The best 2-in-1 laptops let you switch between everyday work, easy streaming no matter the position and tablet-style note-taking or sketching, all in one device. Whether you want a traditional convertible with a 360-degree hinge, a detachable tablet or a dual-screen machine for serious multitasking, the right choice depends on how you plan to use it.
At Tom's Guide, we’ve been testing the latest laptops for nearly 20 years to find the strongest 2-in-1 laptops for different priorities, from everyday value and premium design to creative workloads and even gaming. Right now, our top pick is the Framework Laptop 12, a special 2-in-1 convertible laptop that you can easily repair or build yourself.
For creators, the Asus ProArt P16 with Nvidia's RTX Spark is a powerhouse for creative work, while the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) has outstanding dual OLED displays and a standout setup. But there are other laptops we've tested that deserve your attention. Soon, we may also have Apple's MacBook Ultra with an OLED touchscreen hit the scene, so stay tuned for that. I've put together our hands-on testing and expert advice in this guide to help you find the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market today, so let's dive in.
After reviewing the latest laptops for over six years, I'm always amazed by how well a simple laptop can transform into a versatile tablet or a full-blown dual-screen machine these days. These are more than just laptops with touch capabilities thrown in; it's clear that 2-in-1 laptops are more mainstream than ever, and if you're interested in making the most of a touchscreen, this guide will help you
The best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy right now
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The best 2-in-1 laptop overall
Who is the Framework Laptop 12 for?
The Framework Laptop 12 is as good as it gets when it comes to highly portable 2-in-1 convertible laptops, only made better by being easily repairable and upgradeable. With prices starting at $699/£699 and having higher configurations for even better performance, this is the 2-in-1 laptop for most people. It's also made for a stylus! But you'll have to buy it separately.
Why is it the best 2-in-1 laptop overall?
The Framework Laptop 12 is a 2-in-1 that’s as satisfying to use as it is to build, and being able to repair and upgrade this laptop is enough to score it major brownie points. In our testing, the Framework Laptop 12 handled daily multitasking with ease, powered by an Intel Core i7 1350 and 32GB of DDR5 memory. Over two weeks using it as a main machine, it breezed through dozens of Chrome tabs and light creative work, so you’re unlikely to hit a wall whether you’re editing documents or juggling heavier tasks. Plus, the 12.2-inch, 1920 x 1200 display offers a compact yet great visual workspace, making note-taking and on-the-go sketching genuinely comfortable.
What do we like about the Framework Laptop 12?
👍 This will last and adapt: The Framework Laptop 12 is fully repairable and upgradeable, so you can swap out parts or fix issues years down the line, which is ideal if you want a single machine to grow with your needs.
👍 Maximum port flexibility: With four modular ports from a choice of eight (including legacy and high-speed options), this 2-in-1 adapts to nearly any workflow, which means no more living the dongle life.
👍 Smooth performance: The Intel Core Series 3 processor and 32GB DDR5 RAM in the model we tested could run demanding apps and keep dozens of tabs open without slowing down. But if you're looking to start off at a more affordable price, you can pick and choose the internals you want.
What don’t we like about the Framework Laptop 12?
👎 Webcam woes: The image quality on the 2MP webcam leaves a lot to be desired, so don't expect to look your best during video calls. It would be even better if this were upgradeable (for now)!
👎 A glossy display: While we're fans of its compact 12.2-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) LCD touchscreen, especially when used with a stylus ($59 for Framework’s official matching active stylus), this screen can be quite glossy, and it's a shame it doesn't support HDR and only has a 60Hz refresh rate.
Should you buy the Framework Laptop 12?
If you’re seeking a 2-in-1 that’s easy to upgrade, repair, and configure for a wide range of daily tasks, the Framework Laptop 12 is the best overall pick in its class. It may not have the best-looking display for a 2-in-1 laptop, but for most people, and at its value-worthy price, this is still a practical screen for both laptop and tablet modes. For an incredible 2-in-1 laptop, grab this.
- Read our full Framework Laptop 12 review
The best value 2-in-1 laptop
Who is the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 for?
The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is for anyone who wants a convertible laptop that feels and looks a step above typical mid-range fare, without breaking the bank. With its all-metal chassis in a meteor silver finish and a solid blend of Intel Core Ultra 5 226V power, it offers a premium look and sturdy build that’s rare at this price.
Why is it the best value 2-in-1 laptop?
A reliable 2-in-1 laptop for under $1,000/£1,000? That's already a win. But we've seen the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 drop to under $600/£600 during regular sales, and that's excellent value. Inside, you get a well-balanced hardware package — from 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD — giving you enough memory and storage to confidently handle multitasking, office work, web browsing, and those occasional heavier jobs like light photo or video editing. We found the performance more than capable for day-to-day use; it never feels sluggish in the real world, and for students or professionals, this is exactly what you want from a value 2-in-1.
What do we like about the HP OmniBook X Flip 14?
👍 Strong value for daily tasks: The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V CPU and 16GB RAM deliver mid-range performance that’s plenty for web browsing, office suites, and multitasking—at a price that leaves room in your budget.
👍 Sturdy, premium feel: With its all-metal chassis and meteor silver finish, the OmniBook X Flip 14 feels much pricier than it is, making it a satisfying daily 2-in-1 companion for typing and carrying around.
👍 Excellent value: With laptop prices now soaring past $1,000/£1,000, it's great to see you can still get a great, wallet-friendly laptop that offers great performance for its price. The OmniBook X Flip 14 is a fantastic example of this.
What don’t we like about the HP OmniBook X Flip 14?
👎 Too much bloatware: While not a deal-breaker, the OmniBook X Flip 14 comes with too much bloatware right out of the box. You'll want to get rid of it as soon as you turn it on.
👎 Gapless keyboard won't be for all: It will take some time to get used to its gapless keyboard, especially for touch typing. Still, the keyboard offers a solid tactile feel that's nice to type on.
Should you buy the HP OmniBook X Flip 14?
The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 makes for a great 2-in-1 machine for traveling workers, students and anyone after a capable premium laptop for less. Yes, there's a lot of bloatware here, and the gapless keyboard may not suit your fancy, but there's plenty of value with the performance and premium design it has on show. While it's normally at around $800/£800, which is a great price, we've spotted this for around $599/£599, so it's worth looking out for a sale!
- Read our full HP OmniBook X Flip 14 review
The best premium 2-in-1 laptop
Who is the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) for?
The Zenbook Duo is for those who love the multi-monitor setup they have at home and want something similar on the go. This is an eye-catching system that thinks outside the box for what a 2-in-1 laptop really is.
Why is it the best premium 2-in-1 laptop?
Now in the third generation of this new dual-screen construction, Asus has focused on the fundamentals and delivered a tasty redesign of the system that adds a new layer of premium feel to it, while bringing those dual 3K OLED touch displays far closer together, too. On top of that, the jump to Intel Panther Lake has breathed new life into this machine for both performance and power efficiency.
What do we like about the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)?
👍 Intel Core Ultra Series 3 is a breakthrough: One of my ongoing gripes with past Zenbook Duos has always been the silicon not quite matching up to the task of running two high-res panels smoothly under pressure. Intel Core Ultra X9 388H is a huge step forward with a mighty integrated GPU and souped-up CPU cores that eat any task in its way for lunch without missing a step.
👍 Impressive battery life: Not only does that Core Ultra chip perform much better, but it’s also super power efficient — giving us an extra two hours of stamina over last year’s Zenbook Duo on one charge (11:13 in dual-screen mode).
👍 Thoughtful redesign: That design overhaul isn’t just an aesthetic update. With a hinge that folds in on itself for a near-seamless dual-screen experience, a stronger hinge, a better keyboard deck and improved speakers, you’re onto a winner here that really shows off those updated OLED panels.
What don’t we like about the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)?
👎 Expensive starting price: That is a sizable price increase from last year’s Duo, and that makes for a pretty expensive all-around system. It does absolutely earn that price tag in what it can do, which doesn’t take away from the sheer number.
👎 Underwhelming port array: You don't get a ton of ports on this machine, as you're limited to a pair of Thunderbolt ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI out and a headphone jack. That's enough to get by, but it would have been nice to see useful additions like an SD card reader and additional USB-A or USB-C ports.
Should you buy the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026)?
The 2026 Asus Zenbook Duo is a real renaissance moment for the system — a huge design overhaul, big display upgrades and a significant chip bump on the inside make this a truly generational leap. It’s dual-screen multitasking in any orientation that works best for you, with great ergonomics, zippy speeds and mighty power efficiency.
- Read our full Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) review
The best 2-in-1 laptop for creators
Who is the Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark) for?
The Asus ProArt P16 with Nvidia's RTX Spark N1X chip is a beast for creative workflows, whether that be for video editing, 3D creative work or making full use of local AI tasks and agents. It's only made better with its colorful 16-inch OLED touchscreen bursting with color and sharp detail, along with battery life that actually lasts over 12 hours. But it comes at a high price, and you'll want to take full advantage of the AI power it has on offer for its cost. That makes it an excellent choice for power users looking for a powerful machine for video editing, 3D graphics work, game design, coding and more.
Why is it the best 2-in-1 for creators?
Equipped with RTX Spark N1X, a 16-inch UHD+ (3840 x 2400) OLED touchscreen now with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,600 nits of peak brightness and battery life that offers 12 hours of charge to make it through the workday, the Asus ProArt P16 is better than ever for creators looking for a slim, lightweight machine to take with them wherever they go. Used along with a stylus (it doesn't come with one included), it's the 2-in-1 laptop that all creatives will get plenty of mileage out of.
What do we like about the Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark)?
👍 Gorgeous OLED touchscreen (with 120Hz): The ProArt P16's 4K OLED touchscreen is one of the best displays on a laptop you can find, bursting with accurate colors and deep blacks. And that matters when your edits and illustrations demand reliable hues.
👍 Made for creative and AI workloads: With the RTX Spark N1X processors with up to a 20-core CPU and 6144-core GPU for integrated graphics, this laptop breezes through complex creative tasks. Plus, its local AI capabilities mean it can be used to adapt to your routines.
👍 All the right ports: Three USB 4 ports, SD card reader, HDMI and legacy USB-A mean fewer adapters and faster file management for creators working with cameras, drives, and monitors.
What don’t we like about the Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark)?
👎 Prepare your wallet: The ProArt P16 is a serious investment, especially at higher specs. You won't get value pricing here, but you will get top-tier creative power.
👎 Gets loud and (a bit) hot: Under heavy use, the P16 can get warm, and its fans get noticeably loud, so if you prioritize total quiet or absolute lap comfort, you may want to look elsewhere.
Should you buy the Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark)?
If you want incredible raw performance in a slim 16-inch machine, a trustworthy OLED canvas and all the ports you need, the ProArt P16 is the 2-in-1 laptop you'll want, provided you're ready for the investment. It also excels at AI workflows, and if that helps your creative work, even better.
- Read our full Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark) review
The best 2-in-1 laptop for gaming
Who is the Asus ROG Flow Z13 for?
This is the 2-in-1 for gamers. I know many of you will balk at the fact that this thing has an integrated GPU, but this is a breakthrough in raw performance — offering frame rates equivalent to what you may see in an RTX 4070 gaming laptop in something the size of a tablet. And for the ultimate version of this (and for Death Stranding fans), the gorgeous Asus ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition will suit you.
Why is it the best 2-in-1 for gamers?
The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and AI Max+ 395 chips you can get in the compact 2-in-1 unlock something special here — this is the missing link between a Steam Deck and a massive gaming laptop. Giving you the best of both worlds in something seriously versatile, to however you want to play.
What do we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?
👍 Insane performance: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 (or AI Max+ 395) APU bridges the gap between integrated and dedicated graphics in a way I’ve never seen before. On the train down to London, I was simply stunned by the fact that I could play Cyberpunk 2077 on high graphics settings at well over 90 frames per second (FPS). Of course, this performance extends to crushing even advanced rendering or AI tasks with the greatest of ease, too.
👍 Seriously impressive battery life: Battery life is always the bane of gaming laptops. In our testing, it’s rare that we see a machine get over an hour. But to get two hours and 15 minutes on one charge in our gaming battery life test is, simply, bonkers.
👍 Lovely display and ergonomics: That 13-inch 2.5K Mini-LED display is bright, smooth with a 180Hz refresh rate and full of color to make your games look their best. Plus, the keyboard cover on here has a nice tactile typing experience as well!
What don’t we like about the Asus ROG Flow Z13?
👎 Not many ports: PC gamers will need plenty of ports for any accessories and peripherals, but with just two USB-C sockets and no Type-A to be seen, you’re going to be pretty limited with what you can connect this to.
👎 Ray Tracing is AMD’s enemy: Look, I’ve always through Ray Tracing is a bit of a gimmick when it comes to graphics. But it is very much a way of the gaming world now, and much like a lot of AMD’s GPU tech, the Flow Z13 can struggle with it. I recommend keeping this option turned off in your titles.
Should you buy the Asus ROG Flow Z13?
I sat with my mind blown about the Asus ROG Flow Z13 — seeing what I believe to be the future of gaming laptops. A far better balance between raw performance to squeeze out every last frame, and better battery life, given it’s coming from an integrated chip. It’s the best of both worlds and easily one of the best 2-in-1s you can buy right now.
- Read our full Asus ROG Flow Z13 review
Also tested
Performance test results compared
We run every laptop we test through the Geekbench CPU benchmarking utility to gauge its raw CPU performance.
Simply put, the higher the score, the better the laptop is when it comes to raw CPU performance. Right now, the Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) leads the charge in single-core performance, but when it comes to multitasking, the Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark) comes on top. That said, each of these laptops offers great performance, especially for their price.
Best 2-in-1 Laptops Performance Results
Slide through to see each Geekbench single-core and multi-core benchmark result
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| HP OmniBook X Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V) | 2559 |
| Asus Zenbook Duo 2026 (Intel Core Ultra X9 388H) | 3031 |
| Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark N1X) | 2704 |
| Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max 390) | 2896 |
Battery life test results compared
In every laptop we review, we test the battery life to see just how long these machines last. With 2-in-1 laptops, you'll notice these don't last quite as long as the best laptop for battery life, but they will still get you through a full workday without needing a charge. Here's how each of our top 2-in-1 picks compares.
Best 2-in-1 Laptops Battery Life Results
In our battery test, we set the 2-in-1 laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.
Battery life (hh:mm:ss)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Asus Zenbook Duo (2026) | 14.383333333333333 |
| Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark) | 12.433333333333334 |
| Framework Laptop 12 | 9.266666666666667 |
| HP OmniBook X Flip 14 | 8.533333333333333 |
| Asus ROG Flow Z13 | 7.5 |
Best 2-in-1 Laptops: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a convertible or a detachable 2-in-1 laptop?
Choose a convertible 2-in-1 laptop if you need a general laptop with a sturdy, built-in keyboard.
Choose a detachable 2-in-1 laptop if a tablet-like mode is equally important.
A 360-degree convertible, such as the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, is generally better for frequent typing and desk work. Detachables are lighter and more natural to hold for note-taking, reading or sketching, but their keyboard covers can be less comfortable on your lap.
How much RAM do I need for a 2-in-1 laptop?
The answer depends on what kind of 2-in-1 laptop you buy. If you end up with a Chromebook or Chrome tablet (neither of which is on this list right now), you really only need 4GB of RAM since you do very little computing on the machine itself. But if you buy a 2-in-1 laptop running Windows 11, you're going to want more memory.
These days, I generally recommend that anyone buying a new Windows laptop get at least 16GB of RAM if you can afford it. Anything lower will almost certainly cause a seriously frustrating slowdown when multitasking or trying to run demanding apps, and you'll quickly feel behind the curve.
While 16GB of RAM is more than enough for multitasking in Windows 11 and running basic apps, modern PC games demand more. So if you're buying a gaming laptop (or just a laptop you plan to play modern games on), I recommend you review the system requirements of the game(s) you want to play and make sure you have at least the minimum (ideally the recommended) RAM. In general, 16GB of RAM is enough to scrape by, while 32GB of RAM is more ideal, especially for serious gaming.
Do 2-in-1 laptops come with a stylus?
Some 2-in-1 laptops support a stylus, like the Asus ZenBook Duo (depending on country and region), but a pen is not always included, such as with the Framework Laptop 12, and compatibility differs between models. Check the exact configuration before buying, particularly if drawing or handwritten notes are a priority.
If you want to use your 2-in-1 like a giant tablet, it's a good idea to invest in a stylus you like. You'll also want to check local retailers for some you can try out before you buy. If you want some ideas for what to shop for, check out our guide to the best Apple Pencil alternatives.
How to find deals on 2-in-1 laptops?
A good deal is always appreciated, but it feels like now more than ever our readers are hunting for opportunities to save money on a new 2-in-1 laptop, due to the RAM crisis.
The first thing to do is check out our regularly updated list of the best cheap laptop deals to see if any of the laptops you have your eye on are currently on sale.
Next, we scour Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and other retailers to see if they have the model you're after on a deep discount. If you're having a hard time finding the model you want, think about creating an account with each major retailer and setting up email alerts so you get notified as soon as the cheap laptop you want is back in stock.
Finally, make sure to use a good price-tracking tool like CamelCamelCamel to track prices on the laptop you want across multiple retailers, so you know when you've found the best deal!
How to choose the best 2-in-1 laptop for you
- Performance: If you only need something basic for surfing the web and checking email, consider a value machine like the Framework Laptop 12 or HP OmniBook X Flip 14. If you need more power to multitask, run demanding applications, or edit photos/videos, look for a 2-in-1 packing plenty of RAM and newer CPUs, like the Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark) or Asus Zenbook Duo.
- Graphics and gaming: To function as both tablets and laptops, 2-in-1s are typically designed to be as thin and power-efficient as possible, so they don't pack discrete GPUs. These days, though, that doesn't mean they aren't great for gaming. The game-focused Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a great example, packing an AMD chip with mighty integrated graphics power. But the same can be said with the Intel Panther Lake-powered Asus Zenbook Duo. But any Windows laptop with a decent x86 CPU and enough RAM can probably play older or basic games well, and the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition.
- Size: Consider how portable you need your new 2-in-1 to be: is this a laptop you occasionally want to use as a tablet, or vice versa? If you prefer the lighter weight and smaller size (typically) of a tablet, and can live with having a flimsy/detachable keyboard, then something like the Surface Pro 11. If you'd rather have the larger screen and extra power/versatility of a laptop that doubles as a tablet, and don't mind the extra size and weight, consider something like the Asus ProArt P16 (RTX Spark).
- Operating system: Just about every 2-in-1 laptop on the market comes with one of two operating systems: Windows and ChromeOS. Right now, every laptop we have on this list is a Windows machine, and that's because they offer far more versatility when it comes to workflows and entertainment. Still, Windows 11 is by far the most common operating system among 2-in-1 laptops, but now it's available in two flavors: Arm and x86. Most laptops run on x86, but the Snapdragon chips that power the Surface Pro 11 are Arm-based, so keep in mind that you can't run games on it. If you'd prefer that, go with the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (for pure gaming) or the Asus Zenbook Duo (for a Windows laptop that can also run games).
How we test 2-in-1 laptops
When testing the best 2-in-1 laptops, we go through the usual series of tests, including CPU, GPU, RAM, battery life and more, but with a great emphasis on testing the screen (not unlike the best touchscreen laptops).
We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter. What's more, we also test the laptop's responsiveness, whether it be through touch or a stylus. This gives us a good idea of whether it can actually be used like a tablet.
That's not all, of course. For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include Geekbench 6 (CPU performance), as well as various 3DMark tests to measure the GPU's performance (whether it's discrete or integrated graphics). We also run a file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is.
There's plenty more we do in our testing process, which we constantly update with the latest tools and benchmarks. For more, check out our guide to how we test.
