If you're looking for a portable productivity device, a laptop is probably your best bet. If watching videos or mobile gaming is your top priority, opt for a tablet. But what if you want a device that does all these things and much more?
That's where a 2-in-1 device comes in. In recent years, devices that can operate as both a laptop and a tablet have become increasingly popular. However, a word of warning: you'll be hard-pressed to find a device that excels at both.
Samsung's Galaxy Book Flex 2 or the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard arguably have the fewest compromises, but they're also very expensive. For the price of either of these, you could buy both a laptop and tablet and still have change left over. That's especially once you factor in pricey accessories, but the convenience of a single device may be a big enough appeal.
Some of the devices below run Windows 10, but all are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. What's more, it can be installed straight away once you set it up.
However, this chart isn't all about Microsoft's operating system. Chrome OS and iOS are both represented here, and we also consider Android tablets if they're good enough once you connect a keyboard.
There's a range of options here, encompassing a range different designs and price points. If you're interested in a particular product, it's worth clicking through to our full review of each to learn more about its strengths and weaknesses. Below the chart, you'll also find in-depth buying advice detailing what to look for in a 2-in-1 laptop.
1. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
- Solid performance
- Great battery life
- 5G & S-Pen support
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Dim display
From $1,399.99 (Wi-Fi only)
Samsung's Galaxy Book Pro 360 is the pick of the bunch when it comes to 2-in-1 devices. The fusion of great design with powerful internals and attractive screen make it the convertible to beat, especially as it's priced in line with other premium laptops.
A combination of 11th-gen Intel chips and Iris Xe integrated graphics deliver solid all-round performance, even if there's no discrete GPU. Battery life is also excellent, rivalling some of the longest-lasting laptops you can buy. Elsewhere, the display provides a rich, vivid viewing experience, even with the resolution capped at 1920x1080.
However, the 360-degree hinge is the big selling point here. It can be adjusted to any angle from regular laptop to tablet, alongside an S-Pen that magnetically attaches to the back of the display. There's also the option for 5G support, but the competitively-priced 4G will offer everything most people are looking for in a 2-in-1 laptop. This slight extra affordability gives the Pro 360 the edge over other options in this list, most notably Samsung's own Galaxy Book Flex 2.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (2021) review
2. Apple iPad Pro (12.9in 2021)
- Superb performance
- Stunning display
- Great cameras and battery life
Cons
- Expensive accessories
- iPadOS doesn't make full use of M1 chip
From $1,099
Apple doesn’t make MacBooks with a touchscreen, let alone a 360-degree design. However, the iPad Pro is the closest the company has got to a laptop replacement, especially using the new M1 chip.
Performance is predictably excellent, while the gorgeous 120Hz display is another real highlight. It can also comfortably last 10 hours on a single charge, provided you're not carrying out demanding tasks.
Cameras are also the best you'll find on any tablet, while the iPad Pro retains the ultra-premium design and build we've come to expect from the line.
It's also worth considering the 11in version, but this 12.9in variant comes much closer to replacing your laptop. You will need to pair it with a pricey Magic Keyboard, though, and the iPad Pro is still held back by the limitations of iPadOS.
Read our full iPad Pro 12.9in (2021, M1) review
3. Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 2
- Gorgeous display
- Solid everyday performance
- Built-in S-Pen
Cons
- Fiddly trackpad
- Expensive
From £1,649
The first-gen Galaxy Book Flex remains an extremely impressive 2-in-1 in 2021, but its successor takes things to the next level.
While the 13.3in AMOLED display and 69.7Wh battery remain unchanged, this is anything but an iterative update. Key upgrades here include the move to 11th-gen Intel chips (which yield a big improvement in battery life), a secondary 13Mp camera and 5G support.
Convertible functionality comes in the form of a 360-degree hinge, which is now much sturdier and more robust. It means the device can be used as a laptop, tablet or in 'tent mode' for hands-free viewing.
There's also the built-in Bluetooth S-Pen, which has shifted to the front of the device to make way for a newly expanded port selection. One of the three USB-C ports dropped in favour of a USB-A port and full-size HDMI.
However, it’s not all good news. The screen is still only Full HD (1920x1080), while the trackpad is fiddly enough to make a mouse necessary for long-term use.
Then there’s the price, with the Flex 2 starting at £1,649 in the UK. It's one of the most complete convertible laptops on the market, but you'll pay for the privilege.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 2 review
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7+
- Impressive performance
- Solid battery life
- LTE connectivity
Cons
- Dated design
- Expensive
From $899.99 | Model reviewed $1,499.99
The Surface Pro has popularised the tablet with detachable keyboard form factor since it was first introduced, and the Pro 7+ is the best version yet.
Despite being aimed at business and education customers, the device delivers a compelling experience for consumers too. Key upgrades over the regular Pro 7 include a move to Intel's 11th-gen processors, which combine with Iris Xe integrated graphics and up to 32GB of RAM for excellent performance.
Connectivity options are just as good, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 support joined by 4G LTE on some models. There's also a decent port selection and much-improved battery life.
However, five years after its introduction, the design is starting to look a bit tired. It's also significantly more expensive (especially once you buy the Type Cover separately), so you may want to opt for the Surface Pro 8 instead.
Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ review
5. Microsoft Surface Book 3
- Gorgeous display
- Robust hinge
- Lots of ports
Cons
- Patchy high-end performance
- Expensive
From $1,599.99
It might not have got the best score in the context of the wider laptop market and the lack of upgrades over the previous generation, but the Surface Book 3 really is the ultimate hybrid machine.
Microsoft’s innovative fulcrum hinge allows the screen to fully detach from the keyboard, yet still offers a very secure fit when in laptop mode. As such, it's really the only device out there that's truly a laptop and a tablet.There's plenty more to like about this device, including a stunning display and one of the best keyboards on the market. You also get a choice between 13.5in and 15in screen sizes.
The Book 3 is expensive and isn’t as good for gaming as advertised. But if money is no object and you don't already own a Surface Book, it's one of the best 2-in-1s out there.
It's also probably the last ever entry in the Surface Book line. Microsoft has replaced it with the Surface Laptop Studio, but that device doesn't have a detachable screen.
Read our full Microsoft Surface Book 3 review
6. HP Chromebook x360 14c
- Decent performance
- Excellent audio
- Premium internals
Cons
- Reflective display
- Occasional glitches
$519.99
It's not all about Windows devices and iPads where 2-in-1s are concerned though - there are plenty of options if you're looking for a Chrome OS device.
HP's Chromebook x360 is our top pick, combining super-fast performance with a great design and excellent keyboard & trackpad. The Full HD display is another highlight, even if it doesn't get very bright, while the Bang & Olufsen speakers deliver an excellent audio experience.
Elsewhere, you also get a great port selection and impressive battery life, all for a price that won't break the bank.
If you can look beyond poor outdoor visibility and some occasional bugs, the x360 14c could be a great option for you. Just make sure you're content with the limitations of Chrome OS.
Read our full HP Chromebook x360 14c review
7. Asus ZenBook Flip S
- 4K OLED display
- Lightweight design
- Thunderbolt 4 support
Cons
- Some performance throttling
- No fingerprint sensor
- Expensive
$1,549
The ZenBook Flip S might ditch the headphone jack from its predecessor, but it still establishes itself as the go-to premium convertible.
Among the highlights is a gorgeous 4K OLED display, which offers a rich, colour accurate viewing experience. There's also Thunderbolt 4 support and a bumper 1TB SSD, all within an extremely thin and light body.
Unfortunately, that sleek design does impact performance from the 11th-gen Intel chips, with some throttling issues. You also miss out on a fingerprint sensor.
These may be dealbreakers considering the high asking price, but if money is no object and you're looking for a premium portable device, the Flip S is a great choice.
Read our full Asus ZenBook Flip S UX371 review
8. Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i
- Excellent display
- Impressive speakers
- Lightweight yet sturdy
Cons
- Frustrating keyboard
- Not the cheapest
Unavailable
The audio experience is often overlooked on modern laptops, but the excellent speakers on Lenovo's Yoga Slim 9i deserve special attention. A total of four speakers combine to deliver detailed, rich sound.
Along with the stunning 4K display, it makes the Slim 9i a superb device for content consumption. Tent mode allows for hands-free viewing, but a 360° hinge means it can also be used as a regular laptop or tablet.
The device features 11th-gen Intel processors, which combines with Iris Xe integrated graphics and up to 16GB of RAM for solid performance. There's also a decent port selection (including Thunderbolt 4 support) and impressive battery life, all within a lightweight, robust design.
If you can look beyond the slightly frustrating keyboard, the Slim 9i is a great 2-in-1 option.
Read our full Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i review
9. Asus ZenBook Flip 15
- 4K touchscreen
- Great performance
- Stylus included in box
Cons
- ScreenPad prone to issues
- Poor speaker placement
$1549.99
Those with enough cash to splash won’t be disappointed with the ZenBook Flip 15.
Asus has taken its popular ZenBook design and flipped it, literally - the device's hinges fully rotate. It’s also got an impressive range of specs and gorgeous design.
While it could be a great option for anyone, the ZenBook Flip is primarily aimed at designers. You get a stunning 4K touchscreen here, along with Asus' signature ScreenPad, a trackpad that doubles as a secondary display. There's also a stylus included in the box, great for digital artists or people who want more granular control over their work.
10. Microsoft Surface Go 3
- Lightweight and portable
- Solid Intel Core i3 performance
- Great for video calls
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Dated design
- Type Cover still costs extra
From $399.99 | Model reviewed $629.99
If you don't have much money to spend, the Surface Go 3 is an excellent option. It's one of the smallest devices to run a full version of Windows 11, making the OS more portable than ever.
There aren't many upgrades here compared to the Surface Go 2. In fact, the only change of note is the introduction of new processors, but impressive performance from the Intel Core i3 chip justifies this move. However, this is likely to take a significant hit on cheaper models.
The 10.5in touchscreen display is excellent, and the video calling experience is very good. But the Go 3 does suffer from poor battery life, while chunky bezels give the impression of an older device. You'll also need to buy a Type Cover separately to make the most of it.
Nonetheless, if you want a solid tablet experience that avoids the limitations of Android and iOS, the Go 3 is a solid bet.
Read our full Microsoft Surface Go 3 review
Your buying guide for the best 2-in-1 laptops and tablets
Although they've been around for a while, these devices vary quite a lot and are called different things such as 'convertibles', 'hybrids' and '2-in-1s'. They all mean the same thing in essence – a device which is trying to be both a laptop and a tablet.
As we'll explain, there are essentially two different types here and we're going to round up the best of them all in one place.
Tablet or laptop first?
As we said, there is inevitably some compromise with these devices. Typically they will be better at being a laptop or a tablet but some do manage to sit somewhere in the middle.
Some are even designed first and foremost as a laptop, while others are first a tablet, a laptop second. So it depends on your priority as to which type will suit you best.
Which one is right for you depends hugely on what you want to do with it. Do you mainly want a laptop on which to do regular work but can also shapeshift into a tablet for the odd task? Or do you want a tablet which you can also do a bit of typing on when the need arises?
Laptop-first design
A convertible laptop will usually have a non-removable screen which flips almost 360 degrees in order to change it into a tablet. This style (shown below) also means you can use it in other 'modes' such as 'tent' or 'display'.
Tablet-first design
Meanwhile, a convertible tablet (below) is more like a regular tablet but either has a keyboard which attaches magnetically or a fancy case which creates a laptop-like experience. The keyboard may connect over Bluetooth in some cases.
There really aren't many around these days with Microsoft's Surface range being the most obvious. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7+ is another option but won't be the right option for many with it running on Android. The limitations of iOS (or iPadOS, as it's officially known) also hold back the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, but it's a credible alternative.
Much of what you need to look for in a convertible laptop/tablet is the same as for a regular laptop and tablet.
You'll want to get the best specifications for your money including the latest processor, amount of memory and storage plus a good-quality screen. Make sure you read our reviews to find out more about each device, including benchmark results.
The design, though, is going to be a big part of your buying decision and you need to choose a device which fits your needs best. A laptop-first design is likely to be bigger and heavier but is likely to offer longer battery life (there's more space for a bigger battery).
This type should also provide a better typing experience and there's normally more physical ports, including USBs and video outputs.
Although a convertible tablet might not have many physical ports (some still have full-size USB though), they are smaller and lighter than a hybrid laptop making them great for travelling. The trade-off is that using it as a laptop is often fiddly and awkward. Look for one with a clever design and proper keys. A trackpad is also a boon, despite touchscreens, but not all feature one.
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