10 bestStudent Laptopsof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
35% off
1

HP Stream 14" Laptop, Intel N4120 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, Intel UHD Graphics, HD Display, Dual Speakers, Microsoft 365 Personal 12 month included, Win 11, Jet Black, 14s-dq0000sa
HP

9.9
9% off
2

Microsoft Surface Pro (power supply included) | Copilot+ PC | 13” OLED Touchscreen | Snapdragon® X Elite (12 cores) | 16GB Memory | 1TB SSD | Device only | 2024 Model, 11th Edition | Black
Microsoft

9.8
10% off
3

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Sky Blue
Apple

9.7
15% off
4

Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15-31P Laptop - Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB, 256GB SSD, Integrated Graphics, 15.6" Full HD, Windows 11, Silver
acer

9.5
21% off
5

Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop Notebook 15.6" FHD 120Hz Display, 13th Generation Intel Core i5-1334U, 16GB RAM DDR4, 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, English-UK Keyboard, Carbon Black
Dell

9.4
OtherUp to 35% off
21% off
6

Dell Inspiron 15 (3530) Laptop – 15.6" FHD 120Hz Anti-Glare, Intel Core i7-1355U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 11 Home, UK Keyboard Qwerty, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI – Carbon Black
Dell

9.2
36% off
7

HP 14" Laptop, Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, FHD Display, Up to 8hrs battery, Win 11, Dual Speakers, Natural Silver, 14s-dq5005sa
HP

9.0
25% off
8

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 | 14 inch Full HD Laptop | Intel Core i5-12450H | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Home | Abyss Blue
Lenovo

8.8
11% off
9

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro chip with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory; 512GB SSD Storage; Space Black
Apple

8.6
35% off
10

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 | 15 inch Full HD Laptop | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U | 8GB RAM | 128GB SSD | Windows 11 Home in S Mode| Cloud Grey
Lenovo

8.4
A Guide to Selecting the Best Student Laptops
Choosing the right laptop as a student is crucial because it will be your companion for assignments, research, and possibly entertainment. The key is to find a balance between performance, portability, and battery life, while also considering the specific needs of your field of study. Whether you need a laptop for basic tasks like word processing and browsing, or more demanding applications like graphic design or programming, understanding the specifications will help you make an informed decision.
Processor (CPU)
The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop, determining how fast and efficiently it can run applications. For basic tasks like browsing and word processing, an entry-level processor such as an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 will suffice. For more demanding tasks like video editing or programming, consider a mid-range processor like an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. High-performance needs, such as gaming or 3D modeling, may require an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. Choose based on the complexity of the tasks you expect to perform.
RAM
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. For general use, 8GB of RAM is typically sufficient, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without slowdown. If you plan to use more intensive applications, such as those for graphic design or data analysis, 16GB or more may be necessary. Consider your multitasking habits and the software you plan to use when deciding on the amount of RAM.
Storage
Storage determines how much data you can keep on your laptop, including documents, applications, and media. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster and more reliable than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). A 256GB SSD is usually adequate for most students, providing a good balance of speed and storage space. If you need to store large files, such as videos or extensive software, consider a 512GB SSD or a combination of SSD and HDD. Think about your storage needs based on the type of files you will be handling.
Battery Life
Battery life is important for students who need to use their laptops throughout the day without frequent charging. A laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life is ideal for a full day of classes and study sessions. If you often work in places without easy access to power outlets, prioritize longer battery life. Consider your daily routine and how often you will be away from a power source when choosing a laptop.
Display Size and Quality
The display size and quality affect your viewing experience and portability. A 13-14 inch display is a good compromise between portability and screen real estate, suitable for most students. If you need more screen space for tasks like design or video editing, a 15-16 inch display might be better. Consider the resolution as well; Full HD (1920x1080) is generally sufficient for clear and sharp visuals. Think about how you will use your laptop and where you will carry it when deciding on display size and quality.
Portability
Portability is determined by the laptop's weight and size, which affects how easy it is to carry around. Lighter laptops, typically weighing around 3 pounds or less, are easier to transport and ideal for students who move between classes and study spots frequently. If you prioritize performance over portability, you might opt for a slightly heavier model. Consider how often you will be carrying your laptop and the importance of portability in your daily routine.
Connectivity
Connectivity options, such as USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi capabilities, determine how you can connect your laptop to other devices and networks. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports for your peripherals, and consider an HDMI port if you plan to connect to external displays. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more reliable internet connections, which can be beneficial for online classes and research. Think about the devices you will connect and the type of internet usage you anticipate when evaluating connectivity options.

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