The best 2-in-1 laptops 2023

The Surface Pro 9 retains its crown as the best 2-in-1 you can buy, but only if you get the Intel version.

That adds just 12th-gen Intel CPUs to 2021’s Surface Pro 8, but that device was already excellent. Solid performance combines with the existing premium design and 120Hz display for a great all-round experience.

Video calling and battery life are other key strengths, but they’re actually even better on the new ARM-based model. The SQ3 chip it uses is based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, but this can’t compete with Intel on performance and app compatibility, both of which still hold it back.

5G is exclusive to the ARM version, but it’s simply not worth taking the risk for most people. Poor ports and a high price tag remain regardless of the model you choose, but the Intel version still provides the best all-round tablet experience.

When you add the keyboard cover (sold separately), it becomes a convincing laptop replacement. For something smaller and more affordable, consider the Surface Go 3.

Samsung’s laptops seem to get better every year, so it’s no surprise to see the Galaxy Book 3 Pro 360 so high in this list. As the name suggests, it combines the power of a Pro-level device with the versatility of a 360° hinge, and the results are excellent.

Everything centres around the 16in, 120Hz OLED display, which supports both touch and stylus input via the included S Pen. It’s a joy to use, especially when combined with solid Intel 13th-gen performance. It’s a shame not to see a discrete GPU, but there’s plenty of power here for most people.

Despite the thin and light design, there’s still enough space for a good port selection and Full HD webcam, although the keyboard could be better. You’ll also have to make do with average battery life, but this is only a problem if you regularly spend many hours away from the charger.

For most people, this is an easy laptop to recommend. If you’re looking for a Windows 2-in-1 and don’t want to detach the keyboard, this is the device to buy.

The 2022 iPad Pro doesn’t change much compared to the 2021 version, but it’s the closest Apple has ever go to a laptop replacement.

This 12.9in model is equipped with the company’s latest M2 chip, stretching its lead in terms of performance. You won’t find any tablet as capable, although few apps push it even close to its potential.

To make the most of the device, you’ll want to pay extra for the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, but they offer a superb typing and navigation experience that beats even the Surface Pro. It’s also worth highlighting that 120Hz display, which now has mini-LED tech for an even better viewing experience.

However, the single biggest reason not to buy the iPad Pro is its software. iPadOS simply cannot rival macOS or Windows in terms of functionality.

With a device this expensive, it’s enough to make you think twice.

The Yoga 7i strikes a really good balance between premium features and an affordable price. It offers everything most people are looking for in a convertible, yet won’t break the bank.

Battery life is the standout feature, and means most people can use it for a full working day and have charge to spare. A premium design extends to the included stylus, while the webcam and port selection are both decent.

Performance from a 13th-gen Intel CPU is solid, even if it’s paired with Iris Xe integrated graphics rather than a dedicated GPU. As a result, it’s best suited for general productivity tasks.

Even the display, arguably the weakest aspect of the Yoga 7i, is very usable. But the 16in LCD panel lacks colour accuracy, and doesn’t get bright enough for comfortable outdoor visibility.

That’s still acceptable at this price, though, and the device performs well in most key areas.

Huawei has dabbled in 2-in-1 devices in the past, but the latest MateBook E is its best effort yet. 

The device isn’t dissimilar to the Surface Pro 9 in design – high praise considering it’s significantly more affordable. However, that entry-level model has just an 11th-gen Core i3 model under the hood – most people will probably want to step up to i5, where you’ll find solid all-round performance. 

A 12.6in display is slightly smaller than some rivals and only 60Hz, but opting for OLED makes up for it. Huawei has maintained slim bezels around the edge of the display, which house a solid webcam. 

There’s also an impressive webcam for video calls, but no Windows Hello face unlock. That means you’ll need to rely on an underwhelming fingerprint sensor built into the power button. There’s also only one USB-C port. The included keyboard cover (with built-in stand) and stylus sold separately are both superb, but battery life is another key weakness.

There may be one too many compromises here for most people, but it remains a compelling option and very good value for money.

The 14 Flip OLED’s price is the main thing that counts against it, at least in the UK. But this premium convertible from Asus has a lot going for it.

As the name suggests, that 90Hz OLED touchscreen is the star of the show, offering excellent detail and rich, vibrant colours. You even get a digital stylus included in the box, for which you’ll want to make use of the durable 360° hinge.

Alongside a solid keyboard and trackpad, even if the virtual numberpad built into the latter is pretty pointless. If you can ignore several extra pre-installed Windows 11 apps and don’t want to use the built-in webcam for video calls, you’ll be satisfied with the 14 Flip OLED.

However, you’ll undoubtedly find better value for money elsewhere.

The Galaxy Book 3 360 isn’t quite as good as the Pro version higher in this list, but it’s also significantly more affordable.

It still has a lot going for it, too, including an excellent 13.3in OLED display. Unlike the Pro, it supports touch and the S Pen stylus, which is included. It’s only 60Hz and Full HD (1920×1080) resolution, but neither are an issue once you start using it.

Battery life is also very good, with the 61.1Wh cell that will comfortably last a full day for most people. A thin and light design means it’s very portable and easy with you when travelling, while there’s also a good port selection

Performance from Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs is acceptable, but other laptops seems to be able to extract more power from them. There are also a lot of extra software apps and tools, which soon become annoying if you don’t own other Samsung devices.

But even so, the Galaxy Book 3 360 has plenty of strengths and is definitely worth considering.

Gaming on a PC usually requires a permanent desktop or bulky laptop, but Asus has proven that doesn’t need to be the case. 

The ROG Flow Z13 offers incredible power within a thin and light design, with a choice between top-spec Intel or AMD CPUs and a discrete RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. Performance drops slightly when running on battery power, but connecting the optional XG Mobile helps deliver desktop-level gaming.

Elsewhere, the large 13.4in Mini-LED display delivers an immersive gaming experience. You get a choice between Full HD or 4K, with both offering a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

A built-in kickstand and detachable keyboard (included in the price) makes the Flow Z13 impressively versatile, although you might be disappointed by the lack of ports. It’d also have been nice to see some better speakers too, but most gamers will be connecting headphones anyway.

But battery life is a key weakness, with less than 90 minutes of AAA gaming on a single charge. The situation is much better in general use, but at around five hours, it’s still worse than most rivals.

Ultimately, the Flow Z13’s high price tag will put people off. But it’s an exciting first step into the world of gaming 2-in-1s.

A 2-in-1 laptop is all about versatility, so why not get a device with two screens? The Yoga Book 9i proves that it can work, but there are a few key drawbacks on this first generation device.

The dual-screen design works well in a variety of situations, just not when you’re reliant on the keyboard – the wireless version feels cramped and uncomfortable to type on. With no physical touchpad either, the virtual equivalent is frustrating to use and prone to bugs.

Performance from Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs is solid, but without a discrete GPU it’s not entirely seamless across such a large screen area. However, those OLED panels are truly excellent, while audio is another key strength. With an above average webcam and microphones, it’s also great for video calling.

At this price, most people will be happier with one of the more affordable 2-in-1s in this chart. But the Yoga Book 9i is certainly an exciting vision of the future of laptops.

The Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is a truly extraordinary device, but it’s not ready for the mainstream yet. A huge price tag is the main thing that counts against it, and the user experience is a little rough around the edges.

But that’s to be expected from a first-gen device that’s only the second ever folding tablet/laptop to ever come to market. The Zenbook 17 Fold’s hinge is impressively durable, and it enables a range of different form factors that simply aren’t possible on the other devices in this list.

You can use it as a huge 17.3in tablet, use the built-in kickstand for hands-free use or fold it in half for a unique scrolling experience. Then there’s the dedicated keyboard accessory, which can create a desktop replacement or attach over half the screen to create a convincing 12.5in laptop experience.

With great battery life and a super audio experience, Asus is onto something good with the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED. But it won’t tempt many people to ditch their traditional laptop or 2-in-1 yet.