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15 touch screen laptop are becoming more popular with business and creative professionals as well as gamers and home users because of their convenience and ease of use. Many touchscreen laptops feature a 2-in-1 form factor that allows you to use them as either a traditional laptop or tablet, which is perfect for drawing, taking notes, and even watching movies. Some can be used only as laptops, but having a touch-enabled screen allows for more intuitive inputs when navigating large documents and spreadsheets or editing photos and digital art.
As both touch and non-touchscreen laptops have evolved, they've become incredibly lightweight and thin, making them more portable than ever. With an ultra-thin chassis, you can easily slip your new laptop into a backpack or tote for a work commute or carry-on bag for business travel without worrying about being worn down by weight.
Another innovation for laptops is the inclusion of SSD storage and M.2 SSD compatibility. A solid state drive allows for faster boot times and file or program access than traditional hard-disk drives, and M.2 SSDs are designed to provide fast, reliable storage in an even smaller package, leading to even thinner laptops.
Battery life is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new laptop, and you have to identify what you'll use your laptop for in order to determine what kind of battery you need. Want to be able to run intense programs or use your laptop all day? Try to find a laptop with a battery life of 10 hours or more. Just want a laptop to keep around the house for occasional use? You can get away with a shorter battery life.
Customers should be aware that specs such as 4K displays and dedicated graphics cards can shorten battery life, so while it may be tempting to spring for the flashy gaming model, you'll be lucky to get 8 hours of use before you need to find an outlet.
If you're in the market for a touchscreen laptop, check out our top picks below to see which is right for you.
The Rundown
Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 at Amazon
Not only does it have an excellent 13.5-inch display, but it's thin and lightweight enough to slip into a backpack.
Best Splurge: LG Gram 15 at Amazon
It's built around a 10th generation Intel Core i7 CPU for tons of processing power and 16GB of RAM for faster file retrieval.
Best Budget: Lenovo Chromebook C330 at Amazon
The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is a great entry-level touchscreen laptop with a 2-in-1 form factor.
Best Versatility: ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA-DHM4 at Amazon
The 2-in-1 Asus Chromebook Flip comes with ChromeOS for cloud storage and easier collaboration with co-workers or classmates.
Best Battery Life: HP Spectre x360 15 at Amazon
This top-of-the-line laptop features an integrated battery that gives you almost 17 hours of use on a full charge.
Best for Gaming: Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop at Amazon
This laptop is packed to the brim with awesome features and components, including an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU.
Best Chromebook: Google Pixelbook Go at Amazon
The 13.3-inch, 1080p display is great for everything from word processing to movie marathons.
Best Portable: Microsoft Surface Pro 7 at Amazon
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is designed for mobility, with an incredibly lightweight chassis coming in under 2 pounds.
In This Article
Our PicksAbout Our Trusted ExpertsFAQsWhat to Look for in a Touchscreen LaptopBest Overall: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
4.4
View On AmazonView On Walmart
What We Like
Long battery life
SSD
Very portable
What We Don't Like
Limited inputs
Expensive
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 Review
The Microsoft Surface 2 is one of the best touchscreen laptops available on the market. Not only does it have an excellent 13.5-inch display, but it's thin and lightweight enough to slip into a backpack or tote bag for your commute or in a carry-on bag for business travel.
It's powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM to give you all the power you need for daily tasks as well as big projects and even some creative work. The solid state drive (SSD) has 128GB of space so you never have to worry about running out of room. It also allows for faster file and program access as well as boot times for your laptop so you can spend less time waiting for your computer to turn on and more time getting things checked off your to-do list. The integrated battery gives you up to 14.5 hours of use on a single charge, so you can go all day before needing to plug in.
Size: 13.5 inches | Resolution: 1080p HD | CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core i5 | GPU: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB DDR3 | Storage: 128GB SSD | Touchscreen: Yes
"The Surface Laptop 2 is equipped with a Windows Hello face authentication camera, letting you simply glance at the device to skip past the lock screen. It's incredibly fast and effective, not to mention super handy." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
The 9 Best Laptops of 2021
Best Splurge: LG Gram 15
3.9
View On AmazonView On Adorama.com
What We Like
Fingerprint reader
USB-C connections
Powerful CPU
What We Don't Like
Excessive chassis flex
Our review of a different configuration
The LG Gram 15 may have a hefty price tag, but the cost is backed up by some top-tier features and tech. It's built around a 10th generation Intel Core i7 CPU for tons of processing power as well as 16GB of RAM for faster file retrieval. The 1TB SSD gives you more than enough room for your most-used programs as well as blazing fast boot times and app loading.
It uses USB-C connections for faster data transfers between external storage devices and your laptop as well as connecting external displays and charging mobile devices. The 1080p HD display uses IPS technology for crisp details and rich colors that make everything from video calls and virtual meetings to spreadsheets and client mock-ups look amazing.
With a fingerprint reader, you can set up biometric log-ins for your laptop, email, and other sensitive programs to keep your personal data and work safe from unauthorized access. The 17-hour battery life gives you the equivalent use of two typical workdays on a single charge, letting you tackle a tough day at the office and still catch up on your Netflix shows before needing a recharge.
Size: 15.6 inches | Resolution: 1080p HD | CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core i7 | GPU: Integrated Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Touchscreen: Yes
"You usually have to pick and choose from features like a lightweight frame, long battery life, great performance, and a big display, but the LG Gram 15 comes very close to having it all." — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester
Best Budget: Lenovo Chromebook C330
4
View On AmazonView On Walmart
What We Like
2-in-1
Wi-Fi hotspot tethering
Decent battery
What We Don't Like
Limited storage
Weaker CPU
Some programs incompatible with ChromeOS
Lenovo Chromebook C330 Review
Touchscreen laptops tend to be more expensive than their non-touch counterparts, but that doesn't mean you have to drain your savings to get a solid model. The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is a great entry-level touchscreen laptop with a 2-in-1 form factor that lets you use it as both a traditional laptop and tablet.
The MediaTek processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage drive may not blow everyone away, but they provide plenty of space and power for a mobile workstation or handling typical daily office work. With ChromeOS, you'll get access to Google's suite of apps including Docs, Sheets, and Drive for cloud storage and collaboration with co-workers.
You'll also be able to tether your laptop to your smartphone's Wi-Fi hotspot for a reliable internet connection when you can't be in the office or when you're meeting a client off-site. The laptop's compact and lightweight body makes it perfect for commutes, business travel, or carrying around the office. And the 10-hour battery life means you can work all day, worry-free.
Size: 11.6 inches | Resolution: 1366 x 768 HD | CPU: MediaTek MTK 8173C | GPU: Integrated PowerVR GX6250 Graphics | RAM: 4GB DDR3 | Storage: 64 GB eMMC | Touchscreen: Yes
"ChromeOS is one of the easiest OSes to set up—even including the time it took to unbox it, it took less than ten minutes to get the C330 fully operational." — Andy Zahn, Product Tester
Best Versatility: ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA-DHM4
4.5
View On AmazonView On WalmartView On EBay
What We Like
Great durability
Decent battery
Offline connectivity
What We Don't Like
Limited ports
Dim screen
Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA Review
Long gone are the days when a laptop could be strictly for work or school. Nowadays, computers, phones, and tablets all have to serve multiple purposes to be useful. The Asus Chromebook Flip is one of the most versatile touchscreen laptops available with a 2-in-1 form factor for use as a laptop or tablet, as well as the ChromeOS for cloud storage and easier collaboration with co-workers or classmates.
The 12.5-inch full HD display creates beautiful colors and detailing to make reading documents and spreadsheets much easier. You can also enjoy a movie on Hulu or Prime Video when you've finished your work. The aluminum chassis and Gorilla Glass display take the worry out of bringing the Chromebook Flip with you. Both are designed to provide better durability and resistance to drops, bumps, and screen cracking than previous models, so it's perfect for stowing in a backpack or carry-on bag. The 10-hour battery life lets you work all day, and with a 3.5 second boot time, you can almost instantly start your tasks.
Size: 12.5 inches | Resolution: 1080p HD | CPU: Intel Core M3-6Y30 | GPU: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 4GB DDR3 | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Touchscreen: Yes
"The version of the Chromebook Flip we tested came with a 2.2Ghz Intel Core M3-6Y30 chip, although you can get versions with a Core M7 or Pentium 4405Y chip for more power. Paired with 4GB RAM, we found the device to be plenty speedy getting around Chrome OS." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
Best Battery Life: HP Spectre x360 15
4.6
View On Amazon
What We Like
Excellent battery
2-in-1
4K display
What We Don't Like
Runs hot under load
Noisy fans
Our review of a different configuration
In a world where work can be done from almost anywhere, professionals can't always bring along a mess of charging cables or have access to power outlets to keep laptops charged. That's where the HP Spectre x360 shines. This top-of-the-line laptop features an integrated battery that gives you more than 17 hours of use on a full charge. This means you can work almost three typical office shifts before you need to worry about running out of juice. And with fast-charging features, HP promises with just 90 minutes of charging, you'll get 90 percent battery—perfect for topping up while you're on lunch or in meetings.
The display is made with Gorilla Glass for enhanced durability and produces great 4K resolution, making this an ideal laptop for both traditional and creative professionals. The 2-in-1 form factor is perfect for streamlining your work devices, because you can use the Spectre as either a laptop or tablet.
It's built around an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM for tons of power. The 512GB SSD means you'll have super-fast access to all of your most-used files and programs. If you're worried about keeping your personal data and work safe, the integrated camera works with IR technology and Windows Hello for facial recognition logins to keep your laptop safe from unauthorized access and use.
Size: 15.6 inches | Resolution: 4K | CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core i7 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti | RAM: 16GB DDR3 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Touchscreen: Yes
"The HP Spectre x360 15t Touch represents a high water mark for HP’s 2-in-1 laptops, combining a powerful processor and graphics card with a beautiful display in a slim, aesthetically pleasing package." — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester
Best for Gaming: Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop
View On AmazonView On Razer.com
What We Like
4K OLED display
THX Spacial Audio
Expandable SSD memory
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Short battery life
Razer Chroma/Synapse are finicky
Razer is one of the most recognizable brands in gaming laptops and peripherals, and their latest Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop continues to prove why they remain at the top. This laptop is packed to the brim with awesome features and components, including an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU to catapult you into the future of gaming. It's capable of real-time ray tracing for incredibly lifelike lighting and textures.
The 1TB SSD gives you plenty of storage, but there's a second M.2 slot for easy upgrades when you need more space for games. The chassis is CNC machined from aluminum for sleek elegance as well as durability while remaining lightweight. At just 4.4 pounds, it's easy to slip this into a backpack to take to a friend's house, library, or carry to class. The 15.6-inch OLED display delivers excellent 4K resolution as well as 100 percent sRGB color calibration for better accuracy. The integrated speakers use THX Spacial Audio technology for more immersive audio without a headset, but you can use Bluetooth connectivity if you prefer wireless headsets or other wireless peripherals.
Wi-Fi 6 compatibility lets you take advantage of blazing-fast internet speeds for online gaming with friends, and USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections let you set up multiple external monitors for the ultimate battle station. The only downsides are the steep price and short battery life of just 7 hours. But if you don't mind spending and charging a bit more, the Blade 15 Advanced is the perfect gaming laptop.
Size: 15.6 inches | Resolution: 4K | CPU: 10th Generation Intel core i7-8750H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Storage: 1TB SSD + extra M.2 slot | Touchscreen: Yes
The 9 Best Gaming Laptops of 2021
Best Chromebook: Google Pixelbook Go
4.2
View On AmazonView On Best Buy
What We Like
Full HD display
Offline connectivity
Great battery
What We Don't Like
Limited storage
No end-user upgrade options
Weak processor
Google Pixelbook Go Review
Chromebooks are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to Windows- and macOS-based laptops because of their affordable price points, portability, and connectivity options. The Google Pixelbook Go is one of the best ChromeOS laptops available, with a 13.3-inch, 1080p display that is great for everything from word processing to movie marathons.
The Intel m3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage drive are typical for a Chromebook laptop, and while it's not anything to get super excited for, it's plenty of power and space for basics. You can always connect external storage drives for more space if needed. The Titan C security chip allows for encryption protection of all your data so you never have to worry about someone accessing your personal data or work.
With ChromeOS, you'll get access to Google's online suite of apps such as Sheets, Docs, and Drive, as well as the ability to download documents and spreadsheets for working offline when you need to. The battery lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge, letting you keep it on from the minute you wake up until well after dinner without needing to plug in.
Size: 13.3 inches | Resolution: 1080p HD | CPU: Intel Core m3 | GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB DDR3 | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Touchscreen: Yes
"Google wins plenty of points on design with the PixelBook Go. Nearly everything about using this quiet, slim device is enjoyable." — Jonno Hill, Product Tester
Best Portable: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
4
View On AmazonView On Best BuyView On Microsoft
What We Like
Thin and lightweight
2-in-1
SSD storage
What We Don't Like
Keyboard cover sold separate
Middling battery life
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Review
The great thing about laptops is that you can throw them in a bag and head out whenever you need to. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is designed for mobility, with an incredibly lightweight chassis coming in at just shy of 2 pounds. Its thinly bezeled display packs a 12.3-inch screen into the footprint of an 11-inch laptop.
The 2-in-1 form factor lets you use it as a laptop or tablet, meaning you can ditch a few mobile devices and streamline your workflow. While the Surface Pro 7's body is super thin, it features plenty of powerful components to help you tackle everything from work to movies and even casual gaming.
The Intel Core i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM are plenty powerful to handle daily tasks and entertainment, and the 256GB SSD gives you all the room you need for files, programs, music, and movies. The 10.5-hour battery life isn't as great as other Surface models on the market, but you can still get through a regular workday or Saturday movie marathon without any issues.
Size: 12.3 inches | Resolution: 2736 x 1824 HD | CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 | GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB DDR3 | Storage: 256GB SSD | Touchscreen: Yes
"Overall, using the Surface Pro 7 was a very snappy, responsive experience. It’s easy to underestimate a device that looks like a tablet, but Microsoft put components that will go toe-to-toe with nearly any 13-inch productivity laptop on the market." — Jonno Hill, Product Tester
Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 2 (view at Amazon) is one of the best touchscreen laptops available. It features a 2-in-1 form factor for multiple uses, a solid state storage drive for faster boot times and file access, as well as a 14.5-hour battery life.
If you're a PC gamer, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced (view at Amazon) is the only option you should consider for a gaming laptop. It's equipped with a 10th generation Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU for incredible power and imaging. The 4K OLED screen produces excellent colors and detailing, and there's an extra M.2 SSD slot to let you expand storage when you need it.
About Our Trusted Experts
Taylor Clemons is a tech writer who has written for IndieHangover, GameSkinny, TechRadar, The Inventory, and The Balance: Small Business. Taylor specializes in PC components, operating systems, and gaming console hardware.
Andrew Hayward specializes in smartphones, wearables, smart home tech, and video games. His work has been published by TechRadar, Macworld, and others.
Jeremy Laukkonen is a tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications.
Andy Zahn is a writer specializing in tech. He's reviewed cameras, weather stations, noise-cancelling headphones and more for Lifewire.
Jonno Hill is a writer who covers tech such as computers, gaming equipment, and cameras for Lifewire and publications including AskMen.com and PCMag.com.
FAQs
Why would you need a touchscreen laptop?
Touchscreen laptops can be a vital tool in any home or traditional office. By accepting touch-based inputs, these kinds of laptops allow you to navigate programs, documents, and file folders much faster and easier than with a mouse or touchpad. You can easily zoom, pan, and scroll with just a touch of your finger. They're great for creative professionals who use digital art programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Lightroom, or anyone who likes to hand write notes in meetings. Touchscreens do have their disadvantages. They tend to be a drain on the laptop's battery, giving you less work time on a single charge, and they're more expensive than their non-touch competitors.
Which is better: HDD or SSD?
Short Answer: It depends.
Long Answer: It depends on what your budget is and what you need out of your storage drive. A traditional hard-disk drive (HDD) is generally going to be cheaper because the tech behind it is older and more established. However, since they use moving mechanical parts to read and write data, they can be very susceptible to damage and file corruption. They're also much slower than their solid state drive (SSD) counterparts.
Since SSDs use what's known as flash memory, similar to what is found in thumb drives and RAM components, they don't have any mechanical parts to worry about. Flash memory also allows for much faster file retrieval, program startup, and even computer boot times if you use an SSD as your Windows or other operating system drive. This convenience comes at a high price though. SSDs tend to be several hundred dollars more than their HDD counterparts with similar storage capacities. So if you're willing to spend a bit more for better load times and reliability, you'll want an SSD. If you have a budget to stick to, and don't mind using older tech, a traditional HDD will be just fine to use.
What is a 2-in-1 laptop?
A 2-in-1, also known as a convertible laptop, is a computer with quick-change hinges that allow you to use it either as a traditional laptop or a tablet. This kind of laptop is perfect for creative professionals who want to streamline their workflow by eliminating the number of devices they use or prefer the ultra-high resolution displays found in laptops. They are also nice for professionals who may prefer to hand write notes in meetings or while editing documents and photos.
What to Look for in a Touchscreen Laptop
Screen Size
Touchscreen laptops come in a variety of sizes, ranging from around 10 to 15 inches or more (measured diagonally). Smaller screens will give you more of a tablet vibe, while larger screens will feel more like a dedicated laptop.
Design
The beauty of a touchscreen laptop is that it’s much more versatile than a traditional model. Many can be used in tent mode (their keyboards can fold back at an angle) and some go as far as transforming into full-fledged tablets (their keyboards can fold all the way back behind the display). Depending on how you intend to use your touchscreen laptop, a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 design may be a valuable feature.
Battery Life
Because touchscreen laptops are often smaller than traditional laptops, their battery life often pales in comparison. Some will offer up as few as eight hours (depending on brightness level and usage), but others can pack as many as 20 hours of juice.
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