Top 7 Touch Monitors for Laptop Options with Touchscreen Support (2026)

By Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

If you want to tap, swipe and pinch directly on a second screen while working from your laptop, a touch monitor for laptop use is the right tool. The challenge is that portable touchscreen displays vary a lot: some are built for quick sketching and presentations, others for dual-screen productivity, and a few are better suited to travel. This guide looks at seven popular options and judges each one on connection type, touch capability, screen size and resolution, portability, and how well owners report it works with common laptops and operating systems.

Our Top Picks

Before the comparison, a note on how these picks were selected. The list is based on published specifications, brand reputation for display products, and recurring patterns in owner feedback. Nothing here reflects personal testing, and listing details can change, so confirm the specifics on the product page before buying.

Quick Comparison

SideTrak Solo Pro 15.8″ Touchscreen Portable Monitor for Laptop

SideTrak Solo Pro 15.8" Touchscreen Portable Monitor for Laptop | FHD LED IPS Dual Display, 10-Point Touch, USB-C® & HDMI Laptop Screen Extender for Mac, PC, Chrome, HDR (Touchscreen)

View on Amazon

Best for: Multi-touch travel setups

This is the most touch-focused option on the list. It suits people who want a real touchscreen extension for laptop work, including note-taking, design review and interacting with apps that support gestures.

Key specs

• 15.8-inch touchscreen
• Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED IPS panel
• 10-point multi-touch
• USB-C and HDMI connectivity

Pros

• Genuine multi-touch input for gesture-driven apps
• Works with a range of laptops and operating systems
• Connects through USB-C or HDMI

Cons

• Touch drivers and gesture support can vary by operating system
• Needs a reliable power source when driven over USB-C alone

Bottom line: The right choice if touch interaction is the main reason you want a second screen.

View on Amazon

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMTR 15.6 Inch 1080p Touchscreen USB-C Portable Monitor

Built-in Battery, Kickstand, Eye Care, Tripod Socket, IPS, For Laptop, Phone, Console, Travel Display for MacBook and PC ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMTR 15.6 Inch 1080p Touchscreen USB-C Portable Monitor

View on Amazon

Best for: Best overall

A well-rounded touchscreen pick for people who want touch input without giving up portability. It fits students, designers and remote workers who move between locations.

Key specs

• 15.6-inch touchscreen
• 1080p IPS panel
• USB-C connection
• Built-in battery and kickstand

Pros

• Built-in battery reduces cable clutter
• Touch input adds flexibility for quick navigation
• Kickstand and tripod socket aid placement

Cons

• 1080p resolution is modest for very detailed work
• Battery life varies with brightness and use

Bottom line: A strong starting point for most people who want touch on the go.

View on Amazon

ASUS ZenScreen MB16NCG 15.6 Inch 155Hz USB-C Portable Monitor

100% sRGB, Auto Rotate, WQXGA(2560X1600), USB-C, IPS, Power Pass Through, Eye Care, Travel Display for MacBook and PC ASUS ZenScreen MB16NCG 15.6 Inch 155Hz,16:10 USB-C Portable Monitor

View on Amazon

Best for: High refresh rates

This model targets users who value smooth motion and a taller screen ratio. It suits those who scroll long documents or watch fast-moving content on a secondary display.

Key specs

• 15.6-inch IPS panel
• WQXGA (2560 x 1600) resolution
• 155Hz refresh rate
• USB-C with power pass-through

Pros

• High resolution in a 16:10 aspect ratio
• Fast refresh rate for smooth scrolling
• Power pass-through simplifies setup

Cons

• Higher refresh and resolution demand more from the laptop’s port and GPU
• Not a touchscreen

Bottom line: Pick this if display sharpness and smoothness matter more than touch input.

View on Amazon

ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV 15.6 Inch 1080p USB-C Portable Monitor

USB-C, Anti-Glare, Kickstand, IPS, For Laptop, Phone, Console, Travel Display for MacBook and PC ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV 15.6 Inch 1080p USB-C Portable Monitor

View on Amazon

Best for: Color-critical work

A solid, no-frills portable display with an anti-glare IPS panel. It suits photographers, illustrators and anyone who needs accurate colors on the go.

Key specs

• 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel
• Anti-glare coating
• USB-C connectivity
• Kickstand included

Pros

• Anti-glare finish helps in bright rooms
• IPS panel offers wide viewing angles
• Simple USB-C connection

Cons

• No touch input
• Lacks built-in battery, so it relies on the laptop for power

Bottom line: A practical choice when color consistency and glare control are the priorities.

View on Amazon

ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACVR 15.6″ 1080P Portable Monitor

ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” 1080P Portable Monitor (MB16ACVR) – Full HD, IPS, Eye Care, Flicker Free, Blue Light Filter, Kickstand, USB-C Power Delivery, for Laptop, PC, Phone, Console

View on Amazon

Best for: Single-cable setups

This model is designed around simplicity. One USB-C cable can carry video and power, which helps people who want a tidy desk.

Key specs

• 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel
• USB-C with power delivery
• Eye care and flicker-free features
• Blue light filter

Pros

• Single-cable operation with power delivery
• Eye care features suit long sessions
• Lightweight and easy to set up

Cons

• Requires a laptop with USB-C power delivery support
• No touchscreen

Bottom line: Ideal for users who want the simplest possible connection.

View on Amazon

Laptop Screen Extender 14″ FHD 1080P Portable Monitor

Laptop Screen Extender 14", FHD 1080P Portable Monitor for Laptop, Light Monitor Extender Plug&Play, IPS Display Computer Monitor for Laptop 13-17” (Screen Length: 11.81"-16.14") for Travel Work

View on Amazon

Best for: Best budget pick

A lower-cost option for people who want a second screen for basic tasks. It is suited to occasional travel and light office work.

Key specs

• 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display
• Plug-and-play connection
• Designed for laptops in the 13 to 17 inch range

Pros

• Budget-friendly entry point
• Simple plug-and-play setup
• Good size for a secondary window

Cons

• Not a touchscreen
• Build and brightness are usually simpler than premium models

Bottom line: A sensible pick for basic second-screen needs without touch.

View on Amazon

Ebmiuux PM191Q 18.5 Inch Slim Portable Monitor

7ms, AdaptiveSync, sRGB 99%, HDMI, 2xUSB-C, Speaker, External Monitor for Laptop PC/MAC, Travel Monitor, PS5, XBOX, Switch Acer 18.5in FHD 1920×1080 IPS 100Hz Slim Portable Monitor PM191Q Ebmiuux

View on Amazon

Best for: Gaming consoles and laptops

A larger, versatile display that works with laptops, PCs and game consoles. It fits users who want more screen real estate for media and gaming.

Key specs

• 18.5-inch Full HD IPS panel
• 100Hz refresh rate
• HDMI and USB-C inputs
• Built-in speakers

Pros

• Larger screen than most portable options
• Higher refresh rate suits gaming and video
• Built-in speakers and multiple inputs

Cons

• Larger size and weight reduce portability
• Not a touchscreen

Bottom line: Best for users who want a bigger display and console compatibility.

View on Amazon

Buying Guide

Touch Technology and Number of Touch Points

Touch monitors use either capacitive or resistive sensing, and most modern portable units use capacitive panels that respond to light touch. Check how many touch points the display supports. Single-touch is enough for tapping and basic navigation, while multi-touch (often 10 points) is needed for pinch-to-zoom and gesture-heavy apps.

Good picks for this: SideTrak Solo Pro, ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMTR

Connection Type and Laptop Compatibility

Most portable touch monitors connect over USB-C, HDMI or both. Confirm your laptop has a USB-C port that supports video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode), and check whether it also supplies power. Touch input usually requires a separate USB connection for the touch signal, so verify that your laptop has enough ports.

Good picks for this: ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACVR, SideTrak Solo Pro

Screen Size and Resolution

Portable touch monitors commonly range from about 14 to 16 inches for laptop use. A 1080p panel is sufficient for most office and browsing tasks, while 1600p or higher suits detailed design work. Higher resolution demands more from your laptop’s graphics and port bandwidth.

Good picks for this: ASUS ZenScreen MB16NCG, Laptop Screen Extender 14″

Refresh Rate and Motion Handling

Standard portable monitors run at 60Hz. Higher rates such as 100Hz or 155Hz make scrolling and motion look smoother. Check whether the refresh rate is supported over your chosen connection, since some ports cap it.

Good picks for this: ASUS ZenScreen MB16NCG, Ebmiuux PM191Q

Color Accuracy and Panel Type

IPS panels generally offer better viewing angles and color consistency than basic TN panels. Look for stated sRGB coverage if color matters to your work. Anti-glare coatings help in bright environments.

Good picks for this: ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV, ASUS ZenScreen MB16NCG

Portability, Weight and Power

If you travel, consider thickness, weight and whether the monitor has a built-in battery or relies on the laptop. A kickstand or tripod socket helps with placement, and power delivery over USB-C can reduce the number of cables you carry.

Good picks for this: ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMTR, ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACVR

Durability and Care

Touchscreens are exposed to fingerprints and occasional pressure. Use a microfiber cloth and mild screen-safe cleaner, and avoid spraying liquid directly on the panel. A protective sleeve or folio helps during travel.

Good picks for this: SideTrak Solo Pro, Laptop Screen Extender 14″

FAQ

Can any laptop use a touch monitor?

Most laptops can use a portable touch monitor, but touch input depends on the connection and the operating system. Check that your laptop has a suitable USB-C or HDMI port and that your OS supports external touch input.

Do I need a special driver for touch input?

Many portable touch monitors work with drivers included in modern operating systems, but some need a manufacturer driver for full multi-touch or gesture support. Check the product page for driver requirements before buying.

Is USB-C or HDMI better for a touch monitor?

USB-C is usually more convenient because one cable can carry video, touch data and sometimes power. HDMI is widely supported but may need a separate USB cable for touch and power.

Will a touch monitor drain my laptop battery?

It can. A second display increases power draw, and monitors that rely on the laptop’s USB-C port for power will use more battery. Monitors with their own battery or external power reduce this effect.

Is a touchscreen better than a regular portable monitor?

It depends on your work. Touch is helpful for drawing, navigation and gesture-based apps. If you mainly need extra screen space for documents or spreadsheets, a non-touch portable monitor may serve you well and cost less to set up.

What resolution should I look for?

Full HD (1080p) works for most office and browsing tasks. Choose a higher resolution like WQXGA if you work with detailed images, spreadsheets with many columns or fine text.

Conclusion

For most laptop users who want touch input in a portable form, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMTR offers a balanced mix of touch, battery and portability. If multi-touch gestures matter most, the SideTrak Solo Pro is the more specialized choice. Buyers focused on sharpness and smooth motion should look at the ASUS ZenScreen MB16NCG, while color-focused users may prefer the ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACV. Those who want a simple single-cable setup can consider the MB16ACVR, and budget-minded buyers may find the Laptop Screen Extender 14″ sufficient for basic second-screen work. For a larger display that also works with consoles, the Ebmiuux PM191Q is worth a look. Always confirm your laptop’s port support before purchasing.

Sources

• Guidance on electronics energy use and power consumption that can help you estimate battery drain from a second display (energy.gov)
• Consumer safety information on battery and charging-related product guidance (cpsc.gov)
• Standards and measurement background relevant to display and electronic device specifications (nist.gov)

Related reading

• 7 Best 4K Touch Screen Portable Monitors for Laptop Users (2026)
• Triple Portable Monitor for Laptop 15.6-Inch: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)
• Portable Triple Monitor Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide for Laptop Users
• HP Laptop Monitor Black Screen: 7 Causes and Fixes That Work
• Best Wireless Monitor for Laptop

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our consumer tech how-to & troubleshooting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.