With 2-in-1 laptops, versatility is the name of the game. Whether you want one for work or for play (or let’s be honest, both), having both the traditional laptop and tablet capabilities in one computer is a great option to have. With all that flexibility, you can use the same device to go from taking care of work to relaxing with a game or a movie.
In fact, besides those two form factors, 2-in-1s also have tent mode and stand mode for even more flexibility. You can use the different modes to your advantage for different types of tasks such as sketching. By offering several different form factors in one machine, you’ll end up spending less on your tech. Plus, it’s easier to take on-the-go. More importantly, they come equipped with the best processors and best graphics cards, as well as a good amount of speedy RAM, so they can handle most tasks you can throw at them.
This new format has offered some excellent computers, so much so that they’ve made it onto our list for the best laptops of 2020. For versatility and cutting technology, take a look at our selection for the best 2-in-1 laptops.
The best 2-in-1 laptop at a glance
- HP Elite Dragonfly
- HP Spectre x360 (2020)
- Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2019)
- Asus Chromebook Flip
- HP Spectre x360 15T (2019)
- Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
- Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13-inch)
- Lenovo Yoga C930
- Microsoft Surface Book 3
- HP Envy x360 13 (2019)
1. HP Elite Dragonfly
For the traveling professional
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3″ diagonal Full HD touch display – Full HD touch Sure View display | Storage: 256 GB SSD
Impeccable design
Excellent battery life
Pretty expensive
As far as 2-in-1 laptops go, the HP Elite Dragonfly tops our list with its combination of portability and power. It’s also one of the most beautiful business laptops we’ve tested in a long time, touting a thin and light design – complete with incredible speakers, a sublime keyboard and the optional 550 nit 4K display – that’s absolutely hard to contend with. This hybrid gets our coveted five-star rating, which already says a lot as we don’t give that out lightly. And, did we mention it also boasts an excellent battery life, which gets you a long way when working on-the-go?
Read the full review: HP Elite Dragonfly
2. HP Spectre x360 (2020)
HP’s flagship 2-in-1 gets a 2020 refresh
CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch – 13.3″ diagonal 4K (3840 x 2160) UWVA BrightView micro-edge AMOLED multitouch | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Stylish and high-quality finish
Great all-around performance
Built-in security features are useful
Battery life takes a hit
Can run hot at times
HP’s beloved and highly praised 2-in-1 is back with a vengeance, this time with more powerful components like the 10th-generation Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Plus graphics. Of course, that impeccable 2-in-1 design and pristine gem-cut chassis are back, as are its security features and Bang & Olufsen speakers. That killer combination makes it, now more than ever, one of the best 2-in-1 laptops out there. Is it a wonder that this is one of our favorite laptops of 2020? If you care about aesthetics as much as you do performance and overall quality, this is the laptop for you.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 (2020)
3. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2019)
Giving the 13-inch MacBook Pro a run for its money
CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD – Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 4GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.4″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare – 13.4″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflecitve | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD
Stunning, extremely portable design
Great performance
Gorgeous, responsive screen
Battery life is just ok
Only decent sound
Lid hard to open
You’ll be hard-pressed to find fault in the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2019). Design-wise, not only is it incredibly compact and lightweight, but it also boasts that gorgeous responsive display, stunning woven design and delightful to use keyboard. But, it’s more than just looks. It’s pretty impressive as well when it comes to performance, thanks to its 10th-generation Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Plus graphics. If you’re looking for the best 2-in-1 with more than enough power, a lot of versatility and a stunning design to boot, you’ll be crazy not to get this.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2019)
4. Asus Chromebook Flip
A 2-in-1 Chromebook Android users won’t refuse
CPU: Intel Pentium – Core m7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 510 – 515 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB | Screen: 12.5-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED backlit anti-glare display | Storage: 32GB – 128GB eMMC
Elegant tablet mode
Gorgeous, vivid screen
No out-of-box Android support
Middling speakers
The Pixelbook is downright seductive, but budget-conscious buyers may prefer the Asus Chromebook Flip C302, a worthy pinch hitter. Having introduced a touchscreen hybrid design to Google’s cloud-based Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebook Flip is improved by its compatibility with Android apps. Just like the Pixelbook, you can use the Asus Chromebook Flip for Google Play apps, though after installing an out-of-the-box update. It’s unquestionably one of the best 2 in 1 laptops right now. And, if you’re already a fan of Asus laptops, this one will make you a true convert.
Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip
5. HP Spectre x360 15T (2019)
Powerful performance, head-turning design
CPU: Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch UHD (3,160 x 2,140) LCD touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD – 2TB SSD
Impeccable performance
Gorgeous design
Sharp 4K display
Problematic vent placement
For years, HP’s Spectre line of Ultrabooks and 2-in-1 laptops has been about pairing elegance with performance. The 2019 HP Spectre x360 15 is no different. It deserves a top spot on our best 2 in 1 laptops list for packing an 8th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics and 8GB of RAM in its base configuration. This 2-in-1 can tackle just about anything your everyday workload throws at it – and then some (such as a bit of light gaming, for example) – while looking like royalty. Keep in mind that the Spectre x360 is somewhat big and heavy for a 2-in-1, so you likely won’t be using it in tablet mode very often. Put it in tent mode instead, so you can catch some movies on its stunning 4K display.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 15T (2019)
6. Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
A convertible that doesn’t compromise
CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Radeon RX Vega M GL (4GB HMB2) | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Storage: 128GB – 512GB PCIe SSD
Impressive power
Ultra-thin design
Kind of expensive
Are you in the market for one of the best 2 in 1 laptops which can provide solid performance and serious horsepower? Well, you’ll find it in the Dell XPS 15, which incidentally also gets our vote as one of the best Ultrabooks you can buy today. This 2-in-1 is possibly among the most coveted 2-in-1 laptops – with discrete class Radeon RX Vega graphics to boot. With it, you get a spectacular convertible that doesn’t sacrifice sheer power. So, while it comes with a price tag that’s a bit on the high end, it’s also completely worth breaking open the piggy bank.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
7. Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13-inch)
A hole in one for 2-in-1s
CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB GDDR5) | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.5” PixelSense display | Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD
Very good battery life
Powerful
Very expensive
No Surface Pen included
We had nothing but love for the first Surface Book so when we heard that there was going to be a 15-inch Surface Book 2, we could barely contain our excitement. In the end though, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 didn’t end up being the best 2-in-1 laptop out there. However, it’s still a notable machine, even if it’s held back by a few compromises that were necessary to begin with. This 2-in-1 laptop features cutting-edge 8th-generation processors as well as Nvidia 10-series graphics for gamers and creatives alike. Combine that with its unique convertible solution, and the Surface Book 2 is an ace in our book.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13-inch)
8. Lenovo Yoga C930
2-in-1 with little to no compromise
CPU: Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.9-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – UHD (3,840 x 2,160) IPS Glossy Multi-touch | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Strong build quality
Robust feature set
Excellent battery life
Weak graphics performance
Pricey upgrade options
Sleek, thin and with solid specs to boot, the new Lenovo Yoga C930 is definitely worthy of a spot in the best 2 in 1 laptops list. And, that’s without stating the fact that it now offers a 4K display model, so that high-end viewing experience and decent gaming might be had once users have gotten their day-to-day workload out of the way. This 2-in-1 is a strong contender for consumers light on cash, but if you do decide to go for gold, be ready to break the bank.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga C930
9. Microsoft Surface Book 3
An extremely premium piece of kit
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G7 – i7-1065G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q Design | RAM: 8GB – 32GB 3733Mhz LPDDR4x | Screen: 13.5-inch 3000 x 2000 (267 PPI) – 15-inch 3240 x 2160 (260 PPI) PixelSense Display | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB PCIe SSD
Beautiful design
Comfortable keyboard
Gorgeous screen
Weak U-series processor
Tiny trackpad
Lackluster speakers
In many ways, the Surface Book 3 is an example of just how far the best laptops have come in just a few short years. It has an extremely premium piece of kit – with one of the best displays we’ve used in a laptop, a keyboard that will put the MacBook Pro’s new Magic Keyboards to shame, and a hybrid design with a removable screen. This follow-up to the outstanding Surface Book 2 is truly one of the best 2-in-1 laptops 2020 has to offer. Unfortunately, it’s held back by a weaker processor (next to its rivals), lacklust speakers and a high price tag. Still, it’s an excellent portable, if you’ve got the money for it and don’t.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 3
10. HP Envy x360 13 (2019)
HP gives its slimline laptop an AMD upgrade
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3300U – AMD Ryzen 7 3700U | Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 6 – Radeon Vega 10 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3″ diagonal FHD IPS (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 256 GB – 1TB SSD
Slim and sleek for a 2-in-1
High quality chassis
Improved battery life
CPU performance merely adequate
Graphics performance disappointing
Thanks to its sleek, 13-inch design, this 2-in-1 is leaner that you might have expected, which works in your favor when engaging it in tablet mode. There are other compelling reasons why the HP Envy x360 (2019) is worth considering when you’re on the lookout for the best 2 in 1 laptops. This HP beauty offers a premium build, boasts 9 hours of video playback and delivers a performance that will get you through most of your schoolwork and project, at a very reasonable price.
Read the full review: HP Envy x360 (2019)
Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article
Images Credit: TechRadar