The Best Stylus Convertibles
Convertibles are very versatile devices and can be used as traditional notebooks with all the advantages like a conventional keyboard, and also as tablets thanks to the integrated touchscreen. All these device also support active input pens for graphics designers and artists. The following ranking lists all modern convertible PCs, which can be used with active input pens.
Note: We did not use the (subjective) quality of the stylus or the input pen, respectively, for the following ranking, but only criteria we can judge objectively by our authors and measurements. These are the following: Performance headroom for applications, display quality, and sound. The information about the input pens can also be found in each individual review.
Please feel free to comment below if you have made experiences with the listed devices and especially the input pens to give additional help for other users.
Additional interesting top lists:
The Best Stylus Convertibles
Position | weighted rating | total rating | Date | Image | Model | Weight | Size | Resolution | Application Perf. | Display | Noise |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 81.3 % | 86.9 % | 03/2023 | ![]() | Microsoft Surface Pro 9, ARM Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 Qualcomm Adreno 690 8 GB Memory | 883 g | 13.00" | 2880x1920 | 54.1 % | 89.7 % | 100 % |
2 | 90.8 % | 90.1 % | 11/2022 | ![]() | Dell XPS 13 9315 2-in-1 Core i5-1230U Intel Core i5-1230U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 16 GB Memory | 764 g | 13.00" | 2880x1920 | 84.1 % | 88.4 % | 100 % |
3 | 91.3 % | 89 % | 11/2022 | ![]() | Dell Latitude 9330 Intel Core i7-1260U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory | 1.2 kg | 13.30" | 2560x1600 | 92.8 % | 87.1 % | 94.1 % |
4 | 90.5 % | 86.7 % | 04/2023 | ![]() | Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 16, i5-1340P Intel Core i5-1340P Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 8 GB Memory, 256 GB SSD | 1.7 kg | 16.00" | 2880x1800 | 87.9 % | 91.6 % | 91.9 % |
5 | 91.8 % | 86.3 % | 05/2023 | ![]() | Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1 Dual Screen Intel Core i7-1355U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.6 kg | 13.30" | 2880x1800 | 93.7 % | 87 % | 94.6 % |
6 | 89.1 % | 88.4 % | 01/2023 New! | ![]() | Microsoft Surface Pro 9, i7-1255U Intel Core i7-1255U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 877 g | 13.00" | 2880x1920 | 89.9 % | 89.7 % | 87.6 % |
7 | 79.8 % | 77.3 % | 07/2022 | ![]() | Asus ExpertBook B3 Detachable B3000 Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Qualcomm Adreno 618 8 GB Memory, 128 GB eMMC | 616 g | 10.50" | 1920x1200 | 58 % | 81.5 % | 100 % |
8 | 90.7 % | 89.8 % | 08/2022 New! | ![]() | Dell Latitude 9430 2-in-1 Intel Core i7-1265U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory | 1.5 kg | 14.00" | 2560x1600 | 93.3 % | 85.7 % | 93 % |
9 | 88.5 % | 89.1 % | 06/2023 New! | ![]() | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga G3 21AW003UGE Intel Core i7-1265U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 32 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.2 kg | 13.30" | 2560x1600 | 84.7 % | 90.5 % | 90.4 % |
10 | 91 % | 87.9 % | 10/2022 | ![]() | HP Envy x360 13-bf0013dx Intel Core i7-1250U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.4 kg | 13.30" | 1920x1200 | 92.4 % | 84.3 % | 96.3 % |
The table above contains an overview over the best convertibles with stylus input reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Editors' Comments
Our ranking includes laptop convertibles as well as notebooks with 360-degree hinges and Windows tablets with additional keyboard docks. It is your choice which device you prefer. We notice that some convertibles still uses Intel's Kaby Lake dual-core processors. Devices with the latest quad-core Kaby Lake Refresh chips (KBL-R) often suffer from a performance drop under sustained workloads or the performance is worse than expected even in short peak load scenarios. This should be taken into account, especially if you plan to perform more complex tasks like video editing. Most of the following device are pleasantly quiet. Please refer to the original reviews if the battery runtime is important for you.
The situation is tricky when it comes to the scope of delivery in terms of the pen. You should definitely ask the manufacturer whether it is included or not if there are any doubts. Then there is the issue with the features of the pen; some of the manufacturers could not answer our question about the support of "pen-tilt", for example. The same applies for the support of third-party pens.
1st – Microsoft Surface Pro 9 ARM
With its ARM processor, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 has some advantages over its sister device with an Intel processor. The built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 requires very little power. As a result, the detachable has a long battery life and is always quiet in operation thanks to passive cooling. Microsoft only offers the Suface with an LTE or 5G modem for the ARM version. However, Windows is not yet well adapted to ARM processors. Unfortunately, the Surface Pro 9 with ARM proved to be very underpowered in the test. As the 64-bit emulation does not yet run perfectly here either, it often stutters in everyday use. In terms of price, the ARM version offers no advantage over the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with Intel processor.
By giving the ARM and Intel versions of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 the same name, Microsoft suggests that they are equivalent products. We are of the opinion that this is not the case.
The ARM Surface is probably the right choice for anyone looking for a detachable for writing and drawing with a stylus and who is looking for long-lasting battery operation. If you expect a lot of performance from your device, you should probably go for the Intel version.
Slim Pen 2
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2nd – Dell XPS 13 9315 2-in-1 Convertible
Our review author describes the Dell XPS 13 9315 Detachable as a worthy alternative to the Surface Pro 8. With the Intel Core i5-1230U and 16 GB of working memory, the 2-in-1 laptop offers good computing power but above all long battery runtimes. Dell relies on a bright IPS panel in 3:2 format. However, it only offers 100% coverage in the sRGB color space. Those who often use the AdobeRGB color space in their artistic work can continue scrolling right here. Everyone else will find the laptop a companion with eight hours of battery life in a slim format. The Dell laptop is less than an inch thin.
The Dell XPS 13 9315 is slim and light with a high battery life.
The device has one drawback. As with many devices, the matching stylus is only sold separately. And that is not easy at all, because the four different purchase options give different information about the compatibility. According to the product description, the Active Pen PN5122W should work, but according to Dell's compatibility list, only the more expensive Dell Premier pen fits, and there is also the XPS pen, which only fits XPS 13 2-in-1 laptops.
The XPS 13 9315 2-in-1 became widely available on November 14. You can find the device on Dell's official store where prices start at $1049 without keyboard dock and pen. Amazon US also lists a variant of XPS 13 9315 with prices starting at around $1,400 with keyboard and no pen.
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3rd - Dell Latitude 9330
The Dell Latitude 9000 series acts as a flagship and the Latitude 9330 also provides no reason to deny that. The build quality and stability of the device are outstanding among 13-inch convertibles and left a long-lasting and reliable impression on us.
With a 12th generation Intel Core i7-1260U, 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD, the convertible is well equipped. Unfortunately, it is also true for this laptop that those looking for the AdobeRGB color space do not need to read any further here. Only sRGB is fully covered by the monitor of the 2-in-1 laptop. On the other hand, the color deviations of the display are particularly small when it is provided with the ICC profile that we created in the review.
Despite some mixed features, the Dell Latitude 9330 2-in-1 is our top recommendation among business convertibles, as it will certainly be a good companion for several years.
As with many Dell convertibles, the problem here is that the manufacturer does not include the stylus and the compatibility information is confusing. According to the spec sheet, the rechargeable active Dell Premier stylus, among others, fits the laptop here.
At the time of writing, the Dell Latitude 9330 2-in-1 is available on Amazon US for $1.800.
4th - Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360
The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 in 16-inch format weighs just over 1.6 kg. The convertible runs under the Intel Evo program and should therefore deliver high performance with superior quality. The 2-in-1 laptop is already impressive from the outside. Its gray metal casing has smooth, matte surfaces. The S-Pen is included with the notebook as a stylus. You can write, draw and doodle on a high-resolution OLED display. This offers good brightness and covers almost 100% of AdobeRGB, DisplayP3 and sRGB. The notebook's color deviations are minimal even in the delivery state.
With the Galaxy Book3 Pro 360, Samsung delivers a quiet, mobile working device that impresses with its 360-degree display.
With its Intel Core i5-1340P and 8 GB of RAM, the notebook can handle many tasks without any problems, but is not necessarily suitable for gaming. But the creative laptop doesn't have to be. With its 76 Wh battery, the laptop should manage over ten hours without a power supply in many applications.
The Samsung S-Pen weighs just under 8 grams and fits comfortably in the hand. The pen holds magnetically in various places on the device. With 4,096 pressure levels and position recognition, the pen offers the most accurate input. It is powered by induction from the laptop.
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5th – Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1 Dual Screen
With the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i, you can see twice. The convertible comes with two very good OLED displays that provide plenty of usable screen area. Both fully cover all important color spaces. However, the Yoga Book with its unusual concept is not quite fully developed. In the test, we found too many software bugs, while the hardware runs well and delivers a strong performance.
The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is the most elegant and high-quality dual-screen subnotebook we have had the pleasure of testing to date. Unfortunately, the device's software is still in need of significant optimization.
Disappointingly, the subnotebook also has many points of criticism, especially when it comes to the input devices. The wireless keyboard feels very clunky and the supplied software for the keyboard for the second display is cumbersome. An external mouse is almost mandatory.
In the US, interested users can order the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1 through common retailers, Amazon for example.
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6th – Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Microsoft has revised its Surface series, the ARM and x86 tablets are now called Surface Pro 9. Thus, there are now two models of the Surface Pro 9, one with an Intel processor starting at 1,299 Euros and one with an ARM chip starting at 1,549 Euros. The Intel variant is in our top list.
The updated Alder Lake U processor offers significantly more CPU power and the convertible now supports Wi-Fi 6E. In return, the jack port has been dropped.
The device from Redmond convinces with a stable aluminum case and excellent build quality. Nothing creaks here. However, the integrated kickstand remains a weak point.
The new Microsoft Surface Pro 9 now offers more CPU power. However, the optional WWAN model has been dropped, and you also have to do without a jack now. The battery life is still a problem for the convertible.
The competition usually offers more in terms of color space coverage and contrast ratio. This could be the tablet's biggest problem for creatives of all kinds. Only the sRGB color space is completely reproduced by the display of the latest Microsoft Surface.
In the USA, users can order Surface Pro 9 via Microsoft's official online store, prices starting at $800. As well, our review configuration is available on Amazon US for $1,400.
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Slim Pen 2
7th – Asus ExpertBook B3 B3000 Detachable
The Asus ExpertBook B3 Detachable B3000 is a little bird of paradise in our database. That's because this is a Windows laptop with an ARM processor, namely the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. This brings advantages in energy consumption and thus a long battery life. But the Windows 11 x64 emulation is still not perfect. Thus, it is sometimes a gamble whether a program runs or not. However, the selection of compatible apps from the Microsoft store is conciliatory. Some high-quality graphics editing programs can also be found here. Those who like to gamble will not make friends with the ExpertBook.
Good for education with low requirements, rather bad for everything else: The Asus ExpertBook B3000.
Nevertheless, those looking for a very slim and inexpensive detachable with pen input will find a device with a full scope of supply in the Asus ExpertBook B3000. Asus includes a pen and type cover with the unusual device.
At the time of writing, the ExpertBook B3 Detachable can be order through Amazon US for $589.33.
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8th – Dell Latitude 9430 2-in-1
The new Latitude 9430 2-in-1 has undergone a thorough upgrade and can now boast a 16:10 display, fast Alder Lake processors with plenty of RAM, and a smart design. With its QHD resolution, 100% SRGB coverage and just under 500 cd/m², the screen is particularly convincing here.
The Latitude 9430 2-in-1 has done a lot right and only has a few weaknesses that should not be a problem for most users.
Besides the screen, the strengths are primarily the computing power and the battery life. The weak points of the device are rather the low repairability of the 2-in-1 laptop.
At the time of writing, the Dell Latitude 9430 2-in-1 can be configured on Dell's official store, prices starting at $1,939. Users can also order a Core i7-1265U variant at Amazon US for $1,899.99.
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9th – Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga G3
Lenovo's small convertible from the ThinkPad X series is now a cheaper alternative to the significantly more expensive ThinkPad X1 series. Lenovo introduced a new design here in 2022. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga G3 is gray and its shape is a classic representative of the new ThinkPads with a tapered base and slanted sides. All those looking for the typical red trackpoint will still find it here. Our test device with the 2,560 × 1,600 WQXGA screen only fully displays the sRGB color space. The Intel Core i7-1265U impresses here with its high performance class. But:
Alder-Lake brings higher performance, but reduced battery life and a louder fan on the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3.
The convertible's fans are comparatively loud, while it only has below-average speakers. The ThinkPad stylus is also small and offers little convenience. You also have to do without an SD card reader on these ThinkPads.
Currently, the ThinkPad X13 Yoga G3 is out of stock on Lenovo's webstore. However, interested buyers can keep tabs on stores like Amazon, newegg, and Best Buy and wait for the device to appear here.
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10th – HP Envy x360 13
The latest Envy redesign offers many features of the Spectre series, but is significantly cheaper. Our test device comes with the unusual Core i7 1250U processor and a 1,200p IPS touchscreen. The HP Envy x360 13 offers a simple case with good connectivity. Unfortunately, the notebook can only fully display the sRGB color space.
The HP Envy x360 13 can be configured with an OLED display. This is probably the better choice for creative use.
When it comes to input devices, HP clearly relies on the touchscreen and stylus, as the keyboard and touchpad of the small device can only be described as spongy. Nevertheless, the notebook feels more like a high-end ultrabook. Even if all of the performance features can be classified as mid-range.
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Best Convertibles with Stylus Input
Test Results
Microsoft Surface Pro 9, ARM | Dell XPS 13 9315 2-in-1 Core i5-1230U | Dell Latitude 9330 | Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 16, i5-1340P | Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1 Dual Screen | Microsoft Surface Pro 9, i7-1255U | Asus ExpertBook B3 Detachable B3000 | Dell Latitude 9430 2-in-1 | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga G3 21AW003UGE | HP Envy x360 13-bf0013dx | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | ||||||||||
Display P3 Coverage | 70.7 | 77.8 | 99.9 | 99.8 | 65.6 | 79.4 | 68 | 67.6 | ||
sRGB Coverage | 99.8 | 99.9 | 100 | 100 | 97.7 | 100 | 98.6 | 98.1 | ||
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 72.6 | 77.5 | 96.5 | 95.4 | 67.7 | 79.4 | 69.5 | 69.1 | ||
Response Times | ||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 44 ? | 67.6 ? | 0.5 | 1.83 ? | 13 ? | 38 ? | 63.6 ? | 45.9 ? | 54.8 ? | |
Response Time Black / White * | 24.8 ? | 50.4 ? | 0.5 | 2.03 ? | 19.4 ? | 26 ? | 33.6 ? | 27.6 ? | 38 ? | |
PWM Frequency | 240 | 60 ? | 29896 ? | 60 ? | ||||||
Screen | ||||||||||
Brightness middle | 507 | 542.3 | 408 | 359.7 | 455 | 285 | 517.7 | 438 | 418.9 | |
Black Level * | 0.34 | 0.38 | 0.002 | 0.38 | 0.37 | 0.33 | 0.29 | 0.27 | ||
Brightness | 486 | 516 | 412 | 363 | 453 | 276 | 493 | 399 | 397 | |
Brightness Distribution | 87 | 85 | 98 | 98 | 94 | 89 | 90 | 84 | 90 | |
Contrast | 1491 | 1427 | 204000 | 1197 | 770 | 1569 | 1510 | 1551 | ||
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 2.04 | 3.18 | 2.27 | 4.51 | 1.7 | 3.8 | 3.38 | 1.8 | 3.66 | |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 3.1 | 6.05 | 3.53 | 7.05 | 3.8 | 8.1 | 6.25 | 4 | 5.55 | |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 0.86 | 0.67 | 2.42 | 1.5 | 0.41 | 0.8 | 1.09 | |||
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.8 | 3.1 | 2.69 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 4.7 | 4 | 2.8 | 4.6 | |
Gamma | 2.12 104% | 2.08 106% | 2.45 90% | 2.18 101% | 2.17 101% | 2.25 98% | 2.13 103% | 2.24 98% | 2.01 109% | |
CCT | 6561 99% | 6140 106% | 6942 94% | 6112 106% | 6761 96% | 6951 94% | 6186 105% | 6785 96% | 7186 90% | |
Heat | ||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 40.8 | 41.8 | 40.6 | 43.1 | 37 | 44.6 | 35.8 | 39.2 | 52.2 | 39.2 |
Maximum Bottom * | 43.4 | 38.2 | 50.2 | 44.4 | 37.2 | 45.9 | 37.8 | 44.8 | 50.2 | 36.2 |
Idle Upper Side * | 23.2 | 27.4 | 25 | 27.6 | 31.4 | 24.8 | 30.5 | 21.4 | 32 | 29 |
Idle Bottom * | 22.6 | 27.2 | 27.6 | 27.1 | 31.6 | 25.3 | 30.8 | 22.4 | 33.6 | 28.4 |
Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
WiFi v1.3 | 603 | 538 | 564 | 579 | 586 | 451 | 606 | 767 | 487 | 587 |
Reader / Idle | 815 | 923 | 1433 | 680 | 1667 | 806 | ||||
Load | 121 | 140 | 105 | 219 | 82 | 143 | 115 | 139 | ||
H.264 | 562 | |||||||||
Noise | ||||||||||
off / environment * | 23 | 26 | 22.6 | 24.3 | 23.7 | 23.22 | 22.9 | |||
Idle Minimum * | 23 | 26 | 23.1 | 24.3 | 23.7 | 23.2 | 23 | |||
Idle Average * | 23.1 | 26 | 23.1 | 24.3 | 23.7 | 23.2 | 23 | |||
Idle Maximum * | 23.1 | 27 | 23.1 | 24.3 | 23.7 | 28.6 | 23.7 | |||
Load Average * | 37.1 | 39.7 | 38.6 | 37.9 | 35.1 | 39.8 | 32.5 | |||
Witcher 3 ultra * | 40.6 | 34.2 | 39.6 | 43.3 | 41.8 | 37.7 | ||||
Load Maximum * | 40.5 | 39.5 | 38.3 | 41.8 | 43 | 40.6 | 37.5 |
* ... smaller is better