Flexible 2-in-1 laptops have exploded in popularity. Here's a list of our picks for the best in the biz.
The best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy in Australia
7 min readIn the decade or so since Apple shook up the computer market with the iPad, dozens of convertible and detachable 2-in-1s laptops have emerged to try and walk the line between the portability of a tablet and the productivity of a conventional clamshell laptop.
Demand for this balance of flexibility and performance became especially prominent during the pandemic, with IDC reporting that “notebooks and Detachables recorded an unprecedented growth in the pandemic situation as digitisation, mobility and flexibility are key drivers in the market.”
These days, every major PC manufacturer includes some sort of 2-in-1 PC in their lineup. As with other segments of the wider laptop market, there’s a lot of overlap here in terms of the internal components but a surprising amount of differentiation when it comes to bells, whistles, premium perks and other additional features.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of options, here are our picks for the best 2-in-1 laptop PCs you can buy right now. Regardless of whether you're shopping by brand or by budget, we've got your covered.
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What to look for in a 2-in-1 PC or laptop
Whether you're looking at a mainstream computer brand like Dell or a dedicated gaming brand like MSI, there's an immense number of decisions you'll need to make when purchasing a laptop. If you're not sure where to start, here are a few important features to consider when shopping for your next laptop.
Screen size and type
Unlike upgradeable components like your GPU, RAM and storage, you're stuck with the display you buy when you purchase a laptop. Is it a comfortable size? Does it offer a wide-viewing angle?
Resolution & Refresh Rate
1080p (Full HD) is the bare minimum for resolution these days and most laptops worth their price aim for 1440p at least (QHD or QuadHD) but you can also opt for 4K if you're willing to spend a little extra.
A screen's refresh rate is the measurement of how frequently it changes. The higher the refresh rate, the better. Most conventional laptops offer 60Hz to 90Hz but fancier gaming laptops can offer 144Hz, 165Hz or even 240Hz screens.
Future proofing
There are no hard and fast rules here but as a general suggestion, you'll want to sure you're laptop has the legs to survive a few years of technology improvements in any way you can. You can overshoot on your desired specs, spending more on a machine that's more powerful than you currently need, or opt for a model or brand that has support for upgrades down the track.
Ports
Like your screen, ports will impact your everyday experience with a laptop, particularly if you use it for work. While you can work around this with USB hubs and adapters, a laptop with fewer ports than you need can quickly become a headache.
Best 2-in-1 laptop
ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 OLED
ASUS' ZenBook Flip range has always been a standout when it comes to flexible 2-in-1 laptops, and this OLED-laced update is no different. The Zenbook Flip 14 OLED brings together the power of Intel's 13th Gen Core processors, the flexibility of a hybrid form factor and the stylish looks of the Zenbook line.
It's easy to find laptops that bend the way this one does. It's hard to find one with an OLED screen. Even if you do, the chances of it delivering the performance as well are almost as slim as the form factor found here.
It's easy to wish for a version of this Zenbook that's cheaper or one that runs on an AMD chipset, but it's hard to deny the reality that this premium PC is one of the best and brightest 2-in-1 laptops you can buy right now.
| Model | ASUS Zenbook Flip 14 OLED |
| Processor | Starts at 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P |
| Graphics | Intel Core Iris Xe integrated graphics |
| Memory | Starts at 16GB RAM of LPDDR5 |
| Display | Starts at 14-inch 2.8K OLED display |
| Storage | Starts at 512GB of M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Storage |
| Ports | 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x USB Type-A, 1x combo audio jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, |
| Battery | 75Whr |
| Webcam | 1080p webcam |
| Weight | 1.5kg |
Best cheap 2-in-1 laptop
VivoBook Flip 14
ASUS has been steadily gaining ground in the wider laptop ecosystem for a few years now, and the Vivobook Flip 14 is a great example of why. It’s got a spec-sheet that promises compelling performance and a price tag that puts it well below most of the competition.
If you’re looking for a great 2-in-1 laptop on a budget, the VivoBook Flip 14 will fit the bill without feeling like too much of a compromise. It doesn’t feature too many extras or unique spins on the formula, but when you get the fundamentals right it’s hard to complain too much.
Specs | ASUS Vivobook Flip 14 |
RRP | From $999 |
Processor | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Max graphics |
Memory | Up to 16GB of RAM |
Display | Up to 14.0-inch FHD |
Storage | Up to 1TB of M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD storage |
Specs | ASUS Vivobook Flip 14 |
RRP | From $999 |
Processor | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Max graphics |
Best Microsoft Surface 2-in-1 laptop
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The flagship Microsoft Surface Pro 9 isn’t the most powerful 2-in-1 PC that Microsoft makes, nor is it the most portable. However, for overall value, it’s hard to beat. The design-work here is stellar, with the Surface aesthetic standing out amongst the crowd and the iconic kickstand keeping things practical in almost any kind of work environment.
Specs aside, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 differs from the previous models by ditching the MiniDisplay Port in favor of an extra USB C port and saying goodbye to the headphone. Otherwise, what's here isn't too different from earlier incarnations of Microsoft's iconic 2-in-1.
Even if the screen is a little smaller than the average laptop, the portability and price leave the Surface Pro 9 looking good. Thanks to a robust design and a timely spec bump, the latest addition to the Surface Pro line continues to set the bar for detachable 2-in-1 PC experiences.
Specs | Surface Pro 8 |
RRP | From $1,649 |
Processor | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U processor |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Memory | Up to 32GB of RAM |
Display | 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display |
Storage | Up to 1TB |
Best Acer 2-in-1 laptop
Acer Spin 5
Acer’s Spin hardware has been a consistent highlight of the 2-in-1 laptop market, and the latest iteration comes kitted out with Intel’s 12th Gen Core processors. On top of that, you also get a boatload of SSD storage and practical perks like a stylus that can be housed inside the device when not in use.
While it lacks the luxury looks of the Acer Swift 5, the Acer Spin 5 has a stunning 14-inch display, a 360-degree hinge and a TwinAir cooling system. For all that the two PC have in common, it’s the little things that give Acer's latest 2-in-1 laptop the edge.
Specs | Acer Spin 5 |
RRP | From $1,349 |
Processor | Up to Intel Core i7-1260P |
Graphics | Iris Xe graphics |
Memory | Up to 16GB |
Display | 14-inch, WQXGA |
Storage | Up to 1TB SSD |
Best Dell-in-1 laptop
Best Dell 2-in-1 laptop
While opting for Dell’s revamped Inspiron 2-in-1 can save you a decent sum, those looking for Dell’s top-of-the-line convertible need look no further than the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1.
Like the mainline XPS 13, the XPS 13 2-in-1 features solid specs and plenty of premium thrills like a HDR 400 certified display that supports Dolby Vision content and a sleek edge-to-edge keyboard. You can even bump the display up to 4K if you have the cash and will to do so.
Even if it’s not terribly different to Dell’s flagship thin and light laptop, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 provides plenty of additional flexibility without compromising on performance.
Specs | Dell XPS 13 |
RRP | From $2,798 |
Processor | Up to Intel Core i7-1250U |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Memory | Up to 16GB |
Display | 13.3-inch 3K display |
Storage | Up to 1TB SSD |
Best 2-in-1 laptops compared:
How do the 2-in-1 laptops on this page compare to every other one we've reviewed and recommended?
Product | Price [RRP] | Availability | Display size | Resolution | Weight | Rating |
| From $4299 | Lenovo | 13.3-inches (x2) | 2880 x 1800 | 1.3kg | 
| |
| From $1799 | Amazon | 14-inches | 2880 x 1800 | 1.5kg |
| |
 ASUS Zenbook Flip S13 OLED | From $2898 | Amazon | 13.3-inches | 3840 x 2160 | 1.3kg |
|
| From $989 | Amazon | 14-inch | 1920 x 1080 | 1.5kg |
| |
| From $1799 | Microsoft | 13-inch | 2880 x 1920 | 879g | 
| |
| From $1379.99 | Acer | 14-inches | 2560 x 1600 | 1.3kg |
| |
| From $2197.80 | Dell | 13.3-inch | 2880x1920 | 736g |
|
How we chose the best laptops
The things that make a good 2-in-1 laptop PC aren't all that different to the things that make a good traditional laptop PC. Given the overlap in the things you tend to with either category, that shouldn't be a huge surprise.
When we evaluate and compare 2-in-1 laptop PCs like the Lenovo Yoga 9i, we consider factors and questions like what kind of performance does the processor inside this machine deliver? Is it competitive with what a regular laptop might deliver? How many tabs in Chrome does it take to slow down the performance of this machine? How does the amount of RAM and storage space included with this device compare to competitors? How visible is the screen in different lighting environments? Are the built-in speakers generally good or are they only useful in select situations? Does the built-in microphone cut if for video calls over software like Zoom?
In addition, we also weigh up a number of more 2-in-1 specific characteristics such as whether a more flexible or mobile form-factor comes with compromises to performance? Is the hardware here as well suited for consuming content as it is creating it or does it favor one over the other? What style of 2-in-1 is this and how does the implementation or execution of the form factor compare to category-leading efforts seen elsewhere?
2-in-1 laptop PC FAQs
Here are the most commonly asked questions about 2-in-1 laptop PCs
A laptop that's marketed as a 2-in-1 typically features a design that allows it to be used as a tablet. It's both a tablet and a laptop, hence the name.
Sometimes, this form-factor is achieved via a detachable keyboard. In other instances, the screen on the device is attached via a flexible hinge that allows it to be pulled back a full 360-degrees.
Our current pick for the best 2-in-1 laptop brand is Lenovo, who are responsible both our best overall pick and best budget pick.
You can learn more about the Lenovo Yoga 9i by reading our review of the machine.
If you're looking to buy a 2-in-1 laptop PC in 2022, you probably don't want to settle for anything less than 8GB of RAM. 16GB is ideal, but more is always better.
The details might vary, but the biggest difference between laptops and 2-in-1s is that the former typically can't be used as a tablet.
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