The 5 Best 2-in-1 laptops under $500 Reviewed
The modern consumer relies heavily upon digital technology for work, recreation, lifestyle and entertainment.
Many jobs and universities utilize online platforms in order to learn, produce and distribute content.
For this reason, a lot of people use laptops and portable devices such as tablets or iPads to create documents, artwork, content and products.
Using a tablet is almost too simple. You can take them to college or school and use them for note-taking or being creative with design software. You can let your creative juices flow with their ease of access and freedom to take them wherever you need to.
But most people cannot afford to have a multitude of different computers, laptops and smart technology within their home. This is where the 2-in-1 laptop fits the bill. They are versatile and flexible and can be utilized for a number of different tasks.
2 in 1 laptops are the latest technology taking the digital world by storm. Their popularity is largely down to their ability to perform as 2 different devices. The modern day consumer often wants a tablet such as an iPad and a laptop as they can be used for so many different things.
2 in 1 laptops seal the gap in the market by offering all the benefits of a laptop and a tablet. This saves you from spending some serious bucks on both devices.
Whether you are a college student, business owner or a working professional, you need a 2 in 1 laptop that is easy to use and will not burn a hole through your wallet. So we have searched the web for the best 2 in 1 laptops on the market!
If you think this is the perfect combo for you, then let us show you the best 2 in 1 laptops for under $500!
Our Best Find
We know how irritating it can be to delve deep into the internet to find what you are looking for. Skip the wait and get straight back to business because we have done the searching for you.
Our number one choice for a 2 in 1 laptop is the Acer Chromebook Spin. This laptop fits all the criteria and it is greatly under budget. Not to be underestimated, the Acer Chromebook Spin can perform just as well as other laptops.
The Chromebook runs on Google’s Chrome OS operating system that is built specifically for the digital age. This system has its own built in virus protection and always updates automatically. This 2 in 1 chromebook boots up in seconds and never loses its speed and capability over time.
This 2 in 1 laptop has its own HD webcam and an 11 inch HD touchscreen display so that you can create, connect and have fun with your chromebook. Its impressive 4GB LPDDR4 RAM never loses speed or glitches for hours and hours of usage.
With a chromebook you have access to over 2 million Android apps on the Google Play store, but no access to Microsoft Office tools. However, with Google’s own digital suite, you can download, edit and convert Office documents or create your own!
The Acer Chromebook spin has a 360 degree hinge and can be converted into 4 different modes of use with a 10 hour battery life for versatility and productivity. Don’t worry, your head will never spin with the Acer Chromebook Spin.
Best 2-in-1 laptops under $500
1. Acer Chromebook Spin Convertible Laptop
The Acer Chromebook Spin is one of the best 2 in 1 laptops and it offers great value for your bucks! It is powerful, productive and able to withstand creative applications and useful Google office tools.
If you are wondering about the specifications, this 2 in 1 laptop fits all the criteria with a fast and powerful Intel Celeron processor, HD touchscreen display and 4GB of RAM.
The Acer Chromebook Spin boots up in just a few seconds and never loses its speed or performance over time! The Spin runs off Google’s Chrome OS operating system which offers a multitude of benefits. It comes with its own built in virus protection and updates automatically for ease and accessibility.
Chromebooks are not compatible with Windows software or applications like Microsoft Office.
However, with Google, you have access to over 2 million Android applications on the Google Play store. In addition, the Chromebook utilizes Google’s own office tools such as Google Docs, Slides and Sheets where you can download, edit and convert Microsoft Office documents or create your own.
Even better, the Google Suite is all completely free. Say goodbye to expensive subscriptions to Office!
One of the main benefits to the Chromebook is its extensive storage. The Spin has its own storage plus 100GB of Google Drive storage free of charge. It utilizes a powerful Intel Celeron processor to guarantee easy browsing and streaming.
This 2 in 1 laptop can be used in 4 different versatile modes; the laptop, the tablet, the tent and the stand mode. You can take it to work, university, travelling or use it in your business without ever losing power, connectivity or storage.
Even better, the Acer Chromebook Spin has 2 USB ports, and a HD webcam so that you can stay connected wherever you are, or whatever technology you want to use. However, it does not offer a disk drive for CDs or DVDs.
Our favorite part is the promise of up to 10 hours of battery life. This means that you can take this lightweight, portable and high performance 2 in 1 laptop wherever life takes you.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - An operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today. It comes with built-in virus protection, updates automatically, boots up in seconds and continues to stay fast over time. (Internet connection is required).
- All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook, which means you can edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
- Get access to more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more.
- Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically.
2. Asus Vivobook Flip
If the Windows OS is more your style, and you need Microsoft Office tools for work, business or education purposes, then the Asus Vivobook Flip is the perfect 2 in 1 laptop for you. It comes equipped with a year of free Microsoft Office; which is a great relief to your wallet!
This 2 in 1 laptop has an 11.6 inch HD touchscreen that can help you be productive and mobile, which is perfect for on-the-go users. The durable 360 degree hinge allows you to use your laptop in laptop mode, tablet mode, and stand mode to suit your mood and needs.
The Vivobook 2 in 1 laptop has 2 USB ports to connect wherever you want, but no disk drive for playing DVDs. However it is incredibly lightweight at 2.8 lbs to use and stream movies wherever you go!
This is a fast and powerful laptop with an Intel Dual Core Celeron processor and a 4GB DDR3 RAM.
Never worry about loading those large documents or media-heavy sites again. But with great power comes great responsibility, and this laptop only has up to 7-8 hours of battery life after a full charge and can drain the battery quickly.
Microsoft uses their 10 OS operating system on these laptops, however as they offer 2 in 1 capabilities, the standard OS is Windows 10S; an application version of Windows 10.
This is often limited when used for streaming or gaming and may need upgrading. Although Microsoft promises that this is easy to do, there may be some separate fees!
Nevertheless, this laptop is one of the strongest, most powerful and most durable 2 in 1 laptops on offer, and would be a great tool to unleash your creativity.
- Powerful and efficient Intel Dual Core Celeron N3350 up to 2.4GHz; 64GB eMMC storage, 4GB DDR3 RAM and comes with Microsoft 10 S and Office 365
- 11.6 inches HD touchscreen glossy display combined with a lightweight 2.8 pound body designed to help you be productive and mobile
- Designed from the ground up for on the go users with an all day battery life of 8 hrs*
- Durable 360 degree hinge that allows it to be used in laptop, stand, or tablet mode
- Windows 10 S is the new standard in app and cloud based operating systems. Windows 10 S is a 100% app based version of Windows where applications are verified and tested for quality on the Microsoft store. There is also the ability to switch to Windows 10 Home in easy simple steps through the Microsoft Store for free.
3. HP Chromebook Touchscreen
If you want sleek design with great capabilities, go for the HP Chromebook.
This 2 in 1 laptop offers a long life battery and connectivity to play, browse and create better and for longer. You can use the HP Chromebook in laptop, tablet, tent and stand mode for whatever you may need with its 360 degree hinge.
This Chromebook boasts an Intel Celeron Dual Core processor with 4GB RAM memory and up to 12.5 hours of battery life! Never compromise speed, simplicity or security with this 2 in 1 laptop.
The 14 inch HD touchscreen provides optimal entertainment and performance that can be used with a multitude of Google Play applications. The Chrome OS system is one of the simplest to use with in-built antivirus, automatic updates and free Google Suite tools!
This laptop also offers 2 USB ports, a Micro SD card reader and universal stylus support to maximize your creativity. However, extensive use of the touchscreen can make it a little unresponsive and may require calibration.
- The performance you'll applaud. The entertainment you'll love: versatile Chromebook packed with performance features you want and long battery life so you can play, chat and create longer
- Thin and light with four versatile modes: easily convert from laptop mode to tablet, stand or tent mode for notetaking, drawing and other daily activities that feel as natural as pen on paper
- Google play store: the millions of Android apps you know and love on your phone and tablet can now run on your chrome device without compromising their speed, simplicity or security
- Processor: intel(r) celeron(r) N4000, Dual-Core, 1.1 GHz Base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency
- Display: 14.0-Inch diagonal HD SVA micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch-enabled edge-to-edge glass touchscreen (1366 x 768)
4. Microsoft Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Go may be one of the most revolutionary tablet/laptop combinations in the game. The lightweight tablet style design is not to be underestimated! This technological tool can be very responsive, fast and useful for all kinds of consumers.
Although the Surface Go looks more like a tablet, it is so simple to use, easily portable and supports many creative applications such as Photoshop. Get your creative juices flowing with its stylus and keyboard extras that can help you design, create and write.
This sleek and light tablet is a great choice for students that require something that is highly portable but also able to withstand note taking and document making!
The Microsoft Surface Go may be more of a tablet than a laptop, however, it offers great storage and 8 GB RAM that is capable of running a multitude of tabs and applications at once. The screen is highly responsive and touchscreen, that is also high definition for streaming and entertainment.
The Microsoft Surface Go has its own webcam for meetings and family calls, with an impressive 128GB SSD memory for such a small device.
For ultimate power, upgrade the Windows OS from S mode to the full version and unleash the power of this 2 in 1 laptop. However this will induce an extra cost, along with the pen, mouse and keyboard which are also sold separately.
- Intel Pentium 4415Y Processor 1. 60 GHz/ 8GB Memory/ 128GB Solid-state drive (SSD)
- 10 inch PixelSense Touchscreen Display 1800 x 1200 resolution/ Intel HD Graphics 615
- 802. 11ac Wireless and Bluetooth 4. 1/ 5. 0MP 1080p front-facing camera/ headphone jack (3. 5 mm)
- 1 Surface Connect port/ Micro SDXC Card Reader/ Surface Pen NOT Included/ 1 USB-C
- Silver Finish/ Windows 10 Home in S mode/ Certified Refurbished with 90-day Manufacturer's
5. Lenovo 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
The Lenovo 2 in 1 laptop offers ultimate connectivity. With 3 USB ports, 1 Media Card Reader and both wifi and bluetooth capabilities, the Lenovo ensures compatibility across the board.
The impressive 14 inch display had a HD touchscreen that is perfect for streaming, browsing and gaming. With 128GB storage and 4GB RAM, be sure that you can load pages and browse with little to no interference, and take your productivity to the next level.
The Intel Pentium Gold Dual Core processor can withstand multiple tabs, programs and applications running at once with ease. The Windows 10 OS system requires no upgrading and fully supports Microsoft Office tools and a multitude of high powered programs for optimal performance.
It may not be as lightweight or portable as competitors at 3.52lbs and has a shorter battery life. But, this laptop is completely convertible and offers the best of both worlds.
- Intel Pentium Gold 5405U Dual Core 2. 3GHz Processor, 4GB DDR4-2400 MHz RAM, 128GB NVMe SSD Storage
- 14.0" FHD IPS Display (1920x108), Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 610
- 802. 11AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 Combo, Front-Facing 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter
- 2 x 2.0W Speakers with Dolby Audio DAX3, Dual Array Microphones, NO Optical Drive
- 3x USB Ports, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/microphone Combo Jack, 1x Media Card Reader, Windows 10 OS
2 in 1 laptops under $500 Buyers Guide
How to find the right 2 in 1 laptop for you?
Finding the right laptop for you all depends on what you intend to use it for.
2 in 1 laptops typically fall into one of a few categories. There is the full detachable screen so that you have a laptop and a tablet, there is the 360 degree rotating screen, 180 degree and the convertible laptop.
Every laptop should have a RAM of at least 4GB in order to withstand extensive internet browsing and having multiple tabs and programs running at once.
Generally, most laptops should have a battery life of 8 hours. If you are often on the go, then a laptop with around 10hrs of battery life is best. This way you do not have to worry about recharging, or your laptop dying in the middle of an important task.
Laptops can either come with Windows OS, Mac OS X, or Chrome OS. Windows OS is the most common and compatible with Microsoft Office, whereas Mac OS only works with Apple products and applications.
The last OS, Chrome is the newest in the game and most accessible with built in antivirus and automatic updates. It also includes its own Google Suite packed with Google Slides, Docs and Sheets programs for free.
You should pick a laptop that best suits your needs and usage to make sure you get the most bang out of your buck and increase your productivity.
What to use a 2 in 1 laptop for?
2 in 1 laptops have great flexibility and versatility. They can be used for all the things you would use your regular laptop for, and additionally be used for all the tasks you would leave to a tablet or iPad.
Tablets are also a really easy way of having a portable device with you at all times. These devices can fit easily into your purse or backpack so you have the internet always at your fingertips.
But, there are some times when a tablet just does not fit the bill and you need something a little more sturdy and powerful. This is when you need your laptop.
A laptop can be a great addition to your tech at home! A laptop is still usually quite portable, and you can run so many different programs with ease.
Some find it a lot easier to create documents, presentations and spreadsheets on a laptop as the larger screen and steady keyboard is a lot more accessible.
A 2 in 1 laptop answers all of these needs. Additionally, the touch screen technology allows you to be creative with programs like Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
You can use digital touch screen pens to create artwork, design images, or create advertisements for use on social media and websites.
For more information about 2-in-1 laptops, watch this video:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a college student use a 2 in 1 laptop?
A college student will highly benefit from a 2 in 1 laptop as they are often at the lower end of the price spectrum.
2 in 1 laptops are also very portable to take to classes and study groups and can be used both for taking notes and creating lengthy word documents or presentations.
They are also great for streaming movies (we know that’s a big part of college life) and are highly connectible with many different outlets and TVs so that you can watch your favorite shows in your dorm or with a friend.
Care 2 in 1 laptops worth the money?
This question is highly dependent on your wealth, and preference. Some argue that 2 in 1 laptops will help you save money as you do not have to spend on both a tablet and a computer.
Others argue that they are not as powerful as normal laptops but the preference is entirely down to you.
We think that the benefits of the 2 in 1 laptop outweigh the price tag.
There are so many opportunities to be creative and optimize your productivity with design programs or tablet applications, whilst also being able to utilize office tools in laptop mode.