Flexible 2-in-1 laptops have exploded in popularity over the last year.
The best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy in Australia
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In 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, and consequently, the already declining desktop category saw a further decline.”
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 extra 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:
- : Best 2-in-1 PC laptop overall
- : Best cheap 2-in-1 PC laptop
- : Best 2-in-1 PC laptop below $500
- : Best Microsoft 2-in-1 PC laptop
- : Best Acer 2-in-1 PC laptop
- : Best Dell 2-in-1 PC laptop
ASUS Zenbook Flip S13 OLED
Best 2-in-1 PC laptop overall
ASUS' ZenBook Flip 13 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 S13 OLED brings together the power of Intel's 11th 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 in 2023.
Model | ASUS Zenbook Flip S13 OLED |
Processor | Starts at 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 |
Graphics | Intel Core Iris Xe integrated graphics |
Memory | Starts at 16GB RAM of LPDDR4X |
Display | Starts at 13.3-inch 4K OLED display |
Storage | Starts at 1TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Storage |
Ports | 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x USB Type-C, 1x HDMI 1.4, |
Battery | 67Whr |
Webcam | 720p webcam |
Weight | 1.2kg |

What’s the difference between 2-in-1 PCs, laptops and tablets?
Laptop or tablet? Why not both?
VivoBook Flip 14
Best cheap 2-in-1 laptop
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 |
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 2-in-1
Best budget 2-in-1 laptop
If you’re going to spend $500 on a 2-in-1 laptop and don’t want to be saddled with an experience that feels compromised, a 2-in-1 Chromebook is the best way to go. Even if it doesn't run on Windows, you can still get a lot of work done with the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook.
Chrome OS tends to provide a snappy and smooth user experience on even modest or under powered hardware, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is a great showcase for what Google’s operating system can do. It even supports Android apps as - which increases the scope of what you can do here by a pretty significant margin.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook isn’t the best 2-in-1 on the market, nor is it the best Chromebook. However, for the asking price, it’s got all the right parts and plenty of bang for buck.
Specs | Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook |
RRP | From $539 |
Processor | MediaTek P60T |
Graphics | Integrated ARM Mali-G72 MP3 |
Memory | 4GB Soldered LPDDR4-2400 |
Display | 10.1-inch WUXGA |
Storage | Up to 128GB |
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Best Microsoft Surface 2-in-1 laptop
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 |
Acer Spin 5
Best Acer 2-in-1 laptop
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 |
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)
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 |
2-in-1 laptops we also considered
Lenovo Yoga 9i
If you’re looking to invest in a 2-in-1 convertible or detachable PC that doesn’t just look to perfect the formula but elevate it, then Lenovo’s Yoga 9i is a pricey but premium way to go about it. It hits all the notes you’d expect from a laptop of its class, plus a few new ones you might not expect. It’s as lightweight as these things come but packed with features and flair.
In line with other premium laptops, the Lenovo Yoga 9i comes kitted out with Intel’s latest 11th Gen Core i7 processors, 16 GB of RAM, a 14-inch UHD display and half a terabyte of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage.
These high-end specs are only the beginning of the story. Where other 2-in-1 PCs balance performance and portability through compromise, the Yoga 9i looks to meld the best of both worlds through innovative and tangible value-adds like the garaged stylus, exceptional battery life, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and a soundbar that’s cleverly integrated with the device’s hinge.
Lenovo has also upped the ante here through a sleek material design and a trackpad that sits flush with the palm rest. These differences and details - both big and small - serve to make the Yoga 9i feel just that bit better than other best-in-convertibles.
If you’re after a dedicated workhorse, it might not be the right fit. But if you’re looking to embrace the versatility of the form factor then the Lenovo Yoga 9i holds its own.
Specs | Lenovo Yoga 9i |
RRP | From $2,249 |
Processor | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 |
Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Memory | 16GB |
Display | Up to 14.0-inch UHD |
Storage | Up to 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe |
Specs | Lenovo Yoga 9i |
RRP | From $2,249 |
Processor | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 |
Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
2-in-1 laptop PC buying guide
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 the following:
- 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 :
- Does a more flexible or mobile form-factor come 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
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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