The big attraction of 2-in-1 laptops is that they can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. While in laptop mode, they're generally comparable to any other clamshell laptop you'll find. However, Windows and ChromeOS aren't exactly the best touch-oriented operating systems, so you may miss the touchscreen experience.
If you already use a recent ipad Or Android tablet With a regular, you may not get as much benefit from 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 rotate the display to show something to a colleague on the other side of the table or comfortably sign a PDF could easily be possible.
Ultimately, both of our top picks on this list, the Lenovo Yoga 9i and the HP Specter x360 14, are already some of the best laptops you can buy. Consider their 2-in-1 capabilities a nice bonus in addition to their great performance and features. If you're aiming for a more budget range and already have a tablet, it's worth considering whether you can save some cash by sticking with a traditional clamshell.