The big draw for 2-in-1 laptops is that they can be used as both laptops and tablets. In laptop mode, they’re usually comparable to any other clamshell laptop you can find. However, Windows and ChromeOS aren’t exactly the best touchscreen-oriented operating systems, so the touchscreen experience may not be the best.
If you already regularly use an iPad or a recent Android tablet, you might not get as much use out of a 2-in-1. However, the different “modes” you can use with a convertible 2-in-1 might make one worth considering. Being able to quickly flip the screen around to show something to a colleague across a table or conveniently sign a PDF can be very useful.
Ultimately, our top two picks on this list, the Lenovo Yoga 9i and the HP Spectre x360 14, are already some of the best laptops you can buy. Consider their 2-in-1 capabilities a nice bonus on top of their stellar performance and features. If you’re aiming for the cheaper end of the spectrum and already own a tablet, it’s worth considering whether you can save some money by sticking with a traditional laptop.