Best Surface Duo Accessories 2020

Microsoft Surface Duo pushes a new dual-screen foldable form factor, supporting Android for the first time. The device promises a new approach to mobile productivity, with a range of accessories available to bolster the experience. We've rounded up the best accessories for new Microsoft Surface Duo buyers in 2020.

Inking and note-taking

Microsoft Surface Slim Pen

Staff Pick

With a focus on pocketable productivity, the Surface Duo embraces digital inking. The form factor mirrors a notepad, making it ideal for quick note-taking, annotations, and sketches. The device supports most Surface-branded pens, but the newest Surface Slim Pen fits best with an ultra-portable design.

The Microsoft Surface Slim Pen trims the fat of its alternatives, measuring 136.8mm long, and 11.3mm by 6.3mm thick. It's also the only rechargeable Surface Pen, using an included wireless cradle to top up the 15-hour battery life. When eyeing a new stylus, this is the one to buy.

$112 at Microsoft $118 at Best Buy

Protect your Duo

ZAGG InvisibleShield GlassFusion+ Screen Protector for Surface Duo

The Microsoft Surface Duo and its foldable design mean that both 5.6-inch AMOLED displays are protected in-pocket, reinforced by its Gorilla Glass construction. But installing a screen protector isn't a bad call on premium-tier devices, especially when on the move.

ZAGG is an established name in smartphone protection, bringing its durable hybrid glass line to Duo. It also packs anti-bacterial properties suited for the modern world, repelling up to 99.99% of common surface bacteria according to the company. With a limited lineup of cases at launch, a screen protector helps keep you covered.

$40 at Best Buy

Wireless audio

Microsoft Surface Earbuds

Surface Earbuds serve as Microsoft's first entry in the truly wireless market, focused on premium in-ear audio with a productivity twist. They push the high-end with a unique disc-shaped design, primarily delivering quick access to touch gestures. You also get all-day comfort and battery life, lasting up to eight hours per charge, or 24 hours through the included case.

They work with Android, iOS, and Windows 10, designed for work and play. It includes unique hooks with Spotify and Microsoft Office, including gesture controls for PowerPoint slides and real-time transcription and translation. Microsoft enters a crowded market with a novel premise, best suited to getting things done.

$200 at Microsoft $200 at Amazon

Quick access

Kensington Belt Holster for Surface Duo

Kensington is one of the accessory makers teaming up on Microsoft Surface Duo accessories, first launching a belt-clip holster. The polycarbonate clip keeps your device mounted waist-high, easily sliding in and out horizontally. It's ideal for a foldable that's wider than your average phone and, in some cases, less pocketable due to that footprint. It also comes with a two-year warranty, designed as an accessory to last. It's now up for preorder and ships in September.

$35 at Amazon $35 at Kensington

Experience the best apps

Microsoft 365

While half of the Microsoft Surface Duo experience centers on the hardware, the apps are equally crucial to reaping the dual-screen benefits. The Microsoft Office suite is among the few optimized, with cross-screen spanning support and other unique modifications.

The Microsoft 365 subscription extends far beyond the classic Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel — now including AI-powered tools, cloud storage, and security-focused features. Users will also unlock the full OneNote suite, which provides the best note-taking experience on the device. It even starts relatively cheap, from just $7 per month.

From $7/mo. at Microsoft $59 at Amazon

Use wired headphones

Surface USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter

The Surface Duo might not sport a headphone jack, doubling down on USB-C, but Microsoft hasn't forgotten it entirely. The company sells its own Surface USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, which allows you to hook up any wired headphones that use the analog connector. It's nothing hugely fancy but fulfills its use with a clean, high-quality build.

$12 at Microsoft

Do one better with these accessories

The Microsoft Surface Duo makes its debut on September 10, introducing a new dual-screen form factor, starting from $1,399 in the U.S. The device approaches the mobile market with a fresh perspective over the typical smartphone, leveraging extended screen real estate, and a range of fine-tuned apps. But it's still early days, and we'll add more accessories as they become available.

The Duo does a lot differently out of the box, but if you're buying one accessory, make it the Microsoft Surface Slim Pen. Using a stylus unlocks inking capabilities, allowing for handwritten notes and annotations across supported apps. Its (somewhat) portable design better lends to pocketable devices, even if it doesn't ship with an inbuilt mounting solution.