The Best Touch-Screen Laptop Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Since smartphones ate the world whole, tapping and touching screens has become an expectation in the new gear you buy. But tap the screen on any given laptop in your local electronics superstore, and it’s a roll of the dice whether you’ll get a response—or just a smudgy fingerprint.
Touch screens are a staple of modern computing, but not every laptop has one. It’s a feature that you need to shop for specifically. With some laptop categories, it’s uncertain whether the machine will support touch. With others, their very nature is a virtual guarantee that they will—or won’t. The key is knowing the difference. All machines listed here support touch across different categories, but which one is best for you? Read on for our picks of the best touch-screen laptops in 2024, followed by what you need to know about touch panels in laptops.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Dell XPS 15 (9530) (2023)
Best Overall Touch-Screen Laptop
Bottom Line:
Fully focused on new silicon, the latest Dell XPS 15 laptop adds long battery life to leading performance accessed by a gorgeous OLED touch screen, retaining its best-in-class status.
PROS
- Faster performance than ever
- GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs
- Brilliant OLED touch screen
- Premium build quality
- Long battery life
CONS
- Limited graphics performance ceiling
- Still has 720p webcam
- USB-C ports only (adapter included)
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Desktop Replacement |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13700H |
| RAM (as Tested) | 32 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 3456 by 2160 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | OLED |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU |
| Graphics Memory | 8 GB |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.71 by 13.6 by 9.1 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 14:03 |
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Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (Q420)
Best Ultraportable Touch-Screen Laptop
Bottom Line:
The Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Q420 model is more of a general productivity ultraportable than a creator machine, but its sharp build, quick CPU, and brilliant OLED display are the best deal for $1,000.
PROS
- Snappy 13th Gen Core i7 CPU
- Attractive price
- Super-slim, premium design
- Vibrant 120Hz OLED touch screen
- Long battery life
- Decent port selection for its size
CONS
- Lacks discrete GPU found in alternative 14X model
- Only a 512GB SSD
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Ultraportable |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13700H |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 14.5 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1800 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | OLED |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.67 by 12.7 by 8.9 inches |
| Weight | 3.44 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 11:45 |
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Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Best Budget Touch-Screen Laptop
Bottom Line:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 doesn’t reinvent the original, but some minor upgrades and a new CPU put this affordable, stylish notebook back among your best budget options for 2022.
PROS
- Competitive performance from updated CPU
- Stylish, colorful design
- Quality build and comfortable keyboard
- Reasonably priced
- Swappable SSD and chassis parts for longevity
CONS
- Less-than-1080p display with nonstandard resolution
- Updated (but still ho-hum) webcam
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Budget |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| RAM (as Tested) | 8 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 12.4 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1536 by 1024 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | LCD |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.62 by 10.95 by 8.12 inches |
| Weight | 2.48 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 12:35 |
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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023)
Best Touch-Screen Business Laptop
Bottom Line:
With the most recent (Gen 12) model omitting the touch screen for now, last year’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon business laptop is still for sale and practically unbeatable (even by its successor’s standards).
PROS
- Decent performance and long battery life
- World-class keyboard
- Slim and light, yet plenty of ports
- Handsome 16:10 aspect ratio display
CONS
- No SD or microSD card slot
- Premium price
- 4K screen options gone
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Business, Ultraportable |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1355U |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.6 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.48 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 12:50 |
Lenovo Slim Pro 9i (16-inch)
Best Touch-Screen Creator Laptop
Bottom Line:
Lenovo’s 16-inch Slim Pro 9i is a formidable desktop replacement laptop and an excellent big-screen choice for content creators and editing professionals.
PROS
- Powerful performance
- Excellent 16-inch, 165Hz mini-LED display
- Versatile port selection
- Long battery life
- Durable all-aluminum build
CONS
- Limited configuration choices
- Hefty at nearly 5 pounds
- Reflective display
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Desktop Replacement |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13905H |
| RAM (as Tested) | 32 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Screen Size | 16 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 3200 by 2000 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | Mini LED |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU |
| Graphics Memory | 6 GB |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.71 by 14.27 by 9.64 inches |
| Weight | 4.92 pounds |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 10:11 |
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Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best Overall Touch-Screen Detachable 2-in-1
Bottom Line:
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 is its most polished yet, with unmatched performance, helpful features, and long battery life among high-end 2-in-1 detachable Windows tablets.
PROS
- Impressive performance and battery life
- Outstanding cameras
- Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
- Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
- User-upgradable storage
CONS
- Essential accessories still not included
- No more headphone jack
- 5G only available with SQ3 processor
- High starting price
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1255U |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 GB |
| Screen Size | 13 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1920 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 13:12 |
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HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)
Best Overall Touch-Screen Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop
Bottom Line:
The latest iteration of HP’s 14-inch, OLED-screened Spectre x360 holds onto its reign as a top-tier laptop/tablet hybrid, especially for frequent video callers.
PROS
- Gorgeous OLED touch screen
- Impressive productivity performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Elegant design
- World-class webcam
CONS
- Expensive when fully loaded
- No SD/microSD card slot or cellular internet
- No HDMI port (two USB-C docks included)
- No internal pen storage
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| RAM (as Tested) | 32 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 2 TB |
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1800 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | OLED |
| Variable Refresh Support | Dynamic |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Arc Graphics |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.67 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches |
| Weight | 3.19 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 18:03 |
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Dell XPS 16 (9640)
Best Big (16-Inch) Touch-Screen Laptop
Bottom Line:
A slick new look and cutting-edge components make Dell’s XPS 16 a dream for Windows-bound creative pros and power users—as long as they have the cash for its premium features and build quality.
PROS
- Sleek, slim aesthetic and inputs
- Brilliant 4K OLED touch screen
- High performance from Intel Core Ultra 7 and GeForce RTX 4070
- Impressive battery life
CONS
- Expensive
- Not all design changes are improvements
- USB-C ports only (though USB-A and HDMI adapter provided)
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Desktop Replacement |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| RAM (as Tested) | 32 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Screen Size | 16.3 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 3840 by 2400 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | OLED |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU |
| Graphics Memory | 8 GB |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.74 by 14.1 by 9.4 inches |
| Weight | 4.7 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 18:40 |
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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Pen-Based Input
Bottom Line:
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio 2 significantly ramps up the performance with modern parts and dedicated AI processing—all while maintaining the unique pull-forward touch-screen design.
PROS
- Convertible touch screen becomes drafting tablet
- Latest Intel and Nvidia silicon
- Dedicated neural chip for local AI
- 120Hz screen refresh rate
- Added USB-A and microSD
- Long battery life
- Cleverly located, charging magnetic stylus holder
CONS
- Surface Pen still sold separately
- Expensive
- Just-okay Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color coverage
- AI boosts only Windows Studio Effects, for now
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13700H |
| RAM (as Tested) | 64 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Screen Size | 14.4 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2400 by 1600 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | Manual |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU |
| Graphics Memory | 8 GB |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.86 by 12.72 by 9.06 inches |
| Weight | 4.18 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 15:23 |
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Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Best Overall Touch-Screen Chromebook
Bottom Line:
Lenovo’s Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an affordable 2-in-1 that showcases the Chromebook Plus generation with speedy performance and flashy features at a reasonable price.
PROS
- Sturdy 2-in-1 design mixes durability, flexibility
- Above-average ChromeOS performance
- Crisp display with touch and pen support
- Backlit keyboard
- Decent variety of ports
CONS
- Budget-feeling plastic construction
- Merely average battery life
- Stylus pen not included
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1315U |
| RAM (as Tested) | 8 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.72 by 9 by 12.4 inches |
| Weight | 3.52 lbs |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 11:43 |
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Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Budget Touch-Screen Chromebook
Bottom Line:
The Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a highly affordable 2-in-1 with a charming design, a responsive touch screen, and a helpful array of ports. However, its plastic construction and lackluster performance call for compromise.
PROS
- Responsive 12.2-inch touchscreen
- Low price
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent port selection
- Flexible 2-in-1 design
CONS
- Middling Intel N100 processor
- Storage limited to 64GB eMMC
- Lagging battery life
- Plastic construction with unwanted chassis flex
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget, Ultraportable |
| Processor | Intel N100 |
| RAM (as Tested) | 4 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | eMMC Flash Memory |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 64 GB |
| Screen Size | 12.2 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.72 by 11.18 by 8.27 inches |
| Weight | 2.76 lbs |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 8:38 |
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Lenovo Yoga Book 9i
Best Dual Display Touch-Screen Laptop
Bottom Line:
If you travel with a notebook plus a portable monitor for dual-display productivity, you’re suddenly in the Stone Age. Lenovo’s double-OLED Yoga Book 9i may have a few rough edges, but it’s the first successful twin-screen laptop.
PROS
- Two beautiful 2.8K OLED touch screens and half a dozen ways to use them
- Sleek, light design
- Comes with Bluetooth wireless keyboard, stylus, and mouse
- Helpful User Center and Smart Note software
- Impressive webcam and sound
CONS
- Premium price
- Managing app windows and operating modes takes some getting used to
- Just three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports
- No audio jack
- Virtual touchpad causes annoying vanishing cursor
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop Class | Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1355U |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 13.3 inches |
| Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1800 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Panel Technology | OLED dual screen |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Graphics Memory | |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.63 by 11.8 by 8 inches |
| Weight | 2.95 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 8:11 |
Learn More
Buying Guide: The Best Touch-Screen Laptops for 2024
At PCMag, we test hundreds of computers a year, many with touch screens, many without. Based on our in-labs testing and deep-dive reviews, we’ve compiled the best touch-equipped machines that have passed through our hands. Below, let’s run through the basics of laptop touch screens and why you might (or might not) want one.
Touch Screens 101: The Basics
First of all, some terminology. In most cases, a touch-screen-equipped laptop has a conductive digitizing layer, overlaid on the panel element, that allows for tap, pinch, or swipe input. Most modern laptops make use of what’s known as capacitive touch input, in which the over-screen layer detects where you’ve touched with one or more fingers using the conductivity of your skin. This layer is typically a grid of ultra-fine wires or a film; it needs to be subtle or translucent enough to not interfere with viewability.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
That electrical aspect explains why touch screens don’t work if you’re wearing gloves. This is in contrast to the resistive touch technology you might see in other implementations of touch screens, in which the upper layer covering the screen flexes. When you write or tap on a resistive screen, that upper layer closes a circuit with another layer beneath it. (Having to press a little to, say, sign your name on a screen is an earmark of resistive touch.)
Back to capacitive, though. The capacitive touch layer maps your finger or pen input to coordinates on the screen that determine the position of your touch. Also detected are parameters such as tap speed, whether you’ve tapped versus swiped, or if you’ve executed a multi-finger touch gesture. Note that tap pressure sensitivity is not a parameter that is typically detected through simple finger touch, though certain touch implementations and stylus pens might transmit that. More on those later.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
A few panels use an infrared X/Y axis-mapping technology, in which sensors in the bezel cross-reference an interruption of their beams at a specific intersecting screen location, but the employment of this tech in laptops is rare. It’s usually seen only in cases where the panel is very large or uses a display technology that is not available in a variant that can accept capacitive touch (or is cost-prohibitive).
Note that the screens in a given laptop family may come with options for touch and non-touch versions. This is the case with some mainstream and business-oriented clamshell laptops, especially ones in model lines that sell in lots of subtly different retail configurations, or that have many tweakable configuration options when sold directly. When looking at one of these machines, be cognizant of whether the particular screen or screen option you are looking at supports touch.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
For example, a laptop might offer a choice of a 1080p (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) touch screen or a 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) display without touch support. Or you might find both touch and non-touch options available at 1080p. Attention to detail matters here.
Which Laptops Have Touch Screens?
Depending on the specific kind of laptop you’re looking at, the tendency toward touch support will vary. Let’s dig into the major types.
BUDGET CLAMSHELLS. Most low-cost machines that are straight-up laptops (that is, models that do not have 2-in-1-type hinges or tablet modes) will not have touch screens, but you’ll run across the occasional exception. In under-$500 machines, a touch screen should be seen as a pleasant surprise, not a given. Exception: 2-in-1s, more about which in a moment. (For more, see our picks for the best budget laptops.)
MAINSTREAM AND BUSINESS CLAMSHELLS. You’ll see the most varied mix of touch and non-touch models here. This is the category most likely to be fraught with touch versus non-touch models in the same system family. You may be able to specify one or the other type of screen at the time of purchase, or different configurations in the same line may feature different screen types. Look for this, especially in product lines like Lenovo’s ThinkPad or Dell’s XPS. (For more, see our picks for the best business laptops.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)
2-IN-1 CONVERTIBLES AND DETACHABLES. By their very nature, all 2-in-1 machines will have touch screens. When you’re using a 360-degree rotating 2-in-1 in tent or tablet mode, you don’t have access to the keyboard, so touch input is essential in those modes. Likewise in a detachable 2-in-1: Remove the keyboard, and all you’re left with for input is your tapping fingers or a stylus, Indeed, a key differentiator here is whether the 2-in-1 additionally supports stylus input, and if so, whether the stylus is included or costs extra. A high-profile example of the latter is the Microsoft Surface devices, which mandate $99 for their complementing Surface Pen stylus. (For more, see our picks for the best convertible laptops.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)
GAMING LAPTOPS. Most gaming laptops have 15- or 17-inch screens, and very few offer touch input. PC gamers don’t have much use for touch input (PC games aren’t written to support it), and implementing a touch screen would reduce what is an often already-challenged battery. (For more, see our picks for the best gaming laptops.)
GIANT-SCREEN MACHINES. It’s rare to see a laptop of any stripe with a 17-inch display that supports touch input. Touch-panel implementations at that size are pricey and simply not cost-effective. They’re also not very practical: As we said, many touch-screen laptops are 2-in-1s, and a 17-inch tablet would be pretty unwieldy. (See our favorite 17-inch laptops.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)
CHROMEBOOKS. Touch screens did not feature in early Chromebook models, but we’re seeing them in more and more new ones. With the emergence of 2-in-1 convertible Chromebooks (most are 360-degree-rotating designs, though a few feature detachable displays), touch is becoming more common in this class, especially as support for Android apps has become the norm on these machines. (For more, see our picks for the best Chromebooks.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)
APPLE MACBOOKS. Sorry! No current Mac desktop or MacBook laptop supports touch screen input unless you count the thin Touch Bar touch strip forward of the keyboard on a few MacBook Pro models. (The Touch Bar is merely a contextual shortcut strip that adapts to the program at hand.) The macOS operating system isn’t optimized for touch. In the Apple sphere, full-touch displays are reserved for the company’s iPhones and iPads.
What Are the Disadvantages of Touch-Screen Laptops?
You might think it’s a given that having a touch screen is a good thing if you can get one. But you’ll want to consider a few factors before going all in.
CONSIDER BATTERY DRAIN. All else being equal, a touch screen will reduce your battery life versus an identical non-touch screen in the same system. That’s because the system has to keep a trickle of power fed to the digitizing layer, which will be always on, waiting for your fingertip or stylus tip to tap. That said, we emphasize “all else being equal”: The battery factor is seldom an apples-to-apples comparison, because touch screens in a given laptop line that also offers non-touch options also tend to be higher-end, higher-resolution, or higher-brightness screens that, by their nature, consume more power to start with—the touch aspect regardless.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
WILL YOU ACTUALLY USE IT? Think about how you work or play, day to day, before insisting on a touch panel. If your main PC activity is mincing through fine-celled spreadsheets, jabbing a touch screen with a finger might not afford the precision or utility you need for operations. If you spend most of your time tapping through YouTube videos, on the other hand, touch can be a delight.
Also, consider the ergonomic aspects. To use a touch panel much, you’ll be reaching from keyboard to screen, which can clash with your workflow on a clamshell machine. So make sure that kind of reaching jibes with your day-to-day usage. Alternately, if you’ll often be tapping at music- and movie-playback controls on the screen or poking frenetically at YouTube thumbnails, consider a 2-in-1 that you can prop up in A-frame or tent mode, in which tapping the screen makes more sense and requires less reaching.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
ARE YOU GOOD WITH GLOSSY? Most touch screens have a glossy facing that extends across both the screen and its bezels (the borders surrounding the screen). Matte-finish touch screens are uncommon. The seamless bezel coverage allows for side-in swipes and prevents interruption of your tap and swipe activity near the screen’s periphery. That’s fine if you like glossy screens, and they can enhance the perceived vividness of the panel. But know that screens of this kind are more prone to smudging, and they tend to be afflicted by glare outdoors or under harsh indoor lighting more than matte panels are. Keep a lens cleaning cloth handy.
THICKNESS AND WEIGHT. Implementing a touch layer on the screen’s face means a bit of additional material and circuitry. It’s minimal, but know that a touch versus a non-touch laptop will levy a slight penalty on both fronts—again, all things being equal.
Can You Use a Stylus on Your Touch Screen?
Separate from simple tap, swipe, and pinch actions on the screen, pen support requires a touch-capable screen. If sketching or handwritten note-taking are part of how you work, you’ll want to investigate the pen options available in a given touch-screen laptop.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Usually, it’s just the 2-in-1s that will offer them. Stylus types range from a simple passive stick, which is essentially a more precise surrogate for your fingertip, to an active pen, which has a built-in battery and will have click buttons on the pen and possibly support for pressure sensitivity.
Top of the line are true digital pens, which are active—meaning, they are powered by their internal battery. Pens of this kind will include click buttons, pressure-sensitivity detection, angle detection, and possibly a digital “eraser” on the top. A prime example of the latter is Microsoft’s Surface Pen we mentioned earlier, which works with the company’s line of detachable laptops.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
If you go this route, also investigate the pen storage scheme. A laptop or convertible stylus is easy to lose in your bag or leave behind if it doesn’t have a niche to tuck into. Some laptop and 2-in-1 makers employ a magnetic virtual “clip” that sticks the pen onto the side of the unit (the Surfaces are known for that), or in a few cases, provide a plastic bracket that may insert into a USB port. (Fortunately, we haven’t seen one of those in a new model in a while.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Windows Ink, which was introduced in a 2016 update to Windows 10, can also be a compelling reason to investigate the stylus capabilities of a given touch-enabled laptop. With the introduction of Ink came support for Sticky Notes, Sketchpad, and Screen Sketch within the OS. With Sticky Notes, you can scrawl on virtual Post-It notes and have Cortana interpret relevant information from your scribbles, such as email addresses and phone numbers, and make them actionable. Sketchpad lets you do freeform drawing with basic tools. In contrast, Screen Sketch lets you annotate onscreen images freehand, which is great for UI designers, developers, or others who work with graphical elements that need feedback. Other pen-enabled apps appear in the Windows Ink Workspace, a pen-centric panel that you can pop up with an icon in your taskbar.
Which Brand Is Best for a Touch-Screen Laptop?
There’s no single answer to that question, as the “best” machine for you depends on your specific needs and budget. That said, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, among other PC OEMs, have touch-screen models, but sometimes touch-screen panels and non-touch ones are offered in different configurations of the same machine, in the same family. Make sure you know what you’re getting (or not getting) when you buy. Also, as mentioned, Apple is the one brand to not expect a touch-screen from; all of its MacBooks use non-touch panels.
So, What Is the Best Touch-Screen Laptop to Buy?
That’s where our reviews come in. Our rankings above and below line up our current-favorite clamshells, detachables, rotating 2-in-1s, and Chromebooks that support touch. Note that if you find one you like and decide to order from an e-tailer, we strongly recommend that you double-check that the specific model you’re looking at (especially if it’s a configurable clamshell) does include the touch-screen option.
In the case of a few models in our ranking, the specific model may support a touch-screen option, but we may have reviewed a non-touch version and our online pricing links may point to that. Bear that in mind if you click through to an e-tailer.
