Best Laptops for Students

Are you a student or parent looking for the perfect laptop for the upcoming school year? Well, you're in luck! Here's a curated list of the best laptops for students in 2024.

TECH REVIEWS

7/9/20249 min read

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Best Laptops for Students

Finding the perfect laptop for school can be challenging with so many options available. Whether you're a high school student, a college student, or a parent looking for the best laptop for your child, we've got you covered. Having a reliable laptop is now essential for modern education. Used for everything from taking notes and writing essays to conducting research and collaborating on group projects, this tech is a must. A good school laptop needs to be portable enough to carry around campus, powerful enough to handle demanding applications, and durable enough to withstand daily use.

Top Picks for Students 2024

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woman in blue sweater beside girl in blue sweater

We've compiled a list of the best laptops for students in 2024. In this review, we consider factors like performance, battery life, portability, and affordability. Our recommendations cater to different budgets and needs, ensuring that every student can find the right device to help them succeed academically. Let's dive in and explore the top picks that will make your school life easier and more productive!

Top 10 Laptops for Students

1. Apple MacBook Air M3

The Apple MacBook Air M3 is perfect for students and professionals alike who need a high-end laptop built to last. Its fast performance and long battery life make it great for taking notes, studying, and even watching movies after a long day at school. Plus, with its sleek design, it’s a stylish accessory that can easily fit into any backpack.

  • Key Features: Apple M3 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 15.3-inch Retina display

  • Pros: Lightweight, long battery life, high-resolution display

  • Cons: Expensive, limited ports

  • Most Appropriate For: College and high school students who need a powerful, portable laptop.

  • Price Range: $999 - $1,299

MacBook AirMacBook Air

Best Overall Laptop

2. Dell XPS 13

The Dell XPS 13 is known for its stunning design and powerful performance, making it ideal for multitasking between assignments and projects. Its compact size and lightweight build mean it’s easy to carry from class to class, and the high-resolution screen is perfect for watching educational videos or unwinding with a movie.

  • Key Features: Intel Core i7-1365G7 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 13.4-inch FHD+ display

  • Pros: Sleek design, excellent performance, great display quality

  • Cons: Premium price, limited upgrade options

  • Most Appropriate For: College students and professionals seeking a high-performance, portable laptop.

  • Price Range: $1,199 - $1,499

Dell XPSDell XPS

Best Windows Laptop

3. HP Spectre x360

The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop, perfect for students who need both a powerful laptop and a tablet. The convertible design allows you to switch between modes effortlessly, making it ideal for taking notes in class, working on group projects, or watching lectures. Its strong performance and long battery life ensure you can handle demanding tasks without slowing down.

  • Key Features: Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 13.5-inch FHD+ touch display

  • Pros: Versatile 2-in-1 design, strong performance, long battery life

  • Cons: Slightly heavier than other ultrabooks, premium price

  • Most Appropriate For: Students who want a convertible laptop for flexibility.

  • Price Range: $1,199 - $1,499

HP SpectreHP Spectre

Best 2-in-1 Laptop

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 combines a sleek design with a vibrant PixelSense display, making it a stylish choice for students. It’s perfect for daily tasks like writing papers, browsing the web, and attending online classes. The comfortable keyboard and smooth trackpad enhance the overall user experience, while the portable form factor makes it easy to carry around campus.

  • Key Features: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 13.5-inch PixelSense display

  • Pros: Sleek design, excellent display, comfortable keyboard

  • Cons: Expensive, limited ports

  • Most Appropriate For: Students who need a stylish and portable laptop for daily tasks.

  • Price Range: $999 - $1,399

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

Best for Design Enthusiasts

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is a business-class laptop that’s built to last, making it ideal for students who need a durable and reliable device. With its exceptional keyboard, strong security features, and lightweight design, it’s perfect for students in business or computer science programs who need to work efficiently and securely.

  • Key Features: Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14-inch FHD display

  • Pros: Durable build, great keyboard, strong security features

  • Cons: Expensive, average webcam

  • Most Appropriate For: Students looking for a robust laptop with an excellent typing experience.

  • Price Range: $1,249 - $1,599

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11

Best for Business Students

6. Acer Swift 3

The Acer Swift 3 offers great value for money, providing students with a reliable and affordable laptop that doesn’t skimp on performance. Its lightweight design and solid battery life make it easy to take from class to class, while the powerful AMD Ryzen processor ensures you can handle multitasking and daily tasks without a hitch.

  • Key Features: AMD Ryzen 7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14-inch FHD display

  • Pros: Affordable, good performance, lightweight

  • Cons: Average build quality, limited graphics capability

  • Most Appropriate For: Budget-conscious students who need reliable performance.

  • Price Range: $649 - $799

Acer Swift 3Acer Swift 3

Best Budget Laptop

7. Asus ZenBook 14

The Asus ZenBook 14 stands out with its stunning OLED display and robust performance, making it a great choice for students who love media consumption and need a powerful laptop for their studies. The sleek design and powerful internals make it perfect for multitasking, watching movies, and even light gaming, all while being portable enough to take anywhere.

  • Key Features: AMD Ryzen 9, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 14-inch OLED display

  • Pros: Excellent display, strong performance, sleek design

  • Cons: No headphone jack, limited upgrade options

  • Most Appropriate For: Students who prioritize display quality and performance.

  • Price Range: $999 - $1,299

Asus ZenBook 14Asus ZenBook 14

Best for Media Consumption

8. Google Pixelbook Go

The Google Pixelbook Go is a lightweight, easy-to-use Chromebook that’s perfect for students who primarily use web-based applications. Its long battery life and smooth performance make it ideal for note-taking, online research, and video conferencing. The simplicity of Chrome OS also means it’s less prone to the clutter that can slow down other systems, making it a great choice for focused study sessions.

  • Key Features: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 13.3-inch FHD display

  • Pros: Lightweight, excellent battery life, Chrome OS simplicity

  • Cons: Limited software compatibility, storage capacity

  • Most Appropriate For: Students who need a simple, efficient laptop for web-based tasks.

  • Price Range: $649 - $849

Google Pixelbook GoGoogle Pixelbook Go

Best Chromebook

9. LG Gram 14

The LG Gram 14 is known for its ultra-lightweight design, making it one of the most portable laptops available for students. Despite its light weight, it offers solid performance and a long battery life, ensuring that you can stay productive throughout the day. The 14-inch WUXGA display provides sharp visuals, making it ideal for both study and entertainment.

  • Key Features: Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14-inch WUXGA display

  • Pros: Extremely lightweight, long battery life, solid performance

  • Cons: Expensive, plastic build

  • Most Appropriate For: Students who need ultra-portability without sacrificing power.

  • Price Range: $1,099 - $1,399

LG Gram 14LG Gram 14

Best Lightweight Laptop

10. Razer Blade 14

The Razer Blade 14 is a powerhouse of a laptop, combining high-end gaming performance with a sleek, portable design. It’s perfect for students who need a laptop that can handle both intense creative tasks like video editing and demanding games. The QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures that everything looks smooth and sharp, making it an ideal choice for those who need top-tier performance on the go.

  • Key Features: AMD Ryzen 9, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 14-inch QHD 165Hz display

  • Pros: High-performance, excellent build quality, great display for gaming

  • Cons: Expensive, short battery life under load

  • Most Appropriate For: Students who need a powerful laptop for gaming and creative work.

  • Price Range: $1,799 - $2,299

Razer Blade 14Razer Blade 14

Best for Gaming and Editing

11. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a fantastic option for younger students, offering a 2-in-1 design that’s both fun and functional. The detachable keyboard allows it to be used as a tablet or laptop, making it versatile for both schoolwork and play. With Chrome OS, it’s easy to use and secure, while the long battery life ensures it lasts through a full day of learning. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy for younger students to carry around.

  • Key Features: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 10.1-inch FHD touch display

  • Pros: Affordable, versatile 2-in-1 design, long battery life

  • Cons: Limited storage, smaller screen size

  • Most Appropriate For: Younger students who need a simple, portable device for schoolwork and entertainment.

  • Price Range: $279 - $349

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

Best Laptop for Younger Students

12. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is an excellent choice for middle school students, combining durability with versatility. Its 2-in-1 design allows students to switch between laptop and tablet modes, making it great for both typing assignments and interactive learning apps. The sturdy construction can withstand the wear and tear of daily school use, while the touch display and long battery life enhance the learning experience.

  • Key Features: MediaTek MT8183, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, 11.6-inch HD touch display

  • Pros: Durable design, versatile 2-in-1 functionality, long battery life

  • Cons: Limited processing power, smaller screen size

  • Most Appropriate For: Middle school students who need a durable, flexible device for schoolwork and creative activities.

  • Price Range: $299 - $349

Acer Chromebook Spin 311Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Best Laptop for Middle School Students

The Importance of Choosing the Right Laptop for Student Success

In conclusion, selecting the right laptop for students is more than just a purchase—it's an investment in their future. The ideal device can empower students to excel in their studies, foster creativity, and adapt to the demands of modern education. Whether they need a powerful machine for intensive tasks, a budget-friendly option for everyday use, or a versatile device for younger learners, the right laptop can make all the difference in their academic journey. By choosing a laptop that aligns with their needs, you’re setting them up for success, ensuring they have the tools necessary to achieve their goals and thrive in a digital world.

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