When deciding which is the best non touch screen laptop for your needs, there a few key features to keep in mind. Tech experts agree that the best laptops without a touch screen will get you better specs at a Lower price compared to the devices that have a touch screen.
For the same price point, non touch screen laptops have an improved Gpu and overall enhanced performance on the tech spec side when compared to touch screen laptops.
See our post: Is a Touch Screen Laptop Worth it? (Touchscreen vs Non Touch Screen)
What makes a non touch screen laptop ideal? You won’t have to pay extra for the fancy touch 2-in-1 display technology.
Based on our tests the non touch devices were noticeably faster and had the specs we needed at a budget price.
Related: 7 Ways to write and draw on a non touch screen laptop
In this post we’re going to explain the pros and cons of the best non touch screen laptops, what makes it ideal for those looking for a computer without a touch screen, and which are the ideal choice for consumers on a budget.
- At a Glance – Best laptops without a touch screen
- 1. ASUS Chromebook Laptop: Best Chromebook without a touch screen
- 2. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro: Best Windows non touch screen laptop
- 3. MacBook Pro: Best 13 inch Laptop without a touchscreen
- 4. HP Pavilion: Best Hp non touch laptop
- 5. Asus ZenBook: Best Slim non touchscreen laptop
- 6. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15: Best laptop without a touch screen (gaming)
- 7. Dell Inspiron 3000: Best affordable laptop (no touchscreen)
- 8. HP Stream: Best budget non touch laptop (lightweight)
- 9. Lenovo IdeaPad: Best non touch screen Lenovo Laptop
- 10. MSI GL75 Leopard: Fastest non touch screen laptop
- How to choose to best non-touch screen laptops
- Are 2-in-1 laptops better than regular laptops?
- What is a non touch-screen laptop?
- Touch Display vs Touchscreen
- How we tested & rated our picks for the best non touch screen laptops
- Should I get a touchscreen laptop?
- FAQ
- Bottom Line
At a Glance – Best laptops without a touch screen
Heres our top picks for the best laptop devices without a touch screen:
- ASUS Chromebook Laptop: Best Chromebook without a touch screen
- Samsung Galaxy Book Pro: Best Windows non touch screen laptop
- MacBook Pro: Best 13 inch Laptop without a touchscreen
- HP Pavilion: Best Hp non touch laptop
- Asus ZenBook: Best Slim non touchscreen laptop
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G15: Best laptop without a touch screen (gaming)
- Dell Inspiron 3000: Best affordable laptop (no touchscreen)
I found that most of the touch screen laptops I’ve tested were a bit slower than their non touch screen laptop competitors (at the same price points).
This is because the processor and RAM are typically less powerful since the touch screen capability & technology appears to be more expensive for manufacturers to create (per device).
1. ASUS Chromebook Laptop: Best Chromebook without a touch screen
- Runs on Chrome OS
- 14 Inch display (non touch screen)
- 4 GB RAM
- Micro SD Included and several po
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Asus brings us a non touch display Chromebook which is something many users are looking for. Because the touch display feature could increase the price, this is preferred.
Many budget-conscious consumers may feel they will not use a touchscreen feature. This makes the ASUS Chromebook a great option for those who require a reliable and affordable option.
This laptop comes equipped with a 14″ display, 4GB RAM, and an SSD, all of which are essential features for any Chromebook. Additionally, this laptop also includes a fast micro SD card in the package as well as Bluetooth capabilities, making it easy to store and transfer files.
See: Which Touch Screen Laptops are the best for gamers?
One of the biggest advantages of the ASUS Chromebook Laptop is its price point. Typically priced under $300, students and professionals can save a bit.
One of the drawbacks of the ASUS Chromebook Laptop is that it does not have a touch screen. While this may be a disadvantage for some users, it is also a preferred feature for many users who don’t feel like they would use the touch screen feature. This can also help to keep the cost of the laptop down, making it more affordable for budget-conscious consumers.
When compared to higher priced non touchscreen laptops like the Apple MacBook Air 14″, the ASUS Chromebook Laptop may not have as much power, but it is also significantly more affordable.
2. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro: Best Windows non touch screen laptop
If you are looking for a reliable, powerful laptop with an amazing display, the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is an absolutely brilliant choice. Samsung is one of the most popular brands when it comes to electronic devices.
From mobile phones and tablets to laptops and accessories, the Samsung Galaxy series is trending.
The Galaxy Book Pro’s big advantage over other laptops on our list is its AMOLED screen. Samsung is very well known for making top-notch screens, and the Pro’s display is no different.
Therefore, this is a great choice for those who work in outdoor environments as the viewing experience is simply amazing. When it comes to performance, the latest Book Pro has a reliable CPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD and one of the best batteries on the market (lasts up to 20 hours).
It doesn’t run on Android as you might expect since it’s from Samsung, but it uses Windows which most are familiar with.
Related: 10 Best Touch Screen Laptops for Drawing
That being said, this laptop will have no problems dealing with demanding software, multitasking, and online apps. In a few words, Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is an amazing choice for those who need a powerful laptop with an exceptional non-touch screen and battery life.
3. MacBook Pro: Best 13 inch Laptop without a touchscreen
When it comes to modern design, reliable hardware kits, and exceptional OS, Apple is hard to beat. The current MacBook Pro is definitely one of the most popular non-touch screen laptops ever created. As with all Apple devices, the big difference in performance comes from the fluid and intuitive macOS.
In fact, both the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro (16-inch version) are great for creative tasks like photo and video editing. I found the MacBook Air to handle almost every task I threw at it, including gaming.
MacBooks also lasts incredibly long compared to the windows alternatives I’ve tested: how Long does a MacBook Pro Last (The Truth).
This certainly makes up for the slightly higher price point and this may be why so many Apple fans stick with the Mac permanently as their go-to choice.
Related: 7 Ways to Write and Draw on a Non Touch Screen Laptop
Performance-wise, the Air offers an extremely fast experience with 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM and super-fast SSD. Although the Samsung Book Pro has better battery life, the MacBook Air also has one of the best batteries on the market (up to 18 hours).
Most of the recent models are quicker than the i7 Processors many laptops previously used and outperform cheap alternatives in several aspects aside from price.
On the other hand, the Apple devices are the most expensive (but the MacOS operating system is one of the smoothest I’ve ever used). Therefore, this is a great solution for those who need a powerful non-touchscreen Apple device with a great battery and lightweight design.
4. HP Pavilion: Best Hp non touch laptop
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HP is very well known for its powerful yet affordable laptops. The brand new HP Pavilion is also a trustworthy budget choice. When it comes to hardware features, this laptop includes a reliable i3 CPU, 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD.
Due to its large RAM capacity, the HP Pavilion is a great Windows notebook for extreme multitasking. Although its CPU is not as powerful as Samsung’s, this notebook can handle demanding apps.
Related: 7 Best Stylus Pens for Touch Screen Laptops
Finally, the HP Pavilion runs Windows 10S, which makes it even faster. However, if you feel limited by the S version, you can upgrade it to Windows 10 Home for free. The only downside is its battery life of 8 hours.
As many tech experts have pointed out, the battery life of a laptop or mobile device drains quite quickly over time in terms of overall lifespan and per session. So, choosing an HP model with a longer battery life is particularly useful for those using it for business purposes or those who travel often.
Related: How to Fix iPhone Battery Draining Overnight
In a few words, the HP Pavilion is a powerful non-touchscreen notebook and a good choice if you need an affordable device and battery life is not your first priority.
5. Asus ZenBook: Best Slim non touchscreen laptop
Asus introduced the ZenBooks a few years ago. This series of non-touchscreen laptops is very popular when it comes to high-end, ultra-slim devices. The latest ZenBook 15 has the whole package: it’s a performance beast, with a high-quality, slim design and innovative features.
When it comes to performance, the ZenBook can handle just about anything. Apart from the super-fast CPU, 16GB RAM and 512BG SSD, this laptop also has an integrated GPU (GTX1650).
This is the type of laptop that can handle basic tasks such as YouTube and advanced tasks such as multiple tabs and advanced software.
Related: 10 Best Touch Screen Laptops for Drawing
Similar to the MacBook experience, I found the design of the laptop to be modern, stylish and provided a smooth texture upon touch, though slightly different than apple’s MacOS devices.
If your just performing basic tasks like video consumption, consider the Best Tablets for Watching Youtube & Videos
Another unique feature of this device is its innovative screen pad. In fact, the touchpad of this device also works as a second screen where you can check your emails, use a calculator, listen to music and much more.
Of course, the ZenBook does have some drawbacks. Its battery lasts up to 6 hours and it is one of the most expensive laptops on our list. Still, this is a premium device created for professionals and those who do not compromise on quality.
6. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15: Best laptop without a touch screen (gaming)
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If you’re looking for a non-touch screen laptop for gaming, the Asus ROG Zephyrus is simply the best choice. The latest Zephyrus is much more than just a laptop without a touchscreen. In fact, although its main display is not a touchscreen, the Zephyrus includes a second screen.
Asus calls it Screen Pad Plus and this is an innovative feature designed specifically for gamers. Thanks to this feature, the Zephyrus is also a great choice for professional animators, as the layers menu and timeline from editing apps are automatically transferred to the Screen Pad.
In terms of performance, Zephyrus has one of the best kits on the market. The latest Ryzen 7 CPU, RTX 3060 GBU and 16GB RAM provide an amazing gaming, animation and editing experience.
Related: Best Gaming Laptops for Graphic Design
The only downside to the Zephyrus is its price, as it is one of the most expensive laptops on our list. Still, this is a premium choice, created for those who need high-end performance, an amazing screen and innovative features.
If you’re looking for the best laptop without a touch screen for gaming or just overall performance, the Zephyrus models are tested and certainly one of our top picks for the high spec, strong battery, and brilliant display. The Zephyrus lacks very few features.
7. Dell Inspiron 3000: Best affordable laptop (no touchscreen)
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Dell is widely known for its reliable mid-range laptops. In fact, the latest Dell Inspiron 3000 is one of the vfm non-touchscreen notebooks on the market. When it comes to performance, the Inspiron has a solid build with a Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
See the Top 7 Benefits of a Touchscreen laptop: Pros and cons
Although the 16GB RAM is ideal for multitasking, the Inspiron is slightly slower than the HP Pavilion reviewed above due to its basic CPU configuration. On the other hand, this Dell model is cheaper than its competitor and has a better battery due to its non power hungry CPU.
That being said, this is a great choice for those who prefer buying Dell laptops and appreciate the brand’s reliability.
8. HP Stream: Best budget non touch laptop (lightweight)
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HP is a reliable choice when it comes to affordable non touchscreen laptops. The latest HP Stream is an ideal laptop for work, school, and non-demanding tasks. At the most affordable price on our list, this HP model has everything a basic user needs.
HP Stream runs on Windows 10 Home (S mode), which offers a faster experience, and has a basic (still strong enough) hardware setup. While the Seleron N4000 and 4GB RAM aren’t ideal for multitasking, this build is perfect for essential productivity tools like (Microsoft Excel, Word) and basic browsing.
The connectivity of this device features the ideal ports and compatibility functions that many consumers may overlook when viewing the manufacturers specs on their own.
Related: Are Touch Screen Laptops Good for Gaming? (The Truth)
So if you need an ultimately affordable yet reliable device, the HP Stream is a strong choice to lean towards.
9. Lenovo IdeaPad: Best non touch screen Lenovo Laptop
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Lenovo has been known worldwide for its strong, affordable laptops. In fact, this brand offers more advanced hardware builds at better prices. Even the latest IdeaPad 3 comes at a very affordable price and offers a better experience than the HP Steam and Dell Inspiron 3000 reviewed above.
In this price range, Lenovo is one of the few brands to include an i3 CPU. So the IdeaPad 3 has a stronger CPU than its competitors. The 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD are also exceptional for the price.
The boot up is fast, everything loaded instantly during our tests, but it does lack the gaming compatibility you might get from the Asus Zephyrus or a fully upgraded the MacBook Pro.
See our post: Lenovo Thinkpad vs Ideapad: Which is better? (Comparison)
In addition, the Lenovo IdeaPad has a larger display (15.6 inches) and exceptional battery life. Thus, this is a brilliant choice for those who want the most powerful affordable laptop with strong security features
The trackpad utilizes palm rejection, the display is features anti-glare with 1920 x 1080p depending on the model and has USB 3.1 connectivity desired by many consumers in search of a laptop without a touchscreen. The material felt like it was constructed well and the touchpad was incredibly responsive.
Lenovo laptops have been a dominant name in the industry for years. They have been able to stay ahead all the way because of the technology and innovation they put into their laptops, making them some of the most popular and desired products.
10. MSI GL75 Leopard: Fastest non touch screen laptop
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If you are looking for a powerful entry-level gaming laptop, the MSI GM75 Leopard is a good solution. Although this laptop doesn’t include the innovative features and high-end hardware of the ROG Zephyrus, MSI has managed to create an extremely powerful laptop without a touchscreen.
The latest Leopard features an exceptional 17.3-inch display that offers a high refresh rate (144 Hz) for smooth and vibrant gaming.
If you’re doing autocad work, see our post on the 9 Best Laptops for AutoCAD
Powering the Leopard is an i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and an integrated GTX 1660 Ti GPU. Finally, MSI has included a 512GB SSD, which is more than enough if you want to store modern games and high-end software.
In a few words, if you need a non-touchscreen gaming laptop at a reasonable price, MSI has designed the perfect candidate.
How to choose to best non-touch screen laptops
Choosing the best laptop without a touchscreen can be a challenge. Usually, it all depends on your budget requirements and preferences. For example, if you want a powerful budget laptop without a touchscreen, the Lenovo IdeaPad and Thinkpad models are great options to consider. you can see our post on the difference between the Lenovo ThinkBook vs ThinkPad.
On the other hand, if you are an Apple fan and prefer to use the latest macOS, the new MacBook Air is the best choice. In general, performance, display, battery life, storage space and connectivity are the most important features you should look for when buying a laptop without a touchscreen.
Related: See the best MacBook for kids.
You’ll want to consider the following when choosing the best non-touch laptop computer:
- Price compared to touch screen competitor
- Your overall objectives for using a non touchscreen device
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Storage, RAM, and Processor
- Display, resolution
- Operating system (ex. Mac, windows)
Pros and cons of non touch screen laptops
There is a debate between touchscreen and non-touchscreen laptops. Many users claim that touchscreen laptops are better because they tend to be more flexible and are simply better for note-taking, drawing and editing (they can be combined with a stylus pen).
On the other hand, laptops without touch screens usually have better hardware features and are cheaper. For this reason, they are better suited for more demanding tasks such as gaming or animation than devices with touchscreens. Of course, choosing the best laptop for you has everything to do with your daily tasks.
Are 2-in-1 laptops better than regular laptops?
To give a definite answer, it would be yes, 2-in-1 laptops are generally the more innovative solutions as they offer ultimate flexibility. With a 2-in-1 laptop like the Surface Pro 7, you have the option of using one device as a laptop, a tablet, or even a drawing pad.
On the flip side, 2-in-1 laptops usually cost more. For example, in the same price range as the Surface Pro 7, you can buy a high-quality gaming laptop like the MSI GL75 Leopard reviewed above.
Which type of laptop is better, touch screen or no touchscreen?
Which type of laptop is better? The most popular reason you would choose to use a laptop with a touchscreen is if you don’t desire to use the screen to be utilized as your main interface and navigation.
Other reasons include drawing capabilities if you’re an artist or graphics professional. In which case, you should also be using a touch pad or keyboard and mouse in addition to the touch screen.
In this article, we’ll discuss why touchscreen laptops are better option for those who want to take their computing experience from boring and repetitive to interactive and full of life.
What is a non touch-screen laptop?
A touch-screen laptop is a computer or laptop that has a touchscreen in place of the standard display. Some models have a keyboard and other touch screen devices use the touch display keyboard instead of a physical, tangible keyboard. By tapping, dragging, and swiping the screen, you can use your laptop computer just as if you were using an iPad or other tablet device.
A non touch screen laptop lacks the ability for users to draw, and perform other activities that require hand touch such as precise artwork and photoshop. Some users may avoid a non touch screen laptops if they plan to use lightroom; including photographers, designers, and those that work with graphic.
See our list of Good laptops for digital art
This is because they enjoy using a stylus with a touch screen laptop and a second built-in screen in order to get the most precise strokes to better create their vision.
A non touch screen laptop has been around for years and is the original type of laptop.
Touch Display vs Touchscreen
The difference between a touch screen and a touch display is that a touch screen enables the touch display software where you can use your fingers, a keyboard and other touch related activities. Tech experts deem that the two terms (touch display and touchscreen) can be confused as different screen types, however the two are one in the same depending on the terminology and where you are located.
Some advantages to purchasing a touch screen display are that it saves space by not having an external mouse or keyboard, it’s easier to type when using the on-screen keyboards because there are less keys to manage, and it’s convenient for people with disabilities because they are able to drag their finger across the screen instead of being confined to only one area.
How we tested & rated our picks for the best non touch screen laptops
We rated non touch screen laptops that have a strong processor and RAM for the same price as the average touch screen laptop higher. We tested and chose these specific models based on the screen size, RAM, processor, and storage capacity.
Non touch screen laptops typically have higher storage capacity, faster RAM and processor for the touch screen display models at the same price point. These laptops that fit this criteria were rated higher than those that don’t.
Non touch screen laptops for gaming require certain graphics and this was a considerable factor amongst our picks and those laptops without a touchscreen that had more ports and slots for memory were rated slightly higher depending on what other factors (such as ram and base storage) come with the device.
Experts have agreed that previous models and releases of laptops that don’t have a touch display have decreased in price compared to their touch competitors due to the level of demand for touchscreen display. Many consumers believe this is not true and is subjective for most, but we found through our tests for this to be true.
We attempt to go beyond just the information of what the manufacturers have supplied to help you make a better choice for these non touch devices.
Should I get a touchscreen laptop?
If you are looking to utilize both a laptop and touch functions for work or art, then yes, you should get get a touchscreen laptop. Alternatives include using a regular laptop with a drawing or graphics tablet connected to it depending on the exact requirements of the user.
Touchscreen laptops typically require a powerful and fast enough processor and ram to utilize the touch display software on top of all the other processes a non touchscreen laptop needs to run simultaneously. To satisfy what users need to do such as draw and tap the screen to drag and have touch functions, but is less affordable than its competitor which is the standard laptop without a touch display/pad.
A Touch screen laptop is designed for media and utilizes a high resolution display that’s typically as bright as a tablet screen. It is useful for everything from education, YouTube, streaming, and even playing video games.
There are also some disadvantages such as scratches on the surface of your monitor if not properly taken care of and potential problems with glare. However, most recent touch screen laptops combat these disadvantages with display technology and tend to have a higher price point.
FAQ
What does it mean if a laptop is a non touchscreen vs a regular laptop
The difference between a regular, standard laptop and a touchscreen laptop is the display being able to touch with your finger, stylus or other means of tapping or dragging on the screen connected to the device. These devices may or may not have keyboards as the display allows for a onscreen keyboard using your touch
Oftentimes, these devices are bluetooth compatible in case you did want to attach a keyboard to a touch screen laptop without a dedicated, tangible accessory to type. The viewing angles of a touchscreen laptop are sometimes lesser quality when compared to a standard laptop, but this varies depending on the device model as technology is constantly advancing.
Bottom Line
If you did need to turn your laptop into a touchscreen laptop you can always get a surface pro or similar device. Alternatively you can even connect a wireless drawing tablet or drawing tablet with a screen built in for a second monitor or to mirror your touch screen to the computer without a touch screen built-in.
It can also be difficult to determine what laptop types are non touch screen or not with all the new technology pushing this type of device in front of consumers.
Compared to other devices, non touchscreen laptops have been around far before touchscreen was enabled and many lower tier laptops with a touch screen still have some errors, lag, and difficulties when doubling as a computer with drawing or tablet functions like navigating the screen with your finger.