Laptops have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. We use them for everything from work to entertainment to social media. That means our laptops contain a vast amount of personal and private information that we want to keep secure. Passwords alone can be unreliable since they can be guessed, stolen or forgotten. That’s why more and more laptop models now offer onboard fingerprint scanners.

Fingerprint scanners provide biometric security through your unique fingerprint. It’s an easy way to unlock your laptop and authenticate access that doesn’t rely on remembering passwords. Fingerprint scanners have become faster, more accurate and reliable in recent years. Many laptop manufacturers now offer built-in fingerprint sensors to conveniently secure your device.

But not all fingerprint scanners are created equal. You want one that is highly accurate and can quickly read your fingerprint. The scanner should be durable to last through years of daily swipes. Placement of the scanner on the laptop is also important for ease of use. And of course the laptop itself should meet your performance needs.

We’ve researched the latest fingerprint enabled laptops to pick the top 5 models offering the best scanners and specs. Keep reading to learn which laptops deliver reliable security through biometric fingerprint authentication. We’ll also provide tips for choosing a laptop with a fingerprint scanner that meets your needs.

Top Fingerprint Scanner Laptops

Fingerprint scanners come in a few main types – swipe, touch and infrared cameras. The top laptop models integrate seamless fingerprint sensors using the latest technology. Here are 5 laptops that deliver both strong performance and biometric security:

Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is a stylish powerhouse laptop beloved by many users. This premium model boasts top-of-the-line components and a gorgeous nearly bezel-free display. Dell manages to cram all this into a thin, lightweight chassis made of machined aluminum and carbon fiber.

But what really sets the XPS 15 apart is its high-end fingerprint reader conveniently located on the power button. It uses advanced sensors to capture your fingerprint when you press the button. The scanner works with Windows Hello to log you into Windows instantly and securely.

Reviewers praise the fingerprint scanner for its accuracy and speed. It rarely fails to recognize a fingerprint on the first try. The carbon fiber deck also resists smudges to keep your scanner reading cleanly. The XPS 15 offers robust performance for demanding tasks like photo editing and gaming. With a vibrant 4K touchscreen and booming audio, this laptop provides an immersive experience.

If you want a premium ultrabook that combines speed, beauty and security, the Dell XPS 15 is a top choice. The built-in fingerprint scanner makes accessing your system as simple as pressing a button.

HP Spectre x360

Convertible 2-in-1 laptops provide incredible flexibility, and the HP Spectre x360 is one of the best. This thin yet durable convertible has a stunning design with head-turning looks. It can quickly convert between a traditional laptop, upright presentation mode, tablet or tent mode.

The Spectre x360 packs serious power into its portable metal body. Performance is speedy and responsive thanks to top Intel processors and plentiful RAM. The vibrant touchscreen provides an immersive experience for work or play. And HP’s clever hinge design makes switching between modes completely seamless.

Integrated into the power button is an advanced fingerprint reader for biometric security. It uses a 3D IR camera to accurately read your fingerprint. The scanner works instantly to unlock your laptop with Windows Hello. Reviewers are impressed with the accuracy and convenience of the fingerprint reader.

With powerful performance, an elegant convertible design and integrated fingerprint scanning, the HP Spectre x360 is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops. The built-in security ensures only you can access your apps, data and files.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops are renowned workhorses, prized for their performance, durability and security. The lightweight ThinkPad X1 Carbon incorporates the best features for on-the-go professionals. It provides stellar speed and responsiveness for effortless productivity.

Military-grade durability ensures this Lenovo laptop holds up to frequent travel and business use. And essential security features include integrated Touch ID fingerprint authentication. The convenient scanner built into the palm rest uses advanced sensors to read your fingerprint.

This ThinkPad is heavily optimized for Windows Hello, allowing you to power on your laptop and sign in instantly with your fingerprint. Lenovo even provides a fast single-touch fingerprint reader utility. Reviewers praise how reliably and quickly the scanner works compared to facial recognition.

With legendary ThinkPad construction and an optimized fingerprint reader, the Lenovo X1 Carbon is ideal for professionals needing performance with security. Your fingerprint provides effortless access while keeping prying eyes out.

Razer Blade 15

Gamers and creative pros need serious power from their laptop. The aluminum unibody Razer Blade 15 delivers exceptionally robust performance for intensive gaming and applications. It packs an overclockable i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics into a 0.7-inch thin CNC chassis.

Razer outfits this flagship gaming laptop with many premium features. The stunning 15-inch display has an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate for hardcore gamers. And the advanced vapor chamber cooling prevents throttling during marathon gaming sessions. The Razer Synapse software lets you customize keyboard RGB lighting and other settings.

In addition to uncompromising power, the Razer Blade 15 provides biometric security through a built-in fingerprint reader. The scanner is conveniently located next to the touchpad for fast fingerprint authentication. Just swipe your finger to securely unlock your laptop with Windows Hello in seconds.

For gamers who demand no-compromise performance and responsiveness, the Razer Blade 15 is a tour de force. The integrated fingerprint reader allows fast access while providing vital security for your pricey gaming machine.

Acer Swift 5

If you want featherweight portability without sacrificing performance, check out the Acer Swift 5. This ultralight laptop weighs just 2.2 pounds but provides speedy productivity. The Swift 5 is amazingly thin at just 0.6 inches thick too.

You can work or play anywhere with excellent battery life up to 14 hours. The 14-inch 1080p touchscreen provides a sharp viewing experience, while the quick charging gives nearly 4 hours of use after a 30-minute charge. Despite its compact size, you also get a comfortable backlit keyboard.

The Swift 5 integrates a fingerprint reader seamlessly into the touchpad. Just touch the scanner to authenticate through Windows Hello in seconds. Reviewers praise how fast and reliable the fingerprint recognition is.

Overall the Acer Swift 5 hits the sweet spot between portability and performance. The built-in fingerprint scanner helps keep your data secure while allowing quick, easy access.

Choosing the Best Fingerprint Scanner Laptop

Fingerprint authentication can provide quick and convenient access to your laptop. But not all scanners are created equal when it comes to accuracy and ease of use. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a laptop with an integrated fingerprint reader:

• Scanner type – Fingerprint scanners for laptops come in swipe, touch and infrared camera types. Swipe scanners need a quick vertical finger motion. Touch scanners just need a brief finger tap. IR cameras allow scanning a finger from any angle.
• Scanner location – Convenient placement of the scanner is important to avoid frustrating fumbles. The best locations are power buttons, touchpads and palm rests for fast natural access.
• OS compatibility – Make sure the scanner works with your laptop’s operating system. Most work with Windows 10/11 using Windows Hello. MacOS also supports Touch ID fingerprint scanners.
• Accuracy – Look for fingerprint scanners with advanced optical or ultrasonic sensors for the highest accuracy. Good scanners rarely fail to recognize registered fingerprints.
• Security – Fingerprint data should be securely encrypted and stored only locally, not in the cloud. Match on Scanner tech is best for tight security.
• Ease of setup – Scanners that quickly guide you through enrollment and allow adding multiple fingerprints make setup a breeze.
• Durability – Opt for fingerprint readers built with durable materials that can handle years of daily swipes and taps without degrading.
• Longevity – Since you can’t replace a built-in scanner, ensure the laptop model will get software support for the scanner’s usable lifespan.

Beyond the scanner itself, also consider laptop specs that meet your needs. You want ample processing power, memory, storage and a quality display. Finding the right combination of performance and integrated fingerprint security takes some research. But the effort pays off in keeping your laptop’s data and access safe via biometrics.

Fingerprint Scanner Laptop FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about built-in fingerprint scanners for laptops:

What types of fingerprint scanners are used on laptops?

Laptops use swipe, touch and infrared camera fingerprint readers. Swipe scanners need a vertical finger motion while touch scanners just need a tap. IR cameras allow scanning a finger from any angle.

How accurate are laptop fingerprint scanners?

With advanced optical or ultrasonic sensors, the best fingerprint scanners offer high accuracy with very low failure rates once your prints are registered. They can reliably distinguish natural fingerprint patterns.

Can fingerprint scanners be fooled or hacked?

Basic fingerprint scanners can sometimes be tricked through fake prints. But most laptop scanners today use anti-spoofing technology to detect false fingerprints. Match-on-scanner tech also provides protection against external hacking.

Do all operating systems support fingerprint scanners?

Windows 10 and 11 allow fingerprint login through Windows Hello. MacOS also supports Touch ID fingerprint scanning. Linux has varying degrees of support through third-party software. Older Windows versions lack native support.

Are fingerprint scanners better than passwords?

Fingerprints provide better security than weak passwords that can be guessed. But strong unique passwords are still recommended in addition to fingerprint scanning for maximum data protection.

How do I set up and use a fingerprint scanner?

enrollment process will guide you through scanning multiple fingers to register prints. Then just tap or swipe registered fingers over the sensor to unlock and login instead of typing passwords.

What happens if the scanner stops working?

you can still login using your password or PIN. But a built-in scanner can’t easily be repaired or replaced. Contact the laptop manufacturer for potential solutions if the scanner fails.

How can I improve fingerprint scanning accuracy?

Adding more fingerprint records from different angles helps increase accuracy. Keeping your fingers and the sensor clean ensures your prints register clearly. Optical scanners may have trouble reading very dry fingers.

What maintenance is required for fingerprint scanners?

Clean the scanner surface periodically with a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup. Avoid getting moisture or liquids on the fingerprint sensor which can damage it. Protect the scanner area from impacts which could wreck the sensor.

What are best practices for using fingerprint scanners securely?

Enable a BIOS, firmware or boot password as a secondary layer of protection. Use unique passwords alongside fingerprints. Register only your own fingerprints, not someone else’s. Keep scanner firmware up to date.

Using your unique fingerprint to access your laptop is more secure and convenient than passwords alone. We hope this guide helps you discover the top fingerprint enabled laptops and choose a model with the right scanner location, performance and price for your needs. Keep your device and data safe while enjoying seamless biometric access.