The best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy in Australia

Flexible 2-in-1 laptops have exploded in popularity over the last year.

Best 2-in-1 laptop PC overall
ASUS Zenbook S 13 Flip (2021) OLED
ASUS Zenbook Flip S13 OLED
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$2,898
Processor
Intel Core i7-1165G7
RAM
16GB
Storage
1TB
Best cheap 2-in-1 laptop PC
ASUS Vivobook flip 14 laptop
ASUS VivoBook Flip 14
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
1,399
Processor
11th Gen Intel Core i7
RAM
16GB
Storage
1TB SSD
Best budget 2-in-1 laptop PC
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
3 out of 5 stars
3
Starts at
$591.28
Processor
MediaTek P60T
RAM
4GB
Storage
128GB
Best Acer 2-in-1 laptop PC
Acer Spin 5 (2022)
Acer Spin 5
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$1,379.99
Processor
12th Gen Intel Core i7
RAM
16GB
Storage
1TB SSD
Best Dell 2-in-1 laptop PC
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starts at
$2,197.80
Processor
12th Gen Intel Core i7
RAM
16GB
Storage
1TB SSD
Fergus Halliday
Jan 09, 2023
bullet7 min read

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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:

Category
Product
Price [RRP]
Availability
Display size
Resolution
Weight
Rating
bulletBest overall 2-in-1 laptop PC
From
$2898
13.3-inches3840 x 21601.3kg
4 out of 5 stars
4
bulletBest cheap 2-in-1 laptop PC
From
$1399
14-inch1920 x 1080 1.5kg
4 out of 5 stars
4
bulletBest Microsoft 2-in-1 laptop PC
From
$1598
13-inch2880 x 1920879g
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
bulletBest Acer 2-in-1 laptop PC
From
$1379.99
14-inches2560 x 16001.3kg
4 out of 5 stars
4
bulletBest Dell 2-in-1 laptop PC
From
$2197.80
13.3-inch2880x1920736g
4 out of 5 stars
4

ASUS Zenbook Flip S13 OLED

Best 2-in-1 PC laptop overall

ASUS Zenbook S 13 Flip (2021) OLED
ASUS Zenbook Flip S13 OLED
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Display
5 out of 5 stars
5
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$2,898
pro OLED screen
pro Extra ports
con Higher price

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

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.

ModelASUS Zenbook Flip S13 OLED
ProcessorStarts at 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7
GraphicsIntel Core Iris Xe integrated graphics
MemoryStarts at 16GB RAM of LPDDR4X
DisplayStarts at 13.3-inch 4K OLED display
StorageStarts at 1TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Storage
Ports2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x USB Type-C, 1x HDMI 1.4,
Battery67Whr
Webcam720p webcam
Weight1.2kg
2-in-1 ARM processors explained

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 Vivobook flip 14 laptop
ASUS VivoBook Flip 14
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Display
4 out of 5 stars
4
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
3
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$1399
pro Great keyboard
pro NumberPad 2.0
con Slightly on the heavy side
con No internal housing for stylus

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

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

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 2-in-1
Our Rating
3 out of 5 stars
3
Display
3 out of 5 stars
3
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
3
Design
3 out of 5 stars
3
From
$591.28
pro Flexible form-factor
pro Runs Chrome OS
con Doesn't run Windows
con Support for Android apps is iffy

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

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.

SpecsLenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
RRPFrom $539
ProcessorMediaTek P60T
GraphicsIntegrated ARM Mali-G72 MP3
Memory4GB Soldered LPDDR4-2400
Display10.1-inch WUXGA
StorageUp to 128GB

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best Microsoft Surface 2-in-1 laptop

Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Our Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Display
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Performance
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$1,598
pro USB-C charging
pro Surface kickstand
con Limited ports
con Expensive accessories

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

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 Spin 5 (2022)
Acer Spin 5 (2022)
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Display
4 out of 5 stars
4
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
5
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$1,379.99
pro Lightweight design
pro Extra Thunderbolt ports
con No dedicated graphics

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

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

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (2022)
Our Rating
4 out of 5 stars
4
Display
4 out of 5 stars
4
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
5
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$2,197.80
pro Dolby Vision display
pro Premium design
con Expensive

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

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

Here are more laptops that we considered that didn't make the cut.

Lenovo Yoga 9i

Image of Lenovo Yoga 9i laptop
Lenovo Yoga 9i
Our Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Display
5 out of 5 stars
5
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
4
Design
4 out of 5 stars
4
From
$2,239
pro Integrated soundbar
pro Leather-laced design
con All-glass trackpad might not be for everyone
con Smaller stylus

Pricing and availability only accurate as of last page update.

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

What to look for when comparing 2-in-1 laptop PCs

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

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.

Fergus Halliday
Written by
Fergus Halliday
Fergus Halliday is a Digital Content Editor for Reviews.org who specialises in technology, entertainment, gaming and pop culture. His work has been published in Gizmodo, Kotaku, Press Start Australia, The AU Review, Screen Rant, Superjump and more. You can follow him on Twitter.

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