| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
HP Newest 14" Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 8GB RAM, 192GB... | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
|
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Laptop, 15.6” FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11... | $358.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
|
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid... | $929.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
|
Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina... | $849.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
|
Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core... | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
|
HP Notebook Laptop, 15.6" HD Touchscreen, Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD,... | $429.86 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
|
Acer Aspire Go 15 Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS 1080P Display | Intel Core i3-N305| Intel UHD... | $258.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
|
HP Portable Laptop, Student and Business, 14" HD Display, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 64GB... | $217.92 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
|
HP Stream 14" HD BrightView Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 16GB RAM, 288GB Storage (128GB eMMC + 160GB... | $309.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
|
NIMO 15.6 FHD Student Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint, Intel Pentium... | $329.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Contents
The Best Laptops for College Students in 2024
As the academic year begins in 2024, many college students are on the hunt for the best laptops for college students that combine performance, portability, and an affordable price point. With a wide variety of options available on Amazon, picking the right laptop can be daunting. This guide provides an in-depth look at the top 10 laptops suitable for college students, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Whether you are majoring in engineering, arts, business, or anything in between, having a reliable laptop can significantly enhance your productivity. Below are our top picks, each offering unique features that cater to various academic demands. Let’s dive into these recommendations!
Top 10 Laptops for College Students
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The Apple MacBook Air is a top contender for students looking for a lightweight yet powerful device. The M2 chip provides high performance while maintaining impressive battery life, making this laptop perfect for long study sessions.
Students will benefit from its retina display, excellent keyboard, and macOS ecosystem, which is particularly favored for creative tasks. With impressive speed and efficiency, the 2022 model is ideal for running demanding applications like Adobe Creative Suite.
Price: Approximately $999
Pros:
- Ultra-thin and lightweight design
- Stunning retina display
- Long battery life (up to 18 hours)
- Fast performance with M2 chip
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited ports
- STRIKINGLY THIN DESIGN — The redesigned MacBook Air is more portable than ever and weighs just 2.7 pounds. It’s the incredibly capable laptop that lets you work, play or create just about anything — anywhere.
- SUPERCHARGED BY M2 — Get more done faster with a next-generation 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU and up to 24GB of unified memory.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. It draws on your personal context while setting a brand-new standard for privacy in AI. Coming in beta this fall.
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day and into the night, thanks to the power-efficient performance of the Apple M2 chip.
- BIG, BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY — The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display features over 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color and support for 1 billion colors for vibrant images and incredible detail.
2. Dell XPS 13 (2024)
The Dell XPS 13 continues to impress with its sleek design and powerful performance. The 2024 version features Intel’s latest processors, making it a strong choice for students who need a reliable workstation for multitasking.
Its impressive InfinityEdge display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, perfect for both studying and leisure. The compact size and lightweight design allow it to be easily carried from class to class.
Price: Approximately $949
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality
- High-resolution, edge-to-edge display
- Decent battery life (up to 14 hours)
- Good selection of ports for connectivity
Cons:
- Can get expensive with higher specs
- Limited upgrade options
- Super long battery life, when streaming on the Netflix app for Windows 11 offers up to 12 hours. Razor thin body, just 0.55"; It weighs 2.59 pounds, Lightweight design; Recharge in less than an hour with ExpressCharge.
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1250U (12 MB cache, 10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.70 GHz Turbo); 16GB LPDDR5 5200MHz RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 60Hz, Anti-Glare, 500 nit, InfinityEdge Display; 400p at 30 fps IR camera; Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Excellent performance powered by Graphics.; Expandable to 4 monitors via Thunderbolt 4. Max resolution of the External Monitors: 4K (3840*2160) @60Hz
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery), USB-C to 3.5mm headset adapter, USB-C to USB-A 3.0 adapter; Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675 (AX211) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2; Backlit Keyboard; Fingerprint reader.
- 1-Year Limited Warranty; Windows 11 Pro 64-bit, Windows Hello; ideal for family entertainment, daily productivity, casual gaming, streaming, Designers, Professionals, Programmers, online class, remote learning, Zoom meeting, video conference, etc.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly laptop, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a fantastic option. It offers an excellent balance between affordability and performance, making it suitable for students on a budget.
With a decent AMD Ryzen processor, it can handle everyday tasks like browsing, word processing, and even light gaming. Its display is satisfactory for watching lectures and streaming content, and it comes with a comfortable keyboard for long typing sessions.
Price: Approximately $499
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Good performance for everyday tasks
- Decent battery life (up to 8 hours)
- Reliable keyboard
Cons:
- Basic build quality
- Display quality is average
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 12GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 3.00 GHz 2 Cores Processor (6MB Cache, up to 4.10 GHz), Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD TouchScreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 3.2, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x SD Card Reader, Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home, 64 bit
4. HP Envy x360
The HP Envy x360 is a convertible laptop that seamlessly transitions between a laptop and a tablet. Ideal for students who need versatility, it features a touch screen and excellent build quality.
Powered by AMD’s Ryzen processors, it delivers robust performance for multitasking. The laptop also comes with great battery life, making it perfect for taking notes in class and browsing the web afterward.
Price: Approximately $749
Pros:
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Stylish and premium feel
- Bright and vibrant display
- Good battery life (up to 12 hours)
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavier than standard laptops
- Limited gaming capabilities
- 【14'' FHD IPS Touchscreen Display】Navigate, create, and write naturally with utmost precision on this responsive touchscreen. Elevate your digital encounters and immerse yourself in a captivating virtual world like never before. 【2-in-1 Design 】Convert to a tablet with the flip of a screen around a 360° hinge.
- 【13 Gen Intel Core i7-1355U Processor】Effortlessly accelerate your creativity while powering through new levels of productivity in this blazing fast 10-core processor. Embrace highly efficient multitasking, powering through new levels of productivity and unleashing your full potential in a boundless journey.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM】Experience abundant high-bandwidth performance that seamlessly tackles resource-intensive tasks. Smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously and deliver lightning-fast responsiveness that keeps you in the flow. 【1TB PCIe SSD】Delivers lightning-fast boot-up speed, enhanced storage capabilities, and support for high-definition video playback. Effortlessly store an extensive digital library and access your virtual world with ease.
- 【Backlit Keyboard】Enjoy comfortable and accurate typing, even in dim light. 【HP Wide Vision 5MP IR Camera】Video chat with your entire team in stunning details thanks to the 88-degree wide-angle field of view. Infrared sensor assists safe log-in through face recognition. 【Intel Iris Xe Graphics】Designed to enhance your visual experience, Intel Iris Xe Graphics delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and fluid animations, empowering you to achieve professional success with amplified productivity.
- 【Windows 11 Home】Family, friends, passions, music, creations, games – Windows 11 is the one place for it all. 【Fingerprint Reader】Enhance laptop security with seamless fingerprint authentication, ensuring convenient access while protecting your data and personal information. 【Ports & Accessories】2 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x Headphone Jack, 1x Micro SD card reader. Dual speakers by Bang & Olufsen. Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth. 3.35 lbs. Natural Silver.
5. Asus ZenBook 14
The Asus ZenBook 14 stands out for its ultra-slim design and lightweight construction, making it an ideal travel companion for students. It’s equipped with powerful Intel processors and plenty of RAM, ensuring smooth operation of multiple applications.
Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 15 hours, which is perfect for all-day use in classes or libraries. The stunning display and Harman Kardon audio system provide a great multimedia experience.
Price: Approximately $849
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- High-quality display and audio
- Long battery life
- Fast charging support
Cons:
- Limited upgrade options
- Keyboard can feel cramped for large hands
- 【Memory & Storage】The PC memory has been upgraded to 16GB DDR4 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; the Hard drive has been upgraded to 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast boot-up and speedy data transfer
- 【Processor】13th Gen Intel Evo Platform Core i7-13700H Processor (14 Cores, 20 threads, 24MB L3 Cache, base at 1.80GHz, up to 5.00GHz), with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 【Screen】14.5-inch, 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED Touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio)89%
- 【Tech Specs】1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 , 1 x HDMI, 1 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth; Backlit Keyboard (On: F7); Windows 11 Pro
6. Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 is a lightweight laptop that offers excellent performance at an attractive price point. With a solid aluminum chassis, it not only looks great but also withstands the rigors of college life.
Equipped with AMD or Intel processors, it’s capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming. The battery life is commendable, providing up to 11 hours of use on a single charge.
Price: Approximately $599
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and portable
- Good battery life
- Decent performance for most tasks
Cons:
- Display brightness could be higher
- Basic webcam quality
- Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor - up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache
- 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB Onboard LPDDR4X Memory and 256GB NVMe SSD
- 1 - USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging | 1 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging) | 1 - USB 2.0 port | 1 - HDMI port
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution | Up to 16 Hours Battery Life
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 combines elegance with functionality, making it another strong candidate for college students. With a sleek design and high-resolution display, it’s perfect for note-taking and media consumption.
The laptop’s Microsoft 365 integration provides a seamless experience for students, while its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry around campus. Battery life lasts up to 15 hours, ensuring it can keep up with busy academic schedules.
Price: Approximately $999
Pros:
- Lightweight and stylish
- High-resolution pixel-sense display
- Long battery life
- Great keyboard experience
Cons:
- Limited port selection
- Price can be high for higher specifications
- With 16 GB of memory, runs as many programs as you want without losing the execution
- The 13.5" 2256 x 1504 screen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512 GB SSD is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
- 18 Hours battery run time helps you stay unwired and work longer non-stop
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13
The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is a powerful ultrabook geared towards students who may also want to indulge in gaming. Despite its compact size, it houses discrete graphics capable of running modern games with ease.
Its sleek design does not compromise performance, and the laptop has been well-received for its high-quality display and keyboard. The battery life is decent, lasting up to 11 hours under regular use.
Price: Approximately $1,499
Pros:
- Powerful performance for both productivity and gaming
- Compact and stylish design
- Good build quality
- High-quality display
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Heavier than typical ultrabooks
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Designed for mobility: Ultra-thin, light and incredibly durable with a cnc unibody aluminum frame and long battery life.
- 120hz full HD thin bezel display: Super-fast 120hz full HD display that enables smooth visuals in games, with 100% sRGB color space.
- Razer chroma keyboard and precision touchpad: keyboard featuring single-zone rgb lighting with 16.8 million color options, and a precision glass touchpad.
- Complete connectivity — Includes thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, wireless AX, HD webcam utilizing windows hello, and 4-array mics.
9. HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 is a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t skimp on features. It offers a large screen, making it suitable for students who prefer visual space for multitasking.
Powered by AMD Ryzen or Intel processors, it delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, from video streaming to gaming. It also has a comfortable keyboard, making typing extended assignments easier.
Price: Approximately $649
Pros:
- Large screen real estate
- Affordable and good value
- Comfortable keyboard
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- Bulky design compared to competitors
- Display quality could be better
- POWER, PERFORMANCE, and SECURITY – Get work done on the go and experience mind-blowing entertainment with an Intel Core processor, stunning graphics, and rich audio in a compact laptop you can seamlessly log into from any position with the touch of your finger..Voltage:5.0 volts
- FHD plus DISPLAY – View all your photos, movies, and games in vibrant, crystal-clear images with 178-degree wide viewing angles on a 15.6-inch diagonal, FHD micro-edge display (1). Plus, the BrightView glossy finish means on-screen colors pop while blacks appear deep and distinct.
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR – 12th Generation Intel Core processor distributes performance where you need it most for superior multi-tasking–increasing your ability to do the things you want (2).
- STUNNING GRAPHICS – From creating, gaming, to entertainment, Intel Iris Xe graphics delivers amazing performance and crisp, stunning visuals for all your entertainment (3) in a thin and light laptop.
- STORAGE AND MEMORY – Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage (4); plus, enjoy higher bandwidth and more of a boost in performance with 32 GB DDR4 RAM
10. Lenovo Yoga 7i
The Lenovo Yoga 7i is another impressive 2-in-1 device perfect for students who value flexibility. It offers a captivating touch display and sturdy hinges that allow it to rotate 360 degrees.
With powerful processors and extensive RAM, it can handle demanding applications, making it suitable for anything from graphic design to coding projects. Its battery life is robust, reaching up to 12 hours.
Price: Approximately $849
Pros:
- 2-in-1 design for versatility
- High-quality touch display
- Good battery life
- Solid performance in most tasks
Cons:
- Bulkier than some traditional laptops
- Slightly higher price in premium configurations
- 16" WUXGA 60Hz Display The 60Hz ultra bright 300 nits display features a 16:10 1920 x 1200 resolution that gives you more space for toolbars and tabs
- Intel Core i7-1355U Imagine, design and create without boundaries with the powerful 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor. Discover true responsiveness with 10 cores and 12 threads for ultimate performance.
- 16GB system memory for advanced multitasking Plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once
- Windows 11 operating system Windows 11 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen.
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics Impressive performance for creating, gaming, and entertainment. A new level of graphics performance and crisp, stunning visuals – with the convenience of a thin & light laptop.
Buying Guide for the Best Laptops for College Students
When searching for the best laptops for college students, it’s essential to consider several factors that can affect your overall user experience and productivity. Below is a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Processor
The processor is the heart of your laptop, and it plays a significant role in determining performance. For college tasks such as word processing, browsing, and streaming, an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor should suffice. If you’re running more demanding applications like video editing software, aim for an i7 or Ryzen 7 processor.
2. RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) affects your laptop’s ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. For basic tasks, 8GB of RAM is adequate. However, if you’re studying fields that require heavier software, such as graphic design or engineering, opt for at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance.
3. Storage
Consider the storage type and size. Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer faster performance than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). A minimum of 256GB SSD storage is recommended for students, especially if you plan to store large files or software. For more extensive storage needs, some models offer combination storage options.
4. Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for students who move between classes and study sessions. Look for laptops that offer at least 8 to 10 hours of battery life to last through a full day of classes. Keep in mind that usage patterns can affect battery performance.
5. Weight and Portability
As a college student, you’ll carry your laptop around frequently. Therefore, the weight and size of the laptop matter significantly. Aim for a device that has a slim and lightweight profile, ideally under 3.5 pounds, to make transport easier.
6. Display
A high-quality display enhances your computing experience, especially for tasks like reading, watching videos, or even design work. Look for laptops with Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution to ensure clear and sharp visuals. IPS panels are preferable for better viewing angles and color accuracy.
7. Keyboard and Touchpad
Comfortable typing is essential for writing essays and reports. Before purchasing, assess the keyboard layout to ensure it suits your typing style. A responsive touchpad is also important for a smooth user experience.
8. Build Quality
Investing in a laptop with robust build quality can save you from future expenses related to repairs or replacements. Look for laptops with metal casings as they tend to withstand wear and tear better than plastic counterparts.
By looking into these factors, you can easily narrow down your choices and find the best laptops for college students tailored to your needs. Select the one that fits your budget and aligns with your study requirements, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable college experience!
With the extensive list of laptops provided in this article, you should have a solid guideline to make an informed purchase through Amazon. Whether you prefer a sleek MacBook or a versatile 2-in-1 model, the perfect laptop for your college journey awaits you!
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.