The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2024

Tablet or Laptop? Why Not Both? Here Are Our Favorite Hybrid Machines

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for versatile computing devices has only increased. While the quest for the perfect hybrid device that functions seamlessly as both a tablet and a laptop continues, several manufacturers are making significant strides. As we enter 2024, Microsoft, Apple, and Samsung are leading the way with some compelling options. Here’s a comprehensive look at the best 2-in-1 laptops available this year, along with key factors to consider before making your purchase.

Quick Overview

• HP Spectre x360 14: Best overall 2-in-1 laptop
• Apple iPad Pro (M4): Best 2-in-1 laptop for Apple users
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+: Best 2-in-1 laptop for Android users
• Lenovo Yoga 9i: Honorable mention

HP Spectre x360 14

• Display: 14-inch OLED touchscreen
• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
• Weight: 3.19 pounds
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB

The HP Spectre x360 14 stands out as a versatile and powerful 2-in-1 laptop, making it our top pick. Its 360-degree hinge allows you to switch between laptop and tablet modes with ease, catering to both work and play. The OLED display is incredibly vibrant, providing excellent color accuracy ideal for creative professionals and media enthusiasts alike. Equipped with a powerful Intel Core Ultra processor and up to 32GB of RAM, it can handle demanding applications and multitasking effortlessly. Additionally, its premium design, excellent keyboard, and large touchpad add to its appeal.

Pros:

• Versatile convertible screen
• Vibrant OLED display
• Solid CPU upgrade
• Excellent keyboard
• Ample ports

Cons:

• Design remains largely unchanged
• Haptic touchpad can be finicky
• Average battery life

Apple iPad Pro (M4)

• Display: 11- or 13-inch 120Hz tandem OLED XDR touchscreen
• CPU: Apple M4
• Weight: Starting at 0.98 pounds
• RAM: Up to 16GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB

The Apple iPad Pro (M4) is the ultimate choice for Apple enthusiasts seeking a hybrid device. The new OLED display is one of the best on any device, providing stunning brightness and contrast. Powered by the M4 chip, this iPad is incredibly fast and future-proof, ensuring top performance for years. The redesign makes it thinner and lighter, enhancing portability. The updated Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro add significant new features, improving usability and making it a formidable competitor in the 2-in-1 market.

Pros:

• Exceptional OLED screen
• Powerful M4 chip
• Thin and light design
• Improved front camera
• Enhanced accessories

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not backward compatible with older accessories
• New accessories are pricey

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+

• Display: 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen
• CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• RAM: Up to 12GB
• Storage: Up to 512GB

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ is a solid choice for those who prefer Android. Its 120Hz AMOLED screen is perfect for consuming media, offering rich visuals and smooth performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth operation and efficient multitasking. The included S Pen is excellent for note-taking and drawing, making it a versatile tool for both productivity and creativity. Samsung’s improved keyboard case enhances its usability as a laptop replacement, though Android’s limitations as a desktop OS remain a consideration.

Pros:

• Beautiful AMOLED screen
• Great speakers
• Powerful hardware
• Responsive S Pen
• DeX mode for multitasking

Cons:

• Expensive
• Android is less efficient as a desktop OS

Lenovo Yoga 9i

• Display: 14-inch WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) OLED touchscreen
• CPU: 13th-gen Intel Core i7
• Weight: 3.09 pounds
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: Up to 1TB

The Lenovo Yoga 9i excels in adaptability, capable of transforming into various modes thanks to its 360-degree hinge. Its 14-inch OLED display offers stunning visuals, and the rotating soundbar ensures high-quality audio in any configuration. The Yoga 9i also boasts a range of ports, a fingerprint scanner, and comes with a stylus and travel sleeve. Though its design hasn’t changed much recently, Lenovo has improved its performance with the latest Intel processors.

Pros:

• Gorgeous OLED display
• Powerful speakers
• Strong battery life
• Multiple USB-C ports
• Physical webcam shutter
• Included stylus and travel sleeve

Cons:

• Noisy fans
• Shallow keyboard
• No built-in stylus storage

Factors to Consider Before Buying a 2-in-1 Laptop

When shopping for a 2-in-1 laptop, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Weight and Portability: Ensure the combined weight of the tablet and keyboard suits your mobility needs. Modern hybrids generally weigh less than 2 pounds, but anything nearing 3 pounds might be better as an ultraportable laptop.
2. Connectivity Options: Some 2-in-1s offer built-in LTE or 5G connectivity, which is great for on-the-go internet access. However, it comes with added costs for the hardware and data plans. Tethering to your phone remains a cost-effective alternative.
3. Performance and Usability: These devices often have less powerful processors compared to full laptops. Keyboards can also be less sturdy with shallower travel. Ensure the advertised price includes all necessary accessories like keyboard cases.
4. Operating System: Consider how well the OS supports productivity. Windows is typically better for productivity, while Android and iOS have more apps optimized for touchscreens.
5. Budget: There are fewer budget options in the 2-in-1 market this year. For affordable yet capable devices, conventional laptops might offer better value.

By considering these factors and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each device, you can choose the best 2-in-1 laptop that fits your needs for 2024.