That’s where a 2-in-1 device comes in. In recent years, devices that can operate as both a laptop and a tablet have become increasingly popular. They run all sorts of operating systems, from Windows and macOS to Android, iOS and even Chrome OS. However, a word of warning: you’ll be hard-pressed to find a device that excels at both. In some cases, you could buy a capable laptop and tablet for the same as a premium hybrid device. But the convenience of needing just one device will convince many people to opt for a 2-in-1. There’s a range of options here, encompassing a range different designs and price points. If you’re interested in a particular product, it’s worth clicking through to our full review of each to learn more about its strengths and weaknesses. Below the chart, you’ll also find in-depth buying advice detailing what to look for in a 2-in-1 laptop.
Best 2-in-1 laptops and tablets
Excellent design and display Great video calling experience Solid battery life Impressive accessories
Poor performance on ARM models Limited ports Keyboard cover sold separately
That version adds 5G for the first time and delivers incredible battery, but performance and the way apps run is seriously compromised. The Intel model isn’t as exciting, but it’s the one to go for. A move to 12th-gen CPUs is the only upgrade of note, but that’s acceptable after the big changes that were introduced with the Pro 8. You still get a stunning 13in, 120Hz display with slim bezels, premium design and excellent video calling experience. The compatible keyboard and pen are excellent, although you’ll still have to buy them separately. There are also not enough ports (with the 3.5mm headphone jack now gone too), but it remains the finest option for most people. You’ll need deep pockets, though.
Superb performance Stunning display Great cameras and battery life
Expensive accessories iPadOS doesn't make full use of M1 chip
This 12.9in model is equipped with the company’s latest M2 chip, stretching its lead in terms of performance. You won’t find any tablet as capable, although few apps push it even close to its potential. To make the most of the device, you’ll want to pay extra for the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, but they offer a superb typing and navigation experience that beats even the Surface Pro. It’s also worth highlighting that 120Hz display, which now has mini-LED tech for an even better viewing experience. However, the single biggest reason not to buy the iPad Pro is its software. iPadOS simply cannot rival macOS or Windows in terms of functionality. With a device this expensive, it’s enough to make you think twice.
Solid performance Great battery life 5G & S-Pen support
Relatively expensive Dim display
A combination of 11th-gen Intel chips and Iris Xe integrated graphics deliver solid all-round performance, even if there’s no discrete GPU. Battery life is also excellent, rivalling some of the longest-lasting laptops you can buy. Elsewhere, the display provides a rich, vivid viewing experience, even with the resolution capped at 1920×1080. However, the 360-degree hinge is the big selling point here. It can be adjusted to any angle from regular laptop to tablet, alongside an S-Pen that magnetically attaches to the back of the display. There’s also the option for 5G support, but the competitively-priced 4G model will offer everything most people are looking for in a 2-in-1 laptop. This remains a great option, but it’s also worth considering the newer Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360, even if not much has changed.
Impressive OLED display Great cameras Keyboard case included Decent i5 performance
Poor battery life Frustrating fingerprint sensor Only one port
The device isn’t dissimilar to the Surface Pro 8 in design – high praise considering it’s significantly more affordable. However, that entry-level model has just an 11th-gen Core i3 model under the hood – most people will probably want to step up to i5, where you’ll find solid all-round performance. A 12.6in display is slightly smaller than some rivals and only 60Hz, but opting for OLED makes up for it. Huawei has maintained slim bezels around the edge of the display, which house a solid webcam. There’s also an impressive webcam for video calls, but no Windows Hello face unlock. That means you’ll need to rely on an underwhelming fingerprint sensor built into the power button. There’s also only one USB-C port. The included keyboard cover (with built-in stand) and stylus sold separately are both superb, but battery life is another key weakness. There may be one too many compromises here for most people, but it remains a compelling option and very good value for money. You’ll find Performance on the entry-level Intel Core i4
3-in-1 functionality Great performance Excellent battery life
Expensive Limited ports
Ditching the detachable display for a new flexible hinge design achieves this, although you’re now limited to just three fixed positions. But the Laptop Studio excels as a traditional laptop, while there are credible use cases for the other two modes – with the display pulled forward or laid flat. The high-res 120Hz panel itself is a joy to use, while video calling features remain a highlight. The keyboard and trackpad take some getting used to, but deliver a convincing experience. With great battery life and solid performance (thanks to 11th-gen Intel CPUs and optional RTX 3050 Ti GPU), there’s a lot to like here. But whether you buy the Surface Laptop Studio will likely come down to two things: whether the design works for you and if you can afford the high asking price. If your answer to both is yes, you won’t be disappointed. With no second-gen model expected until at least 2023, you don’t need to worry about this being out of date anytime soon.
AAA gaming on a tablet Excellent XG Mobile GPU performance Impressive 120Hz display
Expensive Too heavy for most people Poor battery life
The ROG Flow Z13 offers incredible power within a thin and light design, with a choice between top-spec Intel or AMD CPUs and a discrete RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. Performance drops slightly when running on battery power, but connecting the optional XG Mobile helps deliver desktop-level gaming. Elsewhere, the large 13.4in Mini-LED display delivers an immersive gaming experience. You get a choice between Full HD or 4K, with both offering a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. A built-in kickstand and detachable keyboard (included in the price) makes the Flow Z13 impressively versatile, although you might be disappointed by the lack of ports. It’d also have been nice to see some better speakers too, but most gamers will be connecting headphones anyway. But battery life is a key weakness, with less than 90 minutes of AAA gaming on a single charge. The situation is much better in general use, but at around five hours, it’s still worse than most rivals. Ultimately, the Flow Z13’s high price tag will put people off. But it’s an exciting first step into the world of gaming 2-in-1s.
Decent performance Excellent audio Premium internals
Reflective display Occasional glitches
HP’s Chromebook x360 is our top pick, combining super-fast performance with a great design and excellent keyboard & trackpad. The Full HD display is another highlight, even if it doesn’t get very bright, while the Bang & Olufsen speakers deliver an excellent audio experience. Elsewhere, you also get a great port selection and impressive battery life, all for a price that won’t break the bank. If you can look beyond poor outdoor visibility and some occasional bugs, the x360 14c could be a great option for you. Just make sure you’re content with the limitations of Chrome OS.
Lightweight and portable Solid Intel Core i3 performance Great for video calls
Poor battery life Dated design Type Cover still costs extra
There aren’t many upgrades here compared to the Surface Go 2. In fact, the only change of note is the introduction of new processors, but impressive performance from the Intel Core i3 chip justifies this move. However, this is likely to take a significant hit on cheaper models. The 10.5in touchscreen display is excellent, and the video calling experience is very good. But the Go 3 does suffer from poor battery life, while chunky bezels give the impression of an older device. You’ll also need to buy a Type Cover separately to make the most of it. Nonetheless, if you want a solid tablet experience that avoids the limitations of Android and iOS, the Go 3 is a solid bet. With the Go 4 not expected to arrive until 2023, you don’t have to worry about it being out of date anytime. It still excels at the basics, with an excellent 13.3in OLED touchscreen, great performance from Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs and all-day battery life. You also get fast charging and a decent port selection, all within a device weighing only 1.16kg. Despite this, it remains impressively sturdy and durable. However, it’s not all good news. The Book 2 360’s 720p webcam isn’t great, while a unreliable trackpad means you’ll soon want to connect a mouse. You’re also missing out on a discrete GPU, something several rivals offer. But for under $1,000/£1,000, this is a great convertible laptop that will serve many people well. If you don’t absolutely need convertible functionality, it’s also worth considering the Galaxy Book 2 Pro.
Excellent foldable OLED screen Incredibly versatile Superb battery life Great speakers
Extremely expensive Heavy and bulky Not enough ports No discrete GPU
But that’s to be expected from a first-gen device that’s only the second ever folding tablet/laptop to ever come to market. The Zenbook 17 Fold’s hinge is impressively durable, and it enables a range of different form factors that simply aren’t possible on the other devices in this list. You can use it as a huge 17.3in tablet, use the built-in kickstand for hands-free use or fold it in half for a unique scrolling experience. Then there’s the dedicated keyboard accessory, which can create a desktop replacement or attach over half the screen to create a convincing 12.5in laptop experience. With great battery life and a super audio experience, Asus is onto something good with the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED. But it won’t tempt many people to ditch their traditional laptop or 2-in-1 yet. Which one is right for you depends hugely on what you want to do with it. Some of the devices in this article are even capable of more than two main positions, so that’s also worth bearing in mind. Lenovo’s Yoga range is possibly the best known convertible laptop and has been the inspiration for many rivals. Microsoft Surface Book is also laptop first but still has a removable screen so has a more advanced hybrid system. However, 2020’s Book 3 was the last entry in that product line. It’s been replaced by the Surface Laptop Studio, which has three fixed positions instead. There really aren’t many around these days with Microsoft’s Surface range being the most obvious. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Series is another option, but Android still isn’t great for productivity. The limitations of iOS (or iPadOS, as it’s officially known) also hold back the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, but it’s a credible alternative. You’ll want to get the best specifications for your money including the latest processor, amount of memory and storage plus a good-quality screen. Make sure you read our reviews to find out more about each device, including benchmark results. The design, though, is going to be a big part of your buying decision and you need to choose a device which fits your needs best. A laptop-first design is likely to be bigger and heavier but is likely to offer longer battery life (there’s more space for a bigger battery). This type should also provide a better typing experience and there’s normally more physical ports, including USBs and video outputs. Although a convertible tablet might not have many physical ports (some still have full-size USB though), they are smaller and lighter than a hybrid laptop making them great for travelling. The trade-off is that using it as a laptop is often fiddly and awkward. Look for one with a clever design and proper keys. A trackpad is also a boon, despite touchscreens, but not all feature one. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
