Microsoft packs all of this capability into a 2.79-pound package that's only a little over a half-inch thick, so you'll have no issues when you have to tote it across campus to your next class. The only real issue is a lack of physical connectivity the MacBook has two Thunderbolt ports, but no full-size USB connectors. Still, the Surface Go 3 might be the perfect fit for students wanting a mix of affordability and flexibility. If you think you can get by with a Chromebook instead of a full laptop, we recommend buying a Samsung product. You can expect around 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. All Rights Reserved. Theres also 512GB of storage, which is a good amount of space for your gaming library, but you may want to add another SSD for your school assignments. These features protect the laptop from shortfalls, more extreme temperatures, and humidity. And, youll love the MSI Sword when it blasts through competitors in your favorite games. This model offers a Full HD touchscreen with a 340-nit peak brightness that can help you see more clearly even if you're outdoors. Theres also a new 1080p camera to look stellar during online classes or FaceTiming friends and family back home. Bringing your gaming PC to school probably isn't an option, so the next best thing is a gaming laptop. As a college student, you are running between your classes, work and home non-stop, and the Apple Air M1 is one of the lightest laptops you can find. One of the best laptops for college, the HP Envy x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 device with impressive graphics and top-notch performance. Learn what to look for in terms of RAM and display and how you can save money with student discounts. If the Dell XPS gets a little too pricey, the Inspiron 16 is a great secondary choice. Especially when considering the needs of online learners, a functional computer is essential. That bodes well for long journeys home for the holidays, too. Plus, with support for iOS apps on the MacBook Air, you'll have plenty of ways to tackle your schoolwork and social life. Whatever your needs, the best laptops for college cover a broad spectrum of performance, design, and cost. Tackling college courses without a laptop is unimaginable for most students. You dont get full-size USB ports, though. HPs Pavilion Aero 13 is a solid all-around option offering a lot of bang for your buck. While the MacBook Air comes at a lower price than the MacBook Pro, it still ranks among the more expensive options for laptops. This will readily speed along through research papers. These configurations arent too expensive: the Core i5 rig costs $939 / 899, while the Core i7 machine arrives at $1,049 / 1,049. When you combine power, portability and price, the Hp Envy 13 2021 is a solid choice for a student heading to college. The keyboard and stylus come separately, adding to the total cost. Wed also recommend the 16 GB option if you want to enjoy flawless multi-tasking. The configurations on the latest iteration of the XPS 13 are fantastic for college students. And, as well as all of these requirements, they dont need to break the bank either. Then theres 16GB of RAM that can handle running multiple design programs simultaneously and 1TB of storage for under $850. The lightweight design also appeals to students who take their laptop everywhere. The Surface Laptop 4 also includes an excellent display at 13.5 inches and offers a resolution sharper than Full HD. Heres how we picked the best laptops for college students: Finally, if remote learning is on the syllabus, youll want to make sure you choose a college laptop with a built-in camera and microphone for video conferences. A top-quality student notebook needs a good webcam for video calls home, and the best machines are slim, light, and sturdy enough to survive busy campus life. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The battery can also keep up as you shuffle from class to class, but if you forget to charge it up, an express charge feature can boost you up to 80% in less than one hour. Apple's latest MacBook Air is hands-down the best MacBook for college students, and there are some exciting upgrades to this new model. The Surface Go 3 packs some genuine greatness under the hood, too. And if you decide to toss in a stylus, it becomes a versatile working machine for any college student. Display: 14 FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 300-nit IPS Touchscreen | CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 3.55 pounds | Size: 12.61" x 8.44" x 0.69". Its only got mediocre speakers, too. However, for learners who want a powerful laptop/tablet combo, HP's Envy x360 2-in-1 is tough to beat. The best laptops for students rise to every occasion, with the ability to handle tough work assignments, binge-watching the latest TV, and video calls home. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. On the inside the Apple M1 processor will handle almost any student task youll only need more power if you want to run high-end design or creative software. But if you want a machine capable of more than running web applications and Android apps, a Windows laptop or MacBook is what you should buy. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, As one of the most powerful laptops on the market, the MacBook Pro can handle an array of activities, including note-taking, entertainment, and light gaming. Spy is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The Envy has a webcam, but no Thunderbolt or HDMI. The Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga is the perfect example of the company's value-packed laptops. You even get a high-resolution 10.5-inch touchscreen display perfect for note-taking or sketching. Of course, this is after you've finished your schoolwork. Thats plenty for your school day and running multiple programs at once. You'll get a 14-inch, Full HD display that not only manages to be bright at 300 nits but can also support stylus and touch inputs. Although it's not the best laptop for streamers or gamers, it offers a solid mix of affordability and performance. Thats lighter than both the Air and Dell XPS 13. On the inside, Apples M1 processor tackles anything shy of the toughest creative workloads. In fact, it comes with a stylus that conveniently slots into the chassis. We're sure there's a long list of criteria for your dream laptop, and we want to be sure you choose the one that makes the grade. But if you have the means and love gaming, the Razer Blade 15 is a powerful laptop for school, so much so that it can double as a gaming laptop (for those extracurriculars). If you purchase a product through one of our links, we may collect compensation. Please refresh the page and try again. Can turtles really breathe through their butts? The keyboard is responsive and suitable for a day of working. One of the sleekest looking and lightest keyboards around, the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 turns heads with the gorgeous finish, coming in either graphite or silver. This particular model runs on a surprisingly decent Intel Core i3-10100Y processor with a solid 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. So, we've gone ahead and done the homework for you. Users can expect up to 11 hours of battery life. Beyond being powerful and portable, it also charges quickly, getting 40% of battery life on 30 minutes of charging. Display: 13.4 FHD+ (1,920 x 1,200) 500-nit Anti-glare | CPU: Intel Core 1230U | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics| RAM: 8GB LPDDR5 (5,200MHz) | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 2.59 pounds | Size: 11.63" x 7.86" x 0.55". Additionally, you may want a bigger screen or vivid display if you spend a lot of time watching streaming content or gaming. You may have noticed that the laptops for college we've chosen aren't bangers that are going to wow you with incredible performance and the most premium designs. The Google Pixelbook Go ranges from $650-$1,400 depending on the version you choose, making this a great option for most budgets. The Dell has a satisfying keyboard, a large touchpad, and a battery that lasts between 12 and 18 hours. But, despite being conveniently compact, it features powerful internals that can keep up with your homework assignments while sipping on the battery for even long days away from the power outlet. Students who prefer Apple products and can afford to spend more than $1,000 on a laptop should consider getting an Apple MacBook Pro. On the inside, the Chromebook is available with older Intel Core m3, i5, and i7 processors. Its the right combo of power and portability for a college student laptop. But you may want to pay special attention to super-lightweight models or the best Chromebooks if you want to minimize the amount of weight in your backpack. It's worth noting that a new 2021 version was recently released; however, the price tag ($2,500) makes it hard to recommend to college students. You will receive a verification email shortly. You'll want one that's easy to tote around from class to class, has solid battery life, and packs a powerful enough processor to keep up with your workload, even when you're struggling to do the same. We told you this isnt your average Chromebook. One of the best laptops for college, this premium option comes in different models. Check out these must-have college school supplies to make your higher ed experience go as smoothly as possible. Its cheapest rigs cost $1,319 / 1,099, and youll have to spend more for Core i7 CPUs and high-resolution displays. Its compact and only weighs 2.7 pounds, making it great for the student who is always on the go. Speaking of school, MSI has managed to keep this laptop under five pounds, so youll have no problem taking it between classes. Usually priced at $700, you can buy the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 for just $350, making it the best laptop alternative of the summer. Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, Prey is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. It boasts an OLED screen for sharp and vivid colors and a comfortable and quiet keyboard. The versatility of the Surface Pro makes it a solid choice for business students who need to type up a report and then give a presentation from their tablet. Display: 15.6 FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 144Hz | CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (4GB GDDR6 VRAM) | RAM: 8GB DDR4 (3,200MHz) | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 4.96 pounds | Size: 14.13" x 10.20" x 0.98". Leave it to Google to set the standard for a device running on its own operating system. The base 8GB of memory and 512GB of NVMe SSD storage should serve most students well, as it can handle multitasking, video editing, and some casual gaming. With so many uses its hard to pick a good machine for college, but weve done the hard work and found the six best student laptops so all youve got to do is select a machine and head to the campus. Thank you for signing up to Live Science. $ = Under $500 (Budget-Friendly) | $$ = $500-$1,000 (Value/Overall) | $$$ = Over $1,000 (Premium). The lightweight HP Envy x360 has good build quality, and its 1080 p display has solid contrast and reasonably accurate colors youll only be disappointed if you want to use this machine for color-sensitive creative tasks. Its cheaper, so you do get what you pay for and you can get better tech elsewhere if youre willing to pay more, but the HP Envy x360 13 remains a good choice for students who want a versatile and affordable convertible. If youre sticking to mostly research and writing on your laptop, then you can get by with an extra lightweight machine thats also light on the wallet. The dirty little secret is that its lighter than the MacBook Air (well I guess its not a secret anymore). Thanks to its sharp display, back-lit keyboard, and robust components, the Razer Blade 15 is the best laptop for college students who love gaming. Unlike Apple's MacBooks, it supports touch inputs and even precise stylus input. Even the 8-cores on the integrated GPU are faster than the M1, so you'll be able to get a bit of gaming in when you need a break from homework. Dive into our collection of back-to-school resources to find tips, checklists, and insights from real students. Weighing under three pounds makes it plenty portable, while two USB-A, one thunderbolt and an SD card reader provide decent connectivity. The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 also benefits from serious durability due to its Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen and sturdy aluminum body. Pricey, but certainly a great choice. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Even better, these laptops should last throughout a typical four-year college career. Plus, it features fast-charging option so you can juice up your tablet quickly before class. In fact, for more intense editing projects, you may want the extra power that the Pro provides. The compromise is connectivity, which only includes two thunderbolt ports and a headphone jack. It's been a staple workhorse among students and business users for a while, and somehow Dell continues to figure out ways to make it better. Apples keyboards remain brilliant, and this smaller MacBook has a superb trackpad and a customizable Touch Bar. View the most relevant school for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to find your college home. The Air M2 can last your entire day at school and even your study session after 18 hours of battery life. This rig has full-size USB ports, a comfortable keyboard, and a webcam with a privacy shutter and a microSD card reader. There are plenty of security features like a Kensington lock slot, fingerprint reader and a webcam privacy shutter. In terms of firepower, it cant compete with traditional desktops or laptops, but it does come with an Intel Core i3 Processor, 8GB of Ram and 128GB of storage, which is more than the typical Chromebook. Its packed with features, too: it has a Windows Hello webcam, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a microSD card slot alongside reasonable speakers. The Dell XPS 13 is available with three displays. You now get a slightly larger display, coming in at 13.6 inches, though it still manages to be lightweight and super portable for taking along to class. Check out some of our favorite student-friendly laptops, Display: 13.3 FHD (1,920 x 1,200) IPS Anti-glare | CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Size: 11.72" x 8.23" x 0.67". Check out the thrilling, action-packed new trailer for Prey, the newest entry in the Predator franchise. If you want to stick with Mac OS, youll get more speed, battery life, and storage on the MacBook Pro. The sleek design and barely-there weight also make the MacBook Air a solid choice for undergrads hauling their laptop everywhere. Dont get us wrong, the MacBook Pro with the New M1 chip is an incredible machine, especially if you are going into any content creation like graphic design or photo, film or music editing. The laptop includes a Touch Bar, which is a slim OLED touchscreen that changes functionality depending on the application. At 4.5 pounds, it is a bit heavier than most in this lineup, but all that power needs to go somewhere, right? Battery life sits at a reasonable 12 hours, and pricing is decent: the Pixelbook Go starts at $649 / 629 and ranges up to $1,399 / 1,329. Theres even a quick charge feature, boosting the battery from 0% to 50% in just 30 mins. It is a little heavier and more expensive, but the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M1 chips are awesome. The MacBook Air weighs just 1.29 kg and its only 16 mm thick and, despite that, its got a rock-solid aluminum body with a great-looking design in three colors. Wed recommend the 16 GB Air to get the most out of multi-tasking, and the price of $1,199 / 1,199 is good. The 1920 x 1200 screen is an ideal everyday display, while the higher-resolution panels are better for more demanding users with thicker wallets. Stay up to date on the latest science news by signing up for our Essentials newsletter. Mike is a freelance technology journalist and consultant who is fascinated with gaming, futuristic technology and motorsport. Once again those enrolled in a more creative curriculum that has them producing media should configure or upgrade their machine with larger SSDs and hard drive storage. And, let's not forget an SSD so you can boot up quick at the start of class. Its just a fantastic machine. 2022 Spy Media, LLC. This Chromebook also shines due to its colorful display and solid performance. Check out the trailer for this retro FPS inspired by classic 90s console shooter. The display sits above some of the best speakers youll find on any small laptop, and the MacBooks fifteen-hour battery life means youll have the longevity for a full day. Google Assistant is also baked right in, so you can easily set reminders for due dates and school activities. Loads of schools use Chrome OS now, so it makes sense that students want to continue embracing Chrome OS at university and the Google Pixelbook Go is your best Chrome OS option. This laptop provides up to 14 hours of battery life while boasting the performance of Intel's 11th Gen Core i7 processor. Thats plenty of performance to handle your school workload. Battery life peaks at 14 hours, and the MacBook has a couple of Thunderbolt ports and a webcam, but thats it for connectivity. Need a laptop for heavy graphics work, stunning presentations, or long nights at the library? Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. The former is fine for everyday work, and the latter is well-suited to trickier tasks. Historically the MacBook Pro has been the more powerful sibling to the Air, and while that is still true, the value of the Air when you consider price and power is just too good of a deal. Display: 13.6" (2,560 x 1,664) Liquid Retina | CPU: Apple M2 | GPU: Integrated | RAM: 8GB (up to 24 GB) Unified Memory | Storage: 256GB SSD (up to 2TB) | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Size: 11.97" x 8.46" x 0.44". With a quad-core Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and 16GB of memory, you'll get a snappy response and can go overboard with the number of tabs you have open in your browser. We've also put together a list of the best laptops for coding & programming, which will be more suitable for students studying computer sciences. For more. The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has long been a campus favorite, and theres no sign of that changing with the latest iteration of this impressive notebook. But most importantly, this tablet should last through even your busiest school days thanks to an 11-hour battery life. The Apple M2 features four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, letting it speed through some tasks while sipping energy when doing more basic work. But for aspiring content creators, this is an excellent laptop for school. Heck, you might be able to do some modest gaming. The best laptops for students are true all-rounders that need to excel in the lecture hall, on the road, and back at home so weve picked out six of the best. And you can upgrade the RAM and hard drive for a performance boost. So, you can toss it in your bag without worry when you're running to and from classes. It comes in under $1,000 but will have no problem cruising through even the most intensive of games. The comfortable and quiet keyboard is ideal for the library or lecture theatre, and the 1080 p touchscreen is versatile, bright, and bold. The improved Neutral Engine should also accelerate AI and machine learning. For everyday schoolwork, basic web browsing and word processing, most students can even get away with a Chromebook. We love the combination of power and connectivity here. The Acer Swift 3 may appeal to students who need a portable laptop with a minimal design and a powerful mix of hardware and software components. However, if youve got the cash, the Dell XPS 13 is the best high-end Windows laptop for students. While users may notice the Chromebook's cramped keyboard and lack of ports, the low price and functional performance make this an incredibly accessible choice for students. The 16:10 aspect ratio means more vertical space, and all have tiny bezels and superb quality so your box sets and creative work will look great. However, if you want the slimmest, lightest Apple laptop around, then the MacBook Air is excellent. While the newly released Acer Swift 5 model has a few worthy features, the price jump makes it hard to recommend to students on a college budget. Display: 13.5 (2,256 x 1,504) IPS | CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4680U | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x | Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 2.79 pounds | Size: 12.1" x 8.8" x 0.57". Should you start running out of capacity before the school term is over, there's always the option of offloading your older data to an external hard drive or upgrading your machine with a larger drive yourself. When student laptops need to exhibit versatility, thats a boon. Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian. Oh, and its lightweight 2.48 pounds to boot. It has a great-looking display with a 3:2 aspect ratio that is more square but adds more vertical workspace for you to use. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves opens March 3, 2023. First off, you get two-in-one capabilities with a convertible touchscreen display. There was a problem. And, 1TB of storage will let you keep all your schoolwork on the laptop while even providing a little space for casual games, which the Intel Iris Xe Graphics can handle. An upgrade from Dell's successful 2019 XPS 13, the 2020 update features a large display and comfortable touchpad and keyboard. The lower price does mean that the HP has some minor issues: build quality could be better, and Apple and AMD processors are faster. And you can choose between an i5 and i7 Intel Envo Platform Core processor. With the XPS 13, you get a thin and lightweight build, which features a 13.4-inch Full HD+ anti-glare display with 500-nit brightness.