Updated May 5, 2017: We updated the best convertible to Surface Book Performance Base and changed the HP Spectre x360 to the 2017 model, to ensure this list still includes the best of the best.
Best overall
Microsoft Surface Book Performance Base
Microsoft's Surface Book Performance Base is the best convertible on the market today. Being the first convertible Ultrabook from Microsoft, it's rocking some of the best tech specs you can get. With a 13.5-inch touchscreen, bundled with a removable keyboard base, an optional dedicated GPU and a bigger battery, you simply can't go wrong if you want a versatile ultrabook.
Bottom line: For a powerful convertible with a beautiful display and removable keyboard, you have to go with the Surface Book Performance Base.
One more thing: The Surface Book Performance Base also comes bundled with a pen, so you can draw and write directly onto the screen.
Why the Surface Book Performance Base is the best
This PC delivers true desktop performance in a convertible Ultrabook that looks fantastic.
The Microsoft Surface Book is now considered the device to beat when it comes to Ultrabooks, convertibles and laptops. It's a device that incorporates the best of both worlds: the portability and versatility of a tablet meets the horsepower and productivity of a laptop. Unlike the Surface Pro, the Surface Book is an Ultrabook first and foremost, meaning you'll be buying a laptop first that just happens to be able to perform like a tablet.
And with the new Performance Base, you get extra battery and a better dedicated GPU.
It comes bundled with a keyboard base that is amazing to type on. In fact, it's the best typing experience on any Windows machine right now. Not only that, but you get an amazing touchpad that rivals those found on Apple's MacBooks. The keyboard base is configurable, too. You can get different versions, some with dedicated GPUs, others with more battery. If you want to spec out your Surface Book, you can even get one with both.
For those of you who like to put their convertibles through the ringer, the Surface Book's magnesium alloy chassis can withstand a beating without even showing a scratch. You can detach the display and stick it on backwards to lay nearly flat. The only downside of the Surface Book is that it's not cheap, but getting the best means paying a premium price. Configurations starts at about $2,399, and run all the way up to about $3,299.
Best for mobility
Lenovo Yoga Book
The Lenovo Yoga Book is the best convertible for those that need a compact and lightweight machine on the go. With its 10.1-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen in a super-thin and light chassis, you simply can't go wrong with the Lenovo Yoga Book for portability.
The Lenovo Yoga Book also features a "Halo Keyboard," a futuristic take on what a keyboard should be. Instead of physical keys, the Yoga Book rocks a touch-based keyboard that's powered by a Wacom board, meaning it can transform into an area for drawing with a Wacom-enabled pen. It's excellent for artists and those who love to write.
Bottom line: The Yoga Book is the best convertible for mobility out there, with a unique take on the keyboard.
One more thing: The Yoga Book is available in a number of different models, and can if you don't want Windows 10 it can also run Android. If you're looking for a convertible that doubles as a tablet, the Yoga Book is definitely the best choice.
Best budget convertible
HP Spectre x360 2017
The price of the HP Spectre x360 really clashes with its appearance. Recently updated for 2017, the Spectre x360 is one gorgeous laptop. With the latest models rocking Intel "Kaby Lake" chips and up to 16GB of RAM, you can really spec out your x360. But if you're looking for a cheap convertible that's still rocking the premium look and feel you'd expect from a $1,000 (or more) device, the lower-end Spectre x360 models are definitely the way to go. HP now has a few more models of the Spectre x360, some more pricey than others. SIf you want a new convertible laptop and you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with the HP Spectre x360 2017.
Bottom line: For the convertible laptop that looks and feels like $1,000 but isn't, go with the HP Spectre x360.
One more thing: The latest HP Spectre x360 models include Windows Hello support, the best way to login to Windows 10 using biometrics.
Conclusion
If you're interested in convertible laptops but don't want to pay a ton of money, the HP Spectre x360 is your go-to choice. Is weight and size a problem for you? Make sure you check out the Lenovo Yoga Book with its super-thin body and design. If you want the best Ultrabook available, the Surface Book, with its removable keyboard, handy Surface Pen, brilliant display, and desktop performance, is your best choice.
Best overall
Microsoft Surface Book Performance Base
Microsoft's Surface Book Performance Base is the best convertible on the market today. Being the first convertible Ultrabook from Microsoft, it's rocking some of the best tech specs you can get. With a 13.5-inch touchscreen, bundled with a removable keyboard base, an optional dedicated GPU and a bigger battery, you simply can't go wrong if you want a versatile ultrabook.
Bottom line: For a powerful convertible with a beautiful display and removable keyboard, you have to go with the Surface Book Performance Base.
One more thing: The Surface Book Performance Base also comes bundled with a pen, so you can draw and write directly onto the screen.