TOP PICK 
Model
BLW's Score
90
89
87
-
82
MSRP
$719.99
$520.00
Price not available
$188.00
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core Core i5 8400T
Intel Core M-6Y54 1.1 GHz
Intel Core M7-6Y75 1.2 GHz
Intel 2.1 GHz mediatek_mt8127
Intel Atom x5-Z8350 1.92 GHz
RAM
8GB LPDDR3
8GB DDR3
8GB LPDDR3
4 GB LPDDR3
4GB LPDDR3
Hard Disk
128GB SSD
256GB SSD
128GB SSD
64 GB Flash Memory Solid State
128GB SSD
Display
12.3" PixelSense Touchscreen (2736 x 1824)
12.5" 4K UHD Touchscreen (3840 x 2160)
12" FHD (1920 x 1080)
11.6" (1366X768)
10.1" HD (1280 x 800)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
Intel HD Graphics 515
Intel HD Graphics 515
PowerVR SGX543
Intel HD Graphics 400
OS
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Chrome OS
Windows 10
Weight
1.73 pounds
2.8 pounds
2.68 pounds
2.64 pounds
1.9 pounds
Battery Life
13.5 hours
4.5 hours
10 hours
10 Hours
12 hours
TOP PICK
Model
BLW's Score
90
MSRP
$719.99
More Information
Processor
Intel Core Core i5 8400T
RAM
8GB LPDDR3
Hard Disk
128GB SSD
Display
12.3" PixelSense Touchscreen (2736 x 1824)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
1.73 pounds
Battery Life
13.5 hours
Model
BLW's Score
89
MSRP
$520.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core M-6Y54 1.1 GHz
RAM
8GB DDR3
Hard Disk
256GB SSD
Display
12.5" 4K UHD Touchscreen (3840 x 2160)
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 515
OS
Windows 10
Weight
2.8 pounds
Battery Life
4.5 hours
Model
BLW's Score
87
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core M7-6Y75 1.2 GHz
RAM
8GB LPDDR3
Hard Disk
128GB SSD
Display
12" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 515
OS
Windows 10
Weight
2.68 pounds
Battery Life
10 hours
Model
BLW's Score
-
MSRP
$188.00
More Information
Processor
Intel 2.1 GHz mediatek_mt8127
RAM
4 GB LPDDR3
Hard Disk
64 GB Flash Memory Solid State
Display
11.6" (1366X768)
Graphics
PowerVR SGX543
OS
Chrome OS
Weight
2.64 pounds
Battery Life
10 Hours
Model
BLW's Score
82
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Atom x5-Z8350 1.92 GHz
RAM
4GB LPDDR3
Hard Disk
128GB SSD
Display
10.1" HD (1280 x 800)
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 400
OS
Windows 10
Weight
1.9 pounds
Battery Life
12 hours
Note: Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.
Detachable laptops have been trending lately and in case you don't already know what it is, let me tell you. A detachable laptop is something that can be used as a laptop as well as a tablet and its screen should be able to detach from its dock.
These kinds of notebooks are also known as convertibles and 2-in-1 laptops. Of course, manufacturing such device that works as both, tablet as well as laptop can't be cheap. That might be the reason why most of the best detachable laptops are overpriced.
However, there are many benefits with such devices like portability, comfort, touch display and of course saving your money that you'd be spending on a tablet.
Currently, there are some of the best detachable laptops available on the market and here we will be reviewing them. We have done plenty of research and have deeply analyzed each of the devices listed below.
What makes the Best Detachable Laptop?
Most of the detachable laptops come with pre-installed Windows 10 and there are number of things such as power, portability, price, battery life and design that we consider before listing the device as the best detachable laptop.
These machines should offer an amazing user experience to both kinds of users and what makes it different from convertibles is that they can be completely detached from the dock. Other than power, portability is one of the most important features in any detachable laptop and that certainly makes a lot of sense.
The size and weight of device matters a lot because while using it in a tablet mode, you won't be keeping it anywhere and it's you who will have to carry it around.
Battery life is yet another feature that one should look carefully because a tablet without enough battery life wouldn't be useful at all. You can also check our buying guide to finding the best laptops with longest battery life. Anyways, it's time for you to scroll down and read our reviews of the best detachable laptops.
Top Picks for Best Detachable Laptops in 2021
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Specs:
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a unique laptop and one of the best detachable laptops of all time. You'll be able to run many high-end applications on it without any lags or hanging thanks to its 8 GB of RAM and 6th generation Intel Core i7 processor.
Its data storage is handled by a 128GB SSD. Considering the features and specifications, it might seem a bit expensive but it's a great device for people who need a very mobile computing solution.
Its 12-inch PixelSense touch display is a treat for your eyes and the device also comes with a surface pen. Note that the display has significantly improved contrast compared to the earlier Surface Pro 4.
You will have to purchase its keyboard (Type Cover) separately and it's available in five beautiful colors such as Bright Blue, Black, Teal, Red and Blue.
With less than 0.4-inch slim design, 1.7 pounds weight and pleasing performance, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is aimed at students, travelers, businessmen, artists and video editors. It's an ultraportable device that offers great battery life of over 13 hours while watching movies.
2. Dell XPS 12 9250-4554
Specs:
The Dell XPS 12 might not be as good as Microsoft Surface Pro 4 but it's also one of the best detachable laptops of 2021. When it comes to detachables, there are only few great options and this machine from Dell XPS series is among the most recommended laptops.
Powered by Intel Core M 6Y54 processor and 8 GB of RAM, it will easily handle all of your regular tasks. It doesn't have a lot of storage space but looking at its design and portability, 256 GB of SSD seems good enough.
It runs on Windows 10 which has a battery saver that'll automatically increase its battery life by around 20 percent making it around 5 hours. With 12.5-inch UHD touch display, it makes sure that you're getting the most out of your screen.
It might not be an ideal choice for gamers as it doesn't pack a reliable GPU but casual gamers should be fine as it includes an Intel HD 515 graphics. So if you're looking for a detachable device that's extremely lightweight and comes with pretty solid specifications then this is something you should consider.
Overall, it is way better than the classic Dell XPS 12 which wasn't truly a detachable but convertible.
3. LENOVO CHROMEBOOK C330
Specs:
Lenovo is one of the more venerable computer brands out there, and is especially known among the educational sector for its early entry into the world of classroom computers - laptops that were realistic for a school budget and able to run the first generation of digital classrooms. The current Lenovo has held onto that idea and improved it with ample battery life and the instant setup available in Google’s Chrome OS classroom settings.
Physically speaking, this laptop is on the small side, measuring only 11.6” on the diagonal and weighing a breezy two and a half pounds. It is roughly three-quarters of an inch thick, so there is no need for any laptop-exclusive bags; users will find this machine easy to fit into a backpack, satchel, or even a decent-size purse.
Although it is a convertible model, meaning that it has both tablet mode and laptop mode in the same device, users should be aware that the keyboard is not removable. For most applications, this has no real implications; in fact, it allows for a more comfortable viewing setup with the screen directly in front of the user as opposed to separated by the keyboard.
Because it is a Chromebook, there are certain features an standard laptop would have that this model does not - most prominently, it does not have an offline function of any kind. The entire system, including the storage, will be automatically synced with your Google devices and accounts instead, saving you the pain and trouble of moving your data around yourself.
As handy as this function is, though, it does restrict users to a certain extent, making it hard to use this computer outside of a WiFi zone. As an educational tool, though, that should have no real repercussions -schools are rapidly adapting to the digital era, and the lengthy battery life should let you carry it through a full day of classes with no issues.
4. ASUS T102HA-D4-GR
Specs:
The ASUS T102HA-D4-GR is known for its elegant design, sleeker looks and magnesium aluminum alloy body that weighs less than 1.8 pounds. It's a budget detachable laptop and we have reviewed it before in our guide of best laptops under $400.
It's full value for money and contains enough power for multi-tasking. It's praised for its marvelous design and portability without lacking many features. If you want a perfect alternative to Microsoft Surface Pro 4 then this is exactly what you'll love and that too for less than half of its price.
Its internal hardware includes Intel Atom Quad-Core processor, 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of eMMC storage. It offers unbelievable battery life of up to 11 hours and that too while watching movies. These days, I know it is very easy to find touchscreen laptops but not detachable laptops and that too with a pen.
The 10-inch HD display can be viewed from almost any angle and currently it's available in two different colors that include grey and white plus orange. Its smart hinge design is really attractive and it also features a finger print sensor for one-touch logins.
Overall, we recommend this device to casual users who need a laptop as well as tablet for such a budget price tag.
5. Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible
Specs:
This is a more recent Chromebook with several important upgrades over the last generation, including a far greater embrace of the tablet function than many early convertibles saw; despite being essentially a mobile device, numerous two-in-one models did not properly supot mobile apps, but this machine takes pains to fix that. You’ll be able to get the most out of this model no matter which way you set it up, and it’s the work of a moment to change position and function entirely.
On the outside, it’s another 11.6 inch hull, measuring slightly more than three-quarters of an inch thick when closed; this may be on the thicker side, but the minimal diagonal measurement should be enough to keep it easy to move around and use in any of many situations. The whole item weighs a little over two and a half pounds, so you should have no problem packing it for long days or even air travel.
The Achilles heel of Chromebooks has always been their considerable reliance on a WiFi connection and Google account, but this model solves both problems; a separate 32 gigabyte hard disk has been added to the 4 gigabyte processor to allow for offline work, even without an account. For those who do have an account, there are plenty of extra features to make this machine worth your while, including 100 gigabytes of additional Google Drive space and full access to the thousands of apps available for Android.
The one problem that this model really presents is that it’s hardware components are somewhat behind the curve, including the Intel Celeron processor and only 4 gigabytes of RAM. even the most basic of modern computers have far more than that, and many mobile devices as well, so this could leave a user feeling in the slow lane.
6. Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible
Specs:
Another offering from Lenovo, this model takes the idea of a convertible laptop in a different direction entirely; instead of becoming a small and easily portable tablet, it transforms into what is effectively a different desktop workstation, allowing for a whole host of alternative interactions with the computer. This, as well as a large screen and fast processor, make it a good fit for those in graphic design or social media administration, with some handy accessories thrown in to help the user along.
Even from the outside, it's clear that this convertible will be in a different league than the smaller Chromebook models; the laptop measures 14 inches diagonally, and weighs three and a half pounds, as well as having a variety of full-size ports to allow for extensive connectivity options in any configuration. Impressively enough, it remains only three-quarters of an inch thick, despite all the added pieces of hardware.
Speaking of hardware, this computer runs a full Windows 10 operating system on an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with 12 gigabytes of RAM, making it a solid option for plenty of programs; while still not the leading edge in terms of intensive things like gaming or web hosting, it has plenty of power to run most pedestrian programs with no trouble at all. Offline storage is provided by a 256 gigabyte solid state drive; solid state drives are measurably faster than a conventional hard disk in every field, so your computer will boot up and save programs significantly faster than an older model might have.
One thing that can make people think twice about this model is its size and weight; those who need a convertible laptop are often specifically looking for convenience, and a 14 inch screen is not necessarily the best way to get it. The processor is also somewhat dated, with Ryzen 7 being the current general standard; while it will still hold up under significant workloads, it may be worth it to look for a laptop that contains a newer processor instead.
7. HP Pavilion x360 14
Specs:
The Pavilion has been HPs mid range laptop series for some time now, and HP is fully embracing the growing trend of convertible laptops by packing even more versatility into their already well-rounded model. This machine has everything one would expect in a laptop for the modern workspace, and convertible features that make it a snap fit for someone more interested in it for leisure or entertainment purposes.
As it is a full-size desktop replacer laptop, the dimensions are well beyond what one would expect from anything purporting to become a tablet; this computer measures 15.6 inches on the diagonal and nearly a full inch thick, as well as weighing in at three and a half pounds on the nose. It has multiple full-size ports for both USB and HDMI, and a full-size SD card reader for easy transfer of media between devices.
Its hardware capabilities are similarly adapted to the needs of a modern workspace, with Windows 10 running on Intel Core i5 and eight gigabytes of processor power. There is a 512 gigabyte solid state drive for storage, and a backlit keyboard for use in settings where additional light might disturb those around your workspace.
HP has aggressively bundled this computer with a heavily discounted version of Microsoft Office 365, making it a good option to equip an office or even a classroom, depending on the budget, and has a full-size keyboard that lets you type quickly and comfortably for long periods of time. A high-accuracy touchscreen can combine with nearly any stylus tool on the market for endless creative options, and gives excellent colors and contrast for movies or gaming.
For some people though, less is more - the entire idea of a convertible is to give the user a tablet as well, and this size of screen is far more than most people need or want from a mobile device. This is compounded by relatively quick battery consumption, which limits the time you will be able to spend away from an outlet.
8. ASUS Transformer Book Chi
Specs:
The ASUS Transformer Book Chi offers latest hardware for such a low price and it comes with a 12-inch TruVivid IPS display by ASUS. There is very little difference between this one and old version of ASUS Transformer Book and both of them feature a very similar design.
The build quality of the device is remarkable and you just can't expect it from any other laptop under $500. It is powered by Intel Core M processor accompanied by 4 GB of RAM and Intel HD graphics. There is 128 GB of iSSD and you're also getting a free one year of subscription to ASUS's Unlimited WebStorage.
It's a good combination of power, portability and long battery life of up to 8 hours. It is also one of the thinnest notebooks at just .3-inch slim and it weighs 3.2 pounds. It's a perfect choice for art students and can handle all kind of applications that require powerful hardware.
Its docking station might be little tough while attaching but once you get used to it then it won't be a problem. Overall, it's a lightweight and portable device that offers the best value for money and is an ideal option for users looking for the best detachable laptop.
9. Acer Chromebook R 11
Specs:
This is another small Chromebook convertible from Acer, displaying many of the same characteristics as the first and without a noticeable difference in price. Acer does pack a little more value into this device than the 311, though, mainly in software differences in the offline elements; there are no revolutionary ideas here, but rather a collection of minor changes that make this book more enjoyable to the user.
Physically speaking, there’s little difference between this and other smaller Chromebook models; the screen measures 11.6 inches diagonally and the whole thing is roughly three-quarters of an inch thick when closed. It weighs a somewhat chunky 2.8 pounds, more than similarly sized models, and runs entirely on Chrome OS to allow for both laptop mode and Android apps.
Hardware is also on the budget-friendly side, with a modest Intel Celeron processor and 4 gigabytes of RAM and a 32 gigabyte internal drive. With most of the operating system running on the Google cloud, there’s no need for extra room on the internal disk to hold and load the operating system, and 32 gigabytes tends to be enough for pedestrian tasks; even if it wasn’t, this Chromebook comes with 100 gigabytes of additional Google Drive space that can free up room internally by giving you a convenient home for all kinds of files and eliminating the need for an office suite.
As mentioned, the tablet mode gives you full access to the Google Play store and the thousands of apps available for the Android platform. At its small size, this tablet is still compact enough to realistically play a number of games, and includes smart detection of the hinge position so it can alter the interaction accordingly.
The main deterrent from buying something like this is that nothing about it really stands out. It’s a serviceable machine, but does not offer the user any real advantage over other models.
10. HP SPECTRE X2 12-A010NR
Specs:
The HP Spectre X2 is a stylish detachable laptop that offers powerful hardware, slim design and long battery life. It's known for being the best value for money device and comes with plenty of latest features. Just like all other HP notebooks, this one is also designed very well and it remains cool even while running intense apps and games.
It includes Intel Core m7-6Y75 processor and 8 GB of LPDDR3 SDRAM, making it the best for tasks like video editing, animation and Photoshop. For the storage, it packs 128 GB of SSD which may not be enough for most of the users but it will get things done pretty smoothly.
As claimed by HP, its battery life will last for over 10 hours but you should expect it to drop by 3 hours while watching movies or playing games. At such price, you can't expect a good GPU but it does come with Intel HD 515 onboard graphics which is decent enough to run 4k videos as well as some casual games.
The machine is equipped with 12-inch of IPS touch display that can be easily detached from the keyboard. All in all, it plays both roles very well and while using the tablet it weighs as low as 1.8 pounds beating many reputed tablets on the market.
Conclusion
So these are our highly recommended choices for best detachable laptops and hopefully you found the one that’s most suitable. We have listed devices that range from $250 to whopping $2000. You should finalize your decision after considering its specifications and price.
In case you’re not a big fan of detaching then you can also check our guide of best 2-in-1 laptops as these are extremely similar kinds of machines. Let us know if you need any more information about the detachable notebooks and we’re always here to help you.
