Best Surface Pro 8 accessories in 2021

The Surface Slim Pen 2 can make it feel as if you’re writing on actual paper thanks to a tiny haptic engine on the inside that vibrates as you use the device in certain apps. It has a great design and is more precise than the previous Slim Pen. Buy it along with the new Surface Pro Keyboard, which not only acts as storage but recharges the pen too.

There are bags, and then there are WaterField Designs. Made in the US, these premium-crafted bags are the perfect, long-lasting choice for those who want to carry Surface Pro 8 all the time and look stylish too. But besides fashion, this bag packs plenty of pockets, zippers, and functionality for the discerning day traveler. Our review goes through all the reasons why you should buy this bag.

There are no fewer than four options for official Surface Pro 8 keyboards, but this one is the cheapest. For $140, it has multi-stage backlighting, precision trackpad … and one single color (black). There is no slot for a Surface Slim Pen, so this is a good option only if you have no interest in using that accessory. Otherwise, look at the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 ($280).

Compatible with the Surface Pro 8, the Dock 2 offers four USB-C ports (two for video), two USB-A 3.2, Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, and a Kensington lock slot. It can drive up to dual 4K displays, each with a 60Hz refresh rate, or a single 5K display at a 30Hz refresh rate. It will also charge your Surface Pro with up to 120W of power.

Kensington’s new Thunderbolt 4 dock is the same as the excellent SD5700T but is officially certified by Microsoft for Surface Pro 8 and Laptop Studio. It brings 90W power delivery, 4 x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 4 x USB-A ports, Ethernet jack, audio, and an SD card slot, making it a compelling and powerful accessory.

If you plan to take your Surface Pro 8 into the wild, don’t fret with UAG’s line of three rugged and semi-rugged cases. Scout is the lightest with essential corner and frame protection. Metropolis covers the entire device, while Plasma has a built-in rear handle and can even take a shoulder strap. All are custom fitted for Surface Pro 8.

The Surface Arc mouse is available in many different colors and is designed to easily slip into a sleeve or bag when you’re on the go. Its design allows it to bend flat when stored and bent back to a comfortable curve when in use. The Surface Arc connects with Bluetooth and has about a 10-meter range, plus the batteries should last upwards of six months on a charge.

The Surface Pro 8 with Intel Iris Xe is a great little gaming machine, but you will probably want something to help you get around in-game. The Xbox wireless controller connects to your Pro 8 via Bluetooth — no connectors sticking out — so you can enjoy haptic feedback and that classic feel in your hands.

If you want to change the look of Surface Pro 8, toss on a high-quality dBrand skin. Choose from many colors and textures, including mixing and matching (one for the rear top half and the bottom). You can even get a skin for the rear Surface logo for an extra $1.

Want to make Surface Pro 8 a real laptop? Just add Brydge’s excellent SP+ Bluetooth keyboard, and you’ll have your wish. With a spectacular keyboard, solid trackpad, backlighting, and a precision design, this replacement keyboard transforms your Surface Pro into a whole new experience, all for a great price.

Spigen’s well-reviewed screen protector for Surface Pro 8 adds an oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprints, adds 9H screen hardness, preserves the clarity, brightness, and color, thanks to the quality tempered glass. It has cutouts for the speakers, cameras, microphones and won’t interfere with the keyboard. It also won’t interfere with your pen and ink experience.

For better protection, you might want to check out this sleeve/carrying case from tomtoc. It’s a soft fabric with dual zippers for safely stowing your Surface Pro 8 and leaving room for smaller accessories like a charger. Not only does it come in four colors to match your style, but it has a fancy grab handle to carry it around.

What if you need more ports? This travel hub has 1x 4K HDMI, 3x USB 3.0 Type A, SD Card reader, TF Card Reader, Ethernet, and a 100W Type-C charging port. It clips to your bag with a keychain design, and the cable is embedded into the aluminum body, making it clutter-free.

With Thunderbolt 4, why not turn Surface Pro 8 into an actual gaming PC? With this external GPU (eGPU) and a single cable, you’ll have a very powerful gaming experience. Just make sure to get the video card, too.

If you’re getting that Razer eGPU, this is the best-value GPU you can get for it. Sure, there’s the 3080, but this 3060 Ti is more than enough for serious gaming, and it won’t crush your wallet.