Key takeaways
- Versatile modes: Laptop, tablet, tent, and stand orientations in one device.
- Stylus support: Several models include or support pen input for notes and art.
- Range of budgets: From affordable Chromebooks to premium Windows hybrids.
- Touch-first: Every pick features a responsive touchscreen.
What's inside
The term foldable laptop covers two very different ideas, and understanding which one you actually want is the first step to a smart purchase. Most shoppers are really after a 2-in-1 convertible, a machine with a 360-degree hinge that folds flat into a tablet, rather than a true folding-screen device. These convertibles blend the productivity of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, and today’s crop spans Chromebooks, Windows ultraportables, and stylus-ready creative machines.
In this review we explore the best foldable and 2-in-1 laptops on the market, from budget-friendly ASUS and Samsung Chromebook Flips to premium Windows convertibles like the HP OmniBook X Flip with its Intel Arc graphics and stylus support. Whether you want an affordable note-taking companion or a versatile everyday hybrid, this guide will help you fold the right one into your bag.
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Watch: Foldable Laptop: Review & Buyer’s Guide — Video Review
Design & Build
Hinge quality and screen protection define this category. The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 uses a sturdy 360-degree NanoEdge touchscreen that flips into tablet, tent, and stand modes, while the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 offers a compact 12.2-inch convertible in a light titanium finish. On the Windows side, the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 pairs a WUXGA IPS panel with a bundled stylus and a premium chassis, and the 15.6-inch convertibles deliver larger canvases for creative work. The HP OmniBook 3 rounds out the group as a Copilot+ capable 2K machine.
Performance
Performance scales with platform. The Chromebook Flips, running efficient Celeron and Intel processors on ChromeOS, are ideal for web work, streaming, and note-taking with excellent battery life and low cost. The Windows convertibles step up considerably: the HP OmniBook X Flip with an 8-core Intel Ultra 5 226V, Intel Arc 130V graphics, and 16GB of RAM handles serious multitasking, light content creation, and inking with a stylus. The 15.6-inch Core m3 2-in-1 with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD offers a spacious middle ground for students and creatives.
Pros & Cons
- Versatile modes: Laptop, tablet, tent, and stand orientations in one device.
- Stylus support: Several models include or support pen input for notes and art.
- Range of budgets: From affordable Chromebooks to premium Windows hybrids.
- Touch-first: Every pick features a responsive touchscreen.
- Not true folding screens: These are convertibles, not folding-display laptops.
- ChromeOS limits: Budget Chromebooks rely on web and Android apps.
- Weight in tablet mode: Larger 15-inch convertibles feel heavy handheld.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want a genuine folding-screen laptop, those exist but command a steep premium and remain niche. For buyers focused purely on tablet use, an iPad or Android tablet with a keyboard may serve better than a convertible. And if you never actually fold the screen, a traditional clamshell ultrabook often delivers more performance per dollar. But for true flexibility, these 2-in-1 machines are the practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a foldable laptop the same as a 2-in-1?
In common usage, yes. Most “foldable laptops” are 2-in-1 convertibles with a 360-degree hinge. True folding-screen laptops are a separate, more expensive and rarer category.
Which foldable laptop is best for students?
A Chromebook Flip like the ASUS CX1 or Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 offers great value, long battery life, and touch input ideal for classroom note-taking.
Do these convertibles come with a stylus?
Some do. The HP OmniBook X Flip includes a stylus pen, making it well suited to handwriting and sketching, while others support compatible pens sold separately.
Can I run full Windows apps on these?
The Windows convertibles like the HP OmniBook models run full desktop applications. The Chromebook Flips are limited to web, ChromeOS, and Android apps.
Verdict
The best foldable laptop for you hinges on your platform needs. The HP OmniBook X Flip 14 is the premium Windows pick with its Arc graphics and stylus, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 is the value convertible for everyday web work, and the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 is the ultra-portable option. Decide between ChromeOS and Windows first, then choose the size and stylus support that fit your routine.
