Classic clamshell laptops are always helpful, 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 annually. We meticulously lab-test each laptop for its CPU and graphics performance, screen quality, battery life, connectivity, and value. Our 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. 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.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Overall Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 (2024)
- 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
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Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
- Strong application performance
- Right-size screen for 2-in-1 versatility
- Crisp, accurate 1080p webcam
- Varied and useful port selection
- Long runtime
- No CPU or screen upgrades
- Display’s color coverage is lacking
- Gray keys clash with deep blue chassis
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.
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.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
Processor Speed
1.3 GHz
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 Iris Xe
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 12.3 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.5 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:32
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Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Remote Workers
HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)
- Gorgeous OLED touch screen
- Impressive productivity performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Elegant design
- World-class webcam
- Expensive when fully loaded
- No SD/microSD card slot or cellular internet
- No HDMI port (two USB-C docks included)
- No internal pen storage
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.
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.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
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
Dynamic
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches
Weight
3.19 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:03
Learn More
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Content Creators
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
- 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
- Surface Pen still sold separately
- Expensive
- Just-okay Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color coverage
- AI boosts only Windows Studio Effects, for now
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.
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.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM (as Tested)
64 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14.4 inches
Native Display Resolution
2400 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.86 by 12.72 by 9.06 inches
Weight
4.18 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:23
Learn More
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Business
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4
- 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
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Enterprise Fleet Deployments
Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1
- 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
- Thunderbolt 4 ports only
- Uncomfortable hard-edged palm rest
- Pricey
- Only one screen choice
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.
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.
Class
Business, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i7-1365U
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.64 by 12.2 by 8.5 inches
Weight
3.4 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:33
Learn More
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
- 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
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet
Microsoft Surface Pro (2024)
- Improved battery life
- Option for high-quality OLED display
- Slim, versatile 2-in-1 design
- Improved Flex Pro wireless keyboard
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and monitor support
- Essential accessories still sold separately
- Windows on Arm adds compatibility complexity
- Underwhelming AI features
- Limited port selection
The Microsoft Surface Pro (2024) is our favorite Windows tablet, thanks to its impressive features, enhanced AI performance, and excellent user experience. It improves battery life, has the same vibrant OLED display, and uses the same slim, versatile design ideal for various computing needs. The enhanced Flex Pro wireless keyboard boosts typing comfort and convenience, while Wi-Fi 7 ensures modern connectivity. Additionally, using Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X chips represents a significant advancement in AI capabilities, making the Surface Pro a forward-thinking choice in the Windows tablet market.
The Surface Pro has always been the top choice for users who value versatility and portability in a 2-in-1 device. But the newest version is enjoyable for early adopters interested in the latest AI features and the expansion beyond x86-based AMD and Intel processing. If you want a Windows tablet with access to the latest AI-driven interface features, this is the one to buy.
Class
Detachable 2-in-1, Ultraportable
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E80100)
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1920
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Dynamic
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches
Weight
1.97 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:23
Learn More
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
- Compact, totable design
- Keyboard cover offers good typing feel
- Handy kickstand
- Great flexibility for Chrome and Android apps
- Solid performance from Qualcomm CPU
- No headphone jack
- Pen sold separately
- Short battery life
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.
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.
Class
Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1, Budget
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
Processor Speed
2.55 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
10.95 inches
Native Display Resolution
2000 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
802.11ac, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.31 by 10.2 by 6.5 inches
Weight
2.09 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:01
Learn More
Best Dual-Screen 2-in-1 Laptop
Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2024)
- 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
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 that 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 on-screen keyboard 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 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, and don’t want to buy or own two devices to achieve that, 2-in-1 laptops are the exact solution. 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 is some extra thickness, as the hinge mechanisms are a little more complex than those of a normal 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 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 (or, less often, an AMD Ryzen) 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: Joseph Maldonado)
In contrast, a convertible 2-in-1 system is more likely 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?
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.
