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Title: The best 2-in-1 laptops and tablets for 2025

Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:36 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/be...

While the excitement around 2-in-1 systems has cooled a bit over the years,
theyΓÇÖre still useful solutions for anyone who wants a device that can act
as both a tablet and a traditional laptop. In tablet mode, theyΓÇÖre handy
for jotting down notes and drawing pictures, and in their full laptop
configurations, they can let you manage e-mail and write as you would with a
traditional notebook. Whether youΓÇÖre a student, creative or just want a
more flexible setup, a 2-in-1 solution gives you the best of both worlds
without having to carry multiple devices.

We've tested and reviewed some of the top 2-in-1 options out there from
brands like HP, Microsoft, Samsung and Apple. Whether youΓÇÖre looking for a
Windows PC that can occasionally act like a tablet, or traditional slates
that can be empowered with keyboard accessories, weΓÇÖve rounded up the best
models to consider.

Factors to consider before buying a 2-in-1 laptop

When youΓÇÖre shopping for a 2-in-1 system, there are some basic criteria to
keep in mind. First off, consider the type of machine youΓÇÖre looking for.
Do you want something that can look like a traditional Windows laptop, but
also has a screen that can twist into different orientations? (We often call
these convertibles.) Or do you want a standalone tablet that works with a
separate keyboard attachment? Tablet setups are typically lighter, but
theyΓÇÖre often harder to use on your lap since they rely on kickstands or
awkward cases.

Also, while some 2-in-1s 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 ΓÇö and thatΓÇÖs on top of what youΓÇÖll 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 thatΓÇÖs barely faster than LTE. For now,
tethering a PC to your phone is still the best way to get online.

When it comes to tablet keyboards, youΓÇÖll also have to make peace with the
fact that theyΓÇÖll never feel as responsive as full-fledged laptop options.
Their keys are shallower, and their layouts are often a bit different than
typical PCs. Again, thereΓÇÖs a cost for portability.

See Also:

Best Laptops for 2025

Best Gaming Laptops

Best Cheap Windows Laptops for 2025

Best Chromebooks

Best Laptops for College Students

Sometimes, getting a third-party tablet keyboard might be just as good, and
theyΓÇÖre often cheaper than first-party offerings. If youΓÇÖre looking to
save some money, LogitechΓÇÖs Slim Folio is an affordable option for iPads,
and if you donΓÇÖt need your keyboard to attach to your tablet, LogitechΓÇÖs
K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard is also a good pick.

While weΓÇÖve typically made sure to include a budget 2-in-1 in previous
years, this time there isnΓÇÖt a great choice. We would usually pick a
Surface Go, but the latest model is still too expensive. Other alternatives,
like cheaper Android tablets, are underpowered and donΓÇÖt offer a great
multitasking interface. If you want something around $500 thatΓÇÖs thin,
lightweight and long-lasting, youΓÇÖre better off this year looking at a
traditional laptop (like those on our best budget PCs list). Alternatively,
you might consider one of our top picks for the best Chromebooks, either as a
back-to-school option or for basic tasks.

Best 2-in-1 laptops

Recent updates

October 2025: Updated to include the latest iPad Pro.

February 2025: WeΓÇÖve retitled this guide to ΓÇ£Best 2-in-1 laptops and
tabletsΓÇ¥ to be more accurate, and weΓÇÖve also updated the introduction and
ΓÇ£Factors to considerΓÇ¥ section to refer to convertible laptops and
detachable tablet options.

June 2024: We updated our top picks to include the Microsoft Surface Pro
Copilot+ edition.

Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/be...
173038508.html?src=rss

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