A great 2-in-1 laptop is a versatile device that combines the functionality of both a laptop and a tablet. These innovative devices offer a level of adaptability that traditional laptops cannot match. Although they are not primarily designed for gaming, advancements in cloud streaming and powerful processors like the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 have made gaming on these devices more feasible than ever before. With their enhanced capabilities and dynamic features, 2-in-1 laptops are more compelling and powerful than ever.
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 popularity in workplaces and educational settings has led to a flourishing market. However, this has also resulted in an influx of underpowered and less appealing options. If you're seeking the best value in a 2-in-1 with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, look no further. I've curated the top picks to save you time on shopping so you can spend more time enjoying your new device.
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 perfect for artists and boasts 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"PROSStunning OLED touchscreenVersatile and fast, ideal for various productivity tasksGreat for streaming gamesCONSApp compatibility can still be an issueHigh-priced accessoriesWhether you're a student, professional, or simply looking for a sleek and stylish 2-in-1, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice. It combines top-tier hardware with a stunning screen for fast, visually pleasing performance. For the ultimate experience, consider purchasing it with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen to transform it into a complete, versatile device.
The Surface Pro 11 stands out from its predecessors with its advanced specs. This year's model features a top-tier Snapdragon CPU, either the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite. With options ranging from 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to a terabyte of storage, it delivers unparalleled responsiveness and processing power, making it the best Surface to date.
Its appeal lies in its seamless integration into daily life. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it remains thin, light, and easy to carry. Unlike many competitors that are essentially laptops with rotating screens, the Surface can be carried like an iPad with its keyboard wrapped around the back or tucked away in your bag.
In my review, I was captivated by its design and functionality, an unexpected delight for someone who typically reviews powerful gaming laptops. The OLED touchscreen is breathtaking, making it ideal for everything from spreadsheets to streaming games over the cloud, with exceptional image quality and HDR support.
The meticulous design by Microsoft's engineers is evident from the start. The case snaps into place effortlessly and holds securely, and the integrated magnetic charging cradle on the keyboard case allows for minimal management while carrying everything you need. It truly excels as a daily driver, capable of replacing bulkier productivity laptops.
This 2-in-1 is powered by Qualcomm's high-performance Snapdragon X Elite CPU, which uses an ARM architecture for superior power efficiency. This enables Microsoft to incorporate a brighter, more vibrant screen and high-performance components. While it's excellent for productivity and streaming, note that its emulation of x86 processors isn't perfect. Most major applications run well, but it's wise to check your most-used programs against the regularly updated compatibility list on reputable sites like Windows on ARM.
Gaming on the Surface Pro 11 has limitations. Most games on Steam don't run well or at all due to the ARM architecture. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work seamlessly, providing access to a vast library of streamable games, enhancing the device's versatility.
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"PROSCompetitive with the Surface Pro 11Excellent performance and solid battery lifeIncludes a keyboard and stylusCONSDoesn't feel as refined as the Surface Pro 11For those seeking a Microsoft Surface-like experience without the premium price, the Minisforum V3 SE tablet PC is an excellent choice. It adopts a similar design to the Surface Pro 11 but offers better compatibility and gaming performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, all at a much lower cost.
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the V3 SE is not just a great value 2-in-1 but a great value laptop overall. Its performance is responsive, and it handles multitasking effortlessly thanks to its 32GB of memory. With a 1TB SSD included, you won't need to worry about deleting files anytime soon. Best of all, it comes with the keyboard and stylus at no extra cost, making it an incredible deal for under $700.
While its processor isn't as power-efficient as the Snapdragon X Elite, it's still highly preferable for most users due to its x86 architecture, ensuring compatibility with all standard Windows apps and games.
However, like other 2-in-1s on this list, the V3 SE uses an integrated GPU, meaning the processor handles both productivity and gaming. Fortunately, its integrated graphics are robust and have powered a generation of gaming handhelds. You may need to adjust settings and resolution, but gaming is definitely possible on this device.
Although it comes at a lower price, there are some trade-offs. The screen is a standard IPS panel with a matte finish, and it's slightly bulkier than the Surface. Despite these minor concessions, the Minisforum V3 SE 2-in-1 tablet PC offers exceptional value, delivering strong performance for productivity and entertainment, and it's compact enough to disappear in your bag until you need it.
3. Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Gaming
### Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
0This portable powerhouse features a processor that rivals 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 GPUHighly capable for gaming and content creationCompact and easy to travel withResembles a gaming consoleCONSBulkier than other 2-in-1sLimited to 2TB SSD storageThe Asus ROG Flow Z13 is the leading choice for those seeking top-notch gaming performance in a 2-in-1. While it comes with a higher price tag, it delivers gaming capabilities that rival some dedicated gaming laptops, making it an ideal choice for gamers who value versatility.
Asus has equipped this flagship model with the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor, setting a new benchmark for processing and graphics performance in a 2-in-1. This chip boasts 16 cores and 32 threads with a top speed of 5.1GHz, ensuring smooth performance across all applications, from gaming to content creation.
In my testing, the real-world gaming performance ranged from that of an RTX 4050 to an RTX 4070 laptop graphics card. This allows you to enjoy games at respectable settings while leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames.
However, this high level of performance comes at a premium. The 32GB variant I tested costs $2,299, and upgrading to 64GB adds just $100, making it a significant investment. Keep in mind that memory upgrades aren't possible later, and the highest SSD capacity available is 2TB. Additionally, the Flow Z13 is thicker than other 2-in-1s with detachable keyboards, but this is a trade-off for its exceptional performance.
Despite the cost, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 stands out as a remarkable 2-in-1 for gamers, offering unparalleled performance in a compact form factor.
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 designImpressive battery lifeCompetitive pricingStunning OLED touchscreenCONSApp compatibility may be limited (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 sacrificing performance. It's perfect for running productivity apps, providing a smooth and responsive experience with excellent battery life and a beautiful screen. At a price as low as $550, it's an incredible value.
The IdeaPad 5X focuses on practicality rather than being the thinnest or lightest 2-in-1. Its convertible design allows the screen to flip backwards for tablet functionality while remaining connected to the keyboard, reducing the need for additional accessories.
During my review, I was impressed by its performance for its price, particularly in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications. With 16GB of RAM, it can handle multiple applications simultaneously, and its 512GB of storage is sufficient for most users.
The 14-inch OLED touchscreen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing your viewing experience. Though not high-resolution or high refresh rate, it's ideal for work and occasional entertainment.
The IdeaPad 5X also boasts exceptional battery life, lasting up to two full workdays with intermittent use. Its power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor contributes to this impressive uptime.
While it uses a Snapdragon processor, which can affect app compatibility, most major productivity apps are well-supported. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5X is an excellent choice for work and occasional entertainment.
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 touchscreensVersatile configuration optionsTransforms for different scenariosCONSMediocre battery lifeHeavier than other 2-in-1sFor those who need more screen real estate and flexibility, the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 is the perfect solution. Dual-screen laptops are still a niche category, but the Zenbook Duo sets a high standard with its two high-quality, flippable touchscreens, offering a multi-monitor experience on the go.
The Zenbook Duo is popular among users who need extra space for multitasking or keeping resources accessible without constant switching. Its design allows for versatile use, whether stacked for productivity, flipped for presentations, or used vertically for reading.
Despite its focus on productivity, the Zenbook Duo is also suitable for gaming. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor with Intel Arc integrated graphics delivers strong performance, allowing you to enjoy games with minimal adjustments.
However, this extra functionality comes with trade-offs. The laptop is heavier than most modern 2-in-1s at 3.64 pounds, and its battery life is reduced due to the power demands of its processor and dual OLED screens. Thankfully, it supports USB-C charging, making it easier to keep powered up on the go.
AnswerSee ResultsHow to Choose a 2-in-1 laptopChoosing a 2-in-1 laptop involves similar considerations as selecting a traditional laptop, but with additional factors like screen type and form factor. Start by defining your primary use case and then match the display and specifications accordingly. Consider whether you prefer a flippable, rotatable, or dual-screen setup, and whether you want a detachable or attached design.
Key considerations include:
Screen: Screen size is crucial for productivity, typically ranging from 13 to 16 inches. For 2-in-1s, you'll usually choose between IPS and OLED displays. IPS offers good color and viewing angles at a more affordable price, while OLED provides superior contrast and picture quality but may consume more battery.
Processor: The processor is the heart of the laptop. Aim for at least six cores from Intel or AMD, with 10 cores being ideal for smooth performance and multitasking.
Memory: RAM is essential for multitasking and running heavy applications. Avoid anything less than 16GB, with 32GB being preferable for longevity. Higher capacities like 64GB are typically needed for specialized tasks like running local LLMs or creative work.
Storage: Storage capacity is measured in gigabytes or terabytes. Start with at least 512GB, but consider 1TB or more if you work with large files or digital art. Cloud storage can help manage space, but local storage is important for quick access.
2-in-1 Laptops FAQ
Do 2-in-1 laptops break easily?
While 2-in-1 laptops require more care due to their foldable nature, they are not inherently more fragile than traditional laptops. Treat them with the same care as any electronic device, keeping them clean and protected. Consider using a screen protector and avoiding environments where debris could enter the hinge.
What are the disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop?
2-in-1 laptops have some drawbacks. They offer fewer options for gamers, tend to be slightly heavier due to additional hardware, and may come with a higher price tag for the added versatility. However, there are models available at various price points.
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. Newer processors from Intel and AMD, like the Ultra and HX/AI MAX lineups, can handle many games with adjusted settings. However, most 2-in-1s lack dedicated graphics cards, which are crucial for running the latest games at high settings. Gaming is often a secondary consideration for these devices, which are primarily designed for work, school, and web browsing.