# The best 2-in-1 laptops that work as tablets and laptops > No 2-in-1 is perfect at both, but these devices combine laptop and tablet functionality in ways that actually work. - Title: The best 2-in-1 laptops that work as tablets and laptops - Summary: No 2-in-1 is perfect at both, but these devices combine laptop and tablet functionality in ways that actually work. 2-in-1 laptops always lean toward being… - Keywords: 2-in-1 laptops, microsoft surface pro, ipad air, lenovo yoga, chromebooks, convertible laptops, detachable tablets, windows 11, ipados, asus rog flow, framework laptop, acer chromebook - Source: WIRED — https://wired.com/story/best-2-in-1-laptops - Author: Luke Larsen - Published: 2026-04-12T11:30:00+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: 2-in-1 laptops, microsoft surface pro, ipad air, lenovo yoga, chromebooks, convertible laptops, detachable tablets, windows 11, ipados, asus rog flow, framework laptop, acer chromebook ## The 2-in-1 dream and reality 2-in-1 laptops combine tablets and laptops into one device, but none are equally good at both. They always lean toward one or the other. > Of all the models I've tested, no 2-in-1 laptop is equally good at being both a tablet and a laptop. ## Surface Pro 12 takes the crown Microsoft's Surface Pro 12 is now the top pick after price changes made it more affordable. The 12-inch screen balances portability with a comfortable keyboard. > This is the most successful small tablet Microsoft has ever made, and a big reason is that it doesn't cheap out on quality. ## Snapdragon powers excellent battery life The Surface Pro 12 uses Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus for excellent battery life and solid performance. Just avoid the $750 model with only 8 GB of RAM. ## Surface Pro 13.8 offers more screen The larger Surface Pro 13.8 is a better laptop replacement with more visual space and a bigger touchpad. The OLED option makes it compete with iPad Pro. ## Windows lacks touch-friendly apps Windows still isn't a very touch-friendly operating system and lacks the touch-first app ecosystem that tablets need to truly shine. ## iPad Air excels as a tablet The M4 iPad Air with Magic Keyboard is a solid 2-in-1 that costs less than Surface Pro with keyboard. The App Store's touch-first apps make it ideal for tablet use. ## iPads are lighter and easier to hold iPads are easier to hold in one hand because they're lighter than Surface devices. The Magic Keyboard adds a USB-C port and works better on your lap than kickstands. ## A gaming 2-in-1 that actually works The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a gaming-focused detachable 2-in-1. The form factor keeps heat away from your hands, leaving the keyboard cool and sweat-free. ## Convertible laptops flip 360 degrees Convertible 2-in-1s look like traditional laptops but have 360-degree hinges and touchscreens. They're better for watching videos than using as tablets due to weight. ## Lenovo Yoga 9i leads convertibles The Lenovo Yoga 9i is one of the most premium laptops available with a classy design and sharp OLED screen. A loudspeaker built into the hinge delivers better audio. ## Framework Laptop 12 is repairable Framework's convertible 2-in-1 lets you replace or upgrade nearly every component, including the processor. The DIY Edition makes assembly an enjoyable education project. ## Best budget option under $600 The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is the best 2-in-1 under $600. It uses a powerful MediaTek chip for competitive battery life and comes with 12 GB of RAM. ## Tiny Chromebook Duet for portability The 11-inch Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 isn't a productivity machine. It's a companion device for light web browsing, writing, and watching videos anywhere. ## Two main 2-in-1 designs exist Detachable tablets separate the screen from the keyboard with a kickstand. Convertible laptops use 360-degree hinges to flip the screen back. ## Detachables are thinner and lighter Detachable 2-in-1s are more portable and make better stand-alone tablets. They're not as good on your lap but excel as travel devices. ## Convertibles have design tradeoffs Convertible 2-in-1s need heftier hinges that can look ugly and require larger bezels. The weight balance can feel off, and they're often more expensive. ## iPads still win for pure tablet use iPadOS remains far more robust without a keyboard than Windows. But Windows tablets offer the full Windows 11 experience for getting work done. ## Testing goes beyond standard laptops Testing 2-in-1s requires checking kickstand adjustability, lap balance, touchscreen responsiveness, and screen wobble. Only hands-on time reveals these issues. ## Key takeaway 2-in-1 laptops always lean toward being either a better laptop or a better tablet, but the convenience of having both in one device makes them worth considering.