Touchscreen monitors are displays that accept finger or stylus input, used at tills, self-service kiosks, control stations, classroom desks and information points. Our range of over 200 models includes touch monitors from Elo, iiyama, ViewSonic and Hannspree, for retail, hospitality, industrial and office use.
How to choose a touchscreen monitor
Touch technology. Projected capacitive screens work like a smartphone, support multi-touch and have a glass surface that is easy to wipe clean, so they suit most tills and kiosks. Resistive screens respond to gloves and styluses, infrared and acoustic wave screens are found on larger or heavy-duty installations. Match the technology to who will touch the screen and with what.
Screen size and resolution. A 15 to 17 inch screen fits a typical shop counter, while 21 to 24 inch panels suit order-taking, dashboards and desk work. Full HD is enough for most point-of-sale software, but choose a higher resolution if staff will view detailed drawings, camera feeds or several windows at once.
Environment and build. A monitor behind a bar or in a workshop faces spills, dust and constant use, so look for a sealed, flat front and a sturdy stand. For public kiosks, check that the screen can be fitted into an enclosure or wall mount. Office desk use is far less demanding.
Connections and compatibility. Check which video inputs your computer offers (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA) and that touch data travels over USB or serial. Confirm that the touch controller is supported by your operating system, since a few older systems need a separate driver. Also check the VESA mounting pattern if you plan to use an arm or wall bracket.
Touchscreen monitor brands we carry
- Elo: a specialist in touch technology, best known for touch displays in point-of-sale, self-service and industrial systems. It is the largest group in our range, listed under several spellings of the name.
- iiyama: a monitor maker whose ProLite series includes touch models for digital signage, public information points, education and office use.
- ViewSonic: known for displays in education and business, including touch monitors for classrooms and meeting spaces.
Also in our range: Hannspree, Ernitec, Philips, Verbatim, Japannext, Samsung and Allnet.
Touchscreen monitor FAQ
What is the difference between a touchscreen monitor and a normal monitor?
A touchscreen monitor has a sensor layer over the display that detects touch and sends the position to the computer, usually through a USB cable. A normal monitor only shows an image. The touch version therefore needs both a video connection and a data connection.
Which touchscreen technology is best for a till or kiosk?
Projected capacitive is the usual choice for tills and kiosks because it is responsive, supports multi-touch and has a smooth glass surface. Resistive suits users wearing gloves or using a stylus, and infrared or acoustic wave screens are better for large installations. The right one depends on who uses it and in what conditions.
Do touchscreen monitors need special drivers?
Many touchscreen monitors work as soon as they are connected, because current versions of Windows and most Linux systems include generic touch support. Some models, particularly those with advanced calibration or multi-touch features, need a manufacturer driver. Check the product page for supported operating systems before buying.
Can I use a touchscreen monitor as a second screen?
Yes, a touchscreen monitor can be used as an additional display next to your main screen. Connect it by both the video cable and the USB touch cable. In Windows you may need to map the touch input to the correct display in the pen and touch settings, so that taps land in the right place.
