Technology
Best laptops and tablets in the UK
We’ve lined up all the best 2-in-1 laptops from the biggest brands, including the likes of Microsoft and Lenovo.
While laptops and tablets are great on their own, sometimes you just need both — at once — without the hassle of having to carry around two devices all day.
Enter: the hybrid laptop (or just 2-in-1 laptop). It’s a device that you can convert from tablet to laptop and back again with ease.
Why would you want a 2-in-1 laptop?
Simply put, a 2-in-1 laptop allows you to have the best of both devices at your fingertips. You can use the tablet to draw and take hand-written notes with a stylus, or you can use its touch-screen and gesture features for your day-to-day activities. But when you need more control or need to type something up, you can switch into laptop and keyboard mode.
Best of all, these machines feature the computing power to run full-sized applications like Adobe Photoshop and more.
What size laptop should you get?
This really comes down to two things: personal preference and lifestyle. If you’re travelling often and usually have your computer on your back, you’re going to want to go with something more light and compact (thin, 11-inch models will most likely be the best). But, if you’re a huge movie fan who doesn’t normally take their tech on the road with them, spring for a 15-inch screen with a bulky construction so you can have better Netflix and chill sessions.
Are cheap laptops worth it?
You know the old saying: You get what you pay for. But thanks to the technology boom of the last few decades, a cheap laptop can actually take you pretty far and won’t break down immediately.
It’s all about knowing which one to select. Depending on what you use your laptop for the most, staying stingy might be your best option. (You can also check out roundups for the cheap laptops that we think are actually worth it — these are the best models under £600 and under £400.)
What should you look for in a 2-in-1 laptop?
Regardless of what you intend to use your hybrid machine for, a good one should strike a great balance between portability and usability. In other words, you’ll want something that can do what you need it to without being too bulky, difficult to convert, or heavy.
There are a lot of really good 2-in-1 laptops out there, but some of them have vastly different capabilities for different kinds of people. If you’re an artist or a designer, you’ll likely want a 2-in-1 laptop with a large screen for drawing or media viewing. If you’re on the go a lot, or if you’re a student, you might want something a little smaller that can easily fit it in your backpack. If you’re a big writer or use your device for work, you’ll likely want something that feels more like a laptop. But if you’re going to use the tablet more than a keyboard, maybe a tablet with a detachable keyboard is a better option for you.
What is the best 2-in-1 laptop?
We understand that the process of picking a laptop is not easy, so we’ve tried to help narrow down your search. We have gathered up the very best 2-in-1 devices that can suit a variety of needs, including impressive models from top brands like Microsoft and Lenovo.
There is something for everyone and every budget in this list. We recommend taking your time and properly considering all of the options. Then you just need to pick a favourite. It’s simple, really.
These are the best 2-in-1 laptops in 2021.
Workhorse that can handle any software • Lots of ports • Polished design
No thunderbolt 3 port • It doesn’t come with Lenovo Active Capacity Pens
A powerful 2-in-1 laptop for a mid-range price tag.
Lenovo Flex
If you’re looking for a powerful, yet sleek 2-in-1 laptop, then look no further than the Lenovo Flex.-
Storage:
512GB -
Memory:
8GB -
CPU:
Intel Core i7 -
GPU:
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
It is very comfortable to rest your palms on as you type on its compact full keyboard. While its display is beautiful with full HD and a sharp resolution, the laptop is also touch-based, as it transforms into a full Windows 10 tablet that supports the Lenovo Active Pen (not included).
The base model has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space — though you can upgrade up to 20GB of RAM and 1TB of space if you have the extra cash to spend. It has a microSD slot for additional storage and portability. While there is no Thunderbolt 3 port, it does feature a single USB Type-C port, along with two USB 3.0 and HDMI ports. It also comes with a backlit keyboard.
Includes a fingerprint reader • Thin design with large HD touchscreen
Not the best battery life • No HDMI port
This Chromebook doesn’t sacrifice high quality specs or performance.
Asus Chromebook Flip C436
A useful, powerful, and adaptable Chromebook.-
Storage:
256GB -
Memory: 8GB:
8GB -
CPU:
Intel i5-10210U -
GPU:
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
Depending on your needs, you can either get it with 8GB of RAM, a Core i3 Processor, and 128GB of storage or get the upgrade version which features 16GB RAM, 512GB of storage, and a Core i5 processor. Both feature a 14-inch, full HD touch screen and a backlit keyboard.
The device is simple to use and it’s easy to flip between laptop and tablet with minimal fuss. That said, the hinges do wobble a little if you tap the display in laptop mode.
Really good build • Amazing and high quality display good enough for gaming • Long battery life
Keyboard takes some time to get used to
The Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 is a small machine that has the power of a gaming laptop, but in a compact and thin presentation.
Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS is one of the few hybrids that can deliver high-working performance, as well as gaming chops in a trusty 2-in-1.-
Storage:
512GB -
Memory:
16GB -
CPU:
Intel Core i7-1165G7 -
GPU:
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
It’s armed with an Intel Core i7 processor and great graphics for high-speed gaming for most modern titles. It’s enhanced with sharp detail on its FHD 1920 x 1200 “Infinity Edge” touch screen display. On top of that, the machine has an amazing battery life that can provide up to (and over) a whopping 16 hours of usability. However, because of its performance and power, the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 gets warm, even if its fans are accelerating at full speed.
It has a very sleek and sexy design, although some might feel it’s a bit ho-hum at this price point. While the hybrid delivers the best of both worlds as a traditional laptop and a powerful 13-inch tablet running Windows 10 all in a small and thin package, it doesn’t come cheap.
Lightweight • Amazingly good battery life • Clear display • Implemented kickstand and fast processor
Signature Type Cover • Surface Pen and Surface Arc Mouse separately • Only two ports
Lightweight and versatile, the Surface Pro 7 has a crystal clear display that’s perfect for artists on the go.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Lightweight and versatile, the Surface Pro 7 has a crystal clear display that’s perfect for artists on the go.-
Storage:
256GB -
Memory:
16GB -
CPU:
Intel 10th Gen Quad Core i7 -
GPU:
Intel UHD Graphics
The base model starts around £800, but if you have more money to spend, you can configure it to your needs to give yourself more processing power, RAM, and storage space. Unfortunately, you do have to buy the keyboard separately, which also adds to the price.
This hybrid laptop is the best way to experience Windows 10, as both a traditional laptop and a powerful tablet. The touch display is brilliant for drawing with the Surface Pen, though the stylus is not included. The sleek design makes it a pleasure to hold as a tablet, as the screen can be completely detached. It’s also incredibly lightweight, starting at just 1.70lbs for the base model.
It comes with a stylus • 4K display is immaculate • Good for gaming
Battery life could be longer
The HP Spectre x360 is a good convertible laptop that delivers great performance and amazing power.
HP Spectre x360
This blazing fast 2-in-1 laptop doesn’t skimp on high-end specifications that are housed inside of a sleek and ultrathin package.-
Storage:
512GB -
Memory:
16GB -
CPU:
Intel Core i7-10750H -
GPU:
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
It’s a flagship machine from HP that’s ready to stream 4K and more thanks to its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics and crisp UHD 4K IPS touch panel display. It even comes with the HP Pen for sketching and quick note-taking.
This laptop hybrid is also one of the few on this list that features a fingerprint sensor for added security, plus it has a super long battery life of about 16.5 hours. It really seems HP tried to pack as many features as it could inside of this machine to justify its price point.
Thin and light • Great for travel • High-res PixelSense display
Stylus and keyboard not included unless you purchase a bundle
The smallest and lightest Microsoft Surface available, the Surface Go 2 is a great option for anyone with an unpredictable day-to-day.
Microsoft Surface Go 2
A small and light laptop-tablet combo that’ll adapt to on-the-move lifestyles with no gimmicks.-
Storage:
64GB -
Memory:
4GB -
CPU:
Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y -
GPU:
Intel UHD Graphics 615
Its small size still packs a punch, though — it has a high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen display that’ll show anything you do in its best light, runs the fan-favorite Windows 10 effortlessly, has two cameras, a 1.6 GHz Pentium processor, and a nine-hour battery that will get you all the way from daytime to downtime.
It also has built-in WiFi, plus optional LTE Advanced for hassle-free connectivity in areas with unsecured public, slow, or no WiFi. Best of all, it has a built-in kickstand cover and it pairs with a stylus and type keyboard cover for optimal use.
Beautiful display • Powerful processor • Impressive colour and clarity
Fingerprints • So many fingerprints
The HP Envy x360 has a lot of great features that rival more expensive 2-in-1 laptops, but the high-res display is the reason to pick one up.
HP Envy x360
A beautiful display at a decent price tag, along with a slew of other nice quality-of-life features that can stand up to pricier devices.-
Storage:
256GB -
Memory:
8GB -
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5-4500U -
GPU:
AMD Radeon Vega Graphics
Available with 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch full HD touchscreen displays, the HP Envy X360 boasts impressive colour and clarity, rivalling laptop-tablets that cost way above its price range. It has all the power you need thanks to its graphics and high-powered processor options.
Windows fans will be happy with the HP’s operating system of choice, and fans of tech in general will be pleased with the Envy’s expanded memory, battery life, Bluetooth capability, and gorgeous backlit keyboard. It even has a bevy of ports, including USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Thunderbolt.
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