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7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience
7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience
Nov 15, 2024 11:40 AM

  Touch-screen laptops offer a combination of convenience and versatility that regular notebooks can't match. Also known as hybrid or 2-in-1 laptops, touch-screen-equipped offerings give you the opportunity to perform a plethora of tasks just like you would on your smartphone or tablet, but on a larger display. Long gone are the days of using solely a trackpad or a mouse.

  But with so many options on the market right now, it's hard to choose which one is right for you. That's why we tested the most highly rated touch-screen laptops to determine the absolute best.

  The Best Touch Screen Laptops

  

  Best PC Laptop: Samsung Galaxy Book3 360Runner-Up: Best Budget: Best 2-in-1 PC: Best for Apple Users: Best Chromebook: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook PlusBest Premium PC Laptop:

  What to Consider

  Display

  

  Hardware specs are always important to consider when shopping for any new laptop. For touch-screen-equipped products, in addition to the mandatory processor, memory, and connectivity bits, you should be particularly mindful of the quality and the resolution of their display panel — you'll be having a lot of hands-on interaction with it, after all.

  A top-tier touch-screen notebook should have a screen with at least a Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). A higher resolution will result in a better viewing experience with sharper onscreen content, but it will have a significant impact on battery life. A simple rule of thumb: products with a lower display resolution will last significantly longer between battery charges.

  If you are shopping for a premium touch-screen notebook, look for a display panel with a high refresh rate (above 60 Hz). This feature will bring faster and smoother interactions across the board, including scrolling through pages, emails, and social media feeds, as well as gaming. After years of experience, I can personally confirm that a high refresh rate is great, so long as you don't mind the potential battery life impact it might bring.

  Since these are touch-screen laptops, compatibility with a stylus (bundled or optional) is also paramount. It's a cool modern-day functionality that allows you to make hand-written notes or fine edits to graphic design projects, or unwind with a coloring book, to name a few tasks.

  Processor

  When it comes to picking a processor, you should opt for a notebook with one of the latest chips, such as the 12th- or 13th-generation Intel Core, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series (or higher), and Apple M2. If you want to game on your touch-screen laptop, look for a standalone graphics chip. Any option that offers NVIDIA's RTX 40 Series GPU deserves a look.

  Connectivity

  Wireless connectivity features for the best touch-screen laptops should be future-proofed with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 or higher standards. The former will guarantee fast internet speeds for years (when connected to a compatible network), while the latter will ensure a stutter-free connection with Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, and speakers.

  Regarding wired connectivity options, a USB-C port is a must-have in today's modern era, and when shopping for top-shelf laptops, always look for Thunderbolt 4 compatibility. The latter will allow you to connect compatible external monitors and ultra-fast external storage drives to your notebook. USB-A and HDMI ports are also important to consider.

  Battery Life

  Since most of us live a life on the go, we only picked products that can make it through a workday of use between charges. That said, the battery life of any laptop depends on the screen brightness and the quality of your internet connection, as well as the tasks you run (e.g., video editing and gaming are particularly taxing). Depending on how you plan to use your touch-screen laptop, it might be helpful to consider a battery pack for it if you don't have access to an outlet to plug in.

  How We Tested

  We have been researching touch-screen laptops ever since the product category became mainstream. The process involves reading reviews from other industry experts, sifting through hardware specs, and scouring consumer feedback about each product.

  From there, we selected the best touch-screen laptops worth testing through the following criteria:

  Hardware Specs: We ensure that you won't have to upgrade for years after purchasing.Battery Life: We focused only on notebooks that can make it through at least a day of use.Additional Features: We evaluated the product's support for a stylus pen and, when available, a 360-degree display, among many other bits.Pricing: We make sure that our top picks are not only elegant and well-equipped but also within reach of most prospective buyers.Best PC Laptop

  Samsung Galaxy Book3 360 Touch Screen PC Laptop

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience1

  Best PC Laptop

  Samsung Galaxy Book3 360 Touch Screen PC Laptop

  $1,000 at SamsungPros

  Key Specs

  

Runner-Up

Acer Swift 14 Touch Screen PC Laptop

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience2

Runner-Up

Acer Swift 14 Touch Screen PC Laptop

Shop at AmazonCredit: Stefan VazharovPros

Elegant and lightweight

Excellent hardware specs

Antimicrobial screen coatingCons

Display doesn't rotate 360 degrees

Key Specs

Processor and Graphics
Processor and Graphics Display Memory Connectivity Battery Life
13th-generation Intel Core i7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics
14-inch WQXGA touch screen (2,560 x 1,600 pixels)
16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, two USB-A ports, HDMI port
Up to 16 hours
The Acer Swift 14 is a formidable alternative to our top pick from Samsung. It costs more than its rival, but it has considerably more storage and a higher-resolution screen and webcam. The display's tougher Gorilla Glass cover and antimicrobial coating also make it more suitable for hands-on interactions.

  Measuring 14 inches diagonally, the screen slots above the 13.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Book3 360 and below its 15.6-inch iteration, so it offers a finer balance between size and multitasking capabilities. However, its IPS panel, while good, is no match for the viewing experience of Samsung's AMOLED screen.

  Design-wise, the Acer Swift 5 stands out with an elegant machined metal chassis with an eye-catching green finish and gold accents. As feature-packed as it is, the Swift 14 still weighs just a tad above 2.5 pounds. I like that this is a lightweight notebook that doesn't compromise on performance, onboard hardware features, or battery life.

  Overall, the Acer Swift 14 is worth investing in if you are looking for a powerful and portable touch-screen laptop but don't prioritize a rotating display or using a stylus pen. The product supports input devices, but the experience is not on the level of the S Pen.

  Best Budget

  Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 Touch Screen PC Laptop

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience3

  Best Budget

  Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 Touch Screen PC Laptop

  $400 at AmazonPros

  

  Good performance for the money

  

  Plenty of connectivity features

  

  Understated designCons

  

  Webcam resolution is basic HD

  Key Specs

  

Processor and Graphics Intel Core i3-N305, Intel UHD graphics
Display 14-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) IPS touch screen
Memory 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB SSD
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C port, two USB-A ports, HDMI port, SD card reader
Battery Life Up to 10 hours
The elaborately named Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 is the touch-screen laptop to get if you are looking to upgrade without breaking the bank. Priced below $500, it has a pleasantly understated design and a versatile 360-degree touch screen that's . Surrounded by a slim bezel, its sharp 14-inch touch screen is great for a product in this range and equally suitable for multitasking and watching videos.

  Equipped with an entry-level Intel processor and 8 GB of RAM, the Spin 14 delivers reliable everyday performance, though I wouldn't recommend it to demanding power users. The device's plentiful (and futureproof) connectivity features are great for the money, too. I also like how lightweight the product is, weighing only 3.3 pounds.

  The notebook's webcam could use a higher resolution than basic HD, and its speakers could be better. Having a backlit keyboard or an integrated fingerprint sensor would have been great, too, but the lack of all these features isn't a dealbreaker in this price category.

  Double-digit battery life is another reason why you should have the Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 on your radar if shopping on a tight budget. This affordable laptop also includes a protective sleeve.

  The device runs Windows 11 in S mode, meaning that you can only install apps from the Microsoft store. You can upgrade to a full version of the platform for free.

  Best 2-in-1 PC

  Microsoft Surface Pro 9

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience4

  Best 2-in-1 PC

  Microsoft Surface Pro 9

  Now 19% Off$888 at AmazonCredit: Stefan VazharovPros

  

  Beautiful design and craftsmanship

  

  Plenty of hardware configurations

  

  Strong performance and battery lifeCons

  

  Keyboard and stylus cost extra

  Key Specs

  

Processor and Graphics 12th-generation Intel Core i5/i7,‎ Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Display 13-inch PixelSense Flow touch screen (2,880x1,920 pixels), 120 Hz refresh rate
Memory Up to 32GB of RAM, up to 1TB of SSD storage
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4; Surface Connect port, optional 5G
Battery Life Up to 19 hours
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the best 2-in-1 PC worth your attention. Its ability to effortlessly convert from a sleek tablet to a powerful laptop is second to none and the main reason why you should order one. The transformation is as easy as snapping the — a must-have accessory that costs extra — onto the device. The 2-in-1 PC is also compatible with the — an amazing tool for creativity and productivity tasks.

  The above versatility made me frequently reach for the Pro 9 for work and while traveling. I used it in laptop mode on my desk and to write down meeting notes with the Surface Slim Pen 2 on multiple occasions. That said, I really wish the snap-on keyboard and stylus didn't cost extra. These essential accessories make the substantial price of the Surface Pro 8 even heftier.

  While not the latest, the Intel 12th-generation processors of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offer an excellent balance between power and energy efficiency. There are plenty of hardware configurations to choose from, all headlined by a superb PixelSense touch screen with a high refresh rate and an adjustable kickstand. You’re all but guaranteed to find a Pro 9 that suits your lifestyle and budget.

  Like all Surface products, the latest Pro brings elegant looks and best-in-class craftsmanship to match. You can order it in a quartet of beautiful finishes: silver, graphite, forest, and sapphire. Matching keyboards are also available.

  Related Story

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience5

  Reviewed: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Best for Apple Users

  Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch with M2 chip

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience6

  Best for Apple Users

  Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch with M2 chip

  $1,079 at AmazonCredit: Stefan VazharovPros

  

  Powerful and versatile

  

  Best-in-class display

  

  Feature-packed and intuitive platform

  

  Wide-ranging ecosystem of original and third-party accessoriesCons

  

  Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil cost extra

  Key Specs

  

Processor and graphics Apple M2 chip with a Neural Engine
Display 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, 120 Hz maximum refresh rate
Memory Up to 16 GB of RAM, up to 2 TB of storage
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3, optional 5G
Battery Life Up to 10 hours
Like its predecessor, the latest 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro is a fantastic laptop replacement, especially when equipped with the Magic Keyboard. Sporting the industry-conquering Apple M2 chip that also powers our favorite MacBook, the slate offers more graphics and processing power than similarly priced rivals while being elegant and portable.

  The big iPad Pro's mini-LED Super Retina XDR display panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate is in a league of its own and one of my favorite bits about the product. It is brighter, more vibrant, and more fluid than the screen of any rival and an ideal canvas for the .

  With a sophisticated dual camera that's capable of recording 4K video, the iPad Pro is also perfect for creating content, unlike its 2-in-1 PC and Chrome OS competitors. On the other hand, its Face ID camera with Center Stage is hands-down the best for video calls and virtual briefings.

  I’d choose the iPad Pro over its non-Apple rivals for the power of the M2 chip, the quality of its screen, and iPadOS. The platform has an intuitive user interface, top-notch multitasking capabilities, and an outstanding selection of apps tailor-made for a big screen. So whether you or the giftee are a casual- or power-user, finding apps to make the most of the slate will be easy.

  Related Story

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience7

  Reviewed: Apple iPad Pro 12.9-Inch With M2 ChipYou can spec the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with up to 1 TB of storage. Optional 5G connectivity is also available. And as always, there’s a vast ecosystem of cases and accessories for personalizing the device.

  Related Story

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience8

  The Best iPad to Buy in 2023 Best Chromebook

  Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience9

  Best Chromebook

  Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

  $499 at Best BuyCredit: Stefan VazharovPros

  

  Versatile design

  

  Great specs for the money

  

  Solid everyday performanceCons

  

  Could use a brighter screen

  Key Specs

  

Processor and Graphics 13th-generation Intel Core i3, Intel UHD Graphics
Display 14-inch WUXGA touch screen (1920 x 1200 pixels)
Memory 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB SSD
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, two USB-C 3.2 ports, USB-A port
Battery Life Up to 10 hours
Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5i is the best touch-screen Chromebook for most buyers. It has a sleek design, a versatile 360-degree touch screen, a robust build quality, and stellar, up-to-date hardware specs at a solid price. You get a powerful Intel chip, a crisp and vibrant display with slim bezel, and abundant wired and wireless connectivity features.

  The IdeaPad Flex 5i is one of the first products to be part of the Chromebook Plus lineup. Recently unveiled by Google, the new product tier ensures Chromebooks that rock the Plus moniker have futureproof specs that include a sharp screen, at least 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, a Full HD webcam, and at least 10 hours of battery life, among other bits. Such hardware ensures you won't have to think about upgrading for years after purchasing the product.

  In terms of performance and versatility, the Flex 5i performed admirably while I tested it. It handled multiple Chrome OS tabs and Android apps with ease. The battery life was solid, too.

  The available wired connectivity features of the IdeaPad Flex 5i make it a perfect option for power users. Having a duo of USB-C ports, a full USB connector, and a microSD card reader allowed me to link all my go-to accessories.

  Best Premium PC Laptop

  Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

  

7 Best Touch-Screen Laptops for a Hands-On, Next-Level User Experience10

  Best Premium PC Laptop

  Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

  $2,300 at AmazonCredit: Stefan VazharovPros

  

  Elegant and superbly built

  

  Powerful and versatile

  

  Long battery lifeCons

  

  Surface Pen costs extra

  Key Specs

  

Processor and Graphics 13th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics
Display 14.4-inch PixelSense touch screen (2,400 x 1,600 pixels), 120 Hz refresh rate
Memory Up to 64GB of RAM, up to 2TB of SSD storage
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, USB-A port, Surface Connect port
Battery Life Up to 19 hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a great buy if its hefty price tag fits within your upgrade budget. It packs powerful hardware tucked into a gorgeous metal body with a versatile design and excellent tactility. Its powerful NVIDIA GPU allows it to run graphic-intensive games or process high-resolution video without a hint of hesitation.

  I couldn’t help but admire the power and speed of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 while I put it through its paces. Its ability to shift between conquering workflows and delivering top-tier gameplay is intoxicating and worth splurging on. I successfully used it as my primary workstation during workdays and to play Cyberpunk 2077 with an Xbox controller for hours on weekends.

  A swiveling PixelSense touch screen and surprisingly powerful speakers set the Surface Laptop Studio 2 apart from its competitors. In addition to offering best-in-class versatility, the display has a high maximum refresh rate for next-level gameplay and smooth everyday interactions. Of course, the panel is also compatible with the Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2.

  Overall, the range-topping Surface is a worthy successor to the original Surface Laptop Studio. Every Surface Laptop Studio 2 comes with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and you can choose between NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 and . Microsoft offers a more reasonably priced version with Intel Iris Xe graphics, but I highly recommend you spend extra on an NVIDIA chip.

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