2-in-1 convertible laptops

Convertible laptops (or 2-in-1 laptops, as some call them) aren't necessarily a new type of portable computer. Laptop-tablets have been used in work environments since the 1990s, but they've become much more popular among everyday users in recent years. Lower prices have been one of the factors driving their entry into this market.

In this comparison, we'll look at the best convertible laptops in terms of value for money . But first, let's see what we should expect from this type of device. First, convertible ultrabooks need to be light and thin, and second, they need to have a detachable screen. This is what makes them a regular laptop, as it allows us to use them as tablets , flat on a table, or held in a sleeve. In other words, they transform the laptop we knew in the past into a much more versatile device.

2-in-1 convertible laptops comparison

If you are looking for the best convertible laptop, below you have a comparison table that will help you choose the model that best suits your needs and budget.

Convertible laptops come in many different shapes and sizes these days, with a variety of features and prices . We'll divide this article into two sections . One will help you choose the best 2-in-1 laptop , and the other will showcase affordable , high-quality convertible laptops you can find.

By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer idea of ​​which 2-in-1 laptop is right for you, based on your desired features and budget. Even if you're still unsure, don't worry, you can leave a comment and we'll help answer your questions.

best convertible laptop

If we had to find a downside to 2-in-1 devices, it would be the price. But make no mistake: it's not that they aren't worth it, it's that we're essentially buying two devices in one. Seen this way, we can say that the price is lower than if we bought them separately, but more expensive if we were only interested in one of the two. Therefore, it's worth looking for a device that offers good value for money.

The best convertible laptop considering its features and reasonable price is the Lenovo Yoga. It boasts a 13-inch UHD screen with a 3840x2160 resolution , a good display that allows you to enjoy all types of content.

In terms of its resources and performance, it features a quad-core i5 processor with a clock speed of up to 4.2GHz. While it can handle almost anything, this type of processor is designed for everyday use, for users who don't need to perform very demanding tasks.

As for storage, this Lenovo offers 256GB of SSD , making accessing and opening files incredibly fast. Its 8GB of RAM ensures you can multitask, but not if some of those tasks are demanding, such as multimedia editing.

The operating system included in the Yoga is Windows 10 , which offers all kinds of possibilities, both for desktop use and when using the device as a tablet.

The best brands in 2-in-1 laptops

Although they have been on the market for many years, not all brands offer this type of product to buy. This is the list of the best brands in convertible laptops:

HP

It offers a wide variety of 2-in-1 laptops for all budgets, so it will be very difficult not to find the model you are looking for in this brand.

Lenovo

It is another of the companies that currently offers more models of convertible laptops. We like Lenovo because it has quite innovative and well-built models, so it is a quality bet without any doubt. The best thing about Lenovo is that it has equipment for any type of user, among which we have a user / home, professional or even gaming level.

Among its product lines, the Yoga series stands out. Its name is inspired by the fact that these laptops feature screens that can be positioned in any orientation, but this isn't the only interesting feature of the Yoga line. Lenovo also offers laptops with the latest technologies, including cutting-edge processors, touchscreens, and top-of-the-line designs.

Medion

Their laptops are geared towards the budget, making them a good option if you're on a tight budget. You can see more Medion laptops here.

Asus

A few years ago they offered more models to choose from, but the ZenBook range still has some very interesting options that you should consider if you're looking to buy a cheap convertible laptop.

ecosystem

This is the high-end option you should consider if you have a generous budget. Its screen quality is superb, and there are many hardware configurations to choose from to best suit your needs. Without a doubt, the Microsoft Surface won't disappoint.

Cheap 2-in-1 convertible laptops for everyday use

In this first section, you'll find the hybrid laptop that best suits your needs, taking price into account . In the second section, we'll talk about the best on the market, but those will be more expensive.

Lenovo: Yoga 7

The Yoga model was released in 2013 and Lenovo has released a few successors since then. The Yoga 2 was a Haswell-equipped version that saw the light of day in 2014 while the Yoga 3, a powerful line from Broadwell, was launched in early 2015 and thus, each year they have been renewed and shaped as a product more and more. round.

The Yoga C630 is a 14-inch convertible laptop . It features a Full HD IPS display, and Lenovo claims to have squeezed 14 inches into a 13-inch body. In reality, the latest model has gained a few millimeters here and there, as well as a little weight.

The other major changes are also internal, as the Yoga 7 features a fast Intel Core i5 and i7 processor, along with a dedicated graphics card in the top-of-the-line models. So, we can say that the graphics are outstanding . Aside from this, not much has changed, except for some connectivity options, which now offer more ports on the corners.

On the other hand we can say that Yoga 7 is somewhat more expensive if we compare it with its brother convertible laptop, since it is worth approximately 1400 euros but we must also take into account that it is better equipped and has been recently updated, with what we will take the latest hardware home. In addition, it has the Chrome OS operating system.

Asus Chromebook Flip

There are several models in this series of 13-inch convertible laptops, but these two are the ones that have caught my attention the most.

Equipped with the latest generation of Qualcomm processors, this laptop's hardware includes 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC internal storage. It features a 13,3-inch touchscreen with FHD or 2K resolution and an IPS convertible display (clear), and a 52 Wh battery.

Along with the other convertible laptops on this list, the Asus Chromebook Flip is compact, and some consider it one of the lightest convertible laptops on the market (around 1,1 kg), but that's mainly due to its MacBook-like design . Devices like the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 or the Lenovo Yoga 3 we discussed earlier have plastic casings. You'll notice the difference with this tablet laptop's aluminum-clad body .

In addition, the price is usually €50-€100 cheaper than convertible laptops with similar features from Dell, HP, or Lenovo, although this can vary slightly depending on the country and store. We recommend using the deals we've included on Cheap-Laptops.net to save even more.

Overall, it's an impressive convertible laptop, but it's more affordable with some configurations that allow you to customize it to your liking. It retains the touchscreen, the design, and the metal body, and adds a NumPad keyboard, as well as more ports and graphics options. However, it's worth noting that the battery has slightly less capacity (67 Wh).

HP Pavilion x360

These convertible laptops are similar to a Windows tablet laptop that you can use as a stand or connect to a multi-function docking station . They come with a keyboard, trackpad (the small square used like a mouse), and in some cases, other features such as ports and extra batteries. Undoubtedly, an interesting hybrid laptop model.

The HP x360 is the most affordable model of its kind, featuring Intel Core i5 to i7 processors. This convertible laptop has a fan, but it's very quiet ( meaning virtually no noise ), and offers sufficient battery life for everyday use, with approximately 6 hours of use. It features a 14-inch LED-backlit screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.

The x360 is lighter and thinner, and has a more premium feel compared to other convertible laptops in the same price range. However, it does sacrifice some functionality, in this case simply the lack of a Bluetooth keyboard. The x360, on the other hand, is physically connected to the tablet laptop and includes ports and space for a standard 2,5" hard drive inside.

The HP x360 is priced at around €1000 for the most basic model, but you can sometimes find it for even less (subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of these offers). The HP x360 is available and you can get it on sale.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5

The IdeaPad Flex 5 boasts an 8-hour battery life and weighs approximately 1,7 kg. This means its battery will last a long time with daily use, especially with a Core i5 or i7 processor configuration. It features a 14-inch touchscreen with 4K resolution, putting it ahead of Asus's IPS-based lineup.

On the other hand, it is 150 to 200 euros cheaper than a similar hybrid laptop from the Transformer Book line that we have discussed previously.

Despite all these factors, Yoga convertible laptops are inexpensive compared to others. The 14-inch and 15-inch models are priced under €1000. There was even a Flex 3 11 model (known as the Yoga 300) that can also be converted into a tablet for under €400 , but its technical specifications aren't as impressive (understandably) since it uses a Celeron processor and has a 1366 x 768 screen. That said, it's a decent competitor to the Dell Inspiron 11 3000 and HP Pavilion 11 x360.

Best 2-in-1 convertible laptops

If you want the best hybrid laptop on the market, you will find it in this section. Of course, in this case, don't expect it to be cheap at all.

HP Pavilion X360

If you are willing to spend less than 800 euros on a laptop convertible into a tablet the HP Paviliion should be at the top of your list. We tell you why.

HP has done a great job with this machine. They've built it out of metal, not plastic , which makes it both sturdy and attractive , and it even has a fantastic keyboard that lights up from underneath with a cool display.

You can choose from a couple of options, and even the base model has a Full HD (4K) resolution and an IPS panel, which is great. It also includes a digitizer and an active pen holder, so the HP Spectre is convenient for sketching or illustrating. By the way, keep in mind that the pen isn't included when you buy it, but it's still worth it.

The display is paired with your choice of fast Broadwell or Skylake hardware and up to 16GB of RAM with SSD storage . These factors make Spectre incredibly smooth for everyday use, offering up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge—something you won't find in every 2-in-1 laptop.

On the other hand, the high-quality aluminum construction does affect its weight, but it doesn't seem to, as it's under 2 kg . However, if you're looking for lightness, you'll easily find another convertible laptop/tablet that's lighter (see the previous ones, for example).

For some budgets this model might be a bit of a turn-off, but once you buy it you'll know the investment was worth it.

Surface Pro 9

The Surface Pro (9, Go, and newer models) is a unique convertible laptop/tablet. It's a Windows tablet that can be paired with a keyboard cover for a tablet-like experience. This makes it more compact and lightweight than other 2-in-1 laptops. We recommend it for desktop use, on a table, in the office, or on any other flat surface, rather than for travel or using on your lap.

The Surface Pro boasts some premium features , such as a high-resolution 3:2 display with narrow bezels and a stylish stand ( it includes an N-Trig and a stylus ). It also features a multi-angle adjustable stand on the back, a very durable build, and a remarkably quiet cooling system, even with the fan running.

Apart from all this, the Surface Pro comes with powerful Intel core i5 or i7 hardware, but with an update for what makes the Surface Pro 9 out at the end of last year. An option that you can consider very interesting with this offer that we link to you.

Ultimately, while the Surface Pro is one of those Microsoft-based convertible laptops and the highest-rated of its kind to date , it's not necessarily the laptop replacement many users want to believe it is. It simply serves other purposes. For example, we don't recommend using it on your lap or lying in bed, as you can do that with any of the inexpensive laptops available. It lacks a superior keyboard experience, so if you're looking for something lightweight yet durable, you might want to consider budget ultrabooks.

This doesn't mean the Surface Pro can't be the best choice for you, especially if you want a 2-in-1 laptop to use as a tablet most of the time and not primarily as a netbook. But as you've already seen, it won't be exactly cheap. The base configuration with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor comes with 8-16 GB of RAM and 256 GB-1 TB of storage, starting at around €1000, and upgraded versions can easily exceed €1000. Just remember that the keyboard cover isn't included and can cost you around €100.

Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga

We're talking about Lenovo again, and that's because they're leading the way in convertible laptops on the market. With advanced standards from the ThinkPad line, they've released the ThinkPad Yoga, now more hybrid than ever. And, by the way, it's a very compact laptop thanks to its 13.3-inch screen.

Chuwi Hi10 Pro

Of all the convertible laptops, we can say that the Chuwi Hi10 Pro is one of the rare ones… It offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen that detaches, which makes it a design that doesn't expose its keyboard in tablet mode , but which appeals to users looking for a 2-in-1 laptop in this comparison.

Once you get past the design and aesthetics of this laptop-tablet, you'll see that the Chuwi Hi10 Pro is worth considering in this review. It weighs less than 600g and has a good screen quality, along with the included stylus. In terms of hardware, it features the now-standard Intel Celeron processor with up to 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The keyboard lacks the row of function keys found in previous versions, so you'll need some time to get used to it.

Finally, the price of this convertible is cheap, the base costs around 300 euros and includes Celeron N4120 as a processor along with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD hard drive, although for little more we have the version that is much more powerful. Anyway, don't worry, by the time you read this, the prices will most likely have dropped so I recommend you use the links that we have put in this comparison to go to the cheapest offers.

Lenovo Yogas 7 Gen 7

Moving on to the Yoga, it's slightly better. It's built on the same platform, but it lacks a stylus and a built-in digital display, which are replaced by dedicated graphics . This convertible laptop comes with a 14-inch IPS touchscreen, a Ryzen 7 6800 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, AMD Radeon graphics, a 512GB SSD, all packed into a chassis weighing approximately 1,43kg.

These aspects suggest that the Yoga is a competitor that can handle everyday tasks , multimedia content, and some demanding games. It's not as portable as, for example, the Zenbook we discussed in the ultrabook article, although they share similar characteristics. But hey, it's a 2-in-1 laptop, a hybrid and convertible. Call it what you will. Plus, it's cheaper and faster , with the base model starting at €1200.

What is a convertible laptop?

A convertible laptop is a special type of laptop. It has a detachable keyboard, transforming it into a tablet . They are also known as 2-in-1 laptops or simply 2-in-1 convertibles. If you ever come across any of these names, they all refer to the same product.

By functioning as both a tablet and a laptop, the possibilities for the user are significantly expanded . It can be used normally as either device. It's a great option in this sense because it can be used for all sorts of purposes, from work to consuming content, simply by removing the keyboard. Every user can find something to their liking.

It's common for a convertible laptop to come with Windows 10 as its operating system. This is the most prevalent option on the market, as most modern laptops use Microsoft's operating system. Therefore, the tablet you use will also likely have this operating system.

How to choose a convertible laptop: what you should keep in mind

If you still have doubts about which convertible laptop to buy at this point , below we will give you a series of tips that will help make your choice easier (remember that you can also ask us and we will help you),

The first thing you should understand is that a convertible or 2-in-1 laptop is one that can be converted into a tablet , so they usually have a touch screen that can be placed at multiple angles and positions to facilitate using the computer in touch mode.

Based on the above, we recommend that you only buy this type of computer if you plan to use it in tablet mode, otherwise you'll be paying extra for a feature you won't use. If this isn't your situation and you consider 2-in-1 mode essential, keep these tips in mind when choosing a convertible laptop :

Screen quality

In our opinion, the screen is the most important factor to consider when buying a budget 2-in-1 laptop. A good resolution and viewing angles are essential, and at least Full HD is recommended for enjoying multimedia content.

It is also important that you pay attention to the mechanism of the hinges that allow the rotation of the screen (in some cases 360º). We are in favor of two systems:

• Removable screen to which we connect a keyboard: this would be the case of the Microsoft Surface. With no moving parts, there is nothing that can break over time.
• 2 hinges: If the screen and keyboard assembly of the convertible laptop is going to be attached, it must be by using 2 hinges. It is a mechanism that is already more than proven and it will be rare that "play" or noises appear with the passage of time.

Run away from complex and modern mechanisms, they will only give you problems in the long run. In addition, as it is a touch screen, you must take into account these other factors to achieve the best possible user experience:

• Response time: the time that passes between the moment we touch the screen and your reaction has to be acceptable. A slow response time can translate into lower productivity. In addition, if it is very bad, it can be confusing because we can come to think that the screen has not managed to register the touch, which can lead us to doubt: “have I touched it?”.
• Multi-touch screen: the first touch screens were resistive, but now the most widespread are capacitive and multi-touch. A multi-touch screen allows us to be more productive by offering us extra gestures, such as launching a menu, zooming in with two fingers or rotating images.
• Stylus compatible: a stylus is a "pen" with which we can interact with the screen. It is not worth it if we want to make simple touches, since we all have fingers that are more precise, but it is worth it if what we want is, for example, to draw. If this is what we need, it is worth looking for a device with a stylus-compatible screen and a good response time.

Weight

In this section, we need to differentiate between different scenarios. If you're going to use the convertible laptop at home , we recommend choosing one that's as lightweight and compact as possible so that using it doesn't cause you any inconvenience.

If, on the other hand, you're going to use it professionally or need a laptop for students , we recommend buying convertible laptops with 14 or 15-inch screens so you can work more efficiently, give presentations or reports, etc. Having a larger screen will also make your work smoother.

Hardware

Here it depends a bit on your budget. Our experience with convertible laptops tells us that 8GB of RAM and an SSD hard drive are highly recommended to speed up application loading, especially in touch mode, making the experience much more enjoyable.

At the processor and graphics level, the use that is usually given to this type of device is not usually very demanding, so we can buy something mid-range or even low without problem. The SSD and RAM will make for fantastic performance.

Where to buy the best convertible laptop

The popularity of these products has increased significantly over time. Therefore, it's very easy to buy a convertible laptop nowadays, as many stores have models available. However, there are some stores worth considering:

• Amazon: The online store has the largest selection of these models. A very wide range, with all kinds of brands, models and prices. Therefore, it is impossible not to find one that fits what we are looking for in this regard. In addition, there are offers and promotions throughout the year, so that we have access to good discounts.
• Mediamarkt: The chain of stores is another good option in this regard. They have a good range of products in this category, with many brands. They usually have models with very good prices, which makes them fit all kinds of pockets. They also have promotions on a regular basis, so there are discounts.
• El Corte Inglés: Another well-known chain of stores, which has a good selection of electronics products. We can buy quite a few models of convertible notebooks in its range, so it is a good option. They tend to focus on premium models, with somewhat more expensive prices. Although throughout the year there are many promotions available.
• Crossroads: The hypermarket chain is a good option, because they have a good selection of convertible laptop models. They usually have a bit of everything in terms of prices, with very accessible models. So it is a store that many should take into account, especially if they are looking for models with lower prices.
• Tablet or convertible laptop? Advantages and disadvantages of each one

There may be many users who have doubts about what they should buy, a tablet or a convertible laptop. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to each of the products, which should be taken into account. Therefore, we will talk about these topics below:

Convertible laptop or tablet?

Things to watch out for in a convertible laptop

The main advantage it offers is its versatility. It's a product we can easily use in all kinds of situations. We can use it for work, study, browsing, and editing photos or videos without any problems. If we want to use it for leisure, we can detach the keyboard and use it more comfortably as a tablet.

Another advantage is that they are more powerful than a tablet . So if we need to work or study, we won't have any problems. We can use it like a normal laptop in this respect, having access to all the available tools.

One of the biggest drawbacks of a convertible laptop is its price. It's more expensive than a tablet, and also more expensive than many other laptops. This undoubtedly affects sales and makes it inaccessible to many users.

To be assessed on a Tablet

The tablet's main advantage is its ease of use and its suitability for browsing or consuming content. The absence of a keyboard makes it lightweight and easy to carry. It also provides a smartphone-like experience.

Furthermore, a tablet is much cheaper than a convertible laptop . This is something that also needs to be taken into account, as the price differences can be significant.

On the other hand, it's important to consider that it offers fewer options. A tablet isn't a good choice if you need to work, especially since most tablets use Android or iOS, and those with Windows tend to be expensive. So, in that sense, it's more limited for users.

Furthermore, unlike a convertible laptop, with a tablet we have to buy the keyboard separately . So we have to find one that fits the tablet and purchase it. That's an additional expense.

Advantages of buying a 2-in-1 convertible laptop

Powerful and efficient

2-in-1 laptops are devices that include hardware specifically designed for this purpose. They have hardware as powerful as, or even more powerful than, that of many laptops , but also hardware designed to work seamlessly with the operating system they come with pre-installed. All of this allows them to be highly functional, offer more options, and consume less energy.

Versatility

2-in-1 computers are both a tablet and a computer. This allows us to use mobile apps that we can control with our fingers, including mobile games (if the operating system allows it), and desktop applications that let us perform all kinds of tasks. In other words, we can choose whether to use a tablet or a computer, all without wasting time switching between devices.

More elegant design

Laptops have been around for a long time, but convertible laptops are a newer concept. Brands are competing to see who can release the most attractive device to catch our eye, resulting in some truly beautiful designs . This also brings us to the next point.

Light and resistant

A 2-in-1 laptop is also a tablet. While manufacturers focus on creating lightweight computers, and laptops are devices we can place between our legs or on a table, their commitment is even greater when they create a device that can transform into a tablet we hold with both hands. This is something they achieve, and 2-in-1s are usually lighter than laptops. Their compact design also makes them more durable.

More complete operating system

Android and iOS are perfect operating systems for tablets. The problem is that, even in the case of Android, which is more open, there are certain limitations. There are no desktop applications, so they aren't suitable for many professional tasks. This isn't the case with 2-in-1 devices, since they include a complete operating system , even more complete than a desktop version. In cases like Windows, we have the normal desktop operating system and a tablet mode, so we have everything on the same device.

Conclusion, opinions and valuation

These are the top convertible ultrabooks you can find in stores and online right now. We'll keep this list updated so you have all the information you need in one place.

Deciding the exact model for you in terms of 2-in-1 laptops can be somewhat complicated since each user has different needs, but if you have any questions you can put it in detail in the comments and, incidentally, subscribe to our newsletter to send you information and help you even more.

Generally speaking, I can tell you that the HP Spectre x360, for example, is a good fit for most people. If you have around €1000 to spend, then consider the Microsoft Surface , and if you want to use it for business, consider the Lenovo ThinkPad or HP Elitebook.