A great 2-in-1 laptop seamlessly combines the functionality of both a laptop and a tablet PC, offering unparalleled versatility that traditional laptops simply can't match. With the advent of cloud streaming and powerful processors like the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, even gaming on these devices is becoming a viable option. These innovative devices are not only more intriguing but also more powerful than ever, redefining what users can expect from their portable technology.
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 evolved significantly, particularly in professional and educational settings. This growth has unfortunately led to a saturation of underpowered and less appealing options. If you're seeking the best value in a 2-in-1 with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, our curated selection will help you skip the tedious shopping process and enjoy your new device sooner.
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 excels not only for artists but also as an efficient daily driver, offering both power and versatility. 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 accessoriesThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a slim, stylish 2-in-1 laptop. It boasts top-tier hardware and a stunning screen that ensures smooth performance and exceptional visuals. To maximize its transformative capabilities, consider purchasing it bundled with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen.
The latest Surface Pro 11 model doesn't compromise on specs, featuring a Snapdragon X Elite CPU, with options for Snapdragon X Plus or Elite. Combined with 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to 1TB of storage, this device offers unparalleled responsiveness and processing power among Surface devices.
Its design allows for seamless integration into daily life. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it remains thin, light, and easy to carry, distinguishing it from competitors that are essentially laptops with rotating screens. You can carry the Surface like an iPad, with the keyboard wrapped around the back or stowed away until needed.
During my review, I was impressed by its form factor, a surprising delight given my usual focus on powerful gaming laptops. The OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals, making it perfect for everything from spreadsheets to streaming games via cloud services, ensuring fantastic image quality and HDR support.
Microsoft's attention to detail is evident in the design. The case snaps into place effortlessly and holds firmly, and the integrated magnetic charging cradle in the keyboard case simplifies carrying everything you need. This 2-in-1 can easily replace a bulkier productivity laptop, making it an ideal daily driver.
The Surface Pro 11 is powered by Qualcomm's high-performing Snapdragon X Elite CPU, built on the ARM architecture. This design allows for greater power efficiency, enabling a brighter, more vibrant screen and high-performance parts. While most major applications run smoothly, it's advisable to check your most-used programs for compatibility on reputable sites like Windows on ARM.
Regarding gaming, the Surface Pro 11 isn't ideal for running games locally, as many games on Steam either don't run or perform poorly. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work seamlessly, providing access to 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 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 11For those seeking a Surface-like experience without the premium price tag, the Minisforum V3 SE tablet PC is a perfect choice. Its design closely mirrors that of the Surface Pro 11, offering better 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 only a great value 2-in-1 but a fantastic laptop overall. It delivers snappy performance and handles multitasking effortlessly with its 32GB of memory. With a 1TB SSD included, you won't need to worry about storage space, and the base price includes the keyboard and stylus, unlike the Surface.
Although its processor isn't as power-efficient as the Snapdragon X Elite, its x86 architecture ensures broad compatibility with Windows apps and games. The integrated GPU, while not ideal for the highest settings, is powerful enough to run many games if you adjust the resolution and settings accordingly.
The V3 SE does make some trade-offs, such as using a standard IPS screen instead of OLED and being slightly bulkier than the Surface. Despite these minor concessions, it offers exceptional value, making it an ideal choice for productivity and entertainment tasks.
3. Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Gaming
### Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
0This portable powerhouse 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)If you're after top-tier gaming performance in a 2-in-1, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is unrivaled. It's a premium option, but for those seeking the ultimate in gaming and performance, it's an investment worth considering.
Asus has poured its expertise into this flagship device, making it the first 2-in-1 to feature the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor. This powerhouse boasts 16 cores, 32 threads, and a top speed of 5.1GHz, ensuring smooth operation across all applications, from gaming to content creation.
In gaming tests, the Flow Z13's performance rivals that of an RTX 4050 to RTX 4070 laptop GPU, allowing you to enjoy games at decent settings with cutting-edge technologies like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames.
Despite its high performance, the Flow Z13 comes with a premium price tag, starting at $2,299 for the 32GB model. Upgrading to 64GB costs an additional $100, and storage is capped at 2TB. Its thicker profile is a trade-off for the performance it offers, but the overall package is impressive.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Work
### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
0Designed for business with some 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 lifeCompetitively pricedOLED touchscreen displayCONSApp compatibility could be an issue (but most major productivity apps are supported)For work-focused users, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X offers the perfect balance of performance and affordability. It's designed for productivity, offering smooth performance and long battery life at a competitive price, often seen as low as $550.
The IdeaPad 5X prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, with a convertible design that keeps the keyboard attached for convenience. It performs admirably in productivity applications like Microsoft Office and Google Suite, and its 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking.
Its 14-inch OLED touchscreen provides excellent contrast and color, making it ideal for work and occasional entertainment. The battery life can extend to nearly two workdays, thanks to its power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor.
While app compatibility may be an issue due to the Snapdragon CPU, most major productivity apps are well-supported, making the IdeaPad 5X a solid choice for work and light 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 standout choice. 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 users needing more screen real estate and flexibility, the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 is a game-changer. With dual high-quality OLED touchscreens, it offers a custom multi-monitor experience on the go.
The Zenbook Duo is ideal for multitasking, allowing you to work efficiently across both screens. Its versatile design lets you use the displays in various configurations, from stacked for productivity to vertically for reading or creative tasks.
While primarily designed for productivity, the Duo can handle gaming thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and Intel Arc integrated graphics. With some adjustments, you can enjoy many games during downtime.
The dual screens and powerful hardware do come with trade-offs, such as a heavier weight and reduced battery life. However, its USB-C charging capability makes it more manageable, especially with a lightweight GaN charger.
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. These devices add complexity with options for flippable, rotatable, or dual screens, and whether you prefer a detachable or attached design.
Key factors to consider include:
Screen: For productivity, opt for a screen size between 13 and 16 inches. Choose between IPS for cost-effective color and viewing angles or OLED for superior contrast and picture quality, though it may consume more battery.
Processor: Aim for a processor with at least six cores, ideally 10 or more, to ensure smooth performance across applications and multitasking.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is essential for multitasking and running heavier applications. 32GB is preferable for future-proofing, and 64GB or more is ideal for creative professionals and those running LLMs locally.
Storage: Start with at least 512GB of storage, but consider 1TB or more if you work with large files like photos or videos. Cloud storage can help manage space, but local storage is crucial for performance.
2-in-1 Laptops FAQ
Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?
While their foldable nature might raise concerns, 2-in-1 laptops are not inherently more fragile than traditional laptops. Treat them with care, keep them clean, and protect them during transit to ensure longevity. Consider using a screen protector and avoid exposing the hinges to debris to maintain their condition.
What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?
2-in-1 laptops offer great versatility but have some drawbacks. They have fewer gaming options due to the lack of dedicated graphics cards, may be heavier due to additional hardware, and often come at a higher price point. However, there are budget-friendly options available if you're willing to search.
Can you play games on a 2-in-1 laptop?
Gaming on a 2-in-1 laptop depends on the hardware and the type of games you wish to play. Newer processors from Intel and AMD, like the Ultra and HX/AI MAX lineups, can handle many games with adjusted settings. However, don't expect to run the latest games at their highest settings without a dedicated GPU. Gaming is typically a secondary feature for 2-in-1s, which are primarily designed for work, school, and browsing.
