10 Best Student Laptops 2025 in the United States

The HP 14 Laptop is designed with students in mind, offering a blend of portability and performance that makes it suitable for schoolwork and casual use. Weighing just 3.24 pounds and featuring a thin profile, it’s easy to carry around campus or in a backpack. The 14-inch Micro-edge HD display provides a decent viewing experience, thanks to a high screen-to-body ratio that minimizes distractions from bezels. However, the resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels may not satisfy those expecting high-definition visual quality for media consumption or graphic work.

Performance-wise, the Intel Celeron N4020 processor, paired with 4 GB of RAM, handles everyday tasks like browsing, word processing, and streaming relatively well. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking, which could be a downside for students working on intensive projects. The laptop offers 64 GB of storage, which is adequate for basic file storage, but students may find it limiting for storing large files, applications, or media. Fortunately, the inclusion of Microsoft 365 for a year adds significant value, especially for students who need productivity software.

Battery life is another strong point, with up to 10 hours on a single charge, allowing students to work through long days without needing to recharge. Connectivity options are solid, featuring multiple USB ports and wireless capabilities, making it easy to connect peripherals and access the internet. The build quality may not match that of higher-end models; it lacks a robust feel that can withstand heavy use over time. Additionally, the operating system is Windows 11 S, which limits software installations to the Microsoft Store, potentially frustrating those who prefer to use a wider range of applications.

The HP 14 Laptop is a good choice for budget-conscious students looking for a lightweight device for basic tasks, though those needing higher performance or storage capacity might need to consider alternatives.

The 2022 Apple MacBook Air with M2 chip is a sleek and lightweight laptop, weighing just 2.7 pounds, making it highly portable for students who need to carry their laptops to classes or study sessions. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, ideal for long days on campus without needing to recharge frequently. Performance-wise, the M2 chip ensures quick and efficient processing, with 16GB of RAM and an 8-core CPU handling multiple tasks smoothly, which is great for students with demanding workloads or those who multitask often.

The 256GB SSD storage offers decent space for documents and applications, although students with larger storage needs might find it limited and may consider the upgrade options available. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display provides vibrant colors and sharp details, enhancing the viewing experience for studying and streaming content. The backlit Magic Keyboard is comfortable for typing, even in low-light conditions, and the 1080p FaceTime HD camera is perfect for virtual classes and video calls. Build quality is robust with its all-aluminum unibody design, ensuring durability for daily use.

Connectivity options include a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack, offering versatile connectivity options. Additionally, the Mac OS operating system is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, which can be beneficial for students already in the Apple ecosystem. However, the high price point and limited port selection might be drawbacks for some students. The 2022 MacBook Air is a strong contender for a student laptop, particularly for those looking for a blend of performance, portability, and build quality.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch laptop with the M3 chip is a strong contender for students. Its standout feature is portability; at just under half an inch thick and weighing 2.73 pounds, it's easy to carry around campus. The laptop also impresses with its battery life, offering up to 18 hours, ideal for long days without a power outlet. Performance-wise, the M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU ensures smooth multitasking and can handle demanding applications like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365 efficiently.

Storage is moderate with a 256GB SSD, but it can be upgraded for those needing more space. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors, providing excellent visual quality for both study and entertainment. Additionally, the build quality is robust, typical of Apple's products, and the laptop features a backlit keyboard and Touch ID for added convenience and security.

In terms of connectivity, it includes two Thunderbolt ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a MagSafe charging port, though the limited number of USB ports might require adapters for some peripherals. The operating system, macOS, is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, making it a great choice for students already in the Apple ecosystem.

However, it isn’t without drawbacks. The price point can be high compared to other student laptops, and the storage might be insufficient for those with large files unless upgraded. The limited number of ports could also be a downside for students requiring multiple connections. Despite these minor cons, the MacBook Air excels in portability, battery life, and performance, making it a solid option for students.