The big draw of 2-in-1 laptops is that they can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. While in laptop mode, they’re generally comparable to any other clamshell laptop you’ll find. However, Windows and ChromeOS aren’t exactly the best touch-oriented operating systems out there, so you may find the touchscreen experience lacking.
If you’ve been using a recent iPad or Android tablet regularly, you might not get much out of a 2-in-1. However, the different “modes” you can use a 2-in-1 convertible may be worth considering. The ability to quickly rotate the display to show something to a colleague on the other side of a desk or comfortably sign a PDF can come in the clutch.
Ultimately, both of our top picks on this list, the Lenovo Yoga 9i and HP Specter x360 14, are some of the best laptops you can buy. Consider their 2-in-1 capability a nice bonus on top of their great performance and features. If you’re aiming for more of a budget range and already have a tablet, it’s worth considering whether you can save money by using a traditional clamshell.
