Over the last decade, we have fundamentally changed the way we use our laptops – thanks in large part to hybrid laptops. The best 2-in-1 laptops come in various shapes and sizes, and there’s nothing like flipping your laptop into tent mode to watch a show or movie on Netflix after a long study session.
Some of the top 2-in-1 laptops, like the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1, will come fitted with the best processors, and will be among the best laptops on the market right now. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this versatile form factor.
The best 2-in-1 laptops will more often than not be convertible, which means the keyboard flips around the back, transforming the device into a tablet. Other devices, like the Surface Book 2, approach it differently. Microsoft’s convertible has a detachable screen, and its high-resolution PixelSense display is held up by sheer magnetic force when in laptop mode.
No matter how they execute the 2-in-1 functionality, these flexible laptops will usually have stylus compatibility – even if it’s becoming rarer to find a stylus included in the box. So, to help you find the most ideal 2-in-1 laptop for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the best convertible notebooks we’ve reviewed recently, with all their pros and cons taken into account.
For years, HP’s Spectre line of Ultrabooks and 2-in-1 laptops has been all about combining elegance and performance, and the 2019 HP Spectre x360 15 is no different. Packed with an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics and 8GB of RAM in its base configuration, you’re going to be able to do anything your work day throws at you – plus a bit of light gaming. However, the Spectre x360 is a bit heavy for a 2-in-1, so you likely won’t be using it in tablet mode that often. Put it in tent mode instead and watch some movies on its stunning 4K display.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 15T (2019)
It might strike you as odd that a Chromebook is on a list of the best 2-in-1 laptops, and rated so high at that. However, the Google Pixelbook merges the two so flawlessly. It’s an impressive device that takes the Chrome OS platform and elevates it to levels never seen before, or even since. The Google Pixelbook is fitted with powerful internals as well as supports full Android apps, tearing down the walls that prevented Mac and Windows devotees from embracing the best Chromebooks.
Read the full review: Google Pixelbook
We get it, the Pixelbook is enticing, but it’s also out of many consumers’ price range. In that case, the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is a worthy alternative. Having introduced a touchscreen and hybrid design to Google’s cloud-based Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebook Flip is made better by its compatibility with Android apps. That’s right, just like the Pixelbook, you can use the Asus Chromebook Flip for Google Play apps, albeit after installing an out-of-the-box update.
Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip
The HP Spectre x360 isn’t just one of the top convertible laptops on the market; it’s one of the best laptops, period. There are few devices out there that amalgamate formidable components with elegant design quite as well as HP does here. The gem cut chassis will draw plenty of admiring looks in the coffee shop, while the powerful hardware will breeze through all of your productivity tasks. And, when you’ve had enough drawing in those looks of envy, you can flip it around into tablet mode to squeeze some late-night Netflix in.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
If you’ve been looking for one of the best 2-in-1 laptops, but also kind of wanted something with some serious horsepower, you’re in luck. The Dell XPS 15, already one of the best Ultrabooks you can buy today, has been elevated to one of the most coveted 2-in-1 laptops – with discrete class Radeon RX Vega graphics to boot. What this means is that you can get a stunning 2-in-1, without sacrificing sheer power. And, while it is a bit expensive on the high end – it’s completely worth the price.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
We’re not going to lie: we loved the original Surface Book already, so when we first heard that there was going to be a 15-inch Surface Book 2, we got excited. In the end, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 isn’t the dreamiest 2-in-1 laptop out there. However, it’s still an impressive machine, only held back by a handful of necessary concessions. This 2-in-1 laptop features cutting-edge 8th-generation processors and Nvidia 10-series graphics for gamers and creatives alike. Couple that with its unique convertible solution, and the Surface Book 2 is a winner.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13-inch)
Sleek, slim and with strong specs to boot, the new Lenovo Yoga C930 is definitely well-deserving of a spot in the best hybrid laptops list. That’s without mentioning the fact that it now touts a 4K display model, so that high-end viewing experience and decent gaming may be had once users have gotten their productivity tasks out of the way. This 2-in-1 is a solid contender for the budget-minded, but if you do decide to go for gold, you might have to break the bank.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930
It’s no secret that we’re fans of the Microsoft Surface Book 2 13-inch, seeing as how we only gushed about it earlier in this list, but what do we think of its 15-inch counterpart? With its long battery life, envy-worthy specs that will get you through most productivity demands and a lot of entertainment, and of course, its unique design features, we’re inclined to feel the same about it. Though this model isn’t for the budget shoppers: its base model with 256GB storage, you need to shell out $ 2,499 (oof!).
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)
If you’re in the market for an excellent 2-in-1 laptop, but want to save a few bucks, look no further than the Lenovo Flex 6 14. For less than $ 1,000, you’re getting specs that will be able to handle most common workloads life throws at it – in a chassis that doesn’t just look good, but is rigid and even supports the Lenovo Active Pen. The only real downside here are the tinny speakers and the lack of Thunderbolt 3, but those are hardly enough to hold it back especially at that bargain price.
Read the full review: Lenovo Flex 6 14
- This product is only available in the US and AU at the time of this writing. UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the HP Spectre x360
Acer has a knack for designing affordable laptops that are reliable enough for typical productivity tasks and some viewing pleasures. They’re proving that with their cut-rate contender, the Acer Chromebook Spin 11, touted by many as one of the best Chromebooks that hit the shelves so far. Some concessions are made, understandably with its price tag of $ 330, including below average battery life. But for users on a budget who are unlikely to tackle processor-hungry work, this one’s a win.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 11
- Images Credit: TechRadar
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptop 2019
Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas have also contributed to this article