If you want a functional laptop and a touch-friendly tablet but don't want to buy or own two devices to achieve that, 2-in-1 laptops are the exact solution. The combination of a laptop and a tablet provides even more capability than a standard laptop can offer.

Can a 2-in-1 replace a standard laptop? Absolutely, because most 2-in-1s are a laptop first, and a tablet second. Everything you can do with a standard thin-and-light laptop, you can do with a 2-in-1 that has similar specs.

Detachable 2-in-1 designs may be the exception to this rule, since they have a slightly different form factor, which prioritizes tablet functionality first, with an add-on keyboard. These designs may be less powerful or have smaller batteries, but they're still fully capable Windows PCs.

We've shared the top convertibles and detachable hybrids we've tested in recent months, so you now have everything we can provide to make an informed buying decision. We refresh the list often to include the newest products, so check back frequently. Don't need the unique transformational capabilities you get from a 2-in-1? Check out our reviews of the best overall laptops, the top business notebooks, and our favorite ultraportables. Also, check out our guide to 15 top tips for saving on your next laptop purchase.

One downside to a convertible, rotating-style 2-in-1 laptop is some extra thickness, as the hinge mechanisms are slightly more complex than those of a standard laptop.

Also, because the lower half is permanently attached, a convertible means that you're always carrying the extra weight and bulk of the keyboard wherever you go. With a detachable 2-in-1, you can leave half behind. Generally speaking, detachable laptops tend to have slower performance because they have limited space for cooling and need to cram all their computing components in one half of the machine, behind the screen.