Microsoft Surface StudioFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 46 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment43%
PROS 43%
CONS 57%

Rank based on 46 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You're an artist, architect, or illustrator wanting to draw directly on a large, color-accurate screen
  • You value the unique zero-gravity hinge form factor over raw performance
  • You want an all-in-one machine with included keyboard, mouse, and pen

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need serious 3D modeling, video editing, or heavy Adobe/After Effects performance
  • You want upgradability, more RAM/ports, or better price-to-spec value
  • You'd rather pair a standalone monitor with your own PC

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1
Asus ExpertCenter P440
Good fit for office/home productivityGenerous connectivityGreat image quality
Asus ExpertCenter P440
Good fit for office/home productivity
Generous connectivity
Great image quality
Best value
2Budget
Dell OptiPlex 9030
Easy to open/upgradeSATA drive compatibilityGood value / cheap availabilityInconsistent power supply qualityNo dedicated GPU upgrade path mentionedThermal paste not factory-optimal
Dell OptiPlex 9030
Easy to open/upgrade
SATA drive compatibility
Good value / cheap availability
Inconsistent power supply quality
No dedicated GPU upgrade path mentioned
Thermal paste not factory-optimal
3Premium
iMac M1
Stylish, Colorful DesignGreat for Family/School UseHandy Chin DesignLimited Port SelectionSingle-Fan Base Model Thermal ConcernsNo Black/Space Gray Option
iMac M1
Stylish, Colorful Design
Great for Family/School Use
Handy Chin Design
Limited Port Selection
Single-Fan Base Model Thermal Concerns
No Black/Space Gray Option
4Premium
iMac 24-inch
Excellent camera and microphone qualityIconic, colorful chin designStrong M1 performanceOccasional audio echoNon-upgradeable RAM and storageLimited port selection
iMac 24-inch
Excellent camera and microphone quality
Iconic, colorful chin design
Strong M1 performance
Occasional audio echo
Non-upgradeable RAM and storage
Limited port selection
5
Dell OptiPlex 3280
Good size for POS useRestorable/upgradeable unitVESA mount compatibilityNo touch-screen option
Dell OptiPlex 3280
Good size for POS use
Restorable/upgradeable unit
VESA mount compatibility
No touch-screen option
6Budget
iMac G3
Strong personal/emotional impactIconic, nostalgic designStill usable for retro computing todayCRT discharge dangerLimited USB ports and no writable optical driveLoud hard drive
iMac G3
Strong personal/emotional impact
Iconic, nostalgic design
Still usable for retro computing today
CRT discharge danger
Limited USB ports and no writable optical drive
Loud hard drive
7Premium
iMac 27-inch
Long-term durability and longevityExcellent 5K Retina displayStrong performance and specsSoldered, non-upgradeable SSDExpensive upgrade pricingThick, dated bezels
iMac 27-inch
Long-term durability and longevity
Excellent 5K Retina display
Strong performance and specs
Soldered, non-upgradeable SSD
Expensive upgrade pricing
Thick, dated bezels
You are here
8Premium
Microsoft Surface Studio
Great for drawing and design workStunning, accurate displayLong-term owner satisfactionHigh price relative to specsNo upgradability or repairabilityPen design and input quirks
Microsoft Surface Studio
Great for drawing and design work
Stunning, accurate display
Long-term owner satisfaction
High price relative to specs
No upgradability or repairability
Pen design and input quirks
9Mid
iMac M4
All-in-one convenienceVibrant color optionsGood value for target marketNo 27-inch or larger screen optionBase 256GB storage too smallNot upgradeable, monitor becomes obsolete with computer
iMac M4
All-in-one convenience
Vibrant color options
Good value for target market
No 27-inch or larger screen option
Base 256GB storage too small
Not upgradeable, monitor becomes obsolete with computer
10Mid
Asus V400
Sleek Studio-Ready DesignStrong Configuration for the PriceUpgradeable RAM and StorageHard-to-Find Dongle PortHeavier Than CompetitorsNo Caps Lock Indicator
Asus V400
Sleek Studio-Ready Design
Strong Configuration for the Price
Upgradeable RAM and Storage
Hard-to-Find Dongle Port
Heavier Than Competitors
No Caps Lock Indicator

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The display and drawing experience win people over instantly. Commenters repeatedly call the PixelSense screen gorgeous, color-accurate, and unique in the market, with architects and artists saying they had to buy one on sight. The True Scale 4.5K resolution and fully laminated, multi-touch, pen-enabled glass make it feel unmatched for design work, even though several wish Microsoft would sell the display on its own so it could pair with a separate, more powerful PC of the owner's choosing.

Price and specs create constant frustration versus alternatives. Buyers compare the Studio unfavorably to Wacom Cintiq tablets, gaming laptops, and custom mini-ITX builds, arguing similar or better specs cost far less elsewhere. The base 8GB RAM model is criticized as inadequate for Photoshop, and the lack of a modern GPU, USB-C ports, and rechargeable pen/keyboard batteries at a $3000-4000 price point strikes many as poor value, though some feel the unique form factor justifies the premium.

Non-upgradability and pen quirks are recurring annoyances. Multiple commenters lament the soldered, non-upgradable design that offers no repairability if the screen breaks or specs age out, wishing for at least one USB-C port or a standalone monitor option. The Surface Pen's tendency to register marks before touching the screen is flagged as a known bug fixable by resetting the battery, while others note Wacom's two-button pen design is ergonomically superior for heavy digital drawing.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?