We’ve tested dozens of 2-in-1 laptops. Here are the best

we’ve-tested-dozens-of-2-in-1-laptops.-here-are-the-best

We’ve tested dozens of 2-in-1 laptops. Here are the best

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Best 2-in-1 Laptop Overall

Lenovo Yoga 9i (14-inch, 2025)

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Best detachable laptop

Microsoft Surface Pro 13-inch (11th edition, 2024)

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The best 2-in-1 Chromebook

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514

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Best compact 2-in-1 laptop

Microsoft Surface Pro 12

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The best 2 in 1 Laptops aim to bridge the gap between laptops and tablets ever since touchscreens became ubiquitous on laptops (Windows laptops, anyway). Typos are still the norm, but many of our favorite laptops Today there are also 2-in-1s, thanks to their combination of power and flexibility. Whether you want a computer that can rotate its screen or a tablet with a detachable keyboard, these are our favorites that we’ve tested.

We examine dozens of laptops every year. Be sure to read our complete guide on choosing the best laptop for your needsas well as our other computer buying guides, including the Best Laptops, Best MacBooks, Best tablets, Best Cheap LaptopsAnd Best Gaming Laptops.

Updated February 2026: We’ve added the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 and moved some older options to honorable mentions at the bottom.

A 2-in-1 is a laptop that can convert from a standard clamshell laptop configuration to a tablet configuration. Over the years, there have actually been two types of models that fall into this category: the 2-in-1 convertible laptop and the detachable tablet.

Laptops with convertible screens use a 360-degree hinge that can position the screen flat, in “tent” mode, or flush with the bottom of the laptop. Think of it as a touchscreen clamshell laptop with a fancy rotating hinge. The flexibility of positions makes them perfect for everything from signing documents to streaming TV shows and movies, all with the ability to return directly to a standard laptop orientation when it’s time to work.

Detachable 2-in-1on the other hand, are Windows tablets intended to be used with magnetic keyboards, much like a iPad Pro. These allow you to completely separate the screen from the keyboard, using a kickstand on the back of the screen to keep it upright. This is a concept popularized by Microsoft Surface rangewhich is still going strong more than a decade since its introduction. We’re even starting to see dual-screen laptops arrive to add even more flexibility (if you have money to spare). The main advantage of the detachable 2-in-1 is portability. While they’re not as convenient to use on your lap, they’re thinner and lighter, making them better tablets and standalone devices to travel with.

Should you buy a 2-in-1 laptop?

The big appeal of 2-in-1 laptops is that they can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. In laptop mode, they’re generally comparable to any other clamshell laptop you’ll find. However, Windows and ChromeOS aren’t exactly the best touch operating systems on the market, so you may find that the touchscreen experience is lacking when using it as a pure tablet.

If you already use a Recent iPad Or Android tablet regularly, you may not get as much benefit from a 2-in-1. But if you don’t, these 2-in-1 laptops can give you the functionality of both devices in one, hence the name. Beyond that, convertible laptops use 360-degree hinges to offer even more features, such as flipping the laptop into different modes.

The only real downside to choosing a 2-in-1 convertible over a clamshell is some design changes that need to be made to accommodate the hinge. Sometimes the weight balance can seem off, and the heavier hinge can be ugly and sometimes require a larger bottom bezel under the screen.

Ultimately, our top pick on this list, the Lenovo Yoga 9i, also happens to be one of the best laptops you can buy. You can consider its 2-in-1 capabilities a nice bonus on top of its already great performance and features. If you’re aiming for a more budget range and already own a tablet, it’s worth considering whether you can save money by sticking with a traditional clamshell case.

Why not just buy an iPad?

That’s a good question. Overall, it remains difficult to beat the iPad or iPad Pro when it comes to pure tablet use. From a software and third-party app perspective, iPadOS is a much more robust device when used without a keyboard, although that may start to change with Apple’s version. Multitasking improvements in iPadOS 26.

The opposite is true for Windows tablets, which get the full Windows 11 experience. That means you can do all your work, in theory, on a single device, while still having something very mobile-friendly. Some people can even do all their work just on an iPad Pro, for example, but most of us prefer (or require) some sort of desktop computing environment such as macOS or Windows.

I still wish Microsoft would improve the Windows touch experience, which would make the 2-in-1 laptop proposition even more attractive compared to iPads.

How We Test 2-in-1 Laptops

We test 2-in-1s much like we test clamshell laptops. Before we add the 2-in-1 element, laptops are already incredibly complex devices and we test every aspect of them possible. This means we measure the display quality, evaluate the processor speed, run it until the battery runs out, and type on the keyboard. A lot.

However, with 2-in-1 laptops, there is more of a physical element that needs to be tested. If it is a removable stand, we extend the kickstand and use it in a variety of scenarios. How does it balance on your lap? What is the kickstand angle adjustment? If it’s a 2-in-1 convertible, is the touchscreen responsive? Does the screen flicker like crazy when you tap on it? These are all questions that can only be answered with hands-on time with the 2-in-1 laptop.

All of the products we recommend have been provided by the device manufacturers. However, our opinions and test results are completely independent. There is no guarantee of positive coverage (or coverage at all) when we agree to accept a unit of review from a company. We often return units once testing is complete.

  • Best 2-in-1 Laptop Overall

    Lenovo

    Yoga 9i (14-inch, 2025)

    THE LenovoYoga 9i has been one of my favorite 2-in-1 laptops for a long time now, and the 2025 model doesn’t rock the boat. Lenovo left the more experimental features to its updated clamshell Slim Yoga 9iwhile the convertible model remains the tried and tested option.

    This is a very refined laptop, with soft, rounded edges, extremely sturdy build quality, excellent speakers, a large touchpad, and a beautiful high-resolution OLED display. Lenovo even manages to squeeze a USB-A port into its slim chassis. My main issue with this laptop from previous generations was battery life, but with the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, that issue is resolved. Initial configurations were limited to an expensive 32GB RAM model, but you can now get it with 16GB, albeit with the slightly less capable Core Ultra 7 256V.

    Specifications
    Display: 14-inch, 2880 x 1800 (OLED)
    Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V
    RAM: 32 GB
    Storage: 1 TB
    Thickness: 0.6 inches
    Weight: 3.1 pounds

    CABLE

    • Absolutely stunning design
    • 2 in 1 functionality
    • Better than average sound
    • Brilliant OLED display

    FATIGUE

    • Too expensive
  • Best detachable laptop

    • Photography: Christopher Null

    • Photography: Christopher Null

    Microsoft

    Surface Pro 13-inch (11th edition, 2024)

    If there’s one device that has come to define the 2-in-1 category, it’s the Surface Pro. The 2024 model, also known as Surface Pro 11th Edition (6/10, WIRED review)is by far the best version of the device ever made. The OLED display is downright incredible, the battery life is impressive thanks to the new AI-infused Qualcomm Snapdragon It even has an improved webcam. For the first time, it appears as a real competitor to iPad Pro.

    It’s not cheap once you add in the cost of Flexible keyboardsold separately. Microsoft has also removed the starting configuration of the device (with 256 GB) to make way for the newer version. Surface Pro 12. However, for a proper laptop replacement, the larger 13-inch model remains the preferred choice and is the best detachable 2-in-1 you can buy. With the announcement of Snapdragon X2 chips from Qualcomm, I expect Microsoft to update the Surface Pro (and Surface Laptop). But Microsoft isn’t always first out.

    Specifications
    Display: 13.3 inches, 2880 x 1920 (OLED)
    Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite
    RAM: 16 GB
    Storage: 512 GB
    Thickness: 0.58 inches (including keyboard)
    Weight: 2.72 pounds (including keyboard)
  • The best 2-in-1 Chromebook

    Image may contain electronic computer, laptop, surface computer and tablet.

    Acer

    Chromebook Plus Spin 514

    The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is one of only two Chromebooks that are part of a new era in Chromebooks. It uses a new MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip. Normally you might see the MediaTek branding and be dismissed, but the company has really achieved something special here when it comes to Chromebook chips. Without going into detail, this is an efficient ARM chip that combines solid performance with excellent performance, much like the latest laptop chips from Qualcomm or Apple, except that they are explicitly designed for Chromebooks. It’s great.

    While the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 (9/10, WIRED recommends) is my favorite of these two new Chromebooks, the Acer model is the one that comes with a 2-in-1 hinge, as well as a touchscreen. And even though it’s not OLED, the high-resolution screen looks really nice in this form factor and highlights the stunning display.

    Specifications
    Display: 14-inch, 2800 x 1800 (IPS)
    Processor: Company MediaTek Ultra 910
    RAM: 12 GB
    Storage: 256 GB
    Thickness: 0.61 inches
    Weight: 3 books

    CABLE

    • Brilliant, high-resolution screen
    • Excellent performance and battery life
    • Attractive design, looks durable
    • The 360-degree hinge and touchscreen are useful

    FATIGUE

    • Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 offers slightly better value for money
  • Best compact 2-in-1 laptop

    I love the idea of ​​a smaller Surface device for portability. But Microsoft has struggled in the past to offer a smaller, more affordable Surface tablet that makes the right compromises. THE Surface Pro 12 (6/10, WIRED review) comes awfully close to achieving this balance. It uses the same overall design – and even the same Snapdragon X Plus processor – ensuring you don’t lose the premium feel.

    It swaps the option for an OLED display, the Surface Connect port, and the Alcantara fabric keyboard, but you get a tablet that’s lighter, thinner, and completely fanless. If it were a little cheaper, I would be a bigger supporter of this device. This is especially true since you still have to buy the keyboard, which is not cheap.

    Specifications
    Display: 12-inch, 2196 x 1464 (IPS)
    Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon
    RAM: 16 GB
    Storage: 256 GB
    Thickness: 0.6 inches (with keyboard)
    Weight: 2.2 pounds (with keyboard)
  • Best powerful 2-in-1 laptop

    THE ROG Flow Z13 (7/10, WIRED recommends) It’s the kind of device that no one asked for, and as soon as it came out, everyone doubted it. Against all odds, it worked. Although it’s a tablet, Asus has integrated a discrete GPU under its impressive display, and has come out with one of the most portable PC gaming devices ever. Since the computer itself sits behind the screen rather than under your fingers, all the hot air stays away from your hands while you’re gaming, which is a fantastic benefit of this design.

    This latest model goes even further. Under the hood, the Flow Z13 uses last year’s most interesting chip, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which has powerful enough integrated graphics to make it a step above even the RTX 4060 without using a discrete GPU. It also features slightly toned-down aesthetics and improved battery life. It’s expensive, but there’s really nothing like it.

    Specifications
    Display: 13.4 inches, 2560 x 1600 (IPS)
    Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395
    RAM: 32 GB
    Storage: 1 TB
    Thickness: 0.59 inches (with keyboard)
    Weight: 3.51 pounds (with keyboard)
  • Best dual-screen 2-in-1 laptop

    Photography: Christopher Null

    For road warriors who want to take their dual-screen setup on the go, the Asus Zenbook Duo (9/10, WIRED recommends) could be your ideal partner. At first glance, the laptop looks like any regular 14-inch Asus laptop, but looks can be deceiving. The keyboard is magnetically attached to the bottom chassis, and lifting it reveals a second 14-inch screen.

    The two screens give you much more workspace when you’re on the road, allowing you to orient them side by side for dual portrait views or on top of each other (using a kickstand). Our testing found that the laptop performs quite well, outperforming its predecessor, especially on graphics and AI tasks. Battery life has improved significantly, with nearly 14 hours of streaming video during our test (on a single screen). It’s truly a portable workstation on the go.

    Specifications
    Display: Dual 14-inch display, 2880 x 1800 (OLED)
    Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
    RAM: 32 GB
    Storage: 1 TB
    Thickness: 0.78 inches
    Weight: 3.64 pounds

    CABLE

    • Two screens are better than one!
    • Incredibly intuitive to use
    • Many ways to use it
    • Solid performance and battery life

    FATIGUE

    • Limited configurations
    • A bit gimmicky

Compare the 6 Best 2-in-1 Laptops


Other 2-in-1 Laptops to Consider

Photography: Luke Larsen

Framework 12 Laptop for $549: THE Framework Laptop 12 (7/10, WIRED recommends) is not only the smallest, cheapest, most serviceable Framework laptop on the market. It’s also a 2-in-1. The device has a 360-degree hinge that allows you to flip the screen completely. This suits a smaller device meant to go everywhere with you. The Framework Laptop 12 is much more than that. Its affordability is unbeatable, allowing you to upgrade and swap out virtually any component imaginable. This even includes the processor and motherboard. The starting configuration also only costs $549.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 for $244: THE Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 (8/10, WIRED recommends) was one of my favorite technologies when it came out for one reason: its size. This small detachable laptop is only 11 inches, which seems cumbersome at first. But it’s not a productivity machine. Instead, it’s better to think of it as a companion you can take anywhere for browsing the web, writing, and watching videos.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus for $490: If you want to dig deeper into the budget range, we’re big fans of the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus (8/10, WIRED recommends). Although it typically costs $500, you’ll frequently find it on sale for under $400. It’s a great value if all you need is solid performance, a web browser, and the occasional Android app.

Photography: Luke Larsen

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 for $650: You might think a 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop sounds silly. It’s not portable enough to use as a tablet, that’s for sure. But if you need a large touchscreen on your laptop, there’s a reason to go for something like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 (6/10, WIRED review). The flexibility of having a 360 degree hinge is also useful in all sorts of scenarios. This 16-inch 2-in-1 balances price, portability, and performance with just enough finesse to be worth it.

Asus ProArt PZ13 for $1,300: Another detachable, the Asus ProArt PZ13 (6/10, WIRED recommends) tends to mimic Microsoft’s Surface Pro playbook, but at a much more affordable price. For $1,100 you get a Copilot+ PC this can go up to around 19 hours on a single charge. Unfortunately, the performance leaves a lot to be desired and its three-part design is confusing. Still, it’s a good alternative to the Surface Pro if you’re absolutely committed to the style.


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