You should get a great deal on the best laptop for students. A new laptop is typically the single most expensive purchase made by college students when they begin a course, as many students are operating on a tighter budget. However, this does not imply that you should select the cheapest laptop available.
In order to avoid being stuck with a clunker of a laptop, you'll need to ensure that you get the most value for your money when selecting the ideal laptop for students. In the end, no two people will use the same laptop in the same way. For intensive software like video-editing and rendering programs, you'll likely need a laptop with powerful components and a dedicated GPU if you major in filmmaking or animation. STEM students are no different.
But if you're studying literature, a lightweight laptop like one of the best 2-in-1 laptops will probably be better for you because you'll only be doing simple things like web browsing and word processing. Because they can switch between tablet and laptop modes, hybrid laptops can be great if you plan to read a lot on them.
We understand that it can be challenging to make a decision with so many options on the market. However, do not panic: After thoroughly evaluating a plethora of laptops, we have selected our top picks for students below.
We acknowledge that not everyone requires the same things. As a result, we recommend laptops for a wide range of requirements and budgets. For example, the best gaming laptops will cost a lot more than the best Chromebooks for students. However, the former will also have significantly greater processing power than any of the best Chromebooks.
Continue reading for our carefully selected list of the best laptops available to students right now. We also included the best prices, so you can get a great deal on whatever you choose.
TechRadar's expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for yourself. Here are the best student laptops for 2023. Learn more about our testing process.
1. The single best laptop for students is the MacBook Air (M2, 2022). SPECIFICATIONS Best for: All students with larger financial resources: Graphics on the Apple M2 chip with eight cores: RAM with integrated 8/10-core GPU: Screen with up to 24GB of unified LPDDR5: 13.6-inch liquid retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 Up to 2TB SSD TODAY'S BEST DEALS View at Amazon (opens in a new tab) View at Apple (opens in a new tab) View at BHPhoto (opens in a new tab) REASONS TO BUY + Slick redesign with a larger display + Top-notch performance + Great battery life + Silent in use REASONS TO AVOID - Previous model is better value If you're looking for the best laptop for students and you're familiar with Apple made a big splash in 2020 when it introduced its line of M1-powered products. The company's thinnest and lightest MacBook Air ever became one of the most exciting Apple laptops in recent years because it was the first laptop to feature Apple's in-house system on a chip (SoC).
The new M2 SoC powers the next-generation MacBook Air, making it better than ever and providing outstanding performance. The main genuine analysis we needed to even out at it was the value, which is a piece steep - on the off chance that you need a MacBook yet you're on a more tight financial plan, you might need to consider the 2020 M1 model.
Even though the Pro's fanless design can cause thermal throttling, we were able to complete demanding tasks without major throttling issues. The impressive battery life, which outperforms many of its rivals, is another benefit for heavy users. Although it won't be the cheapest option for students, this is without a doubt the best student laptop available for those with a slightly larger budget.
Check out our full MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review. Acer)
2. The most affordable student laptop is the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 SPECIFICATIONS Best for: Students who value their money and don't need a lot of power CPU: Graphics: Intel Celeron N4000–Intel Celeron N4020 RAM with Intel UHD Graphics 600: 4GB - 8GB Display: Storage: 11.6-inch HD 1366 x 768 IPS REASONS TO BUY + Great design and build + Lovely size + Excellent touch screen and flip mechanism REASONS TO AVOID - Dim screen - Massive bezels drastically reduce screen size If versatility is a top priority, then look no further than the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) From its long battery life to its sturdy construction and solid usability, this all-purpose laptop is a great choice for students. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311, on the other hand, goes above and beyond with its remarkable adaptability. Considering its size, it has more than enough ports. Its two-in-one design makes it ideal for people who only have money for one tablet and one laptop. Although the touchscreen's maximum brightness makes it difficult to use outside, we enjoyed using it.
It is also extremely portable for a machine with a small 11-inch size. According to our experience, the keyboard and trackpad are responsive and satisfying to use despite their small size. We really do wish it had somewhat more power, as it can stammer only a tad when requested to run more serious undertakings. The Spin 311, on the other hand, is an excellent computing companion for students who require a small, versatile laptop at a very affordable price.
Read the entire review of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 here. apple)
3. For demanding creative tasks, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is a powerful but thin laptop. SPECIFICATIONS Best for: Students in design, film, and photography CPU: Graphics on the Apple M1 chip with 8 cores: GPU RAM with 7 cores integrated: Display: Up to 16GB of unified memory 13.3-inch liquid retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 Up to 2TB SSD TODAY'S BEST DEALS Pre-order at Apple (opens in a new tab) REASONS TO BUY + Thinner and lighter + Larger and brighter screen + Impressive M2 Chip REASONS TO AVOID - More expensive than M1 model - Has divisive notch The M2 model may now top our list, but the M1 MacBook Air is still a force to be reckoned with, and it is still better value than the It was a brave decision to switch from Intel processors to Apple's own silicon, which resulted in responsive performance and long battery life.
The best laptop for students from Apple improves on everything that made the M1 model so superior to Intel models. Even when we used it to edit 4K video, it worked quickly, even though the gorgeous 13.3-inch screen is just a little bit smaller and 100 nits darker than the upgraded 13.6-inch display of the newer M2 model. It's also a little heavier, but the performance it offers makes it still an impressively thin and light laptop.
As a pleasant reward, this MacBook Air really has a more extensive scope of variety choices than its fresher M2 kin. This laptop will serve them well, possibly even beyond college, for those who desire a MacBook but are unable to afford the 2022 Air's high price.
Read our review of the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) 4. (TechRadar) Dell XPS 13 (2022)
A phenomenal decision of reduced PC for understudies
Determinations
Best for: CPU: Students in elementary and high school who do not require a lot of processing power Up to twelfth Age Intel Center i7
Designs: Memory up to the Intel Iris Xe Graphics: Display: Up to 32GB LPDDR5: 13.4" InfinityEdge Non-Touch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) – 13.4" UHD+ InfinityEdge Touch Storage: REASONS TO BUY + Clean, refined design + Sensible pricing + Super lightweight and portable REASONS TO AVOID - Controversial redesign - Not many physical ports Further down this list, you'll find the Dell XPS 15, which packs a larger display and a discrete GPU and is an ideal choice for students who need a bit more processing oomph to power through video-editing or number-crunching workloads. TODAY'S BEST DEALS Because it has integrated graphics, this model is better suited to more commonplace tasks like writing essays and answering emails.
Be that as it may, gracious, what an incredible little gadget it is for doing those lower-power undertakings. The Dell XPS laptop line has long been one of our favorites, and this new model for 2022 is no exception. It features a 12th-generation Intel processor that is blazing fast and offers prices that are extremely competitive with those of lower-spec models. If you go with the more powerful model, you can get more storage, faster performance, and a touch display with a higher resolution.
Additionally, the Dell XPS 13 is extremely light and thin, making it ideal for students who move quickly. If you've ever had to run across campus to get between two classes, as this writer has, you know how important it is to have a portable, light laptop that can be put in a bag quickly for your next campus sprint.
Check out our complete Dell XPS 13 (2022) review here. Microsoft) #5 The most portable student laptop is the Surface Laptop Go 2. SUITABILITY: Students who place a premium on portability and CPU power: Graphics: 11th-generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 RAM: Intel Iris Xe: 4GB to 8GB Display:: Storage: 12.4-inch PixelSense Touch Display, 1536 x 1024 128GB, 256GB TODAY'S BEST DEALS View at Walmart (opens in a new tab), View at Amazon (opens in a new tab), and View at Microsoft US (opens in a new tab) REASONS TO BUY: Excellent build quality, Amazing display, and Comfy keyboard REASONS TO AVOID: No backlit keyboard A premium laptop doesn't have to come with that premium price tag, and the Surface Laptop Go 2 is affordable even in its most However, it does more than just look good and be cheap. It feels like it can withstand some wear and tear thanks to the machine's well-built aluminum shell and plastic bottom. Its console and trackpad are hopefully acceptable, regardless of whether there's no backdrop illumination. After all, there has to be a price compromise somewhere.
Regardless of the lower goal, the showcase is quite heavenly. In point of fact, until we examined its specifications, we were unaware that it was not full HD. Despite its smaller 12.4-inch screen, its 3:2 aspect ratio allowed us to work with a little more vertical space. Although it will not win any awards in terms of performance, we were able to effectively multitask throughout our daily work. The battery life lasts all day, which is the last thing that makes this a good companion for students matriculating on the go. During our film circle test, it dealt with an amazing 8 hours and 25 minutes.
Read the entire Microsoft Surface Go 2 review here. Acer)
6. Acer Yearn 5 (2022)
A reasonable PC that can deal with easygoing gaming
Details
Best for: CPU: Students on a tight budget who require more power Graphics: AMD Ryzen 3, AMD Ryzen 7, Intel Core i5, and Intel Core i7, 11th and 12th Generations Intel UHD Graphics, AMD Radeon Graphics, and Intel Iris Xe RAM: 8GB-16GB Display: Display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 on a 14.3-inch screen 128GB – 1TB SSD REASONS TO BUY: Competitive price, solid build, decent portability, and decent battery life for the price REASONS TO AVOID: Moderate performance What is referred to as the "Acer Aspire 5" would probably be five or more distinct models for a different brand. Therefore, selecting the best one for you can be challenging. It is available in three different sizes and is compatible with a wide range of AMD and Intel processors.
Having said that, you can get CPUs with enough RAM and power to play light gaming. In our performance testing, we were able to achieve some respectable results even with a base model of 14 inches. It also gave us a decent battery life of six and a half hours, which should last you most of the day if you don't do anything intense.
It probably won't be essentially as thin as a portion of different sections on this rundown yet it's not excessively weighty, tipping the scales at under four pounds for the 14-inch model. However, the price is what makes this something to think about. You are getting a lot of value for a fully featured non-Chromebook laptop, no matter which model you choose.
Check out our complete Acer Aspire 5 review here. 7. Lenovo The best laptop for students, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook, has the longest battery life. SPECIFICATIONS Students who participate in numerous activities after school Graphics: Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180 RAM with integrated graphics: 4GB Display: 13.3-inch OLED Touchscreen Display with 1920 x 1080p Storage: The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook is not only one of the best laptops for students; it is also one of the best laptops overall. Reasons to Buy: 256GB eMMC, Beautiful Display, Incredible Battery Life, and Difficult Kickstand One of the best Chromebooks currently available. It has impressive performance and battery life, and it is extremely portable. It is ideal for lugging around campus, attending student council meetings, and unwinding in bed after schoolwork due to its remarkable longevity and portability.
In point of fact, the battery life is so exceptional that during our movie loop test, it lasted for 16 hours and 20 minutes. Obviously, that extravagant new OLED show is worth focusing on also. Although it may appear to be a premium feature for students, given this Chromebook's reasonable cost, we recommend you spend. In the meantime, we discovered that the detachable keyboard now has more space, despite the fact that it is still fragile due to its removable design. When it comes to writing those school reports, using it now is much easier. This notebook is perfect for high school and college students alike.
Check out our complete Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook review here. Apple)
8. MacBook Star 13-inch (M1, 2020)
An exceptional Macintosh PC with more capability
Determinations
Best for: CPU: College students who require a great deal of power Graphics on the Apple M1 chip with 8 cores: GPU RAM with 8 cores integrated: Unified memory of 8GB to 16GB Screen: 13.3-inch LED-backlit retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 256GB – 2TB SSD REASONS TO BUY: Great performance, impressively long battery life, and the Magic Keyboard's great feel. REASONS TO AVOID: The design stays the same, and there are only a few ports to choose from. Although it is not a discrete GPU, its graphical capabilities surpass those of budget and lower-midrange mobile GPUs and completely eliminate Intel's UHD integrated graphics. The new MacBook Pro 13-inch has exceptional battery life and excellent performance as a result of Apple's ground-breaking M1 chip.
Its performance is so good that it can handle 4K and even 8K videos with ease, which is good news for film students. Additionally, it is not merely an increase in power over the model it replaced; When we tested it, it outperformed its Intel-based predecessor by almost 70% in multi-core tests. In our battery tests, it also lasted for five hours longer.
However, performance alone is not enough. Additionally, it is a convenient laptop to use; The MacBook Pro's keyboard is excellent, but it needed to be improved in earlier models. It is extremely portable, like the majority of the smaller MacBook Pros. This is, therefore, the best student laptop that money can buy if you want a powerful laptop that is also small and light.
Read our complete review of the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020). Dell)
9. The best laptop for engineering students is the Dell XPS 15 (2021). Best for: CPU: Engineering students with a lot of graphic demands Intel Core i7 graphics of the 11th Gen: RAM of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti: 16GB to 64GB Display: OLED Touch Display, 15.6-inch, 3.5K, 3456 x 2160 Storage: 512GB – 4TB SSD TODAY'S BEST DEALS View at Amazon(opens in new tab) View at Amazon(opens in new tab) REASONS TO BUY + The 3.5K OLED is an absolute dream + Great keyboard and trackpad + Lighter than its predecessor REASONS TO AVOID - Expensive - Battery life is surprisingly short It's in fact more fitting for experts because of its exceptional sticker price. However, it also has a place in the world of matriculating students, particularly in the engineering department, where student laptops require internal components that are more robust in order to perform daily schoolwork.
With its powerful chips, discrete graphics, and up to 64GB of RAM, the Dell XPS 15 should be more than adequate and worth saving for. We found that this laptop did exceptionally well with graphics-intensive and CPU-intensive tasks. That OLED show, which we viewed as an outright shocker as well as conveys 100 percent DCI-P3 variety precision, merits paying somewhat more for assuming you fiddle with cinematography or advanced workmanship. Keep in mind that you won't get a full day's worth of use out of this battery, so make sure that charger is close by.
Check out our complete Dell XPS 15 (2021) review here. Asus)
10. The best gaming laptop for students is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. SPECIFICATIONS Best for: Students who also enjoy video games a lot CPU: Graphics: AMD Ryzen 7– AMD Ryzen 9 AMD Radeon RX 6800S RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 1650–Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060: 8GB – 32GB Display: 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and 2560 x 1440 512GB – 1TB SSD TODAY'S BEST DEALS View at Amazon (opens in new tab), Best Buy (opens in new tab), and Walmart (opens in new tab) REASONS TO BUY + Excellent performance + Great battery life for a gaming laptop + Thin and light REASONS TO AVOID - Expensive - No webcam Gaming laptops are not cheap, and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is no exception. Reasons TO AVO However, even in 1080p with some compromises in settings, it will cost as much as a 13-inch MacBook Pro in its most basic configuration to access the gaming goodness. On Ultra settings, we were able to play AAA games like Metro Exodus with respectable frame rates even when using a model with an RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU.
However, what makes the Zephyrus G14 stick out, particularly taking into account that there are less expensive ones for that gaming fix, is its structure element and battery duration. It is more portable than any other gaming laptop because it is a 14-inch portable and weighs just under four pounds. It doesn't weigh you down like most of the competition and fits easily into a backpack for carry-and-go gaming and schoolwork.
It also defies the majority of gaming laptops' poor battery life trend. It won't give you even close to what the best Chromebooks or Ultrabooks will yet we had the option to extract a strong eight hours from it in our testing, a long ways past the five hours or less we expect out of a gaming compact and enough to pursue this a strong decision of understudy PC. Simply wait until you have access to an outlet before starting Cyberpunk 2077.
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