Top 8 Best Touchscreen Laptops under $500 in 2021 – Reviews and Comparison

Touchscreen laptops under $500

Touchscreen is a basic feature for handheld devices like phones and tablets that don't carry a physical keyboard with them. But will laptops they are not common. For instance the mighty and popular Apple MacBooks do not yet have touchscreen ability.

However several brands like HP and Dell do ship touchscreen laptops that provide users with the ability to interact with screen items pretty much like a mouse pointer.

Touchscreen functionality also affects the cost of the laptop overall. So in this article we are going to take a look at some budget touchscreen laptops that fit within a compact size and price at the same time.

However, within the $500 price range, do not expect massive performance and high power processors. Most of the laptops would have small than usual display size and medium range processors like i3. But still they are useful for those who seek a touch friendly display.

1. HP Flagship High Performance 15.6 inch HD Touchscreen Laptop

This HP Flagship 15.6 inch laptop has a touchscreen display and is ideal for both students and office users. Hardware configuration is decent and this laptop is capable of running Windows 10.

HP Flagship 15.6 inch HD Touchscreen Laptop

Features

• 15.6” HD SVA WLED-backlit touchscreen display (1366x768)
• Intel Pentium N3540 Quad Core with Intel HD Graphics
• 2.16GHz processor with a Max Turbo Speed of 2.66GHz
• 4GB DDRL3 RAM with a 500GB HDD storage
• Full size island-styled keyboard with numeric keypad
• SuperMulti DVD burner
• Multi-in-1 card reader
• Front facing VGA webcam with integrated digital microphone
• 1 x Ethernet port, 1 x DC-in port, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x headphone/microphone jack, 1 x USB 2.0 port, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• Wireless compatibility – 802.11b/g/n
• Weighs 5.05 pounds
• 3 cell lithium ion battery
• Windows 10 Home

Review

This user friendly and super thin HP laptop has the Intel Pentium Quad Core processor with a 4GB RAM delivering a processing speed of 2.16GHz. And it does not stop here because the processor clocks up to a Max Turbo speed of 2.66GHz, just perfect to deliver on high performing tasks with absolute ease.

Images are sharp and crystal clear, thanks to the 15.6” diagonal HD SVA WLED backlit touchscreen display. The touchscreen interface is smooth and interactive.

Storage: With a 500GB HDD storage space, storing files/data/images would not be a hassle at all. There’s ample space and for additional storage requirements there’s always the option of accessing external hard drives. The multiple USB ports make it easy to connect to external storage devices and also make transferring data an easy task.

Output: The front facing VGA webcam with integrated digital microphone handles video calls/chats with ease.

2. Dell HD LED Touchscreen Laptop (2016 Edition)

This touchscreen laptop comes from Dell and within our target price range. It has an i3 processor which has integrated graphics processing unit. So you should be able to play games on this laptop.

Dell 15.6" HD LED TOUCHSCREEN Laptop

Features

• 15.6" LED Backlit touchscreen with Truelife and HD resolution display (1366 x 768)
• 5th gen Intel Core i3-5015U processor with Intel HD Graphics 5500
• 2.1 GHz processing speed
• 6GB DDR3L RAM 1600MHz
• 1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Average battery life up to 5 hours
• Multi-touch gesture enabled precision touchpad with integrated scrolling
• Multi-Format Digital media card reader
• 802.11AC WLAN
• Built-in HD webcam
• 1 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
• Wireless compatibility – 802.11.a, 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth
• Windows 10 Home English 64bit

Performance:

This powerhouse boasts of a 5th generation Intel i3 dual core processor combined with a 6GB DDR3L RAM, delivering 2.1GHz of processing speed. It supports high performing tasks perfectly well and has an average battery life of up to 5 hours.

With a 15.6” LED backlit touchscreen with Truelife and HD resolution display, images are sharp and clear and serve well to the visual organs. The touchscreen interface is smooth and interactive. It has a multi-touch gesture-enabled precision touchpad with integrated scrolling. Precision touchpads are typically designed for devices that run Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 10. There are a variety of touch gestures that are very helpful in getting around the device quickly. For example, pinch the screen to zoom in/out.

This power house flaunts its 1TB HDD storage space with much aplomb. Saying that the storage space is ample, would be an understatement. A space as much as 1TB can store pretty much anything and everything that one requires and for that additional requirement, there is always the multiple USB ports, that not only make the data transfer process an easy task but also provide easy access to that external storage space, as and when required.
A widescreen HD webcam with digital microphone supports video calls/chats with friends and family.

3. HP High Performance 15.6 inch HD Touchscreen Laptop - 2016

This HP Touchscreen laptop is different from the previous one. It has an i3 processor instead of the Pentium quadcore processor. Besides the processor, other hardware features are similar.

HP 15.6" Intel i3 Touchscreen Laptop

Features

• 15.6” HD WLED-backlit touchscreen display (1366x768)
• Intel Core i3-5020U Dual Core processor with Intel HD Graphics 5500
• 2.2 GHz 3MB L3 cache
• 4GB DDRL3 SDRAM with 500GB 5400 RPM HDD
• SuperMulti DVD burner
• Multi-format digital media card reader
• DTS Studio Sound with dual speakers
• Front facing VGA webcam with integrated digital microphone
• 1 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI
• 3 cell lithium ion battery
• Average battery life upto 5 hours
• Windows 10 Home

Review

This HP device boasts of a 5th generation Intel i3 dual core processor. Combined with 4GB RAM and 2.2GHz processing speed, you can run a variety of regular applications without slowdown. The memory is expandable up to 16GB. Battery life lasts up to 5 hours.

It has a 15.6” diagonal HD WLED touchscreen display producing sharp images and a smooth touchscreen interface. The 500GB HDD provides ample storage. There are multiple USB ports as well, that make data transfer easy and also provide easy access to external storage devices for additional storage requirements.

Audio output is supported by the DTS Studio Sound which delivers through the dual speakers that the device has. The device also hosts a front facing VGA webcam with integrated digital microphone that supports video calls/chats with friends and family.

4. Dell inspiron i7359-1145SLV 13.3 inch 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop

The 13 inch Inspiron from Dell is a laptop and tablet device together. Its has a 2 in 1 form factor that can be folded to be used like a tablet.

Dell Inspiron i7359-1145SLV Touchscreen Laptop

Features

• 13.3” HD (1366x768) LED-Lit Truelife touchscreen display
• 6th Generation Intel Core i3-6100U Processor with Intel HD Graphics
• 2.3 GHz 3MB cache
• 4GB DDRL3 SDRAM with 500GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• Touchscreen/stylus pen interface input
• 2-in-1 media card reader
• Average battery life upto 6 hours
• Wireless compatibility – Intel dual band wireless -AC3165 + Bluetooth 4.0
• Optical drive not included
• Weighs 3.66 pounds
• 3 cell lithium ion battery
• Windows 10

With 4GB DDRL3 RAM coupled with 2.3GHz of processing speed, this compact machine has ample processing power . For additional requirements, the RAM is expandable up to 8GB. Most common apps and even photo editing apps should work fine. This laptop combines powerful performance of a premium laptop with the versatility of a 13.3” tablet with built-in stylus. There are 4 modes to suit your needs - laptop, tablet, tent or stand. So whether you are at the desk, or travelling or doing something else, this laptop can adapt to the surrounding and serve its user comfortably.

With a vibrant 13.3" HD display, that makes providing attention to detail an effortless and easy task. The 500GB HDD provides ample space to store al your files, apps and more. The multiple ports on the device support easy connectivity to multiple external devices making large file transfers or storing additional data/files on external drives an easy task.

Connect your machine to a TV or another HD device with the help of the HDMI port. Built in speakers with MaxxAudio make for a great audio output.

5. HP 15-F111DX 15.6 inch Touchscreen Laptop

This is yet another 15.6" display laptop that has touchscreen capabilities and decent hardware configurations. This one comes with AMD quadcore processor which performs close to its rival processors from Intel.

HP 15-f111DX 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop

Features

• 15.6” diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit touchscreen display (1366x768)
• AMD Quad-Core A8-6410 processor with AMD Radeon HD 8210 Graphics
• 2.0 GHz (up to 2.4 GHz), 3MB cache
• 8GB DDRL3 SDRAM with 750 GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• Multi format digital media card reader
• SuperMulti DVD burner
• Front facing VGA webcam
• Average battery life upto 5 hours
• 1 x USB 2.0 port, 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• Weighs 4.92 pounds
• 3 cell lithium ion battery
• Windows 8.1

Review

The 8GB RAM coupled with 2.0 GHz of processing speed allows you to work on several documents, work on multiple projects, access multiple apps with no lag or slowdown. An easy to set up system, it’s a favourite across all categories - from beginners to advanced, from gamers to IT professionals, all the same. Battery lasts up to 5 hours.

The laptop has a rich 15.6" diagonal HD BrightView LED display delivering crisp and clean visual outputs. The system boasts of a 750 GB SATA hard disk that provides ample storage space. Multiple USB ports also allow for external storage devices to be accessed without any hassles.

6. Lenovo G50 15.6 inch Touchscreen Laptop

Lenovo is yet another popular brand making laptops that compete with brands like HP and Dell. The Lenovo G50 model is a 15.6" touchscreen laptop that has the Intel i3 processor.

Lenovo G50 15.6-inch Laptop

Features

• 15.6" Wide Screen Support LED backlight Touchscreen HD Display (1366 x 768)
• 5th Generation Intel Core i3 5020U processor with Intel HD Graphics 5500
• 2.2 GHz Dual core processor, 3MB L3 cache
• 4GB DDRL3 SDRAM with 500 GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• Media card reader
• SuperMulti DVD burner
• HD webcam
• Average battery life 5-6 hours
• 1 x USB 3.0 port, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth 4.0
• Weighs 5.72 pounds
• Windows 10

Review

The G50 comfortably lasts 5-6 hours in moderate use. With a fast enough processing speed, the G50 provides great everyday versatility. Its 15.6” wide screen HD display delivers bright, crisp visuals.

500GB of HDD and multiple USB ports allow for ample storage options and the 3.0 USB supports 10 times faster data transfers compared to the earlier versions.

The G50 supports Bluetooth connectivity and delivers pretty decent audio outputs. Video chats/calls are a breeze thanks to the in-built HD webcam with microphone.

7. Dell i3542-6003BK 15.6 inch Touchscreen Laptop

A laptop that is adequate enough for taking care of your emails, paying bills, accessing Instagram, watching Netflix and sharing cat videos, and more.

Dell i3542-6003BK Touchscreen Laptop

Features

• 15.6" LED Touchscreen HD Display (1366 x 768)
• 4th Generation Intel Core i3 4030U processor with Intel HD Graphics
• 1.9 GHz processing speed, 3MB cache
• 4GB DDR3 SDRAM with 500 GB 5400 RPM HDD
• Multi-format media card reader
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
• 1.0MP HD webcam with digital microphone
• 1 x USB 3.0 port, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth 4.0
• Weighs 7.63 pounds
• Windows 8.1

Review

With its 4th gen intel core i3 processor coupled with a 1.9GHz processing speed, this system serves adequately well for home and personal use and provides equally well for small business needs and requirements. Battery life serves up to 6 hours with moderate use.

Like most other laptops you get the standard 500 GB storage hard drive that runs at 5400 RPM. Multiple USB ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfers, and it also means that you have access to additional storage space without any worries. Just plug in your USB and store away! Also, the 4GB DDR3 SDRAM is expandable up to 8GB.

HDMI output enables connection to an HDTV or other HD display with ease. Video chats/calls have been made easy with the in-built 1.0MP HD webcam with digital microphone.

8. ASUS Transformer Book T300 Chi 12.5 inch 2-in-1 Detachable TouchScreen Laptop

This device is a bit different from other laptops. The screen can be detached from the keyboard and used like a standalone touch tablet. This is a bit fancy but can be useful when you need to use it while travelling or moving around.

ASUS Transformer Book T300 CHI

Features

• 12.5" ASUS TruVivid Display with IPS technology (1920 x 1080)
• Intel Core M-5Y10 processor with Intel HD Graphics
• Turbo boost up to 2.00 GHz processing speed, 4M shared L3 cache
• 4GB DDR3 RAM with 128 GB SSD (1year free unlimited ASUS WebStorage)
• Corning concore glass protection
• Touchscreen/stylus pen interface input
• Battery life lasts up to 8 hours
• Micro SD card reader
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
• 2.0MP HD front facing webcam
• 1 x USB 3.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0, support for Miracast
• Weighs 3.2 pounds
• Windows 8.1

Review

This light weight, incredibly thin, 2-in-1 hybrid machine is one moment a laptop and the other a tablet. At first glance the T300 is an ultraportable laptop, but one click of a concealed button and it swiftly transforms into a 12.5” tablet. There are 4 dedicated modes that you can adjust according to your needs – Attached, Detached, Flipped and Tented.

Featuring the fanless, state of the art Intel Core M processor and providing up to 8 hours of battery life, the T300 provides top of the line performance for you to work, play and create at ease while you’re on the move.

Its TruVivid display with in-plane switching (IPS) technology provides a glare free experience, keeping your eyes safe, and provides expanded viewing angles up to 178 degrees wide. The corning concore glass accentuates the viewing as well as the touchscreen experience while also keeping your laptop-cum-tablet protected against scratches and damage to the screen.

The T300’s 128GB SSD proves to be ample and responsive enough to enable fast data transfers for large files. In addition to that the auxiliary MicroSD slots let you access media stored elsewhere without cluttering the internal drive.

The T300 boasts of ASUS’s SonicMaster technology that delivers powerful output via two built-in surround sound speakers.

Conclusion

Whether you need to take quick notes using a stylus pen, or do some sort of drawing or interact with an application quickly without using the touchpad, it makes it a bit easier to work with a touchscreen. With a larger display it gets even more productive. Some of the above mentioned laptops with a full 15.6 inch display whereas some are smaller at around 13".

So the display size would be an important factor to consider when buying a touchscreen laptop. For office work 15.6 inch display would be ideal, whereas if you are travelling and need a more compact device to taking notes or manage pictures, the 13 inch display sizes may work fine.

Besides the display size the other important thing to check would be the hardware configuration. Though many of the laptops have a 500GB hard drive, the more important thing is RAM and processor. At this price range, none of the laptops offer a powerful processor like i7 at present. Most come with either an i3 or a Pentium Quadcore processor both of which are medium range processors. So make sure to compare the hardware profile of the laptop with the applications you need or wish to run.