We’re still waiting for the perfect hybrid computer that can work as both a tablet and a laptop. As we head into 2024, it looks like many companies have abandoned that ideal as well, but Microsoft, Apple, and Samsung still have some options to consider. And we’re still seeing OS changes to make iOS and Android more usable for larger displays. If you’re looking for your next PC and you’re determined to make it a 2-in-1, here we’ve rounded up our current best deals, plus everything you need to know before you buy.
Editor’s Note (8/5/2024): Apple announced a quartet of new iPads, including a refreshed 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro with OLED displays, a thinner design and faster M4 chips, a refreshed 11-inch iPad Air with an updated M2 chip, and an all-new iPad Air with a 13-inch display. There’s also a new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. As part of the updates, the 10th generation model has been permanently reduced in price to 350 dollars. All new devices are currently available for pre-order. There are still updated versions of the base iPad and iPad mini reportedly expected later in 2024. Our current iPad picks below may still work for some people, but everyone else will have to wait to see how the new hardware stacks up. We’ll have full reviews in the near future and update our advice accordingly.
Factors to consider before buying a 2-in-1 laptop
When shopping for a 2-in-1, there are some basic criteria to keep in mind. First, look at the spec sheet to see how heavy the tablet is (on its own and with the keyboard). Most modern hybrids weigh less than 2 kilograms. If the total weight of the tablet and its keyboard is approaching 3 pounds, you might be better off getting an ultraportable laptop.
Also, while some 2-in-1s offer built-in LTE or 5G connectivity, not everyone will want to pay the premium for it. The built-in cellular radio makes checking email or answering messages on the go much more convenient. But it also often costs more, and that’s not counting what you’ll pay for data. And as for 5G – you can turn it off unless you live within range of a mmWave beacon. Coverage is still poor and existing national networks use the slower sub-6 technology, which is barely faster than LTE. For now, connecting a computer to your phone is still the best way to get online.
Of course, these machines still have their limitations. Because they are smaller than regular laptops, they tend to have less powerful processors. Keyboards are often less robust, with compact layouts and shallower travel. Plus, they’re almost always tablets first, leaving you to buy a keyboard case separately. (And they’re not cheap!) So you can’t always assume that the advertised price is what you’ll actually spend for the 2-in-1 you want.
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Sometimes getting a third-party keyboard can be just as good, and they’re often cheaper than first-party offerings. If you want to save some money, The Logitech Thin Film is an affordable option, and if you don’t need your keyboard to attach to your tablet, Logitech’s K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard is also a good choice.
While we’ve usually made sure to include a budget 2-in-1 in previous years, there’s not much choice this time around. Normally, we’d go for the Surface Go, but the latest model is still too expensive. Other alternatives, like cheaper Android tablets, are underpowered and don’t offer a great multitasking interface. If you want something around $500 that’s thin, light, and durable, you’re better off looking for a basic laptop this year (like the ones on our list of the best budget PCs).
Photo by Devindra Hardavar / Engadget
Display: 14-inch OLED touchscreen | PROCESSOR: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | Weight: 3.19 pounds | RAM: Up to 32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB
Read our full HP Specter x360 14 review
HP is new Specter x360 14 is our new top pick if you want a laptop that can sometimes turn into a tablet. It’s a beautiful laptop that can rotate its screen into different orientations: tent mode to prop it up in bed or on a table, and tablet mode with the keyboard tucked neatly behind the lid. While it wouldn’t completely replace something like an iPad, the x360’s rotating hinge makes it more flexible than a conventional laptop. It’s perfect for diving into a long article or PDF, or using the included stylus to jot down some notes. The Specter x360 14 is also a solid laptop in its own right, with an excellent keyboard, an extra-large touchpad, and some of the best PC industrial designs on the market.
- Flexible convertible screen
- The OLED display is incredibly vivid
- A solid processor upgrade
- It starts with 16GB of RAM
- Excellent keyboard
- Plenty of ports
- HP’s design hasn’t changed in years
- Haptic touchpad is a bit finicky
- Average battery life
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR touchscreen | PROCESSOR: Apple M2 | Weight: 1.5 pounds | RAM: Up to 16 GB | Storage: Up to 2TB
Read our full Apple iPad Pro review
If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, the best option for you is obviously the iPad. The 12-inch Pro is our choice. Like older models, this iPad Pro has a stunning 12.9-inch screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a mini-LED backlight. While we’re still waiting for an updated model with Apple’s new M3 chip, the existing M2 iPad Pro is still very powerful and offers excellent battery life.
of Apple Magic keyboard provides a satisfying typing experience, and its trackpad means you won’t have to reach for the screen to launch apps. But it’ll also cost you an extra $300, making it the most expensive case on this list by a lot. The iPad also lacks a headphone jack, and its webcam is awkwardly positioned along the left bezel when propped horizontally, so keep in mind that it’s still far from a perfect laptop replacement. Still, with its sleek design and respectable battery life, the iPad Pro 12.9 is a good 2-in-1 for Apple users.
- The M2 chip is incredibly powerful
- Great battery life
- The screen and industrial design are still best in class
- A handy new Apple Pencil Hover feature
- Awkwardly placed front camera
- Stage Manager isn’t fully baked yet
SAMSUNG
Display: 12.4-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X touch screen | PROCESSOR: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Weight: 1.3 pounds | RAM: Up to 12 GB | Storage: Up to 512GB
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review
While Windows outperforms iPadOS and Android in terms of productivity, it lags behind when it comes to apps designed specifically for touchscreens. If you want a tablet that has all the apps you want and only need it to double as a laptop every now and then, the Galaxy Tab S9+ is a solid option. You’ll enjoy watching movies and playing games on its gorgeous 12.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, and Samsung includes an S Pen that’s great for sketching and taking notes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 12GB of RAM (4GB more than the last model) also keep things running smoothly.
A few years ago, Samsung dramatically improved its keyboard case for the S7+, making the Tab an even better laptop replacement. You can type for hours on this thing and not hate yourself (or Samsung). Battery life is also excellent, so you won’t have to worry about standing near an outlet. The main caveat is that Android isn’t great as a desktop operating system. And while Samsung’s DeX mode offers a somewhat workable solution, it has a lot of quirks.
- Beautiful screen
- Great speakers
- Powerful hardware
- The S Pen is extremely sensitive
- Dex mode is a surprisingly powerful multitasking interface
Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Display: 14-inch WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) OLED touchscreen | PROCESSOR: 13th Gen Intel Core i7 | Weight: 3.09 pounds | RAM: 16GB | Storage: Up to 1TB
Read our full Lenovo Yoga 9i review
Adaptability is the 2-in-1’s biggest strength, with devices like Yoga 9i able to transform into several different modes at once. Despite having a relatively portable 14-inch OLED display, Lenovo still found room in the Yoga 9i for three USB-C ports, a fingerprint scanner and a smart rotating soundbar to ensure sound sounds good in any position. Lenovo also includes a free stylus in the box, but unlike previous models, there is no longer a dedicated storage slot on the machine. It’s also worth noting that while its overall design hasn’t changed much for 2023, Lenovo has improved the performance of the Yoga 9i with updated 13th generation Intel processors.
- Beautiful OLED display
- Powerful speakers
- Strong battery life
- Four USB-C ports
- Physical webcam shutter
- Stylus and travel case included
- Whining fans
- Shallow keyboard
- No built-in stylus storage
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