A great 2-in-1 laptop seamlessly combines the functionality of both a laptop and a tablet, offering a level of versatility that traditional laptops simply can't match. While gaming isn't typically their primary focus, the advent of cloud streaming and advanced processors like the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 has opened up new possibilities, making even gaming feasible. These versatile devices are more interesting and powerful than ever before, 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 AsusDespite the evolving landscape for 2-in-1s, their popularity in workplaces and among students has led to a market filled with both underpowered and appealing options. If you're seeking the best value in a laptop with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, look no further. Here are my top picks to save you time and help you enjoy your new PC to the fullest.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – Photos

View 12 Images1. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 Laptop

Our Top Pick### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

1This 2-in-1 excels for artists and offers enough power and efficiency to serve as an excellent daily driver. 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 accessoriesWhether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone looking for a thin, light, and stylish 2-in-1 laptop to carry through the day, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an outstanding choice. It features top-tier hardware and a stunning screen that ensures fast performance and exceptional visual quality. I recommend pairing it with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen for the full transformative experience.

The Surface Pro 11 doesn't compromise on specifications. This year's model includes a high-end Snapdragon CPU, offering a choice between the Snapdragon X Plus or the Snapdragon X Elite. Coupled with 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to a terabyte of storage, it provides unmatched responsiveness, processing power, and user experience among Surface devices.

Its appeal lies in its seamless integration into your daily life. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it remains thin, light, and easy to carry. Unlike many competitors that are merely laptops with rotating screens, you can comfortably carry the Surface like an iPad with its keyboard wrapped around the back or stored in your bag for when you need it.

During my review, I was captivated by its sleek form factor, an unexpected delight for someone accustomed to reviewing powerful gaming laptops. Its OLED touchscreen is a visual treat, making it ideal for everything from spreadsheets to streaming content on YouTube and Netflix. While not optimized for local gaming, it excels at streaming games over the cloud, delivering fantastic image quality and HDR performance.

The meticulous design effort from Microsoft's engineers is evident. From the satisfyingly secure way the case snaps into place to the integrated magnetic charging cradle in the keyboard case, the Surface Pro 11 is a near-perfect daily driver capable of replacing bulkier productivity laptops.

This 2-in-1 is powered by Qualcomm's high-performing Snapdragon X Elite CPU, built on the ARM architecture. This design allows for greater power efficiency, which Microsoft uses to enhance the screen's brightness and performance. While most major applications run smoothly, it's wise to verify compatibility for your most-used programs on reputable sites like Windows on ARM.

Regarding gaming, local performance is limited due to the ARM architecture. Many games from Steam may not run well or at all. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work seamlessly, offering a vast library of streamable games, enhancing the Surface Pro 11's appeal.

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 quite as refined as the Surface Pro 11If you're seeking a Microsoft Surface experience without the premium price, the Minisforum V3 SE tablet PC is the perfect alternative. It adopts a design similar to the Surface Pro 11 and offers superior compatibility and gaming performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, all at a more affordable price point.

After extensive testing, I can confidently say it's not just a great budget 2-in-1 but a remarkable value laptop overall. Its performance is brisk, and it handles multitasking efficiently, thanks to its 32GB of included memory. With a 1TB SSD, storage is ample, and the base price includes both the keyboard and stylus, unlike the Surface. For under $700, it's an incredible deal.

Although its processor isn't as power-efficient as the Snapdragon X Elite, it's built on the x86 architecture, ensuring compatibility with all standard Windows apps and games. Its integrated graphics are robust, supporting gaming on this device, albeit with adjustments to resolution and settings.

The screen is a standard IPS panel with a matte finish, and while it's slightly bulkier than the Surface, both remain compact and lightweight. Despite these minor trade-offs, the Minisforum V3 SE 2-in-1 tablet PC offers exceptional value, performing well for productivity and entertainment tasks, and even supporting gaming and streaming.

3. Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Gaming

### Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)

0A portable powerhouse, the Z13's processor delivers gaming performance akin 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)When it comes to gaming performance, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 reigns supreme and may be the top choice for sheer power available today. However, it comes with a significant price tag, making it less suitable for everyone. If you're after unparalleled gaming performance in a 2-in-1 form factor, this is the one to consider.

Asus spares no expense with its flagship products, and the Flow Z13 is no exception. It's the first 2-in-1 to feature the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor, setting a new standard for processing and graphics capabilities. With 16 cores, 32 threads, and a top speed of 5.1GHz, this chip handles any application effortlessly, making it a top choice for gaming, web browsing, 3D art creation, and photo/video editing.

In gaming tests, its performance rivals that of an RTX 4050 to RTX 4070 laptop graphics card, enabling decent settings and cutting-edge technology like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames. While dedicated gamers might find better value in a gaming laptop, the Flow Z13's versatility and performance make it a compelling choice for those who want a 2-in-1.

However, be prepared for the premium price. The 32GB model I tested costs $2,299, with the 64GB version only $100 more. Memory upgrades are not possible later, and the highest SSD capacity is currently 2TB. Additionally, it's thicker than other 2-in-1s with detachable keyboards, a trade-off for its top-tier performance.

Despite the cost, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 offers unmatched performance in its form factor, making it a standout option for gaming enthusiasts.

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5X

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Work

### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X

0Designed for business and occasional entertainment 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 those needing a 2-in-1 laptop for work, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X strikes the perfect balance of performance and affordability. Productivity apps run smoothly on this device, offering a responsive and efficient work experience with impressive battery life and a captivating screen. Priced as low as $550, it's a fantastic value.

The IdeaPad 5X focuses on practicality over aesthetics, featuring a convertible design where the screen flips backward for tablet functionality while remaining connected to the keyboard. This design adds some thickness and weight but simplifies usage by keeping everything together.

During my review, I was impressed by its performance, particularly in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications. With 16GB of RAM, it handles multiple apps seamlessly, and its 512GB of storage is sufficient for most work-related files.

Its 14-inch OLED touchscreen offers excellent contrast and vibrant colors, perfect for work and occasional entertainment. With a battery life that can last nearly two workdays, it outperforms many affordable 2-in-1s, thanks to its power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor.

While app compatibility isn't perfect due to the Snapdragon processor, most major productivity apps are supported, making the IdeaPad 5X an excellent choice for work and occasional play.

5. Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406

Best Dual-Screen 2-in-1 Laptop

### Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406

0Dual high-resolution screens and powerful hardware make this versatile 2-in-1 a top 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 weightWhen you need more screen real estate and flexibility, the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 delivers. Dual-screen laptops are niche but growing, and the Zenbook Duo sets a high standard. With two flippable OLED touchscreens, it offers a customizable multi-monitor experience on the go.

The Zenbook Duo is popular among users needing extra space for productivity. It allows for multitasking without constantly switching between apps, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Its versatile design supports various configurations, from stacked displays for work to dual vertical screens for reading or browsing.

Beyond productivity, it's also suitable for gaming. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor features Intel Arc integrated graphics, offering strong APU performance. While adjustments may be necessary, it supports a wide range of games for downtime entertainment.

However, the added functionality comes with trade-offs. It's heavier than typical 2-in-1s at 3.64 pounds and has a shorter battery life, particularly when using both screens. USB-C charging support is a plus, allowing for convenient power management with a lightweight GaN charger.

Choosing a 2-in-1 laptop involves similar considerations as choosing a traditional laptop, but with additional factors like screen type and form factor. Start by identifying your primary use cases, then select the display and specifications that align with your needs. Consider whether you prefer a flippable, rotatable, or dual-screen design, and whether you want a detachable or attached keyboard.

Key factors to consider include:

Screen: For productivity, opt for a screen size between 13 and 16 inches. Choose between IPS and OLED displays, with OLED offering superior contrast and color at a higher cost and battery usage. Processor: Aim for at least a six-core processor from Intel or AMD, with ten cores or more for optimal performance and multitasking. Memory: 16GB of RAM is a minimum, with 32GB preferred for extended usability. Higher memory is only necessary for creative professionals or running LLMs locally. Storage: Start with 512GB, but consider 1TB or more if you work with large files or prefer to store data locally. 2-in-1 Laptops FAQ

Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?

While 2-in-1 laptops require a bit more care due to their foldable design, they are generally as durable as traditional laptops. Treat them with the same care as any expensive electronic device, and they can last for years. Consider using a screen protector and avoiding debris in the hinges for longevity.

What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?

2-in-1 laptops have some drawbacks, including fewer options for gamers, slightly heavier weight due to additional hardware, and a higher cost for the added functionality. However, there are budget-friendly options available if you're willing to explore.

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 want to play. With processors like Intel's Ultra and AMD's HX/AI MAX lineups, many games can be played with adjusted settings. However, high-end gaming typically requires a dedicated graphics card, which most 2-in-1 laptops lack, making gaming a secondary consideration for these devices.