Touch screens may be a tech staple, but not every laptop has one—and not every laptop that does fits every user's needs. That's where we come in. Since PCMag established PC Labs more than 40 years ago, we've reviewed many thousands of laptops. Our expert analysts and editors, with collective centuries of experience, apply rigorous, repeatable tests to every model we review. We use industry-standard software to assess CPU and graphics performance, display quality, and battery life. In our reviews, we also evaluate key aspects such as design, ruggedness, usability, bundled software, and value. Our current pick for the best touch-screen laptop for most people is the Acer Aspire 16 AI, but we stand behind our other recommendations for narrower use cases and different budgets. Read on for all our tested, vetted picks, plus advice on how to shop for the best touch-screen laptop.
Overview
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![Acer Aspire 16 AI]()
Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Most BuyersAcer Aspire 16 AI
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![Dell XPS 14 (2026)]()
Best Ultraportable Touch-Screen LaptopDell XPS 14 (2026)
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![Acer Swift 16 AI]()
Best Big (16-Inch) Touch-Screen LaptopAcer Swift 16 AI
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![Asus ProArt P16 (H7606)]()
Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Content CreatorsAsus ProArt P16 (H7606)
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![Asus ProArt PZ13]()
Best Overall Touch-Screen Detachable 2-in-1Asus ProArt PZ13
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![MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+]()
Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Pen-Based InputMSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+
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![Asus ProArt PX13]()
Best Overall Touch-Screen Convertible 2-in-1 LaptopAsus ProArt PX13
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition]()
Best Touch-Screen Business LaptopLenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514]()
Best Overall Touch-Screen ChromebookAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
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![Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8]()
Best Touch-Screen Mobile WorkstationLenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Acer Aspire 16 AI]()
Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Most BuyersAcer Aspire 16 AI
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Looking for the best choice for the broadest range of users, we couldn't overlook the Acer Aspire 16 AI. It's quick enough for general use, includes a wide range of ports, and, most important, is affordable for most shoppers. The only caveat is the Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor, an Arm-based chip that isn't fully compatible with every last Windows app, if you require specific software. However, compatibility has improved to the point that it is more than good enough for most shoppers, who likely just want a snappy, portable touch-screen laptop for their most common tasks.
Aside from that, it's fast for the price, it lasts long on a charge, and its roomy 16-inch screen, Wi-Fi 7, and portable-enough design will help you be productive.
Who It's For
Everyday PC shoppers: This is the best touch-screen laptop for mainstream computer shoppers. The average buyer seeking a laptop with touch technology will find what they're looking for in the Acer Aspire 16 AI. If battery life, general performance, and a touch display are your top priorities, this is an easy choice.
Budget shoppers: Acer's affordable touch-screen laptop not only meets the mark for the above shoppers, but it's also a low-price option for bargain hunters. This laptop is a great value, with minimal concessions and a lot of upside for general use.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Dimensions (HWD) 0.63 by 14 by 9.9 inches Graphics Processor Qualcomm Adreno GPU Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 17:02 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Dynamic Weight 3.42 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Acer Aspire 16 AI Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Dell XPS 14 (2026)]()
Best Ultraportable Touch-Screen LaptopDell XPS 14 (2026)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The return of the "XPS" name, following Dell's ill-fated 2025 rebranding, coincides with an excellent laptop redesign. The latest XPS 14 is a sleek, light, and fast ultraportable that delivers a MacBook-like experience. No, it's not the affordable choice—this is a premium laptop for higher-end users, but it feels like it. An all-metal build, a vivid OLED touch screen, potent Intel "Panther Lake" performance, and ultra-long battery life are just some of the features to love on this laptop.
Who It's For
Frequent travelers: Dell's top-end touch-screen laptop is excellent for people who travel or commute frequently. Workers on the go will appreciate the XPS 14, and it's a treat as a personal daily driver. The design is satisfying to carry around, while the laptop boasts extended battery life, top-notch build quality, and the speed to support your workflow.
Stylish shoppers: This touch-screen laptop works well for fashion-forward computer users. People seeking a touch-screen ultraportable with a premium look and feel will love the XPS 14; it parallels the envy-inducing feel of Apple laptops, not to mention much of their performance.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc B390 Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra X7 358H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:02 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Dell XPS 14 (2026) Review -
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![Acer Swift 16 AI]()
Best Big (16-Inch) Touch-Screen LaptopAcer Swift 16 AI
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Larger laptops often forgo touch capability, but the Acer Swift 16 AI incorporates it into one of the most stunning displays around. This 16-inch OLED display features an 1800p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making for a gorgeous desktop replacement. The Intel Core Ultra 7 "Lunar Lake" CPU performs well enough for the cost, making this a reasonable and appealing 16-inch entry point with a long battery life.
Who It's For
Single-PC shoppers: This is an ideal touch-screen laptop for people looking to replace their sole PC at home. If you can only own one computer, then the Acer Swift 16 AI is a smart upgrade choice with numerous features for a low price. You'll find more powerful options, but they're expensive; this one hits the sweet spot of price and performance. It has a roomy screen and long battery life, and it's fast enough for household and home-office needs.
Desktop replacers: This touch-screen laptop is excellent for shoppers swapping their desktop for a mobile PC. The Swift's large, sharp OLED screen provides a monitor-like experience, while the laptop is also fast and mobile. People replacing their desktops will also enjoy the lengthy battery life, emphasizing its advantage over traditional desktop towers.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.63 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Processor Speed 2.2 RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 20:12 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.37 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Acer Swift 16 AI Review -
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![Asus ProArt P16 (H7606)]()
Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Content CreatorsAsus ProArt P16 (H7606)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're a professional content creator or editor seeking a touch screen and high-end performance, the Asus ProArt P16 has you covered. This is not a demure system, producing noticeable heat and noise when crunching through workloads. Still, it's hard to complain considering the power that its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU can deliver. Its roomy 16-inch 4K OLED touch screen is a joy to work on, and you'll even find a digital dial on the touchpad for manipulating creation tools across different applications.
Who It's For
Media professionals: This is the leading touch-screen laptop for those working in the media production and content creation industries. Editors, content creators, and any professional who needs graphics acceleration should consider the ProArt. It's not cheap, but no laptop can power these workflows for much less, and it still costs less than a premium mobile workstation. It's relatively slim and not particularly heavy, considering the 16-inch screen and top-end parts inside.
Shortcut hounds: The ProArt also has a hardware/software feature that content creators may thrill to: the Asus DialPad. It's a circular depression in the top-left corner of the touchpad that you can use with various apps as a shortcut tool (for instance, in Premiere to assist with editing tasks). It works with office suites, as well as creator and entertainment staples such as CapCut, Spotify, and DaVinci Resolve.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 2 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Workstation Dimensions (HWD) 0.68 by 13.9 by 9.7 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2400 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 12:59 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 4.08 Wireless Networking 802.11be Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Learn More Asus ProArt P16 (H7606) Review -
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![Asus ProArt PZ13]()
Best Overall Touch-Screen Detachable 2-in-1Asus ProArt PZ13
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Microsoft should make way for Asus at the summit of Windows Tablet Mountain, thanks to the ProArt PZ13. It outclasses the Surface Pro in many ways, notably on value, given that the keyboard cover is included in its $1,100 list price.
This tablet also has Qualcomm Snapdragon processing, an efficient compute solution that contributes to its good battery life. The slate also features an SD card slot and two high-end cameras. At long last, the Surface Pro is no longer the Windows tablet default, boiling down here, primarily, to dollars and cents.
Who It's For
Mobile creative professionals: This is the touch-screen Windows tablet to beat for creative pros and digital drafters. Users with a creative impulse or professional digital drafters will enjoy the ProArt PZ13. If you need a powerful portable solution while away from the workstation, you can easily draw and sketch on this device before packing it up quickly.
Budget-conscious Surface Pro admirers: This touch-screen tablet is the leading Microsoft Surface Pro alternative for maximum value. The PZ13 is a smart choice for shoppers who want to save money on a Surface Pro-like device. The Surface device set the standard in this category, but its "optional" (read: essential but expensive) peripherals may leave you frustrated. This is a worthy alternative.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches Graphics Processor Qualcomm Adreno GPU Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13.3 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 17:47 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.87 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Asus ProArt PZ13 Review -
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![MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+]()
Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Pen-Based InputMSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're looking for a laptop that can flip into tablet format and work with a stylus, this Prestige 2-in-1 from MSI is a top choice. Its touch-ready OLED screen is paired with Intel Core Ultra "Panther Lake" processing and graphics to make it a worthy productivity machine for professionals and editors. It is a bit more business-centric than a pure content-creation device for creators and editors, but realistically, it can do both well. What's more, this laptop set our battery life record at the time of review, running for more than 42 hours on our test. It can keep you productive for dozens of hours.
Who It's For
Business users on the go: This laptop is best for professionals who often work on the road. They will love the touch screen, the stylus, the CPU's fast performance, and the incredibly long battery life. You can flip and fold this system into tablet mode to work with the included Nano Pen as needed, but it still provides the speed and connectivity of a standard laptop at all times.
Digital artists and content creators: The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a well-suited touch-screen laptop for creators of all stripes. The included stylus stores easily inside the chassis for safekeeping. It's a genuinely versatile productivity device, and its Panther Lake Arc B390 graphics are more powerful than those of other integrated graphics solutions. However, if you need more graphics horsepower, you'll want a laptop with a discrete GPU.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.55 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc B390 Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra X7 358H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 42:06 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.02 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ Review -
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![Asus ProArt PX13]()
Best Overall Touch-Screen Convertible 2-in-1 LaptopAsus ProArt PX13
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Asus threaded the needle from laptop to tablet with an unusual yet outstanding hybrid device, the Asus ProArt PX13. This compact 13-inch convertible 2-in-1 can withstand demanding creative workloads with its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. It's a well-constructed laptop with a gorgeous OLED screen, making it one of the most portable and powerful convertible touch-screen systems around.
Who It's For
Nomadic media producers: This touch-screen laptop is a perfect fit for content creation professionals who commute or travel often. Convertibles are the most natural touch-screen laptops, so anyone concerned about portability has their ideal system in the ProArt PX13. It's fast enough for most workloads, features a brilliant OLED screen, and includes a DialPad shortcut tool that's particularly helpful for creative projects. This is a laptop that's tailor-made for this specific target audience.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Convertible 2-in-1 Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.7 by 11.7 by 8.3 inches Graphics Memory 6 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13.3 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:30 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.04 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Asus ProArt PX13 Review -
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition]()
Best Touch-Screen Business LaptopLenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Many business laptops skip the touch screen, but Lenovo's ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition aims to give professional users a bit of everything. Intel's "Lunar Lake" processors provide quick-enough performance for this class and deliver impressive battery life. The ThinkPad X9 comes with a beautiful, 2.8K OLED touch display, helpful AI enhancements, and concessions you can live with. For a 15-inch machine, it's slim and relatively light, which meshes well with the battery life to make it a top travel companion for professionals.
Who It's For
Mobile professionals: This laptop is an excellent fit for workers who prefer a touch screen. The X9 15 Aura Edition's 15-inch display is roomier than the panels on most mainstream business laptops, making it feel spacious and portable at the same time. Its long battery life will support your work on the road. Despite this, the X9 is faster than many in its category.
Pros seeking high style: This touch-screen laptop is a smart choice for independent contractors and entrepreneurs seeking to make a professional impression in work environments. The X9 laptop's chic design and durable build look and feel better than most business laptops. The thinner display bezels and OLED screen will provide a more luxurious experience than you're used to, while the core business features remain.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Business Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.51 by 13.37 by 9 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 15.3 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:02 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 3.09 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition Review -
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514]()
Best Overall Touch-Screen ChromebookAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Acer's Chromebook Plus take is a fully featured and well-designed convertible. The Spin 514 has a sturdy and attractive design with a foldable screen and long battery life to support mobile workloads. Inside, it provides more pep than usual from a Chromebook, thanks to its Mediatek Kompanio Ultra chip. That, plus 12GB of memory, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth, will keep you working productively at home or on the road. It's not one of the cheapest Chromebooks around, but if we're looking at the best options, you'll find a lot to enjoy here.
Who It's For
The Google faithful: For people who already enjoy Google apps and services, this is a leading touch-screen laptop choice. Google users seeking a new laptop with the apps and services they recognize will find an impressive package here. For those already accustomed to a Windows-free life, this Chromebook's high-quality build, fast performance, and helpful connectivity should suit mainstream students and more serious workers.
Budget-strapped shoppers: This touch-screen laptop is ideal for savers; this model isn't as cheap as some other Chromebooks, but it will still save you money compared with most Windows options. As long as ChromeOS is a valid option for your workflow, this should prove to be a pleasant and capable laptop.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.82 by 12.6 by 9.1 inches Graphics Processor Arm Immortalis-G925 MC11 Native Display Resolution 1,920 by 1,200 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology LCD Processor MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 RAM (as Tested) 12 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:46 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.31 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8]()
Best Touch-Screen Mobile WorkstationLenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Many mobile workstations forego touch screens because they're all about performance, and many users don't seek out the technology. The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 asks, why not both? Its brilliant OLED touch display, powerful parts, long battery life, and quality build ensure touch capability and performance on the go. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor and Nvidia RTX Pro 2000 GPU are hardly top-tier. Still, if you're looking for a particularly portable workstation and touch technology, this is the option for you.
Who It's For
Mobile power users: Some workstations are realistically only semi-portable, but the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 delivers power and mobility. It's not much larger or heavier than your average 16-inch laptop, but it's capable of professional speeds and has the business-ready feature set you're likely looking for.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Workstation Dimensions (HWD) 0.62 by 14 by 9.5 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia RTX Pro 2000 Native Display Resolution 3200 by 2000 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 255H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 16:01 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 4.06 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 Review -
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Best For | Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Most Buyers | Best Ultraportable Touch-Screen Laptop | Best Big (16-Inch) Touch-Screen Laptop | Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Content Creators | Best Overall Touch-Screen Detachable 2-in-1 | Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Pen-Based Input | Best Overall Touch-Screen Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop | Best Touch-Screen Business Laptop | Best Overall Touch-Screen Chromebook | Best Touch-Screen Mobile Workstation | Best Touch-Screen Laptop for Most Buyers | Best Ultraportable Touch-Screen Laptop | Best Big (16-Inch) Touch-Screen Laptop |
Class | Budget | Ultraportable | Desktop Replacement | Workstation | Detachable 2-in-1 | Convertible 2-in-1 | Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable | Ultraportable, Business | Chromebook | Workstation | Budget | Ultraportable | Desktop Replacement |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 | Intel Core Ultra 7 255H | Qualcomm Snapdragon X (X1-26-100) | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V |
Processor Speed | 2.2 | 2.2 | |||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 16 | 32 | 16 | 32 | 16 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 12 | 32 | 16 | 32 | 16 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 256 | 1 | 512 | 1 | 1 |
Secondary Drive Type | |||||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |||||||||||||
Optical Drive | |||||||||||||
Screen Size | 16 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 13.3 | 14 | 13.3 | 15.3 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 16 |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 3840 by 2400 | 2880 by 1800 | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 1,920 by 1,200 | 3200 by 2000 | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 |
Touch Screen | |||||||||||||
Panel Technology | IPS | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED | OLED | LCD | OLED | IPS | OLED | OLED |
Variable Refresh Support | Dynamic | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | Dynamic | None | None | ||
Screen Refresh Rate | 120 | 120 | 120 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
Graphics Processor | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Intel Arc B390 | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Intel Arc B390 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Arm Immortalis-G925 MC11 | Nvidia RTX Pro 2000 | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Intel Arc B390 | Intel Arc Graphics 140V |
Graphics Memory | 8 | 6 | 8 | ||||||||||
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 | 802.11be, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.63 by 14 by 9.9 inches | 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches | 0.63 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches | 0.68 by 13.9 by 9.7 inches | 0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches | 0.55 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches | 0.7 by 11.7 by 8.3 inches | 0.51 by 13.37 by 9 inches | 0.82 by 12.6 by 9.1 inches | 0.62 by 14 by 9.5 inches | 0.63 by 14 by 9.9 inches | 0.58 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches | 0.63 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches |
Weight | 3.42 | 3 | 3.37 | 4.08 | 1.87 | 3.02 | 3.04 | 3.09 | 3.31 | 4.06 | 3.42 | 3 | 3.37 |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 17:02 | 21:02 | 20:12 | 12:59 | 17:47 | 42:06 | 14:30 | 21:02 | 15:46 | 16:01 | 17:02 | 21:02 | 20:12 |
Buying Guide: The Best Touch-Screen Laptops for 2026
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. 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 not to interfere with viewability.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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: Joseph Maldonado)A few panels use 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 this tech is rare in laptops. 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 many 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: Joseph Maldonado)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?
The tendency toward touch support will vary depending on the specific kind of laptop you're looking at. Let's examine 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 Premium laptops. (For more, see our picks for the best business laptops.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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 device family, which mandates $100 or more for a complementing Surface Pen stylus. (For more, see our picks for the best convertible laptops.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)GAMING LAPTOPS. Most gaming laptops have 14-inch, 16-inch, or 18-inch screens, and very few of these 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 put even greater strain on an already-challenged battery. (For more, see our picks for the best gaming laptops.)
BIG-SCREEN MACHINES. It's uncommon to see a laptop with a 17- or 18-inch display that supports touch input, but they are out there (though 18-inch models are starting to replace 17-inch systems). Touch-panel implementations at that size are pricey and simply not cost-effective. They're also not practical: Many touch-screen laptops are 2-in-1s, and a 16-inch (or bigger) tablet can be mighty unwieldy. But 16-inch creative professional laptops, like the Asus ProArt P16 (H7606), support touch. (See our favorite 17-inch and 18-inch laptops.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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: Joseph Maldonado)APPLE MACBOOKS. Sorry! No Mac desktop or MacBook laptop supports touch-screen input unless you count the thin Touch Bar touch strip above the keyboard on a few now-discontinued 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.
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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 making the purchase.
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 always be 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 provides 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.
The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is an exception to this rule, it seems, lasting more than 42 hours in our battery rundown test and earning our first laptop PCMag Lab Award, for longest battery life. Thanks to recent silicon efficiency innovations, expect to see more touch-screen laptops last longer on a charge.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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 a lot, 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: Joseph Maldonado)ARE YOU GOOD WITH GLOSSY? Most touch screens have a glossy finish 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?
Pen support requires a touch-capable screen that can handle more than simple tap, swipe, and pinch fingertip actions on the screen. If sketching or handwritten note-taking is part of your work, you'll want to investigate the pen options available in a given touch-screen laptop.
Usually, only the 2-in-1s include 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, click buttons on the pen, and possibly pressure sensitivity support.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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, mentioned earlier, which works with the company's line of detachable laptops.
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.)
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 on-screen 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 not to expect a touch screen from; all of its MacBooks use non-touch panels.
Ready to Buy the Right Touch-Screen Laptop for You?
That's where our reviews come in. Our rankings here 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: Be sure to check specifically for the presence of a touch panel in the model you are considering.