Best 2 in 1 Laptops Under $500 – Best Bang For Your Buck Options

Sometimes, it just makes sense to get the best of two worlds. As human beings, there’s no denying we all like to maximize our satisfactions. And when it comes to tech, this desire becomes even more heightened. But rarely is it ever realistically feasible to achieve this. Thankfully, though, this is not the case with 2 in 1 laptops.

What is a 2 in 1 Laptop?

A 2 in 1 laptop, also known as a convertible laptop, is one that has been designed to be capable of playing both the role of a tablet, and a laptop.

The reason for this is simple. Tablets and laptops both have their ergonomic advantages, and sometimes making a choice between either of them can become a painful affair. On the one hand you want the touch-screen and portability of the tablet, and on the other hand you don’t want to lose the efficiency and multi-functionality of the laptop.

Well, with 2 in 1 laptops you practically get the best of both worlds. Sadly, though, this does not mean your decision making days are over.

Thanks to the numerous choices available today when it comes to purchasing 2 in 1 laptops, you still have a decision to make as to which particular one to go with.

This can be just as tough of a decision to make, especially when you factor in affordability – which is why we have listed below 8 of the very best 2 in 1 laptops that are available for purchase for prices below $500.

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Best 2 in 1 Laptops Under $500

Listed down below are the top rated highest performing 2 in 1 laptops that come in at a budget of under 500.

1. Lenovo Ideapad Flex 14

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The entire Ideapad series from Lenovo has been a great success to say the least, thanks to their elegance, functionality, and adaptiveness. The series offers numerous amazing devices from the high-tier priced ones to the more affordable options like the Flex 14IWL.

The Flex 14 boasts of numerous features which makes it one of the best, most affordable 2 in 1 laptops. Among the higher level features it provides one of my favorites is  its sleekness of design. It definitely does not look like a 2 in 1 laptop that is under 500.

Not to mention it’s solid Intel hardware, and other ergonomic advantages to be had thanks to the design.

Performance-wise, there are very few 2 in 1 laptop under $500 that can rival the Flex 14. It manages to strike the perfect balance between performance and affordability, so that the final outcome lands at that perfect spot where you get the most bang for your buck.

As mentioned earlier the design is pretty slick and the material is quite slim for a convertible laptop (0.07 inches thin). It has all the port selection you’ll need (HDMI, USB-C, audio jack), and a very smooth rotation. The keyboard is also hugely convenient.

The aspects where the Lenovo Ideapad Flex 14 shows its prices, though, are the display and the battery life. With as high as 60 percent brightness, you probably get a maximum of five hours on a balanced plan. But I suppose that is understandable given its solid performance and hardware.

Below are the detailed specifications and pros/cons of the Flex 14:

 

Features & Specifications

• Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265U
• up to 3.90 GHz with Turbo Boost,
• 4 Cores, 8 Threads
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64
• Display Type: 14.0″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, glossy, touchscreen, 250 nits
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4 2400MHz (
• Hard Drive: 512 GB PCIe SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2
• Camera: 720p

 

Pros

• Precision Touchpad
• Convenient Keyboard
• Slim Chassis
• High Performance 

Cons

• Subpar Battery Life – not bad though when compared to other rivals in the 500 range

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2. Samsung Chromebook Plus V2

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The Samsung Chromebook plus V2 is the definition of versatile, and quite a great model for affordably priced 2 in laptops under 500. It functions as a laptop, a tablet, and, in fact, a sketchbook, all at a pretty insanely low price.

Samsung’s Chromebooks are some of the best on the market, and this product does a great deal to add some quality to that line. It comes with a solid aluminium lid, which gives a pretty cool, albeit highly conventional, look. Moving on from aesthetics, however, the Plus V2 can be proud of its high quality display, which comes with a 4-mode option, namely the clamshell, multimedia, tent, and tablet mode.

The design is also pretty functional and utility-oriented. Its hinge has a very smooth yet firm swivel, and in size it is neither too thick, nor too thin, coming at about 0.070 inches.

The Plus V2 also sets itself apart from the majority with its dual USB-C selection ports which can perform data transfer, display, and charging functions. It also comes with a USB-A port, a microSD slot, audio jack, and Bluetooth 4.0.

The areas where some shortcomings may be found include the touchpad, which some may feel is a bit too small, and the audio quality. But all these are pretty much made up for with a brilliant 12.2 inch IPS display with incredible resolution, and a few outstanding features such as its addition pen and double cameras.

Below are further detailed specifications and pros/cons of the Plus V2:

Features & Specifications

 

• Processor: celeron 3965Y
• Operating System: Chrome OS
• Display Type: 12.2- inch IPS display
• RAM: 4 GB
• 32gb eMMC storage
• WiFi: 802 11ac Wi – Fi
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0

Pros

• Great display for the money
• Solid Performance
• Sturdy metal build
• Lasting battery life
• High quality display

Cons

• Not-so-convenient keyboard
• Average audio quality

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3. Dell Inspiron 14″ 5000

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One of the most notable members of the Dell 5000 series, the Dell Inspiron 14″ 5000 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that packs a hell of a punch with its abundance of truly impressive features.

It excels in the display department, with a 14-inch HD display and Cinema Colour touchscreen, and in the audio department with a Cinema Sound technology, all for an incredible price.

Its aesthetics is also worth mentioning, seeing as it manages to give the old school grey metal finish a more urban look with its sleekness and simplicity. Its keyboard and trackpad are also a part of high notes that elevates the product above its asking price

The keyboard is full-sized and well-spaced which makes it pretty convenient to use. The same goes for the trackpad, elevated further with the use of one of the two Pen PN388M that come with the device.

Performance-wise, the Dell Inspiron 14″ 5000 deserves nothing less than an 80% score. Which for a 2 in 1 under 500, this is very very good.  Its solid Intel processor provides a good pairing to the 4GB of RAM. Its Intel UHD graphics card also makes it capable of supporting a lot of internet games, but only at a moderate level thanks to the limitations of the 4GB of RAM.

Below are the detailed specifications and pros/cons of the Inspiron 14″ 5000:

Features & Specifications

• Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145U Processor, up to 3.90 GHz
• Operating System:  Windows 10 Home
• Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 620 with shared graphics memory
• RAM: 4GB, 4Gx1, DDR4, 2666MHz
• Storage:  128GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
• Display: 14.0-inch HD (1366 x 768) LED-Backlit Touch Display
• Wireless: Qualcomm DW1810 1×1 802.11ac Wi-Fi Wireless + Bluetooth 4.2
• Battery: 3-Cell, 42 WHr, Integrated battery

Pros

• Solid performance level.
• Comes with 3 USB-A slots
• Great audio performance
• Sleek design
• Solid Display

Cons

• Average Battery Life – again not shabby when considering this 2 in 1 comes in under 500

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4. Acer Spin 3

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A long battery life, amazing 360 spin, 14 – inch display, strong performance – these are all some of the numerous features that make the Acer Spin 3 a remarkable 2 in 1 laptop to have.  When it comes to design, it is as sleek as it gets, with a smooth metal silver case and a quite admirable finish in its tablet state.

As mentioned earlier, it boasts of a 14-inch display which is actually quite sharp for a 2 in 1 laptop. Another impressive feature worth noting is its reasonable port selection and convenient keypad, albeit without backlighting.

In the audio category, the Acer Spin 3 does quite well, and is, in fact, one of the high points upon which the product was marketed at its initial release. It is capable of producing really high quality audio that retains clearness even at high volumes.

Performance-wise, it comes equipped with Intel core processors (ranging from i3 – i7), up to 10th generation, 4 – 16GB RAM range, all of which makes it capable of providing as strong a performance as most of its counterparts.

Finally, the Spin 3 has a great reputation when it comes to battery life, with the device known to last up to 9 – 12 hours under average conditions.

Below are further detailed specifications and pros/cons of the Spin 3: 

Features & Specifications

• Processor: Up to 10th Generation Intel Core i7
• Operating System: Windows 10
• Display Type: 14.0″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, glossy, touchscreen, 250 nits
• RAM: up to 16 GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: up to dual 1 TB PCIe SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2

Pros

• Precision Touch
• Strong Performance
• 360° spin
• Highly optimized audio
• powerful connectivity
• Lasting battery

Cons

• No keypad backlighting

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5. Acer Chromebook R11

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It is safe to say there is quite an abundance of Chromebooks in the market today, all with their own functionalities to offer. Yet in that quite saturated market, the Acer Chromebook R11 still manages to stand out.

When it comes to design, Chromebooks rarely get sleeker than the R11. Its entirely white body along with its textured metal on the lid gives it a smooth, highly attractive look. It also takes this further by not just being appealing to look at, but also being convenient at the same time, so that even in its tablet form, the transition is seamless.

Its port selection is pretty standard, coming with a HDMI port, standard USB 3.1 port, along with  SD card reader, USB 2.0 port and an audio jack.

Another area where the R11 is worth noting is its display. With an 11.6-inch IPS display, its native resolution is set at 1366 X 768, which is pretty much considered reasonable for Chromebooks of its kind. And what it lacks in size, it very much makes up for with pixel density and clarity.

All of these, along with its decent audio, which is highly impressive for a Chromebook, and its decent battery life, makes it worthy of a place on our list. It also boasts of a performance that could rival most, if not all of its competitors.

As for its shortcomings, these boil down not to what it doesn’t have, but what it could have done better, such as a better battery life. But all in all, the R11 is definitely a bargain at its price. Below are more detailed features and specifications:

 Features & Specifications

• Processor: Intel Celeron N3150 Quad-Core up to 2.08GHz
• Operating System: Chrome OS
• Display Type: 11.6″ HD (1366 x 767) LED-backlit IPS,
• RAM: 4GB DDR3L
• 32GB internal storage
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0

 

Pros

• Super attractive design
• Solid Performance
• 360° spin
• Great display depth
• Very comfortable to use
• Decent stereo

Cons

• Only decent battery life

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6. Lenovo Chromebook C340 15″

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The second Lenovo entry on our list, the 15-inch Lenovo Chromebook C340 is a convertible laptop that is, well, quite unique to say the least. You won’t find lots of 15-inch Chromebooks like this, that’s for sure. And, guess what, that is actually a good thing.

While the 15-inch C340’s size is definitely worth emphasizing, it is by no means the only peculiar thing about it. A seamless Chrome OS integration, two 2-watt stereo speakers, and a sleek design are some of the other attributes that make the C340 15″ stand out.

Speaking of design, the system boasts of having really convenient keys and port selection including modern I/O port complement, USB 3.1 port, microSD card reader, audio jack, built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connections.

Its 4GB RAM, 64GB built-in storage, and Intel core i3 processor (8th generation) are pretty standard for a Chromebook. And they’re definitely enough to give a satisfying experience without much overload.

In the area of display, obviously, the C340 15″ triumphs. With a 15-inch IPS display, you have basically all the screen size you need to have a satisfying viewing experience. And not just that, but consequently, thanks to a large screen size, you get to have an equally spacious keyboard, with space for a dedicated number pad, for example.

Other features and specifications of the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15″ can be found below:

Features & Specifications

• Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U (2.20GHz, up to 3.40GHz with Turbo Boost, 2 core)
• Operating System: Chrome OS
• Display Type: 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, touchscreen, anti-glare, 250 nits
• Memory: 4GB DDR4 2400MHz (Soldered)
• Hard Drive: 64GB eMMC
• Graphics: Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 620
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 4.2

 

Pros

• Large screen size
• Convenient kepad
• Optimised tent mode
• Highly versatile Chrome OS
• Solid audio

Cons

 

• Performance level is just decent

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7. Asus VivoBook Flip 14

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Talk about a sleek device! The Asus VivoBook Flip 14 is a 2 in 1 laptop that truly excels in the area of beauty and lightness. It is super slim, with an aluminium chassis and a 0.7 inch profile. Definitely one of the most portable 14-inch convertible laptops on the market today and the fact that it comes in under 500 is just something that makes it that much more impressive.

Before we go into its general attributes, though, one thing worth mentioning is that the VivoBook Flip 14 is the first 14-inch convertible laptop to make use of the ultra-narrow ASUS NanoEdge bezel, an Asus technology which allows the device’s 14-inch FHD display to fit into a typical 13-inch frame.

What this means is that, thanks to this technology, you can pack a 14-inch power into a 13-inch body, making for a stylish 2 in 1 laptop handy for any occasion. The Flip 14’s Full HD display also comes with a 178° worldview tech that optimises colors and contrast even at sharp viewing angles.

The device also impressively holds its own when it comes to touch accuracy, audio, performance, and solid battery life (the device is capable of lasting up to 24 hours on a full charge). Like is this for real? A 2 in 1 under 500 and it can last up to 24 hours? yeah that’s impressive.

Some other notable features of the Asus VivoBook Flip can be found below.

Features & Specifications

• Processor: Intel core i7 processor (7th generation)
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
• Display Type: 14″ FHD touchscreen,
• Memory: up to 16GB RAM
• Storage: up to 1TB HDD/ 256 SSD Storage
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2

Pros

• Impressive battery capacity (with health charging technology)
• String Performance
• Ultra touch accuracy
• Impressive audio
• Multiple unique features
• Backlit Keypad
• Sleek design

Cons

• Reflective Display
• No fingerprint sensor

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8. Acer Spin 1

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The final entry on our list, which also happens to be the second Acer Spin Series to make the list, is the Acer Spin 1. Just like the Spin 3, the spin 1 is 360 degree foldable, ultra stylish, and sleek convertible laptop known for high performance and affordability.

Coming at just 14.1 mm thin, it is perfect for on-the-run users who place major emphasis on lightweight and durability. It features an 11.6 inches full HD IPS display, and the Acer Color Intelligence Crisp, a trademarked technology responsible for enhancing Color and contrast.

Performance-wise, the Acer Spin 1 may not be as solid as the Spin 3, but it does manage to hold its own for general average tasks. It features an Intel Pentium processor, a 4GB RAM, and up to 64GB of flash memory.

Other features include a strong wireless connectivity with Gigabit Wi-Fi, up to 12 hour battery life (thanks to its relatively moderate processor specifications), and a pretty decent audio that could probably be better.

All in all, the Acer Spin 1 may not have as much higher specifications as some of the other entries on the list, but it sure holds its own against the general bulk of convertible laptops around today. And for its price, it is definitely a bargain.

 

Features & Specifications

 

• Processor: Intel Pentium Silver Quad-Core up to 1.10GHz
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home
• Display Type: 11.6″ HD (1366 x 768)
• RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
• 64GB internal storage
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

 

Pros

 

• Highly affordable
• Attractive and sleek design
• Full HD display
• 360° foldable
• Thin and convenient to carry about

 

Cons

 

• Average audio
• Moderate Performance

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$500 2 in 1 laptop Buyers Guide – Here’s How to Get the Best Convertible Laptop

 

As you can see from our list alone, there is no shortage of options when it comes to 2 in 1 convertible laptops under $500. Thankfully, though, there are also certain things to have in mind that can make the decision not only a little bit easier, but a bit more satisfying in the end.

Once you know what to be on the lookout for, and focus on this alone, you’re more likely to feel more satisfied about your decision and worry less about the options you chose not to go with. To that end, below are a few guidelines and general rules of thumb to follow to get the best convertible laptop you desire.

Amount of RAM Needed

Performance is pivotal to getting the most out of your device. And while there are a handful of features and hardware that play a huge part towards this in your convertible laptop, the RAM is definitely one of the most important.

A general rule of thumb when it comes to picking the best convertible laptop for yourself is to never go with a laptop with a RAM of less than 4gb. This ensures that you get nothing short of the required amount of memory needed to help your device run smoothly and faster with as little hiccup as possible.

Now, of course, the higher you can afford to go, the better. A device with 6gb or higher is even more preferable, but those may have a few trade-offs in other aspects, but, as mentioned earlier, we do not recommend going below 4gb for any reason.

 

Don’t Cheap Out on a 2 in 1 – 500 is lowest recommended budget

Some laptops appear more enticing to purchase thanks to their absurdly cheap price. But beware, these always come at a cost that doesn’t appear obvious to you at first but will surely come back to haunt you in the future, sometimes even much sooner than you think.

So when on the lookout for a laptop or a tablet, or in this case 2-in-1 convertibles, you most definitely do not want to cheap out. The simple truth is, absurdly cheap laptops break, and they just don’t last very long.

Sometimes, in fact, their trade-offs appear in  very subtle fashions, such as being very slow, less secure, cheap hardware, and so on. All in all, your rule of thumb when it comes to buying a laptop should be to go for as high a price as you can afford. Trust me, this will always pay off in the end.

 

How much Storage Will you need?

For most people 64 gigabyte of storage is the least recommended amount. This is also the common lower average, although there are quite a handful of manufacturers who offer 2 in 1 laptops with less than 32 gigabyte storage options. This is not advisable at all. Not only will it cause you a great deal of discomfort when it comes to actual data storage, it may also significantly lower your device’s performance.

So, if you’re planning to keep your device longer than a year, the recommended storage is 64gb upwards. Naturally, to keep things simple, the higher you go the better. This will ensure you get the most from your device with as little hiccup as possible.

Display Size

 

Display size is another important criterion to consider when choosing the best convertible laptop. Also, it is one of the more nuanced criteria as there isn’t a singular, definitive answer for everybody. It all depends on not only what you’re planning to use your device for, but also how and where you plan to use it.

For those who are always on the run, or who are constant travellers,  a more compact 12-inch device or even lower may be the most optimal choice for you. While for those who are in need of a more stationery device may prefer to go with a 14-inch 2 in 1 device like the Acer Spin 3, or a 15-inch convertible like the Lenovo Chromebook above.

And, of course, function also matters. Movie lovers will naturally prefer a bigger display size, while writers may naturally prefer a more compact 12-inch screen. And in some cases it could all just boil down to personal preference, as some people naturally prefer compact devices while some like their screens 14 inches or bigger.

Look at Recent Reviews From Other Buyers

It is surprising how many users buy products without consultation, especially given how naturally logical it seems to do so. By looking at reviews from verified buyers of similar products, you’re practically giving yourself the edge of knowing what’s to come, so that you’re able to make a safer decision and learn from the mistakes of others.

So yes, ensure you look at reviews from other buyers, not their complaints, ensure that it is nothing major that you can’t deal with, and also learn from the personal mistakes they made and ensure you don’t do the same. Who knows, you may even learn about some tips and tricks that you wouldn’t have known otherwise

FAQ Most Buyers have about buying a budget 2 in 1 laptop

How Much Should I Be Willing to Spend on a 2 in 1? is 500 enough?

Generally, really good 2 in 1 laptops can be found in the $750 range. These are devices almost guaranteed to come with specifications that are significantly above average and are sure to give you a good deal of satisfaction.

The best, however, can be found in the $1000 price range and above. These devices are usually replete with the latest technologies and higher-tier features. With these, satisfaction is all but guaranteed.

Having said these, though, it is definitely not impossible to find a great device that would perform all your desired function and give just as much satisfaction for under $500, that is for those who know what to look out for. And this, of course, is why we have provided the list above. Here you have the very best 2 in 1 laptops with features and specifications well above their price range.

 

Is a “Tablet to Laptop” the Same Thing as a Convertible Laptop?

Tablets to laptops are typically tablets that can be converted to function as a laptop but are not generally intended to function as such. A convertible laptop, on the end, is built naturally in such a way that enables it to function as both conveniently.

While tablet to laptops can perform some laptop functions, they usually can’t give you all the features you’d need, such as working with some really powerful software. Convertible laptops, however, can perform both functions to the fullest

What About a Hybrid Laptop? Is it the same thing as a 2 in 1?

Hybrid laptops are tablets that can be attached to an external hardware, thereby allowing them to function as a laptop. They are usually confused for convertible laptops, and even though this is true to an extent, there is a marked difference between them.

Whereas Hybrid laptops require extra steps of attachment to become convertible, convertible laptops usually have this function built-in, making them easier and more convenient to use.

Are Convertible Laptops Considered Fence Sitting?

There is a general belief that people who use convertible laptops try to get the best out of both worlds but only end up missing out. Perhaps this may have been the case in their early stages of development, but at the moment, this cannot be farther from the truth.

Convertible laptops have come a long way, so that now they are, in fact, a legitimate way to get the best of both worlds.

My Recommendation

If you want to have your cake and eat it too when it comes to your devices, there are very few choices more attractive than getting a 2 in 1 laptop. You get to have both the features of a laptop, and a tablet, without sacrificing one for the other.

Curated for you above are the 8 best 2 in 1’s on the market today that come in at under 500.

They all have their own unique features to offer, and are all sure to give you strong performances with long-term durability in mind.