The 10 best 2-in-1 laptops of 2017: the best hybrid laptops ranked

Now that Google’s leaked Pixelbook is shaping up to be much more than another premium Chromebook attempt, there’s yet another reason to be excited for the future of 2-in-1 laptops. But what about the present? While it’s true that Fuschia OS could shake up hybrid notebooks as we know them, let’s not undermine what Windows 10 has already accomplished.

That goes without mentioning Chrome OS, which has notably made its own contribution to our round-up of the best 2-in-1 laptops, namely in the form of the Asus Chromebook Flip. The rest of our list, however, is comprised of devices stacked with Microsoft’s latest operating system, thereby optimized for its Windows Ink functionality given their hybrid form factors. 

• The best laptops aren't limited to the convertible kind

So, whether you plan on purchasing one of the best 2-in-1 laptops now or in the future, we aim to keep this article consistently up to date with all of the latest and greatest devices we’ve reviewed. Below you’ll find full rundowns on a wide range of hybrids, each of which has been thoroughly vetted by our staff prior to its inclusion.

• Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
• Asus Chromebook Flip
• HP Spectre x360
• Microsoft Surface Book i7
• Samsung Notebook 7 Spin
• Asus ZenBook Flip UX360
• HP Spectre x360 15
• Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1
• Lenovo Yoga 720
• Lenovo Yoga 910

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro can go head-to-head with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and for a substantially lower cost. Though it’s limited to only one configuration, albeit across two different sizes, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro is as powerful as it is pragmatic. Defined in part by its inclusion of the S-Pen, this heavy-hitting hybrid is every bit as capable as Microsoft’s Surface Book and without the need to recharge its stylus.

Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9 Pro

• This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and AU readers: check out a fine alternative in the HP Spectre x360 15.

For half the price of the Chromebook Pixel 2 in its heyday, the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 could bring premium Chromebooks to the mainstream. Introducing a touchscreen and convertible design to Google’s cloud-based Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebook Flip is made better by its compatibility with Android apps. That’s right, although they don’t always scale perfectly, Android users will appreciate the added touch of functionality that Google Play brings.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip

With Kaby Lake now ruling the roost in terms of CPUs, HP decided it’s high time to flip the switch on its Spectre 2-in-1. With an overhauled keyboard and suave new logo, the HP Spectre x360 holds its own against anything Apple can show. At the same time, none of this stifles the battery life, which exceeds 8 hours of straight use. What’s more, the HP Spectre x360 can now be configured with a 4K screen and 1TB of SSD storage, too.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360

Toting the same design as the original Surface Book, the Surface Book i7 hasn’t done away with the controversial fulcrum hinge, but it does boast 131% better graphics and a 20% improved battery life. For creative professionals with an artistic side, this is tempting. So long as it’s necessary for your workflow, it may be worth the lofty price of admission, too, even if you’re getting the short end of the stick in memory and SSD space.

Read the full review: Surface Book i7

Equipped with a Skylake i7 CPU and discrete Nvidia graphics, the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin is nearly as fashionable and powerful as a 2016 MacBook Pro, but for roughly half the cost. With all the trackpad real estate in the world paired with a snazzy, full-size keyboard, the Samsung Notebook 7 is a real treat even without accounting for the fact that it’s a 2-in-1. You’ll flip once you realize that your laptop does too – and with an HDR-capable screen at that.

Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 7 Spin 

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus ZenBook Flip UX360.  

If the 13-inch Lenovo Yoga 720 is a caterpillar, the 15-inch model is a majestic butterfly, freshly hatched from its snug cocoon. Outfitted with the choice between only the best HQ series Core i5 and i7 processors, this 2-in-1 is competitive spec-wise with the 15-inch MacBook Pro while remaining but a fraction of the cost of Apple’s flagship machine. What’s more, it even has the ports you know and love in addition to the still-blossoming USB Type-C interface.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 720 (15-inch)

Unlike the Asus ZenBook Flip UX305 before it, the ZenBook Flip UX360 ditches the MacBook Air doppelgänger approach in favor of a hybrid design with a vast array of ports. Everything from USB-A to USB-C is present, along with micro HDMI and a microSD card reader. At the same time, it doesn't neglect the wholly aluminum chassis of yesteryear, ultimately making the ZenBook Flip UX360 an excellent value.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook Flip UX360

More than just a basic hardware refresh, the HP Spectre x360 is as easy on the eyes as it is to use. Because the keyboard feels natural to the touch, there’s no debate as to whether this 2-in-1 is better as a laptop or as a tablet; it comes equally recommended as both. If it made a peep, what with its silent fans and subdued chiclet keys, the HP Spectre x360 15 may even garner a few jealous stares.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 15

As homely as a laptop as it is a tablet, the Lenovo Yoga 720’s screen may be tethered by a hinge to its cushy keyboard, but its modest pricing and formidable design choices make it come easily recommended. Although you’ll be in search of the proper adapters if you need a second standard USB port, an SD card slot or HDMI, this laptop’s crystal clear display and hearty build quality make it a winner in our eyes. 

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 720

If the 13-inch Yoga 720 is too small and the 15 incher is too big, the Lenovo Yoga 910 brings a happy medium to the table. Miraculously fitting a 14-inch frame into a 13-inch body, this notebook boasts a ritzy, all-aluminum finish with a watchband hinge that’s impossible to ignore. Add a 4K screen and stunning built-in audio to the mix and it’s no wonder we’re in love with Lenovo’s flagship 2-in-1.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 910

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

from HIGH BROADCAST Tech http://tech.highbroadcast.com/2017/10/the-10-best-2-in-1-laptops-of-2017-best.html