For many students, picking out the best student laptops is the most important purchase they will ever make. Even if you’re studying something completely different, a laptop that’s just as comfortable to use in a library or lecture hall as it is in your own home can be an invaluable tool.
Of course, the requirements for a laptop will vary depending on your degree of study and intended use. In many cases, the most cost-effective option for younger children is a 2-in-1 tablet or Chromebook. They’re small and convenient for taking notes and accessing the web in general.
If you’re at a university or college, you may need something a little bit more powerful. It’s important for students learning VFX, 3D modeling, or photography and video editing to have powerful graphics cards and plenty of RAM on their systems. Portable workstations or gaming laptops are a great option because they typically have very powerful hardware, making them ideal for students.
A list of the best student laptops has been put together by us, based on our own research and taking into account the many needs that students may have. Portability and adaptability are two of our top priorities. To meet the needs of the most students, we’ve included both high-performance gadgets and lower-cost alternatives that are more affordable.
After a long day of studying, you may unwind with your favorite shows on one of these gadgets, which often come equipped with a high-quality webcam and microphone. If you’re having trouble making a decision, check out our guide on how to pick the best students laptops.
MACBOOK AIR (M1, 2020)
Our ratings
- Apple's M1 chip has an 8-core processor.
- Integrated 7-core – 8-core graphics processing unit.
- 8 GB – 16 GB of unified RAM is available.
- Retina display: 13.3-inch, 2560 x 1600.
- A range of storage options are available, from 256GB to 2TB SSD
Editor’s choice!
MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 4
Our ratings
- 11th-generation Intel® CoreTM processors The AMD Ryzen 5 to 7 processors
- ATI Radeon HD 5850 or Intel Iris Xe.
- 8GB – 32GB of RAM are available.
- 13.5-inch PixelSense (2,256 x 1,504 pixel) touch-sensitive display.
- 256 GB – 1 TB Solid State Drive
Highly recommended
ACER CHROMEBOOK 314
Our ratings
- Celeron N4000 from Intel
- Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- 14-inch LED monitor screen (1366 x 768)
- Storage of 32GB eMMC
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ACER SWIFT 3 (2021)
Our ratings
- 11th-generation Intel® CoreTM processors Graphics for Intel Core i5 to i7 processors.
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
- 8 GB - 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory.
- 13.5” 3:2 IPS VertiView Display or 14” 16:9 FHD IPS
- Up to 1TB PCIe Gen SSD storage.
Recommended
DELL XPS 17 (2021)
Our ratings
- Core i9-11980HK and newer are supported.
- Up to a 6GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060.
- 64GB of DDR4-3200MHz DRAM.
- The resolution of the screen is 17.0 "InfinityEdge Non-Touch Full HD (1920 x 1200).
- It has a glare reduction factor of 17.0 "HDR10+ (3840 x 2400).
- M.2 PCIe NVMe storage with a capacity of up to 4 terabytes.
Recommended
BEST STUDENT LAPTOPS: REVIEW
Apple introduced its own SoC (system-on-a-chip) instead of using Intel technology, and it has kept with it ever since. With up to 14 hours of battery life in our tests, the new MacBook Air’s M1 CPU outperforms previous MacBook Air models in terms of performance.
Overall, this is a stunning laptop that you’ll be proud to use on campus if appearances matter to you.
Now that the laptop can run iOS apps, you’ll have access to an even broader selection of software if you already own an iPhone or iPad tablet from the Apple ecosystem. In addition, the P3 color gamut makes this laptop a good choice for students who need to edit video or photos.
What we like
- Superb M1 chip
- Battery life is excellent.
- Stunningly crafted
What we don't like
- Fanless design can have a negative influence on performance.
This laptop has a top-notch keyboard, powerful technology (which incorporates cutting-edge graphics cards from either Intel or AMD, depending on the configuration you choose), and an amazing battery life. If you don’t like the Mac operating system, this is the closest you’ll get to a replacement for the MacBook Air.
What we like
- Convenience, flexibility, and good performance.
- The screen is stunning.
- Intuitive and easy-to-use.
What we don't like
- Lack of ports.
Compared to Chrome OS, Windows and MacOS both consume higher system resources. If you don’t have a Windows or Mac computer, you won’t be able to use the unique software required for your course.
For the same amount of computing power, Windows or Mac laptops operate on Microsoft Windows or Apple’s macOS, while Chromebooks run on Google’s Chrome OS. If you connect an Android tablet to the Acer Chromebook 314, you can run numerous easy-art programs without a hitch.
With a 10-hour battery life, the keyboard is perfect for students who need to compose essays or take notes in class.
What we like
- Longer battery life and better performance.
- Crisp, clear display.
What we don't like
- There's no fingerprint reader.
You can carry it with you to school or work because of its lightweight and small design, yet it’s built to withstand everyday wear and tear. New hardware upgrades have made the most recent model faster and more energy-efficient than before.
It’s a good idea to use headphones when listening to music, and the webcam isn’t excellent, but recently laptops have been equipped with full HD 1080p webcams because of the pandemic. Video lectures may be watched on it.
What we like
- Easily transportable.
- Exceptional at multitasking.
What we don't like
- The speaker is just ordinary.
- I can't see anything on the webcam
Students majoring in creative fields like video or 3D design that need a lot of software might benefit from this choice. In terms of performance, you may customize it up to an 11th generation Intel i9 CPU with 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 3060 graphics card. In fact, it’s a terrific illustration of why creatives don’t have to stick with a Mac exclusively.
When we tested the Dell XPS 17, we discovered it was up to the task. Aside from Fortnite, which is great to play during breaks or after class, it had no issues running Adobe’s creative programs. As a creative tool, we found the 16:10 aspect ratio of the screen to be advantageous because it provides more height than the usual, which is especially handy while working in portrait mode.
A 4K Ultra HD+ definition of 3,840 x 2,400 is supported by the screen’s 100 percent Adobe RGB and 94 percent DCI-P3 color gamuts, making it ideal for photography and videography students. With Windows 11 pre-installed, you may buy this computer without having to install it yourself.
What we like
- Powerful setups are offered for optimal performance
- A Windows notebook with a stunning look.
- Stunning display with little bezels.
What we don't like
- There is a dearth of port options
WHAT IS THE BEST LAPTOP FOR STUDENTS?
Among the most important qualities of best student laptops are its battery life, storage capacity, and the type of keyboard. If you plan to primarily use your laptop for college classes, these are some of the best characteristics to look for in a best student laptops.
For students, the following elements are essential:
Storage: These days, a minimum of 250GB of available space is considered desirable. Having an SSD drive installed might be a good idea if you travel frequently.
Webcam: For the most part, webcams weren’t a big deal unless you wanted to video chat with your mom. In today’s virtual classrooms, webcams are a need. There are built-in cameras in all of the laptops on this list.
Battery Life: There are several laptops on the market now that can last for at least four hours on a single charge. If you’re planning on bringing your laptop to class, this is critical. There are frequently not enough electrical outlets in older classrooms.
Keyboard: Comfort is paramount when it comes to keyboards. You may wish to experiment with a few different settings to determine which one makes typing the most comfortable for you. Get a backlit keyboard so you can use your laptop when your roommate is sleeping if you want to keep working while they are asleep.
Weight: Your back will thank you if you select a laptop that is less than 4 pounds in weight, as you’ll be carrying it from class to class.
Touchscreen/Writing Tablet: If you’re going to be taking a lot of handwritten notes, you might want to consider using a touchscreen or writing tablet instead of a pen and paper. Some colleges, particularly those specializing in art and engineering, require students to have access to a touchscreen.
HOW MUCH RAM SHOULD A GOOD STUDENT LAPTOP HAVE?
Schrock predicts that 8GB of RAM will be sufficient for the majority of everyday computer users. A minimum of 16GB of RAM is suggested for gaming and multitasking apps like video editing.
RAM: Most college students these days have more than enough RAM when it comes to their computers. 16GB of memory is recommended for students that want to process large amounts of data with their laptops, such as engineers or business students. Avoid laptops with less than 8GB of RAM unless you’re on a tight budget.
Software: Purchase the appropriate operating system for your computer, whether it Windows or Mac OSX. It’s possible that this is a prerequisite at your institution.
Processor: This is a good time to buy an Intel i5 or greater processor.
Graphics: Having a standalone graphics card is a good idea, but it’s not a need.
If you acquire a new laptop, don’t forget to grab a bag and other accessories to go with it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Our top picks for best student laptops are above. It is hoped that these will help you study more efficiently and comfortably.
The best student laptops available are: MACBOOK AIR (M1, 2020)
Premium Pick: DELL XPS 17 (2021) if cost is not a major concern.
If you are on a budget, it’s OK to spend money wisely: ACER SWIFT 3 (2021)
FAQs for Best Student Laptops
Q: What are the Best Student Laptops available in the market? A: The Best Student Laptops refer to top-rated and highly recommended portable computers designed for students. These laptops offer a balance of performance, durability, battery life, and affordability to meet the needs of students.
Q: What factors should I consider when looking for the Best Student Laptops? A: When choosing the Best Student Laptops, consider factors such as performance (CPU and RAM), storage capacity, battery life, display quality, portability, connectivity options, keyboard comfort, software compatibility, and overall value for money.
Q: Which laptop models are considered the Best Student Laptops? A: The Best Student Laptops include various models from popular brands such as Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and more. Each model offers different features and specifications to cater to different study requirements.
Q: Can the Best Student Laptops handle demanding tasks such as programming or video editing? A: Yes, many of the Best Student Laptops offer sufficient processing power, RAM, and graphics capabilities to handle demanding tasks like programming, video editing, and graphic design. Look for laptops with higher-end specifications for such requirements.
Q: Are the Best Student Laptops lightweight and portable? A: Yes, the Best Student Laptops often feature lightweight and compact designs, making them easy to carry around campus or between classes. Look for laptops that are thin and lightweight if portability is important to you.
Q: Do the Best Student Laptops have long battery life? A: Yes, the Best Student Laptops typically offer long battery life, allowing you to use them for extended periods without needing to recharge. Look for laptops with battery life ratings that suit your usage needs throughout the day.
Q: Can the Best Student Laptops connect to Wi-Fi networks for internet access? A: Yes, all the Best Student Laptops come with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to connect to wireless networks for internet access. Additionally, many models offer Bluetooth connectivity for connecting peripherals.
Q: Do the Best Student Laptops have sufficient storage for files and documents? A: Yes, the Best Student Laptops usually come with ample storage options, including solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard disk drives (HDDs), to store files, documents, and multimedia content. Consider your storage needs and choose accordingly.
Q: Can the Best Student Laptops run popular productivity software and applications? A: Yes, the Best Student Laptops are compatible with popular productivity software and applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more. Ensure the laptop meets the software requirements before purchasing.
Q: Are the Best Student Laptops durable and built to withstand everyday use? A: Yes, the Best Student Laptops are designed to be durable and withstand the rigors of everyday use. Look for laptops with sturdy build quality and consider models that have undergone durability tests or have positive user reviews regarding durability.
