A great 2-in-1 laptop seamlessly blends the functionality of both a laptop and a tablet, offering unmatched versatility that traditional laptops can't match. While they aren't typically designed for gaming, the advent of cloud streaming and powerful processors like the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 have made gaming a viable option. These versatile devices have become more compelling and powerful than ever, redefining what's possible in portable computing.
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-1 laptops, their established presence in workplaces and educational settings has driven a market full of diverse options. However, many of these are underpowered and less appealing. If you're seeking the best value for a laptop with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, look no further. Here are top picks to save you time on shopping and enhance your computing experience.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos
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1. Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 Laptop
Our Top Pick### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
1This 2-in-1 is exceptionally suitable for artists and powerful enough to be 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, ideal for multiple productivity tasksGreat for streaming gamesCONSApp compatibility still isn't perfectPricey accessoriesWhether you're a student, a professional, or simply in need of a sleek, lightweight, and stylish 2-in-1 laptop for daily use, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an outstanding choice. It boasts top-tier hardware and a stunning screen, ensuring fast performance and exceptional visual quality. For a complete experience, consider purchasing it bundled with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen to fully embrace its transformative capabilities.
The latest Surface Pro 11 model doesn't compromise on specs. It features a powerful Snapdragon CPU, offering options like the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite. With 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to a terabyte of storage, it delivers the best responsiveness, processing power, and user experience of any Surface yet.
Its design is exceptionally user-friendly. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it remains thin, light, and easy to carry. Unlike many competitors that are essentially laptops with rotating screens, the Surface Pro 11 can be used like an iPad, with its keyboard wrapped around the back or stowed away in your bag.
In my review, I was captivated by its sleek design and form factor. Its OLED touchscreen is breathtaking, making it perfect for everything from spreadsheets to streaming games via the cloud, despite not being ideal for local gaming. The attention to detail in its design is evident, from the seamless way the case snaps into place to the integrated magnetic charging cradle in the keyboard case.
This 2-in-1 is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite CPU, built on an ARM architecture that enhances power efficiency, allowing for a brighter, more vivid screen and high-performance components. While most major applications run smoothly, it's advisable to check app compatibility on reputable sites like Windows on ARM.
Regarding gaming, local play on the Surface Pro 11 is limited, as most games on Steam don't run well or at all. However, cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work seamlessly, offering 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 and solid battery lifeComes with a keyboard and stylusCONSDoesn't feel as refined as the Surface Pro 11Seeking a Microsoft Surface-like experience without the premium price tag? The Minisforum V3 SE tablet PC delivers. It adopts a design reminiscent of the Surface Pro 11 and offers superior compatibility and gaming performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, all at a significantly lower cost.
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the V3 SE isn't just a great budget 2-in-1; it's a fantastic laptop overall. Its performance is swift, handling multitasking with ease due to its 32GB of memory. With a 1TB SSD included, storage won't be an issue anytime soon. Best of all, it comes with the keyboard and stylus, eliminating the need for additional purchases as with the Surface. At under $700, it's a remarkable value.
While its processor isn't as power-efficient as the Snapdragon X Elite, its x86 architecture ensures broad compatibility with Windows applications and games. Its integrated GPU is powerful, capable of driving a generation of PC gaming handhelds. You may need to lower the resolution and settings, but gaming is definitely possible on this device.
The V3 SE does make some trade-offs for its lower price, including a standard IPS screen without OLED capabilities and a slightly bulkier design. However, these concessions are minor, making the Minisforum V3 SE an exceptional value for a 2-in-1 that can handle productivity and entertainment tasks effectively.
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 a mid-range dedicated graphics card. 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 for easy travelFeels like a gaming consoleCONSBulkier designMax SSD storage limited to 2TB (currently)For unmatched gaming performance in a 2-in-1, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 stands out as a leader. While its high price might not suit everyone, it offers unparalleled performance that rivals dedicated gaming laptops.
Asus has equipped its flagship with the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor, setting a new standard for processing and graphics capabilities in a 2-in-1. With 16 cores, 32 threads, and a top speed of 5.1GHz, it effortlessly handles any application, from gaming to content creation. Its real-world gaming performance ranges from that of an RTX 4050 to an RTX 4070 laptop GPU, allowing for smooth gameplay at decent settings with advanced features like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames.
While dedicated gamers might find better value in traditional gaming laptops, the Flow Z13 offers unmatched versatility for those who need a 2-in-1. However, its premium comes with a higher price tag, starting at $2,299 for the 32GB model, and it's worth considering future memory needs as upgrades aren't possible. The SSD is limited to 2TB, and the device is thicker than typical 2-in-1s, a trade-off for its top-tier performance.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Work
### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
0Designed for business with a touch of fun, 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 (though most major productivity apps are supported)For those needing a 2-in-1 for work, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. It excels at running productivity apps with great battery life and a stunning screen, available at a budget-friendly price as low as $550.
The IdeaPad 5X focuses on practicality, offering a convertible design that remains connected to its keyboard for seamless productivity. Its performance in Microsoft Office and Google Suite is impressive, handling multiple applications with its 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Its 14-inch OLED touchscreen delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, enhancing your viewing experience. With a battery life of up to 15 hours, it's perfect for extended work sessions. While its Snapdragon processor may limit some app compatibility, most essential productivity applications are well-supported, making it an excellent choice for work and occasional entertainment.
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 optionsTransforms for various scenariosCONSMediocre battery lifeAdded weightFor those needing more screen real estate, the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 offers dual high-quality OLED touchscreens. It's ideal for multitasking, providing a desktop-like experience on the go.
Its versatility allows for stacked displays, perfect for productivity, or flipped for presentations and creative work. While it's heavier than most 2-in-1s and has a shorter battery life, its Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and Intel Arc graphics make it capable of handling games with minor adjustments.
AnswerSee ResultsHow to Choose a 2-in-1 LaptopChoosing a 2-in-1 laptop involves similar considerations as selecting a traditional laptop, but with additional factors like screen type and form factor. Start by identifying your primary use case, then match it with appropriate display and hardware specifications. Consider whether you need a flippable, rotatable, or dual-screen setup, and decide if you prefer a detachable or attached keyboard.
Key factors to consider:
Screen: Choose a size between 13 and 16 inches for productivity. Opt for IPS for affordability and good color, or OLED for superior contrast and picture quality, though it may affect battery life.
Processor: Aim for at least a six-core processor from Intel or AMD, with ten cores preferred for robust multitasking and app performance.
Memory: 16GB of RAM is essential, with 32GB recommended for longevity and handling heavy applications. Consider 64GB or more for specialized tasks like running large language models locally.
Storage: Start with 512GB, but consider 1TB if you work with large files or prefer local storage over cloud solutions.
2-in-1 Laptops FAQ
Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?
While 2-in-1 laptops may require extra care due to their foldable nature, they are generally no more fragile than traditional laptops. With proper handling and protection, such as using a screen protector and keeping the hinges clean, they can last many years.
What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?
2-in-1 laptops have fewer gaming options, may weigh more due to additional hardware, and can be more expensive. However, there are models available at various price points, catering to different needs and budgets.
Can you play games on a 2-in-1 laptop?
Gaming on a 2-in-1 depends on the hardware and the type of games you want to play. With the latest processors from Intel and AMD, many games can be played with adjusted settings. However, most 2-in-1s lack dedicated graphics cards, making them less suited for high-end gaming. Cloud gaming services offer an alternative for accessing a wide range of games.
