Overview
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Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9
Best Overall Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop - Jump To Details
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop - Jump To Details
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet - Jump To Details
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet - Jump To Details
HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Remote Workers - Jump To Details
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Content Creators - Jump To Details
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Business - Jump To Details
Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Enterprise Fleet Deployments - Jump To Details
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook - Jump To Details
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook
Classic clamshell laptops are always useful, but touch-screen models provide unmatched portability and convenience. That's where the best 2-in-1 laptops come in, saying, "Why not both?" At PCMag, we've been testing 2-in-1 laptops since the very first models, reporting firsthand how these versatile hybrid laptops can transform your workflow and entertainment experience. Founded more than 40 years ago, PCMag has become the laptop-review authority, our team applying collective decades of experience and expertise to more than 100 laptops every year. 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 Gen 8, for its 14-inch OLED screen, powerful performance, and sophisticated design. For different budgets and user scenarios, we have nine more tested recommendations. Check them out below, followed by detailed shopping advice and our helpful spec comparison.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9
Best Overall Convertible 2-in-1 LaptopWhy We Picked It
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.
Who It's For
The Yoga 9i Gen 8 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.
Pros
- Striking OLED touch screen
- Snappy performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Svelte design with remarkable soundbar hinge
- USB-A and USB-C ports
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- No HDMI port or SD/microSD card slot
- No mobile broadband option
- Can't cap the stylus pen
Learn MoreLenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 ReviewLenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 LaptopWhy We Picked It
A great 2-in-1 laptop is perfect for budget-conscious buyers, offering both laptop and tablet capability at an affordable price. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop, and even better for note takers who want to write notes or draw with a pen. The 14-inch display is the right size for portability and convertible use; the 13-hour battery life will carry you through a full day; and the Intel Core i5-1335U offers power for both projects and entertainment. Throw in a useful collection of ports and a 1080p webcam, and it's our favorite convertible laptop for budget shoppers.
Who It's For
Anyone seeking a budget-friendly 2-in-1 convertible will appreciate the portability, performance, and better-than-average features of the IdeaPad Flex 5i 14.
Pros
- Strong application performance
- Right-size screen for 2-in-1 versatility
- Crisp, accurate 1080p webcam
- Varied and useful port selection
- Long runtime
Cons
- No CPU or screen upgrades
- Display's color coverage is lacking
- Gray keys clash with deep blue chassis
Learn MoreLenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) ReviewMicrosoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Windows TabletWhy We Picked It
The Intel Core-based version of the Surface Pro 9 is the best detachable tablet around, thanks to its impressive performance, outstanding battery life, and pen-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio screen. The latest model of the class leader merges the iconic Surface Pro design, honed over many generations, with up-to-date hardware and improved battery life. With a sleek design, upgradable storage, and two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Surface Pro 9 is easily the most capable tablet-style 2-in-1 on the market, and our favorite Windows detachable.
Who It's For
The Pro 9 is ideal for users who want a versatile "tablet first" device for work, entertainment, on-the-go productivity, or intuitive note-taking. The tablet's superb digital inking will appeal to pen and stylus fans, while the excellent keyboard accessories and docking solutions make it a practical laptop replacement, too—though those bits cost extra. (Microsoft follows the iPad model and doesn't bundle the keyboard and stylus with its slate as some vendors do.)
Pros
- Impressive performance and battery life
- Outstanding cameras
- Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
- Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
- User-upgradable storage
Cons
- Essential accessories still not included
- No more headphone jack
- 5G only available with SQ3 processor
- High starting price
Learn MoreMicrosoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) ReviewMicrosoft Surface Go 3
Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Windows TabletWhy We Picked It
Still on sale despite its release in 2021, the Surface Go 3 has survived many competitors that have arrived only to quickly fizzle out and disappear. Naturally, even with the advanced Intel Core i3 processor option over the Pentium entry-level variant, this tablet's performance won't blow you away. However, it comes with so many pros—including a shiny and vivid display, a sturdy metal kickstand in a lightweight build, an SD card reader, and a long-lasting battery—that it's no surprise Microsoft's still selling this version.
Who It's For
If you're on a tight budget or are buying a tablet for a young student, this is the top tablet to consider in your search. While it doesn't include the keyboard cover, which will add to the cost, the Surface Go 3 persists in a subcategory without much competition. Lucky for you, this is the most plush-feeling Windows tablet at such a low price.
Pros
- Low starting price
- Lightweight
- Sunny display with vivid colors
- Windows Hello webcam with 1080p video support
- Integrated kickstand
- SD card reader for easy storage expansion
- Long battery life
Cons
- Keyboard cover not included
- Only one USB-C port
- Optional extras pump up price quickly
- Disappointing computing performance, even with Core i3 upgrade
Learn MoreMicrosoft Surface Go 3 ReviewHP Spectre x360 14 (2024)
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Remote WorkersWhy We Picked It
If you're frequently finding yourself in Zoom calls or working from home, take a look at the 2024 edition of the HP Spectre x360 14. The first thing you'll notice is the stunning OLED display, which not only looks sharp but gives you touch-screen capability as well. Next, the 4K webcam will draw you in, and the included software helps you look your best. Soon enough, you'll notice this convertible 2-in-1's peppy performance and lengthy battery life. If you need to stay productive and make a positive virtual impression, the Spectre x360 14 is an ideal choice for grab-and-go productivity and versatility.
Who It's For
If you're a professional working remotely (whether that means daily work from home, or just joining meetings from the road), you'll find the Spectre x360 14 among the best consumer convertibles we've seen to date. The OLED display, the 4K webcam, and the top-notch performance from Intel's latest Core Ultra processors make this a favorite for frequent video calls and getting stuff done.
Pros
- Gorgeous OLED touch screen
- Impressive productivity performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Elegant design
- World-class webcam
Cons
- Expensive when fully loaded
- No SD/microSD card slot or cellular internet
- No HDMI port (two USB-C docks included)
- No internal pen storage
Learn MoreHP Spectre x360 14 (2024) ReviewMicrosoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Content CreatorsWhy We Picked It
When it comes to 2-in-1 laptops, you won't find many that are built specifically for creative work. Even those with powerful processing and a dedicated GPU will stick to the same designs as standard clamshell/tablet hybrids. But the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is substantially different, welding powerful hardware to a unique pull-forward folding display with 120Hz refresh rate that's ideal for drawing and drafting in comfort. Under the hood is a potent combination of the latest Intel and Nvidia hardware, complete with dedicated AI processing for accelerating a host of creature-comfort features in video calls. With an effortless rechargeable pen and performance that smoothly handles any art or video task, it's easy to see this is the best 2-in-1 for creators.
Who It's For
Anyone who wants to draw, note, or get hands-on with their digital media will appreciate the Surface Laptop Studio 2 for its three-mode, touch-and-pen-friendly design, not to mention the high-performance hardware inside. If you value the convenience and utility of a drafting tablet but need the power of a larger professional creator laptop, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is unmatched.
Pros
- Convertible touch screen becomes drafting tablet
- Latest Intel and Nvidia silicon
- Dedicated neural chip for local AI
- 120Hz screen refresh rate
- Added USB-A and microSD
- Long battery life
- Cleverly located, charging magnetic stylus holder
Cons
- Surface Pen still sold separately
- Expensive
- Just-okay Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color coverage
- AI boosts only Windows Studio Effects, for now
Learn MoreMicrosoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 ReviewLenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for BusinessWhy We Picked It
The versatile Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga combines the best elements of Lenovo's premium business ultraportables with the most refined version of the Yoga 2-in-1 design, and the result is a winner. This outstanding hybrid business laptop switches between laptop and tablet with ease in its sleek 14-inch form factor, which includes a robust MIL-STD 810H certification, a respectable array of ports, and a battery that lasts nearly 14 hours on a single charge. The included stylus is a little weak, but the laptop is undeniably the best business 2-in-1 we've seen.
Who It's For
If you need business-grade performance and the adaptability of a 2-in-1, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is the brand's best yet. With extreme capability and unmatched portability, this sleek convertible is our favorite 2-in-1 for business users.
Pros
- Exemplary build quality and keyboard
- Decent array of ports
- Onboard self-charging stylus
- Trim and light for a 14-inch convertible
- Available mobile broadband
Cons
- No SD or microSD card slot
- Base screen is a bit low on resolution
- Toy-like mini stylus
- Expensive when individually priced
Learn MoreLenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 ReviewDell Latitude 9440 2-in-1
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Enterprise Fleet DeploymentsWhy We Picked It
When it comes to business use, you need a laptop that not only fits the job, but also fits the IT team, the office infrastructure, and the entire fleet of company machines. Enter the Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1, a slick convertible laptop that's packed with business features and premium touches that make it a smart choice for any office. Performance is great for both productivity and multitasking, and the display is top-notch, but the real treat comes from built-in, intelligent controls for Zoom video conferencing, optional 5G WWAN, and sturdy design. If you want up-to-the-moment 2-in-1s for your business, the 9440 is a smart pick.
Who It's For
The Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 is especially good for IT department fleet deployment, offering a reliable, feature-rich laptop for users that seamlessly integrates with the productivity and security needs of the modern office environment. The impressive battery life and compact portability make it great for use on the go, offering a versatile hybrid device that will appeal to the IT team as much as the rest of the staff.
Pros
- Slick frameless keyboard and extra large, feature-filled touchpad
- Excellent performance and battery life
- Plenty of available business features, including 5G WWAN
- Pretty display with above-average color and brightness
Cons
- Thunderbolt 4 ports only
- Uncomfortable hard-edged palm rest
- Pricey
- Only one screen choice
Learn MoreDell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 ReviewAcer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
Best Convertible 2-in-1 ChromebookWhy We Picked It
The 2023 edition of Acer's Chromebook Spin 514 stands out as the best ChromeOS 2-in-1 laptop by combining a rugged yet flexible design with category-leading AMD processing power. With features like a full HD webcam and helpful connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6 and an HDMI monitor port, this versatile Chromebook easily handles everything from web browsing to Google Workspace productivity, and is even up to some modest web-based media creation and editing. A generous 13-hour battery life keeps you confident when away from wall outlets, and its sturdy aluminum build favors frequent travelers. The Spin 514 is an adaptable and high-performing convertible that leads the Chromebook pack with its polished build and first-class performance.
Who It's For
Both students and small-business pros can benefit from Acer's well-built, well-equipped laptop/tablet hybrid. Its peppy AMD CPU and impressive battery life make it a sure bet to convert anyone who's been burned by a cheap, low-end Chromebook.
Pros
- Category-leading performance with AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- Excellent full HD webcam
- Rugged MIL-STD 810H construction with sturdy aluminum
- Decent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and HDMI out
Cons
- Uses cheaper eMMC storage
- 16:9 aspect ratio feels like a throwback
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
- No stylus included
Learn MoreAcer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023) ReviewLenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Best Detachable 2-in-1 ChromebookWhy We Picked It
The IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is a fine little ChromeOS tablet that puts a nifty 2-in-1 twist on its 11-inch slate design by way of a standard kickstand and keyboard cover. Not everything about the feature set is ideal—with no audio jack, you'll need a USB-C adapter to use your headphones, for one thing—but the Duet 3's versatility is hard to beat. You might want to augment it with a USB-C dock to flesh out the functionality, but this grab-and-go super-portable is tops for cheap convenience.
Who It's For
Budget shoppers, tablet buffs, and anyone who does most of their work online will find the Duet 3 Chromebook a terrific productivity partner. It delivers just enough in the way of features and performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and media streaming, making it an ideal choice for students and casual users alike.
Pros
- Compact, totable design
- Keyboard cover offers good typing feel
- Handy kickstand
- Great flexibility for Chrome and Android apps
- Solid performance from Qualcomm CPU
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Pen sold separately
- Short battery life
Learn MoreLenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook Review
Buying Guide: The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2024
What Does '2-in-1' Mean When Buying a Laptop?
This simple term describes a specific type of laptop, which can also function as a tablet. For our purposes, we break down 2-in-1 laptops into two kinds: the convertible laptop (a one-piece machine), and the detachable tablet (which splits in two).
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 back behind the screen. This type of 2-in-1 is the best choice if you're planning on using the keyboard a lot, as you're guaranteed to always have it with you. (Typing the Great American Novel or even an ordinary business report on the hard, flat surface of a virtual onscreen keyboard is an experience you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)Because of the motion that a convertible laptop's hinge enables, you can usually use these systems in a variety of 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 but also a touch-friendly tablet, then 2-in-1 laptops are the exact solution for that. The combination of laptop and 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 can be some extra thickness, as the hinge mechanisms are a little more complex than a normal laptop's.
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. That said, generally speaking, detachable laptops have lesser keyboards and slower performance by nature of their limited space for cooling, and their 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 under 2 pounds for the screen portion), but they are decidedly tablet-first devices. The detachable keyboards on practically all current models double as screen covers, which makes for a simple, easy-to-carry package, but doesn't offer 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 will be able to 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-class 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 processor is likely to 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 powerful 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: Molly Flores)In contrast, a convertible 2-in-1 system is more likely to use a more powerful Intel Core 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?
Below are the top convertibles and detachable hybrids we've tested in recent months. 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.
