Best 2-In-1 Laptops – Top 5 Picks & Reviews In 2024

Best 2-In-1 Laptops

2-in-1 convertible laptops have gained immense popularity due to their versatility in adapting to various uses. These devices can function as traditional clamshell laptops for productive tasks, transform into tent mode for immersive media consumption, or even serve as tablets for ultimate portability.

Some models even offer pen input functionality, catering to the needs of digital artists and enthusiasts of handwritten notes. However, selecting the perfect model can be a daunting task, considering factors such as size, overall user experience, performance, and additional features like a docking slot for stylus support. It is crucial to also consider the potential extra costs, as certain tablet PCs may not include the keyboard.

To assist you in making an informed decision, we have thoroughly tested and evaluated over 50 laptops, and below, we present our top recommendations for the finest convertible laptops available in the market.

Top pick

ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED

ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED

It is equipped solely with integrated graphics, which lack the necessary speed to run high-demand games smoothly.

Editor’s choice

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

The synergy between the Slim Pen 2 and Adobe Suite will be particularly appreciated by art students.

Best value

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

The battery life is impressive, easily lasting a full 8-hour workday with some power to spare.

Best 2-In-1 Laptops Reviews

1. ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED

ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED

The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED stands out as the top 2-in-1 laptop we have reviewed. This elegant ultraportable is impressively sturdy and convenient to carry. It boasts a stunning 90Hz OLED screen, a user-friendly keyboard, and a spacious touchpad featuring an integrated virtual numpad. The screen is compatible with pen input through Microsoft Pen Protocol technology. While the device includes a stylus, there is no designated spot for storing it during travel.

It offers a variety of ports, such as two Thunderbolt 4s and an HDMI, along with a facial recognition IR camera for swift logins. The performance is exceptional; Intel’s 13th Gen CPUs effortlessly manage everyday tasks and more demanding activities like photo editing and programming. The battery provides approximately eight hours of light usage, so depending on your needs, you might need to recharge it quickly to last through the day.

The gaming performance of the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED is subpar. It is equipped solely with integrated graphics, which lack the necessary speed to run high-demand games smoothly. While lighter puzzle games can be played, users may need to compromise on resolution or settings for optimal gameplay. The laptop features a 90Hz OLED display with a decent response time, but lacks VRR support to minimize screen tearing.

The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED offers an exceptional media consumption experience. Its sleek and lightweight design makes it highly portable, while its impressive battery life allows for over seven hours of uninterrupted video playback. The OLED display delivers rich, deep blacks, making it perfect for viewing in dark rooms, and its wide color gamut ensures a vibrant HDR content experience. Additionally, its versatility as a 2-in-1 device allows for convenient usage in tent mode or as a tablet. Although the speakers provide clear sound, they may not deliver the best bass performance, which might affect their suitability for music and movies.

The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED is suitable for use as a workstation due to its Intel 13th Gen CPU, but it tends to throttle significantly under heavy loads, making it less than ideal for sustained workloads. Additionally, the laptop only comes with integrated graphics, which may not be powerful enough for tasks such as video editing or 3D graphics. However, it does offer a 2.8k OLED display with full Adobe RGB and DCI P3 coverage, allowing for some color work. Despite these drawbacks, the laptop remains cool and quiet under load, and its port selection is excellent, featuring two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI.

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Upon further examination of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, it becomes evident that it has the potential to convert even the most loyal Apple enthusiasts into Microsoft fans. While it boasts impressive power, its true strength lies in its versatility. Additionally, it stands out as a top choice for students among the plethora of laptops available in the market.

The Surface Pro 9 is truly remarkable as a 2-in-1 laptop. Transitioning from laptop to tablet mode is seamless, thanks to its 12th-generation Intel Core processor that ensures fast and smooth performance. The option to upgrade the processor and customize other specifications adds to its appeal. Additionally, the Pro 9 is the first Surface model to support 5G, a valuable feature. Access to Android apps and Xbox Cloud Gaming further enhances its versatility.

The inclusion of the Slim Pen 2 enhances the note-taking experience, making it more enjoyable. Converting handwritten messages to text feels almost magical, and the pen’s ability to pull up note-taking apps with a click is a convenient feature. The synergy between the Slim Pen 2 and Adobe Suite will be particularly appreciated by art students. The improved kickstand provides better balance in tabletop mode compared to previous models, although using it on your lap is still not recommended due to stability issues.

Although we appreciated the convenience of the Pro 9’s detachable keyboard, we found it to be somewhat flimsy. We have concerns about its durability in case of accidental drops, so we suggest investing in a protective carrying case. Another issue we encountered with this laptop-tablet hybrid was the less-than-ideal angle it sits at in tabletop mode, especially during video calls, which can make you appear awkward on the other end of the camera feed (despite the good camera quality). If you don’t mind everyone on the call staring at your chin, this may not be a dealbreaker for you. Additionally, the absence of a headphone jack is a disappointment for us. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

3. Acer Chromebook Spin 714

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 stands out as our top choice within the mid-range segment. Ideal for students and individuals seeking a versatile device for various productivity tasks, this 14-inch model boasts a vibrant display with stylus compatibility, a spacious keyboard for extended typing sessions, and a high-quality 1080p webcam for video conferencing.

Equipped with a stylus that conveniently docks into the laptop’s side for easy transport, the device delivers exceptional performance thanks to its Intel 12th Gen CPU. While it excels in speed and efficiency, it’s important to note that Chrome browser or Android app compatibility is essential, as certain programs designed for Windows and macOS may not be supported by Chrome OS. Although availability may pose a challenge due to its status as an older model, exploring the newer 2023 version could be a viable alternative, as it is expected to offer similar features and performance based on specifications and design.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is an excellent choice for educational purposes. It boasts a robust construction, a sleek and lightweight design, and a battery that lasts all day. The screen offers sharp visuals and is bright enough for most indoor environments. While the keyboard is spacious and tactile, prolonged typing sessions may become fatiguing. The touchpad is generally responsive, although it may be inconsistent with certain gestures. The Intel 12th Gen. CPU delivers solid performance, ensuring a seamless user experience on Chrome OS. However, the integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding tasks, limiting the device to web and Android apps from the Google Play Store. As a result, students in fields requiring specialized software, such as 3D graphics, may find it lacking.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a suitable choice for business purposes. It boasts a sturdy build and is highly portable, making it convenient for on-the-go use. The battery life is impressive, easily lasting a full 8-hour workday with some power to spare. The display is crisp and spacious, ideal for multitasking, and features an excellent 1080p webcam for video calls. The keyboard is comfortable and responsive, although it may become slightly fatiguing after extended use.

With its Intel 12th Gen. CPU, the Chromebook handles general productivity tasks with ease. However, it’s important to note that Chrome OS does not support Windows applications, so it may not be suitable for tasks that require specialized Windows programs or other software that is not accessible through a Chrome browser or Android app.

4. Microsoft Surface Go 3

Microsoft Surface Go 3

The top 2-in-1 budget laptop we have reviewed is the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021). It is essentially a scaled-down version of the Surface Pro, tailored for lighter tasks such as emails, web browsing, and media consumption. With a compact size of just 10.5 inches, it is highly portable. The IPS display is crisp, bright enough for most environments, and supports pen input.

The 1080p webcam located above the display delivers excellent quality, and there is also a facial recognition IR camera for swift logins. Similar to other Microsoft 2-in-1 tablets, the keyboard and stylus are sold separately. Investing in the keyboard is recommended as Windows lacks touch-friendly features, and it also provides screen protection against scratches.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is suitable for educational purposes. It boasts a high level of portability due to its compact and lightweight design, and its battery can sustain over seven hours of light productivity. Depending on your school timetable, a full charge may last you throughout the day. While the display is vivid and colorful, it may not offer ample screen space for multitasking. Nevertheless, the keyboard is ergonomic for typing, and the touchpad is responsive. The Intel CPU and integrated graphics are capable of handling basic tasks such as web browsing and text editing, but they may not be sufficient for more demanding activities like graphic design or 3D animation.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is perfect for enjoying media content. It is a compact and easily transportable device, and as a tablet, you can remove the type cover keyboard to make it even more lightweight. The display is crisp, bright, and colorful, while the speakers deliver decent sound quality, albeit not very loud. Unfortunately, the battery lasts less than 4 hours when watching videos, so it is advisable to have the power adapter on hand.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is suitable for basic business tasks. It is a portable device that is convenient to carry, although its battery life may not be sufficient for a full workday, and its limited screen size may restrict multitasking capabilities. Nevertheless, the keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, the touchpad is small yet responsive, and the webcam offers high-quality video. The Intel CPU is capable of handling simple operations such as text editing and internet browsing, but it may struggle with more complex tasks that involve heavy data processing. Regrettably, the device’s port options are lacking, with only a single USB-C port available, necessitating the use of a dock or adapters for connecting multiple peripherals or an external monitor.

5. Lenovo Yoga 9i

Lenovo Yoga 9i

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 is a premium Windows 2-in-1 laptop that offers versatility and high performance. It comes equipped with either an Intel 11th Gen Core i5 or i7 processor, integrated graphics, and a maximum of 16GB RAM and 1TB storage capacity. Users can choose between a Full HD (1920 x 1080) or a 4k (3840 x 2160) IPS display. The laptop features an island-style keyboard, a glass touchpad, a 720p webcam, and supports Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. In terms of ports, it includes one USB-A, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is suitable for educational purposes. It boasts an aluminum chassis that exudes durability, and its slim and lightweight design makes it highly portable. The sharp display offers ample space for multitasking, while the comfortable keyboard allows for extended typing sessions. Despite its nine-hour battery life being sufficient for a typical school day of light productivity, more demanding applications may require a quick charge. The Intel 11th Gen CPU and integrated GPU are capable of handling light workloads such as text formatting and web browsing, but they may not be suitable for intensive tasks like graphic design or 3D animation.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i offers an excellent experience for media consumption. Its portability and versatility as a 2-in-1 convertible with a 360-degree hinge make it convenient to use in various modes. With a battery life of almost 6 hours during video playback, you can enjoy multiple full-length movies without interruption. The device features impressive speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound at high volumes. While the screen is vibrant and sharp, the glossy finish struggles with bright reflections, and the contrast, although good for an IPS panel, may result in grayish blacks in dimly lit environments.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is ideal for business applications. It features a robust construction, portability, a crisp display, and a user-friendly keyboard. With its Intel 11th Gen CPU, it can effortlessly manage most tasks such as text editing, web browsing, and spreadsheet work. The battery lasts around nine hours under light workloads, so depending on your usage, you might need to recharge it quickly to last through the day. Unfortunately, the webcam’s video quality is average, showing soft and underexposed images. Moreover, the absence of an HDMI port means you’ll need an adapter to connect to an external display like a TV or projector for presentations.

Final Word

Our top picks represent what we believe to be the finest 2-in-1 laptops currently on the market. We take into consideration the price (opting for a more affordable option over a pricier one if the difference is negligible), feedback from our readers, and product availability (excluding laptops that are hard to come by or nearly sold out everywhere).

If you prefer to make your own choice, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all our 2-in-1 laptop reviews, arranged by price from the lowest to the highest. Please note that most laptops come in different configurations, and the table displays the outcomes of the specific model we evaluated. For details on other variations, we recommend checking out the complete review.

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