College is costly, encompassing expenses like tuition, housing, textbooks, food, and other miscellaneous costs. Therefore, students need a reliable laptop that will endure years of note-taking, writing papers in the early hours, and editing group project slides. However, choosing the right laptop can be as challenging as writing an extensive essay on Proust.
We test numerous laptops annually and have compiled the best options for students from our various guides. The most critical factor is a laptop’s price-to-performance ratio, followed by battery life, size and weight, and the quality of the keyboard and trackpad. Our top recommendation provides the best balance of these factors for both high school and college students, whether they are attending classes remotely or in person.
We also have more portable options for those willing to spend more, and budget-friendly choices for younger kids. These cheaper laptops come with trade-offs such as shorter battery life, bulkier size, or limited functionality and may not last as long as our top picks. Additionally, if you’re a film or photography student needing a laptop for editing photos and videos, or if you want a laptop that can handle gaming, we have recommendations for you too.
Our Top 5 picks:
| HP 14 Inch Laptop for College Students 2024 Newest, Ultral Light Rose Gold Laptops for Business, Intel Celeron N4120, 16GB RAM + 320GB Storage (64GB eMMC+256GB MSD), 1-Year Office 365, Windows 11 S | View on Amazon |
| HP 14″ Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 16GB RAM, 192GB Storage(64GB eMMC+128GB Ghost Manta SD), 1 Year Office 365, Webcam, HDMI, WiFi, USB-A&C, Win 11 S | View on Amazon |
| ASUS 15.6” Vivobook Go Laptop, Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 11 in S Mode, Star Black, L510KA-ES04 | View on Amazon |
| Acer Aspire 3 A314-23P-R3QA Slim Laptop | 14.0″ Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 512GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home,Silver | View on Amazon |
| HP 14 Inch Ultral Light Laptops for Business, 2024 Newest College Students Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 16GB RAM, 320GB Storage(64GB eMMC+256GB Micro SD), 1-Year Office 365 & Windows 11 S, White | View on Amazon |
How to Choose a Laptop?
Choosing a college laptop can be a challenging task, with a variety of options available in the market. The first step is to understand your specific needs. Are you pursuing a degree in graphic design, engineering, or computer science? Or are you more focused on humanities and social sciences?
If your coursework involves heavy software applications such as Adobe Creative Suite or AutoCAD, you will need a laptop with strong processing power and ample RAM. For primarily text-based courses, a less powerful, but more portable and budget-friendly, laptop might suffice.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting a laptop for college, consider the following key features:
- Processor: Opt for at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 for a balanced performance.
- RAM: A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended to handle most multitasking needs smoothly.
- Storage: Choose SSD over HDD for faster boot times and quicker data access, with at least 256GB storage.
- Battery Life: Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours to last through classes and study sessions.
- Portability: A lightweight and slim design will make it easier to carry around campus.
- Ports and Connectivity: Ensure sufficient USB ports, an HDMI port, and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility for enhanced connectivity.
Setting a Budget
Balancing your budget with your needs is crucial. While it is tempting to purchase the most advanced laptop, remember that many mid-range models offer a blend of affordability and performance.
Consider student discounts, offers, or refurbished models to get better value for your money. Investing wisely can ensure you get a laptop that supports your academic journey effectively without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Choosing the right laptop for college involves careful consideration of your academic needs, key laptop features, and your budget. By prioritizing performance, portability, and connectivity, you can find a laptop that will serve you well throughout your college years.