A great 2-in-1 laptop seamlessly combines the functionality of a laptop and a tablet, offering unparalleled versatility that traditional laptops can't match. While not primarily designed for gaming, advancements in technology like cloud streaming and powerful processors such as the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 have made gaming on these devices a viable option. Today's 2-in-1 laptops are more innovative and powerful than ever, making them a compelling choice for a wide range of users.
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 history in professional and educational settings has led to a market filled with numerous options. However, not all are created equal. If you're seeking the best value for a laptop with a rotatable or flippable touchscreen, you've come to the right place. Here, I present top picks to help you spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your new PC.
Our Top Pick### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
1This 2-in-1 is perfect for artists and excels as a versatile daily driver with its power and efficiency. 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"PROSBeautiful OLED touchscreenVersatile and fast, ideal for multiple productivity-based use-casesGreat for streaming gamesCONSApp compatibility still isn't perfectPricey accessoriesThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for students, professionals, or anyone seeking a sleek, lightweight, and stylish 2-in-1 laptop. It boasts top-tier hardware and a stunning screen that ensures smooth performance and exceptional visuals. For the ultimate experience, consider bundling it with the Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Pen to transform it into a complete productivity powerhouse.
The latest Surface Pro 11 model doesn't skimp on specs. It features a high-performance Snapdragon CPU, either the Snapdragon X Plus or the Snapdragon X Elite, along with 16GB to 64GB of fast DDR5 memory and up to 1TB of storage. This combination delivers unmatched responsiveness, processing power, and user experience among Surface devices.
Its design is both functional and elegant. Even with the keyboard folio attached, it remains thin and light, making it easy to carry around like an iPad with the keyboard wrapped behind or stored in your bag until needed. As a daily driver, it easily replaces bulkier productivity laptops.
The OLED touchscreen is a standout feature, offering vibrant colors and excellent HDR for everything from spreadsheets to streaming games over the cloud. However, it's not ideal for local gaming due to its ARM architecture. Most major applications run well, but it's wise to check compatibility with your essential software on sites like Windows on ARM.
For gaming, while local performance is limited, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now work seamlessly, providing access to a vast library of games with a good internet connection and subscription.
### Minisforum V3 Tablet PC
0This sleek 2-in-1 offers a Microsoft Surface-like experience 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"PROSHighly competitive with the Surface Pro 11Excellent performance and battery lifeComes with a keyboard and stylusCONSDoesn't feel quite as refined as the Surface Pro 11For those seeking a Surface-like experience without the premium price tag, the Minisforum V3 SE is an excellent choice. It closely mimics the Surface Pro 11's design but offers superior compatibility and gaming performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor.
After extensive testing, it's clear that the V3 SE is not just a budget-friendly option but a great laptop overall. Its performance is responsive, handling multitasking with ease thanks to 32GB of memory and a 1TB SSD. The included keyboard and stylus enhance its value, making it an all-in-one package for under $700.
While not as power-efficient as the Snapdragon X Elite, the Ryzen 7 8840U's x86 architecture ensures full compatibility with Windows apps and games. Its integrated graphics, though not on par with dedicated GPUs, are powerful enough to handle gaming at reduced settings.
The trade-offs are minor: a standard IPS screen and slightly bulkier build compared to the Surface. Nevertheless, the Minisforum V3 SE remains a stellar value, delivering robust performance for productivity and entertainment in a compact, portable package.
### Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
0This portable powerhouse offers gaming performance akin to a mid-range dedicated graphics card. 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 GPUPlenty powerful for gaming and content creationCompact size makes it easy to travel with Feels a lot like a gaming consoleCONSBulky sizeMax SSD storage limited to 2TB (currently)For those prioritizing gaming performance, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is unmatched among 2-in-1 laptops. While it comes with a premium price, its performance rivals that of dedicated gaming laptops.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, the Z13 sets a new benchmark for processing and graphics capabilities in a 2-in-1. With 16 cores, 32 threads, and a 5.1GHz top speed, it handles any application with ease, from gaming to content creation.
Its gaming performance is particularly impressive, offering experiences comparable to an RTX 4050 to RTX 4070 laptop GPU. Technologies like AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames enhance gameplay, making it a versatile choice for gamers seeking a 2-in-1.
However, the high performance comes with a high cost, starting at $2,299 for the 32GB model. Upgrading to 64GB is only $100 more, but memory cannot be upgraded later. The maximum SSD storage is currently 2TB, and the device is thicker than other 2-in-1s. Despite these considerations, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 delivers exceptional performance in a compact form factor.
### Lenovo IdeaPad 5X
0Designed for business and occasional entertainment, this 2-in-1 offers great value 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 designGreat battery lifeCompetitively pricedOLED touchscreen displayCONSApp compatibility could be an issue (but most major productivity apps are supported)For work-focused users, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5X is an ideal choice. It offers just enough power for smooth productivity at a budget-friendly price, often as low as $550.
The IdeaPad 5X prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, featuring a convertible design that keeps the keyboard attached for convenience. It performs admirably with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications, handling multitasking with 16GB of RAM and offering ample storage with its 512GB SSD.
Its 14-inch OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors, perfect for work and occasional entertainment. The battery life is exceptional, lasting up to two workdays on a single charge, thanks to the efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor.
While app compatibility isn't perfect due to the Snapdragon processor, most essential productivity apps are supported, making the IdeaPad 5X a solid choice for work and light play.
### Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406
0Dual high-resolution OLED touchscreens and powerful hardware make this 2-in-1 a top pick for productivity. 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 touchscreensPlenty of configuration optionsComes ready to transform for different scenariosCONSMediocre battery lifeAdded weightWhen you need more screen real estate and flexibility, the Asus Zenbook Duo UX8406 is the perfect solution. This dual-screen 2-in-1 is designed for users who require enhanced multitasking capabilities and a customizable multi-monitor experience.
With two high-quality OLED touchscreens, the Zenbook Duo allows for unparalleled productivity. Whether you're working on multiple tasks simultaneously or presenting to colleagues, its versatile design adapts to your needs. The laptop can be configured in various modes, from stacked displays for multitasking to a book-like vertical setup for reading.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H with Intel Arc integrated graphics, the Duo offers solid performance for productivity and even gaming at reduced settings. However, the dual-screen setup does impact battery life, averaging around six to seven hours in real-world use. Despite this, its USB-C charging capability makes it easy to stay powered on the go.
AnswerSee ResultsHow to Choose a 2-in-1 laptopChoosing a 2-in-1 laptop involves considering your primary use case and matching it with the right display and specifications. Additionally, you'll need to decide on the type of screen mechanism—flippable, rotatable, or dual screens—and whether you prefer a detachable or attached design.
Key considerations include:
Screen: Opt for a size between 13 and 16 inches for productivity. Choose between IPS for good color and viewing angles at a reasonable price or OLED for superior contrast and picture quality, though it may consume more battery.
Processor: Aim for at least six cores, with ten cores being ideal for multitasking and running demanding applications.
Memory: 16GB is a minimum, with 32GB preferred for longevity and heavy multitasking. Consider 64GB or more if you're into creative work or running large language models locally.
Storage: Start with 512GB, but consider 1TB or more if you'll be storing large files like videos or digital art. Cloud storage can help manage space, but ample local storage is beneficial.
While 2-in-1 laptops require extra care due to their movable parts, they are no more fragile than traditional laptops. With proper handling and protection, they can last many years. Consider using a screen protector and avoiding debris in the hinges to maintain their condition.
2-in-1 laptops may have fewer gaming options, weigh slightly more than productivity laptops due to added hardware, and often come with a higher price tag for their versatility. However, there are budget-friendly options available.
Gaming on a 2-in-1 depends on the hardware and the types of games you want to play. With recent processors from Intel and AMD, many games can be played at adjusted settings. However, without dedicated graphics cards, high-end gaming at max settings is generally not feasible. 2-in-1 laptops prioritize productivity, schoolwork, and web browsing over gaming.