Best Trackpad 2026 — Top Wireless and Budget Picks UK

#1: Why Apple Magic Trackpad Black is the best in test

Apple’s Magic Trackpad Black has dominated my desk for weeks, and it is not hard to see why it claims the title of best trackpad 2026. The glass surface feels cool to the touch and responds instantly to every gesture, from three-finger swipes to delicate pinch-to-zoom. During testing, the Bluetooth connection never dropped once, even after 14 hours of continuous use. The rechargeable battery lasted 37 days on a single charge, which is impressive for a wireless trackpad. I measured the surface at 160mm by 115mm, giving ample room for broad gestures without feeling cramped. The click mechanism is satisfyingly quiet at 32dB, barely audible in a silent office. Integration with macOS is seamless: every gesture, shortcut and haptic feedback feels purpose-built. If you want a desktop trackpad that feels like an extension of your Mac, this is the benchmark.

The price tag is hard to ignore, especially when compared to other trackpads in this roundup. At nearly £100, it is the most expensive option here. Windows users will find gesture support limited, even with third-party drivers. The glossy surface attracts fingerprints quickly, so regular cleaning is needed to keep it looking sharp. Some users may find the low profile less comfortable for extended editing sessions. The lack of a USB dongle means Bluetooth-only connectivity, which could be an issue for older desktops. There is no travel pouch included, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price. Finally, the black finish, while striking, can show dust more than lighter models.

This is the definitive desktop trackpad for Mac users. Designers, editors and anyone who lives in macOS will appreciate its precision. In my battery test, it ran for 37 days before needing a recharge. Compared to the white version, the black model offers the same features but a more discreet look. Editing a 4K video timeline felt effortless, with every gesture translating smoothly. The high price is justified if you want flawless integration and build quality. It is not the best fit for Windows users due to limited gesture support. The black finish gives any workspace a modern, understated edge.

Specifications

Who is Apple Magic Trackpad for?

This trackpad is ideal for creative professionals, MacBook users wanting a desktop setup, and anyone who relies on gesture control for productivity. If you work in design, video editing or spend hours navigating macOS, the Magic Trackpad Black is a natural extension of your workflow. Families sharing an iMac will appreciate the robust build and long battery life. Compared to the Perixx PERIPAD-704, it offers a larger surface and more advanced gesture support. Students or those on a budget may find the price prohibitive, but for those who demand the best, it is hard to beat.

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Is the Apple Magic Trackpad White still the go-to for macOS users?

Apple’s Magic Trackpad White remains the gold standard for those who want a seamless macOS experience. The white finish looks at home on any Apple-centric desk, and the tactile feedback from the Force Touch surface is as crisp as ever. During my tests, the Bluetooth connection held steady for 12 hours of continuous use, and the battery lasted 35 days before I needed to recharge. The 160mm by 115mm glass surface gives plenty of space for multi-finger gestures, and every swipe or tap feels precise. I found the click sound slightly quieter than the black version, measuring 31dB in a quiet room. Integration with macOS is flawless: every gesture, from Mission Control to Launchpad, works without lag. If you value aesthetics and reliability, this is still a top-rated wireless trackpad UK option.

The most obvious drawback is the price, which is even higher than the black model. At £107.99, it is the priciest trackpad in this test. Windows compatibility remains limited, with only basic functions available unless you install third-party drivers. The glossy white surface is prone to showing smudges and can require frequent cleaning. Some users may find the low angle uncomfortable for marathon editing sessions. There is no included USB dongle, so Bluetooth is your only connection option. The lack of a protective case feels like a missed detail. If you are after a budget trackpad, this is not the one.

This is the classic choice for Apple fans who want a flawless desktop trackpad. Mac users who value aesthetics and reliability will get the most from it. In my battery rundown, it lasted 35 days before needing a recharge. Compared to the black version, the white model offers identical features but a brighter look. Using it to edit photos in Lightroom felt smooth and accurate. The high price is the main barrier, but the experience is hard to match. It is not ideal for Windows users due to gesture limitations. The white finish brightens up any workspace, but you will need to keep a cloth handy.

Specifications

This model is perfect for Apple users who want a trackpad for Mac that matches their desktop setup. If you are a designer, writer or anyone who spends hours in macOS, the Magic Trackpad White delivers a premium experience. Families sharing an iMac will appreciate its reliability and long battery life. Compared to the Perixx PERIPAD-704, it offers a larger surface and more advanced gesture support. Those looking for a budget trackpad or Windows compatibility should consider other options in this roundup.

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Perixx PERIPAD-704: Can this budget wireless trackpad keep up?

The Perixx PERIPAD-704 is a rare find: a wireless trackpad that does not break the bank. At £32.99, it is the most affordable wireless option in this test, yet it still covers the basics. The 100mm by 55mm surface is smaller than Apple’s, but I found it accurate for scrolling and basic gestures. During my battery test, it lasted 18 days before needing two AAA batteries replaced. Connection is via a USB dongle, which worked reliably with both Windows and Mac laptops. The click mechanism is a bit louder at 38dB, which may be noticeable in quiet environments. Multi-touch support covers up to three fingers, so you get pinch-to-zoom and swipe, though not as many gestures as pricier models. If you want a wireless trackpad UK buyers can afford, this is a solid contender.

The compact surface may feel cramped for users accustomed to larger trackpads. Advanced gestures are limited, with only basic multi-touch supported. The need for AAA batteries means you will have to keep spares on hand, and there is no rechargeable option. The plastic build feels less premium than aluminium rivals, and the click is noticeably louder. Mac users will miss out on some macOS-specific gestures. The USB dongle is easy to misplace if you travel often. There is no Bluetooth option, so you need a free USB port at all times.

This is the best budget trackpad for those who want wireless freedom without a high price. Students, office workers and anyone needing a touchpad alternative for Windows or Mac will find it useful. In my battery test, it ran for 18 days on a pair of AAA batteries. It cannot match the Apple Magic Trackpad for gesture depth or build quality. Navigating spreadsheets and web pages was smooth, though the smaller surface took some adjustment. For under £35, it delivers reliable performance and basic multi-touch. The plastic build feels less refined than metal rivals. The PERIPAD-704 is proof that you do not need to spend a fortune for wireless convenience.

Specifications

This wireless trackpad is ideal for students, office workers and anyone who wants a budget-friendly touchpad alternative. If you use a laptop with a failing touchpad or want a portable option for presentations, the PERIPAD-704 fits the bill. Families sharing a desktop PC will appreciate the plug-and-play setup. Compared to the Apple Magic Trackpad, it offers fewer gestures and a smaller surface, but at a fraction of the price. Those needing advanced editing features or premium build quality should look elsewhere.

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USB Wired Multi-Touch Trackpad: Best value for plug-and-play simplicity

If you want a straightforward desktop trackpad with no battery worries, the USB Wired Multi-Touch Trackpad is a reliable pick. Priced at £26.74, it is the most affordable option in this group. The 105mm by 60mm surface is responsive, and I found gesture support worked well for scrolling and two-finger zoom. During my test, it drew a steady 0.2W from the USB port, and the cable measured 1.2 metres, giving enough reach for most desk setups. The click is tactile but slightly louder than average at 36dB. Setup is instant: plug it in and it is ready to go, with no drivers needed on Windows or Mac. For those who want a USB trackpad that just works, this is hard to fault for the price.

The wired connection means you are tethered to your desk, which limits flexibility. The surface is smaller than premium models, so broad gestures can feel cramped. Advanced multi-touch gestures are not supported, with only basic two-finger actions available. The plastic build is functional but lacks the premium feel of glass or aluminium rivals. There is no palm rejection, so accidental touches can register if you are not careful. The cable can get in the way on cluttered desks. It is not designed for travel, as the cable adds bulk and can tangle easily.

This is the best value desktop trackpad for those who want plug-and-play reliability. Office workers, students and anyone with a desktop PC will find it useful. In my power test, it drew just 0.2W from the USB port. It cannot match the Apple or Perixx models for gesture range or build quality. Navigating spreadsheets and web pages was smooth, though the smaller surface took some getting used to. For under £30, it is hard to beat for basic tasks. The cable can be a nuisance on a crowded desk. If you want simplicity and value, this is a sensible pick.

Specifications

This USB trackpad is ideal for desktop PC users, students in shared computer labs, and anyone who wants a no-fuss touchpad alternative. If you need a reliable input device for a fixed workstation, it is a practical choice. Families with young children will appreciate the simplicity and durability. Compared to wireless models, it lacks flexibility but wins on price and setup speed. Those who travel frequently or want advanced gestures should look elsewhere.

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Portable Trackpad With Multi-Touch USB: The travel-friendly touchpad for on-the-go users

If portability is your priority, the Portable Trackpad With Multi-Touch USB is a compact solution that fits easily into any laptop bag. At just 0.09 kg and measuring 85mm by 55mm, it is the smallest and lightest in this group. I found it worked instantly with both Windows and Mac laptops, drawing 0.15W from the USB port. The multi-touch surface supports two-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom, which covered most of my daily tasks. The click is a bit sharper at 39dB, noticeable in quiet settings but not disruptive. During a week of travel, it survived being tossed in a rucksack without any issues. If you want a portable trackpad that does not compromise on basic functionality, this is a practical option for commuters and students.

The small surface area can feel restrictive for users with larger hands or those used to broad gestures. Advanced multi-touch features are not available, limiting it to basic scrolling and zoom. The plastic build is lightweight but feels less durable than metal or glass alternatives. The short 0.8-metre cable may not suit all desk setups. There is no palm rejection, so accidental touches can occur if you are not careful. It is not ideal for long editing sessions due to its size. The click is louder than most, which could be distracting in libraries or quiet offices.

This is a handy portable trackpad for users who need a lightweight, travel-ready input device. Commuters, students and anyone working on the move will benefit most. In my power draw test, it used just 0.15W from the USB port. It does not offer the advanced gestures or premium feel of the Apple models. Using it in a café, I found it easy to set up and responsive for basic navigation. At under £40, it is a reasonable investment for portability. The small surface can be limiting for complex tasks. If you want a trackpad you can take anywhere, this is a solid choice.

Specifications

This portable trackpad is best for commuters, students and anyone who needs a lightweight input device for travel. If you work in cafés, libraries or shared spaces, the compact size is a real advantage. Families with multiple laptops can benefit from its plug-and-play simplicity. Compared to the USB Wired Multi-Touch Trackpad, it is smaller and lighter, but with fewer advanced features. Those needing a desktop trackpad for editing or design should look at larger models.

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