Add touch function to your PC with one of these external monitors

Touch displays are commonly found in laptops these days, but what about adding touch support to a desktop PC or non-touch Ultrabook? The market for touch external monitors isn't huge, but we've rounded up some of the best available now.

Articulating Stand

Dell P2418HT

Staff Pick

Dell's P2418HT 24-inch monitor has an articulating stand that allows the screen to lie down at a 60-degree angle for easier touch input. It has an IPS panel for wide viewing angles, its 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution is perfect for productivity work, and you can connect your PC with HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort. This is a well-built monitor with a stellar display, perfect for just about any environment where touch is needed.

$314 at Dell

$305 at Newegg

$326 at Amazon

Portable Touch

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMT

Editor's Choice

If you're often on the run and can't lug a full-size external touch monitor with you, the 15.6-inch FHD ZenScreen should do the trick. It has a folding case that doubles as a stand, so it's ready to go whenever you need it, and it connects with USB-C or micro-HDMI. Built-in speakers are included, and there's even a battery inside that will be a huge help when there's no outlet nearby.

$338 at Amazon

$338 at Newegg

$350 at Best Buy

Budget Option

Planar Helium PCT2235

Planar's Helium touch display is sized at 22 inches, making it easy to set up as a secondary display for a desktop PC or laptop. It has an FHD resolution, its stand allows it to lie completely flat, and it has built-in speakers for a bit of audio. Connect with HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA. Coming in significantly cheaper than other options, this is no doubt an attractive option.

$190 at Amazon

$204 at Newegg

Built-In Speakers

Acer UT241Y

This 23.8-inch touch display has an FHD resolution and IPS panel for wide viewing angles. Its dual-hinge stand gives you plenty of ergonomic options, and dual 2W speakers on the back offer some sound without the need for headphones or other speakers. Ports include USB-C, HDMI, VGA, and two USB-A.

$300 at Newegg

$326 at B&H

QHD Resolution

Acer T272HUL

Don't want to look at an FHD resolution in your new touch monitor? This 27-inch Acer touch display has a 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution for a much crisper picture. Tilt ranges from 30 to 80 degrees for a more comfortable touch experience, and the panel provides wide viewing angles. Connect with

$769 at Amazon

$769 at B&H

$774 at Newegg

If we're making some suggestions

Adding an external touch monitor to your laptop or PC adds a whole other way to interact with Windows, and any of the options above will fulfill the same essential role. However, you might be wondering where to start.

Dell's monitor lineup is impressive, and the 24-inch P2418HT touch display is no different. It's built to a high standard with an articulating stand, allowing the screen to sit at a 60-degree angle for smooth touch input. There's almost no bezel around three sides, so it should be no problem positioning this in tandem with other monitors. The IPS panel provides wide viewing angles if you're collaborating, and the FHD resolution looks great at this size. Plenty of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and USB-A, make it easy to connect.

Are you looking for something you can take with you to use with a laptop? The ASUS ZenScreen is a 15.6-inch portable display with built-in cover and stand, speakers, and 7,800mAh battery for use when there's no outlet nearby. Connect with USB-C or micro-HDMI, and enjoy an FHD resolution with solid color and contrast.