In 2024, the choice of a laptop for studying can be very important. A good laptop makes a difference. It helps with online classes, assignments, and games. In this piece, we take a closer look at the best laptops a student could get their hands on this year. We will review options from budget to high performance. Everyone should find something.
Why Choosing the Right Laptop Matters
To today’s students, a laptop is more than a learning tool. It keeps them organized, entertained, and up to date. With so many options, finding the perfect laptop for students is now overwhelming. So, we have made this guide to help you decide.
1. The Best College Laptops
College students are busy. They juggle lectures, projects, and social activities every day. A college student needs a laptop. It must run engineering or graphic design software. But it must be portable enough to carry around campus.
MacBook Air M2, 2023: It’s sleek and very powerful. College students love it. It also has a new M2 chip to speed up processing. It will enable seamless multitasking.
Dell XPS 13: This laptop has a stunning display and a long-lasting battery. It’s perfect for students who need to work on projects all day.
HP Spectre x360: Its 2-in-1 design makes it great for in-class note-taking and creative projects.
2. Affordable Laptops for Students
Not everyone has the biggest budget, which doesn’t mean that one should compromise on quality. Similarly, some cheap laptops can meet all students’ needs. They can write papers and stream movies.
Acer Aspire 5: A great, affordable laptop. It can easily handle everyday tasks: browsing the web, working on assignments, and watching videos.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet: This affordable 2-in-1 is perfect for students who need basic apps.
ASUS VivoBook 15: A solid laptop with a good display and performance, at a fair price.
3. Lightweight student laptops
But to the students who are always on the trot, a lightweight laptop is a must. These laptops may be light to carry, but they do not compromise on performance either.
LG Gram 14: It is one of the lightest laptops. So, it’s ideal for students who travel or move around often with their laptops.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go: It’s compact and lightweight. This laptop is perfect for students who want something easy to carry in a backpack.
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2023): For the third time, the MacBook Air excels. It has a great balance of lightweight and high performance.
4. Student Budget Laptops
There are plenty of options in budget laptops that don’t make you say, “Ho-hum.”.
The HP Pavilion x360 strikes a great balance between performance and flexibility at a lower price. Ideal for students on a tight budget, the Pavilion x360 is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops available.
Dell Inspiron 15: The Inspiron 15 is a low-budget laptop. It can run basic software and stream, so it suits students.
Acer Swift 3: Yet another great option on a budget is the Acer Swift 3: lightweight, powerful, and highly affordable.
5. Laptops for Online Classes
With more and more students attending classes online, having a good, reliable laptop is much more important than it ever was. These laptops have great webcams and microphones. They can run video conferencing software well.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5: It’s perfect for online classes. This 2-in-1 laptop has good performance and a responsive touchscreen.
HP Envy 13: With a great webcam and microphone—the things that keep you in front of the class—this laptop makes sure people see and hear clearly.
Google Pixelbook Go: This Chromebook has a long battery life and an ultra-light build. It’s perfect for students who need a reliable laptop for virtual learning.
6. High-Performance Laptops for Students
Not all students just need to check emails or use Office. Some need more power for video editing, gaming, or resource-heavy programs. High-performance laptops are built to support these needs without slowing down.
Apple MacBook Pro: The 2023 M2 version has an M2 chip. It is powerful and perfect for students who need to run demanding software or multitask.
Razer Blade 15: A great gaming laptop, this also fits students who need high performance for graphic design or video editing.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14: a compact but powerful laptop that is exactly what you’d want for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. The better the Good, the more students of technology may wish to apply.
7. Portable Laptops for Students
Portability is key for students. They must move their laptops to classes, study groups, and around campus. These laptops are light in weight and compact in size; hence, they are very easy to take along.
MacBook Air M2, 2023: So, if you want lightness combined with power, this might be one of the easiest-carrying laptops among its peers for students.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8: For ultimate portability and ease of use, students might appreciate this 2-in-1 laptop. It’s perfect for taking notes, working, or even presenting on the fly.
Dell XPS 13: Sleek, lightweight, and powerful, the Dell XPS 13 remains one of the best options for students who value ease of movement.
8. Laptops for Students
Student-friendly laptops are easy to use and reliable. They have all the features a student wants, from word processing to streaming music and movies.
Chromebook Flip C434: This is a versatile, user-friendly Chromebook. It is perfect for students who need a simple, reliable device to get their work done.
Microsoft Surface Go 3: Compact and fairly easy to use, it is ideal for students in need of something simple and effective.
Acer Swift 5: Light and powerful, it is also quite easy to use, which may make it a perfect fit for a student of any age group.
9. Schoolwork Laptops
Students need laptops that can help them with routine tasks. These include writing term papers, preparing presentations, and researching. These are good for schoolwork without leaving too big a dent in the wallet.
HP Envy x360: This powerful computer will make multitasking a breeze. Its 2-in-1 form is great for note-taking.
Acer Chromebook 514: For schoolwork, this is a reliable Chromebook. It has a long battery life and a simple, easy-to-use interface.
Lenovo Yoga C740: It is a decent laptop for schoolwork. It has a comfortable keyboard and a responsive touchscreen.
10. Laptops for University Students
University students often need more powerful laptops. They use them for coding, graphic design, and simulations. This range of laptops offers performance for higher-demanding university coursework.
Dell XPS 15: A powerful laptop with a great screen. It’s ideal for university students who need to run complex software.
Apple MacBook Pro M2, 2023: The MacBook Pro is one of the most powerful laptops. It will give you the best university experience with its performance and high-resolution display.
HP Omen 15: This laptop is perfect for university students. It has a great balance of power and portability.
11. Rugged Laptops for Students
Durability is key for students. A laptop must withstand daily backpack tosses and marathon study sessions.
Dell Latitude 5420: It’s known for being tough and taking rough use, but still performs well.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: It’s strong and rigidly built. It suits any student who needs a device that can take a beating.
TUF Gaming A15 by ASUS: Even designed for gaming, this laptop makes for one of the most durable options; thus, ideal for a student in need of a rugged solution.
12. Best Student Laptops Under $500
Getting an amazing laptop for below $500 is always daunting but not impossible. These are some of the fabulous value-for-money laptops that promise all a student needs sans hefty price tags.
Acer Aspire 5: A good, cheap laptop that is perfectly decent for the price it comes at.
HP Chromebook 14: An affordable Chromebook that would be perfect for a student who needs something to do his simple schoolwork easily.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: Generally, a good budget laptop featuring good performance and build quality for less than $500.
13. Laptops for studying and gaming
Among these, gaming laptops are popular with students. They want one machine for school, but it must run all the intense games. All of these combine the best of both worlds: powerful performance and great graphics.
Acer Predator Helios 300 – It’s an excellent gaming laptop. It’s also great for studying. It has powerful specs and a comfortable keyboard for long typing sessions.
ASUS ROG Strix G15: Its gaming performance is very good, while still capable for school tasks, making it a great choice for students who love gaming.
MSI GF65 Thin: This gaming laptop is thin and light. It’s ideal for students who want a balance of gaming and portability.
Trends in Gaming Laptop Usage
Judging from recent statistics, it is well documented that the demand for gaming laptops among students is on the rise. In 2023 alone, about 35% of the students who own laptops use them for both study and gaming purposes. This shows that most students now need to multitask on laptops. They want to do academic work and entertainment on the same computer. There has been, yet, a shifting trend in the design of gaming laptops to slim and portable ones to please the student population.
14. Laptops with Long-Lasting Batteries for Students
A long battery life is attractive to students. They may need to work all day without worrying about finding a power outlet to recharge their gadgets. These laptops are known for their impressive battery life.
MacBook Air M2, 2023: Up to 18 hours of battery life; ideal for students who may be in need of working on the go.
Dell XPS 13 – This is another very good option that permits students to work during the day due to its battery life without any need for charging.
ASUS ZenBook 14 – Everything in this laptop, from its great battery life to its slim design, makes it just ideal for a student.
15. Laptops for Distance Learning
Distance learning needs a decent laptop. It must handle video calls, online exams, and various digital tools. It works perfectly for those students who attend classes while sitting at home.
Google Pixelbook Go: a Chromebook with a long battery life and featuring a webcam that comes in handy for distance learning.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: It has a great display and performance. So, it is ideal for online classes.
HP Spectre x360: The 2-in-1 versatility of this laptop is great for taking notes or attending virtual classes with ease.
16. Best Laptops for Note-Taking
Note-taking on a laptop can, in fact, be much easier once you have the right device. Truly student-suited laptops need speed for effectively taking notes.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Its very responsive touchscreen makes this 2-in-1 great for taking handwritten notes in class.
HP Pavilion x360: Its 2-in-1 design lets you switch between typing and writing notes by hand with ease.
Lenovo Yoga C940: A great choice for a student laptop. It has the best keyboard and excellent stylus support for note-taking.
17. Academic/Classroom Laptops
Students who take academics seriously need a powerful laptop. It should handle research, writing, and software used in their fields of study.
Dell XPS 15: A power-packed laptop ideal for academic use—from writing papers to running statistical software.
Apple MacBook Pro M2, 2023: Best for students who need to run demanding academic applications, such as those used in coding or design classes.
HP Spectre x360: A 2-in-1 laptop for research and writing. Its convertible design makes it very versatile.
18. Best Laptops for Research and Writing
The student needs a laptop that can multitask. It must have a comfortable keyboard and display for research and writing.
MacBook Air M2, 2023: Its good performance and comfy typing are perfect for students who must write and research a lot.
Dell XPS 13: The great display and long battery life of this feather-light weight work excellently as a choice for writing and research.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The great keyboard and decent power make it suitable for extensive research and writing.
19. Laptops for tech-savvy students
More tech-savvy students want more: fast processors, high-res screens, and the ability to multitask and run complex apps.
Apple MacBook Pro: For the more tech-savvy student who needs a laptop for everything from coding to video editing, the Apple MacBook Pro is a top pick.
Dell XPS 17: Shove powerful specs into a great big, high-resolution screen, and you’ve got something for those students who desire only the best.
Razer Blade 15: Even the tech-savviness of the student cannot escape the charm of this gaming laptop. Herein lies a powerful machine for work and play.
20. Fast Processing Student Laptops
During intense study sessions, a student may multitask. Fast processing lets the computer keep up with these taxing tasks.
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo: This laptop has fast processing and a unique dual screen. It’s ideal for students who multitask a lot.
Apple MacBook Air M2, 2023: Its high processing speeds make it great for everything from essay writing to video editing.
HP Spectre x360: It has a strong processor and a flexible design. It’s the perfect laptop for students who need a quick, reliable machine.
In 2024, students must balance performance, portability, and price to find the perfect laptop. You could find one within very affordable means, or powerful, or portable. This guide has covered it all. It includes the best gaming laptops for schoolwork and budget options for students. Keep in mind what it is that you really need from your laptop—the best battery life, durability, and processing power—and get the one that suits those needs. A good laptop can help set you up for success academically and beyond.
FAQs: Best Laptop for Students in 2024
What should I look for in a laptop for school?
When choosing a school laptop, consider battery life, portability, power, and price. A good student laptop should be lightweight for easy carrying. It must have a long battery life. It must also be powerful enough to write papers, attend classes, and stream videos.
Is it better to get a laptop or a tablet for school?
This depends on your needs. A laptop is more powerful and versatile. It’s better for tasks like writing, running software, and multitasking. Tablets can be great for taking notes, reading, and using educational apps, but they may lack the full functionality of a laptop. Some students prefer 2-in-1 devices that combine the features of both.
Can I find a good student laptop for under $500?
Yes, there are several good laptops available under $500 that are suitable for students. Models like the Acer Aspire 5, HP Chromebook 14, and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are reliable for basic tasks. These include writing, web browsing, and online classes.
Are gaming laptops good for students?
Gaming laptops can be great for students. They need high-performance machines for video editing, graphic design, and coding. They are also great for students who enjoy gaming in their free time. However, they tend to be more expensive and heavier than standard student laptops.
How much storage do I need on a student laptop?
For most students, 256GB of storage is sufficient for storing documents, photos, and a few applications. If you plan to store large files, like videos or games, consider a laptop with at least 512GB. You could also use an external hard drive or cloud storage.
What is the best laptop for online classes?
The best laptop for online classes should have a good webcam, microphone, and battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5, HP Envy 13, and Google Pixelbook Go are all great for students. They need a reliable device for virtual classes.
Do I need a high-performance laptop for college?
It depends on your major. For general tasks like writing, browsing, and attending classes, a mid-range laptop is sufficient. If your studies require demanding software, get a high-performance laptop, like a Dell XPS 15 or MacBook Pro. This is key for fields like engineering, graphic design, or computer science.
How important is battery life in a student’s laptop?
Battery life is very important, especially if you will be using your laptop throughout the day without easy access to a power outlet. Look for laptops with at least 8-10 hours of battery life, so you can get through a full day of classes or study sessions.
What is the best lightweight laptop for students?
The MacBook Air (M2, 2023), LG Gram 14, and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go are some of the best lightweight laptops for students. They are easy to carry around and still offer great performance for school tasks.
Are Chromebooks good for students?
Chromebooks are great for students. They need a laptop for basic tasks: web browsing, writing papers, and using Google apps. They are cheap and have good battery life. So, they suit many students, especially those on a budget.
Should I buy a laptop with a touchscreen for school?
A touch screen laptop can be very useful for students. It’s great for those who prefer to handwrite notes or use interactive apps. 2-in-1 laptops, like the Microsoft Surface Pro and HP Spectre x360, are both a laptop and a tablet. They offer the flexibility of both. However, if you don’t think you’ll use the touchscreen often, you might prefer a standard laptop, which could be more affordable.
How much RAM do I need in a student’s laptop?
For most students, 8GB of RAM is enough for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and streaming videos. If you run demanding apps, like video editors, get a laptop with 16GB of RAM for better performance.
Can I use a gaming laptop for schoolwork?
Confirmation received. Gaming laptops are powerful. They can handle intensive tasks, like graphic design and video editing. They can also run simulations and code. The only downside is that they are heavier and have shorter battery lives than standard student laptops. If you need a high-performance machine for both gaming and school, a gaming laptop could be a great choice.