A great 2-in-1 laptop excels at combining the functionality of both a laptop and a tablet PC, offering unparalleled versatility that traditional laptops simply can't match. While these devices aren't primarily designed for gaming, the advent of cloud streaming and advanced processors like the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 has opened up new possibilities. Today's 2-in-1 laptops are more innovative and powerful than ever, making them a compelling choice for a wide range of users.
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 of 2-in-1 laptops, their established role in workplaces and educational settings has led to a market filled with options that vary widely in quality. If you're seeking the best value in a laptop with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, my curated selections will help you save time on shopping and spend more time enjoying your new PC.
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 is particularly well-suited for artists but boasts the power and efficiency to serve as an excellent daily driver for any user. 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 in need of a sleek, lightweight, and stylish 2-in-1 laptop for daily use, 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. For the complete experience, I recommend purchasing it with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen.
The Surface Pro 11 stands out with its advanced specifications, including the powerful Snapdragon X Elite CPU, available in either the Snapdrop X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite versions. With up to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to a terabyte of storage, this device offers unmatched responsiveness, processing capabilities, and user experience compared to previous Surface models.
Its design seamlessly integrates into daily life, remaining thin and light even with the keyboard folio attached. Unlike many competitors that are essentially laptops with rotating screens, the Surface Pro 11 can be carried like an iPad, with the keyboard wrapped around the back or stored in your bag until needed.
During my review, I was impressed by its form factor, which I didn't expect to appreciate as someone who typically reviews gaming laptops. The OLED touchscreen is visually stunning, making it ideal for everything from spreadsheets to streaming games via the cloud, though it's not suited for local gaming. The attention to detail in its design, from the secure case snapping mechanism to the integrated magnetic charging cradle in the keyboard case, showcases Microsoft's commitment to a seamless user experience. It's a robust daily driver capable of replacing bulkier productivity laptops.
This 2-in-1 also benefits from Qualcomm's high-performing Snapdragon X Elite CPU, which uses an ARM architecture for superior power efficiency. This efficiency enables the use of a brighter, more vibrant screen and high-performance components. While it emulates x86 processors to run most major applications, it's essential to check app compatibility with reputable sources like Windows on ARM.
Regarding gaming, the Surface Pro 11 isn't ideal for running games locally, as most titles on Steam either don't run or perform poorly. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work flawlessly, providing access to a vast library of 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 Pro 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 11If you want a Microsoft Surface-like experience without the premium price, the Minisforum V3 SE tablet PC is an excellent choice. It closely mirrors the Surface Pro 11's design but offers better 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 that the Minisforum V3 SE is not just a great value 2-in-1; it's a great value laptop overall. Its performance is responsive, and it handles multitasking effortlessly with its 32GB of included memory. With a 1TB SSD, you won't need to worry about storage space anytime soon. Best of all, it includes the keyboard and stylus in the base price, eliminating the need for additional purchases like with the Surface. At less than $700 all in, it's a remarkable deal.
While 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. Although it uses an integrated GPU, the performance is strong enough to run games if you adjust the resolution to at least 1200p and tweak settings accordingly.
The V3 SE does make some trade-offs to achieve its lower price, including a standard IPS panel instead of OLED and a slightly bulkier build than the Surface. However, these compromises are minor, and the Minisforum V3 SE remains a top choice for those seeking a versatile, high-performing 2-in-1 at a budget-friendly price.
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)For gamers seeking a 2-in-1 laptop with exceptional performance, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is the current leader in its class. It comes with a high price tag, but if you're looking for a device that rivals the performance of dedicated gaming laptops, the Flow Z13 is unparalleled.
Asus has equipped this flagship model with the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor, setting a new standard for processing and graphics capabilities in a 2-in-1. With 16 cores, 32 threads, and a top speed of 5.1GHz, this processor ensures seamless performance across all applications, from gaming to content creation.
In my testing, the Flow Z13's gaming performance ranged from that of an RTX 4050 to an RTX 4070 laptop GPU, allowing you to play games at decent settings and utilize advanced technologies like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames. While dedicated gaming laptops may offer better value in terms of fps and cost, the Flow Z13's versatility as a 2-in-1 is unmatched.
However, there are some considerations before purchasing. The 32GB model I tested costs $2,299, with the 64GB version only $100 more at $2,399. Given the non-upgradable memory, consider future needs carefully. The maximum storage capacity is currently 2TB, and while external SSDs can be connected via its ports, be aware of these limitations. Additionally, the Flow Z13 is thicker than other detachable 2-in-1s due to its high-performance components.
Despite its cost, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 delivers extraordinary performance in a versatile form factor, making it a standout choice for gaming enthusiasts.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Work
### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
0Designed for business with room for fun, all 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 for work, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance. It's perfect for running productivity apps smoothly, offering great battery life and a high-quality screen, all at a budget-friendly price, sometimes as low as $550.
The IdeaPad 5X prioritizes practicality over aesthetics, featuring a convertible design where the screen can flip backwards for tablet functionality while remaining connected to the keyboard. This design adds some weight but ensures all necessary components are always at hand, enhancing productivity.
During my review, the IdeaPad 5X impressed with its performance in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, handling multiple applications with ease thanks to its 16GB of RAM. Its 512GB storage is sufficient for most professional needs, though regular backups are recommended.
The 14-inch OLED touchscreen provides excellent color and contrast, ideal for both work and occasional entertainment. Its battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 15 hours on average with typical use, thanks to the power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor.
Like the Surface Pro 11, the Snapdragon processor can lead to app compatibility issues, but most major productivity applications are well-supported, making the IdeaPad 5X a reliable choice for work and light entertainment.
5. Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406
Best Dual-Screen 2-in-1 Laptop
### Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406
0Dual high-resolution screens and robust hardware make this versatile 2-in-1 a top pick. 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 stands out with its dual high-quality flippable touchscreens, offering a custom multi-monitor experience on the go.
The Zenbook Duo is popular among users who require extensive multitasking capabilities. With two screens, you can work on multiple tasks simultaneously or enjoy a split-screen setup for productivity and entertainment. Its versatile design allows for various configurations, including stacked screens for multitasking, flipped back for presentations, or vertically aligned for reading.
While not primarily designed for gaming, the Zenbook Duo's Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and Intel Arc integrated graphics make it capable of running games with some settings adjustments, providing a decent gaming experience in your downtime.
However, the dual-screen functionality does come with trade-offs. The Zenbook Duo is heavier than most modern 2-in-1s at 3.64 pounds, and its battery life, rated at nine hours in dual-screen mode, can be shorter in practical use. Fortunately, it supports USB-C charging, making it easy to keep powered with a lightweight GaN charger.
AnswerSee ResultsHow to Choose a 2-in-1 laptopChoosing a 2-in-1 laptop is similar to selecting a traditional laptop, with the added consideration of screen type and form factor. Start by determining your intended use and then select the display and specifications that align with those needs. Consider whether you prefer a flippable, rotatable, or dual-screen design, and whether you want a detachable or attached keyboard.
Here are key factors to consider:
Screen: The screen is crucial for 2-in-1 laptops. For productivity, a size between 13 and 16 inches is ideal, providing ample space for work and entertainment. Choose between IPS for solid color performance at a lower cost, or OLED for superior contrast and picture quality, though it may consume more battery.
Processor: The processor is the heart of the laptop, handling all computing tasks. Aim for at least six cores, with ten or more for optimal performance and multitasking.
Memory: RAM is essential for multitasking and running demanding applications. A minimum of 16GB is recommended, with 32GB preferred for longevity. Consider 64GB or higher only if you're involved in heavy creative work or local AI processing.
Storage: Storage capacity impacts how much data you can keep locally. Start with at least 512GB, and consider 1TB or more if you work with large files or want to future-proof your device.
2-in-1 Laptops FAQ
Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?
While 2-in-1 laptops require careful handling due to their flexible design, they are no more fragile than traditional laptops when properly maintained. To ensure longevity, use a screen protector if using a stylus or exposing the screen, and keep the hinges clean to prevent debris from causing issues.
What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?
2-in-1 laptops offer many benefits but also have drawbacks. Gamers may find fewer suitable options, and these devices often weigh more than standard productivity laptops due to additional hardware. Additionally, 2-in-1 functionality can increase the price, though competitive options exist at various price points.
Can you play games on a 2-in-1 laptop?
Gaming on a 2-in-1 depends on the hardware and the type of games you want to play. Modern processors from Intel and AMD can handle many games with adjusted settings, but most 2-in-1s lack dedicated graphics cards needed for high-end gaming. Cloud gaming services can provide a broader gaming experience, aligning with the primary use cases of work, education, and web browsing.