9 Best 2-in-1 Laptops to Flip Between Work and Play (2024), Tested and Reviewed

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Ever since touchscreens started becoming ubiquitous on laptops (Windows laptops, anyway), we’ve seen an explosion of so-called 2-in-1 machines that aim to bridge the gap between laptops and tablets. Clamshells are still the standard, but many of our favorite laptops today also happen to be 2-in-1s, thanks to their combination of power and flexibility. Whether you want a computer that can rotate its display or a tablet with a detachable keyboard, the following are the best 2-in-1 laptops we've tested.

We review dozens of laptops every year. Make sure you read our comprehensive guide on picking the best laptop for your needs, as well as our other computing buying guides, including the Best MacBooks, Best Cheap Laptops, and Best Gaming Laptops.

Updated December 2024: We've added the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9, IdeaPad Flex 5i, ThinkBook Plus Gen 5, and Asus ProArt PZ13.

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A 2-in-1 is a laptop that can go from a standard clamshell laptop configuration to a tablet setup, either with a rotating display or by detaching from the keyboard. Laptops with rotating displays—also called convertibles—use a 180-degree hinge that can position the screen flat, in “tent” mode, or flush against the underside of the laptop. The flexibility of positions makes them great for everything from signing documents to streaming TV shows and movies—all with the ability to go right back to a standard laptop orientation when it’s time to do some work.

Detachable 2-in-1s let you completely separate the screen from the keyboard, using a kickstand on the back of the display to keep it upright. This is a design popularized by Microsoft’s Surface lineup, which 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 the cash to spare).

Should You Buy a 2-in-1 Laptop?

The big draw of 2-in-1 laptops is that they can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. While 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-oriented operating systems out there, so you may find the touchscreen experience lacking.

If you already use a recent iPad or Android tablet regularly, you may not get as much out of a 2-in-1. However, the different “modes” you can use with a convertible 2-in-1 can make one well worth considering. Being able to quickly rotate the display to show something to a colleague on the other side of a table or comfortably sign a PDF can come in clutch.

Ultimately, both of our top picks on this list, the Lenovo Yoga 9i and HP Spectre x360 14, are already some of the best laptops you can buy. Consider their 2-in-1 capabilities to be a nice bonus on top of their stellar performance and features. If you’re aiming for the more budget range and already have a tablet, it’s worth considering whether you can save some cash by sticking with a traditional clamshell.

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