A great 2-in-1 laptop seamlessly combines the functionality of a traditional laptop with the versatility of a tablet. The best models offer unparalleled adaptability, providing features that a standard laptop simply can't match. While not primarily designed for gaming, the advent of cloud streaming and powerful processors like the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 has opened up new possibilities. These innovative devices are more compelling and capable than ever before.
TL;DR – These Are the Best 2-in-1 Laptops:
Our Top Pick### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
1See it at AmazonSee it at Microsoft
### Minisforum V3 Tablet PC
0See it at Amazon
### Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
0See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy See it at Newegg
### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
0See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy See it at Lenovo
### Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406
0See it at AsusDespite the evolving landscape for 2-in-1s, their established role in workplaces and among students has led to a diverse market, though not all options are equally impressive. If you're seeking the best value for a laptop with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, look no further. These top picks will save you time shopping and help you enjoy your new PC sooner.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos
View 12 Images
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 Laptop
Our Top Pick### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
1This 2-in-1 is perfect for artists but boasts the power and efficiency to serve as an excellent daily driver. See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftProduct SpecificationsDisplay14” OLED (2,880 x 1,920) 120Hz, 10-point touchCPUSnapdragon X EliteGPUIntegratedRAM16-64GB (LPDDR5)Storage256GB - 1TBWeight1.97 poundsSize11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37"PROSBeautiful OLED touchscreenVersatile and fast, perfect for multiple productivity-based use-casesGreat for streaming gamesCONSApp compatibility still isn't perfectPricey accessoriesWhether you're a student, professional, or simply looking for a thin, light, and stylish 2-in-1 laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an exceptional choice. It features top-tier hardware and a stunning screen that ensure fast performance and superior visuals. For the complete experience, consider bundling it with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen.
The Surface Pro 11 doesn't compromise on specs. This year's model includes a powerful Snapdragon CPU, with options between the Snapdragon X Plus and the Snapdragon X Elite. Coupled with 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to a terabyte of storage, it offers the best responsiveness, processing power, and user experience of any Surface yet.
Its design is both sleek and practical. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it remains thin, light, and easy to carry. Unlike many competitors, the Surface can be used like an iPad with the keyboard wrapped around the back or stowed away until needed.
In my review, I was captivated by its form factor, a surprising delight for someone accustomed to reviewing high-performance gaming laptops. The OLED touchscreen is visually stunning, ideal for everything from spreadsheets to streaming games over the cloud, ensuring excellent image quality and proper HDR.
The attention to detail in the Surface Pro 11's design is evident from the satisfying snap of the case to the integrated magnetic charging cradle in the keyboard case. This thoughtful design makes it a versatile daily driver, capable of replacing bulkier productivity laptops.
Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite CPU, built on ARM architecture, it's more power-efficient than Intel and AMD's x86 processors. This efficiency contributes to its vibrant screen and high-performance components, making it ideal for productivity and streaming. However, be aware that while most major applications run smoothly, some may require checking compatibility with resources like Windows on ARM.
For gaming, local play on the Surface Pro 11 isn't optimal. Most games from Steam either don't run or run poorly. However, cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work seamlessly, providing access to a vast library of games with a good internet connection and subscription.
2. Minisforum V3 SE Tablet PC
Best Budget 2-in-1 Laptop
### Minisforum V3 Tablet PC
0This sleek 2-in-1 offers a compelling alternative to the Microsoft Surface 11 at a fraction of the cost. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay14" IPS (2,560 x 1,600), 500-nit, 165HzCPURyzen 7 8840UGPUIntegrated (AMD Radeon 780M)RAM32GBStorage1TBWeight2.05 poundsSize12.52" × 8.42" × 0.39"PROSHighly competitive with the Surface Pro 11Excellent performance Solid battery lifeComes with a keyboard and stylusCONSDoesn't feel quite as refined as the Surface Pro 11If you desire a Microsoft Surface-like experience without the premium price, the Minisforum V3 SE tablet PC is an excellent choice. Its design closely resembles the Surface Pro 11, yet it offers better compatibility and gaming performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, all at a more affordable price.
Extensive testing before and after my review confirms that the V3 SE is not just a great value for a 2-in-1, but a great value for any laptop. Its performance is responsive, handling multitasking effortlessly with 32GB of memory. With a 1TB SSD, storage won't be a concern anytime soon, and the included keyboard and stylus add to its value, all for less than $700.
While not as power-efficient as the Snapdragon X Elite, the Ryzen 7 8840U's x86 architecture ensures compatibility with all standard Windows apps and games. Integrated graphics are powerful enough to drive a generation of PC gaming handhelds, allowing you to play games at reduced settings.
The trade-offs include a standard IPS panel with a matte finish, and a slightly bulkier build compared to the Surface. However, these minor concessions make the Minisforum V3 SE an outstanding value, capable of handling most productivity and entertainment tasks, and even gaming, with ease.
3. Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Gaming
### Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
0A portable powerhouse, the Z13's processor delivers gaming performance comparable to mid-range dedicated graphics cards. See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.4” IPS (2,560 x 1,600), 180HzCPUAMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395GPUIntegrated (AMD Radeon 8060S)RAM32 - 96GB LPDDR5 Storage1 TB SSDWeight2.65 poundsSize11.81" x 8.03" x 0.51" - 0.59"PROSTop-tier gaming performance for an integrated GPUPlenty powerful for gaming and content creationCompact size makes it easy to travel with Feels a lot like a gaming consoleCONSBulky sizeMax SSD storage limited to 2TB (currently)For those seeking top-tier gaming performance in a 2-in-1, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) stands unrivaled. While it comes with a significant price tag, it offers gaming performance that rivals some dedicated gaming laptops, making it the ultimate choice for power and versatility.
Asus has packed this flagship with the groundbreaking AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor, setting new standards for processing capability and graphics performance. With 16 cores and 32 threads, and a top speed of 5.1GHz, it ensures seamless performance across all applications, from gaming to content creation.
The real highlight is its gaming performance, which ranges between that of an RTX 4050 and an RTX 4070 laptop graphics card. This allows you to play games at decent settings while leveraging cutting-edge technology like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames.
Despite its high performance, the Flow Z13 comes at a premium. The 32GB model costs $2,299, with the 64GB variant at $2,399. Upgrades are not possible later, so consider your future needs. Additionally, the maximum SSD storage is currently 2TB, and its thicker profile compared to other 2-in-1s is a trade-off for its performance. However, its overall value in a compact form factor is undeniable.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Work
### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
0Designed for business and light entertainment, without breaking the bank. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy See it at LenovoProduct SpecificationsDisplay14" WUXGA (1920 x 1200) OLED touchscreen, 60HzCPUSnapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100GPUIntegrated (Qualcomm Adreno)RAM16GB DDR5Storage512GB SSDWeight3.28 pounds Size12.32″ x 8.94″ x 0.68″PROSFoldable 2-in-1 designGreat battery lifeCompetitively pricedOLED touchscreen displayCONSApp compatibility could be an issue (but most major productivity apps are supported)If you're in the market for a 2-in-1 laptop primarily for work, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X offers the perfect balance of performance and affordability. It's well-suited for productivity apps, boasting excellent battery life and an attractive screen, all starting at a budget-friendly $550.
The IdeaPad 5X prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, featuring a convertible design where the screen flips backwards for tablet use while remaining connected to the keyboard. This design enhances productivity by keeping everything you need at hand.
During my review, I was impressed by its performance relative to its cost, especially within the Microsoft Office Suite and Google productivity apps. With 16GB of RAM, it handles multiple applications smoothly, and its 512GB of storage is adequate for most users.
The 14-inch OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals with infinite contrast and vivid colors. Though not high-resolution or high-refresh rate, it's perfect for work and casual viewing. Its battery life can last nearly two full workdays, thanks to the power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor.
Like the Surface Pro 11, the Snapdragon processor may limit app compatibility. However, most essential productivity apps are supported, making the IdeaPad 5X a solid choice for work and occasional play.
5. Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406
Best Dual-Screen 2-in-1 Laptop
### Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406
0Dual screens and powerful hardware make this versatile 2-in-1 a top pick. See it at AsusProduct SpecificationsDisplay14” (2880 x 1800) OLED touchscreen, 120HzCPUIntel Core Ultra 9 285HGPUIntegrated (Intel Arc 140T)RAM32GB LPDDR5Storage1TB SSDWeight3.64 poundsSize12.34" x 8.58" x 0.57" - 0.78"PROSDual high-resolution 14-inch OLED touchscreensPlenty of configuration optionsComes ready to transform for different scenariosCONSMediocre battery lifeAdded weightFor those who need more screen real estate and flexibility, the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 delivers. Dual-screen laptops are a niche but growing category, and the Zenbook Duo sets the standard with its pair of high-quality, flippable touchscreens, offering a versatile multi-monitor experience on the go.
This laptop is ideal for multitasking, allowing you to work on multiple applications simultaneously without constant switching. Its design offers multiple configurations, from stacked displays for work to side-by-side for entertainment or presentations.
The Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor, equipped with Intel Arc integrated graphics, provides robust performance. While not as powerful as the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, it still ranks high for APU performance, enabling you to play games with some adjustments.
The trade-offs include added weight and reduced battery life due to its dual OLED screens and powerful processor. However, its versatility and performance make it a top choice for those needing more from their 2-in-1 laptop.
AnswerSee ResultsHow to Choose a 2-in-1 laptopChoosing a 2-in-1 laptop involves similar considerations to selecting a traditional laptop, starting with your intended use and matching it with the right display and specifications. Additionally, consider the type of screen mechanism—flippable, rotatable, or dual screens—and whether you prefer a detachable or attached design.
Key factors to consider include:
Screen: Opt for a size between 13 and 16 inches for optimal productivity and entertainment. Choose between IPS and OLED displays, with OLED offering superior contrast and color at the cost of higher power consumption.
Processor: Aim for at least six cores, with ten or more preferred for multitasking and performance in demanding applications.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is essential for smooth multitasking, with 32GB recommended for extended usability. Consider higher capacities for creative work or running LLMs locally.
Storage: Start with at least 512GB, but consider 1TB or more if you work with large files or need extensive local storage.
2-in-1 Laptops FAQ
Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?
While 2-in-1 laptops require extra care due to their foldable design, they are not inherently more fragile than traditional laptops. With proper handling and protection, these devices can last for many years. Consider using a screen protector and keeping the hinge clean to maintain durability.
What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?
2-in-1 laptops offer many benefits, but they also come with some drawbacks. Gamers may find fewer high-performance options, and these devices can be slightly heavier due to additional hardware. Additionally, 2-in-1 functionality often comes at a higher price, though there are affordable options available.
Can you play games on a 2-in-1 laptop?
The ability to play games on a 2-in-1 laptop depends on the hardware and the type of games you want to play. Modern processors from Intel and AMD enable gameplay at adjusted settings, but don't expect to run the latest games at high settings without dedicated graphics cards. Cloud gaming services offer an alternative for a broader gaming experience.
