These Best Trackpads Afford Next-Level Precision

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In the world of computer peripherals, the trackpad has established itself as a versatile, practical alternative to using a traditional mouse. These devices swap the constant wrist movements of pointing and clicking with a mouse for more fluid swiping, scrolling, and multi-touch gesturing. While trackpads are generally built into laptops, our list highlights several standalone models that can help enhance the usability of a computer.

In addition to precise control, silent operation, and customization, trackpads also provide a natural and comfortable experience, including improved accessibility for people with mobility impairments. Plus, some external trackpads provide more surface area than those that are built into even the best laptops on the market. Trackpads also look great with any desk without taking up too much room, thanks to their low profile and minimal footprint — not to mention they’re perfect for a multitude of tasks, from editing images and interacting with lengthy PDF documents to browsing the web.

The Best Trackpads

• Best Overall: Apple Magic Trackpad

• Best Budget: Perixx Peripad-501 Wired USB Trackpad

• Best for PC: VssoPlor USB Trackpad

• Best for the Mouse-Inclined: Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse

• Best Keyboard: Arteck Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad

What to Consider

Compatibility

To use a trackpad, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with the computer’s operating system, whether it is Windows, MacOS, or both. While trackpads are generally compatible with both, some models may only work with older Windows 10 software and not the latest Windows 11 operating system (double-check what OS the computer is running before buying one).

If it’s a Mac computer (or iPad), we recommend using Apple’s Magic Trackpad. The trackpad offers deeper integration with the software, including multi-touch gestures and Force Touch (more on that later).

Wired vs. Wireless

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 uses Bluetooth. Wired connections are much more reliable and you won’t have to worry about recharging the battery, either. However, wireless models are more versatile and less annoying to use, since a cord won’t get in the way. Unfortunately, wireless models may occasionally suffer from lag, so keep that in mind.

Additional Features

Some trackpads come with additional features like customization, haptic feedback, and palm rejection technology. These features can greatly enhance the experience beyond pointing a computer’s cursor where to go. For instance, multi-touch gestures, such as two-finger scrolling, three-finger swipe, and pinch-to-zoom, can enhance productivity and help you interact well with specific apps. For photographers and graphic designers, pinch-to-zoom allows for precise viewing and detailed editing.

Magic Trackpad

We recommend Apple’s Magic Trackpad to Mac and iPad owners. The trackpad offers deep integration with Apple’s software, with several customizable gesture controls allowing users to tailor the experience to their needs. For example, the trackpad’s settings make it possible to pinch-to-zoom and rotate images with two fingers. Users can also swipe between pages and open the Notification Center with simple gestures. These features are intuitive and can enhance productivity.

The trackpad features a wide surface area that’s 6.30x4.52 inches, giving you plenty of real estate for scrolling and clicking with precision. With support for Force Touch, the trackpad also enables additional actions, like instantly looking up a word on a website with a slightly firmer-than-normal click. Force Touch also mimics a traditional “click” sensation thanks to the haptics inside.

While built for Apple devices, it also works with Windows and Chromebook machines. However, it doesn’t support the same customizable gesture controls you get with a Mac. Still, the Magic Trackpad is, without question, the best trackpad for everyday use, thanks to its precision and customizable gestures.

PERIPAD-501 Wired USB Trackpad

Perixx’s touchpad comes in two sizes: one that measures in at just 2.3x1.7 inches, and another that’s slightly larger at 4.7x3.5 inches. In addition to the touch surface, both options feature two buttons for clicking through the computer's interface.

Unlike the Magic Trackpad, which is wireless, Perixx’s model needs to be plugged into a computer via a USB-A port. Both Perixx trackpads are compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 and support plenty of gestures to rotate, zoom, and scroll.

Despite its more practical design, Perixx’s PERIPAD is comfortable and quick to set up — just plug and play. However, we found the trackpad’s small touch surface cramped, which can be problematic for people with larger hands. That said, the trackpad’s size and weight make it easy to travel with, and its features provide an excellent alternative to a traditional mouse.

USB Touchpad

Measuring in at 5.5x4 inches, it’s a tad smaller than Apple’s trackpad, but it’s plenty spacious to get work done. Although this option is much more expensive than other PC trackpads, it’s worth the splurge since it has a durable aluminum construction, support for multitouch gestures, and is more responsive.

“The responsiveness of the touchpad is quite good,” wrote Vlad, a reviewer on Amazon. “It doesn’t have any dead zones or issues that cause erroneous presses, so you're free to set this to High Sensitivity and use it reliably.”

The biggest downside is that it isn’t battery-powered, so it needs to be plugged in via USB-A. The good news is the trackpad is plug-and-play, meaning it’ll work without downloading additional software. Overall, VssoPlor’s peripheral is a solid and reliable trackpad that’s compatible with all Windows PCs.

Surface Arc Mouse

The Microsoft Surface Arc is a wireless mouse-touchpad hybrid with a unique collapsible design. When not in use, the mouse lays completely flat. But fold the mouse into the “arc” position, and it will instantly connect to a PC. When in arc mode, the device looks more like a traditional mouse. However, the upper half features a touch-sensitive trackpad to scroll vertically or horizontally. Unfortunately, the trackpad portion doesn’t support gestures like pinch-to-zoom, though it does offer right- and left-click abilities.

The Surface Arc’s collapsible design makes it an excellent option for those who like to work in coffee shops, airports, or wherever there’s Wi-Fi. While it lacks support for more advanced gestures, it offers a unique take on the traditional mouse, ultimately making it a solid hybrid option.

Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad

Rather than purchase a keyboard, trackpad, or mouse separately, the Arteck combines all three into a single device. The device features a compact keyboard with a row of slim media keys on top, a trackpad on the right, and left- and right-click buttons below. Despite the hybrid design, the keyboard is thin and light, with a Bluetooth range of up to 33 feet. That range means users can control a TV-connected computer from the comfort of their couch. Hey, who says you can’t be comfortable while working?

In addition to its hybrid design, the keyboard features seven backlight colors (red, blue, cyan, white, yellow, green, and purple), making it possible to use in a dimly lit room. Unfortunately, the touchpad only supports the pinch-to-zoom multitouch gesture. However, Arteck’s device is compatible with various devices, from Windows to macOS to Chrome OS. The brand also claims the rechargeable battery can last six months on a single charge, based on 2 hours of use per day.

Backlit Mini Keyboard

If you don’t want a full-sized keyboard like the Arteck, 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. Meanwhile, the device is compatible with everything from Windows to macOS to gaming consoles.

The mini keyboard 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 or your smartphone. (That said, it harkens back to the early days of the smartphone, for those old enough to remember the Sidekick.) Still, it’s a lot better than typing with a cursor, and its trackpad is very responsive.

Intuos Pro Graphics Tablet

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: small, medium, and large.

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