Classic clamshell laptops are always in style, but touch-screen tablets can be even more portable and convenient, depending on how you compute. That’s where the best 2-in-1 laptops come in, saying, “Why not both?” At PCMag, we’ve been testing 2-in-1s since the first models started transforming workflows and entertainment. For more than 40 years, PCMag has been the laptop-review authority, our team applying collective decades of experience in reviewing more than 100 laptops annually. We meticulously lab-test each laptop for its CPU and graphics performance, screen quality, battery life, connectivity, and value. Our top pick for the best 2-in-1 laptop is the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 10 Aura Edition for its 14-inch OLED screen, powerful performance, and sophisticated design. Beyond that model, we have many more tested recommendations for different budgets and user needs, a helpful spec comparison, and more detailed shopping advice.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
March 22, 2026: With this update, we removed the discontinued Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2024). Our lineup of recommended 2-in-1 laptops otherwise remains unchanged. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated almost two dozen new laptops for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other laptop roundups. We’re currently testing more than a dozen laptops in PC Labs, including models from Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, for possible inclusion in this and our other laptop roundups.
- On-point productivity performance
- Gorgeous, sturdy 2-in-1 build
- Spectacular OLED display
- Excellent battery life
- Click-button touchpad
- A little expensive for the component mix
The leading 2-in-1 from the company that invented the modern convertible laptop, Lenovo’s Yoga 9i Gen 10 is our current top pick, thanks in part to a dazzling 14-inch OLED touch display and lengthy battery life. This laptop’s potent performance supports its right to the top spot, too. The Yoga 9i makes efficient use of Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V chip, delivering long-lasting battery life alongside quick speeds for everyday work. Also, Lenovo includes a stylus in the box, making this laptop a complete system without needing “optional” accessories. And with its full-metal chassis, the Yoga 9i upholds the line’s reputation for elegance and sturdy substance.
Well-to-do early adopters: This is an ideal laptop for early adopters of high-end tech products who want a premium and versatile device. The Lenovo Yoga 9i impresses with a stunning 120Hz OLED touch screen and a distinctive soundbar hinge, ideal for high-end multimedia consumption and creation. It’s also equipped to ride the ongoing AI wave with a top-end neural processor.
High school and college students: This laptop is an excellent fit for older students with diverse needs and interests. No, it’s not a gaming laptop. But the Yoga 9i provides a combination of a lightweight 2-in-1 design, potent productivity performance, and nearly 22 hours of battery life, making it an ideal companion for all-day use, whether for schoolwork, leisure, or creativity.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches
Weight
2.91 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
21:56
Learn More
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition Review
- Gorgeous OLED display
- Excellent battery life
- Smooth, crisp touchpad
- Elegant 2-in-1 build
- Performance is a bit underwhelming
- Shallow keyboard is tough to adjust to
- Stylus input requires too much pressure
- Limited port arrangement
You’ll find plenty of laptops with a gorgeous OLED display, but the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is one of our favorites for remote work. Its elegant and functional 2-in-1 design, superb 20-hour battery life, and smooth, crisp touchpad make it ideal for any work environment. You can drudge away your workday on any laptop, but this one will have you looking forward to signing on in the morning, whether you’re working comfortably at home or heading into the office.
Remote and hybrid workers: This laptop is best-suited for professionals working from home. WFH pros will love the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 because it’s a highly portable machine that combines all-day battery life, a premium build, and a high-quality display, allowing for effective work from any location.
Frequently traveling contractors: This is an excellent choice of laptop for freelancers and entrepreneurs who travel a lot. The OmniBook is a thin-and-light laptop with a screen that’s perfect for presenting clients or customers with files and other assets in person. Its long battery life will also be a boon for those extended off-site sessions.
Class
Ultraportable, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Yes
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
802.11be, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.59 by 12.35 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.97 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:59
Learn More
HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 Review
- Blazing performance with generous memory
- Handsome OLED touch screen
- DialPad touchpad for creator apps
- Sleek, sturdy construction
- Irksome AI robo-mouse assistant
- No mobile broadband option
The Asus ProArt PX13 is a fantastic convertible 2-in-1, but content creators will love it most. Beyond its blazing AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and generous memory, the PX13 is an OLED laptop that supports touch controls, a stylus, and Asus’ DialPad touchpad, making it one of the most versatile creator laptops we’ve seen. From its sleek and sturdy build to its intuitive tools and flexible design, the PX13 was built with professional creators in mind and delivers in spades.
Content creators: This is the go-to 2-in-1 laptop for people working in media production and other creative fields. The Asus ProArt PX13 is specifically designed for professionals and hobbyists who require exceptional performance for demanding creative software and value specialized tools like the DialPad and the laptop’s color-rich OLED touch screen.
Convertible-loving speed freaks: This is a top-choice laptop for shoppers who love 2-in-1 laptops but need as much performance as possible. People who want the flexibility of a convertible laptop but are unwilling to compromise on the processing power required for heavy-duty apps will enjoy the ProArt PX13 and its flagship Ryzen processor.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 11.7 by 8.3 inches
Weight
3.04 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:30
Learn More
Asus ProArt PX13 Review
- All-day battery life, and then some
- Excellent keyboard, retaining Lenovo’s Trackpoint nub pointer
- Useful selection of ports
- Decent speakers
- Expensive
- Middling performance for the price class
- Subpar base screen unless you go OLED
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition is our current recommendation for convertible 2-in-1 business laptops, thanks to its exceptional all-day battery life, superior keyboard (featuring the familiar red TrackPoint), adapter-free connectivity, and performance that can handle everything from daily office tasks to more intense projects. Lenovo has a reputation for excellent work machines, and this 2-in-1 is no exception—though we wish an OLED screen were an option.
Corporate mobile professionals: This is the most suitable 2-in-1 laptop for corporate deployments. Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition is ideal for users who spend long hours on productivity tasks, as it benefits from an outstanding keyboard, all-day battery life, and quiet operation. It’s a durable machine with ample ports to work with all your devices anywhere.
ThinkPad loyalists: This is the 2-in-1 laptop to buy for those who have remained faithful to the ThinkPad brand for years. Business users who are invested in the ThinkPad brand and rely on signature features like the TrackPoint and Lenovo’s specific keyboard feel will enjoy working on the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Business
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.64 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches
Weight
2.97 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
25:01
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition Review
- Super-slim magnesium chassis
- Vivid OLED screen
- Lengthy battery life
- Decent port selection
- Stylus included
- Pricey
- No dedicated GPU available
The 16-inch LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 is large enough to be considered a desktop replacement, but its sleek, convertible design and featherweight magnesium alloy chassis make it the best big-screen 2-in-1 laptop on our list. From the vivid OLED display to the nearly 18-hour battery life, this system is designed for productivity and on-the-go use. It also has a broad port selection and a fine handwriting and drawing input stylus.
Media enthusiasts and presenters: This laptop is an excellent choice for individuals who enjoy watching movies and sharing content with others in person. The combination of a dazzling 16-inch OLED screen and a flexible 2-in-1 design makes the Gram Pro 2-in-1 ideal for watching movies, browsing the web, or giving presentations on a large, vibrant display.
People replacing a desktop: This laptop is ideal for people looking to replace a desktop with a big-screen 2-in-1 device. It’s a high-end model that expertly blends power, portability, a large screen, and versatility without major compromises. With a long-lasting battery on top, it’s the ultimate featherweight desktop-replacement laptop.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc 140T
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.5 by 14.1 by 9.9 inches
Weight
3.08 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:56
Learn More
LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 16 (2025) Review
- Sturdy, polished build
- A decent selection of ports
- Respectable battery life
- Impressive speakers for the size
- Display leaves much to be desired
- Performance lags behind competitors
- No USB4 or 20Gbps ports
Your options are limited if you want a budget-friendly laptop that flips back into a tablet. For our money, the best current tight-budget 2-in-1 is the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445). The stylish, sturdy design should withstand daily use, while the polished build looks more sophisticated than the affordable price might suggest. It has a broad port selection, delivers respectable battery life, and even squeezes in some above-average speakers.
Buyers on a strict budget: This is the 2-in-1 laptop to beat for people who need to spend less. The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) is ideal for shoppers who require a 2-in-1 convertible form factor but have a limited budget and cannot afford more expensive, higher-rated models. The laptop packs a lot of value into its price.
People shopping for a secondary PC: This laptop is well-suited for people seeking a mobile companion to their home or family desktop. The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) is a versatile, basic computer for everyday tasks that can accompany you on vacations or other trips, providing access to specific apps or files not available on your smartphone or tablet.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 780M Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.4 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:56
Learn More
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) Review
- Gorgeous OLED touch screen
- Kickstand cover and above-average keyboard included
- Dual high-quality cameras
- SD card slot
- Affordable price
- Pen not included
- Scanty port selection and no headphone jack
- Arm software compatibility concerns
- No WWAN option
The Asus ProArt PZ13 shoves aside the Microsoft Surface Pro for the top spot among detachable Windows tablets, thanks to a gorgeous OLED touch screen, an included kickstand cover and keyboard, and a (relatively) affordable price. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, it’s on the same level as the Surface Pro, but for hundreds less and with similarly powerful, portable performance. Favorite features include an SD card slot for grab-and-go media transfers and a pair of front- and rear-facing cameras with outstanding resolution and image quality. Add it all up, and it’s our new detachable 2-in-1 recommendation.
Surface Pro alternative seekers: This is the Windows tablet that best challenges the category-defining Microsoft Surface Pro. Shoppers who want a detachable 2-in-1 but dislike the Surface Pro’s pricing and a la carte accessories should consider the PZ13. It’s a premium-cost option with a gorgeous touch screen, but it’s still a better value than the Surface Pro, thanks to the accessories Asus includes in the box.
Platform-agnostic mobile creators: This is a go-to detachable 2-in-1 for creative pros who aren’t concerned with platform specifics. The ProArt PZ13 targets active creators with its high-quality OLED touch screen and an SD card slot for easier media transfers. Note: It’s based on Arm processing instead of traditional AMD or Intel chips, so be sure you’re unaffected by this before making a purchase.
Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100)
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches
Weight
1.87 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:47
Learn More
Asus ProArt PZ13 Review
- New AI features supercharge ChromeOS
- 12 months free Google One with Gemini Advanced
- Versatile, durable 2-in-1 design
- Intel Core Ultra processing and on-device AI
- Excellent battery life
- Clear, colorful touch screen
- Pen not included
- ChromeOS still has quirks
Although not as frugal a choice as some Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the top ChromeOS-powered 2-in-1 laptop, particularly for running Android apps and gaming. It features a capable convertible design, a potent Intel Core Ultra chip, and a list of AI-powered upgrades, including a one-year trial of Google’s Gemini Advanced. We already adored the Spin 714’s elegant design and premium build, but the latest model sweetens the deal with the most brilliant version of ChromeOS we’ve ever seen.
Students and educators: This is an ideal 2-in-1 laptop for students of all ages and educators alike. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 delivers a combination of nearly 15 hours of battery life, a durable 2-in-1 design for flexible use, and potent performance for cloud-based apps, making it an ideal all-day machine ready to integrate with Google-centric campuses.
Fans of Google and AI: This is a leading 2-in-1 laptop for people interested in AI and who already use Google products. Shoppers who want to be on the cutting edge and are eager for the new on-device Gemini AI features via ChromeOS will enjoy the Chromebook Plus Spin 714. People already invested in Google’s services will benefit from these AI tools, as well as the included Google One subscription.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.21 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:46
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review
- Among the least expensive convertible laptops on the market
- Sharp touch screen
- Tablet portion has a high-quality build for its price
- Headphone jack is back
- Test model includes stylus pen
- All models include bundled keyboard
- Middling performance and battery life
- Keyboard has squishy keys, is designed for smaller hands
For the best totable tablet-and-laptop combination, we love the compact, affordable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9. It’s among the least expensive 2-in-1 models on the market, but this little Chrome detachable features a sharp touch screen for a high-fidelity user experience and a surprisingly high-quality build. Complete with a bundled keyboard and stylus, it’s our clear favorite for detachable 2-in-1 Chromebooks.
Young students and kids at home: This is a fine-fitting detachable 2-in-1 for kids at home or in the classroom. The Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is well-suited for educational use, providing easy access to essential apps and functions. It’s also great for budget-strapped families looking to equip their kids with effective tablets for watching videos and playing games.
Adult users with basic needs: This is an ideal detachable 2-in-1 for older adults who use computers for basic tasks, like email, bills, and social media. It’s capable enough for introductory online workflows, making it a good fit for users who primarily browse, stream, or play basic casual games. It’ll also help undemanding users stay in touch with friends and family on a budget.
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
MediaTek Kompanio 838
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
ARM Mali-G57 MC3
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches
Weight
1.12 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
- Fully rugged, with IP66 rating
- Sunlight-readable, glove-touch-capable screen
- Numerous expansion options
- Swappable batteries and storage drive
- Three-year warranty
- Expensive
- Hefty
- Middling battery life with standard batteries
If you need something specialized and combat-tested for use outside of the clean, safe office, check out the Getac F110 G7. This fully rugged detachable 2-in-1 is designed with an IP66 rating for maximum durability. From the sunlight-readable touch-screen display (which even works with gloves!) to the swappable batteries and storage drive for extended usability, the Getac goes far beyond survivability. With expandable components and rugged, hands-on features, such as straps and handles, it’s an outstanding rugged tablet for use in the field.
Field service pros and first responders: This is the leading detachable 2-in-1 device for field workers and first response teams. The Getac F110 G7 is designed for harsh outdoor environments, ready to withstand drops, water, and extreme temperatures. The tablet’s sunlight-readable, press-touch screen, and robust connectivity options (such as GPS and cellular) make it well-suited for first responders as well.
Manufacturing and industrial users: This is a great 2-in-1 PC for use on manufacturing and other industrial floors. Workers or managers in facilities or warehouses who need an adaptable, rugged tool with swappable batteries for continuous uptime (and expansion options for specialized peripherals) will appreciate the F110 G7.
Class
Detachable 2-in-1, Rugged
Processor
Intel Core i7-1365U
Processor Speed
1.8 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
11.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.98 by 12.4 by 8.15 inches
Weight
3.29 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:06
Learn More
Getac F110 (G7, 2025) Review
- A big upgrade for classrooms and some offices
- Compact, customizable 2-in-1 design
- Modular and versatile expansion card system
- MIL-STD-810 durability and rubber edges
- Price sits above its target audience
- Ho-hum display
- Limited prebuilt model configurations
The Framework Laptop 12 is a 2-in-1 twist on one of our favorite budget systems, the modular, upgradable, and repairable Framework Laptop 13. But this new convertible design does far more than add tablet functionality to a familiar laptop design. Instead, it refines the Framework approach to swappable components, adding MIL-STD-810 durability and rubberized edges, which beef up the 12-inch hybrid to survive everything from drops and spills to commutes and schoolkids’ thumps and bumps. However, the real savings come over time, as future upgrades allow you to keep your 2-in-1 current without requiring a whole new system.
Educational institutions: This is an excellent laptop choice for school systems seeking long-term cost savings. The Framework Laptop 12 is a smart 2-in-1 for schools, as its repairable, durable nature is ideal for managing a fleet of devices in a classroom setting, minimizing long-term costs.
DIY enthusiasts: This is the 2-in-1 laptop to buy for people who love to tinker with and upgrade their hardware. People who are comfortable building and maintaining their own hardware will appreciate Framework’s DIY kit option, which allows them to assemble one of these laptops from parts.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i5-1334U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Screen Size
12.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.73 by 11.3 by 8.4 inches
Weight
2.87 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
12:47
Learn More
Framework Laptop 12 Review
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The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2026
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2026
What Does ‘2-in-1’ Mean When Buying a Laptop?
This simple term describes a specific type of laptop that can also function as a tablet. We break down 2-in-1 laptops into convertible laptops (one-piece machines) and detachable tablets (which split into a tablet and a keyboard).
The convertible laptop can transform from laptop to tablet and back again, with most systems featuring a hinge design that allows for rotating or folding the keyboard portion through 360 degrees, out of the way behind the screen. This type of 2-in-1 is the best choice if you’re planning to use the keyboard often, as you’re guaranteed to always have it with you. (Typing the Great American Novel or even an ordinary business report on a virtual on-screen keyboard’s hard, flat surface is an experience you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Because of the motion that a convertible laptop’s hinge enables, you can use these systems in various modes. If you want to be able to share the display with everyone in a meeting, you can place the keyboard portion face down on the desk (called “stand” or “display” mode) and have the screen showing up front, kiosk-style. Or, you can prop it up on its leading edges (in the so-called “tent” or “A-frame” mode), which takes up less space than the other modes. For flexibility, it’s difficult to beat this kind of 2-in-1.
In a convertible machine, the battery and motherboard are usually located in the base (as in a traditional laptop), so it’s balanced for use on a lap or a tabletop. The stable bottom lid of the clamshell is also a better typing platform than the sometimes flimsy panel of a detachable keyboard case. There’s also more room for batteries in a laptop form factor (the bottom half never goes away), which results in improved battery life.
Are 2-in-1 Laptops a Good Idea?
If you want a functional laptop and a touch-friendly tablet but don’t want to buy or own two devices to achieve that, 2-in-1 laptops are the exact solution. The combination of a laptop and a tablet provides even more capability than a standard laptop can offer.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Can a 2-in-1 replace a standard laptop? Absolutely, because most 2-in-1s are a laptop first, and a tablet second. Everything you can do with a standard thin-and-light laptop, you can do with a 2-in-1 that has similar specs.
Detachable 2-in-1 designs may be the exception to this rule, since they have a slightly different form factor, which prioritizes tablet functionality first, with an add-on keyboard. These designs may be less powerful or have smaller batteries, but they’re still fully capable Windows PCs.
What Are the Disadvantages of a 2-in-1 Laptop?
One downside to a convertible, rotating-style 2-in-1 laptop is some extra thickness, as the hinge mechanisms are slightly more complex than those of a standard laptop.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Also, because the lower half is permanently attached, a convertible means that you’re always carrying the extra weight and bulk of the keyboard wherever you go. With a detachable 2-in-1, you can leave half behind. Generally speaking, detachable laptops tend to have slower performance because they have limited space for cooling and need to cram all their computing components in one half of the machine, behind the screen.
Picking the Best Detachable Laptop: Two Devices in One
A detachable tablet 2-in-1 is essentially a slate with a keyboard case or keyboard dock. The dock option is a bit more stable than the keyboard case, but the general idea is the same: You can remove the keyboard portion of the tablet and leave it behind when you desire maximum portability. Microsoft’s various Surface detachables (the Surface Book, Pro, and Go families) are the vanguard models of this kind.
Modern slate-based tablets and detachable 2-in-1 laptops tend to be lightweight (often less than two pounds for the screen portion), but they are decidedly tablet-first devices. The detachable keyboards on practically all current models double as screen covers, making for a simple, easy-to-carry package but not offering the same typing feel that a traditional laptop can provide. Nor do the keyboard covers have ports on their edges; the physical connections are all on the tablet half of the 2-in-1.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The benefit of the keyboard case is that it is thinner and lighter overall than the usual lower half of a laptop or convertible. Detachable-hybrid tablets, however, tend to be top-heavy because all of the system’s components and batteries, and hence their weight, are necessarily localized in the screen. You’ll want to examine your usage patterns to determine whether holding the PC in your hands and interacting with the touch screen is right for you.
Detaching the tablet and leaving the heft of the keyboard behind is optimal when, say, you’re actively presenting a slideshow on a big screen and using the tablet to draw notes on the slides in real time. Reattaching the keyboard takes mere seconds, so you can easily (and comfortably) change the slideshow’s content during your lunch hour if you need to change your talk’s focus for your afternoon session.
Tech Specs: What to Look for in a 2-in-1 Laptop
Convertibles tend to range in size from 11 inches to 14 inches, with a handful of low-end models at the smaller end of the range and a few 15-inch and 16-inch rotating-convertible models serving as outliers for those who like big screens that will stay parked on a desk most of the time. The rest of the specs (storage space, the processor used, and so on) for convertibles and detachable hybrids generally follow the same lines as standard clamshell laptops and Windows tablets, which means you’ll have to pay more if you want additional speed, fancier features, or a thinner, flashier design.
For example, a system with a fanless Intel Core (or, less often, an AMD Ryzen) processor will likely have excellent battery life and a wafer-thin body. These chips are generally what you will find in detachables. But you should expect that these systems will be less potent than comparably sized laptops or convertible 2-in-1s, as these low-power mobile processors are designed for cool, quiet operation (which you’ll want for a system you’re using on your lap or holding in your hand) more so than for blazing speed. For more information on the CPU power you can expect from 2-in-1 laptops, check out our guide to choosing a laptop processor.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
In contrast, a convertible 2-in-1 system is likelier to use a more powerful processor with a cooling fan and perhaps even a discrete graphics processor. It will likely be a thicker device, but you’ll have more power to do more demanding media-creation work or heavy multitasking. As with anything else when computer shopping, it’s all a game of trade-offs and compromises, and we’re here to help you decide which one is for you.
Ready to Buy the Right 2-in-1 Laptop for You?
We’ve shared the top convertibles and detachable hybrids we’ve tested in recent months, so you now have everything we can provide to make an informed buying decision. We refresh the list often to include the newest products, so check back frequently. Don’t need the unique transformational capabilities you get from a 2-in-1? Check out our reviews of the best overall laptops, the top business notebooks, and our favorite ultraportables. Also, check out our guide to 15 top tips for saving on your next laptop purchase.
