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 current top pick for the best 2-in-1 laptop is the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 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, along with a helpful spec comparison and our detailed shopping advice. We stand behind them all.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
May 9, 2025: We replaced the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook with the newer Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 as our Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook, and removed the discontinued Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 in favor of Asus’ ProArt PX13 as our Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Content Creators. We also changed out the aging (2023) Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 in favor of Dell’s Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) as our Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop. Finally, we replaced the older HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) with the current HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 as our Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Remote Workers. Since this article’s previous update, we reviewed and evaluated three new 2-in-1 laptops for possible inclusion, and 26 new laptops overall.
- Striking OLED touch screen
- Snappy performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Svelte design with remarkable soundbar hinge
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Slightly pricey
- No HDMI port or SD/microSD card slot
- No mobile broadband option
- Can’t cap the stylus pen
The flagship consumer convertible from the company that invented the modern 2-in-1, Lenovo’s Yoga 9i Gen 9 is our top pick, thanks to its superb 14-inch OLED touch display with pen support. Leading performance bolsters this laptop’s claim, too. The Yoga 9i showcases the power of Intel’s Core Ultra silicon, providing fantastic battery life and punchy performance. Including the pen and carrying case makes it a smart choice if you prioritize handwritten notes and on-screen sketching. With its all-metal chassis, the Yoga 9i exudes elegance while maintaining a slim profile.
The Yoga 9i Gen 9 is a premium swivel-hinge 2-in-1, perfect for anyone needing touch input, handwriting, and drawing features but not wanting to compromise the laptop experience. The dazzling OLED display and symphonic sound are matched by the most refined version of Lenovo’s famous flip-and-fold design yet.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 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
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.64 by 12.4 by 8.6 inches
Weight
2.98 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:52
Learn More
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 (2024) 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 hold up to daily use, while the polished build looks fancier than the affordable price might suggest. It has a broad port selection, delivers respectable battery life, and even squeezes in some above-average speakers.
Ideal for budget shoppers, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is a solid option for basic or casual use at a low cost. True, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is a step down from more expensive competitors: You’ll need to accept compromises like a less impressive display and somewhat pedestrian performance. But if you just want a machine fast enough for web browsing and basic productivity, this 2-in-1 laptop is the one for you.
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 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 work 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.
The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is ideal for remote workers prioritizing premium design and display quality. Whether for pure productivity or more creative tasks, the 2-in-1 design will fit the bill, but the long battery life and luxurious display are an excellent choice for pros of every stripe.
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 performance and generous memory, the PX13 is an OLED laptop with support for 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.
The Asus ProArt PX13 is a wise choice for professionals who prize performance and versatility. Still, content creators—artists, designers, editors—will benefit most from this speedy machine and the unique tools it provides for the major creative apps.
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
- Classy, compact build
- Excellent keyboard
- Full array of connections, including HDMI and microSD
- Slightly dim display
- Half a pound overweight
- Wi-Fi 6, not 6E or 7
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 is our favorite 2-in-1 laptop for business, thanks to its superb build quality, excellent keyboard, and broad port selection. It’s a frugal laptop, from the economical 1,920-by-1,200 IPS touch screen and bog-standard Wi-Fi 6 to the backlit keyboard, which ditches the classic Lenovo TrackPoint entirely. But the aluminum construction is sturdy, the Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU is capable, and an included Lenovo Active Pen enhances the 2-in-1 design. It’s not flashy but is as capable as it is affordable, earning our Editors’ Choice honors for a small-business 2-in-1 laptop.
Whether you’re a small-business owner on a budget or a contract employee providing your own gear for on-the-go work, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 is a functional, affordable option that’s perfect for daily tasks in a professional environment. It provides portability and performance while staying cost-effective.
Class
Business, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 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
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 12.3 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.61 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
20:37
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 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
Though not as frugal a choice as some Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the top ChromeOS-powered 2-in-1 laptop, especially for 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.
This one is for anyone who wants the most effective version of ChromeOS with Android support from Google to date with access to all of its functions. Whether you’re into productivity, creativity, student life, or just hanging out at home, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is as close to perfect as Chromebooks get.
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
- 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 2024 Microsoft Surface Pro to muscle its way into the top spot for detachable Windows tablets, thanks to a gorgeous OLED touch screen, included kickstand cover and keyboard, and a (relatively) affordable price of $1,099.99. 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.
The 2-in-1 detachable design is perfect for anyone who wants a super-portable, hands-on design, and the included keyboard cover is ideal for those who want more of a laptop experience when the situation calls for it. But the real decider here is the Qualcomm chip inside—if you’re ready to work within the limitations of Windows on Arm, it’s a shoo-in, but it’s not a lock for x86 die-hards.
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
- 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 and affordable Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9. It’s among the least expensive 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.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is ideal for anyone who wants a low-cost 2-in-1 computer. Its compact size and included stylus make it especially fitting for anyone who wants to take notes or enjoy their essential apps in a larger format. If portability and affordability are both high on your list of shopping criteria, there’s no beating the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9.
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
Google ChromeOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review
- Refined dual-screen design
- High-quality OLED displays
- Portable design with handy peripherals
- Potent performance for most tasks
- Quirky form factor won’t be to every taste
- Minimal port selection
- 7-hour battery life is a bit short
Lenovo’s 2024 Yoga Book 9i is an innovative dual-screen laptop that enhances productivity and multitasking with a pair of high-quality OLED displays. Both screens produce vibrant colors and excellent clarity, making them ideal for creators and media consumption. The lightweight design is highly portable, and the included accessories make it easy to switch between laptop and desktop modes, even on the go. Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and speedy LPDDR5X memory, it handles most tasks efficiently, with the bonus of double the screen real estate of any similarly sized ultraportable.
The Yoga Book 9i is ideal for early adopters who appreciate cutting-edge technology and are willing to embrace its quirks. Of course, it also targets buyers who uniquely benefit from the dual-screen setup for multitasking and creative work—you’ll have little need for a Wacom tablet with a second screen for drafting.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 x 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 11.8 by 8 inches
Weight
2.95 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
7:07
Learn More
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2024) Review
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The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2025
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.
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 have fewer keyboards and 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 to park 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 more standard 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 somewhat 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.
(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.
