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10 Best Laptops For Students 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)

27%OFF

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)HP

The HP 14 Laptop is designed with students in mind, boasting a lightweight and portable design that makes it easy to carry around campus. Weighing just 3.24 pounds and measuring only 0.71 inches in thickness, it's a great choice for those who need a laptop that won't weigh them down. The 14-inch HD display, while not the highest resolution at 1366 x 768 pixels, offers a decent visual experience for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and working on assignments.

Performance-wise, it features an Intel Celeron N4020 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM. This combination is suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video playback, but heavy multitasking or demanding applications may lead to sluggish performance. The 64 GB of storage is on the low side, meaning students will need to manage their files carefully or rely on cloud storage solutions.

Battery life is a strong point, with up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, allowing students to go through a full day of classes without needing to recharge. The laptop is also equipped with multiple USB ports and wireless connectivity options, ensuring that you can connect to various devices and networks easily. The integrated graphics may not meet the needs of students who are into gaming or graphic-intensive applications, and the lack of an optical drive might be a drawback for those who still use CDs or DVDs. The HP 14 Laptop serves well for students looking for a lightweight, portable option for basic tasks and good battery life, but those requiring more power or storage may want to consider alternatives.

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#2

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode

7%OFF

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Modeacer

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a solid choice for students who need a reliable and portable laptop. Weighing just under 4 pounds and featuring a slim design, it's easy to carry around campus or between classes. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers clear and vibrant visuals, which is great for both studying and streaming content. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard might be a downside for those who work in low-light environments.

The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Though it comes with only 128GB of NVMe SSD storage, it might be limited for those with extensive media libraries or large software needs. Battery life is impressive, with up to 11 hours on a full charge, making it suitable for a full day of classes without needing to recharge.

Connectivity options are abundant with Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless internet, multiple USB ports including a USB Type-C, and an HDMI port for connecting to external displays. The laptop's build quality is decent for the price, although it doesn't have any premium finishes. For students looking for a budget-friendly, efficient, and portable device, this Acer Aspire model ticks most of the right boxes.

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#3

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; Starlight

20%OFF

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; StarlightApple

The Apple 2022 MacBook Air with M2 chip is an excellent choice for students seeking a portable laptop that can handle various tasks, from studying to creative projects. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, its sleek design makes it easy to carry around campus or between classes. The laptop boasts impressive battery life, offering up to 18 hours, which is perfect for long days without needing to recharge.

Performance-wise, the M2 chip delivers fast processing power with its 8-core CPU and 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking for applications like Microsoft 365 or video conferencing tools. The 256GB SSD storage is sufficient for many students, although some might find it limiting, especially if handling large files or media projects; upgrades are available.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is another standout feature, providing vibrant colors and sharp details that enhance everything from document reading to video streaming. The backlit keyboard and responsive touchpad also contribute to a comfortable typing experience, which is crucial for lengthy assignments. On the connectivity front, the MacBook Air includes two Thunderbolt ports and a MagSafe charging port, providing versatile options for accessories and charging. However, it lacks traditional USB-A ports which may necessitate additional adapters for some peripherals, adding a minor inconvenience for users with older devices.

While the MacBook Air is built to last with its durable aluminum casing, it does come with a higher price tag compared to some competing laptops in the student market. Additionally, those who are used to Windows may need some time to adjust to macOS.

This laptop is a strong contender for students who prioritize portability, performance, and battery life, but potential buyers should consider their storage needs and the software ecosystem before making a decision.

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Buying Guide for the Best Laptops For Students

Choosing the right laptop for a student involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets their academic and personal needs. A good student laptop should be portable, have a long battery life, and be powerful enough to handle various tasks such as writing papers, conducting research, and even some light entertainment. Here are the key specifications to consider when selecting a laptop for a student.
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the laptop. This is important for students who need to carry their laptop to classes, libraries, and other locations. Laptops with screen sizes between 11 to 14 inches and weighing around 2 to 4 pounds are generally considered portable. If you need to carry your laptop frequently, opt for a lighter and smaller model. If you mostly use it at home or in a dorm, a slightly larger and heavier laptop might be acceptable.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the laptop can run on a single charge. This is crucial for students who may not always have access to power outlets during the day. Laptops with a battery life of 8 hours or more are ideal for all-day use. If you have long days with back-to-back classes, aim for a laptop with extended battery life. If you can frequently charge your laptop, a shorter battery life might be sufficient.
Performance (Processor and RAM)Performance is determined by the laptop's processor (CPU) and RAM. These components affect how smoothly the laptop runs applications and multitasks. For basic tasks like word processing and web browsing, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor with 4GB of RAM is sufficient. For more demanding tasks like programming or video editing, consider an Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 with at least 8GB of RAM. Choose based on the complexity of the tasks you need to perform.
StorageStorage refers to the amount of space available for files, applications, and the operating system. There are two main types: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). SSDs are faster and more reliable but usually offer less storage space for the same price. A 256GB SSD is a good starting point for most students, providing a balance between speed and capacity. If you need to store large files like videos or extensive software, consider a laptop with a larger SSD or an additional HDD.
Display QualityDisplay quality includes the screen resolution and panel type. A higher resolution (such as Full HD 1920x1080) provides clearer and sharper images, which is beneficial for reading and multimedia. IPS panels offer better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels. If you spend a lot of time reading or watching videos, a higher resolution and better panel type will enhance your experience. For basic tasks, a standard resolution and panel type may suffice.
Keyboard and TouchpadThe keyboard and touchpad are essential for a comfortable and efficient user experience. A good keyboard should have well-spaced keys with decent travel and feedback, while a responsive touchpad ensures smooth navigation. If you type a lot, look for a laptop with a comfortable keyboard. If you use the touchpad frequently, ensure it is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include USB ports, HDMI, headphone jacks, and wireless capabilities like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These are important for connecting peripherals, external displays, and other devices. Ensure the laptop has enough ports for your needs, such as USB-C for modern accessories or HDMI for external monitors. Good Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support are essential for internet access and wireless peripherals.
Build Quality and DurabilityBuild quality and durability refer to how well the laptop is constructed and its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. A sturdy build is important for students who carry their laptops around frequently. Look for laptops with a solid chassis, preferably made of metal or high-quality plastic. If you are prone to accidents or need to carry your laptop often, prioritize a model known for its durability.

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