The world is moving – and changing – so fast it’s no surprise that 2-in-1 laptops rank high among sought-after gadgets. They present a neat solution to enjoy the best of both worlds: laptop and tablet. Convertibles allow you to switch among usage modes per your current requirements, for example, tent or tablet mode for watching a movie.
These 2-in-1 devices offer smooth touch-based screens you can maneuver directly or with a stylus. Another crucial advantage of their kitty is battery power, primarily because their components consume lower power than a conventional clamshell laptop.
9 Best 2-in-1 Laptops 2023
Purchasing a convertible – touchscreen or hybrid laptop – can be a solid decision for many audiences, including students and business people. There’s something infectious about the ease of computing wherever you go, lightweight build, long unplugged usage, and snappy displays.
HP Convertibles for all budgets
The HP Spectre x360 makes waves in the convertible space for its reliable performance, sleek design, and intuitive camera. The HP Spectre 14t 2-in-1 will cost you around $1,250. It excels at providing a unified experience with the HP Palette suite. Moreover, an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD are adequate for everyday pursuits, like web browsing and working on college assignments.
The HP Spectre also comes in a larger 16″ display for approximately $1,800. You can reap the advantages of a taller display, reduced scrolling, and wellness reminders to manage your screen time.
A more pocket-friendly option from this brand is an HP Envy convertible, like the 14″ model, at $650. Despite the low price, it provides steady performance and an enjoyable user experience with an Intel Core i5 processor, Bang & Olufsen audio, and a quick-charging battery. The 15″ HP Envy x360 is also a decent option for those who want a slightly bigger display. The camera is also a winner – complete with auto-framing and AI noise reduction.
Powerful and versatile Dell 2-in-1s
The Dell XPS series is one of your best options if you can up your budget to about $1,500. It delivers powerful performance – an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM – and sports a lovely 3K display with stylus support.
Dell ensures these 2-in-1 devices are well-protected and connected, with features like Gorilla Glass, Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and a stunning 11MP camera. We adore the detachable keyboard with backlights, multiple angles, and customization options for superior comfort. Indeed, Dell XPS makes perfect sense for all kinds of professionals – creators, editors, etc.
A more affordable option from the Dell family is the Inspiron range of 2-in-1 devices. For instance, the Dell Inspiron 16 is a good option for decent performance (an Intel Core i7 and you can even opt for an NVIDIA MX550 card). This line-up has super displays for the price – FHD+ or OLED – and also offers fantastic audio with Dolby Atmos and Waves MaxxAudio Pro.
Dell deserves kudos for building a secure, comfortable convertible in a budget-friendly price bucket. The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 laptop costs around $650. It’s a lovely bargain for a sustainable, well-rounded experience with spatial audio, a healthy battery life, and a convenient 360-degree hinge.
True to its love for versatility, Dell also has a standout offering in the convertible space – the Latitude 9440 2-in-1, costing around $2,800. It is a mighty machine with an Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB RAM, and a crystal-clear QHD+ display.
But the security features of this laptop are the true blue heroes: a fingerprint reader, SafeBIOS, onlooker detection, a TPM chip, and an automatic safe shutter for the camera. The Latitude range also has Dell Optimiser solutions for streamlined productivity, collaboration, and professional workplace solutions.
Stylish Microsoft Surface convertibles
Budget convertibles under $1,000 are also popular, thanks to the rise of remote and hybrid work environments. The 13″ Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is available for around $900 and is a stylish alternative for lightweight multitasking ease.
It runs on an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Microsoft has invested in making it genuinely portable and ergonomic via a detachable keyboard, kickstand, and customization options. This device also boasts long battery life (over 15 hours) and has Thunderbolt 4 ports to keep you plugged in wherever you go.
A 14.4″ version of Microsoft Surface Studio is also available for a more immersive experience. You can smoothly work, design, or create with a specially built compact keyboard and mouse. Since the display and sound are excellent (120Hz and Omnisonic speakers), this 2-in-1 works well for multimedia lovers.
Reliable MSI Summit 2-in-1s
MSI has a few impressive picks in this category, letting users experience military-standard durability and a vivid audio-visual experience. Check out the MSI Summit E16 Flip EVO for $1,699.
We love its engaging QHD+ screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color. It also has rock-solid performance, run by an Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. MSI has committed to security and accessibility also, letting you benefit from facial recognition and noise reduction.
FAQs
What is the difference between a convertible, a detachable 2-in-1, and a tablet?
A convertible is usually much more capable than a typical tablet. It has a touch screen, a keyboard, and a speedy operating system like Windows or Chrome OS. The components are also more efficient and durable – closer to a laptop than a tablet. Usually, convertibles have a 360-degree hinge to permit you to rotate the keyboard even though it remains fixed to the device.
In contrast, a detachable 2-in-1 laptop is closer to a tablet, letting you remove the keyboard. Consequently, it is more portable and lightweight. Dell XPS and Microsoft Surface have some classy options in this bucket.
Who should get a 2-in-1 laptop?
Convertibles are portable, ergonomic, and easy to use while traveling. They are also lightweight and versatile, suitable for college, work, or entertainment. We recommend this form factor for students and working professionals, particularly designers and creative folks. 2-in-1 laptops are good choices for travel-intensive lifestyles as they usually have good battery backup. They also suit desk-based setups; you can pair them with a kickstand and a magnetic keyboard. However, you may not find a 2-in-1 very useful if you generally keep your laptop in your lap.
Which screen size is the best for a convertible?
The most common size is between 12 inches and 14 inches. This form factor is ideal for traveling and maximizing the user-friendliness a 2-in-1 laptop offers. However, you should also consider the screen resolution. An FHD display is a given; you can get an OLED screen in models like the Dell Inspiron 16. The latter works well for multimedia professionals who wish to doodle, sketch, edit, etc., on the run.
Are 2-in-1 laptops good performers?
Absolutely! You can find excellent convertibles with specs matching those of full-size laptops: Intel Core i7 processors, 16GB RAM, and SSD storage of 512GB or more. Provided you have the budget, 2-in-1s like the Latitude 9440 can outperform many laptops in their performance and security options.
On the downside: You will get integrated graphics. Still, accurate color and engaging audio-visual experiences are obtainable with devices like the MSI Summit. These machines also boast good battery backup and mobile build suited to traveling.
