With so many laptops in the market, it becomes challenging to choose the one that fits your budget. Though it might take a while for things to get back to normal, things have been getting better and the student’s classes for sure have become longer with most of them being online. Under such circumstances, you need a device that can sustain both offline and online modes of classes along with recreational activities. Hopefully, our guide to the best laptops for students will help you achieve the same.
- MacBook Air 13” (2020)
- MacBook Pro 13” (2020)
- Microsoft Surface GO 2
- HP Chromebook 14”
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Acer Spin 5
- Google Pixelbook GO
- Acer Aspire 5
- Huawei MateBook X Pro
- Dell XPS 15
1. MacBook Air 13” (2020) – True value
Apple’s much talked about M1 chips have proved to be a game-changer. With the new range of MacBooks, Apple has presented its thinnest, finest build-up, and fastest range of laptops. The fact that M1 MacBook Air beats Intel-powered MacBook Pro in terms of performance and speed says a lot.
The cherry on the cake is the price tag that these laptops come with. It is undoubtedly one of my hottest picks for students. Go invest in one and work, play, or edit with the same laptop. Did I mention the battery life of this device?
Awestruck is the word!
Specifications:
- CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU
- Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core GPU
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
- Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina display
- Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Why should you buy it?
- Responsive and fast
- Silent
Price: $999.99
2. MacBook Pro 13” (2020) – Brand that you trust the most
Indeed the best laptop for mass communication students, MacBook Pro is unbeatable in performance. The fact that it can handle 4K and 8K videos with ease without even having its fan started says a lot. Damn! Even high-end iMacs fail to do that. An incredible battery life, unbeatable performance, and cost-efficient too!
This is the right pick for students who are studying as well as carrying out their side-hustles in their spare time. Freelancers, marketers, content creators, or future entrepreneurs, must invest in this device, for you are not just buying a laptop. You are investing in your future.
Specifications:
- CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU
- Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU
- RAM: 8GB-16GB unified memory
- Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 LED-backlit Retina display
- Storage:256GB-2TB SSD
Why should you buy it?
- iOS apps work perfectly
- Great battery life
Price: $1,249.00
3. Microsoft Surface GO 2 – With premium design
A great contender in the student laptops range, Microsoft Surface GO 2 is an improved successor to its predecessors in the premium range. Microsoft laptops have known to be a little underpowered with basic configurations, but this one proves it all wrong.
If you are a student looking forward to investing in a stylish laptop with high performance, get yourself one of these.
Specifications:
- CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core m3 – Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615
- RAM: Intel HD Graphics 615
- Screen:10.5” 1920 x 1280 (220 PPI) PixelSense Display
- Storage: 64GB eMMC – 128GB SSD
Why should you buy it?
- Reasonable price
- Premium design
Price: $399.00
4. HP Chromebook 14” – Well-balanced Chromebook
Maintaining a perfect balance between portability and screen space, HP Chromebook is surely a device to look out for under the students’ category. It does not cut a hole in your pocket, has a marvelous display and the keyboard functionalities are beyond par. I also like the trackpad that the device offers. I would definitely buy it for the price tag, its battery life, and the visual appeal.
Maybe it’s time you should consider it too!
Specifications:
- CPU: AMD A4 – A6, Intel Celeron N3350 – N3450
- Graphics: AMD Radeon R4 – R5, Intel HD Graphics 500
- RAM: 4GB – 8GB
- Screen: 14-inch diagonal HD (1366×768) SVA anti-glare – FHD (1920×1080) IPS BrightView
- Storage: 16GB – 64GB eMMC
Why should you buy it?
- Laudable keyboard
- Decent trackpad
Price: $264.00
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Budget-friendly
You’ve got to buy this laptop. I wish I could end the review with this single statement. The most versatile device in the list, it has a sleek design, decent battery life, awesome audio quality, is light in weight, perfect for streaming videos, and works seamlessly while binge-watching.
I call this the binge laptop. This is one of the cheapest laptops on the list for sure. The setup ensures enough powerful performance for everyday needs, thus, being the right choice for students around.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 2.1 GHz
- Graphics: Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 4 GB
- Screen: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
- Storage: 128 GB
Why should you buy it?
- Portability
- Great build-up
Price: $414.66
6. Acer Spin 5 – A fantastic 2-in-1 laptop
A seamless experience for taking notes, Acer Spin 5 is one of the best laptops under the 2-in-1 category with its marvelous 3:2 display and a feature-rich stylus. This can be an excellent investment if you are fond of typing or taking notes.
Writers, take note of this device! It is not meant for gaming, so gamers stay away. This is a device for future bloggers too! The graphics produce a vibrant color palette and are a treat to the eyes. Do not think twice; this is a great deal for the price it promises.
Specifications:
- CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB
- Screen: 13.5″ (2256 x 1504) 3:2 touchscreen display
- Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD
Why should you buy it?
- Powerful 10th Generation CPU
- Versatility
Price: $879.00
7. Google Pixelbook GO – Best battery health
I am not a fan of Chromebooks, one for their premium price and limited functionalities. But, this one changed my opinion big time. The elite one in the list, the 1080p webcam is enough to put it in the elite category.
With incredible battery life, this is definitely a go-getter. The comfortably spaced keys in this keyboard increase the appeal of this device. GO is sure to be admired for its design; it screams elegance. If you are a Chromebook person or want to invest in one, this is the right device to get acquainted with Chromebooks.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core m3 – i7
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 (300MHz)
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB
- Screen: Full HD Display – 4K Ultra HD Molecular Display
- Storage: 64GB – 256GB
Why should you buy it?
- Budget-friendly
- 1080p webcam
Price: $649.00
8. Acer Aspire 5 – Powerful processing
Another budget-friendly device on the list, Acer Aspire 5 stands out due to its storage. With a storage capacity of 1TB, Aspire 5 gives you ample memory to store all your notes, assignments, references, and even your favorite games.
I tried the speakers and loved the speaker quality. The audio quality is beyond par, and jamming to those Jay-Z tracks was so much fun. I could feel the rhythm of the music. I would call this laptop the guy next door that you want to hang out with.
Damn, it is popular!
Specifications:
- CPU: Core i3
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce MX150
- RAM: 8GB
- Screen: 15.60-inch 1366×768 pixels
- Storage:128GB
Why should you buy it?
- Backlit keyboard
- Fantastic speakers
Price: $364.99
9. Huawei MateBook X Pro – Best full view display
This laptop is meant to last Period! This would be one of the longest-lasting laptops on the list. Invest in it in your freshman years, and this laptop will get you through your graduation. The graphic card is also intriguing; basic games work just fine to satisfy your gaming needs. It is durable, the build-up is appealing, and it’s not that heavy too.
If you believe in the one and want your laptop to last longer, surely invest in this laptop.
Specifications:
- CPU:8th generation Intel Core i5 – i7
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620, Nvidia GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB
- Screen: 13.9-inch 3K (3,000 x 2,080)
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Why should you buy it?
- Strong build-up (hardware)
- Unblemished display
Price: $959.00
10. Dell XPS 15 – Premium visuals
It is compact, it is supremely well-built, and it is durable; DELL XPS 15 is an ideal laptop, in my opinion. Although the last in the list, it is most certainly not my last preference.
You can also upgrade the device and opt for a 4K resolution, but the 1920 x 1080 model looks cherishing too. With a storage capacity of 1TB, this device is capable of storing both your work commitments and personal memories.
Specifications:
- CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 6700HQ (quad-core, 6MB cache, up to 3.5GHz with Turbo Boost)
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M (with 2GB GDDR5)
- RAM: 16GB Dual Channel DDR4 (2,133MHz; 8GB x 2)
- Screen: 15.6-inch, 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) InfinityEdge touch
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Why should you buy it?
- Good for gaming
- Impeccable 4K display
Price: $1,499.99
Best laptops for students you can buy right now!
If I were in your shoes, I surely would have picked MacBook Pro 13”. I need a laptop with high performance and great battery life. But, I would love to know what’s your pick? Make sure you get one before they run out of discounts. Let me know which one did you finalize in the comment section below.
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An entrepreneur by heart, I am obsessed with the world of Apple. I survive on Apple products and their updates. Over the last five years, I have been writing all kinds of content that are remotely connected to Apple and sharing across digital platforms. When not writing, you will find me on the court playing basketball or in my room playing the sitar.