The best 2-in-1 laptops for 2023
There is yet no ideal hybrid computer that functions equally well as a tablet and a conventional laptop. But, during the course of last year, businesses like Microsoft, Apple, and Google continued to enhance their operating systems for dual-purpose PCs.
While Android has been better adapted for larger displays, Windows 11 offers features that make it more user-friendly for multi-screen devices. A powerful 2-in-1 with a sizable touch-friendly app ecosystem is also more likely than ever thanks to the emergence of ARM-based laptop CPUs, particularly Apple’s excellent M series.
Of all, even the greatest 2-in-1 computers have their limitations. Although they are smaller than traditional laptops, their CPUs are often weaker. Keyboards frequently have tighter layouts and shallower travel, making them less durable. Also, you must get a keyboard case separately because they are nearly often tablets first. best 2-in-1 laptop
These aren’t inexpensive either! Hence, you shouldn’t always trust that the listed price is what you’ll pay for the desired 2-in-1.
A third-party keyboard can sometimes be just as excellent as a first-party one, and they are frequently less expensive. If you want to save some money, Logitech’s Slim Folio is a nice choice, and the K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard is a fantastic alternative if you don’t require your keyboard to connect to your tablet.
Although we’ve always made sure to include a cheap 2-in-1 laptop in our top recommendations, this year there isn’t a terrific option. Normally, we’d promote a gadget like the Surface Go, but the most recent version is still too pricey. Other options, such as less expensive Android tablets, lack power and a good multitasking interface.
You’re better off this year looking at a traditional PC if you want anything about $500 that is tiny, lightweight, and durable (like those on our best budget laptops list).
There are several fundamental standards to bear in mind while looking for a 2-in-1. To start, check the spec sheet to determine the weight of the tablet (alone, and with the keyboard). The Surface Pro 9, which weighs 1.94 pounds, is one of the heaviest modern hybrids available. Most hybrids nowadays weigh less than 2 pounds. Best 2-in-1 laptop
Both the iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) and the Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series weigh a little less. You’d be better off just purchasing an ultraportable laptop if the combined weight of the tablet and its keyboard is close to 3 pounds. The best 2-in-1 laptops for 2023
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You’ll also want to opt for an 11-inch or 12-inch screen instead of a smaller 10-inch model. The bigger displays will make multitasking easier, plus their companion keyboards will be much better spaced. Also, try to get 6GB of RAM if you can for better performance. Best 2-in-1 laptop
Finally, while some convertible laptops offer built-in LTE or 5G connectivity, not everyone will want to pay the premium for it. An integrated cellular radio makes checking emails or replying to messages on the go far more convenient. But it also often costs more, and that’s not counting what you’ll pay for data. And, as for 5G — you can hold off on it unless you live within range of a mmWave beacon. Coverage is still spotty and existing nationwide networks use the slower sub-6 technology that’s barely faster than LTE.
Best overall: Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
There’s no beating the Surface series when it comes to 2-in-1s – they’re powerful, sleek tablets running an OS that’s designed for productivity.
There’s no beating the great performance of the Surface series when it comes to 2-in-1s. They’re powerful, sleek tablets running an OS that’s actually designed for productivity.
The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft’s latest and great tablet, and it builds upon the already excellent Pro 8. It features speedy 12th-gen Intel CPUs and all of the major upgrades from last year, including a 120Hz display and a more modern design. It’s the best implementation of Microsoft’s tablet PC vision yet.
Don’t confuse this with the similarly named Surface Pro 9 with 5G, though, which has a slower ARM processor and inferior software compatibility. Built-in cellular is nice and all, but the Intel Pro 9 is a far better PC.
Like most of the other convertible laptops on this list, the Pro 9 doesn’t come with a keyboard cover — you’ll have to pay extra for that. That’s a shame, considering it starts at $1,000. Microsoft offers a variety of Type Covers for its Surface Pros ranging from $100 to $180, depending on whether you want a slot for a stylus.
But at least they’re comfortable and well-spaced. You can also get the Surface Slim Pen 2 ($130) for sketching out your diagrams or artwork, which features haptic feedback for a more responsive experience.
Read our full review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Best for Apple users: 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
This iPad Pro has a stunning 12.9-inch screen with a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, as well as mini-LED backlighting, and the M2 chipset for stellar performance.
If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, the best option for you is obviously an iPad. The 12-inch Pro is our pick. Like older models, this iPad Pro has a stunning 12.9-inch screen with a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, as well as mini-LED backlighting. This year, it includes Apple’s incredibly fast M2 chip for excellent performance and more battery life than ever before.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard provides a satisfying typing experience, and its touchpad means you won’t have to reach for the screen to launch apps. But it’ll also cost you an extra $300, making it the most expensive case on this list by a lot.
The iPad also lacks a headphone jack and its webcam is awkwardly positioned along the left bezel when you prop it up horizontally, so be aware that it’s still far from a perfect laptop replacement. Still, with its sleek design and respectable battery life, the iPad Pro 12.9 makes it a good 2-in-1 choice for Apple users.
Read our full review of the Apple iPad Pro
Best for Android users: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Photo by Nathan Ingraham / Engadget
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series of tablets is its best yet, and the ecosystem of smart software and accessories that accompany it make it a great choice for Android users looking for a new 2-in-1.
Samsung has consistently made the best Android tablets for years now, and the company also offers an ecosystem of accessories that make its Galaxy Tab series the best choice if you want an Android 2-in-1 device. This year’s Galaxy Tab S9 series comes in three sizes, but we think the S9+ or S9 Ultra are the best for productivity.
The S9+ has a 12.4-inch display, while the Ultra steps it up to a 14.6-inch screen – both of which are among the best we’ve seen on mobile devices like this. Otherwise, the two devices are identical, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors and 12GB of RAM, both upgrades over last year’s model. And as in years past, Samsung includes its S Pen stylus for drawing and note-taking.
Samsung’s Dex software transforms the tablet experience into something quite close to Windows, despite the fact that Android’s default multitasking experience isn’t as fantastic as what you’ll get on Windows or an iPad. Each app may be entirely resized, and you can run up to five separate ones at once while having access to additional ones via the taskbar.
The S9 Ultra, the only tablet we evaluated, has a strong battery life of up to seven hours when using multiple applications simultaneously in Dex mode. But, given that the S9+ and S9 Ultra have the same specifications, we feel confident in recommending them. Simply choose your favorite screen size and one of the keyboard covers that Samsung sells, and you’ll have a strong, reliable, thin, and powerful tablet. Best 2-in-1 laptop
Read our Full Review of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Honorable mention: Lenovo Yoga 9i
A 2-in-1 device’s greatest asset is its adaptability; examples include the Yoga 9i, which can quickly switch between a variety of various modes.
Adaptability is the biggest strength of a 2-in-1, with devices like the Yoga 9i capable of transforming into a number of different modes at a moment’s notice. A 2-in-1 device’s greatest asset is its adaptability; examples include the Yoga 9i, which can quickly switch between a variety of various modes.
Lenovo nonetheless managed to fit three USB-C ports, a fingerprint scanner, and a smart rotating speaker on the Yoga 9i despite the fact that it has a rather portable 14-inch OLED display. Lenovo also provides a complimentary stylus in the box, however unlike earlier versions, there is no longer a specific storage area on the device for it. Best 2-in-1 laptop
It’s also important to note that Lenovo has upgraded the Yoga 9i’s performance with 13th-gen Intel CPUs, even though its fundamental design hasn’t altered much for 2023. Best 2-in-1 laptop 2023. The finest laptops with two screens for 2023
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