The reason behind their popularity is hardly a surprise: they combine the performance of a laptop with the convenience of a tablet.
A 2-in-1 is essentially a touch-based convertible laptop that also offers a physical keyboard.
Lately, many manufacturers have designed hybrid devices that bundle in full-purpose features like backlit keyboards, multiple USB ports, and even discrete graphics cards.
Most of these devices follow a hinge-based design, essentially allowing users to switch across usage modes like tablet, tent or stand.
The 360-degree hinge lets you rotate the keyboard all the way behind the display. This way, while you can enjoy the comfort of a tablet, the keyboard will always be available – a suitable design for those who need the keyboard frequently.
Some others convertibles, especially the Microsoft ones, have detachable keyboards. Such keyboards tend to be light and are elementary to attach.
However, this design does make things top-heavy because that is where all the essential system components are. You will have to take a call based on your usage pattern to decide which model to bring home.
Table of Contents
- Our Picks: 10 Best 2-in-1 Laptops 2023
- 1. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Laptop
- 2. HP Spectre x360 13 Convertible Laptop
- 3. ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 OLED 2-in-1 Laptop
- 4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
- 5. Lenovo Yoga 6 2-in-1 Laptop
- 6. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 2-in-1 Laptop Tablet
- 7. LG Gram 14T90P 2-in-1 Lightweight Laptop
- 8. ASUS ZenBook Flip S UX371 4K OLED 2-in-a Laptop
- 9. HP Envy x360 15 Convertible Laptop
- 10. Lenovo Flex 5 14″ 2-in-1 Laptop
- Power plus Flexibility: Picking the Best 2-in-1
- Conclusion
Our Picks: 10 Best 2-in-1 Laptops 2023
The rising demand for flexible computing devices has pushed leading manufacturers towards 2-in-1s. Convertibles and hybrids now come with full-purpose keyboards, powerful processors, and impressive audio-visuals.
They also offer security solutions and easy connections to keep you plugged in and working without the threat of a data breach or loss of privacy.
Today, you can choose a 2-in-1 from top brands like HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Dell, Acer and ASUS. In the list below, we have recommended some of the best options available in the market today. They start at a budget-friendly $500 and go upwards of $1500.
1. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Laptop
A premium convertible perfectly usable as a full-purpose computer, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 laptop is a sensible option, particularly for those in creative businesses.
It is priced at a rather steep $1,149.99, but the specs are worth the price. Sample this: an eleventh-gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and an optional 4K Ultra display with HDR 400 certification.
You can also get a 90% DCI P3 color gamut, 500 nits of brightness, Dolby Vision, and Waves MaxxAudio sound.
This system, lightweight and stylish at 2.9lbs and 0.56″, consists of two Thunderbolt 4 ports and is compatible with Wi-Fi 6. You can keep your work confidential with facial recognition and a fingerprint reader.
On one charge, this 2-in-1 can run for 14 hours on the Full HD+ model and about 8 hours on the 4K+ version. This device keeps itself cool with an effective combination of dual fans, hidden exhaust venting, and a vapor chamber.
2. HP Spectre x360 13 Convertible Laptop
Boasting a screen-to-body ratio of 90%, the Spectre uses a bent design for better views. This compact 2-in-1, perfect for busy professionals, has several build innovations setting it apart.
Among these are a lasting hinge for long-term use, a 2.2mm webcam to maximize your real estate, and a gem-cut aluminum design.
Performance-wise, the eleventh-gen Intel Core CPU, 16GB of RAM, and up to a 2TB SSD ensure that you get everything done fast. It has a stunning display: a 4K OLED panel, True Black HDR, and minimal reflection.
HP has prioritized continuous use with increased battery capacity: around 16.5 hours even if you are streaming HD video. Add to that the provision for 5G connectivity, USB Type-C, and USB Type-A ports, and you can stay connected wherever you go.
3. ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 OLED 2-in-1 Laptop
Not only is it a good-quality option under $1000, the laptop is part of the Intel Evo platform that promises productivity, performance and long-lasting battery life.
The device is powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics for vivid visuals and optimal color reproduction.
The sleek and lightweight construction is further equipped with a compact 13.3” OLED FHD nanoedge display with Windows 11 Home operating system.
It is further integrated with 512GB SSD of storage and 8GB RAM for the ultimate multitasking experience. It is further backed with ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology that isolates unwanted noise for the ultimate user experience.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Not only is in a viable convertible laptop, it is one of the few options that stand out with its immaculate design and highly precise construction.
Also, it is programmed with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core H Series processors.
The device is equipped with boundary-pushing 14.4” touchscreen display with entertainment on the go, something that supports your creativity without any complications at all.
The PixelSense display supports true to life color and visual reproduction for a smoother experience.
Above all, the device is integrated with 512GB SSD of storage and 16GB RAM that enables users to tackle heavy load work experience without any complications along the way.
The combination of Dolby Vision with Dolby Vision IQ6 adjusts to the changing light conditions to ensure superior user experience along the way. It runs on the Windows 11 Home.
5. Lenovo Yoga 6 2-in-1 Laptop
It runs on a speedy AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD – adequate for everyday computing tasks like wireless streaming or working on presentations.
The smooth 360-degree hinge makes it easy to transition between the tablet and the laptop modes.
This 2-in-1, costing $849.99, is built to fit travel-intensive lifestyles. It weighs only 2.91lbs and includes Amazon Alexa to simplify your life on the run.
Moreover, the efficient heat dissipation gives it long-lasting battery juice of up to 18 hours. The bright FHD screen and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos enhance your multimedia experience.
Among the security features are a privacy shutter for the webcam and a fingerprint reader for safe, quick login.
6. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 2-in-1 Laptop Tablet
The device has been specifically designed for users who are consistently traveling and want the performance of a laptop in a tablet.
The device is part of the Intel Evo platform that contributes to heightened performance, responsiveness and battery life.
It is powered by up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics for the ultimate performance with vivid visual experience, even when you are on the go.
The Surface Pro 8 supports up to 16 hours battery life for the ultimate user experience. Beyond that, it is further integrated with up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD of storage. It is equipped with a 13” PixelSense display with 1920p screen resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
7. LG Gram 14T90P 2-in-1 Lightweight Laptop
The sleek body (2.8lbs) of this device belies its power. An Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU drives the performance; you get excellent RAM and memory to the tune of 16GB and a 1TB SSD.
A 360-degree display swiftly converts into tablet mode to let you work intuitively from anywhere.
If you frequently need to work on the go, this sturdily built device (MIL-STD-810G) is one of your best choices.
It offers tremendous battery backup of 24.5 hours and comfortable, flat keypads for quick typing. Thunderbolt 4 ports, Alexa, and an HD webcam keep you connected as you travel.
A note on the visuals: they get rendered with beautiful clarity and colors with Intel Xe Graphics and DCI-P3 99% color. Superior sound is another bonus of this computer, realized with DTS:X Ultra for 3D rendering.
8. ASUS ZenBook Flip S UX371 4K OLED 2-in-a Laptop
It provides extraordinary imagery with its 4K UHD OLED touch screen and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.
The blue-light reduction of up to 70% minimizes eye strain. Driving the performance is an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, supported by 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Combined with up to 15 hours of battery backup, the processing configuration gives your device the capacity to work uninterrupted for long hours.
This convertible, with its jade-black build and red diamond-cut edges, has an uber-stylish appeal. A 360-degree hinge permits you to switch across modes conveniently. At 2.87lbs and just 0.55″, the build agrees perfectly with professionals, students, travelers, etc.
If you plan on using your system for light gaming or other multimedia activities, you will benefit from the response time of 0.2 ms. It makes transitions smoother and also helps the details come alive.
9. HP Envy x360 15 Convertible Laptop
This 2-in-1 works well for those looking for an affordable but reliable computer. The 15.6” HP Envy x360 15 convertible laptop costs $849.99 and runs on an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor.
The specifications are adequate for everyday computing tasks: 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and AMD Radeon graphics. A 360-degree hinge lets you change to tablet mode and interact with your device closely. HP has also included a fingerprint reader for password-free, quick login.
Build-wise, this laptop is a tad heavier and thicker than some others on this list: 4.42lbs and 0.74″. However, it does offer extended battery usage of 11.5 hours to keep you un-tethered during the day.
The FHD touch display has a micro-edge design with IPS support, enabling you to enjoy engaging multimedia content. Enhancing your experience manifold is the Bang & Olufsen audio.
10. Lenovo Flex 5 14″ 2-in-1 Laptop
The standard laptop mode is perfect for day-to-day activities; you can employ the tent and the stand modes for sharing and bingeing multimedia content.
The tablet mode is intuitive to use, since this computer includes a digital pen.
This $600 convertible comes with 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and up to 10 hours of (quick-charging) battery capacity to power your endeavors at work.
The FHD panel with AMD Radeon graphics and a narrow-bezel design offers plenty of immersive entertainment and doubles up as essential armory for creative professionals.
Portability comes naturally to this convertible because of its light and sleek build: 3.64lbs and 0.82″. The durable paint adds to the user experience, while the physical shutter on the webcam keeps you free of anxiety.
Power plus Flexibility: Picking the Best 2-in-1
As a rule of thumb, pick a laptop that runs on an Intel Core i3 or above, although you can also choose an AMD equivalent to cut your costs.
If you are purchasing a device for CPU-draining tasks like software development, gaming or content editing, you should look for an eleventh-gen CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a minimum of 256GB of storage.
Visual clarity and color precision are crucial requirements in a 2-in-1, mainly because you are likely to use your device for bingeing Netflix, looking at presentations, or working on multimedia content creation.
While a bright FHD display is a given, you can also look for Pantone validation, 4K UHD panels, and blue-light reduction. A narrow-bezel design with an IPS panel is great to minimize external interference and view comfortably across positions.
Getting a discrete graphics card – while excellent for multimedia pursuits – depends upon your needs and budget.
Long-lasting battery capacity is another vital requirement in convertibles since they facilitate free, on-the-go use. A good ballpark is 10 hours and above; you will find many devices offering almost 15-hour unplugged usage.
One key component of 2-in-1 devices is security – a need underscored by the collaborative, portable usage they support. It is wise to look for security provisions such as a fingerprint reader, a privacy screen, or facial login. If your needs warrant enterprise-grade security, some convertibles like the Microsoft Surface provide TPM chips.
While selecting a 2-in-1, be mindful of the overall design and construction. A lightweight build should not come at the cost of durability, and additional features should not bulk things up so much that tablet-mode usage becomes difficult.
Most convertibles weigh in the range of 2-4lbs and have thin profiles measuring less than 1” to let you slip them into backpacks.
Conclusion
If you follow a travel-centric life or need to lug your computer along throughout the day, convertibles can be a blessing for you. There is something remarkably intuitive and liberating about using a stylus/pen on a tablet to create, switching to laptop mode to edit or run CPU-intensive applications.
Hinge-based models also give you the choice of tent or stand mode for sharing and watching content. However, selecting the right 2-in-1 should be a considered decision since one size will not fit all.
Your overarching priority is a good decision-making tool for selecting the best pick: bingeing television shows, coding, or light gaming.
For instance, the Acer ConceptD 3 Ezel laptop is an excellent choice for people in the creative business. It offers features that can match some desktops in this category. The Lenovo Flex 5 14″ 2-in-1, on the other hand, is an intelligent choice for those watching their budget.
If you are you are thinking of buying a detachable, Microsoft rules the game with reliable, stylish devices that also provide good battery backup and adequate processing compartments.
Considering the fast-paced world of today and how significant freedom can be for productivity, getting a convertible is a well-timed decision. With the abundance of choices in the marketplace, it just comes down to listing your priorities and finding the perfect match.
