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The Best Laptops for Students of 2024

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Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (2022)

Stylish chassis

Bright display

Strong overall performance

Doesn’t beat a gaming laptop

Unimpressive audio

Acer Swift 3 OLED (2022)

Speedy Intel H processor

Gorgeous OLED display

Design quirks

So-so battery life

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i (2023)

Good performance for the price

Responsive touchscreen

Higher-end look than the price suggests

Screen isn’t the brightest or most colorful

Apple MacBook Air M1 (Late 2020)

Jaw-dropping battery life

Incredible performance

Iconic build quality

Poor port selection

Apple Macbook Pro 14 M2 Pro (2023)

Class-leading battery life

Excellent processor performance

Superb HDR display

Unimpressive game performance

Keyboard needs an update

Not the best value for money

Updated November 21, 2023

• Processor : Intel Core i7-12700H
• Graphics : Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
• Memory : 16GB DDR5 4800MHz
• Storage : 512GB SSD
• Display : 14-inch, 2240 x 1400, 60Hz, 100% sRGB color gamut
• Battery life : 7.5+ hours

Students who need a traditional, clamshell laptop and prefer using Windows will get the most out of Dell’s Inspiron 14 Plus, a classy multipurpose laptop that outperforms most of Apple’s MacBooks. It may not have as crisp and as bright of a display, but the colors are vibrant, the contrast is decent, and it also has a comfortable and responsive low-profile keyboard similar to Dell’s XPS laptops.

Its battery life is on the low side for a productivity laptop, but 7.5 hours ain’t bad. Intel chips’ notorious appetite for power makes it hard to find a laptop this well-rounded with more battery life. But with some planning, you can easily keep the laptop charged and leave the power block at home.

The Inspiron 14 Plus is a good but hard-to-quantify machine, but a fast computer with a gorgeous chassis, decent battery life, and a good display is more than enough for most students.

• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700H
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe (integrated)
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 14-inch, 2880 x 1800, 16:10 OLED
• Battery: 5.5+ hours

The Acer Swift 3 OLED has a beautiful display that any student would appreciate. Other laptops are more aesthetically pleasing, have a better key feel, and are thinner and lighter than the Swift 3 OLED, but they usually don’t come with an OLED display.

During testing, we measured a max nit brightness of 421 nits, more than what most people need from a laptop. The Swift 3’s OLED display covers 99.1% of the PCI-P3 color gamut, as well as 100% of the sRGB gamut and 97.4% of the Adobe RGB gamut.

The Swift 3 OLED also features an H-series Intel processor, which is more commonly found in gaming laptops, while most other mid-tier laptops use one of Intel’s slower P-series processors. While it’s not as fast as Apple’s M2 chips, it does beat Apple’s M1 Pro in raw single-core and multi-core processing power.

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR4 4267MHz
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 14-inch, 1920 × 1200, 60Hz, IPS LED-backlit touchscreen with stylus support
• Battery: 7.5+ hours

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is a solid and reliable 2-in-1 laptop that starts at $650, a much more affordable price point for students looking to purchase a new laptop compared to others on this list. The model we reviewed cost $800, and that’s still a steal of a price for the performance, reliability, and versatility it offers.

Its processor keeps up with Intel’s 12th-gen Core i7 H-series chips, it has every type of port you could ever realistically need, and it also looks more expensive than it actually is. We were most impressed with the responsive touchscreen, a crucial aspect of any 2-in-1 laptop. The display brightness was lower than we would have liked to see, but that only starts to cause glare problems if you use the laptop outside on a super sunny day.

• Processor: Apple M1
• Graphics: Integrated
• Memory: 16GB
• Storage: 256GB
• Display: 13-inch 2560 x 1440p Liquid Retina
• Battery: 11.5+ hours

The MacBook Air M1 comes with the same aluminum chassis and Retina screen we loved in the earlier 2020 Intel MacBook Air. Because you can't upgrade the M1 MacBooks after purchase, we recommend splurging on a model with at least 512GB of storage.

With a shockingly good battery life of almost 12 hours, performance that beats most Windows laptops, and an incredibly smooth trackpad and tactile keyboard, it should be no surprise that the MacBook Air M1 has been so popular. Unless you need Windows 11 specifically, the MacBook Air is a fabulous laptop for pulling all-nighters, writing essays, and streaming high-resolution video.

• Processor : Apple M2 Pro (10-core)
• Graphics : Integrated (16-core)
• Memory : 8GB to 96GB
• Storage : 256GB to 8TB SSD
• Display : 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3024 x 1964)
• Battery : 24+ hours

Apple’s MacBook Pro 14 M2 Pro is a master of all trades. It’s fast, extremely portable, packs an awesome display in a slim profile—and can reach an incredible 24 hours of battery life, the longest of any laptop we’ve tested.

It out-performs most laptops with a 12th-gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 6000 chip (even current generation), achieves extreme brightness levels in HDR content thanks to Apple’s mini-LED, Liquid Retina XDR display, and even offers more hardware upgrades than most Windows laptops of similar size.

Windows alternatives like the Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre x360 are compelling alternatives at lower prices. But they can’t beat Apple in battery life and struggle to deliver the same performance across both CPU and GPU without inflating weight or size.

Other Laptops for Students We Tested

• Processor : Intel Core i7-13700H
• Graphics : Iris Xe Graphics
• Memory : 16GB LPDDR5 6400MHz
• Storage : 1TB SSD
• Display : 16-inch, 3200 × 2000, 120Hz OLED
• Battery : ~7.4 hours

The Acer Swift Go 16 is faster than our top pick in almost every way—but it’s usually the more expensive of the two, and its graphics power can’t match the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, making it a less versatile machine. But if one of your must-haves is an Intel 13th-gen processor and an OLED screen, take a look at the Swift Go 16.

It chews through large Excel spreadsheets with complex formulas and data, its processor keeps pace with Apple’s MacBook Pro 14 M2 Pro (or beats it, depending on the test), and its integrated graphics performance is sufficient for “light” gaming if you catch yourself focusing on too much work and not enough playtime.

Great productivity performance

Solid, yet lightweight chassis

Great touchpad, decent keyboard

OLED screen doesn’t get very bright

Can run warm

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1360P
• Memory: 32GB DDR5 4800MHz
• Display: 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1200, 60Hz IPS
• Battery: ~5.4 hours

MSI Prestige13 Evo is one of the slimmest laptops on the market, and its overall design is one of its biggest selling points—enough to rival the Dell XPS and Apple MacBook Air. The keyboard subtlety balances an orderly design with keys spaced apart just the right amount to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes (although some might find the keyboard cramped like one of us did). We also couldn’t tell the trackpad apart from a MacBook trackpad on touch alone, making it one of the best Windows laptop trackpads we’ve ever tested.

CPU performance is comparable to the other laptops on this list, like the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Acer Swift 3 OLED, and the Prestige 13 Evo is currently in the top five on our list of Windows machines that have the best integrated graphics performance.

We wish the laptop came with a higher resolution display or an OLED display, especially for $1,500. There are similarly-priced or cheaper laptops on this list with OLED displays that cost less than the Prestige, but none of them look nearly as polished and refined.

To make an OLED display work in the Prestige 13 Evo, MSI would have probably had to use a larger battery or risk shortening the already short battery life on this laptop even further. A larger battery often comes at the expense of increasing a laptop’s thickness, and that would have changed its entire intent: stunning people with its looks.

Feather-light

Excellent performance

Gorgeous aesthetics

Short battery life

Unimpressive screen

Cramped keyboard

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
• Memory: 16GB DDR5 6400MHz
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe
• Display: 14.5-inch, 2560 x 1600, 90Hz, IPS touchscreen
• Battery: 9.5+ hours

If you need something with enough power for light video or audio work, with a battery that lasts longer than you do through an entire day of classes, then the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 is another great laptop to look into.

The Silm Pro 7's AMD processor is much faster than the last-generation AMD Ryzen chip in our Best 2-in-1 pick, the HP Envy x360. The entire laptop is configured to offer the most performance possible in such a slim profile for $1,200, but that of course raises the price.

That puts this mid-range laptop on the same shelf as the MSI Prestige 13 Evo, Acer Swift Go 16, and even the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus—but its processor isn’t nearly as fast. The battery life is nothing to ignore, though, so if you happen to find the Silm Pro for under $1,000, then you’ll be getting a great deal.

Solid performance

Sturdy, tactile keyboard feel

Minimalist, professional look

Just okay screen brightness

Loaded with bloatware

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
• Memory: 8GB DDR4 3200MHz
• Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080p
• Battery: 8+ hours

But the Ryzen 5 5625U processor is no slouch when it comes to performance. Among all of our benchmarking data, the HP Envy x360 is one of the top-performing sub-$1,000 laptops. This laptop’s battery life also is great, thanks in part to the power-efficient processor. The 51-watt-hour battery can hold a charge for eight-plus hours.

Typing on this laptop is comfortable, and the keyboard has large, springy keys perfect for working on papers or reports. The trackpad also is well-made and responds to taps and complex, multi-touch gestures quickly and accurately.

Sturdy, stylish chassis

Good performance

Good battery life

Mediocre display

• Processor : Intel Core i5-1230U
• Graphics : Intel Iris Xe (integrated)
• Memory : 16GB LPDDR5
• Display : 13.4-inch, 1920 x 1200, IPS, LCD (optional touchsreen)
• Battery life : About 16 hours

This Dell XPS 13 (9315) is hands-down the best XPS laptop Dell has made (that we’ve tested). It has the same polish and refinement as MSI’s Prestige 13 Evo, a much longer battery life than the MacBook Air, and, given this is the base model, the price is right: $850 on sale at Dell. It’s the kind of laptop you can purchase without much thought and without regretting your decision.

The biggest reason it’s not higher up on this list, even above the Acer Swift Go 16, is that its processing performance is much slower than the others, ranking in the bottom five compared to every laptop we’ve reviewed in the last year.

If you need a tad more performance and don’t mind potentially sacrificing some battery power to get it, you can get the Dell XPS 13 with an Intel Core i7-1250U processor for $899 (on sale). It’s a faster processor when it comes to running actual applications compared to something like the M2, but the Core i7-1250U isn’t nearly as power-efficient—expect the XPS 13 configured with a Core i7 to get under 15 hours of battery life.

Sturdy and functional design

Great battery life

Competitive pricing

Mediocre performance

Only two Thunderbolt ports

Webcam and microphone don’t impress

How We Test Laptops for Students

How to choose a laptop for students, operating system.

Which operating system is the best? The answer to that question depends on the student. Some will be more familiar and comfortable with MacOS, while others may prefer Windows or Android. How a laptop is going to be used is another factor in choosing an operating system.

If you’re going to need certain software for school or to play games, you may want to stick with Windows. Apple has complete control over how Macs are built, so its auto-update system does an excellent job of keeping the laptop operating system up to date. Unlike macOS and Windows, ChromeOS isn’t a full-fledged operating system. With ChromeOS, you’ll be spending most of your time in a Chrome browser using web-based tools.

If you run more intense workloads—whether that’s photo and video editing or playing the latest PC games—you’ll want a bit more “oomph.” Intel’s higher-end i7 processors will make those video encodes run noticeably faster, and a dedicated graphics card will ensure your games run smoothly. For browsing the web and using office software, lower-power chips like Intel’s i3 and i5 are fine.

Battery Life

A long battery life is imperative in laptops for students. No one wants their computer to die while taking notes in class, working on a project in the library, and especially during late-night gaming sessions with friends.

That’s why we tested battery life when evaluating student laptops. We had each laptop cycle through various websites until it ran out of power to estimate how much work it could get done on a single charge. Our recommended laptops range in battery life from about five hours up to more than 17 hours.

Screen Size

When it comes to screen size, it’s important to balance portability against the space available to work. Picking a general size range can help narrow the field. Our recommendations for student laptops range from 13 inches up to 14 inches.

Laptops with displays that are about 13 inches are easy to carry around campus and great for light work like writing papers and browsing the web. Mid-sized laptop screens are a bit less portable and may not work in constrained spaces, but the larger display is useful for photo editing and watching videos.

Large laptops, computers with screens of 17 inches or larger, are only recommended for students who need video-editing abilities or other intensive work that requires a lot of screen real estate.

We recommend that you err on the side of more storage. While 4GB of RAM is usable in a Chromebook, even web browsing can eat up RAM. We wouldn’t advise 4GB for most Windows users. If you tend to open lots of tabs, use lots of browser extensions, or want to be future-proof, at least 8GB is the way to go.

People often underestimate how much space they’ll fill with their music, photos, and videos. Storage can be expensive, though. If you can’t afford a large solid-state drive, consider a laptop with an SD card slot and using a high-capacity card for expandable storage.

A computer can be looked at as an investment in the future of a student, especially with a laptop for college. However, laptops can be pricey. When looking for the best student laptop, we suggest looking at value, so you know that the price matches the performance and features that you’re getting from a laptop.

More Articles You Might Enjoy

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the testers

Adrien Ramirez

Staff Writer

Adrien is the PC staff writer for Reviewed with over 4 years of experience covering laptops, desktops, software, games, and more.

Joanna Nelius

Former Senior Editor, Tech

Joanna specializes in anything and everything gaming-related and loves nerding out over graphics cards, processors, and chip architecture. Previously she was a staff writer for Gizmodo, PC Gamer, and Maximum PC.

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Scott Gilbertson

The Best Laptops and Tablets for College Students

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Windows Laptop Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Read more

Best Budget Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Read more

Best Mac for College Apple MacBook Air (13 and 15 Inch) Read more

Best Linux Laptop Framework Laptop 13 (2023) Read more

The perfect college laptop may not exist. But somewhere between performance, size, weight, and price, there's a machine that will make you (and your parents) happy. We test dozens of laptops and tablets every year. The choices below are our favorite picks for students headed back to school this year. Whether you're attending classes in person or online—or doing some of both—there's something here for every student and every budget.

Be sure to check out our other back-to-school guides, including the Best Laptops , Best Tablets , Best Laptop Bags , Best Student Email Discounts , and Best Dorm and College Gear .

Updated August 2023: We've revamped all our picks to include the latest models with the most up-to-date specs.

Best Windows Laptop

The Asus Zenbook 14 is a unique combination of performance, great battery life, and an OLED display—all for $700 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). The model we like uses an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U CPU, with 8 GB of RAM and a 256-GB SSD. That may not sound like much, but we were impressed with the performance, especially given the price. That said, if you're heading to film school or plan to spend your nights gaming this is not the laptop you want (see our gaming pick below). Battery life is outstanding though, clocking in at 12.5 hours (measured looping a YouTube video at full brightness), which is helpful for the long days on campus.

This is a small, portable machine too (3.1 pounds and 19 mm thick), and it manages to pack in plenty of ports despite the slim form. There are two USB-C ports (one of which is needed for charging), one full-size USB 3.2 port, a full-size HDMI output, and a microSD card reader. If you want something just a little more powerful, you can bump the specs to 16 GB of RAM and a 512-GB SSD for not much more money.

Specs to look for: AMD Ryzen 5 7000 series, 8 GB RAM, 256-GB SSD

Best Budget Laptop

Lenovo's AMD-based IdeaPad 5, which comes with a Ryzen 5 processor, is a great laptop for students. There's plenty of power, a very nice 14-inch IPS display, 16 GB of RAM, and a 256-GB SSD. The 360-degree hinge converts it to tablet mode or stand mode for watching movies in your dorm. To take full advantage of the 2-in-1 design, be sure to grab the digital pen ($40) . Another reason we like the IdeaPad is the plethora of ports: You get two USB-A ports, an HDMI, an SD card reader, one USB-C, a headphone jack, and a charging port (though you can use the USB-C to recharge the laptop too). If you're a computer science major or plan to do some video editing, the more powerful Ryzen 7 version can be had for just a little more .

Specs to look for: AMD Ryzen 5, 16 GB of RAM, 256-GB SSD

Best Mac for College

Apple's M2-powered MacBook Air ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) comes with a ton of upgrades on both the inside and out. It's boxier than the old version and comes in a couple of new colors—midnight and starlight—in addition to the traditional space gray and silver options. The display is bigger (you can choose between a 13-inch and 15-inch model ) and the webcam is a little better. There are still only two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, but at least you can charge it without using one of them via the MagSafe charger.

Apple’s M2 chip offers decent performance on typical college workloads, running apps like Slack, Spotify, Telegram, and Pages alongside a browser, though we did experience some slowdowns with a lot of tabs open. If you can, upgrade the unified memory to 16 gigs for a smoother experience. Also, Remember, you can take $100 off if you use an education email and buy the MacBook through Apple's Education store . If you want a cheaper MacBook the M1-powered Air is still a good choice for less than $800 .

Specs to look for: Apple M2 processor, 8+ GB of RAM, 256-GB SSD

Best Linux Laptop

Framework's 13-inch laptop is a good choice for budding programmers and sysadmins. The 13-inch model ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is available with either Windows or Linux, but I much prefer it with Linux—a DIY laptop needs a DIY OS. The hallmark of this laptop is how you can repair and replace components down the road, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Right now you can get an Intel Core 13th-gen series system with 32 GB of RAM, a 2-TB SSD, and whichever mix of ports suits your needs for around $1,400. That will ship with no operating system. When it arrives you can install Linux yourself (or opt to ship it with Windows if you need to dual boot). See our Best Linux Laptops guide for more options.

Specs to look for: Intel Core i5, 16+ GB of RAM, 250-GB SSD

Aarian Marshall

David Nield

The Best Chromebook

The Asus Chromebook CX5 is a good choice for students who are all-in on Google services. It strikes a great balance between price, power, and features, with a 2-in-1 design that lets you seamlessly switch between laptop mode for homework and stand mode for late-night binges. The keyboard is excellent. Typing is often the first to get trashed when manufacturers seek to save money, but Asus has clearly focused on this area—there's a ton of travel and a satisfying click.

The 16 GB of RAM and 11th-Gen Intel Core i5 chip is possibly overkill for a Chromebook, but if you're going to have hundreds of tabs open doing research, this won't let you down. The display is 1080p and gets bright enough for most typical conditions, though there's nothing special about it. The port selection is better, there are two USB-Cs, a USB-A, a headphone jack, a microSD, and even an HDMI. See our Best Chromebooks guide for more.

Specs to look for: Intel Core i5, 16 GB of RAM, 128-GB SSD

Do you really need a laptop? Really really? Only you can answer that, but if your requirements revolve around taking notes, doing research, reading textbooks, and other knowledge-related tasks, then you might be able to get by with a much lighter tablet like the iPad Air ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). The Apple Pencil ($129) is a must-have. Using it on the iPad's screen feels close to dragging a real pencil across a piece of paper. You'll also want a Bluetooth keyboard for typing those papers and emails. We like the Logitech Folio Touch or Apple’s own Magic Keyboard ($299) , both of which add trackpads to the mix for a more computer-like feel. Check out our Best iPad Accessories guide for more options.

That said, it's not as easy to multitask on an iPad as it is on a laptop, and by the time you get a keyboard, pencil, and whatever else you need, it can become just as expensive as a laptop.

Specs to look for: M1 processor, Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi+cellular, 64 GB of storage

★ An Android alternative: If you don't want to buy into Apple's ecosystem, the OnePlus Pad ($479) ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is a great alternative. You need to add the $149 magnetic keyboard cover to make it a productivity machine (OnePlus sometimes has an offer that bundles it for free), but you can use split-screen mode to run apps side by side and have a third app floating on the side for easy access.

A Windows Tablet

If you want a tablet but aren't sure if Apple's iPadOS or Android can do everything you need, then the Surface Pro 9 is your next-best bet. Its lightweight tablet design is easy to carry, and the 13-inch 120-Hz hi-res touchscreen with a document-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio makes it nice to stare at and use. With 12th-gen Intel chips, you get pretty great performance too. It also runs Windows, which nets you access to all the desktop-class software you're likely to need. For college use, you definitely want the Type Cover keyboard. This accessory is essential, but it adds an extra $140 .

The most affordable, smallest member of the Surface lineup is the 10.5-inch Surface Go 3 ( 8/10, WIRED Review ). If your needs are minimal, or you prefer tiny computers, this is what you should buy. Despite its slower Intel chips, it's more than capable of handling most college-related tasks.

Specs to look for: Intel Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, 256-GB SSD

The Acer Nitro 5 is a stealth gaming machine, the kind of boring-looking laptop you might convince your parents to buy. This isn't a top-of-the-line gaming rig , but it's a solid, powerful-enough machine. The display won’t blow you away, but at 15.6 inches (Full HD) and with a fast 144-Hz refresh rate , it is a great choice for gamers. The standout keyboard has a surprising amount of travel and feedback for such a low-cost device.

The base model is the cheap one, but you can get up to 16 GB of RAM, a 1-TB SSD, a Ryzen 7 chip, and an RTX 3070 GPU. If you've got the cash for a high-end gaming rig, check out our Best Gaming Laptops guide.

Specs to look for: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor or Intel Core i5, Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card, 16 GB of RAM, 512-GB SSD, 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 144-Hz refresh rate

It's not a laptop or tablet, but the Raspberry Pi 4 has education written all over it. This hackable, programmable micro PC is a great option for anyone—computer science major or otherwise—who wants to tinker and experiment with software or hardware. They're also just fun to build projects with. You can automate your dorm coffee maker , make a beetbox , or create a network-wide content filter . If the Raspberry Pi doesn't grab you, have a look at our guide to some alternative small board options .

How to Choose the Right Laptop for College

The important thing to remember is that there is no single correct choice here. The laptop that's best for your college experience depends on what you're doing at college. An English major with long reading lists and many papers to write might do better with an iPad and a nice accessory keyboard. A computer science major who needs to compile software or run Linux will need a laptop they can tinker away on. That said, here are some basic metrics to keep in mind for laptops:

• Windows : If you're getting a Windows machine, your main options for the processor are Intel and AMD. Both will work, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. For a more complete guide to the differences, see our full guide to buying a laptop .
• Chromebooks : These browser-based machines use half a dozen different processors, most of which you've probably never heard of. There's a reason for that: Those processors are slow. My recommendation when buying a Chromebook is to go with a more powerful processor if you can afford it. The Core m3 chip is the best choice for most students. If you want a more powerful, future-proof machine, get a Core i3 or i5 chip. There are also ARM-based Chromebooks, like the Lenovo Duet . They aren't quite as speedy as the Intel Core chips, but in most cases, they're just fine for college workloads.
• MacOS : Apple is making its own processors now, notably the M2 chip found inside the MacBook Air showcased above. More powerful models like the MacBook Pros feature the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. Our MacBook buying guide can help.

Regardless of which OS you choose, the minimum amount of RAM you want in your laptop is 8 GB. That's enough memory to keep your computer feeling snappy even if it's running under load. That much RAM will also keep the machine feeling spry longer into its lifespan. If you can afford it—especially if you plan to edit photos or videos as part of your coursework—go for 16 GB.

Screens vary tremendously but don't settle for anything less than 1080p. For a 13-inch laptop, 1080p is sharp enough. If you're going with a bigger laptop, 2.5K or even 4K screens will really improve the viewing experience. If you're trying to play games as well, be sure to get something with a higher refresh rate— 120 Hz or 144 Hz will more than satisfy.

Weight and Battery

Don't forget you'll be lugging this thing around campus. It may well be tugging on your back for eight hours or more. One pound may not seem like much, but at the end of a long day of walking, you will notice the difference between a 3-pound laptop and a 4-pound laptop. Trust me. Also, maybe pick out a nice bag to carry your computer.

Similarly, battery life is very important when you're (potentially) away from a wall outlet for extended periods. Whatever you end up getting, make sure it's capable of lasting at least eight hours under real-world use—browsing the web, editing documents, writing emails, and taking notes. Even then, you might want to consider a portable battery charger .

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• Electronics

The Best Laptops

By Kimber Streams and Dave Gershgorn

Smartphones and tablets may have taken over much of people’s screen time, but there’s still a need for a real computer sometimes—and for most people, that means a laptop. For school and office work and tasks like creating spreadsheets and editing video, there’s no good substitute for a decent keyboard and a big screen. But exactly which laptop you should get depends on how often you’ll use it, what you’ll use it for, and (of course) how much money you can afford to spend on it.

We regularly test the most promising laptops, from sleek ultrabooks to cheap Chromebooks to massive gaming laptops and beyond. Here are the best models you can buy in every category, along with advice on how to choose which type of laptop is right for you.

The research

Mac or windows (or something else), for most people: the best ultrabook, the best mac laptop, the best business laptop, the most repairable laptop, the best cheap ultrabook, the best chromebook, the best budget windows laptop, the best macbook for photo and video editing, the best windows laptop for photo and video editing, the best cheap gaming laptop, frequently asked questions.

If you’re already familiar with macOS or Windows, the easiest choice is to buy a computer that runs that operating system. Or if you already have an iPhone, a MacBook will let you send texts with iMessage, make FaceTime video calls, and access your iCloud photos. That said, macOS and Windows have never been more similar, and most popular apps work just as well on either platform (or at least have alternatives that work similarly). If you’re interested in switching, it isn’t as big a deal as it used to be.

If you’re not tied to a platform, the biggest factor is how easily you can get support. Do you have an Apple Store nearby? Do your most tech-savvy friends use Windows? Does your school or job provide tech support? If you’re not a self-sufficient techie and want the best service for your computer, buy a Mac, because you can take it to any Apple Store to get it fixed. No other computer maker provides that level of support. (If you’re self-sufficient, go with what you like.)

Alternatively, since more tasks can be accomplished in a browser, without your downloading and installing any apps, you might not even need a traditional operating system—a Chromebook may be all you need.

HP Spectre x360 13.5″

The best ultrabook.

The Spectre x360 offers excellent battery life, a tall touchscreen, and a reliable keyboard and trackpad. It’s also thin and light enough to slip in a bag and take anywhere.

Buying Options

Recommended configuration

Who these are for: Ultrabooks are the best laptops for most people, including college students, writers, office workers, and commuters. They have great keyboards, screens, and battery life; they offer enough power to do everything most people need a computer for; and they’re thin, light, and portable. You should expect to pay between $900 and $1,300 for a great Windows ultrabook that will last you at least four years.

Where they fall short: Great ultrabooks can cost more than many people want to spend on a laptop, even if these models provide a better experience and last longer than cheaper alternatives. Ultrabooks also lack the processing power to play high-end games or handle demanding tasks such as professional video editing or 3D modeling. If you need a cheaper laptop or a more powerful one, check out our other picks below.

Why we like this one: The HP Spectre x360 13.5″ has the best combination of what makes an ultrabook great : It offers fast performance, all-day battery life, a tall and spacious screen, a quality keyboard and trackpad, and an excellent webcam. The Spectre x360 also has a 360-degree hinge that lets you flip the touchscreen all the way around, and some models come with an active stylus. Our pick isn’t as light or compact as some other Windows ultrabooks—though at 3 pounds it’s certainly not heavy, either. And it ships with too much bloatware, all of which you should uninstall when the laptop arrives.

Read more about the HP Spectre x360 13.5″ and our other picks in our guide to Windows ultrabooks .

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022, 13-inch)

A better macbook.

The MacBook Air has a comfortable keyboard, great performance, and a reasonable amount of storage—things that haven’t always been offered in previous MacBook Airs.

You save $150 (15%)

Who these are for: If you prefer macOS or need great tech support, a MacBook is a safe bet; the 13-inch models usually offer the best combination of size, weight, and speed. They’re great for writers, office workers, commuters, and college students. Apple’s newest MacBooks also include new Apple-designed processors that help them run cooler and quieter than most laptops and give them exceptionally good battery life. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for one with good enough specs and storage to last you at least four years.

Where they fall short : MacBooks are even more expensive than Windows ultrabooks, especially if you want to upgrade the memory or storage; Apple’s SSD upgrade prices are so high that we usually recommend looking into cloud storage or an external SSD instead. And as with Windows ultrabooks, our recommended MacBook configuration for most people lacks the processing power to play demanding games.

Why we like this one: The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air delivers strong performance and fantastic battery life at a reasonable price. And the Air’s keyboard is actually good, since Apple traded out the shallow and failure-prone butterfly switches under the keys of 2018- and 2019-era MacBook Airs for springier and more satisfying scissor switches. Like Apple’s other laptops, the Air has only a few ports (in this case, two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, which may require you to use a hub or new cables ). But the Air’s light weight, solid construction, and industry-leading support make it a great laptop, especially if you also own an iPhone or other Apple devices.

For more on the MacBook Air, take a look at our full guide to MacBook models .

HP EliteBook 840 G9

For the corporate world.

The EliteBook 840 is slim while staying repairable and has a nice selection of ports, good battery life, and an updated webcam. It’s also easier to upgrade than a typical ultrabook.

Who these are for: Most people don’t need a business laptop, and those who do will probably get one from their IT department. But there are a few great reasons to choose a business laptop, even if you’re paying for it yourself, including better long-term durability, easier serviceability and upgrades of the RAM and storage, and more plentiful and varied ports than you get on an ultrabook. Our main picks typically cost between $1,200 and $1,400.

Where they fall short: Ultrabooks are a better option than business laptops for most people because ultrabooks are thinner and lighter, and they offer similar performance for less money. The majority of people don’t upgrade or repair their own laptops, and if you really need business-centric features like smart-card support and vPro, your employer has probably already issued you a laptop that supports them. Dongles and docks, while inconvenient, can make up for some ultrabooks’ limited port selection.

Why we like this one: The HP EliteBook 840 G9 is slim, repairable, and has a bunch of useful ports. This new version upgrades nearly all the things we didn’t like about the EliteBook 840 line last time we tested them, including a better 5- megapixel webcam, redesigned keyboard, and larger 16:10 display. The laptop is nearly entirely repairable if any part breaks, and HP’s PartSurfer site makes it easy to find a part number and order a replacement directly. (We did find a few parts were backordered, but you’ll at least have a correct part number to find on eBay or other resellers.) HP also has a detailed service guide that serves as a manual for how to repair the laptop.

Check out our full guide to business laptops to learn more.

Framework Laptop 13 (AMD)

A repairable and upgradable option.

The Framework Laptop is the best—and so far only—option if you want a laptop you can easily upgrade and repair. And it’s a great ultrabook, too.

Framework Laptop 13 (Intel)

The Intel version of the Framework Laptop 13 has shorter battery life, but it’s otherwise identical to the AMD model.

Who these are for: Most modern laptops aren’t designed to be repaired or upgraded by just anyone with a screwdriver. Even if you do manage to get past the screws and the difficult-to-pry-open chassis, you might have access to the SSD, but the memory is likely to be soldered, and you certainly can’t upgrade the processor. When something breaks out of warranty, when the battery wears out, or when you’re ready to upgrade after five or six years, you have to recycle or dispose of the entire laptop—even if some of its parts are still perfectly good. If you want the ability to upgrade and repair your laptop yourself and make it last longer without replacing the whole thing—which theoretically can save you money and create less e-waste over the years—our repairable pick is for you.

Where they fall short: The availability of parts and upgrades for the Framework Laptop 13 is entirely dependent on the laptop’s manufacturer. If Framework goes under or it decides to stop designing and selling upgrades, this laptop will end up just like any other—when the computer breaks or outlives its usefulness, you’ll have to replace the whole thing. Other companies have attempted to make upgradable laptops in the past and have failed to follow through on the promise.

Why we like this one: Every part of the Framework Laptop 13 (AMD) is super easy to repair and upgrade . Each part is helpfully labeled with handy QR codes that direct you to step-by-step replacement guides and links to the exact parts you’ll need. You can add more memory and storage , replace or upgrade the battery , upgrade the mainboard with a new processor , and repair anything else if it breaks—the display, the fingerprint reader, the keyboard, the hinge, you name it.

The Framework Laptop 13 is an excellent computer, too. It’s sturdy and surprisingly thin and light for how modular its design is, and it has a reliable keyboard and trackpad plus a bright and spacious display. The AMD Ryzen 5 model has battery life in line with our top pick, while the Intel version’s battery life is around an hour less. But the ability to upgrade and repair this laptop down the line depends on the company continuing to exist and to supply parts. So far the company is off to a great start: Every year since it launched in 2021 the company has introduced upgraded parts.

We recommend adding another 8 GB of memory to the base-model Framework Laptop. If you want the full experience of putting your laptop together , you can choose from a wider variety of parts by purchasing the DIY Edition instead.

Read more about our repairable pick in our guide to Windows ultrabooks .

Budget pick

Asus Zenbook 14″ OLED (UM3402YA-WS51T)

The best value.

The Zenbook 14 is the best laptop you can get for the price. But its build quality isn’t as nice and it won’t perform as well in a few years as our top picks.

You save $123 (18%)

Asus Zenbook 14″ OLED (UM3402YA-WS74T)

This version of the Zenbook 14 performs just as well as our top pick, but it costs a couple hundred dollars more than the base model.

Who these are for: Most Windows computers priced around $500 or less are large and heavy and saddled with poor battery life—among other flaws—but a bit more money can buy you an ultrabook that’s almost as good as much more expensive options. Budget ultrabooks are ideal for students as well as for anyone who can spend around $800 on a laptop.

Where they fall short: Compared with more expensive ultrabooks, cheap models tend to have less memory and storage, as well as bigger, creakier bodies and worse build quality; they can also have less responsive keyboards and trackpads, dimmer and less accurate screens, or fewer ports. But if you can find one that makes as few of those compromises as possible, you may be able to save a few hundred dollars.

Why we like this one: The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is a fantastic value. The base model with 8 GB of memory won’t perform as well as our top picks for as many years, but the version with 16 GB of memory will, if you can spend a little more. Compared with the HP Spectre x360 13.5″, the Zenbook 14 is bulkier and feels cheaper—though it doesn’t feel as flimsy as other budget ultrabooks—and its webcam isn’t as high quality. But the Zenbook 14 is still portable, and its battery will last through a full day of work or classes. In addition, it has a fingerprint reader and comes with a USB-C charger, and its touchpad can double as a number pad—all nice bonuses for a cheap ultrabook.

Read more about the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED and how well it compares to our other picks in our full guide to ultrabooks .

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

Reliable performance, a spacious touch display, and long-enough battery life for a full workday make the Flex 5i the best Chromebook for the price. But it is a bit heavy.

Who these are for: Chromebooks are ideal for students and kids, but you should also consider one if you spend most of your computer time in a web browser, if you’re on a tight budget, or if you already have a decent desktop PC. A good Chromebook can do almost anything a regular laptop can do , including document work, video calls, and streaming video—as long as it’s possible in a web browser or in Android apps. And $500 Chromebooks tend to be faster, lighter, and sleeker than $500 Windows laptops. Plus, Chromebooks are secure and easy to maintain .

Where they fall short: Chromebooks can’t run Windows-specific games or particular programs you might be used to on your Mac or Windows computer. But if you use web-based email, if you can get by with Google’s office web apps or Office 365 and Android app alternatives, and if you stream your music and movies over the internet, a Chromebook should do just about everything you need it to.

Why we like this one: The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an excellent laptop, with the best combination of features and price of all the Chromebooks we’ve tested. It has fast performance, a reliable keyboard and trackpad, a spacious touchscreen, surprisingly good speakers, and long-enough battery life to last a full day of work or classes. Even though we wish it were lighter—at 3.6 pounds, it’s heavy for a 14-inch laptop—it’s the best option for most people’s needs.

For more, read our full guide to Chromebooks .

Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (A3SP14-31PT)

The best windows laptop under $500.

Unlike most cheap Windows laptops, the Aspire 3 Spin 14 is fast, compact, and light, and it has a decent 1080p touchscreen and good battery life.

Who these are for: If you need a Windows laptop for home, work, or school—and you can’t afford to spend a lot—you can find a decent one for less than $500. These computers are ideal for grade-school and middle-school students, people on a strict budget, and those who use their computers mostly at home in the evenings for doing schoolwork, browsing the web, managing a budget, or watching Netflix. Cheaper, lighter laptops tend to be too slow for everyday tasks, while faster, sleeker ones usually cost too much.

Where they fall short: To get a laptop that doesn’t feel slow for a decent price, you have to make a lot of compromises. Most budget laptops that are fast enough tend to be bulky, heavy, and saddled with short battery life. They also tend to have low-resolution, low-quality screens that are unpleasant to look at. You have to be especially vigilant when shopping for a laptop in this price range to avoid slow or old processors, insufficient memory, and sluggish storage.

Why we like this one: The Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (A3SP14-31PT) in any of our recommended configurations— 37NV , 38YA , or 32M6 —is fast enough to meet most people’s computing needs. Plus, it has a tall, 14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge, and its keyboard and trackpad are accurate and reliable. The Aspire 3 Spin 14 is also more compact and offers better battery life than most bulky Windows laptops in this price range.

The Aspire 3 Spin 14 ships with Windows 11 S mode, which allows only apps from the Microsoft Store and limits you to Microsoft Edge for web browsing. But you can switch it to Windows 11 Home for free to install any program you need. It also comes with a ton of bloatware; we recommend following these steps to get rid of it.

Choosing a budget laptop is tricky because you can find hundreds of variations. Their prices fluctuate constantly, too, and companies release and discontinue models with no warning. If our pick isn’t available, check our full guide to budget laptops for other options, as well as advice on how to shop for a budget laptop that doesn’t suck.

For additional details, read our full guide to budget laptops .

Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch)

The best for editors on the road.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is faster than any other laptop we’ve tested for photo or video editing, and it has truly impressive battery life, to boot.

Who these are for: Photo and video editors need an extremely color-accurate screen, the processing power to work with 4K footage or to batch-edit hundreds of photos, and a battery that will last through an entire day’s work. These professional-grade laptops are more costly than ultrabooks, ranging from $2,000 to $2,500, but they offer desktop performance away from the desk. Our testing for this category included both Windows laptops and MacBooks, and we found that right now Apple is making the best laptops for creative professionals. That’s a boon for those who are already comfortable with macOS or are willing to make the switch, but we have a recommendation for a Windows machine, too.

Where they fall short: Laptops with color-accurate screens and enough power for creative professionals are expensive, and even more so with add-ons like extra storage and memory. Editing laptops also tend to be larger and heavier than ultrabooks, with most weighing more than 4 pounds. The powerful processors in editing laptops generate lots of heat, as well, so some can get too hot to use comfortably on your lap, though our top pick stayed cool even under the heaviest workloads. In addition, the MacBook Pro is impossible to service on your own, but Apple provides excellent support.

Why we like this one: The 16-inch MacBook Pro was unrivaled in all of our editing, color-accuracy, and battery tests, easily taking the crown as the best laptop for creative professionals. Its screen is large enough for anyone to comfortably edit video and accurate enough to match professionally calibrated displays. This MacBook’s M2 Pro processor allowed it to edit 4K footage with ease, and Apple's new M2 Pro processor is up to 30 percent faster than the previous M1 Pro. The laptop politely sipped on its battery, resulting in a 14.5-hour battery life. It even has a variety of ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and a MagSafe charging port. However, the main components on this laptop are nearly impossible to upgrade or repair on your own; if you want a more user-repairable machine, check out our recommendation for a Windows editing laptop below.

Read more about the 16-inch MacBook Pro in our full guide to pro laptops .

Dell XPS 15 9530

The best windows alternative for creative professionals.

The XPS 15 has a sharp 3.5K display and a ton of processing power. It’s also more repairable and upgradable than its MacBook equivalent.

Who these are for: If you’re a creative professional and you prefer Windows to macOS, don’t want a Mac, or are required to use Windows for compatibility reasons, this is your pick. Typically these laptops are slightly cheaper than MacBooks, easier to repair, and—of course—equipped with the Windows operating system. If you need a specific port or feature, you’re also more likely to find it on a Windows laptop than on a Mac, simply because the Windows world has more manufacturers and variety compared with Apple’s one model of MacBook.

Where they fall short: As a whole, Windows laptops didn’t perform as well in our tests as the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Typically, their screens were less accurate, they were a bit slower, and they got hotter underneath, where the processor was located. However, the MacBook set a high bar to clear, and our top Windows pick still performed admirably in these tests.

Why we like this one: Made with visual professionals in mind, the Dell XPS 15 9530 is a well-built laptop that offers a beautiful OLED display and serious computing power. It also has a comfortable keyboard and a notably large trackpad, both of which make working on the laptop more enjoyable and less cramped. Its port selection is fairly simple, consisting of two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a non-Thunderbolt USB-C port, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack.

The configuration we recommend will serve most on-the-go editors’ needs, especially when coupled with a portable SSD . But if you want to upgrade the RAM or storage down the line, the XPS 15 9520 makes those components easily accessible—all you have to do is remove the laptop’s bottom case housing with a Torx screwdriver.

Read more about this option in our full guide to pro laptops .

Gigabyte Aorus 15 (BMF-52US383SH)

The best gaming laptop under $1,500.

This laptop has the newest generation of hardware, and performs better than some of the most expensive models we tested. It maintains great frame rates for smooth gameplay, and stays quiet and cool to the touch.

Who these are for: If you want to play games but also need an affordable laptop for school or work—and your top priority isn’t playing the newest games at maxed-out graphics settings at QHD or 4K resolution—a cheap gaming laptop is for you. Nowadays, a gaming laptop that costs around $1,500 can play most new games on high settings or better at 1920×1080 resolution above 60 fps. Even cheaper models that cost around $800 are ideal for classic games and less-demanding modern titles, and they will play most new games on at least medium settings. You don’t need to spend $2,000 on a more powerful gaming laptop to get great performance.

Where they fall short: Every affordable gaming laptop we’ve tested has had at least one serious flaw. Some get way too hot, others have poor build quality, and some have dim screens with poor viewing angles. And compared with more portable options, such as ultrabooks, all gaming laptops are large, heavy, and saddled with short battery life.

Why we like this one: The Gigabyte Aorus 15 (BMF-52US383SH) provides great gaming performance for the price. It can play most of the newest titles at high and ultra settings, maintaining excellent frame rates while doing so. It also keeps its most-touched surfaces cool during long gaming sessions, and it comes with nice extras, such as a comfortable RGB keyboard and a high, 144 Hz refresh rate screen. But with only 6 GB of VRAM, it may not be able to play the most intensive games coming out in the coming years, and as of 2023, we’re seeing some AAA games (like Starfield ) start to recommend 8 GB of VRAM.

You can read more about our pick in our full guide to cheap gaming laptops .

This article was edited by Signe Brewster and Arthur Gies.

Which laptops last the longest?

Depending on what you buy and how you use it, a good laptop that’s well cared for should last at least four years, ideally longer—but most modern laptops are not designed with repairability or upgradability in mind. A good ultrabook , a business laptop , or a MacBook will feel sturdier, last longer, and perform better than a cheap sub-$500 laptop with a mostly plastic frame and a basic processor. And a laptop that you primarily use around the house will last longer than one that you travel with frequently. Some business laptops and photo and video editing laptops allow you to upgrade their memory and storage to extend their useful life, and we have a repairable pick that’s specifically designed to make any part (not just the memory or storage) easy to upgrade and repair.

Should I buy a MacBook or a Windows laptop?

If you already use Macs or Windows computers and you like them, stick to the software you’re used to—don’t force an unfamiliar operating system on yourself unless you need to. Otherwise, if you have an iPhone or iPad that you like, a MacBook will work with the same Apple services, including iCloud Photos and iMessage. Windows laptops are better if you want something more affordable, if you want plenty of ports for connecting accessories, or if you want to play games. And if you want an even less-expensive laptop that's easier to use and harder to break, consider a Chromebook.

What is a good price for a laptop?

For general tasks—editing documents and spreadsheets, browsing the internet, doing homework, and communicating using apps such as Slack or Zoom—a cheap but usable laptop should cost between $400 and $600, a good laptop should be $700 or $800, and a great laptop should cost at least $1,000. More powerful, specialized laptops, such as gaming notebooks or laptops for professional photo and video editing , start in the range of $1,000 to $1,500 and go up from there. If you have $500 or less to spend, Chromebooks tend to look, feel, and run better than equivalently priced Windows laptops. If you’re looking for a Mac, expect to pay at least $1,100 (or $1,000 with an educational discount) for our recommended MacBook Air configuration . Keep an eye on our Deals page if you’re able to wait for a better price on a specific laptop.

How much RAM do I need?

In 2023, you need a minimum of 8 GB of memory, which should be enough for web browsing, document and spreadsheet editing, light gaming, and occasional basic video and photo editing. But since a great laptop should last at least five years and you can’t add more memory to most laptops after you buy them, we recommend starting with 16 GB if you can. And you should consider 32 GB if you regularly use high-end applications like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere, if you play visually demanding games, if you’re doing 3D drafting, or if you work in web and app development.

Meet your guides

Kimber Streams

Kimber Streams is a senior staff writer and has been covering laptops, gaming gear, keyboards, storage, and more for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time they’ve tested hundreds of laptops and thousands of peripherals, and built way too many mechanical keyboards for their personal collection.

Dave Gershgorn

Dave Gershgorn is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He’s been covering consumer and enterprise technology since 2015, and he just can’t stop buying computers. If this weren’t his job, it would likely be a problem.

Further reading

The Best Things to Get for Your New Laptop

by Haley Perry

From laptop bags to headphones to chargers to dongles galore, here are the essential accessories to help you use your new laptop.

Accessories for Your USB-C Laptop

We've tested the best cables, hubs, and dongles to help you connect your all your peripherals to your new laptop, even if it has only USB-C ports.

How to Clean a Laptop

by Thorin Klosowski

It’s easy to forget that your laptop needs to be cleaned. Thankfully, it’s not hard to clean out dust and stray crumbs.

The Best Laptop Under $500

by Kimber Streams

If you’re on a budget, these are the best cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks we recommend after extensive research and hands-on testing.

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The best student laptops 2024

A laptop is arguably the most essential piece of tech for any student. It allows you to work from just about anywhere, whether that’s your bedroom, lecture theatre, library, coffee shop or otherwise. 

Choosing the right one to see you through university or college is a tricky task but we are here to help. There are many many different brands, models and types of laptop but we’ve picked out 10 options that will be perfect for different students. 

Whether you’re looking for something as cheap as possible or powerful enough to run demanding software, we have you covered. Typically, a good student laptop will be highly portable, offer solid battery life and run daily tasks well but everyone’s needs will differ depending on what you’re studying. 

Not sure what to look for in a student laptop? Read our FAQ buying guide at the bottom of the article and click through to our full in-depth reviews for more information on a laptop you like the look of. 

We also have dedicated lists of the best best budget laptops , best 2-in-1 laptops , best Chromebooks or best laptops overall if you have a clearer idea of the type of laptop you need. 

Best student laptop 2024

1. samsung galaxy book 3 360 – best overall.

• Thin and light design
• Impressive OLED display
• Premium build
• Good battery life
• Performance not the best
• Annoying bloatware

Adding convertible functionality to a thin and light laptop often results in a high price tag, but that’s not the case with the Galaxy Book 3 360. For around $1,000/£1,000, you can get an excellent all-rounder that just happens to have a 360° hinge.

However, the highlight is undoubtedly its 13.3in OLED display, which delivers an excellent, detailed viewing experience and touch support. A 61.1Wh battery doesn’t sound like anything special, but should comfortably last you a full day away from the charger. Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs ensure performance is decent, although it lags behind some rivals with similar processors.

You’ll also have to contend with a lot of extra apps and tools, which may become annoying if you don’t own other Galaxy devices.

But overall, this is a great option for students, even if you’ll find better value for money elsewhere. For something even more premium, consider the Galaxy Book 3 Pro .

2. Acer Aspire 3 (2022) – Best Budget Option

• Impressive keyboard
• Good webcam
• Solid performance
• Decent battery life
• Only 128GB SSD
• Not the most detailed display

The Aspire 3 is currently the best budget laptop around, and running Windows 11 rather than ChromeOS makes it a better buy for students.

Performance from AMD’s Ryzen 7320U is great for everything except gaming, while the keyboard is one of the best you’ll find on any affordable laptop. The webcam is only 720p, but it’s surprisingly good for a built in sensor. You even get solid battery life.

Compromises are inevitable at this price point, and only 128GB of internal SSD storage means you’ll need to store most of your big files in the cloud. The 15.6in LCD display is also only 1080p, but neither of these should be dealbreakers for most students.

Considering everything you’re getting here, the Aspire 3 is a great option for students. You may also be interested in the Intel version with a 12th-gen CPU.

If you’d like something slightly more premium, go for the Aspire 5 instead.

3. Acer Swift Go 14 – Best Webcam

• Great performance
• Premium design
• Impressive display
• Excellent webcam
• Underwhelming battery life

If you’re a student, you’ll probably want a laptop that you can take almost everywhere with you. That’s certainly true of the Swift Go 14, which comes in at just 15mm thick and 1.25kg in weight.

But crucially, there are no big sacrifices in order to make it this portable. Performance from Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs is impressive, while the OLED display is among the best you’ll find on any 14in laptop.

However, the 1440p webcam is a real highlight, making high-quality video calling easy. There are also plenty of ports, all within a slick and premium design.

Battery life is the main reason not to buy it, although a full day is still possible with light workloads. The fans can also get annoying, but you’ll soon get used to them.

If you’re willing to put up with these shortcomings, the Swift Go 14 is definitely worth considering.

4. Apple MacBook Air 15in (2023) – Best Mac

• Stellar battery life
• Only USB-C ports
• Display could be brighter

The 15in MacBook Air is a new size for Apple’s thin and light laptop, but this extra screen area makes a lot of sense for students.

Performance from the company’s own M2 chip is excellent, even if you need to run demanding apps. But it also helps deliver superb battery life – this device should last you a full day with plenty of charge to spare.

Add in Apple’s wide range of free software, including the iWork office apps and GarageBand, and it’s easy to understand why the 15in Air is great for both studying and free time.

However, that display isn’t touchscreen and could be brighter, while the notch will take some getting used to if you haven’t tried it before. With only USB-C ports on the device itself, you may also need an adapter or hub.

Despite this, the 15in Air is the best Mac for students right now. It’s still worth considering the cheaper 13in M1 version from 2020 , though.

5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 – Best Keyboard

• Lightweight & attractive
• Touchscreen
• Excellent keyboard
• Limited ports
• Middling performance

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is once again a solid all-rounder laptop and will be a great buy for many students.

It offers premium design at an affordable price point, although not quite as low as its predecessor . This laptop isn’t about flashy features or insane performance but about getting the main things right.

As well as the very portable design, you get high build quality, an excellent touchscreen, one of the best keyboards you’ll find on any laptop and though ports are limited overall, Microsoft does offers USB-A alongside USB-C which will be a boon for many students.

If you’re not doing any overly demanding tasks then this is an excellent value choice. If you do have more to spend then the Surface Laptop 5 is a great option.

6. Asus TUF Gaming A15 (2023) – Best Performance

• Excellent performance
• Impressive battery life
• Lots of ports
• Good value for money
• No fingerprint or face unlock

The TUF Gaming A15 is the best cheap gaming laptop you can buy, so it makes sense to be included here.

While gaming isn’t a priority for students, it’s certainly a nice option for free time. And the superb performance from the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU is impressive regardless of the situation.

Crucially, all this power doesn’t come at the cost of battery life – the 90Wh cell will last all day if you avoid gaming. Alongside an understated yet durable and great selection of ports, there’s a lot to like here for students.

But like most gaming laptops, it’s not thin or light at 25mm and 2.2kg. The 15.6in Full HD display is quite dim and there’s no alternative to unlocking with a PIN or password, but these are easy to overlook when you look at everything you’re getting here.

7. iPad Pro 12.9in (2022) – Best 2-in-1

• Incredible M2 performance
• Stunning display
• Great accessories
• Limited by iPadOS
• Very expensive
• Accessories sold separately

The iPad Pro has long represented the finest best tablet money can buy, and the M2 chip takes already-excellent performance to the next level. Incredibly, this makes the iPad Pro more powerful than many of Apple’s MacBooks.

When paired with the stunning 12.9in, 120Hz display, it’s a real treat. Despite its size and quality, you can still expect solid battery life too.

Pairing the tablet with the Magic Keyboard really does turn the iPad Pro into a laptop-style device – with trackpad and all – plus you might also benefit from the advanced features available with the Apple Pencil.

However, these are both expensive accessories, meaning you can easily pay high-end laptop prices. That could be a sticking point, especially when iPadOS still lacks Mac-level apps.

Nonetheless, it’s an amazing all-in-one setup if you can afford it.

Read our full  iPad Pro 12.9in (2022) review

8. Acer Swift X 14 (2023) – Great all-rounder

• Excellent OLED display
• Good port selection
• Impressive keyboard and trackpad
• Plain design

Despite a relatively unassuming design, the Swift X 14 packs in plenty of features that will appeal to students.

That includes plenty of power, with Intel’s Core i7-13700H combining with the Nvidia RTX 4050 (on the model reviewed) for excellent performance. It can handle almost every app a student might need, and even deliver solid gaming at 1080p.

And with a high-quality, 14.5in OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, everything looks excellent. The full-size keyboard and large touchpad also impress, while the range of ports is better than on most laptops.

However, you will have to put up with underwhelming battery life, despite a decent 76Wh capacity. You’re looking at around four hours of usage on a single charge, so make sure you don’t stray too far away from a power source.

But if you can put up with that and the price, there’s very little to dislike here.

9. LG Gram 16 (2022) – Best 16in

• Stunning thin and light design
• Gorgeous matte display
• Great battery life
• Impressively durable
• Not the most powerful
• Display only 60Hz

If you’re looking for a big display but don’t want to compromise on design, the Gram 16 is a great option.

The highlight here is a stunning 16in 2560×1600 display, with tiny bezels making for an immersive viewing experience. While the display is only 60Hz rather than something more fluid and slick, it’s not a big issue.

Everyday performance is also excellent, thanks to Intel’s 12th-gen processors and 8 or 16GB of RAM. There’s a healthy port selection, too, alongside an 80Wh battery and fingerprint sensor built into the power button, all within a device that weighs less than 1.2kg.

If you’re a student with cash to splash, it’s a stunning bit of kit. But for a more affordable 16in option, consider the Huawei MateBook D 16 .

There is also now a 2023 version , but aside from new Intel processors, it’s more of the same.

10. Asus E410 – Best for the Basics

• Lightweight and portable
• Fast and responsive
• Cheap build
• Dim display
• Annoying NumberPad

If you’re looking for a budget laptop that will still get the job done, Asus’ E410 is a great option. 

The Intel Celeron N4020 doesn’t sound great on paper, but it delivers solid all-round performance that’s capable of handling the basics. There’s also excellent battery life, with Asus’ 12-hour claims holding up well in real-world usage – a full working day is well within reach. At just 1.3kg, it’s also extremely portable. 

You also get solid 14in Full HD+ display, although it doesn’t get particularly bright. The numberpad built into the touchpad is more annoying than useful, while the unusual rear design isn’t to everyone’s tastes. 

Still, these compromises are more than acceptable when you consider its affordable price.

Do all students really need a laptop?

Not necessarily, but it’ll probably make things more difficult if you don’t have one. Most colleges, universities and libraries have computers you can borrow, though you probably don’t want to rely on them all the time.

Also, if you ever want to get work done at home or take notes during lectures, a laptop is your best option. You may prefer a tablet or 2-in-1 device for extra versatility, but a physical keyboard will be important for most people. These are sometimes sold separately.

How much do I need to spend on a student laptop?

Once you’ve decided you need a laptop, this is the first thing to consider.

Do you really need something that costs $1,000/£1,000 or more? Will it get broken, or worse, stolen? While more expensive laptops will get you better performance, this may not be necessary if you’re focusing on coursework and exams.

But powerful devices could be required if you’re studying a course that requires complex software – think animation or video editing. In these scenarios, you don’t want to be waiting around for things to render when you have a deadline.

However, those who simply just need to write word documents and browse the internet can spend a lot less and still find a laptop that’s perfectly good.

What display is best for a student laptop?

A classic 13in laptop remains the sweet spot between size and portability for most people. However, you can get smaller or larger displays depending on what you need.

Bear in mind that cheaper laptops tend to have a lower quality display, which is likely to be on the dim side and lacking some detail. It might be a compromise worth making, but for tasks such as photo editing, it’s worth spending a bit more.

For most people, an IPS LCD screen that’s at least 1980×1080 resolution is good to aim. You don’t need to worry about a refresh rate higher than the standard 60Hz unless you’re gaming.

What processor and graphics do I need in a student laptop?

You get what you pay for when it comes to laptops, so a model closer to $1,000/£1,000 is going to have a more powerful processor (likely Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7), more RAM and plenty of SSD storage.

It might even have a dedicated graphics card from a company such as Nvidia, which will come in handy for more complex tasks.

Cheaper options tend to feature more basic chips (such as Intel Pentium). They also tend to have a lot less RAM and may not include fast SSD storage, so will be much slower. If you are looking at budget laptops , make sure it’ll do what you need it for and last a while.

How important are the keyboard and trackpad on a student laptop?

Very, but you can easily make do with average ones. MacBook trackpads are generally considered best in class, but you pay for the privilege. Meanwhile, the best keyboard usually comes down to personal preference.

Do you want a lot of travel on your keys, or something flatter and slim? Do you need a full-size keyboard with a separate number pad? Making compromises to either will allow for a more compact design that’s easier to take everywhere with you.

What ports do I need on a student laptop?

It might not seem important now, but think carefully about ports. Many modern laptops come with hardly any ports – often only USB-C.

This means you can’t just plug in an old-school USB flash drive or HDMI cable without getting an adapter (or dongle). Since cheaper laptops are chunkier, they typically have more space for full-size ports, something this could be a real benefit.

Also, remember that laptops don’t come with a CD/DVD drive anymore. If you need one, an external drive is a must.

Which operating system is best for a student laptop?

This will depend on a few different factors, including what you’re familiar with and the other devices you already own.

Windows 11 has now been out for a few months, and you’ll probably have been prompted to upgrade if you have a Windows 10 device. But it’s not necessary yet, with the older OS still supported until 2025.

However, Windows is by no means your only choice when it comes to software. You may prefer macOS, especially if you have an iPhone or iPad, and MacBooks come with lots of great free software. ChromeOS devices are extremely easy to use, but aren’t compatible with the same range of software.

If you’re not sure which will best suit your requirements, it’s worth seeing if the specific apps you need are compatible and if it feels intuitive. Try a friend’s or test out a few devices in a physical store if you need to.

Author: Chris Martin , Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor

Tech Advisor's Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.

Recent stories by Chris Martin:

• The best Chromebooks 2024
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• Best cheap gaming laptop 2024

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What’s the best student laptop? We asked students

The best laptops for students, from kindergarten through college.

By Monica Chin , a senior reviewer covering laptops and other gadgets. Monica was a writer for Tom's Guide and Business Insider before joining The Verge in 2020.

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Shopping for a laptop can be stressful — doubly stressful if you or your children will be learning online for the first time. Kids of different ages have a range of different laptop use cases and different needs. And as the choices for best laptop and best Chromebook evolve, so do students’ needs. So I spoke to some experts on the subject: students themselves. 

• The best laptop you can buy
• The best Chromebooks to buy

My recommendations here are meant to accommodate a variety of preferences and price ranges. But they’re a jumping-off point rather than an exhaustive list: every student is different. Before making a decision, you’ll want to make sure you read reviews and try out devices yourself if you can. I’ll do my best to keep this article up to date with items that are in stock. 

The best laptop for elementary school

For younger students, a touchscreen device is easier to use than a keyboard and touchpad, says Michelle Glogovac. Glogovac’s five-year-old son uses an iPad for Webex meetings with his kindergarten class. He’s gotten the hang of it; Glogovac says he’s already learned how to mute and unmute himself, “a skill that many adults aren’t familiar with.” 

That said, it may be worth investing in a keyboard case if you go the tablet route. Glogovac has to type her son’s meeting codes and passwords for him, which can be cumbersome on the iPad’s flat screen. 

As kids get older, their best laptop choice will vary depending on their needs. As a parent, it’s important that you and your child are in sync about how they intend to use it and the size of the programs they want. 

Kristin Wallace purchased a budget HP laptop for her daughter, Bella, but didn’t realize how quickly the nine-year-old would fill up 32GB of storage. “It is really slow and has no space for games. I need a computer with more storage space,” said Bella, who uses the laptop to Zoom with friends and take virtual guitar lessons and math enrichment classes. Wallace plans to buy Bella a better device in the next few weeks. 

Audio quality is an important consideration for kids’ laptops. Lisa Mitchell, an elementary library media specialist, says her students use their devices to watch YouTube videos in addition to their online classes. Battery life is also a plus, even for distance learners who may not be far from a wall outlet. Bella likes to use her laptop all around the house and doesn’t want to bring the cord with her.

Durability is also worth paying for, according to Mitchell. If you’re using a tablet, get a protective case. “If a reasonably-priced insurance or replacement policy is available, it’s usually worth the extra expense.”

Check out :

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Editio n ($139.99): a colorful, fast tablet with kid-friendly content
• Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 ($379): a tiny 11-inch Chromebook with a detachable keyboard
• Apple 10.2-inch iPad ($329): a great budget tablet that supports the Apple Pencil
• Microsoft Surface Go 3 ($439.99): a solid Windows tablet with a built-in kickstand
• Google Pixelbook Go ($649): a sturdy touchscreen Chromebook

The best laptop for middle school

The middle school students I spoke to don’t use their laptops for much more than web-based schoolwork and browsing. Don’t be too concerned about power — prioritize a machine that’s comfortable and easy for your child to use. 

“We just got the most basic Chromebook and it is totally perfect,” says Gabrielle Hartley, an attorney and mother of three children. “The most basic Chromebook serves all the needs of the basic middle schooler.”

Hartley’s son Max, who is in eighth grade, agrees. “I would really like a gaming PC or gaming laptop that can plug into a monitor and run video games with 120fps, but I really don’t need that,” Max says. “Most eighth graders aren’t going to be running any video games on their laptops or any software that requires a lot of power.”

Max mostly uses his laptop for Google Classroom applications, including Gmail, Slides, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. They’re very easy to use on his device, which he describes as “a run-of-the-mill Samsung Chromebook.” That said, if your child is starting middle school this year, it could be worth checking with their teachers to see what operating system is most compatible with their workflow. Caspian Fischer Odén, a ninth grader from Sweden, told me he has trouble with his Chromebook because his school has blocked downloading apps from the Google Play Store. 

Even kids with more demanding hobbies think a budget device can get the job done. Sam Hickman, an eighth grader from the UK who uses his laptop for photo and video editing, says, “For most middle schoolers, any processor developed within the last two years will be able to handle any tasks they can throw at it.” 

So, what is worth paying for? A comfortable keyboard, several students told me. Many middle school kids aren’t used to typing for long periods of time. You should also look for a device that’s compact and easy for them to carry around, particularly if they’re preparing for in-person school. Shoot for an 11- to 13-inch model — certainly nothing larger than 15 inches. 

• HP Chromebook x360 ($239.99): an affordable Chromebook with great battery life
• Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook ($299.99): a small but sturdy laptop made for students
• Lenovo 300e ($419.99): a durable 2-in-1 with a stylus and LTE
• Acer Aspire 5 ($679.99): a portable option for kids who need a 15-inch screen
• Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 ($573.99): an attractive, light Windows laptop

The best laptop for high school

High schoolers’ laptop needs can vary based on their interests, but most don’t need powerful machines with lots of bells and whistles — especially if they come with glitches or serious downsides that could interfere with schoolwork. Miles Riehle, a student at Laguna Beach High School, has a high-end Surface Pro 7 but finds it overwhelming. “There is so much other stuff that I don’t use very often,” he said. “Something simpler might be a little more straightforward.”

The best operating system may depend on what your child is used to. Aryan Nambiar, a student at Barrington High School in Illinois, has an iMac at home and enjoys using an iPad for his schoolwork. Riehle says he would prefer a Chromebook because he has an Android phone and often uses Google services. 

But almost every student I spoke to agreed that the most important feature of a high school laptop is portability. Kids attending in-person classes may be carrying their device around for much of the day with a stack of other books. Look for a 13- or 14-inch screen, or a lighter 15- to 17-inch model. 

Students also recommend something sturdy. “Most high schoolers I’ve seen will throw their laptop in their bag without too much care,” says Moses Buckwalter, a student at Penn Manor High School. Backpacks can be jostled in the hallway as well. Kids can also run into trouble at home. “Anything can happen,” says Aadit Agrawal, a high school student from India. “My own brother scratched my laptop with his nails.”

Battery life is another key feature. “It can be a real struggle to find a place to charge while in class,” says Cas Heemskerk, a sophomore from the Netherlands. Unlike college students, many high schoolers don’t have frequent breaks to juice up their devices, so try to find something that can last a full day. 

Many students recommend a touchscreen with stylus support. Nambiar uses the feature for his biology class, where he does a lot of visual modeling. “The touchscreen is always a bonus for drawing diagrams, whereas if you’re using a laptop it’d be a whole process to submit a diagram you drew,” Nambiar says. Riehle uses a Surface Pen to fill out school forms and annotate PDFs. Agrawal finds it useful to take notes on the same screen as his online lessons.

Depending on the broadband situation in your area, you may also want a laptop with multiple connectivity options. Agrawal’s online classes are sometimes interrupted by powercuts, so he recommends an LTE model. Matej Plavevski, a junior at Yahya Kemal College in North Macedonia, recommends looking for an Ethernet port in case slower connections disrupt meetings. That’s hard to find on smaller laptops, but there’s a slew of affordable dongles and docks to consider. 

• Acer Chromebook Spin 514 ($699.99): a convertible Chromebook with all-day battery
• Apple iPad Air ($599): a powerful tablet with a great screen
• Acer Chromebook Spin 714 ($699.99): a fantastic Chromebook that’s not too pricey
• Dell XPS 13 ($599): a solid clamshell Windows laptop
• Surface Laptop 5 ($899.99): an excellent, light laptop that’s comfortable to use

The best laptop for college

College kids are justified in spending a bit more money than other age groups. Some (especially in STEM courses) can expect to do some fairly demanding work. Assad Abid, an electrical engineering undergrad from Pakistan, needs to run simulation software for his assignments. Aakash Chandra, a student at New Horizon College of Engineering in India, does a lot of coding, in addition to creative work in Premiere Pro and Photoshop, and gaming. Students also noted that it’s worthwhile to pay for a laptop that will last for a few years after graduation. That means you won’t have to worry about finding and financing your next device until you’re (hopefully) settled into a job.

But among high-end, capable devices there’s still a wide range of options. Students stressed that a college laptop should be light. Expect to bring it between classes, meals, meetings, the library, and other locations on campus. “It’s a boon that I can carry my laptop as well as some notebooks without feeling like I’m carrying too much for six hours a day,” says Haseeb Waseem, a senior at Villanova University. 

Another universally-lauded feature: battery life. Waseem, who uses an HP Spectre, says the all-day juice gives him “the flexibility to study in a bunch of different locations, and even outside.” 

Speakers and webcams are often overlooked, even in top-end devices. But students say it’s worth looking for good ones if you’re starting college this year. Though many college students are now back to in-person classes, some will still be meeting with clubs and attending events online. Waseem isn’t satisfied with his laptop’s audio and picture quality, which he says has made it difficult to pay attention in class and to engage with other students.  

Many students will need to invest more in areas tailored to their interests and schoolwork needs. Chandra’s dream laptop would include a stylus and touchscreen for his creative work as well as a high-end GPU. Waseem, who uses his laptop for a hodgepodge of activities, including streaming, coding, social media, video chatting, and Microsoft Office work, would prefer to prioritize a large screen to keep track of his multitasking. 

• Acer Swift 3 ($849.99): a super light laptop that performs well
• HP Envy x360 ($1099.99): a fast and stylish 2-in-1
• HP Spectre x360 13.5 ($1,399.99): a premium convertible with standout battery life

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Best College Laptops: Tested Picks for Research, Writing, Gaming and More

College laptops fit for any student.

For a college student, there is no more important tool than a laptop. It's a catch-all for note taking, studying, homework, collaboration, procrastination (don't tell your professors) and extracurricular activities. When you pick one, you're likely choosing a tool for at least four years of education, if not further studies or just life after college.

Picking a college laptop can feel like homework in itself. There are a ton of laptops on the market, and you may get some help by checking out recommendations from your school or department. In our opinion, most students should prioritize portability, battery life and then performance, unless your school recommends something specific. Going into the Fall 2023 semester, the latest parts in laptops include Intel's 13th Gen CPUs, AMD's Ryzen 6000 processors, Apple's M2 chips and Nvidia's RTX 40-series GPUs. If you're taking classes remotely, be sure to take the webcam into consideration. More and more laptops are finally getting 1080p webcams, which often include higher-quality lenses for better images. (Many, but not all, also have privacy shutters for when you're not making calls.) Also, don't forget get whatever student discounts are available. Many vendors may give you some percentage off, a gift card, or a free extra when you can prove that you're a student, either with a .edu email address or a college ID card.

Quick College Laptop Shopping Tips

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

• Consider your major or specialization: Science majors and liberal arts majors may have different needs. An engineering major working with computer-aided design software might want a notebook with a discrete graphics card, while students who primarily do research and write papers may be fine with a thin ultrabook. Your school or department may also have recommended specifications (as well as a list of software that you'll need to run), so be sure to check those out.
• Learn if your work will live locally or in the cloud: Find out if your school or department uses cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. If they do, you may be able to get by with less internal storage. Of course, if you want your own copies of your work or would like to keep personal files as well as school files, budget for a bit of extra space.
• Weight and battery life matter: After all, you'll be carrying this laptop around all day in a backpack as you move from class to class. Lightweight and long battery life can both save your back and leave more room for books.
• Consider how you take notes: A good keyboard is always important, especially when you're writing papers. But some students still prefer to take notes by hand, and those people will want to consider a convertible or detachable 2-in-1 with a stylus.
• See if you can get a student discount: Some stores will offer you a discount with your proof of affiliation with a university or college. It's also possible that your school will have a relationship with a vendor for deals on certain models. Others may just throw in a gift card or some free earbuds. If you can find a deal, great; school is expensive enough.

Best College Laptops You Can Buy Today

1. MacBook Air (M2)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The MacBook Air with Apple's new M2 chip is likely to be one of the most popular laptops on college campuses this fall. Apple has brand cache, and the new Air has the performance and battery life to back it up. 

Apple's new redesign has abandoned the classic wedge in favor of a flatter design reminiscent of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro , which also includes the MagSafe 3 charger to connect the charger magnetically and save the laptop from spills if you trip over it. The new MacBook Air also has a nicer display than the prior model and can easily last a day on a charge (it ran for over 14 hours on our test). The 1080p webcam is also an upgrade, either for joining remote classes or for video calling family from campus. This M2 verison starts at $1,299, so those looking to save a bit might want to consider the M1 model, which is still on sale and starts at $999, though it lacks some of the niceties.

Read: MacBook Air (M2) review

2. MacBook Air (15-inch)

If you want a MacBook Air with a bigger screen than the traditional 13-inch offering and don't need the power of a MacBook Pro, Apple is aiming the 15-inch MacBook Air squarely at you. It feels just like using the smaller machine, except with a bigger display, some more weight, and better speakers. While it's not as easily portable as its smaller sibling, after years of classes and late-night study sessions, your eyes might think you for the bigger screen.

I wish that Apple took a bit more advantage of the extra room and added an extra port or two. That seems like a missed opportunity. And while I wish the bigger battery added even more longevity than it does, it's hard to complain when your machine is running over 14 hours on a charge. 

Read: MacBook Air (15-inch) Review  

3. HP Pavilion Plus 14

You can get a laptop under $1,000 with plenty of trappings. The HP Pavilion Plus 14 offers strong performance with  up to an Intel Core i7-12700H series processor and a beautiful OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. You don't often find that combination at the $999 price point we reviewed. There is a bit of a hit on battery with the combination of a high-res OLED screen and an H-series processor. But those may be worth the tradeoff for those who want those high-end features, alongside a suite of ports that include USB Type-C, USB Type-A,  HDMI 2.1, a headphone jack and microSD card reader. 

For those on a budget, there are non-plus models with 1080p displays that go even lower in price, as well as AMD Ryzen models. The Plus also comes in its own variety of configuration that includ eIntle' s12th Gen P and U series processors. (The U series likely does the best on battery in a tradeoff for performance, but we haven't tested that one.)

Read: HP Pavilion Plus 14 review  

4. Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 8)

Lenovo’s Yoga 9i gives you a lot of features for the money. While, at $1,399, it’s not exactly a budget ultrabook, you get a stylus, OLED display, 16GB of RAM and a Core i7 P-series CPU even in the base configuration. The Yoga 9i has a premium aesthetic, thanks to its aluminum chassis and its chrome “Oatmeal” colorway. There’s also a “Storm Gray” colorway that looks more silver. A shiny rounded ring around the sides adds a touch of classiness; the rounded corners are also far more pleasant to touch than the sharp, square corners on many other laptops. The hinge, which contains two of the four speakers, has just the right amount of tension and lets you bend the display back into tent, display and table modes. If you want a 2-in-1 with a brilliant display, plenty of performance and all-day battery life, the Yoga 9i is a great choice. The 10-plus hours of battery life in our testing is also appreciated, though similarly sized alternatives, like Apple's MacBook Airs, last a few hours longer on a charge.

Read: Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 8) Review  

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

There are two versions of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 — one with Intel chips and one with Arm. Both come in the same sleek aluminum chassis, though if you want fun colors like blue or green, you have to go for the Intel model. We feel that most people will want the performance boost from the Intel model, which also has the benefit of starting at a lower price. It has fewer issues with app compatibility because the Intel chips don't need to emulate any software. If Wi-Fi doesn't cover the quad, you may want the SQ3 version, which works with 5G (assuming you have a cellular plan for it). It also has slightly longer battery life, though you should get a day's charge out of either model. Microsoft hasn't changed much with the Pro 9, but it's still the Windows tablet to beat. It's still expensive, though, and a keyboard and stylus continue to add more to the cost. Read: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review

6. Acer Nitro 5

The Acer Nitro 5 proves you can get a solid gaming machine for under $1,000, which is fitting for the gamer on a budget, as long as your expectations for performance are reasonable. It doesn't hurt that the Nitro 5's latest design is a bit more adult. Sure, it still has a backlit RGB keyboard, but without an aggressive design with tons of angles and red accents, it will fit in in the classroom as well as your school's gaming meetups.

The Nitro 5 also comes with a SATA cable in the box so you can add more storage later. This is a decent way to save money, as laptop companies often charge an arm and a leg for more storage, so those who are handy with a screwdriver can get more storage on the cheap.

Read: Acer Nitro 5 review

7. Dell XPS 15 (9530)

Dell ’s XPS 15 (9530) isn't a major upgrade over previous models but includes an attractive and high-quality chassis along with a vibrant 3.5K InfinityEdge OLED display. The webcam (720p) is still subpar, and we’re limited to just three Type-C expansion ports. In our benchmark suite, the $2,799 XPS 15 was a solid performer, besting everything we put up against it, save for Apple's 14-inch Macbook Pro. The XPS 15 delivered respectable battery life at just over nine hours per charge. The XPS 15 remains a solid pick among productivity laptops in this class, but the competition isn’t exactly standing still. 

Read: Dell XPS 15 (9530) review  

8. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

You can use the same laptop for gaming and your studies. The Zephyrus G14, with its AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS and AMD Radeon RX6800S, delivers gaming-grade performance, but also has some features great for working on campus. For instance, on our battery test, the Zephyrus lasted more than 10 and a half hours, which means you can go through long lecture halls or stints at the library without plugging in (unless you're gaming, of course). The AMD Advantage model has a 16:10 aspect ratio to show a bit more text, spreadsheets or other work than prior versions. And while it goes without saying on most laptops, Asus brought the webcam back to this model, for when you need to work remotely or collaborate with others from your dorm room. Read: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review

Finding Discounts on the Best College Laptops 

Whether you're shopping for one of the best gaming laptops or another model that didn't quite make our list, you may find some savings by checking out our lists of Dell coupon codes , HP coupon codes , Lenovo coupon codes , Razer promo codes or Newegg promo codes .

MORE: How to Buy a Gaming Laptop

MORE: Best Gaming PCs

MORE: Best Ultrabooks and Premium Laptops

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Andrew E. Freedman is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming. He also keeps up with the latest news. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, Kotaku, PCMag and Complex, among others. Follow him on Threads @FreedmanAE and Mastodon @FreedmanAE.mastodon.social .

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• RebeliusGaming I had you as a referent, but Apple laptop as number 1 option for gaming?.... It has to be a mistake. Reply
• aindriu80 This list makes no sense at all, going to college with the highest-end machines consumers can purchase??, what about the college part? Reply
• Old Molases What do you think of Acer Nitro 5? Reply
• shady28 Bad list. In college you want something light, good battery life, a good adjustable screen, decent keyboard, and fairly rugged. Those are paramount. Gaming is a far distant concern. A lot of corporate laptops fit this bill A big bulky low battery life Nitro 5 is horrible. You'll look really dense sitting in a classroom with that thing and its huge power brick. Which means it'll sit in the dorm. The Surface would be perfect, but that's a $1500+ laptop there. You probably should have set a price limit of $800 or so. The XPS, beyond being expensive, again you picked a 15" model. Do you guys imagine a bunch of students in class with 15" screens on their 12" wide flip up tables? I mean yes, get a 27" 1440p IPS monitor for the dorm, the laptop needs to be usable in class. The Mac would be the perfect form factor with a great screen and solid construction, but unless you are going for a media related degree like graphic design or some such, it is a no go. Too much requires Windows software. It's also expensive. There are plenty of options out there but this list is trash. Reply
• JimboCA Mac may be out of the budget of many college students. I have both PC and Mac laptops. The PC laptop is necessary for PC-specific applications. In my work, I need MS Visio. The Mac substitutes do not work for me as well. I love the Mac for its intuitive layout. On the PC side, I like the HP laptops. I have a Z Book 17 (not the best for lugging around, however it has a top notch discrete graphics card and 32 gb of RAM. I have a smaller HP for portability's sake. The elite book is small and fairly powerful. The best considerations need to be: What software do I need to run? How portable do I need it to be? What kind of battery life do I need? There are great choices that fit the spectrum. Reply

Admin said: , portability and the power to tackle everything your major requires. Our list includes Windows PCs, Macs and some gaming systems for those who like to play when they aren't working.

Admin said: The best college laptops offer great battery life, portability and the power to tackle everything your major requires. Our list includes Windows PCs, Macs and some gaming systems for those who like to play when they aren't working. Best College Laptops: Tested Picks for Research, Writing, Gaming and More : Read more

shady28 said: Bad list. In college you want something light, good battery life, a good adjustable screen, decent keyboard, and fairly rugged. Those are paramount. Gaming is a far distant concern. A lot of corporate laptops fit this bill A big bulky low battery life Nitro 5 is horrible. You'll look really dense sitting in a classroom with that thing and its huge power brick. Which means it'll sit in the dorm. The Surface would be perfect, but that's a $1500+ laptop there. You probably should have set a price limit of $800 or so. The XPS, beyond being expensive, again you picked a 15" model. Do you guys imagine a bunch of students in class with 15" screens on their 12" wide flip up tables? I mean yes, get a 27" 1440p IPS monitor for the dorm, the laptop needs to be usable in class. The Mac would be the perfect form factor with a great screen and solid construction, but unless you are going for a media related degree like graphic design or some such, it is a no go. Too much requires Windows software. It's also expensive. There are plenty of options out there but this list is trash.

• passivecool IMHO an idiotic set of parameters by which to judge this category. Poor Andrew, a victim of TH intel+gaming brainwashing. I like to follow TH but if you are looking for advice for this segment, click on... Reply
• My son loves the hp ultrabook. AMD powered and only was $600 I would never buy the intel part. Lol. They run super hot. They are also inefficient. I’ll be sticking with AMD These articles are generally terrible Reply
• View All 10 Comments

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Best student laptops 2024: top laptops for school, college and university

The top 10 student laptops for going back to school, heading to college or university, with options to suit all budgets

The best student laptops not only help you study and create a good work setup, but they're also the perfect university companion for streaming, gaming and video-calling with friends and family. 

People may joke about students being lazy but it's not all noon starts and parties. Being a student can be hard. You can’t go off to college or uni without having a decent laptop to support your studies and also help you chill out. Everyone loves a good movie night!

But decent doesn't necessarily mean 'most expensive'. Lord knows students need a bargain. There's a whole host of best laptop options for students, whether best Chromebook , best MacBook , or one of Windows' best laptops – each of the three types running a different operating system.

That said, student laptops typically need to deliver on a tight budget, so we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market that aren't going to annihilate your bank balance (or loan, or indeed overdraft), considering features and price against value for money. Just make sure you spend some money on food too ok? Your parents worry. 

What are the best student laptops 2024? Top 3

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The best student laptop is the Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2) . The macOS option is different to the two below, being the most powerful, delivering a premium look and feel too. It's not cheap but if you can afford it or see a great deal, it's well worth grabbing.

The best student laptop for most people is the HP Pavilion 14 . This Windows laptop has everything you need to get your work done day to day, whether that be writing and researching an essay, or completing an online exam. It's cost-effective too.

The best student laptop for portability is the Google PixelBook Go . This Chrome OS laptop is like a tablet with a stand, but you can add accessories to make it into a laptop replacement.

1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you’re an Apple devotee, then the Apple MacBook Air is a great choice of laptop, especially for creatives such as graphic designers or movie-makers. That's because there's more power on board, thanks to Apple's M2 processor. This laptop is one of Apple’s slimmest and lightest, making it super easy to carry around in your bag. 

This laptop uses Apple’s M2 silicon, which boosts performance compared to what you'd normally get for this price. As a result, however, it’s not the cheapest option going for students, but it is still one of the more affordable MacBook options, so if you do have some flexibility in your budget then this one’s well worth the investment.

Want to know more? Read our full MacBook Air M2 review for the full pros and cons of this student laptop option

2. HP Pavilion 14

Yes, the HP Pavilion 14 is more a mid-range laptop, but the price reflects that, which is a huge part of its appeal. But we think the vast majority of students will find this Windows machine more than ample for their day-to-day needs. 

It features strong all-round specs, a simple yet stylish design, a sharp screen, and you get dedicated HDMI, USB Type-C and networking ports, too, meaning that hooking the machine up in the dorm or in class is easy. Battery life sits at up to 11 hours, and the machine comes pre-installed with a fresh copy of Windows 10 Home.

Does this affordable Windows machine sound like the right option for you? Read our full HP Pavilion 14 review for more info

3. Google Pixelbook Go

Although it's a little pricier than other Chromebooks, and actually a little older now, Google's Pixelbook Go brings premium looks and build quality for a fraction of what you'd pay for a similarly impressive PC or Mac. The touchscreen is superb, the webcam makes you look great, and the battery life is stellar. 

If you've previously looked at Chromebooks but felt they weren't powerful enough then we think the Pixelbook Go may change your mind: although the processor is relatively low-powered compared to, say, Apple's silicon, the Chrome OS operating system has been designed to be as lightweight as possible and doesn't need the same amount of horsepower as rival operating systems do.

Described as "the best Chromebook ever", read our full Google PixelBook Go review to see if you agree

Best laptops for students 2024: The best of the rest

4. LG Gram 16 (2022)

The LG Gram 16 is one of the best combinations of a large screen and a lightweight chassis – it's almost perfect if that's what you're looking for in a Windows laptop, especially if the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro options on macOS don't appeal to you. 

No, it's not the cheapest going, which might make it out the reach of some students, but it's the big screen real-estate that really helps sell this laptop. It's not miles away from the critical four-figure sales mark, which for a screen of this size and quality isn't too shabby at all.

Has this big-screen laptop sparked your interest? Read more about it in our full LG Gram 16 review . 

5. Dell XPS 13 (9310)

The Dell XPS 13 series has consistently wowed us here at T3. This 13-inch laptop is powerful, supremely well-built, and compact too – so just about everything you could possibly want in your search for the best Windows student laptop around during back-to-school season.

This is the '9310' model, so slightly older hardware than the '9320' replacement, but that means you should get it for a better price. Besides, with 11th Gen Intel processors and up to 16GB of RAM, this is a portable computer is no slouch when it comes to power. From late-night Netflix to early-morning essay writing, you'll find the Dell XPS 13 a capable and competent laptop.

The Dell's display has really tiny bezels and can, if desired, be ramped up to a 4K resolution, although we think for most people Full HD is just fine (and a cost-saver). The colour reproduction and detailing are superb anyway. 

Does this sound like the top-end Windows laptop for your studies? Read our full Dell XPS 13 review to find out more about this quality laptop

6. Apple MacBook Pro (M2 Pro/Max, 2023)

It's true that you need a substantial chunk of money to get one of Apple's more powerful laptops, but if you need real extra power for your studies' demands then you can't really do any better – these laptops will cope with everything that you can throw at them and then some.

The M2 Pro and M2 Max processor options that Apple has fitted offer a leap forward in terms of performance, with up to an absurd 96GB unified memory (RAM, effectively) so you can load gigantic projects no problems. It runs quietly and lasts amazingly well on battery life too, so is ideal for on-the-go student life. 

The main consideration is, of course, that the price is higher than anything else on this list by quite a margin. So you might need to take out a loan to afford one. And on top of your student loans that'll seem a bit daunting no doubt. So only consider buying if you truly need one. 

Like the ideal of a super-powerful Mac and need one for your studies? Read our full MacBook Pro 2023 (M2 Pro) review to learn more (about the 16-inch model; there's also the 14-inch variant)

7. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon

If you need a laptop that you'll easily be able to slip in your bag to carry between home and your classes then you should definitely consider the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon. It's no bigger than a notepad and weighs less than a kilo, so it's super portable, and an ideal option if you're looking for one of the best lightweight laptops .

Being so small doesn't mean that you won't get decent specs though, as it packs in decent Intel Core i processor options, which makes it a great choice for getting productive, although we wouldn't rely on it for lots of photo and video editing. Its solid performance is paired with a crisp, detailed screen as well as a sleek, stylish design and a keyboard that feels satisfying and reliable to type on. 

Fancy a lightweight laptop to aid your studies (and save your back)? Read our full Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon review to see if it's the right fit for your needs

8. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

Up to this point nothing else on this list has featured a convertible format, i.e. a hinge that can rotate through 360-degrees and provide both 'tablet' and 'laptop' forms (even an upright 'tent' mode if it's of use to you). That's where the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 comes in.

With its stylus input option, this is a great solution if you're after a Windows laptop that can cater for drawing, note-taking, annotation and such like. It's powerful enough, although not super-powered, but also silent thanks to passive cooling technology. 

If this convertible sounds like a good fit, and you're keen for the stylus input, then take a look at our full Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 review for more info

9. Acer Swift 3

We've always been fans of the Acer Swift series, because it's a great sensibly-priced entry point into buying a laptop, and this Swift 3 has done nothing to change our minds. You get a 14-inch Full HD screen for staring at those essays and video streaming services, while under the hood everything is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 chips.

The closer you look, the better the Acer Swift 3 gets – it supports the Wi-Fi 6 standards, for example, and has a decent selection of ports too (2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, and 1x HDMI). At the top-end of the configuration options, you can even have an Nvidia GeForce MX350 graphics card installed if you think you're going to need it (and can afford it).

In the market for a sensibly-priced Windows laptop to help you get the best when back at school? Read our full Acer Swift 3 review to see if it fits the bill

10. HP Envy x360 13

Not feeling the Dell XPS 2-in-1? Then HP has a great alternative 2-in-1 option in the HP Envy x360 13. It manages to marry some decent specs with some very decent looks at a price that's not quite as exorbitant as you might expect, looking at it.

This is a laptop that's going to handle most of the tasks you throw at it, thanks to decent-powered innards, but it's not going to handle intensive gaming and video editing. Still, it's perfect for writing up essays, or doing some research on the web, or putting together a budget spreadsheet to work out where all your money is going. 

Especially as this is a 2-in-1, so when the working day is over you can flip the HP Envy x360 into 'tent mode' and enjoy some Netflix or YouTube on the bright, crisp 13.3-inch screen.

Does this convertible laptop sound like your dream study companion? Read our full HP Envy x360 review to learn more about its potential

What's important to consider with student laptops

Laptops for students are not just for writing essays and note taking but now also for taking part in those critical online sessions, so you need one that can handle video calls as well as documents. And with so many online classes, video meetings and virtual collaborations, students are spending more time on their laptops than ever before and to work optimally you don't want to scrimp on an underpowered model.

We're now in the pre-new academic year summer months, and that is good news for student laptop shoppers as plenty of retailers are currently discounting some great systems that are perfect for school and college starters and returning students alike. 

If you're wondering what separates the best college laptops from the best laptops overall or specialist systems like gaming laptops and 2-in-1 laptops , it's that they have to satisfy two very different criteria: they need to be excellent all-rounders, and they need to be excellent value, too. That means they can't cut any crucial corners but they need to be keenly priced.

The arrival of the best Chromebooks has given the market quite a kick. Google's mobile-focused laptops have encouraged PC firms to up their game, as have Apple's iPads – and in fact we think you should check out T3's best tablets guide too, because many of today's tablets are perfectly capable laptops too. All you need is a keyboard. If you prefer Dells to Apples and laptops to tablets, though, check out our guide to the best Dell laptops .

And if you're in the market for some external storage, particularly for Apple laptops, check out our best external hard drives for Mac guide as well as this one.

So how do you choose the best student laptop? Price is important, of course, but it shouldn't be your sole criteria. That's why our guide covers so many options, manufacturers and operating systems: every student is different and that means their requirements will differ.

We don’t quite know what this academic year holds – after the last few years anything could happen and we'd believe it – but we do know that whether your learning is fully remote, in-person or a mix of the two these laptops will be the perfect companions for studying, for movie nights with roommates, for staying in touch with friends and family and for creativity, too.

Laptops are also great for serious processing and rendering nowadays, so if you're a budding engineer and need some recommendations, then be sure to check out T3's best laptops for engineering students guide. This guide is filled with systems that won't let you down when using resource-heavy software like AutoCAD, MATLAB and Solid Works.

Oh, and lastly, if you're looking to build a better home or dormitory office for study, we think it's well worth checking out our best office chairs guide, as it will mean you can work for long hours in comfort. A good work environment is essential to produce good work. Plus, our best webcams guide is worth considering if you want to look good in video meetings.

How to choose the best student laptop for you

We hope our student laptop guide proves invaluable for anyone out there shopping for a system that's capable, decent value, and a boon to your productivity. We're constantly updating this list too with newer models and updated information, so be sure to keep checking back regularly, and we've also included some clutch buying advice to help you narrow down the ideal learning tool for going back to school.

Today's computers need to be able to do much more than the primitive number-crunchers of old. They need to support a huge range of software, given that several courses have special requirements, as well as the standard office packages.

When it comes to software, Microsoft 's Office 365 suite is free for students, and there are also Google's Chromebooks and the associated Google Docs suite to consider as well, with the latter also free to use.

These laptops need to be able to run HD video lectures without juddering of course, while a set of good speakers always comes in handy when listening to teachers/ pumping out music. These machines have to be affordable too, given the increased cost of schooling all round the world.

Integrated webcams are important as well, for web lectures and broadcast media-related courses, but these are now included as standard on every laptop. You'd be hard pushed to find a model without one.

How we test student laptops

Laptops are very versatile and powerful tools, which means that there is a lot to consider when buying one. As such, we approach testing student laptops with this in mind, parsing down the process according to what a buyer would consider in store.

Firstly, we evaluate the build quality and design of the system. Here we're looking for signs of robustness and quality, as well as overall fit and finish. It is at this stage that we also evaluate the student laptop's screen, judging its colour balance, fidelity and features, such as anti-glare coatings or tiny bezels.

Next up we evaluate the student laptop purely from a hardware point of view, both on paper and in practice. So we check out its core specifications, such as processor, RAM, storage capacity and graphics chip, before benchmarking the overall package with a brace of benchmarking tools.

We then move onto the more experiential side of the reviewing process, which encompasses what the laptop's operating system and software are like to use, as well as how it performs in the real world – such as, how is the student laptop to carry round, or how well does it perform in a coffee shop.

Lastly, we take a look at any of the system's noteworthy features, such as RGB lighting systems, mechanical keyboards, built-in webcams, touchscreens, rotating screens, stylus support, biometric sign-in options and more. We also provide a rough, real-world take on the system's battery life at this point, too.

Only after these stages are complete do we officially score the student laptop, with a 5-star system (1 being the worst, and 5 being the best) used. If the student laptop scores highly, it is then considered for T3's best student laptop buying guide, which is designed to showcase the very best systems on the market.

See T3's How We Test page for full information on how we test all our products for review. 

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Mike is the Tech Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone too (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech and audio aficionado his beat at T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a tech stone unturned he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.

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The best laptops for gaming and schoolwork

True work-and-play machines..

Why choose between a gaming laptop and one meant for school when you can get a PC that does both? Gaming laptops are now cheaper and more powerful than ever, and many wouldn’t look out of place in a classroom. If you’re aiming to do some serious multimedia work alongside playing video games online, it’s worth taking a look at a dedicated gaming system. You can find general advice on choosing a gaming notebook in our guide . But if you want a few models that will be perfect for school and play, you’ve come to the right place.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

Best for most people, razer blade 15 gaming laptop: nvidia geforce rtx 3070 ti - 12th gen intel 14-core i7 cpu - 15.6” qhd 240hz - 16gb ddr5 ram - 1tb pcie ssd - windows 11 - cnc aluminum - chroma rgb - thunderbolt 4, best high-end option, best budget option, asus rog zephyrus duo 16, best no-limit gaming laptop, alienware m18, best big screen gaming laptop, are gaming laptops good for school.

As we’ve mentioned, gaming laptops are especially helpful if you're doing any demanding work. Their big promise is powerful graphics performance, which isn't just limited to games. Video editing and 3D rendering programs can also tap into their GPUs to handle laborious tasks. While you can find decent GPUs on some productivity machines, like Dell's XPS 15 , you can sometimes find better deals on gaming laptops . My general advice for any new workhorse: Get at least 16GB of RAM and the largest solid state drive you can find (ideally 1TB or more). Those components are both typically hard to upgrade down the line, so it’s worth investing what you can up front.

The one big downside to choosing a gaming notebook is portability. For the most part, we'd recommend 15-inch models to get the best balance of size and price. Those typically weigh in around 4.5 pounds, which is significantly more than a three-pound ultraportable. Today's gaming notebooks are still far lighter than older models, though, so at least you won't be lugging around a 10-pound brick. If you’re looking for something lighter, there are plenty of 14-inch options these days. And if you're not into LED lights and other gamer-centric bling, keep an eye out for more understated models (or make sure you know how to turn those lights off).

Read our full review of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

The ASUS ROG Zephryus G14 may be a bit more expensive than it was when it originally launched, but it remains a fantastic 14-inch laptop for all purposes. The beauty of the latest model is that it features an all-new unibody aluminum chassis, a vibrant 120Hz OLED display, solid performance and tons of ports–all for hundreds less than an equivalent Razer Blade 14. It even has a built-in microSD card reader and presets for several color gamuts, so it can easily pull double duty as a photo/video editing machine. Its audio is also way above average thanks to punchy up-firing stereo speakers. Battery life is solid too, with the Zepyrus lasting just shy of eight hours on our rundown test. And to top it off, the G14 weighs almost half a pound less than rival laptops with similar designs. The main downsides are that its GPU caps out at an RTX 4070 (instead of a 4080 like on the previous model) and that its RAM is soldered in. But if you want a really great all-rounder that offers big power in a portable package, this system has to be at the top of your list. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Writer, Reviews

For years, Razer has built a reputation for making gaming laptops that look as good as MacBooks. And that's still true. Razer's Blade 15 features a sleek and sturdy metal case, an understated design (unless you really kick up those RGB keyboard lights), and just about all the power you'd want in a portable gaming powerhouse. If money is no object, you can equip the Blade 15 with Intel's latest 13th-gen processors, NVIDIA's powerful RTX 4070 and 1,440p OLED display running at 240 Hz.

While you'll pay a bit more for the Blade 15 compared to some other models, you've still got a few different price points to work with. The entry-level model starts at $1,999 with an RTX 3070 GPU and 360Hz 1080p display. That's certainly enough power for most games and creative apps. If you're looking for something a bit smaller, Razer's new AMD-powered Blade 14 looks compelling as well. Razer also recently debuted new Blade 16 and 18 models , which cost (and weigh!) much more than the Blade 15, but may be useful if you need a bigger screen.

While Alienware has established itself as a solid premium brand, Dell's cheaper G-series notebooks are worth a look for anyone on a budget. In particular, the G15 continues the trend of delivering very capable hardware – including Intel’s latest 13th-gen CPUs and NVIDIA’s RTX 30 and 40-series GPUs – for under $1,000. Sure, the case is mostly plastic, and the screen doesn't offer all of the latest niceties, but for the price it's hard to find anything more powerful.

Taking the idea of a gaming laptop to the absolute extreme, ASUS's latest Zephyrus Duo 16 combines AMD's latest Ryzen mobile processors with NVIDIA's great RTX 40-series hardware. And, true to its name, it has two screens: a gorgeous 16-inch main display (with optional Mini-LED backlighting), and a very wide 14-inch secondary panel right below. That opens up a near desktop-level of multitasking, since you can have windows spread across both screens. It could help you, say, follow an online lecture while fitting in a Halo Infinite match on your main screen. Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

The biggest and most powerful Alienware laptop yet, the m18 is the ideal gaming notebook for someone who prioritizes screen size above all else. It can be equipped with Intel’s fastest 13th-gen CPUs, NVIDIA’s RTX 4090, and either a 165Hz QuadHD+ screen or a wickedly fast 480Hz 1080p+ display. It’s a gaming beast, but it’ll also be a great option for students editing audio or video. A bigger screen means a larger timeline view–exactly what you’d want for massive projects.

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Google announced a host of new AI features for Chromebooks, and Acer, ASUS and HP have new models to showcase them.

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Best laptop for students UK 2024: Our favourites, all tried and tested

• Jonathan Bray

Looking to buy a laptop for note-taking research and working on your coursework? We’ve tested hundreds and these are our favourites

What’s the best laptop for students? It may be trite, but the answer is the same as for any laptop buyer on a budget – it’s the laptop that best serves the needs of the student at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

We’ve tested hundreds of laptops over the years and here we’ve used that experience to pick out a list of laptops we think are best suited to student life. If your budget isn’t so limited, you can also read our best laptops roundup for the best of the best.

However, don’t make the mistake that any laptop will suit; your course, what you’re studying and your budget are all key factors in determining which laptop is right for you. We’ve also included a buying guide detailing all the key things to consider when buying a laptop for school, college or university.

Best laptop for students: At a glance

How we test laptops for students

At Expert Reviews, we have decades of experience reviewing laptops so we can intuitively tell a good laptop from a bad one. However, we still need to be sure we’re being as unbiased as possible in our assessments, and to do that we run every single laptop we’re sent through a series of benchmark tests.

We test performance with a combination of in-house benchmarking software, third-party benchmarking tools and games tests. We also measure a laptop’s screen using a colorimeter and the DisplayCAL software. And we test storage speed, too, recording sequential transfer speeds.

Of course, no suite of laptop benchmarks would be complete without some kind of battery life assessment, and we test this by playing a video on loop and seeing how long it takes to run the battery flat from 100%.

We also ensure we actually use every laptop to write on, watch videos, browse the web, carry out video calls and more. To find out more about how we test, read our in-depth how-we-test article .

READ NEXT: Best external hard drives

The best student laptops you can buy in 2024

1. m2 macbook air: best student laptop overall.

Price when reviewed: From £900 | Check price at Amazon

• Great for… portability, great battery life and all round performance
• Not so great for… anyone on a low budget

Windows laptops do tend to come with more storage space and memory. Some might have OLED displays or better performance. But the M2 MacBook Air will compete with most of them on those fronts, and you get stunning battery life (it lasted an incredible 17 hours in our tests), sleek good looks to boot and excellent build quality to boot.

If you’re the sort who likes to tinker, you might want to skip this machine as you can’t upgrade it yourself easily, and it’s hard to repair as well, but for everyone else, it’s brilliant. If you’re lucky enough to have £900 to spend on the laptop that will carry you through your A-Levels and university, there is no choice than this.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air 13.6in (M2, 2022) review

Key specs – Processor: Octa-core Apple M1; RAM: 8GB; Storage: 256GB SSD; Screen size: 13.6in; Screen resolution: 2,560 x 1,600; Weight: 1.29kg

2022 Apple MacBook Air laptop with M2 chip: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, backlit keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD camera. Works with iPhone and iPad; Space Grey

2. hp pavilion se 14 (14-ep0524sa): best budget laptop for students.

Price when reviewed: £449 | Check price at Currys

• Great for… low price, relatively modern components
• Not so great for… long battery life

The keyboard is excellent, the display is competent – although our tests revealed it to be a little dull – and, given the low cost, the configuration is surprisingly modern, with an Intel Core i5-1335U CPU, 8GB of RAM and a capacious 512GB of SSD storage. We were also surprised at how good the 1080p webcam and the speakers are.

Its main weakness is its battery life, which in our testing only reached 6hrs 30mins before dying. It’s also slightly disappointing that the keyboard doesn’t have a backlight. Still, given the low price, it’s very hard to complain. This is a great all-rounder at a very tempting price.

Read our full HP Pavilion SE 14 review  

Key specs – Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U; GPU: Intel Iris Xe; RAM: 8GB; Display size: 14in; Display resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Display type: IPS 60Hz; Storage: 512GB; Dimensions: 324 x 215 x 18mm (WDH); Weight: 1.4kg

3. Asus Vivobook S15 OLED: Best laptop for student creatives

Price when reviewed: £998 | Check price at Amazon

• Great for… performance, screen size/quality and great battery life
• Not so great for… budget-conscious students

It comes with a 15.6in Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) OLED display that, in our tests, reached superb levels of brightness. The display also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space, making it the perfect companion not only for those creative projects, but also for bingeing on Netflix shows when you get back to your student accommodation in the evening.

Add long battery life (it lasted 10hrs 39mins in our video playback test), a decent keyboard and a very good 1080p webcam and you have a superb all rounder. For less than £1,000, it’s a very tough package to beat.

Read our full Asus Vivobook S15 OLED review

Key specs – Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H; GPU: Intel Arc 350M; RAM: 16GB; Display size: 15.6in; Display resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Display type: OLED 60Hz; Storage: 1TB SSD; Dimensions: 356 x 229 x 18mm (WDH); Weight: 1.7kg

ASUS Laptop Vivobook S15 OLED (Intel i7-13700H, Intel Arc A350M graphics, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

4. acer aspire 7 (a715-76g): best student laptop with discrete gpu.

Price when reviewed: £749 | Check price at Amazon

• Great for… good graphics performance on the cheap and DIY upgrades
• Not so great for… watching HDR YouTube videos – the display is somewhat drab

It comes with a 144Hz display and an Nvidia GeForce 2050 RTX GPU, so it can handle hardcore graphics tasks. And it couples that with a 12th Gen Intel H-series Core i5 CPU that’s plenty powerful enough for the most demanding of jobs.

The Acer has some other important strengths that should appeal to the away-from-home student. To start with, we found it easy to get into, making it simple to add more RAM or a second SSD. The keyboard is good, as is the battery life, which we tested at a solid 8hrs 28mins. It’s a well-made device, too, with an aluminium lid and a solid plastic body. The killer feature, though, is the price: for £749 you’re getting a lot of laptop for your money, and we’ve seen it on sale for £200 less.

Read our full Acer Aspire 7 review  

Key specs – Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H; GPU: Nvidia RTX 2050; RAM: 8GB; Display size: 15.6in; Display resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Display type: IPS 144Hz; Storage: 512GB; Dimensions: 363 x 236 x 20mm (WDH); Weight: 2.1kg

Acer Aspire 7 A715-76G (Intel Core i5-12450H, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics)

5. apple macbook air 15in (m2, 2023): best big-screen laptop for students.

Price when reviewed: £1,399 | Check price at John Lewis | Amazon

• Great for… performance, battery life, screen size and quality
• Not so great for… DIY upgrades and fixes, price

Battery life is astonishing – it lasted 15hrs 42mins in our tests – meaning it’s ideally suited to life on campus, where you’ll be traipsing from tutorial to library to lecture hall, and may not have the opportunity to plug it in and top up the power.

We love this laptop for other reasons, too. The speaker system and microphones are hard to beat – perfect for creative projects, podcasting and video voiceovers, not to mention video calls back home – and the large 15.3in IPS display gives you plenty of space to multitask.

Sure, it’s pricey, but think of it as an investment. This is a laptop that will last you for years, is a pleasure to use and keeps going for an age away from the mains. It’s absolutely worth saving up the extra cash for.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air 15in (M2, 2023) review  

Key specs – Processor: Apple M2; GPU: Apple M2 8-core; RAM: 8GB; Display size: 13.6in; Display resolution: 2,560 x 1,664; Display type: IPS 60Hz; Storage: 256GB; Dimensions: 304 x 215 x 11.3mm (WDH); Weight: 1.24kg

Apple MacBook Air 15in (M2, 2023)

6. asus chromebook plus cx34: best chromebook for students.

Price: £400 | Check price at Amazon | Currys

• Great for… basic computing tasks on a budget
• Not so great for… people who need to run Windows or macOS apps

Our reviewer said the keyboard was a “rather fine piece of work” and it even comes with a backlight, which is not a given, even on much more expensive laptops. There’s a sharp 1080p webcam for video calls, and in combination with Google’s “Temporal Noise Reduction” system this works well in most conditions, even low light. Even battery life is good: it lasted a solid 9hrs 11mins in our testing.

With a robust design that meets US MIL-STD 810H durability standards, this practical machine was well priced at its launch price of £429 but we’ve seen it regularly dip below that to £300 and even as low as £250, at which price it’s an outright bargain. If your needs are fairly basic when it comes to doing your school or university work and you don’t want to push the boat out to a more expensive Mac or Windows machine, the Asus Chromebook CX34 is well worth a look.

Read our full Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review  

Key specs – Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U; RAM: 8GB; Storage: 128GB UFS; GPU: Intel Iris Xe; Screen size: 14in; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Dimensions: 326 x 214 x 19mm (WDH); Weight: 1.29kg

ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (Intel i3-1215U, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128GB UFS)

How to choose the best laptop for school, college or university, how much should i spend on a student laptop.

Depending on what your studies involve and whether you plan on using your laptop for play as well as work, you can spend anywhere between a couple of hundred and a couple of thousand pounds on a student laptop.

However, if you want your laptop to last you longer than a couple of years, we recommend you avoid the very cheapest machines at £300 or less. Above this price, laptops tend to be much more capable and pleasant to use, and the more you spend, the better they become.

Indeed, we recommend spending between £500 and £1,000. In this price bracket, you’ll find laptops that offer impressive performance coupled with attractive build quality.

READ NEXT: Best school bags

Do I need a fast processor and loads of RAM?

Processors and RAM aren’t too important if you just want a laptop for writing essays on – even a cheap Chromebook is good enough for Google Docs and searching the internet.

However, if your studies require the use of more demanding software for photo or video editing, 3D design or crunching databases, it’s worth putting money towards a more powerful CPU. Intel’s 11th-, 12th- and 13th-gen Core i5 and i7 processors are what you want here, or the more recent Core Ultra 5 and 7.

Meanwhile, AMD’s Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 range of processors often rival Intel’s in terms of performance (look for laptops with at least a 5000-series CPU), but come with a smaller price tag, while Apple’s M2 and M3 processors can give some Core i7 CPUs a run for their money.

More RAM is always welcome, as it means you can leave more applications and browser tabs open before your laptop grinds to a halt. You should look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, and 16GB is even better if your budget allows it, but our advice is to avoid anything with 4GB or lower if you can possibly help it.

How much storage do I need?

This will be determined by how you plan on using your student laptop. If you’re going to be saving lots of documents locally and plan on downloading numerous apps and working on video or audio files, you’ll find storage gets eaten up pretty quickly.

A laptop with 256GB of storage will suffice for most students, but 512GB is a safer bet if you don’t want to have to uninstall and delete things a year or two after buying your new device, and 1TB is even better but a rarity at lower price points.

It’s important to look at the type of storage a laptop has in addition to how much of it you’re getting. A student laptop with a proper SSD (solid-state drive) is preferable to one with a cheaper eMMC flash drive.

What else do I need to look out for?

If you can try out a laptop before buying, then do so. Everyone has a different idea about what constitutes a comfy, usable keyboard or touchpad, and while we pay close attention to those aspects in our reviews, it’s well worth trying it out for yourself. Equally, what some people might consider a heavy, bulky laptop might be entirely manageable by other people’s standards.

Similarly, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the number of USB-C or USB 3 ports. The faster USB 3.2 Gen 2 versions are worth paying extra for if you need additional storage or backup through a fast external drive, and you’ll also have more options for connecting monitors and other devices.

It’s well worth leaving some room in your budget for a good external USB hard drive or SSD, or just making sure you use a cloud storage service such as OneDrive or Google Drive to keep your documents backed up. Even the best laptop for students can be damaged, lost or stolen, so it pays to make sure your coursework doesn’t disappear along with it.

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• In Progress
• Newsletters
• Working From Home
• Table of Contents
• Best Laptop
• Best Upper Mid-Range
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget
• Best 2-In-1

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best laptops for working from home - spring 2024 reviews.

If you're looking for a laptop to work from home, there are a couple of things you want to look for. A large, sharp screen allows you to work comfortably, and port selection is critical if you want to connect multiple peripherals or external displays. The quality of the keyboard and touchpad is also important, and of course, you'll need a good webcam for your meetings over Zoom or Teams. While battery life isn't the most important aspect when working from home, having a laptop that can last a while on battery allows you to move from one room to another without bringing the charger. If you plan to work outdoors in the summer, you'll also want to ensure the display is bright enough to combat glare.

We've tested over 110 laptops, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best laptops for working remotely you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the  best Chromebooks , the  best 2-in-1 laptops , and the  best business laptops .

Best Laptop For Working From Home

The best laptop for working from home we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023). This premium workstation has tons of processing power to handle nearly any workload and provides an amazing user experience. It has a sharp, bright, 120Hz Mini LED display, a spacious and tactile keyboard, and a gigantic, easy-to-use touchpad. Its webcam is among the best on the market, so your colleagues can see and hear you clearly on video calls. The battery lasts around 15 hours of light use, allowing you to work in different rooms or even out in your backyard without dragging the power adapter around.

Unlike its predecessor, the M3 MacBook Pro 14 is available with a base M3 chip, similar to the discontinued 13-inch model with Touch Bar. This is a great option if you don't need the processing power of the Pro/Max chips but still want the 'Pro' features, like the 120Hz Mini LED display and up-firing speakers. If you don't plan on using an external monitor and prefer a larger laptop, you can get the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3, 2023) . It's essentially the same device but with a larger 16-inch screen and better-sounding speakers.

For Windows users, we recommend the Dell XPS 15 (2023) . It's also a premium laptop with a sturdy build and plenty of processing power. It's available with Intel 13th Gen CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs, up to a Core i9 and 4070. Plus, you can play way more games than on a MacBook in your downtime since there are more Windows games, and the NVIDIA GPUs have better optimization and gaming features, like DLSS, ray tracing, and Frame Generation. However, there are a few downsides, like its bad 720p webcam, limited port selection, and high thermals. By the way, Dell has discontinued this model and replaced it with a smaller 14-inch, so if you like the 15.6-inch size, this is a good time to get one because it's regularly on sale on Dell's website .

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Laptop For Working From Home

If your work consists only of lighter tasks like text processing, web browsing, and spreadsheets, the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) might be a better option. It doesn't have as much processing power as the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) , so you aren't paying for performance you don't need. Don't worry; its M2 chip is still more than adequate for general productivity tasks. Plus, it's very compact for a 15-inch device, making it easy to carry if you need to go to the office. You get a nice display, Apple's amazing haptic touchpad, and an excellent 1080p webcam. Its main flaw is its limited port selection, as it only has two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports with support for a single external display.

At the time of writing, Apple has released a newer 2024 model equipped with its M3 chip. This model only has a few upgrades, including Wi-Fi 6E, slightly better performance, and support for two external displays (with the laptop closed). If you don't need the upgrades on the newer model, it might be worth looking for an M2 model through third-party sellers, marketplaces, or Apple's refurbished section, as you can likely find it at a lower price.

On the Windows side, we recommend the LG gram 14 (2023) , an ultraportable that weighs only 2.1 lbs! It provides a good user experience overall, and its battery lasts longer at almost 11 hours of light use. Its wide port selection includes two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing you to connect up to two 4k displays with a single cable. However, its 14-inch screen isn't as sharp and doesn't get as bright. If you're often on video calls, the webcam is great but nowhere near as good as the MacBook Air's, as the image is far too underexposed. It's more serviceable, though, as the SSDs are user-replaceable.

Best Mid-Range Laptop For Working From Home

Our mid-range pick is the Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023), a Windows 2-in-1 convertible. It has a 16-inch display, so you have plenty of room for multitasking, and it's still very portable due to its thin and light design, so you can easily take it with you when you go to the office. Build quality is great, though not quite as good as the MacBooks above. You can choose between an FHD+ or QHD+ panel; the latter looks sharper and gets brighter to combat glare. Battery life is excellent at around 12 hours of light use on a model with a QHD+ display. The keyboard feels great to type on and includes a Numpad, which is great for those working with lots of numbers. Biometrics include a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition camera, so you can log in quickly and get to work. It's available with Intel 13th Gen U- and P-series CPUs, which are plenty fast for general productivity tasks.

The  Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022)  is a great alternative if you want something smaller. It's also a 2-in-1 with stylus support, but it's more portable and runs Chrome OS. Its Intel 12th Gen CPU has no problem handling anything you'd need to do on a Chromebook. The keyboard and touchpad aren't as good as the Lenovo above, but they remain decent. Availability might be a problem since this is an older device from 2022. If you have trouble finding one, you might want to check out the newer 2023 model, which we haven't tested but expect to perform similarly. It has newer Intel 13th Gen CPUs and a higher resolution 1440p webcam. You can get the 2023 model on  Amazon  or at  Best Buy .

Best Budget Laptop For Working From Home

We recommend this 14-inch Windows ultraportable, the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020), for those on a budget. Acer's Swift lineup isn't considered budget, but because this is a model from 2020, the price has decreased considerably. For a little over $500 USD, you can get an Intel Core i7 configuration with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The Intel 11th Gen CPU isn't the newest kid on the block, but it's still adequate for general productivity tasks like text processing, web browsing, spreadsheets, and video playback. The battery lasts well over 13 hours of light use, so you don't have to worry about bringing a charger.

This laptop feels well-built and is very portable. It has a sharp and reasonably bright IPS display, a decent keyboard, and a wide port selection, including two USB-As, one USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, a full-size HDMI, and a headphone jack. Our main gripe is that the webcam's video quality is bad; the image looks underexposed, and the microphone sounds staticky.

Best Cheap Laptop For Working From Home

The best cheap laptop for working from home we've tested is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023). This 14-inch Chromebook is a great option for those with a light workload, like text processing, web browsing, and video playback. We recommend the Core i3 configuration (paired with a touch-sensitive FHD display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage), which you can regularly find on sale for around $400 to $500 USD on  Lenovo's website . You can get one of the cheaper configurations (Intel N100 or N200 CPU and/or 4GB of RAM) if you have an extremely light workload; just know that you'll experience more slowdowns when multitasking.

The touch-sensitive FHD display on the aforementioned Core i3 model looks very sharp and gets bright enough for use in most indoor settings. Above the display is an excellent 1080p webcam, so your colleagues can see and hear you clearly on video calls. Unfortunately, the keyboard feels a little mushy, and the touchpad is small and sometimes unresponsive. Battery life is outstanding at around 13 hours of light use or 12 hours of video playback. Lastly, Chrome OS is limited in the type of applications you can install, so just make sure you can do everything through a Chrome browser or Android app.

Best 2-In-1 Laptop For Working From Home

If you want a versatile device that you can use for general media consumption during your downtime, go with the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021), a tablet PC with a built-in kickstand and detachable keyboard. You can detach the keyboard to make the device lighter and easier to hold or to save space, like on a kitchen counter. Its 3:2 IPS panel looks incredibly sharp, gets bright enough to combat glare, and supports pen input. The keyboard feels good to type on, but you need to buy it separately, and the same goes for the stylus. Its 1080p webcam is excellent, and you also get an IR camera for quick logins via facial recognition. The port selection isn't that great, as you only get two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s, a headphone jack, and a Surface charging port.

Microsoft has released the Surface Pro 9. It's the same device but with faster Intel 12th Gen processors. It's easier to find since it's a newer model, but if you don't need the increased performance and would rather save money, you can likely find a good deal on a Surface Pro 8.

• Acer Swift 14 (2023): The Acer Swift 14 (2023) is a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) if your workload requires a high-performance CPU but very little graphical processing power, like programming or music production. However, it has a smaller display, and its keyboard isn't as comfortable to type on. See our review
• ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024): If you want a Windows alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) but with a sharper screen than the LG gram 14 (2023), check out the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024). It has a 2.8k OLED display with touch and pen input support; however, its CPU throttles more under load, and its battery life is around two hours shorter than the LG. It's also more expensive and harder to find at this time. See our review
• ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023): The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) is a great alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) if you prefer a 2-in-1 convertible. Its OLED display looks sharper and produces deeper blacks, making it a better option for media consumption, and it has a better port selection, including two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s and an HDMI. However, the display isn't as bright to combat glare and is susceptible to permanent burn-in. See our review
• Framework Laptop 13 (2023): The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) if you want a laptop that's easy to repair or upgrade. Its design allows you to replace any component in the laptop, so you can upgrade the CPU when a new one is available or add more RAM and storage to suit your needs. It also has a modular port system that lets you swap out the ports on the fly. However, the keyboard can be tiring to type on because the keys require a fair amount of force to actuate, and the touchpad isn't as big or responsive. See our review
• Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 (2021): The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 (2021) is a good alternative to the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020). It has a better webcam and a Numpad; however, it lacks Thunderbolt 4 support, and the display looks washed out. See our review

Apr 08, 2024: Small text changes to provide information about the M3 Apple MacBook Air 15 (2024). Removed the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) from the Notable Mentions because it's discontinued and hard to find and added the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) as a Notable Mention.

Feb 01, 2024: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2, 2023) with the M3 model because the M2 model is discontinued. Added the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) as a Notable Mention.

Dec 05, 2023: Minor text changes to add information about the M3 Apple MacBook Pros. Replaced the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) with the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023) because the C340 is near the end of its OS support.

Oct 06, 2023: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) because the M1 MacBook Pros are no longer available. Replaced the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (2023) with the Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) because the Lenovo has Thunderbolt 4, stylus support, and longer battery life. Added the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) as a Notable Mention.

Aug 09, 2023: Added the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (2023) as the 'Best Mid-Range' pick and moved the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) to the 'Best Budget' category. Added the 'Best Cheap' category with the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) as our pick.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best laptops for working remotely to buy. We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you prefer to make your own decision, here’s the list of all of our laptop reviews, sorted by price from low to high. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it’s best to see the full review for information about other variants.

Laptop buying guide

When it comes to power and speed, Windows laptops give you performance on the go. From i7 convertible laptops to gaming laptops and 2-in-1s, find the best device for your digital life.

Preparing for a new Windows laptop

Buying a new device is exciting, but the process of transferring all your settings and data can feel overwhelming. We understand the challenges that come with changing laptops, so we’ve simplified the process with these tools and resources.

Back up and transfer your data with Windows Backup

Bring what you love from your old laptop to your new one. Windows Backup is built into the latest updates of Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and will save you time by moving your files and some settings and apps to your new computer when signed into your Microsoft account. With a few simple steps, your new setup will feel like home.

Set up an appointment for help

Make an appointment online with one of our Microsoft tech experts and get your questions answered. We can help with any and all of the following:

• Personal shopping. Before you buy, we can answer lingering questions about price, tech specs, and placing an order.
• Setting up your new PC. We’ll guide you through the setup process and help you personalize your computer.
• Learning how to use your new computer. We’ll teach you how to make the most of your business or personal laptop.

Trade in or recycle your old computer

If you have an eligible device, take advantage of our trade-in program to securely and responsibly recycle your PC—and get some extra cash. This resource can help you learn the trade-in value of your used device. You can also return and recycle your device responsibly with our end-of-life management and recycling initiatives.

Which laptop fits my needs?

Windows laptops are available with a range of features and capabilities. Find the right laptop for your needs—whether that’s for school, work, gaming, or basic daily use.

Find your new Windows PC

Use our Help Me Choose tool and get advice on the perfect laptop for you by answering a few simple questions.

Why choose a Windows laptop?

Write, design, start a business, finish a game. Your beautiful mind has a lot going on. Your great ideas need to be seen by the world. Windows 11 can help make that happen. So, whether you’re looking for inspiration, organization, or just some relaxation, Windows 11 provides the power and multitasking tools that can help you get more done in less time.

Mac® vs. Windows laptops

• Every action
• Protect projects

Tools worthy of your talents

• Snap can get your whole project on one screen
• Phone Link lets you use your iPhone® or Android™ phone from your PC—no need to divide your attention between two devices 1
• Creativity apps like Photos app and Clipchamp give you more ways to express yourself
• Balance work with PC gaming

Every action, more reaction

• Easy setup brings your preferences over from a previous PC
• Touch, pen, and voice allow for more flexibility when creating

Keep your projects protected

• Windows Security helps protect the files you work on with advanced antivirus, malware protection, and more
• Windows Hello enables harder-to-hack biometric security that doesn’t rely on passwords
• Microsoft Defender app with a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription 6 provides identity theft protection 7 alongside your built-in malware detection, and extends it to other devices like your phone

Laptops for daily use

• Smaller screen and laptop size (12”-14”)
• Basic features for browsing the web, checking email, and other tasks
• Security measures to protect hardware
• User-friendly interface
• Basic display features

Laptops for professionals

• Smaller size for commuting, larger size for working from home
• Longer battery life
• Hardware security features
• Multitasking capabilities
• Photo and video editing
• Additional storage

Laptops for gamers

• Larger, high refresh rate screen for gaming (15”-18”)
• Larger battery capacity
• Dedicated GPU for advanced graphics
• Native security features
• Compatible with accessories and PC Game Pass 6

Laptop brand and model recommendations

Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft laptops are all known for their performance and value. We recommend these Windows laptops for school, work, gaming, and daily use.

@@Device Name@@

Made for performance and innovation on the go, the Acer Spin 5 Intel laptop has a rotating touchscreen great for reading, streaming, taking notes, sketching, and more. Intel processors, crisp graphics, and a low-blue-light display help you watch, edit, and create confidently and with less chance of eyestrain.

Experience Windows 11 on the sleek and portable Dell XPS 13 Laptop, featuring a lightweight design and razor-thin body. With new mobile processors, Wi-Fi 6, and a customizable performance mode, Dell XPS 13 is ideal for an everyday smooth internet experience.

Boost performance with long battery life and impressive graphics on the HP Spectre x360 14. HP Spectre x360 14’s privacy camera shutter gives you peace of mind and protection, while its antireflective Eyesafe® display is perfect for gaming, creative projects, and entertainment in dim or bright light.

IdeaPad Flex 5 fits whatever you're doing with a drop-down hinge for improved typing, the latest processors, and 16:10 up-to-2.2K display.

Enjoy Windows 11 on the powerful Surface Laptop 5. Perfect for work and play, Surface Laptop 5 comes with a sleek, portable design; extended battery life; sizing options; and an intuitive touchscreen. Its powerful core processors ensure fast, reliable performance for the modern-day multitasker.

Shop for a Windows 11 PC at these retailers 8 9

Price and budget.

Determining a budget to buy a laptop can be a challenging task. Consider factors such as performance, brand, and intended use to find a device in the appropriate price range for your needs.

Top 3 tips to save on laptops

• Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and updates, including deals on Windows laptops.
• Install Microsoft Edge Shopping extensions for coupons, discounts, and cash-back offers on your purchases.
• If you’re a K-12 or higher education student, parent, or faculty member, purchase a Windows laptop through the Microsoft Education Store to get a student discount of up to 10% off select products, including Surface devices.

Laptop hardware considerations

Display, central processing unit (CPU), internal storage capabilities, RAM, and battery life are all important hardware factors when deciding on a laptop.

Choosing your laptop display

Display features impact image quality, color accuracy, and brightness levels of a laptop screen. Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and touchscreen capabilities are all factors to consider when comparing laptop display features.

Refresh rate

Touchscreen.

• HD (1366 x 768)
• HD+ (1600 x 900)
• Full HD (1920 x 1080 or 1920 x 1200)
• QHD (2560 x 1440) or QHD+ (3200 x 1800)
• 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 or 3840 x 2560)

• Touchscreen laptops allow users to interact with the screen using their fingers or a digital pen.
• The benefits of touchscreen laptops include greater ease of use, flexibility, and accessibility for users with limited mobility.

What laptop CPU should you buy?

A laptop’s CPU is an essential hardware component responsible for executing instructions and controlling overall operation. See what a CPU does and which one’s right for you.

 | 

Selecting a laptop’s internal storage drive

The internal storage drive stores all the data, files, and programs on a laptop, including the operating system, applications, documents, photos, and videos. How much storage do you need, and which drive makes sense for you? Watch to learn more .

How much RAM do you need?

The amount of random-access memory (RAM) you need will depend on how you use your laptop. Basic tasks like email and web browsing only require 8 GB of RAM, whereas performing intensive tasks and using large files may require up to 32 GB of RAM. What is RAM, and how much do you need? Watch now to learn more .

Types of RAM

RAM is what helps your computer work faster by keeping the information you use the most easily accessible. The more RAM a computer has, the more data it can access quickly, which can improve the computer’s performance.

Which battery is best for you?

Choosing the right laptop battery for your needs depends on personal preferences and how you intend to use your device.

Frequently asked questions

Expand all  |  Collapse all

Although battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors, your laptop battery should last for eight-plus hours of video playback on average.

Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors, but your laptop battery should last for eight-plus hours of video playback time. Depending on your device, you can customize your laptop’s settings to save battery life with options like low power mode.

Use Energy recommendations to set different power and display settings. Learn how to properly care for the battery on your Windows laptop.

Form factors and functionality

Detachable keyboard, surround sound speakers, anti-glare display, and more. Learn about all the form factors available that feature Windows 11 to find the right fit for your everyday.

2-in-1 laptop features

There are several form factors to choose from when you’re considering a 2-in-1 laptop. Get to know the highlights of each option.

Convertibles

Convertible laptops come with touchscreens and an attached keyboard. With a Windows 11 convertible laptop, simply fold the screen back to experience tablet functionality while enjoying the sturdiness of a traditional laptop. In a convertible laptop, the keyboard can’t be removed, but you can use it as a kickstand while you watch your favorite TV shows or movies.

Detachables

2-in-1 detachable laptops are touchscreens that can be paired with a removable keyboard. For projects, gaming, or multitasking, enjoy full laptop functionality by attaching the keyboard with ease. Remove the keyboard and transform your device into a tablet, allowing for even more portability. You can also get creative and jot quick ideas with a digital pen on the touchscreen while you’re computing on the go. 2-in-1 detachable laptops offer a lightweight, portable option that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Tablets feature a standalone touchscreen and are the most portable option. If you’re looking for a simple device for entertainment and don’t need much computing power, tablets are a great choice.

Audio and microphone

Get the most out of your gaming, streaming, and video calls with the best built-in audio and microphone technology. All Windows 11 laptops come with high-quality microphones and speakers. If you’re mostly using your laptop for entertainment, like streaming or gaming, look for Windows 11 laptops with premium surround sound speakers like Dolby® Atmos™.

Functionality factor

To function at your highest level, you need a computer with the right functionality features. Choose from these features in Windows 11 laptops.

• HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface, most commonly used for transferring audio and visual information from one device to another.
• USB Type-A: What comes to mind most readily when people think about USB ports.
• USB-C®: An upgrade from USB-A ports and features more power and quicker data transfer.
• USB-C® with USB 4.0/ Thunderbolt™ 4: An oval-shaped port that can support data transfers from Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB-C® cables.
• MicroSD card reader: Allows your device to read data stored on MicroSD cards, which are used to expand the storage on smartphones, cameras, and gaming devices.
• Nano SIM: Nano SIM cards are most commonly used in smartphones but can also be used to help your device connect to Wi-Fi.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

• Wi-Fi 6 technology: Creates a faster connection from your device to your router.
• WPA3 compatible: A series of security protocols for safer online activity.

Display options

• LCD: Flat panel displays with fluorescent backlights.
• LED: Flat panel displays with LED backlights.
• IPS: In-plane switching displays are characterized as having the best color and viewing angles.
• Anti-Glare: Allows you to use your device in bright light settings without a noticeable reflection.
• Infinity-Edge: A nearly borderless display that maximizes screen space.
• OLED: Capable of displaying over 60 times more colors than most LCD displays.

Alternate form factors

If you realize that a laptop isn’t right for you, explore alternate options for your everyday computing needs. From desktops to all-in-one devices, we'll help you find your perfect fit .

Find the laptop perfect for you

Windows laptops offer users a range of choices when it comes to price, performance, and features. From hardware considerations to accessory compatibility, exploring your options for a new laptop should be exciting. Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or someone looking for a basic laptop for daily use, you can find the right laptop for your digital life .

• Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
• Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
• 1 Phone Link experience comes preinstalled on your PC with Windows 10 (running Windows 10, May 2019 Update at the least) or Windows 11. To experience the full functionality, Android phones must be running Android 7.0 or later. Phone Link for iOS requires iPhone with iOS 14 or higher, Windows 11 device, Bluetooth connection and the latest version of the Phone Link app. Not available for iPad (iPadOS) or MacOS. Device compatibility may vary. Regional restrictions may apply.
• 2 Requires a PC with touchscreen capability.
• 3 Pen-capable tablet or PC required. Pen accessory may be sold separately.
• 4 Hardware dependent. Requires Windows PC with microphone capability.
• 5 For supported devices with latest security updates installed.
• 6 Subscription sold separately.
• 7 Available in United States only.
• 8 Windows 11 upgrade is available for eligible PCs that meet minimum device specifications . Upgrade timing may vary by device. Internet service fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows 11 Specifications ).
• 9 Certain features require specific hardware, see Windows 11 Specifications .
• 10 Versus standard Wi-Fi. Subject to router requirements and available signal. Details at Intel Product Performance .

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The results are in: First Snapdragon X Elite benchmark tests reveal how it compares to Intel and Apple

The Snapdragon X Elite is powerful, but it isn't perfect

On Monday, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 — the first devices featuring the highly-anticipated Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor.

While performance specs for this powerful new AI CPU have been rumored for months, nothing was confirmed until this week. We finally have the first benchmarks for the Snapdragon X Elite, including comparisons to Apple's MacBook Air M3. 

The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 are the first in a new wave of Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft and partners like Dell , Lenovo, and ASUS . The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the Snapdragon X Elite, which helps to power these new laptops, allows Copilot+ PCs to deliver longer battery life and smoother performance, along with a suite of AI tools and features. 

How does the Snapdragon X Elite stack up in benchmark testing, though? Is it as good in practice as it sounds on paper? Here's a look at the numbers, from battery life to gaming.

The results are in: First Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite benchmarks

The first hands-on benchmark testing for the Snapdragon X Elite was released this week after Microsoft announced its new Surface devices ahead of Microsoft Build . While Microsoft commissioned the testing, it was performed by a third-party lab, Signal65 . 

They tested the Snapdragon X Elite configuration of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, which is priced at $1699. Signal65 performed the same tests on the 15-inch MacBook Air M3, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 with an Intel 12th Gen Core i7, and the MSI Prestige 16 EVO AI with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. 

There were a couple of categories where the Surface Laptop 7 came out on top, but the competition with the MacBook Air M3 was closer than expected. The Surface Laptop 7 excelled on battery life, lasting 58% longer than the Surface Laptop 5 and 16% longer than the MacBook Air M3, which came in second place.

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The Surface Laptop 7 also outperformed the competition on the multi-thread Geekbench 6.3 test, scoring 12% higher than the MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO and 15% higher than the MacBook Air M3. However, the MacBook was the champ in the single-thread Geekbench 6.3 test, scoring 15% higher than the Surface Laptop 7. 

The Surface Laptop 7 lagged in almost every other test, as well. The MSI Prestige 16 EVO AI scored 40% higher on the Handbrake 1.7.3 media transcoding test. The MacBook Air M3 outpaced the Surface Laptop 7 by 40% on the Speedometer v3.0 web browsing test. The MSI Prestige 16 EVO AI and the MacBook Air M3 both outperformed the Surface Laptop 7 in graphics tests, as well. 

AI is the one area where the Surface Laptop 7 had a significant edge. The Surface Laptop 7 showed 48% more NPU performance than the MacBook Air M3 in the Procyon AI Computer Vision test. This category is important to note since AI is a major focus of Microsoft's new Copilot+ PCs, including the Surface Laptop 7. 

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite in practice

The first round of test results for the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite paint a curious picture: excellent AI performance mixed with middling results in almost everything else.

While we won't get a detailed idea of how the Snapdragon X Elite performs until we review one of the new Copilot+ PCs, there have been some demos this week during Microsoft Build that hint at what it's everyday performance could be like. 

For instance, Microsoft showed gaming demos of Baldur's Gate 3 and Borderlands 3 running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer's Kit. Both games were able to run at 30 FPS.

That's low by gaming laptop standards, but still completely playable. The demo also included support for auto Super Resolution, which uses AI to deliver up to 60% faster FPS. 

This is Borderlands 3 running on the just announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer Kit. Runs pretty smoothly! pic.twitter.com/bGRDZ5Wahc May 21, 2024

Signal65's testing also included gaming. They were able to run Cyberpunk 2077 , Shadow of the Tomb Raider , and Borderlands 3 at 1080p on the Surface Laptop 7, which is fairly good.

However, they reported keeping the graphics quality on "low" and noted that the Surface Laptop 7 couldn't run games that require kernel-level anti-cheat software, such as Fortnite .

Judging by these early demos and test results, it looks like the Snapdragon X Elite may be great for AI and productivity tasks, but struggle with gaming and graphics-heavy tasks. Microsoft may be planning ahead to address that issue, though.

Popular GPU manufacturer NVIDIA announced on Tuesday that it will be making RTX GPUs for Copilot+ PCs in the coming months. This could be the perfect complement to the Snapdragon X Elite, offering a boost in graphics performance that would be helpful for many AI tasks as well as gaming. 

It will be interesting to see how the addition of NVIDIA GPUs impacts performance and battery life on future Snapdragon X Elite devices. Even in areas where the MacBook Air M3 outperformed the Surface Laptop 7, the results were often close. The addition of a dedicated GPU could give the Snapdragon X Elite an edge. 

However, it's worth noting that these initial benchmarks and demos don't include comparisons to Apple's latest processor, the M4 chip , which is currently only available in the iPad Pro . Will it dethrone the Snapdragon X Elite when it comes to the MacBook? We'll have to wait and see. 

More from Laptop Mag

• Microsoft Build 2024 recap: Copilot AI, Surface laptops, Windows 11, and more
• What are Copilot+ PCs? Microsoft's new era of AI PCs explained
• HP's Snapdragon X Elite AI laptop boasts one mind-blowing feature

Stevie Bonifield is a freelance tech journalist specializing in keyboards, peripherals, gaming gear, and mobile tech. Outside of writing, Stevie loves indie games, photography, and building way too many custom keyboards

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Memorial Day laptop sales — 15 epic deals I recommend

Invest in a new machine this Memorial Day

Quick links

Best memorial day laptop sales, best memorial day macbook sales.

Memorial Day laptop sales are live across multiple retailers. Whether you're student in search of a new everyday laptop or a gamer looking for a powerful rig, Memorial Day weekend is an excellent time to upgrade your machine. We've found some epic Memorial Day sales that should suit all budgets and needs. 

For instance, right now Best Buy has laptops on sale from $139 . This includes discounts on Chromebooks, Windows 11 machines, and more. If you're a paying My Best Buy member, you can even get a free 50-inch 4K TV when you preorder a new Copilot+ PC .

Even Apple machines are discounted, with MacBooks on sale from $829 at Amazon . Not to be outdone, Best Buy has MacBooks on sale from $849 . For more deals on computers, be sure to check out our rundown of the best HP Memorial Day notebook deals and Dell Memorial Day deals , too.

• Acer Chromebook Spin 311: was $289 now $195 @ Amazon
• Dell Inspiron 15: was $449 now $329 @ Dell
• Acer Aspire 3: was $499 now $359 @ Walmart
• Acer Chromebook 516 GE: was $649 now $449 @ Best Buy
• HP Pavilion 15: was $999 now $549 @ HP
• HP Pavilion: was $969 now $579 @ Target
• ASUS TUF F15: was $899 now $699 @ Amazon
• HP Envy 17: was $1,279 now $799 @ HP
• XPS 13: was $1,099 now $799 @ Dell
• HP EliteBook 1040: was $3,333 now $1,149 @ HP
• ASUS VivoBook Pro 16: was $1,499 now $1,199 @ Amazon
• Acer Predator 16: was $3,324 now $1,699 @ Target
• MacBook Pro M3 Pro: was $2,499 now $2,299 @ Amazon

Acer Chromebook Spin 311: was $289 now $195 @ Amazon One of the more popular mid-range Chromebooks, Acer's Chromebook Spin 311 is at a massive discount in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. This convertible is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life. It also features a touchscreen, a necessity for laptops with its 360-degree hinge. 

Dell Inspiron 15: was $449 now $329 @ Dell At this price, Dell's Inspiron 15 is an ideal pickup for students thanks to a big, full HD display, 8GB of RAM, an i5 processor and half a terabyte of fast SSD storage.

Acer Aspire 3: was $499 now $359 @ Walmart This laptop has a big 15.6-inch 1080p display, but still weighs less than 4 lbs. Add to that decent battery life, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD and there's a lot to like, particularly with this discount.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE: was $649 now $449 @ Best Buy The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is an awesome laptop option for casual gamers. It's lightweight, delivers great performance and the battery life is suitable for longer gaming sessions. If you don't mind sticking to cloud gaming services, this laptop offers almost unbeatable value.

HP Pavilion 15: was $999 now $549 @ HP The first of two HP Pavilions on this list, this model has an i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, which makes it a great multitasking device for whatever you're up to — particularly with a nice big screen, too.

HP Pavilion: was $969 now $579 @ Target This version of the Pavilion drops down to a Core i5, but still offers 16GB of RAM. The biggest difference is it actually offers a touch-capable display, and you can flip it over on itself to make it into more of a tablet.

HP Envy 17: was $1,279 now $799 @ HP This HP is a looker, and also has a huge 17-inch display that's full HD in resolution. It's also packed with ports, including an SD card reader, DisplayPort, USB-A, and USB-C. Under the hood there's 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, too.

XPS 13: was $1,099 now $799 @ Dell One of the best-looking laptops on this list, the compact XPS 13 from Dell has an i7 and 16GB of RAM, as well as half a terabyte of storage. Its display is sharper than many of its rivals, too, with a resolution of 1920x1200.

HP EliteBook 1040: was $3,333 now $1,149 @ HP That staggering discount doesn't mean much if there's not much to look at, but this EliteBook has a Core i7, 1TB of SSD space, and a huge 32GB of RAM for taking on multiple demanding tasks at once.

ASUS VivoBook Pro 16: was $1,499 now $1,199 @ Amazon Offering the Intel Core i9 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD would be enough for most machines on this list, but this ASUS VivoBook also offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU — and it's drop-proof, apparently.

Refurb Acer Predator 16: was $3,324 now $1,699 @ Target Ideal for gaming on the go or complex editing tasks, the Acer Predator 16 has a big 2560 x 1600 display, as well as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 powering it. That's on top of 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. This model is refurbished by Acer itself, too.

MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $829 @ Amazon Limited time deal! The MacBook Air M2 is one of our most recommended laptops because it's remarkably light and thin yet sports a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, a speedy Apple M2 CPU w/ 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and a great 1080p FaceTime camera. In our MacBook Air M2 review we lauded this Editor's Choice laptop for its versatility and battery life, so don't miss your chance to get one at a great discount. It's just $20 shy of its all-time price low. Price check: $849 @ B&H | $849 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air 13 (M3): was $1,099 now $999 @ Amazon The new MacBook Air is powered by Apple's latest M3 silicon. The laptop can support up to two external displays (when the laptop lid is closed) and Apple also claims its 60% faster than the M1-based MacBook Air. It boasts up to 18 hours of battery life. In our MacBook Air 13-inch M3 review , we called the Editor's Choice laptop a small wonder. It packs a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M3 CPU w/ 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. Price check: $999 @ Best Buy | $999 @ B&H

MacBook Air 15 (M3): was $1,299 now $1,199 @ Amazon The new MacBook Air is powered by Apple's latest M3 silicon. The laptop can support up to two external displays (when the laptop lid is closed) and Apple also claims its 60% faster than the M1-based MacBook Air. It boasts up to 18 hours of battery life. In our MacBook Air 15-inch M3 review , we said the Editor's Choice laptop delivers fantastic performance from its M3 chip along with class-leading battery life (15:03). It packs a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2880 x 1864), Apple's M3 CPU w/ 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. Price check: $1,299 @ Best Buy | $1,199 @ B&H

MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $2,299 @ Amazon The latest MacBook Pro, this M3 Pro version offers a gorgeous Liquid Retina display and enough horsepower for complex creative projects whether you're at home or out and about. In our MacBook Pro 16-inch review we called it the most powerful Mac ever made. The base model features a 16.2-inch 3456 x 2234 Retina display, Apple M3 Pro CPU, 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

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The Best Dell Laptops in 2024

Dell's PC market share is quite huge (approximately 17% as of 2023 ), mostly because its PC products are present for every use and budget . Whether you are a professional content creator, a gamer, or someone who has to do basic tasks like browsing, working on tools like MS Office, or less intensive work , Dell has a plethora of options in its laptop catalog to fulfill your needs.

Dell XPS 17

Dell inspiron 15 3525, dell inspiron 16 5630, dell xps 14 9440, dell g15 (2023), alienware m18 r2, the best laptops to buy in 2024.

2024 is kicking off with many new laptop options as manufacturers gear up to upgrade aesthetics, performance, and functionality across the board.

Typically, the specs inside a laptop matter more than the company itself. However, Dell is well-known for its customer support, reliable hardware, and versatile notebooks that are portable and have great battery life. If you are looking to buy a Dell laptop, you are in the right place! The Game Rant team has gone through plenty of laptops before choosing the top ones for your needs. Following our laptop recommendations are some key points that you should check out to make your decision carefully.

Game Rant's Picks for the Best Dell Laptops in 2024

Dell xps 17 9730.

Dell XPS 17 9730 is a lightweight and incredibly powerful notebook for those who want little to no compromise in their work. Powered by a 14-core Raptor Lake processor and the most popular Ada GPU, the XPS 17 can take on any task without struggling a bit. Its screen is immersive and is quite bright to work in a well-lit environment. It's sleek and has great sturdiness to show off its premium build quality.

Operating System Windows 11 Home

CPU Intel Core i7 13700H

GPU Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070

RAM 32GB DDR5

Storage 1TB SSD

Battery 97Wh

Display (Size, Resolution) 17", 1920x1200p

Model XPS 17 9730

Display type IPS

• Excellent configuration for modern usage
• Latest connectivity features
• Impressive battery life
• FHD+ resolution is somewhat unappealing
• Keyboard isn't RGB
• No touchscreen

One of the best things about selecting a Dell laptop is that the company allows for customization based on your needs. So, whether you want an entry-level configuration or a premium one , you are free to choose from Dell's official website. However, choosing the best hardware isn't going to be simple as the options include the series, display, hardware, and model. Don't worry! We have already configured the best possible Dell laptop without going overboard in cost.

If you are looking for a lightweight laptop that has great battery life and potent hardware to execute intensive apps as well as games, the Dell XPS 17 is the right option for you. From a high-end 14-core i7 13700H CPU to a powerful discrete RTX 4070 GPU , the configuration is solid for basic and intensive work like 3D rendering, game development, and similar tasks. The system RAM and storage are also going to be sufficient for a while. What stands out is its battery life, which can last for up to six hours on a single charge, assuming you are doing a variety of things like video playback, surfing, gaming, etc.

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The display is quite large for a great viewing experience and can reach up to 500 nits of brightness. Its anti-glare properties will keep your eyes safe for longer usage and FHD+ resolution will keep images a bit sharper than regular full HD. Connectivity is also top-notch and whether you want blazing fast internet or multiple high-bandwidth ports for your devices, you will have everything on this laptop.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is cheap yet quite capable of performing well in modern applications. Although it can't play modern titles, it still has the power of Vega iGPU to handle light graphical loads like photo editing and is sufficient for college and school students and even for office workers. It has plenty of RAM and storage capacity and comes with a thin build for easy portability.

CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5500U

RAM 32GB DDR4

Battery 41Wh

Display (Size, Resolution) 15.6", 1920x1080p

Model Inspiron 15 3525

• Big RAM size and sufficient storage
• Power-efficient
• Lightweight
• Not suitable for gaming
• Lackluster in CPU-intensive apps
• Average connectivity

Most users don't have a budget of over a thousand dollars, which is why entry-level laptops exist. They are cheap, lightweight, and get the job done. If you don't have any intensive apps to run and want something that can open spreadsheets, run multiple browser tabs, and perform well with basic office applications, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 won't disappoint. Running on a Ryzen 5 5500U processor that boasts 6 cores and 12 threads, it gets enough juice for these tasks while being very power-efficient. The Ryzen 'U' chips are designed to prolong battery life and the Inspiron 3525 won't discharge before you complete your job.

Its display is adequate, featuring a standard 15.6-inch screen size with 1080p resolution, and it is powered by the Vega 7 iGPU. What stands out in this laptop is its memory and storage configuration. While the laptop is available in different RAM-storage configs for lower prices, this one saves your time by bringing 16GB of RAM and 1TB of fast SSD storage. Moreover, the ultra-lightweight and thin body design makes it highly portable for travel, and that sums up our recommendation for users who are on a tight budget.

Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is based on the latest Core i7 1360P processor, which is power-efficient but brings enough cores to crunch big numbers. The laptop is perfect for office work and is easily portable due to its lightweight construction and thin build. A good 16-inch FHD+ display is provided for rich details and a good battery life to keep going for several hours.

Operating System Windows 11 Pro

CPU Intel Core i7 1360P

GPU Intel Iris Xe Graphics

RAM 16GB LPDDR5

Display (Size, Resolution) 16", 1920x1200p

Model Inspiron 16 5630

• Power-efficient and lightweight design
• Satisfactory in productivity
• Decent speakers
• Not ideal for gaming
• Standard 60Hz display

Moving towards the thousand-dollar mark, the Inspiron series has another prominent model that is way better than the previous one in terms of productivity. While it still isn't there for a great gaming experience, you can do whatever you wish on this laptop quickly. If you are an engineer needing a laptop for engineering-specific programs like Matlab, AutoCAD, or Inspire, it's going to be perfect for you while being pocket-friendly. This is achieved through its power-efficient Core i7 1360P processor that generally uses 20-40W of power most of the time but doesn't hesitate when more power is needed.

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It also brings an iGPU based on the Intel Iris architecture for keeping the graphical loads away from the main processor. Connectivity is impressive too, boasting Wi-Fi 6E for supporting high internet bandwidth, the latest Bluetooth for stable peripheral connection, and a Thunderbolt 4.0 port which can be used for power delivery or display. Its amazing battery life is appealing already, but its thin build and lightweight construction make it wonderful for frequent travelers.

Dell XPS 14 9440 is a compact laptop with an InifinityEdge display to make picture quality more immersive. Its sleek and functional design is perfect for minimalists who also want the latest and power-efficient hardware to keep going for several hours. The build quality is highly durable and reduces weight with the use of CNC and Gorilla Glass 3.

CPU Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

GPU Intel Arc Graphics

RAM 16GB LPDDR5X

Storage 512GB SSD

Battery 69.5Wh

Display (Size, Resolution) 14", 1920x1200p

Model XPS 14 9440

Audio 8W total peak output

• Highly versatile CPU
• Incredibly durable and lightweight
• Powerful speakers
• Storage may require upgrade
• Non-touch display

With the arrival of Intel's Meteor Lake CPUs, the laptop world has totally changed. While these chips are taking time to become more common on laptops, the Dell XPS 14 9440 has already adopted one to ensure users can balance between a power-saver or a high-performance mode. The Core Ultra 7 155H processor brings too many cores and threads for high productivity and intensive apps, but its wide range of frequencies helps save battery life impressively when the laptop is sitting idle or doesn't require too much power for casual tasks.

Equipped with an Intel ARC Alchemist-based iGPU, it can also play games with satisfactory frame rates. All of this without consuming too much battery as the total power consumption of the Core Ultra 7 155H doesn't exceed 115W on 100% usage. The laptop is impressive from the inside and the outside as well. The exterior is made with CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3, keeping a sleek look and equipping the Touch Function row on top for multimedia control. The speakers are incredible too, delivering up to 8W of peak power, which is uncommon on laptops. With this current configuration, the laptop costs about $1500 but can be customized further to improve the specifications.

The Dell G15 5530 comes with a 15.6-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 that's complemented by a 165 Hz refresh rate. It even has a response time of just 3 ms, offering a lag-free gaming experience. The display is also sRGB 100% compatible and supports ComfortViewPlus and Nvidia G-SYNC technologies.

At its heart, the Dell G15 5530 is equipped with a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13650HX processor. Paired with this is the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card.

CPU Intel Core i7 13650HX

GPU Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060

RAM 16GB DDR5

Battery 86Wh

Model G15 5530

Keyboard Orange backlit keyboard

• Great cooling
• Satisfactory gaming performance in modern titles
• 165Hz display for fluidity
• High power consumption
• Configuration won't be able to touch 165 fps in every game
• Somewhat big and heavy

Dell isn't just about productivity or entry-level laptops. Dell's catalog also has incredibly powerful gaming laptops as well. While the Alienware series is quite expensive for most users, the G15 5530 won't break the bank. It costs a bit over $1100 but is decent for playing modern titles. The G15 5530 uses a great CPU-GPU combo for achieving up to 60 frames per second in games on high settings. You can also play many games on Ultra, but the RTX 4060 8GB laptop GPU isn't going to be as good as the desktop variant. Still, the 4060 is significantly faster than any iGPU from Intel's latest-gen CPU lineup.

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The laptop focuses a lot on its cooling as the components need to work at 100% in intensive titles as well as CPU-oriented apps. Dissipating heat from a high-performance CPU like i7 13650HX and RTX 4060 can be a challenge and, therefore, the G15 brings a unified cooling solution to keep the system cool so that the laptop can maintain higher clock speeds in gaming. Apart from gaming, the laptop is quite good at productivity too, and has a highly fluid 165Hz IPS display to enable smooth movements.

Alienware's m18 R2 is an enthusiast-grade, high-end gaming laptop boasting the latest flagship Intel Core i9 processor from the 14th gen and the fastest laptop graphics card ever made.

The laptop uses a premium QHD+ display running at 165Hz that is very responsive and delivers vibrant colors via a wide color gamut. It has a high ask but one it justifies thanks to its uncompromising take on hardware.

CPU Intel Core i9 14900HX

GPU Nvidia Geforce RTX 4080

Display (Size, Resolution) 18", 2560x1600p

Model Alienware m18 R2

Keyboard RGB backlit

Audio 2W x2 speakers

• Terrific display with high refresh rate
• Unparalleled gaming/productivity
• Next-gen connectivity features
• Rapid battery discharge
• Average speakers

If you are a professional gamer and want no compromises in performance, look no further than the Alienware m18 R2 gaming laptop. It's the latest Alienware gaming laptop from Dell that features the flagship Core i9 14900HX CPU paired with the fastest GPU, the RTX 4090. This results in a staggering frame rate number that can't be outperformed by any other configuration. Furthermore, the 165Hz QHD display enhances the fluidity of movements in gameplay, making gaming more pleasant.

The display is G-Sync compatible to eliminate all types of screen tearing and boasts a 3ms response time to quickly transition to the next frame, giving you an advantage over your opponents in competitive gaming. The screen is highly vibrant through a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and measures 18 inches for immersive viewing. Of course, all of this does affect its battery life , but considering how power-consuming the components are, it's hard to complain.

Things to Consider When Buying a Dell Laptop

Configuration : Checking for the configuration is the first and the most crucial step in choosing any laptop. The same goes for Dell laptops. It's recommended that you always get faster hardware for your needs to make your laptop a bit future-proof. Ensure your laptop has the latest-generation CPU and GPU to achieve the highest possible performance.

Screen Size : Screen size affects the immersion drastically. If you want more immersion, get a 17 or 18-inch display size. But if you are accustomed to smaller screens, there is no problem with such laptops as well.

Portability : If you travel frequently or go to school, a highly portable laptop will make your life easier. Look for a smaller screen size and a laptop that is thin and lightweight.

Battery Life : Higher battery life means more work, but laptops with great battery life generally lack the performance you find on premium ones. Fortunately, some excellent Dell laptops provide a good balance between battery and performance.

Q: What's the best Dell laptop model?

Generally speaking, Dell laptops from Alienware and the XPS series have the best performance in the whole catalog. However, the performance depends on the configuration rather than on the series.

Q: Is a Dell laptop good for students?

Dell has great customer support and also offers plenty of freebies with their laptops. It's definitely a top laptop brand for students as well as professionals.

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Great for browsing, this Dell laptop is discounted to $300

If you want a super cheap laptop with a full keyboard, surprisingly good Wi-Fi, and impressive storage you’re usually going to have a hard time finding one. But with this Dell Memorial Day deal you can easily. The Dell Inspiron 15 is usually $380, but has been marked down to $300 at this time, saving you $80. It’s stats are surprisingly good for the price and it could easily be one of the best Dell student laptops for the upcoming summer mini-term, should you be attending. Check it out yourself by tapping the button below or keep reading for our analysis.

Why you should buy the Dell Inspiron 15

When you want to evaluate cheap laptops , you should start with the stat line ( RAM , storage, etc.) to see if it is stomacheable and then progress onto the finer details that make that laptop special. And, here, the base stat line is quite incredible for a work, study, or browser computer. It comes with a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, Intel graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. You even get a 15.6 inch, 1080p at 120Hz anti-glare backlit screen. While it isn’t a touchscreen, comparing this mentally to tablets of a similar cost in terms of what you would expect is a useful mental exercise. The storage, while not super expansive, is above average in quality and should work nicely for a non- gaming laptop .

Next, we head over to the little hidden extras that make the Dell Inspiron 15 pop. First of all, check out the keyboard. It has an easy to miss feature that is at least mildly rare on a laptop: A numpad. While some like a tenkeyless layout to save space, if you use any kind of commands, need to enter data, or more, then the inclusion of a numpad makes this a winner. Next, note that this has Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. That means you can take advantage of modern day fast Wi-Fi speeds on your laptop, should you have a Wi-Fi 6 ready router , that is.

• This HP gaming laptop is only $700 for Memorial Day weekend
• Best Buy just discounted this Lenovo laptop from $500 to $280
• Save $320 on HP’s flagship Spectre x360 laptop this weekend

If you want to save $80 on the Dell Inspiron 15 laptop, bringing it down to $300 from its usual $380, you can do so by tapping the button below. Want more tech? Check out these Memorial Day Best Buy deals .

Editors' Recommendations

• Save $450 on this Samsung 32-inch 4K monitor for Memorial Day
• Save $1,300 on this Alienware gaming PC with an RTX 4090 today
• Usually $1,749, this Lenovo ThinkPad laptop is discounted to $650 today
• Best LG Memorial Day sales: TVs, laptops, appliances, and more
• With Dell’s Summer Specials sale, everyone can find a PC at low, low prices

If you don't really have the space to fit a whole desktop computer, then you may want to consider going for an all-in-one (AIO) solution; it will save you a ton of space, plus you don't have to go out and buy each part individually. Luckily, there are some great early Memorial Day deals on AIO solutions you can take advantage of, such as this deal on the HP All-in-One 27, which usually goes for $850 but has been discounted down to just $450. That makes it an excellent budget pick if you just want something for the basics and don't expect to do any complex tasks on it, like graphical rendering.

Why you should buy the HP All-in-One 27 While the HP All-in-One 27 might not be as powerful as an iMac, it does have similar dimensions, with a large 27-inch screen and a surprisingly tiny bezel, which is actually a bit smaller than the iMac's.The screen runs a 1920 x 1080 resolution and can hit a peak brightness of 300 nits, which will be fine for a well-lit room, and you can upgrade it to a touch version for $200, but it's probably not worth it in the long run. Under the hood, you'll find an Intel Core i3-1315U, an entry-level CPU that should handle most basic tasks just fine, although we'd probably suggest upgrading to the Intel Core i5-1335U for an extra $125, which will give you a lot more versatility and quality of life.

Alienware has been one of the best laptop brands out there for quite a while, and if you want to grab yourself one of the best gaming laptops on the market, it's probably going to be an Alienware. In fact, the Alienware M18 R2 is not only powerful, but it also has a massive screen, which is pretty rare when it comes to laptops. Not only that, but it's having a significant early Memorial Day that brings it down to $3,000, rather than the usual $3,600 it goes for, making this an excellent choice if you want one of the best gaming laptops you can grab right now.

Why you should buy the Alienware m18 R2 The beating heart of any gaming device is its GPU, and we're happy to report that the m18 R2 comes with a very impressive RTX 4090 mobile version, making it roughly equivalent to a desktop RTX 4080. That means that the m18 R2 has enough power to run the 2560 x 1600 resolution of the 18-inch screen while still being able to reasonably hit the 165Hz refresh rate while still maintaining higher graphical settings. Even if it doesn't quite hit all those markets, it will come close, and you can adjust your settings to focus on performance or looks depending on your needs, so you'll basically be able to play whatever you want.

There are a lot of excellent laptop brands on the market running early Memorial Day deals, and if you want to snag yourself a 17-inch laptop without paying an arm and a leg, then HP has the solution for you. It's not often you find 17-inch laptops on the market because they tend to be bulky, but for those who love larger screens, something like the HP Laptop 17z is perfect because it's large and won't break the bank. While it usually goes for $560, HP has discounted it quite heavily down to just $270, saving you a whopping $290 in the process.

Why you should buy the HP Laptop 17z If you don't need a laptop for any sort of heavy lifting and just want something basic for streaming and productivity tasks, then the AMD Athlon Gold 7220U that the HP Laptop 17z comes with should be more than enough. That said, it is worth considering the upgrade to the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U for $100, which will certainly eat into the $290 discount, but it will also give you a better quality of life and some versatility. Unfortunately, there is no way to upgrade the 8GB of RAM that it comes with, but even so, it should be enough for most folks to have a relatively smooth experience, especially if you keep on top of your open tabs and apps.

Our expert deal-hunting staff showcases the best price drops and discounts from reputable sellers daily. If you make a purchase using our links, CNET may earn a commission.

Best Memorial Day Laptop Deals: Savings Are Still Happening on MacBooks, HP, Lenovo and More

Even though Memorial Day weekend is over, there are still big discounts available on top laptop brands.

A new  laptop can be a major investment, but thanks to the extension of these  Memorial Day sales , it's still possible to get a high-quality laptop at a discount. Whether you're shopping for a Windows laptop, a MacBook or even a Chromebook , we've found deals that will help you save. We've even dug up some major discounts on  gaming laptops  and  two-in-one devices . There's plenty of options across a range of budgets and specifications.

Keep in mind these deals do expire and can sell out at any time. While some deals may stick around this week, there's no telling exactly when they'll end or when stock runs out. The next big sale event --  Amazon's Prime Day  -- isn't going to take place until July. If you can't wait that long for a new laptop, take advantage of these extended Memorial Day deals right now.

Best overall Memorial Day laptop deals 

• Best Buy: Save up to $800 on select Windows laptops
• Amazon: Apple 2022 MacBook Air is $849 (save $150)
• Lenovo: ThinkBook 14 Gen 6 is $631 (save $768)
• LG: Gram Pro is $1,600 (save $500)

Memorial Day laptop deals 

Chromebooks

Right now at Best Buy, you can get a new Chromebook for as little as $169. Chromebooks are great for students or for those who want a laptop without all the frills and just need to use it for simple things like checking email and browsing the web. Best Buy is offering free six-month subscription to Webroot antivirus software and three months of YouTube Premium with purchase of a Chromebook.

Up to 55% off

The veteran HP brand still earns multiple spots on our list of the best laptops of 2024 . During the company's extended Memorial Day sale, you can save up to 55% on various models and configurations. You can also get free shipping and 40% off accidental damage protection. 

LG Gram Pro

Free lg ultrawide monitor.

During LG's extended Memorial Day sale, select LG Gram Pro laptops are up to $500 off. To sweeten the deal, you can score a free 34-inch, ultrawide curved monitor with the purchase of an LG Gram Pro laptop. This monitor normally retails for $280. Add both to your cart to get the discount. 

This sale has been extended through June 2, 2024.  

Up to 50% off

You can get as much as 50% off select Lenovo laptops with doorbuster deals happening right now, including popular models such as the ThinkPad, Legion Pro and IdeaPad. Accessories, including keyboards and headphones are also deeply discounted. 

Other Memorial Day laptop deals:

• Lenovo Legion Pro 5: $1140 (save $460) with offer code SUPRISEOFFER
• Microsoft Surface Pro 9: $1,100 (save $440)
• Lenovo ThinkBook Gen 4: $545 (save $894) with offer code SAVEBIGONTB
• HP Pavilion laptop: $550 (save $450)
• Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop: $706 (save $134)
• Apple MacBook Air M2 laptop: $1,049 (save $150)
• Asus Rog Zephyrus G16: $1,050 (save $400)
• Samsung Galaxy Book4: $650 (save $200)
• Apple MacBook Pro M3 laptop: $1,400 (save $200) with on page coupon
• HP 15.6-inch touch screen laptop: $280 (save $170)
• Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 laptop: $1,200 (save $450)

Impulse Buys Under $25 That Actually Make Great Gifts

Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a laptop?

Memorial Day brought some pretty great deals on laptops with the potential to save you hundreds of dollars, but  Black Friday  is notorious for having the absolute best laptop deals. If you can't wait all the way until the end of the year, you can save big bucks during the last-minute extension of some of the best Memorial Day deals. 

Where are the best Memorial Day laptop sales? 

Tons of retailers are having still having sales on laptops for Memorial Day. Some of those retailers include Costco, Best Buy , Amazon and Target. You can shop these sales either online or in-store, whichever you prefer. There are also discounts directly on brand websites like LG and HP. 

What else is on sale for Memorial Day? 

There are lots of great deals still happening even after the official holiday has come and gone. We're still seeing savings on TVs , appliances ,  furniture and more. Here is a roundup of the  best Memorial Day deals  still happening right now. 

How we choose the best Memorial Day laptop deals

Many of us at CNET have covered shopping events for over five years, including  Black Friday ,  Prime Day ,  Memorial Day  and countless other shopping events. We've gotten good at weeding out scams and superficial deals, so you'll see only the best offers on our lists. 

We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing laptop deals to show you. We have a team of experts who have tested hundreds of laptops to make sure we're bringing you the best options at the best prices.

• Real discounts mean exactly that. We look at the price history for that product to make sure no brands are inflating prices to make the discount seem more substantial than it is.
• Quality reviews and testing are important for any product, including laptops. If you're unhappy the first time you turn it on, the discount wasn't worthwhile. 
• Remaining sale time is a huge part of our vetting process. If a deal seems like it will only be around for a short while or will only be available for the remaining stock, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed. 

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The best laptop for kids in 2024: our favorite kid-friendly picks

These are our best laptop for kids picks on the market right now

• How we test

The best laptop for kids needs to fulfill a few important criteria. It should be easy to use, with a solid battery life, good portability, and tough enough to stand up to a few hard knocks here and there. In addition, the best laptops need to offer decent performance when it comes to web browsing, homework, and media streaming. 

For a great overall performance, we recommend the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. As with many other best Chromebooks , this is a 2-in-1 model that can be used in laptop or tablet modes, making it versatile and adaptable to your child’s way of working. It’s compact, portable, and sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of the daily school or college commute. 

Elsewhere, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is an ideal laptop for kids, if you happen to be shopping with a smaller budget. It may not win any prizes in the style stakes, but it has a solid performance, a decent battery life, and a robust build quality. Plus, it also offers 2-in-1 functionality.     

Of course, the practical applications aren’t the only factors to consider with the best laptops for kids. As with the best student laptops , they represent more than just a work tool. For younger kids, they can be a means to stay in contact with friends and family (under supervision, of course), a gaming device, or a way to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies. 

We’ve sifted through the best laptop models that fit the needs of kids, and our list below has been carefully curated to cover every base, so you can make an informed choice from these reliable options.

The best laptops for kids: our top picks

The best laptops for kids in 2024.

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 opts for an AMD APU, which utilizes the well-known Radeon graphics technology for better 3D capabilities - if you have time out of your studies to play some games from the Google Play Store! The dual-core AMD processor does offer Intel -Celeron-beating abilities, by a little at least, and so Chrome OS is going to remain more responsive.

More importantly, the Acer Spin 311 feels durable and well-made, meaning it can handle being dropped in a school backpack or thrown onto the back seat of your car. It’s highly portable and, although the screen disappoints a little by being a touch dull, perfectly usable. At just over eight hours the battery is good though not spectacular for a Chromebook, but balancing that against the great price makes this a strong choice. 

Read our full Acer Chromebook Spin 311 review  

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook

If you're on the hunt for something super-affordable, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Flex Chromebook is an excellent choice. You can pick this model up for a little over $200 in the US now, and it's similarly cheap in most other territories. Even at its original launch price of $339, we still gave it four stars.

No, it's not going to measure up to more expensive laptops when it comes to performance, but the sturdy chassis, long battery life, and touchscreen with a 360-degree hinge for swapping into tablet mode make this the perfect first laptop for a younger child. It should survive whatever your kid throws at it - and thanks to Chrome OS's parent mode, you can rest assured that your child's digital safety is secure.

Read the full Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 review

3. Google Pixelbook Go

Google might've sadly shuttered its own laptop division so we won't be getting a new model, but you can still pick up a Pixelbook Go for a reasonable price - and it's basically the best Chromebook ever made.

When we tested it, we marveled at the super-long battery life and excellent 'Hush' keyboard, with the entire construction of the laptop feeling sturdy yet sleek. It's got a sharp 1080p webcam - perfect for virtual classes or video calls with friends - and naturally runs Chrome OS smooth as butter; the perfect union of Google's hardware and software.

Bear in mind that it's at the premium end when it comes to Chromebook pricing, so if you're on a budget, you might be better served elsewhere. That's just about our only real criticism, though: you get a lot for your money here, and Google is committed to ensuring Chrome OS remains a stable, secure, and child-friendly virtual environment for years to come.

Read our full Google Pixelbook Go review

4. Acer Aspire 5 (2022)

Chromebooks can be super-cheap, but the downside of Chrome OS is that it lacks the versatility and widespread support of Windows. If you're looking for a more conventional laptop without a high price tag, the Acer Aspire 5 is the way to go.

The Intel Core i5 processor will smoke the majority of Chromebooks around the same price point, even if it's nothing particularly impressive for a Windows laptop. With the Aspire 5's aggressive pricing though, it's great value - and you're getting plenty more, too.

The battery life is solid, and the full HD display is good for both homework and watching videos after school. There's a 720p webcam for video calls and distance learning too, and the whole design is pleasingly robust without being incredibly heavy. There aren't quite as many ports as we'd like (only one USB-C is a shame) but at this price point, it's honestly hard to argue.

Read our full Acer Aspire 5 review

5. Acer Chromebook 516 GE

If your kid wants a machine for both schoolwork and gaming, you may want to consider a gaming Chromebook. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is our current favorite of this rare breed of laptops, providing great performance in a sleek and sturdy chassis with a truly excellent screen. You'll pay a bit more than some of the cheapest laptops on this list, but the build quality justifies the price tag - this is a machine for a slightly older kid.

Bear in mind that these 'gaming Chromebooks' still use Chrome OS, so they can't directly run games from platforms such as Steam or the Epic Games Store. Instead, you can download and play games from the Google Play Store, and use cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. These require a subscription and a good internet connection, but grant you access to a wide library of games to stream on-demand - great for indecisive kids who are always looking to play something new!

Read our full Acer Chromebook 516 GE review

6. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Although it might've been replaced by the faster, sleeker M2 MacBook Air (2022) , the 2020 model - equipped with Apple's first-generation M1 chip - is still no slouch. A powerhouse productivity machine, the M1 MacBook Air is perfect for students no matter what level of education they're at.

Not only is it still capable of going toe-to-toe with many newer laptops in terms of performance, but the M1 model offers phenomenal battery life and the passive cooling design means that you'll never have to listen to noisy laptop fans. Back when we reviewed it, we praised the speedy performance, bright display, and comfortable keyboard - all things that hold true to this day. Oh, and it's quite a bit cheaper than the newer M2 model, too!

Read our full MacBook Air (M1, 2020) review

7. HP Pavilion 15

It's hardly the most exciting laptop around, but the HP Pavilion 15 is a reliable workhorse - and that's what makes it one of the best laptops for kids. It touts impressive specs (the kind you might expect from a pricier laptop) and an optional touchscreen display model, potentially a boon for kids who prefer a more tactile laptop experience.

HP Fast Charge is also a nifty inclusion, and a valuable one since in our review we did note that the battery life was a bit unimpressive. There wasn't much else to complain about though, and there's a variety of configurations available to suit your budget, though, so you won't have to spend the world to pick one of these up.

Read our full HP Pavilion 15 review

8. Asus TUF Dash F15 (2022)

If your kid is a die-hard gamer but also needs a laptop for work as well as play, the Asus TUF Dash F15 is a sound pick. Unlike many gaming laptops, the Dash F15 doesn't bring with it an ostentatious design covered in gaudy LED lighting; just solid performance, good battery life (for a gaming laptop, anyway - it's not going to beat a MacBook), and a robust, straightforward chassis.

We only found minor niggles with it in our review, noting that the bundled Asus software was a bit finicky and that some of the ports were awkwardly positioned. It's surprisingly lightweight as gaming laptops go, not the huge powerhouse clunkers we've become accustomed to. It's also relatively affordable for the performance you're getting - though if you're hunting for something extra-cheap, you could check out the 2021 Asus TUF Dash F15 too.

Read our full Asus TUF Dash F15 (2022) review

The best laptop for kids: FAQs

What is a good first laptop for kids.

There’s a wealth of choices when it comes to laptops for kids, with some great options from manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer. And although there’s no definitive answer here, we were impressed by the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 .  

This 2-in-1 Chromebook is versatile, lightweight, portable, and has a reasonable battery life. It’s not too expensive and is powerful enough to comfortably cover any kind of junior homework assignment. Plus, if the worst comes to the worst and it gets unceremoniously dropped, it’s durable enough that it shouldn’t cause any lasting damage.    

What is a good laptop for an 8-year-old?

As with the above, a suitable laptop for an eight-year-old should cover the same bases, while offering reliable security measures to protect your child while they’re web browsing. 

Before buying, it’s worth checking whether your child needs access to certain software for their school work, as this will determine what type of laptop might be suitable (e.g. some software that runs on Windows won’t be supported by a laptop that runs on Chrome OS). 

Beyond this, it’s a good idea to stick to more household brands that you know can be trusted, and pick a laptop capable of providing what your child needs it to do. 

Should I get a Chromebook for my kid?

Chromebooks are great - they run on the super-lightweight operating system Chrome OS, which isn't as demanding on your hardware and can be set up in child safety mode to give you more control over your kid's browsing, perfect for younger users.

Chrome OS supports Android apps from the Google Play Store too, which means that if you get a Chromebook with a touchscreen it can be effectively used like a large phone or tablet.

However, it's important to note that Chromebooks aren't really for gaming (unless you get a game-streaming subscription) and Chrome OS doesn't support a lot of software that runs on Windows - of particular note here is that if your kid needs to use specific software for school, it's vital to check what operating systems it can run on.

How we test the best laptops for kids

Here at TechRadar, we believe in rigorously testing every piece of hardware that passes through our hands. If it fails to impress during testing, we'll always let you know; we won't recommend you buy any product that falls short of the performance median for its price range.

Our testing process varies from product to product, but we're always sure to run the most appropriate tests considering the target purpose of whatever we're reviewing. This means we're always sure to run plenty of gaming tests on a gaming laptop, or editing benchmarks for a desktop workstation PC. We also always examine the build quality of a product to see whether it aligns with the attached price tag.

If you want to know more about how we test and rate the computers in this guide, check out our explainer on how we test laptops and desktops to learn more.

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Christian is TechRadar’s UK-based Computing Editor. He came to us from Maximum PC magazine, where he fell in love with computer hardware and building PCs. He was a regular fixture amongst our freelance review team before making the jump to TechRadar, and can usually be found drooling over the latest high-end graphics card or gaming laptop before looking at his bank account balance and crying.

Christian is a keen campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights and the owner of a charming rescue dog named Lucy, having adopted her after he beat cancer in 2021. She keeps him fit and healthy through a combination of face-licking and long walks, and only occasionally barks at him to demand treats when he’s trying to work from home.

• Rob Webb Contributing Writer

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The neural processing unit (NPU) of a device has architecture that simulates a human brain’s neural network. Learn how it pairs with AI and provides you with powerful advantages in this new era. 

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More From Forbes

AI And Jobs: The Good And Bad News

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In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on jobs is more relevant than ever. I've witnessed first-hand how AI can be a powerful force for both innovation and disruption. While the advent of AI presents exciting opportunities for augmenting human capabilities and enhancing our work, it also poses significant challenges that we, as a society, must be prepared to face.

Harnessing Human Potential

At its core, AI is about enhancing efficiency and precision in tasks that traditionally require human input. From data analysis to intricate manufacturing processes, AI technologies are increasingly capable of handling complex tasks with astonishing accuracy and speed. This shift offers a profound opportunity to free human workers from the monotony and limitations of routine tasks.

Imagine a world where humans are no longer bogged down by repetitive data entry or basic customer service interactions. Instead, individuals could focus on tasks that require creativity, empathy, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills — qualities that are uniquely human and not easily replicated by machines. In this way, AI doesn't just replace jobs; it augments them, pushing us to leverage our full potential and cultivate skills that truly differentiate us from machines.

AI-Augmented Jobs

As we envision a future where AI plays a central role in our workplaces, it helps to consider concrete examples of how different jobs are being augmented by intelligent machines. These examples not only demonstrate the potential of AI to enhance productivity and creativity but also illustrate the transition towards more meaningful and human-centric roles.

In the healthcare sector, AI is revolutionizing the way diagnoses are made. For instance, AI-powered imaging tools can analyze thousands of medical images to detect anomalies such as tumors at a speed and accuracy rate that surpasses even the most trained radiologists. This does not replace the doctors but rather augments their capabilities, allowing them to concentrate on patient care and complex medical cases where human judgment is paramount.

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AI is transforming the educational landscape by providing personalized learning experiences. Intelligent tutoring systems can adapt to the individual learning pace and style of each student, offering tailored educational materials and exercises. This allows teachers to focus on facilitating in-depth discussions, mentoring students, and developing innovative teaching strategies that no AI can replicate.

In manufacturing, AI-driven robots work alongside human workers to perform physically demanding or hazardous tasks. These robots can lift heavy objects or operate in dangerous conditions, reducing workplace injuries and increasing overall safety. Meanwhile, human workers can focus on quality control, machinery maintenance, and other critical thinking tasks, where the nuanced human perception is crucial.

In creative sectors such as music, art, and writing, AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data to suggest combinations and ideas that might not be immediately obvious to human creators, thus expanding the horizons of creativity. For example, AI can suggest chord progressions to musicians or plot ideas to writers, who can then use their unique creative skills to bring these ideas to life in ways that resonate on a human level.

In data analysis, AI is transforming traditional roles by automating the routine processing of large datasets. This allows data analysts to shift from basic data handling to more strategic decision-making. Instead of just reporting data, analysts can now focus on interpreting complex datasets, providing deeper insights, and shaping strategic business or policy decisions. This shift enhances their value to organizations and enriches their job roles by involving them in more high-level, impactful tasks.

The Transition Challenge

However, the integration of AI into the workforce is not without its hurdles. Many roles, particularly those involving routine or predictable tasks, are at high risk of automation. This includes jobs in data entry, supermarket checkouts, taxi driving, and many others that provide employment to millions of people worldwide.

Additionally, as more entry-level roles are automated, opportunities for on-the-job learning, which has traditionally served as stepping stones for career development, may diminish. This could create a gap where new entrants to the job market struggle to gain the initial experience that used to come from these roles.

The challenge lies in the transition. As AI continues to advance, the displacement of workers is an inevitable reality and not everyone is ready for such a shift. The key is to prepare individuals for this change, ensuring they have the skills and support needed to navigate a more automated job market. This involves significant investment in education and training programs, as well as policies that support workers during periods of job transition.

Preparing For A Shift

Educational systems and corporate training programs need to pivot to focus more on developing soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, creativity and emotional intelligence. These are the skills that will be most valuable in an AI-dominated workplace. Moreover, there's a need for lifelong learning frameworks that allow workers to continuously update their skills and stay relevant in their fields as the demand for technical proficiency evolves.

Governments and organizations should also consider safety nets for those whose jobs are most susceptible to automation. This could include retraining grants, unemployment assistance, and counseling services to help workers adapt to new roles and industries.

The Future Of Work

Despite these challenges, the integration of AI into the job market presents a promising vision for the future of work. As mundane and repetitive tasks are automated, work could become more meaningful and fulfilling, focusing on areas that genuinely require human insight and creativity.

This shift could also lead to greater job satisfaction and well-being as workers engage in roles that are more aligned with human skills and interests. Moreover, with AI handling more of the routine workload, employees could enjoy more flexible work arrangements, potentially leading to a better work-life balance.

The road to an AI-augmented future is fraught with complexities and challenges, particularly when it comes to the impact on jobs. However, with thoughtful preparation and strategic investment in human capital, we can harness the potential of AI to create a workforce that is not only more efficient but also more human.

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