.5-pound build. It is slightly heavier than the Surface Laptop Go 2 but offers more display area. This makes it suitable for users who want a larger view without carrying a heavy 15.6-inch device.
Are there 15.6-inch alternatives available?
Yes, three laptops feature a 15.6-inch display. The Dell Latitude 5500, Aurant Ryzen 5, and Lenovo ThinkBook 15 all offer this larger screen size. These models are heavier and wider than the 12.4-inch Surface Laptop Go 2, making them less portable but better for stationary productivity.