Trackpads swap the constant wrist movements you'd make pointing and clicking with a mouse for more fluid swiping, scrolling, and gesturing. It's a more natural and comfortable experience that doesn't typically use any wires. Plus, you get even more surface area on an external trackpad than on the one that's built into your laptop. Thanks to their low profile, minimal footprint, and sleek design, they look great at any desk without taking up too much room. They're perfect for a multitude of tasks, from editing images and interacting with lengthy PDF documents to just browsing the web.
If you’re hoping to add a trackpad to your desk, make sure that it's compatible with your computer. Our recommended trackpads are compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X: However, some models are only compatible with older Windows 10 software, not the latest Windows 11 operating system. So, you'll want to double check what OS your computer is running before buying one! I can’t stress this enough. If you have a Mac computer, I strongly recommend opting for Apple’s own Magic Trackpad, since it offers the best experience for Mac users.
Next, you need to decide whether you want a wireless or wired trackpad. Wired trackpads connect to your computer with a USB cable, while wireless use Bluetooth. Wired connections are much more reliable, and you won't have to worry about recharging your trackpad, either. However, wireless models are more versatile and less annoying to use, since a cord won't get in the way. Unfortunately, they may occasionally suffer lag.
Photo: Bridget Clegg/Best Products
Besides that, pay attention to which features the trackpad offers. Some have multitouch capabilities, which come in handy for photo editing. Some have convenient shortcuts, and some have physical buttons which make it easier for muscle memory to engage, so that you know where your hand is located on the trackpad.
If you're ready to give your arm a break and use an effortless trackpad, here are the absolute best picks I vouch for.
The W-Touch is an aluminum touchpad that's quite similar to Apple's Magic Trackpad, but this one is geared toward Windows 10 users. It supports both Precision drivers and multitouch gestures, like pinch to zoom and multifinger swipes for switching desktops.
Measuring in at 5.5x3.3 inches, it’s a tad smaller than Apple's trackpad, but it's plenty spacious to get work done. Although this option is a lot more expensive than other PC trackpads, it's worth the splurge, since it pairs with multiple devices and doesn't have any noticeable lag.
Another perk? This option is wireless and recharges over USB-C. You can expect 1 month of battery life before it'll need to be recharged.
If you own a Mac computer or Chromebook, I recommend Apple's very own trackpad, dubbed the Magic Trackpad. Measuring in at 6.3 inches long x 4.5 inches deep — and coming in a silver color — it has the largest surface area of any trackpad.
Plus, it's equipped with a rechargeable battery that'll last for more than a month on a single charge. When the battery needs to be topped off, the trackpad charges with an included USB-C to Lightning cable.
It works just as well as the trackpad that's built into the MacBook. I use one every day, and prefer it to my mouse for editing images in Photoshop. The trackpad easily recognizes clicks and taps, supports plenty of multitouch gestures, and scrolls like a dream.
For those in search of an aluminum and glass precision trackpad that’s spacious, affordable, and will help lessen wrist fatigue, look no further than the Keymecher Mano 603. The device is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 7 computers, and connects to your computer immediately after plugging it in.
It offers a month-long battery life, multitouch support, and embedded left, middle, and right buttons, so you can easily select text and drag and drop. There are areas on each side that you can configure to more easily scroll through lengthy documents, too. This option is available in black or silver to best match your setup. (There's also a variant that's 20% larger.)
Convenient to use on the couch since it has keyboard
Touchpad isn't as responsive as other options
If you have your computer hooked up to a TV and need a wireless keyboard with a built-in trackpad for some couch surfing, you can't go wrong with this option from Logitech. It's a slim, lightweight, and inexpensive option that works best with PCs.
It has a long 30-foot range, and it's powered by a pair of included AA batteries. The batteries last an impressive 18 months before requiring replacement. Another pro is that it offers users plenty of hotkeys for easily adjusting volume or music playback.
Equipped with both left and right buttons for clicking
Small touch surface
Perixx's touchpad comes in two sizes: a small one that measures in at just 2.3x1.7 inches, and another that's 4.7x3.5 inches. If you prefer having physical buttons rather than a single smooth surface, both options are equipped with two buttons for easily clicking through your computer's interface.
Both trackpads are for the PC, and they support plenty of gestures to rotate, zoom, and scroll. Perixx’s PERIPAD is comfortable and quick to set up, and it supports multitouch. It’s compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10.
This touchpad from Microsoft gives you the best of both worlds. It works as both a mouse and touch-sensitive trackpad, so you can easily scroll vertically or horizontally, or just use your computer's cursor like normal.
Besides that, it's highly compact and portable: It even folds down for easy transport. The Arc Touch mouse is a great option for those who like to work in coffee shops, airports, or wherever there's Wi-Fi. It's available in black, burgundy, cobalt blue, or gray.
Two finger scroll isn't as seamless as other options
The Seenda trackpad has instant plug-and-play functionality — meaning you don't have to fuss with installing any drivers or software before using it. The trackpad is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 7.
It has a smooth glass surface and supports multitouch gestures. Plus, it comes with a USB-C cable. It even offers convenient hotkeys, including left, middle, and right mouse buttons, a one-touch mute button, and an enter button.
If you don't want a full-sized keyboard like the K400 Plus I just mentioned, this remote-control-style trackpad is another portable option to consider for easily surfing through Netflix. It's backlit, and has a built-in multitouch trackpad to easily scroll through web pages.
It isn't the most comfortable device to use, and you'll probably type significantly more slowly on it than you would with a standard-sized keyboard. But it's a lot better than typing with a cursor, and its trackpad is very responsive.
Comes in multiple sizes to perfectly fit your setup
Expensive
Not as easy to set up
If you’re an artist, illustrator, or graphic designer, consider splurging for the Wacom Intuos Pro. It's the gold standard drawing tablet for professionals in the creative industry. The Intuos Pro offers a precise and roomy drawing space, customizable keys, and a durable build.
What separates it from other drawing tablets is its useful Touch Ring, which is used for scrolling, zooming, rotating your canvas, switching between layers, and adjusting brush size. Since the device supports multitouch, it completely functions as a trackpad. You can ditch your mouse and easily switch among tabs and apps, scroll, and select items on your PC or Mac. This option comes in three distinct sizes.
Brandon CarteSenior Electronics EditorBrandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.
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