Over the last decade, we have essentially changed the way we use our laptops – thanks in large part to hybrid laptops. The best 2-in-1 laptops come in many shapes and sizes, and there’s nothing like flipping that laptop into tent mode to watch Netflix after a long yet productive day of work on that same computer.
Some of the best 2-in-1 laptops, like the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1, come fitted with the best processors, and are 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 are, more often than not, convertible, so 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 usually have stylus compatibility – even if it’s now becoming rarer to find a stylus included in the box.
To help you find the most ideal 2-in-1 laptop for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the best hybrid notebooks we’ve tested recently, taking all their pros and cons into account.
For years, HP’s Spectre line of Ultrabooks and 2-in-1 laptops has been all about combining elegance with performance, and the 2019 HP Spectre x360 15 continues that tradition. Touting 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 is able to handle anything your daily workload throws at it – and squeeze a bit of light gaming at the same time. 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 forms impeccably. 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 components as well as supports full Android apps, tearing down the walls that prevented Mac and Windows devotees from truly embracing the best Chromebooks.
Read the full review: Google Pixelbook
We get it, the Pixelbook is tempting, but it’s also pricey, putting it out of many consumers’ price range. In that case, the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is a worthy pinch hitter. Having introduced a touchscreen convertible 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. If you're already a fan of Asus laptops, this 2-in-1 might just make you a believer.
Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip
The HP Spectre x360 isn’t just one of the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market; it’s one of the best laptops, hands down. There are few devices out there that combine formidable components with a dashing design quite as well as HP does here. The gem cut chassis will draw plenty of covetous looks in the office, while the powerful hardware will breeze through all of your quotidian workload. And, when you’ve had enough showcasing is prowess, you can flip it around into tablet mode to squeeze in some late-night Netflix.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
If you’ve been looking for one of the best 2-in-1 laptops, but also need something with some serious horsepower, you’re in luck. The Dell XPS 15, which also gets our vote for one of the best Ultrabooks you can buy today, has been elevated as among 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 convertible, without sacrificing sheer power. And, while it has a price tag that’s a little on the high end – it’s completely worth the hole in your pocket.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
We’re not going to lie: we had nothing but love for the original Surface Book. So when we heard that there was going to be a 15-inch Surface Book 2, we could hardly contain our excitement. 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 as well as Nvidia 10-series graphics for gamers and creatives alike. Couple that with its distinctive convertible solution, and the Surface Book 2 is an ace in our book.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13-inch)
Sleek, slim and with solid specs to boot, the new Lenovo Yoga C930 is definitely worthy of a spot in our best hybrid laptops list. That’s even 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 daily productivity tasks out of the way. This 2-in-1 is a strong contender for consumers on the budget, 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 raved about it earlier in this list, but what do we think of its 15-inch counterpart? Well, with its longevity, high-end specs that will breeze through most productivity demands and a lot of entertainment, and of course, its unique design features, we’re inclined to feel the same way. This model isn’t for the budget shoppers, but if you’ve got the cash, its base model with 256GB storage is well worth the $2,499 tag.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)
If you’re in the market for an excellent 2-in-1 laptop that won’t break the bank, you’ve got yourself a winner with the Lenovo Flex 6 14. For less than $1,000, you’re getting specs that will be able to handle everyday workloads – in a chassis that doesn’t only look good, but is also sturdy and supports the Lenovo Active Pen. The only real downside here are the tinny speakers and the lack of Thunderbolt 3, but those are hardly deal-breakers. Not 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 crafting affordable laptops that are reliable enough for typical productivity tasks and some viewing pleasures. They’re proving it once again 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 on-the-budget users who are unlikely to tackle processor-hungry work anytime soon, this one’s for the books.
Read the full review: Acer Chromebook Spin 11
Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article
Images Credit: TechRadar
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptop 2019
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