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The best 2-in-1 laptops: Top flexible, hybrid, and convertible notebooks

Hybrid laptops/tablets, or 2-in-1s, offer maximum flexibility in a portable computing device. So, what is the best 2-in-1 laptop to buy?
Written by Charles McLellan, Senior Editor
Reviewed by Taylor Clemons

Why you can trust ZDNET

ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.

What to Consider

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Performance

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Lenovo Yoga 9i (14-inch) | Best Windows 2-in-1
lenovo-yoga-9i-hero.jpg
Lenovo Yoga 9i (14-inch)
Best Windows 2-in-1
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Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 | Best mainstream Windows 2-in-1
Samsung Galaxy Book2 360 13.3-inch
Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360
Best mainstream Windows 2-in-1
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HP Spectre x360 14 | Best premium Windows 2-in-1
hp-spectre-x360
HP Spectre x360 14
Best premium Windows 2-in-1
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Microsoft Surface Pro 8 | Best tablet-first Windows 2-in-1
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Best tablet-first Windows 2-in-1
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Microsoft Surface Go 3 | Best budget tablet-first Windows 2-in-1
microsoft-surface-go-3
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Best budget tablet-first Windows 2-in-1
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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Best 2-in-1 for creators
Person using Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Best 2-in-1 for creators
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HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook | Best 2-in-1 Chromebook
hp-elite-dragonfly-hero
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
Best 2-in-1 Chromebook
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Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook | Best budget 2-in-1 Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Best budget 2-in-1 Chromebook
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Apple iPad Pro (M2, 2022) | Apple tablet-first detachable
Appel iPad Pro 2022
Apple iPad Pro (M2, 2022)
Apple tablet-first detachable
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Panasonic Toughbook G2 | Best rugged 2-in-1
Panasonic Toughbook G2: front
Panasonic Toughbook G2
Best rugged 2-in-1
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Mobile professionals requiring maximum flexibility will likely be drawn to 2-in-1 devices that can work as laptops or tablets -- although there is usually a premium to pay over a traditional clamshell device. These come in several form factors. 'Laptop first' 2-in-1s look like regular laptops, with 'proper' keyboards, but can either detach the screen section to work as an independent tablet ('detachable'), or rotate or twist the screen to lie flat against the keyboard section, facing outwards ('convertible'). A variant of the convertible form factor slides the screen forward to lie flat over the keyboard.

Also: The best tablets (aren't all iPads)

'Tablet first' 2-in-1s are, as the name suggests, primarily tablets but can work in laptop mode via an add-on -- often somewhat flimsy -- keyboard, with the tablet propped up by a kickstand. CES 2023 saw several laptop form factor innovations, including Lenovo's Yoga Book 9i with dual 360-degree-hinged OLED screens, a kickstand and a separate Bluetooth keyboard.
 
Windows dominates the PC operating system market thanks to its long-time availability on a wide range of OEM (and more recently, Microsoft) hardware, which has resulted in a huge variety of software written for the platform. Convertible Windows devices have been around for a long time -- ZDNET reviewed the HP Compaq tc4400 running Windows XP Professional Tablet PC Edition back in March 2007, for example. However, it's fair to say that the modern 2-in-1 era began with Microsoft's Surface Pro in 2013, which launched with Windows 8 Pro. The Surface range, initially envisaged as a showcase for new tablet/laptop technologies and form factors to encourage Microsoft's OEM partners, has since grown into a successful business for the company. 

Convertible devices are also available as Chrome OS-based Chromebooks, which offer an affordable and increasingly popular platform for web-based productivity apps and virtual desktops. You might want to use Linux for its free, open-source and increasingly usable nature or because it's less of a target for cybercriminals than Windows (although you may need to tweak your chosen distro to work well with a touch screen). There is no MacOS 2-in-1 yet, and opinions differ on the desirability of a touch-screen MacBook, but the M2 iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard is the closest you'll get to a hybrid tablet/laptop in today's Apple ecosystem.

So, given that you're in the market for a 2-in-1 device, which one should you buy? As ever, that depends on what you want to do with it and how much budget is at your disposal.

Here are ZDNET's current picks for a variety of form factors, operating systems, and use cases.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (14-inch)

Best Windows 2-in-1

OS: Windows 11 Home 64 | CPU: Intel Core i7-1240P, Core i7-1260P | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage:  512GB, 1TB | Screen: 14-inch IPS touch screen, 1920 x 1200 (16:10), 400 nits • OLED, 2800 x 1800, 400 nits • OLED, 3840 x 2400, 400 nits | Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6E (2.4/5/6GHz 802.11ax) | Ports and slots: 1x USB 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, 2x Thunderbolt 4 | Camera: 1080p with IR | Audio: Bowers & Wilkins rotating sound bar, 2x mics, 3.5mm audio in/out jack | Battery: 75Wh | Dimensions: 318mm x 230mm x 15.2-16.5mm (12.52in. x 9.06in. x 0.6-0.65in.) | Weight: 1.48kg (3.26lbs)

Convertible 2-in-1 devices that can be used in conventional laptop mode or as a tablet, and can orient the 360-degree-hinged screen at points in between, can satisfy a variety of use cases depending on the specification. Leading the field, in our opinion, is Lenovo's 14-inch Yoga 9i, a premium 2-in-1 that currently starts at $1,320.

The entry-level model has an FHD+ (16:10) IPS touch screen, but the Yoga 9i's true glory is its vibrant OLED screen, which is available in 2.8K or 4K resolution. This is housed in a rounded and solidly built Comfort Edge chassis weighing 3.26lbs. Inside, you'll find 12th-generation P-series Intel Core processors, 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, which deliver good performance for a wide variety of apps, although the integrated Iris Xe Graphics rule out more demanding graphics apps and games. 

The edge-to-edge keyboard is quiet, although somewhat 'mushy' of feel, and the touchpad huge. You get a 1080p IR-equipped webcam, a fingerprint reader and a decent set of connections including two Thunderbolt 4 ports. You also get a stylus pen with the Yoga 9i, but there's no on-device housing for it. Another highlight of the Yoga 9i is its speaker system, which comprises a pair of tweeters in a 'rotating soundbar hinge' and a pair of subwoofers on the underside of the chassis.

Read more: Lenovo Yoga 9i 7th Gen review: The best 2-in-1 laptop, if you can buy it

Perhaps the only disappointment with the Yoga 9i Gen 7 is its battery life. In ZDNET's test, the 75Wh battery averaged eight hours under an everyday mix of workloads -- that's good, but not class-leading.

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Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360

Best mainstream Windows 2-in-1

OS Windows 11 Home | CPU Intel Core i7-1260P | GPU Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM 8GB, 16GB | Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Screen 15.6-inch AMOLED touch screen, 1920 x 1080 (16:9) | Wireless Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi6E (2.4/5/6GHz 802.11ax) | Ports & slots 2x USB-C, 1x Thunderbolt 4, MicroSD card slot | Camera 1080p | Audio 2x 5W AKG speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm audio in/out | Battery 68Wh (up to 21h) | Dimensions 13.97in. x 8.98in. x 0.47in. (354.8mm x 228.1mm x 11.9mm) | Weight 3.11lbs (1.41kg)

Samsung's 15.6-inch Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 is a thin and light 360-degree convertible 2-in-1 that currently starts at $950 for a configuration with a 12th-generation Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Step up to 16GB and 1TB and you'll pay $1,150.

That's good value for a solid-performing laptop, especially the 16GB/1TB model, although there's no discrete GPU option to bring high-end games and other graphically demanding apps into play. It's fine for most mainstream workloads, though, and the 15.6-inch FHD (16:9) AMOLED display shows off all content to great effect, with brightness going up to 500 nits if required. Usefully, you get an S Pen stylus in the box.

Samsung claims up to 21 hours of life from the 68Wh battery, but in practice you can expect around 12 hours of video streaming and around 8 hours of wireless web use. If you need a decent-sized screen and 2-in-1 flexibility, this is an excellent all-rounder, which will deliver even more value if you are already invested in Samsung's Galaxy ecosystem.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360: A slim and capable OLED 2-in-1, but screen resolution disappoints

Samsung unveiled its third generation of Galaxy Book laptops at its Unpacked event on 1 February 2023. The new Galaxy Book 3 Pro 360 has a 16-inch Dynamic OLED 2x screen, runs on 13th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, and starts at $1,449.

Read more: Samsung's Galaxy Book 3 series includes a new flagship Ultra laptop

Samsung Galaxy Book2 360 13.3-inch
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HP Spectre x360 14

Best premium Windows 2-in-1

OS Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU Intel Core i5-1235U, Core i7-1255U | GPU Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Storage 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | Screen 13.5-inch IPS touch screen, 1920 x 1280 (3:2), 400 nits or 1000 nits with privacy screen • OLED touch screen, 3000 x 2000, 400 nits | Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi6E (2.4/5/6GHz 802.11ax) | Ports & slots 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A | Camera HP True Vision 5MP IR | Audio 2 speakers, 2 mics, 3.5mm audio in/out | Battery 66Wh | Dimensions 11.73in. x 8.68in. x 0.67in. (298mm x 220mm x 17mm) | Weight 2.98lbs (1.35kg)

HP's Spectre x360 is a premium 2-in-1 convertible that comes in 14-inch and 16-inch form factors. We're highlighting the former, which actually has a 13.5-inch 3:2 touch screen, available as IPS with 1920 x 1280 resolution, or 3K2K (3000 x 2000) OLED. Pricing currently starts at $1,000 with Windows 11 Home, an IPS screen, a 12th-generation Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The premium element is evident in the higher-spec models: you'll pay $1,630 for Windows 11 Pro, an OLED screen, a Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. RAM goes up to 32GB, unless you specify the OLED screen, in which case the limit is 16GB.

The Spectre x360's design and build quality also shouts 'premium', with the solid chassis featuring distinctive angular edges and cutaway corners, one of which houses one of the laptop's two Thunderbolt 4 ports. The inclusion of HP's Tilt Pen stylus is welcome, but you'll need to be careful not to mislay it as there's no on-chassis housing. Good security features (IR webcam, fingerprint reader, privacy screen option) and all-day battery life add to the appeal of this classy convertible.

Read more: HP Spectre x360 14 review: A compact 2-in-1 with a superb 3:2 OLED screen

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Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Best tablet-first Windows 2-in-1

OS  Windows 11 Home (Surface Pro 8), Windows 11 Pro or 10 Pro (Surface Pro 8 for Business| CPU  Intel Core i3-1115G4 (SP 8 for Business), Core i5-1135G7, Core i7-1185G7 | GPU  Intel UHD Graphics (i3), Intel Iris Xe Graphics (i5, i7) | RAM  8GB, 16GB, 32GB (LPDDR4x) | Storage  128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (removable M.2 SSD) | Screen  13-inch PixelSense, 2800 x 1920 (3:2, 267ppi), 10-point multi-touch, 60Hz or 120H refresh | Wireless  Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 4G LTE (option, SP 8 for Business) | Ports and slots  2x USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect, Surface Type Cover port | Cameras  5MP Windows Hello (front), 10MP (rear) | Audio  2 far-field Studio Mics, 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm headphone jack | Battery  51.5Wh | Dimensions 11.3in. x 8.2in. x 0.37in. (287mm x 208mm x 9.3mm) | Weight  1.96lbs (891g)

The Surface Pro is a tablet with an attachable keyboard (not included in the base price) that transforms it into a laptop of sorts. It's not a laptop you can use comfortably -- or at all -- on your lap, thanks to the kickstand that keeps the screen section upright, but it's light and flexible and an excellent choice if you do a lot of touchscreen and stylus-driven tasks -- sketching, handwritten note-taking and annotation, for example -- as well as mainstream knowledge work. Note that, as with the keyboard, the stylus is another extra-cost option. 

There are two variants of the 13-inch Surface Pro 8, both of which run on 11th-generation Core CPUs: the consumer-focused Surface Pro 8, and the business-oriented Surface Pro 8 for Business, which offers LTE mobile broadband. As well as the 13-inch display, upgrades over the 12.3-inch Surface Pro 7/7+ include improved battery life (up to 16h on Wi-Fi, 14h on LTE), a Signature Keyboard with housing for the Slim Pen 2 stylus, and two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. The SSD drive on the Surface Pro 8 is removable, so you can upgrade a 128GB or 256GB model by fitting a more capacious M.2 2230 PCIe drive.

The Surface Pro 8 starts at $900 for a Wi-Fi-only version with a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. A Core i7 configuration with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD will cost you $1,200, while the top-end Core i7 model with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD costs $2,600.

The Surface Pro 8 for Business starts at $1,100 for a Wi-Fi-only version with a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. A Core i5 version of this spec currently costs $1,020 ($180 off), while adding LTE connectivity brings the price up to $1,350. Core i7 models start at $1,700 (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD), rising to a hefty $2,700 with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

To get the full 2-in-1 experience with all of these models, you'll need to add a Surface Pro Signature Keyboard ($180), and probably a Slim Pen 2 ($93) as well.

Read more: Microsoft Surface Pro 8 for Business review: Still in love

In October 2022 Microsoft released the Surface Pro 9, which comes in Intel-based (12th-generation Core) and Arm-based (Microsoft SQ3) versions (standard and for Business), with the SQ3 model offering 5G connectivity. As a result, you can now find good deals on the Surface Pro 8.

Read more: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review: Impressive but is it worth the price of an M2 MacBook Air?

The original raison d'etre of the Surface brand was for Microsoft to showcase new form factors and technologies that its OEM partners could use as inspiration for their designs. That has certainly worked with the Surface Pro-style 'tablet-first' 2-in-1, and you'll find plenty of variations on the theme from the likes of Lenovo, HP, Dell and others.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8
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Microsoft Surface Go 3

Best budget tablet-first Windows 2-in-1

OS  Windows 11 Home (in S Mode), Windows 11 Pro or 10 Pro (Surface Go 3 for Business) | CPU  Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y, Core i3-10100Y | GPU  Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM 4GB, 8GB (LPDDR3) | Storage  64GB (eMMC), 128GB, 256GB (Surface Go 3 for Business with LTE) | Screen  10.5-inch PixelSense, 1920 x 1280 (3:2, 220ppi), 10-point multi-touch | Wireless  Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), optional 4G LTE (Snapdragon X16 LTE) | Ports & slots  USB-C, Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover port, MicroSDXC card reader, Nano SIM tray | Camera  5MP Windows Hello (front), 8MP (rear) | Audio  dual far-field Studio Mics, 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, 3.5mm headphone jack | Battery  28Wh (10h; 'up to 10h' with LTE) | Dimensions  245 mm x 175 mm x 8.3 mm | Weight  544g (Wi-Fi), 553g (Wi-Fi + LTE)

Microsoft's 10.5-inch Surface Go 3 is a tablet-first device, with keyboard covers and a stylus available as optional extras. It's an attractive and highly portable 2-in-1 (if you buy the $130 Surface Go Type Cover keyboard) that's well suited for mainstream productivity tasks like web browsing, email and video calls. The entry-level price for the tablet is currently $350.
 

The Surface Go 3 is available in two versions: the standard version runs Windows 11 Home in locked-down S Mode, while the slightly more expensive for Business model comes with either Windows 11 Pro or 10 Pro. It has a 10.5-inch FHD+ touch screen (220ppi) and comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage in the standard model, while the business model adds a 256GB option. You'll pay $100 extra over the Wi-Fi-only model if you want 4G LTE mobile broadband. 

Read review: Microsoft Surface Go 3

Although entry-level prices for the Surface Go 3 are attractive, options can edge towards the expensive: a fully-specified 'for Business' system with a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, 4G LTE, a top-end Type Cover and a Surface Pen comes in at $1,110. 

The Surface Go 3 has decent camera (5MP front, 8MP rear) and audio subsystems, making it a good vehicle for on-the-go video calls. However, connections are limited to one USB-C port, Microsoft's proprietary Surface Connect and Type Cover ports, a MicroSD card reader and a 3.5mm audio jack. Performance from the Core i3 processor in ZDNET's review unit was acceptable for an affordable 2-in-1, but battery life -- claimed at up to 11 hours -- was slightly disappointing: although we could watch video for the full 11 hours, working with productivity apps brought battery life down to 3 hours 15 minutes.

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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Best 2-in-1 for creators

OS: Windows 11 Home, Pro (for Business model) | CPU: Intel Core i5-11300H, Core i7-11370H | GPU: Intel Xe Graphics (Core i5), 4GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU (Core i7) | RAM: 16GB, 32GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB (removable SSD) | Screen: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow touch screen, 2400 x 1600 (3:2, 201ppi), 120Hz max | Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Ports and slots: 2x USB-C (USB4/Thunderbolt 4), Surface Connect port | Cameras: 1080p + IR | Audio: 4x Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos, 2x studio mics, 3.5mm headphone jack | Battery: 58Wh | Dimensions: 323.28mm x 228.32mm x 18.94mm (12.72in. x 8.98in. x 0.746in.) | Weight: Core i5: 1.74kg (3.83lbs) • Core i7: 1,82kg (4.0lbs)

The Surface Studio is an unconventional convertible laptop, with a 14.4-inch screen that can operate in laptop mode, be pulled forward to cover the keyboard in 'stage' mode, or lain almost flat over the keyboard in tablet (or 'studio') mode. Based on 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors with integrated (Core i5) or discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics (Core i7), up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of removable SSD storage, this is a laptop that can be configured to handle a range of workloads, from mainstream productivity to demanding creative applications. The PixelSense screen has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes for smooth scrolling, the keyboard is a comfortable typing platform, the touchpad is a good size and its compatible with Microsoft's Surface Slim Pen 2.

Also: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio review: A true convertible, with designer appeal

If you go for the Core i7 model, you get a portable discrete-GPU laptop that handles most creator and developer tasks with ease. It's not cheap (Core i7/dGPU models start at $1,800), but it can handle workloads from machine learning to gaming, and features one of Microsoft's best screens, which quickly converts from studio to stage to laptop.

Person using Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
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HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

Best 2-in-1 Chromebook

OS: Chrome OS | CPU: 12th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Screen: 13.5-inch IPS touch screen: QHD+ (2256x1504) 400 nits • WUXGA+ (1920x1280) 400 nits • WUXGA+ (1920x1280) 1000 nits, Sure View Privacy | Wireless: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), optional mobile broadband Ports and slots: 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB4 (40Gbps), USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI 2.0, MicroSD card slot | Camera: 5MP | Audio: 2x speakers, 3.5mm audio in/out jack | Battery: 50Wh | Dimensions: 294.4mm x 221.7mm x 16.51mm (11.59in. x 8.73in. x 0.65in.) | Weight: from 1.27kg (2.8lbs)

Chromebooks came into their own during the coronavirus pandemic, their combination of simplicity, affordability and long battery life delivering exactly what was needed for students and knowledge workers forced to study and work from home. The Chromebook market has declined since the heights of 2020/21, with analyst firm IDC reporting -34.4% year-on-year growth in Q3 2022, while noting that "Chromebooks face a number of challenges in the industry, not all of which are because of limitations to the platform."

Chromebooks come in many shapes and sizes, and at many price points, but the current pick of the crop is HP's Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, a premium 13.5-inch 2-in-1 convertible that costs from $1,099 at the time of writing, rising to over $3,000 for a fully-specified Enterprise device. Described in ZDNET's review as "a no-compromise, Google-powered laptop that functions as well as it looks," the Eilte Dragonfly Chromebook is "clearly not for the average consumer". It is, however, probably the current state of the art in Chromebooks.

Read more: The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook has no business being this good

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Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

Best budget 2-in-1 Chromebook

OS  Chrome OS | CPU  MediaTek Helio P60T | GPU  ARM Mali-G72 MP3 (integrated) | RAM  4GB | Storage  64GB, 128GB | Screen  10.1-inch FHD (1920 x 1200, 224ppi) IPS touch screen, 400 nits | Wireless  Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Ports & slots  USB-C (with Power Delivery), 5-point pogo pins for keyboard attachment | Camera  2MP front, 8MP rear | Audio  stereo speakers, USB-C adapter for 3.5mm headset jack | Battery  7180mAh (up to 10h video playback, 8h web browsing) | Dimensions  239.8mm x 159.8mm x 7.35mm (tablet) / 244.87mm x 169.31mm x 18.2mm (tablet + keyboard) | Weight  450g (tablet), 920g (tablet + keyboard)

Lenovo's IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is a 2-in-1 Chromebook comprising a 10.1-inch tablet, an attachable keyboard and a rear cover/kickstand, starting at around $300. Running Chrome OS and with support for Android apps, this diminutive multi-modal device offers excellent value -- albeit as a companion rather than a primary device.

The entry-level configuration runs Chrome OS on a MediaTek Helio P60T processor with 4GB of RAM and a 64GB eMMC SSD. The 10.1inch IPS touch screen has FHD+ resolution (1920 x 1200, 224ppi, 16:10 aspect ratio) with 400 nits brightness. There's also a model that boosts the storage to 128GB and adds a Lenovo USI stylus. The latter looks like the preferred option.

Read review: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

Although some keys on the right side are rather narrow, the keyboard has good action, while the touchpad is also necessarily small. Lenovo claims 10 hours of battery life for the IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, and that's pretty much in line with what emerged in ZDNet's review.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
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Apple iPad Pro (M2, 2022)

Apple tablet-first detachable

OS  iPadOS 16 | CPU  Apple M2 (8-core) | GPU  10-core (integrated) | RAM  8GB (128GB, 256GB, 512GB storage), 16GB (1TB, 2TB storage) | Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | Screen  11-inch Liquid Retina (IPS touch screen, 2388 x 1668, 264ppi, 600 nits) / 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (IPS touch screen, 2732 x 2048, 264ppi, 1000 nits) | Wireless  Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E (2.4/5/6GHz 802.11ax), optional mobile broadband (5G, 4G LTE via nano-SIM or eSIM) | Ports & slots  Thunderbolt/ USB 4, Smart Connector, Magnetic Connector, Nano-SIM | Cameras  Front: TrueDepth Camera (12MP, f/2.4, 122° FoV) / Rear: wide angle (12MP, f/1.8), ultra wide angle (10MP, f/2.4, 125° FoV) , 2x optical, 5x digital zoom, LiDAR scanner | Audio  5 mics, 4 speakers | Battery  28.6Wh (11-inch), 40.9Wh (12.9-inch); up to 10h (Wi-Fi), 9h (mobile broadband) | Dimensions  178.5mm x 247.6mm x 5.9mm (11-inch) / 214.9mm x 280.6mm x 6.4mm (12.9-inch) | Weight  11-inch: 466g (Wi-Fi), 470g (Wi-Fi+MBB) / 12.9-inch: 682g (Wi-Fi), 685g (Wi-Fi+MBB)

Apple's 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros powered by the M2 system-on-chip (SoC) offer similar horsepower to a high-end laptop, and with the addition of a Magic Keyboard, the iPad becomes a device that could replace a traditional laptop as a work tool.

Read more: iPad Pro (2022) review: Stop me if you've heard this one before, but...

It's an expensive almost-laptop, though: the M2 iPad Pro starts at $799 for an 11-inch model with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi 6E, rising to $2,399 for a 12.9-inch model with 16GB of RAM, 2TB of storage and Wi-Fi 6 plus cellular (up to 5G) connectivity. That's before you add in a Magic Keyboard ($299 for 11-inch, $349 for 12.9-inch) and a $129 Apple Pencil. You can buy a lot of stylus-equipped 2-in-1 actual-laptop for $2,877.

Read more: Apple iPadOS 16 has arrived for your iPad, here are all the new features

The latest iPad Pro hardware, which includes a mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model, is impressive, if expensive. However, much will depend on how the software develops, starting with iPadOS 16.

Read more: M1 iPad Pro (2021) vs. M2 iPad Pro (2022): Is it worth the upgrade?

Appel iPad Pro 2022
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Panasonic Toughbook G2

Best rugged 2-in-1

OS  Windows 10 Pro | CPU  Intel Core i5-10310U vPro | GPU  Intel UHD Graphics (integrated) | RAM  16GB, 32GB | Storage  512GB, 1TB (plus separate model with quick-release SSD) | Screen  10.1-inch IPS touch screen (1920 x 1200, 224ppi) with glove and rain modes, 1000 nits, IP55 digitiser | Wireless  Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), optional mobile broadband (4G LTE) | Ports & slots  USB 3.1, USB-C (with Power Delivery), RJ-45 Ethernet, port replicator connector, dual antenna connector / Configuration Port (serial, 2D barcode reader, USB 2.0, RJ-45 or FLIR thermal camera) / Rear Expansion Bay Area (smart card reader or HF-RFID [NFC] reader) | Cameras  Front: 2MP with IR & privacy shutter / Rear: 8MP, with autofocus & flash | Audio  stereo speakers | Battery  50Wh (standard), 68Wh (extended), hot-swappable (12h standard, 18.5h extended) | Dimensions  279mm x 188mm x 23.5mm | Weight  1.19kg

Panasonic's Toughbook G2 is a fully rugged tablet with an optional keyboard that transforms it into a 2-in-1 device. The Toughbook G2, which costs from $2,999, offers an enterprise-grade platform based on a 10th-generation Intel Core i5-10310U vPro processor with 16GB or 32GB of RAM 512GB or 1TB of MVMe SSD storage. It's a Microsoft Secured Core PC, and there's a variant with a quick-release SSD aimed at industry sectors with particularly data-sensitive use cases. Its rugged credentials include MIL-STD 810H testing and IP65 certification for dust and water resistance.

The Toughbook G2's 10.1-inch IPS display is 'sunlight viewable', with maximum brightness of 1,000 nits. It's a 10-point capacitive multi-touchscreen that works with fingers and the optional stylus, with selectable modes for gloved hands and rainy conditions. As well as a selection of standard ports, there's a 'configuration port' which can be fitted at purchase time with a serial port, a barcode reader, a USB 2.0 port, a second Ethernet port or a thermal camera. Another configurable element is the expansion bay at the back, which can take a smart card reader or an HF-RFID (NFC) reader.

Read more: Toughbook G2: Panasonic's new rugged 10.1-inch 2-in-1 Windows tablet 

Optional accessories include docking units, vehicle mounts, battery packs and the stylus pen. The detachable keyboard adds two extra ports -- USB-A and USB-C -- while the desktop cradle supports 4K output on two external 4K displays. Battery life with the standard 50Wh battery pack is quoted at 12 hours, or 18.5 hours with the optional extended 68Wh battery. Batteries are hot-swappable, which is a key requirement for many field workers.

Panasonic Toughbook G2: front
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What is the best 2-in-1 laptop?

Our pick for the best 2-in-1 laptop is the Lenovo Yoga 9i, a 14-inch convertible. You can configure it with up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and up to a 16:10 4K OLED touch screen to handle everything from typical office work to mainstream content creation and photo editing.

2-in-1 laptopScreen sizePriceType
Lenovo Yoga 9i14in.from $1320360° convertible
Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 36015.6in.from $950360° convertible
HP Spectre x360 1413.5in.from $1000360° convertible
Microsoft Surface Pro 813in.from $1080 (+ keyboard)tablet-first detachable
Microsoft Surface Go 310.5in.from $480 (+ keyboard)tablet-first detachable
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio14.4in.from $1,300sliding-screen convertible
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook13.5in.from $1,100360° convertible
Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet10.1in.~$300tablet-first detachable
Apple M2 iPad Pro (2022)11in. or 12.9in.from $1,098 (11in. + keyboard); from $1,448 (12.9in. + keyboard)tablet-first detachable
Panasonic Toughbook G210.1in.from $2,999tablet-first detachable

Which 2-in-1 laptop is right for you?

The key question when buying a 2-in-1 laptop -- as with any product -- is: 'What do you want to do with it?' Having established the use case, you'll have a focus for your research and should quickly get a feel for the key features to look out for.

Once you have a long list of potential candidates, your budget will likely trim it down at the top end, while your cautionary instincts should kick in at the bottom end (if something appears too good to be true, it probably is). Armed with a well-researched shortlist, you should have a good chance of ending up with a laptop that will satisfy your requirements.

Choose this 2-in-1 laptop...

If you need...

Lenovo Yoga 9i

A well-rounded 2-in-1 convertible

Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360

A mainstream 2-in-1 convertible

HP Spectre x360 14

A premium 2-in-1 convertible

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

A tablet-first 2-in-1 detachable

Microsoft Surface Go 3

A budget tablet-first 2-in-1 detachable

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

A 2-in-1 convertible for creators

HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

A premium 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook

Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook Duet

A budget 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook

Apple M2 iPad Pro (2022)

An Apple tablet-first 2-in-1 detachable

Panasonic Toughbook G2

A fully rugged 2-in-1 detachable

How did we choose these 2-in-1 laptops?

I have been writing, commissioning and editing reviews of laptops (and many other types of tech products) since the 1990s. The selection process for this 'Best' list is based on a combination of personal usage and experience, involvement in the ZDNET reviews process, and analysis of other reviews and roundups.

What is a 2-in-1 laptop?

A 2-in-1 laptop is a portable computer built with hinges which give the screen a larger range of motion in order to 'convert' the laptop into a tablet-like device. Alternatively, it is a tablet to which an add-on keyboard can be attached or detached as required.

Does Apple make a 2-in-1 laptop?

At the time of writing, Apple doesn't make a 2-in-1 version of its MacBook laptops. However, you can use the iPad Pro with a detachable keyboard in laptop mode.

What is the cheapest 2-in-1 laptop?

Our list of the best 2-in-1 laptops includes the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, which can be bought for around $300. It's a 10.1-inch tablet-first detachable running Chrome OS. If you prefer a Windows laptop rather than a Chromebook, consider the Microsoft Surface Go 3. It starts at $480 with a keyboard, and is a 10.5-inch budget detachable.

Which is better: A 2-in-1 or a laptop?

If you want maximum flexibility from your portable computing device, a laptop/ tablet hybrid, or 2-in-1, of some sort could fit the bill -- although that bill may be higher than for a regular laptop due to the touch screen, stylus and other extra features that may be required, such as a 360-degree rotating screen hinge. 

There are 2-in-1 devices to suit both 'tablet-first' and 'laptop-first' use cases, so you should be able to find one that suits your work practices. It's also an area of form factor innovation, so keep an eye out for new developments.

Which operating system should you choose?

Every computing platform has its committed supporters, but most people end up using a particular operating system because key applications run on it, or because it's chosen for them by their employer, or because of budgetary issues. 

Windows spans the range from budget to premium, while Chrome OS is largely confined to the affordable end of the market. There are no 2-in-1 laptops from Apple (yet) -- the nearest you'll get is an iPad Pro/Magic Keyboard combo running iPadOS 16.

Windows 11 is rolling out on new PCs, and has been available as a free upgrade on eligible Windows 10 systems since October 5 2021. All of the Windows devices listed here qualify for Windows 11, so if you buy one with Windows 10 installed you'll be able to upgrade to version 11 in due course if you wish. If you don't, note that Windows 10 support ends on October 14 2025, after which there will be no more security patches or feature updates.

See: Windows 11 hands on: Microsoft's biggest minor upgrade ever is all about new hardware

Laptop vendors: Should you stick to the 'usual suspects' or seek out lesser-known brands?

Generally speaking, the leading PC vendors have the broadest range of offerings and the best-documented track records in terms of product development and customer relations. 

So in the absence of a specialised use case or budgetary constraint, you're usually going to be looking at the likes of Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple and Asus -- which currently lead the PC market in terms of shipments -- plus a handful of other well-known brands, including Microsoft.

Are there alternatives worth considering?

The best 2-in-1s are covered pretty thoroughly above, but if you're looking for a new tablet, check out the following buyer's guides:


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