Stop: Don't buy a Microsoft Surface today.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite — The Surface Pro 11 is still a lovely device, but a lack of discounts and the device's age make it a hard sell. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Microsoft has made plenty of Surface devices that we've recommended over the years, and I'm sure that will continue. But right now, I encourage you to hold off on any Surface purchases.

Between good sales ending, the MacBook Neo breaking the budget laptop market, and new Surface hardware around the corner, it's just not a good time to buy.

New Surface PCs are coming

There are always new PCs on the way, so you can't just put off buying a computer indefinitely. But Surface shoppers should hold off for a few more weeks.

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Microsoft is set to announce new Surface PCs this spring. When those new Surface PCs get unveiled, they could have features that turn your head or that you view as must-have options. But even if you want a Surface PC from the current generation, it's still best to wait.

For those curious, new Surface PCs are coming this spring. So wait a few more weeks if you were thinking about buying a current gen model.March 23, 2026

Once the new Surface PCs get announced, we'll likely see sales on older Surface hardware. That will be one of the best times to pick up whichever Surface device is no longer the newest model in its respective line.

Microsoft has not hinted at which Surface devices will be announced this spring, but our Senior Editor Zac Bowden shared that both Qualcomm and Intel-powered PCs are on the way.

It's safe to assume that Snapdragon X2 chips and Intel Core Ultra 3 will come into play.

It's been a while since we've seen the flagship Surface products refreshed. 2024 is a long time ago in the tech world, and that was when Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7.

Apple's MacBook Neo is a better bargain, for now

MacBook Neo on display at Apple's March event — The MacBook Neo burst the bubble on budget laptops. (Image credit: Future | Tom's Guide)

When Apple announced the MacBook Neo, it sent shockwaves through the tech world. With a starting price of $599, the MacBook Neo offers more than competing Surface devices.

Bowden explained how the MacBook Neo makes Microsoft's Surface Laptop 13-inch seem like a bad deal. I argued that Microsoft left the door open for the MacBook Neo.

Right after the MacBook Neo was announced, I wrote about how deals on competing Windows laptops were scarce at the time. Things shifted a bit as retailers and OEMs rolled out some good PC deals, but I still think we have to wait a bit to see Windows laptops catch up to the MacBook Neo when it comes to value.

Surface sales have dried up

Collection of tech placed on a snowy background — Surface PCs were among the great sales we covered over the holiday season, but deals have generally been paused. (Image credit: Microsoft | Amazon | ASUS | Samsung | MSI | Corsair | Edited With Gemini)

There have been some excellent Surface sales over the last few months. I've seen the Surface Pro 11, Surface Laptop 7, Surface Pro 12-inch, and Surface Laptop 13-inch discounted by hundreds of dollars.

Unfortunately for those looking to find an affordable Surface PC, most of those deals have ended. There are still some Surface deals around if you check the usual places, such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg. But the massive discounts that lead to impulse purchases are nowhere to be seen.

You only have to wait a bit

Microsoft has plenty in store for its Surface lineup. You only have to wait until spring to see what's on the way.

Whether you're on the hunt for a new Surface PC or want to get a bargain on an older model, those options should be there soon enough.

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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.

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