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10 Best Laptops For Students 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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; Silver

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,469
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Operating System

Most important from
186 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip offers a noticeable performance boost over previous models, making it faster and more efficient.
RAM
Upgrading from earlier models, the speed difference is evident, though opting for more memory is advisable for enhanced performance.
Operating System
The transition from Windows to iOS is a fascinating experience, and using this MacBook has been a wonderful journey.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air stands out as a powerful option for students, thanks to its sleek design and exceptional performance. It features the Apple M4 chip, which ensures smooth multitasking, whether you're switching between apps, editing videos, or even some casual gaming. With 16GB of unified memory, students can expect fast and responsive operation, ideal for running demanding applications. Storage-wise, the 256GB SSD is speedy and sufficient for most student needs, but those with extensive media libraries might need extra storage solutions.

A remarkable feature for students on the go is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours, which means you won't need to carry a charger around campus. Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is vibrant and crisp, making it excellent for reading, writing, and streaming. At just 2.73 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to carry between classes.

The MacBook Air also excels in connectivity, with Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and efficient connections. However, the limited number of ports might require adapters for some peripherals. The inclusion of a 12MP Center Stage camera and a high-quality audio system enhances video calls and multimedia experiences, which are beneficial for virtual classes and meetings.

One downside is the price, which can be steep for students on a budget. Additionally, the MacBook Air runs on macOS, which may require some adjustment for students used to Windows-based systems. But for those within the Apple ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, providing a cohesive user experience.

In conclusion, the 2025 MacBook Air is a robust choice for students who prioritize performance, portability, and a high-quality display, though its premium price point and limited storage may not suit everyone.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,469
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Operating System

Most important from
186 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip offers a noticeable performance boost over previous models, making it faster and more efficient.
RAM
Upgrading from earlier models, the speed difference is evident, though opting for more memory is advisable for enhanced performance.
Operating System
The transition from Windows to iOS is a fascinating experience, and using this MacBook has been a wonderful journey.
#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

Rating
9.6
Portability
Battery Life
Performance (Processor and RAM)

Most important from
4231 reviews

Portability
Sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to carry around campus.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting through a full day of classes without needing to recharge.
Performance (Processor and RAM)
Surprisingly fast performance for its price, handling coding and assignments efficiently.
Display Quality
The screen brightness and quality are impressive, offering clear and vibrant visuals.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Keyboard is comfortable and quiet, enhancing the typing experience.
Build Quality and Durability
Build quality feels solid, though the screen portion is somewhat bendable and should be handled with care.

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.

Rating
9.6
Portability
Battery Life
Performance (Processor and RAM)

Most important from
4231 reviews

Portability
Sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to carry around campus.
Battery Life
Battery life is reliable, lasting through a full day of classes without needing to recharge.
Performance (Processor and RAM)
Surprisingly fast performance for its price, handling coding and assignments efficiently.
Display Quality
The screen brightness and quality are impressive, offering clear and vibrant visuals.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Keyboard is comfortable and quiet, enhancing the typing experience.
Build Quality and Durability
Build quality feels solid, though the screen portion is somewhat bendable and should be handled with care.
#3

Dell Inspiron 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop - Business & Student Laptop Computer, with Office Lifetime & Win 11 Pro, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, External DVD Drive, WVA LED FHD Anti-Glare Display, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
48 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop is super fast, thanks to the Ryzen 7 processor and 64GB RAM, allowing seamless multitasking without any lag.
Storage
With 2TB of storage, the laptop offers ample space for files and applications, making it ideal for both school and work.
Display
The touchscreen is praised for being clear and responsive, enhancing the user experience.
Operating System
The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Office 2024 is a significant bonus, adding to the laptop's value.
Connectivity
An external DVD drive is a valuable addition for accessing older files, complementing modern connectivity options.

The Dell Inspiron 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop is a compelling choice for students, offering a blend of strong performance and ample storage. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U CPU with a speed of up to 4.5 GHz, it handles multitasking efficiently, making it suitable for both academic and light entertainment purposes. With an impressive 64GB RAM and a 2TB SSD, this laptop provides more than enough memory and storage for large files and quick access to applications, which is beneficial for students who use resource-intensive applications.

The 15.6" Full HD touchscreen with anti-glare and wide viewing angles ensures comfortable viewing, particularly in well-lit environments, which is ideal for extended study sessions. However, while the display quality is generally excellent, it might not satisfy those needing high refresh rates for gaming or advanced graphic design work. Weighing 3.59 pounds and measuring just 0.75 inches in thickness, this laptop is relatively portable, though some may find it slightly cumbersome compared to ultra-light models. Battery life, while not explicitly stated, typically complements the energy-efficient components, suggesting decent longevity for daily use.

Running on Windows 11 Pro, it provides robust security and productivity features including a lifetime license for Microsoft Office, ensuring essential software is readily available without extra cost. The inclusion of an external CD/DVD drive and a mouse adds value, especially for students who still use physical media. Connectivity is decent with multiple USB ports and a memory card slot, although the integrated graphics may be a limitation for those requiring advanced graphics performance. As a student laptop, it excels in offering a balance of performance, utility, and additional features, although its weight may be a minor drawback for some students prioritizing maximum portability.

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Display

Most important from
48 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop is super fast, thanks to the Ryzen 7 processor and 64GB RAM, allowing seamless multitasking without any lag.
Storage
With 2TB of storage, the laptop offers ample space for files and applications, making it ideal for both school and work.
Display
The touchscreen is praised for being clear and responsive, enhancing the user experience.
Operating System
The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Office 2024 is a significant bonus, adding to the laptop's value.
Connectivity
An external DVD drive is a valuable addition for accessing older files, complementing modern connectivity options.

Buying Guide for the Best Laptops For Students

Choosing the right laptop for students involves considering several factors that will ensure the device meets their academic needs and personal preferences. Students typically require a laptop that is portable, reliable, and capable of handling various tasks such as writing papers, conducting research, and participating in online classes. It's important to balance performance, battery life, and ease of use to find the best fit.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of the laptop and determines how fast and efficiently it can run applications. For students, a mid-range processor like Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is usually sufficient, as it can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos. If you are studying a field that requires more intensive computing, such as engineering or graphic design, you might need a higher-end processor like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how smoothly your laptop can run multiple applications at once. For most students, 8GB of RAM is adequate for general use, including running office applications and browsing the internet. If you plan to run more demanding software or multitask heavily, consider opting for 16GB of RAM to ensure better performance.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop. Solid State Drives (SSD) are faster and more reliable than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD). For students, a 256GB SSD is typically enough for storing documents, applications, and some media files. If you need more space for large files or software, consider a 512GB SSD or higher.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial for students who need to use their laptops throughout the day without frequent recharging. Look for laptops that offer at least 8 hours of battery life to ensure it can last through classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities. If you are often on the go, prioritize models with longer battery life.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. A Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is generally sufficient for most students, providing clear and sharp visuals for reading, writing, and watching videos. If you are studying fields like graphic design or video production, you might benefit from a higher resolution display or better color accuracy.
PortabilityPortability is important for students who need to carry their laptops to classes, libraries, and other locations. Look for laptops that are lightweight (under 4 pounds) and have a slim design. A screen size of 13 to 14 inches strikes a good balance between usability and portability.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) determines the software environment of your laptop. Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS are the most common options. Windows is versatile and compatible with a wide range of software, making it a good choice for most students. macOS is preferred by those who are already in the Apple ecosystem or need specific software available only on Macs. Chrome OS is lightweight and ideal for basic tasks and web-based applications, suitable for students who primarily use Google services.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi are essential for connecting peripherals and accessing the internet. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports for your needs, and consider models with USB-C for faster data transfer and charging. HDMI ports are useful for connecting to external displays, and reliable Wi-Fi is crucial for online learning.

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