A great 2-in-1 laptop serves as both a laptop and a tablet, offering unparalleled versatility that traditional laptops can't match. Thanks to advancements like cloud streaming and powerful processors such as the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, these devices are now capable of handling gaming as well. These transformer-like laptops are more interesting and powerful than ever, catering to a wide range of needs from productivity to entertainment.
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 AsusThe market for 2-in-1 laptops has flourished, driven by their popularity in workplaces and among students. Despite the presence of underpowered and unappealing options, the best 2-in-1 laptops provide excellent value and performance. If you're seeking a cost-effective 2-in-1 with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, our top picks will help you spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your new PC.
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 perfect for artists yet powerful and efficient enough to serve as a daily driver for anyone. 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 various productivity tasksGreat for streaming gamesCONSApp compatibility may not be perfectPricey accessoriesThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students, employees, or anyone seeking a thin, light, and stylish 2-in-1 laptop. It boasts top-tier hardware and a stunning screen that delivers both performance and visual quality. For the complete experience, consider bundling it with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen.
This latest model features a Snapdragon X Elite CPU, offering a choice between Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite. Coupled with 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to 1TB of storage, it provides unmatched responsiveness, processing power, and user experience among Surface devices.
Its design effortlessly integrates into your daily routine. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it remains slim and easy to carry. Unlike other 2-in-1s, you can use the Surface like an iPad, with the keyboard wrapped around the back or stored in your bag.
The OLED touchscreen is a standout feature, offering exceptional image quality for everything from spreadsheets to streaming games over the cloud. Its design, from the case's satisfying snap to the integrated magnetic charging cradle in the keyboard case, is both functional and user-friendly. It's an ideal daily driver, capable of replacing bulkier productivity laptops.
The Snapdragon X Elite CPU, built on ARM architecture, is more power-efficient, allowing for a brighter screen and high-performance parts. While it emulates x86 processors, some compatibility issues may arise, so it's wise to check your essential apps against the compatibility list on reputable sites like Windows on ARM.
For gaming, local play on the Surface Pro 11 may be limited. However, services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work seamlessly, offering a vast library of streamable 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 Microsoft Surface-like experience 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 11For those seeking a Microsoft Surface-like experience without the premium price, the Minisforum V3 SE tablet PC is an excellent choice. Its design closely mirrors the Surface Pro 11, yet it offers superior compatibility and gaming performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, all at a lower cost.
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the V3 SE is not just a great value 2-in-1, but a great value laptop overall. Its performance is snappy, handling multitasking effortlessly with 32GB of memory. With a 1TB SSD, storage is ample, and the inclusion of a keyboard and stylus in the base price adds significant value. At under $700, it's a bargain.
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, though not as powerful as dedicated GPUs, are robust enough for gaming at reduced settings, making it a versatile option.
The V3 SE's IPS screen, while not OLED, offers a good viewing experience, and though it's slightly bulkier than the Surface, it remains compact and lightweight.
Despite minor concessions, the Minisforum V3 SE is an outstanding value, offering strong performance for productivity and entertainment tasks, along with the convenience of a 2-in-1 form factor.
3. Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Gaming
### Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
0A portable powerhouse with 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 than other 2-in-1sLimited to 2TB SSD storage (currently)For gamers seeking unparalleled performance in a 2-in-1, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) stands out. It's a premium device with a high price tag, but it delivers gaming performance that rivals some dedicated gaming laptops.
Asus has packed this flagship with the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor, setting new standards for processing and graphics performance in 2-in-1s. With 16 cores, 32 threads, and a top speed of 5.1GHz, it handles any application with ease, excelling in gaming, browsing, and creative work.
Its gaming performance is exceptional, matching RTX 4050 to RTX 4070 laptop GPUs, allowing you to run games at decent settings with cutting-edge technologies like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames.
While the Flow Z13 offers unmatched performance for a 2-in-1, it comes at a significant cost. The 32GB model is priced at $2,299, with the 64GB version at $2,399. It's also thicker than other 2-in-1s, but the trade-off is well worth it for those prioritizing performance.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Work
### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
0Designed for business with room for 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 lifeCompetitive pricingOLED touchscreen displayCONSApp compatibility could be an issue (but most major productivity apps are supported)For those needing a 2-in-1 laptop for work, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X offers a cost-effective solution. It's well-suited for productivity apps and boasts impressive battery life, all while maintaining an attractive price point, sometimes as low as $550.
The IdeaPad 5X focuses on practicality rather than aesthetics, offering a convertible design where the screen flips back for tablet functionality while staying connected to the keyboard. This design enhances productivity by keeping everything you need readily accessible.
During my review, I was impressed with its performance in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications, matching the capabilities of more expensive laptops. With 16GB of RAM, it handles multiple apps smoothly, and 512GB of storage is sufficient for most work needs.
Its 14-inch OLED touchscreen delivers rich colors and deep blacks, ideal for work and entertainment. With a battery life of up to 15 hours, it outperforms many competitors, thanks to its power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor.
While Snapdragon processors may have some app compatibility issues, most major 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 fast 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 and flexibility, the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 is the perfect choice. Its dual-screen design offers unprecedented multitasking capabilities, making it ideal for users who need to juggle multiple tasks or keep resources visible on different screens.
The Zenbook Duo's design allows for versatile use, from stacking screens for multitasking to flipping them for presentations or vertical use for reading. It brings the multi-monitor desktop experience to a portable form factor, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks.
While not primarily designed for gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H with Intel Arc graphics offers strong APU performance, allowing for gaming at reduced settings.
The dual-screen functionality comes with some trade-offs, including increased weight and reduced battery life. However, its ability to support USB-C charging helps mitigate these issues.
AnswerSee ResultsHow to Choose a 2-in-1 laptopChoosing a 2-in-1 laptop involves considering your primary use case and matching it with the right display and specifications. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a flippable, rotatable, or dual-screen setup, and whether you want a detachable or attached keyboard.
Here are key factors to consider:
Screen: For productivity, opt for a screen size between 13 and 16 inches. IPS displays offer solid colors at a reasonable price, while OLED provides superior contrast and picture quality but may impact battery life.
Processor: Aim for at least a six-core processor from Intel or AMD, with 10 cores or more for optimal performance and multitasking.
Memory: 16GB of RAM is essential for smooth multitasking, with 32GB preferred for longevity. 64GB or more is suitable for creative professionals and those running complex applications.
Storage: Start with at least 512GB of storage, with 1TB or more recommended for those working with large files or media.
2-in-1 Laptops FAQ
Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?
While 2-in-1 laptops may require more care due to their foldable design, they are not inherently more fragile than traditional laptops. With proper care, such as using a screen protector and keeping hinges clean, they can last many years.
What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?
2-in-1 laptops may offer fewer gaming options, can be heavier than productivity laptops, and tend to be more expensive. However, there are models available at various price points to suit different budgets.
Can you play games on a 2-in-1 laptop?
Gaming performance on 2-in-1 laptops depends on the hardware and the type of games you wish to play. Modern processors like Intel's Ultra and AMD's AI MAX lineups support gaming at adjusted settings, but dedicated graphics cards are typically needed for high-end gaming. 2-in-1s are primarily designed for productivity, school, and web browsing.