Top Laptops for Students in 2024: Best for School, College & University

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Student Laptop in 2024

Introduction

As a student, having a reliable laptop is essential for success in your academic journey. The best student laptops not only facilitate your studies and help you create an efficient work setup, but they also serve as your go-to companion for entertainment, whether it’s streaming movies, gaming, or video-calling with loved ones.

The Challenges of Being a Student

Contrary to popular belief, student life is not all about late starts and endless parties. It can be challenging, and navigating through college or university without a decent laptop can make it even more difficult. However, finding the perfect laptop doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. There are plenty of affordable options available, including Chromebooks, MacBooks, and Windows laptops, each running on a different operating system.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Student Laptop

When selecting a student laptop, it’s crucial to find a balance between features and price, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Keep in mind that your laptop should be able to handle your daily tasks, such as writing essays, conducting research, and completing online exams, without draining your financial resources. Remember, while investing in a good laptop is important, don’t forget to allocate some funds for other essential expenses, like food – your parents will appreciate it!

Top 3 Student Laptops for 2024

1. Dell XPS 13: The Premium Windows Option

The Dell XPS 13 is a top-of-the-line Windows laptop that offers a perfect blend of power, portability, and style. With its sleek design and high-performance components, this laptop is ideal for students who require a reliable machine for demanding tasks like video editing or programming. Although it comes with a higher price tag compared to other options, the Dell XPS 13 is a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it.

2. Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The Budget-Friendly Windows Laptop

For students on a tight budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent choice. This Windows laptop offers all the essential features needed for everyday tasks, such as writing papers and attending online classes. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for cost-conscious students who don’t want to compromise on quality.

3. Acer Chromebook Spin 713: The Versatile Chrome OS Device

For students who prefer the simplicity and security of Chrome OS, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a fantastic option. This convertible laptop can be used as a tablet or a traditional laptop, making it perfect for taking notes, reading e-books, or watching educational videos. With its long battery life and lightweight design, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is an ideal companion for students who are always on the go.

Conclusion

Choosing the best student laptop in 2024 depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you opt for a premium Windows laptop like the Dell XPS 13, a budget-friendly option like the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, or a versatile Chrome OS device like the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, make sure to prioritize the features that matter most to you. With the right laptop by your side, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of student life and excel in your academic pursuits.

The Ultimate Student Laptops for 2024: Power, Portability, and Style

Google Pixelbook Go: Premium Looks at an Affordable Price

If you’re seeking a Chromebook that combines sleek design with impressive performance, the Google Pixelbook Go is a top contender. While it may be slightly more expensive than other Chromebooks, the Pixelbook Go offers a premium look and feel at a fraction of the cost of comparable PCs or Macs. Key features include:

• Stunning touchscreen display
• High-quality webcam for video calls
• Exceptional battery life

Although the processor may seem underpowered compared to Apple’s silicon, Chrome OS is designed to be lightweight and efficient, requiring less horsepower than other operating systems.

Described as “the best Chromebook ever”, read our full Google PixelBook Go review to see if you agree

LG Gram 16: The Perfect Balance of Screen Size and Portability

For students who prioritize a large screen without sacrificing portability, the LG Gram 16 is an excellent choice. This Windows laptop boasts a 16-inch IPS LCD with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P processor and 16GB of RAM. While it may be pricier than some options, the LG Gram 16 offers an unbeatable combination of screen real estate and lightweight design.

Dell XPS 13: The Ultimate Premium Windows Laptop for Students

Consistently praised by tech experts, the Dell XPS 13 series is a top choice for students seeking a powerful, well-built, and compact Windows laptop. The ‘9310’ model, while slightly older than the ‘9320’ replacement, offers excellent value for money with its 11th Gen Intel processors and up to 16GB of RAM. Key features include:

• Sleek design with minimal bezels
• Stunning display with optional 4K resolution
• Exceptional color reproduction and detail

Does this sound like the top-end Windows laptop for your studies? Read our full Dell XPS 13 review to find out more about this quality laptop

2023 Apple MacBook Pro: The Ultimate Choice for Creative Students

For students who require uncompromising performance for demanding creative tasks, the 2023 Apple MacBook Pro is the ultimate choice. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, these laptops feature Apple’s powerful M2 Pro or M2 Max processors and up to an astonishing 96GB of unified memory. While they come at a premium price, the MacBook Pro models are designed to handle even the most challenging workloads with ease.

The Best Laptops for Students in 2023

Apple MacBook Pro (2023)

The Apple MacBook Pro (2023) is the ultimate powerhouse for students who require top-notch performance. With its M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, this laptop can handle even the most demanding projects effortlessly. The quiet operation and impressive battery life make it perfect for students on the go.

The main drawback is the high price tag, which may require taking out a loan in addition to existing student loans. However, if you truly need a high-performance laptop for your studies, the MacBook Pro 2023 is worth considering.

Like the ideal of a super-powerful Mac and need one for your studies? Read our full MacBook Pro 2023 (M2 Pro) review to learn more (about the 16-inch model; there’s also the 14-inch variant)

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon

For students seeking a lightweight and portable laptop, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is an excellent choice. Weighing less than a kilogram and no larger than a notepad, this laptop is incredibly easy to carry between home and classes. Despite its compact size, it offers decent performance with Intel Core i processor options, making it suitable for productivity tasks. However, it may not be the best option for extensive photo and video editing.

The Yoga Slim 7i Carbon features a crisp, detailed screen, a sleek design, and a satisfying keyboard. While the battery life is average and it lacks a fingerprint sensor, its portability and performance make it a great choice for students.

Fancy a lightweight laptop to aid your studies (and save your back)? Read our full Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon review to see if it’s the right fit for your needs

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 stands out as the best convertible laptop for students. Its 360-degree hinge allows for both laptop and tablet modes, making it versatile for various use cases. The stylus input option is particularly useful for drawing, note-taking, and annotation.

While not the most powerful laptop on the market, the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 offers adequate performance and silent operation thanks to its passive cooling technology. The main drawback is its relatively high price point.

If this convertible sounds like a good fit, and you’re keen for the stylus input, then take a look at our full Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 review for more info

Acer Swift 3

The Acer Swift 3 is a well-rounded and compact laptop that offers excellent value for students. With a 14-inch Full HD screen, Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, and support for Wi-Fi 6, this laptop is capable of handling both work and entertainment needs.

One of the standout features of the Acer Swift 3 is its selection of ports, which include 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, and 1x HDMI. For students who require a dedicated graphics card, the top-end configuration options even offer an Nvidia GeForce MX350. While the battery life is average and the price is slightly on the higher side, the Acer Swift 3 remains a solid choice for students seeking a reliable Windows laptop.

In the market for a sensibly-priced Windows laptop to help you get the best when back at school? Read our full Acer Swift 3 review to see if it fits the bill

Discover the Ideal Laptop for Your Academic Journey

(Image credit: Future)

The Ultimate 2-in-1 Companion

Specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2500U quad-core 2-3.6GHz
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX Vega 8
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Screen: 13.3-inch FHD IPS LCD
• Storage: 128GB SSD

Reasons to buy:

• Incredibly adaptable design
• Sleek and modern aesthetics
• Budget-friendly price point

Reasons to avoid:

• Stylus not included
• Mediocre sound quality

If the Dell XPS 2-in-1 doesn’t quite fit your needs, consider the HP Envy x360 13 as a fantastic alternative. This laptop seamlessly combines impressive specifications with a stylish design, all at a surprisingly reasonable cost.

Equipped with capable internal components, the HP Envy x360 13 can handle the majority of your academic tasks with ease. While it may not be suitable for intensive gaming or video editing, it’s the perfect companion for crafting essays, conducting online research, or creating budget spreadsheets.

As a 2-in-1 device, the HP Envy x360 offers unparalleled versatility. Once your work is complete, simply flip the laptop into “tent mode” and enjoy your favorite streaming content on the vibrant 13.3-inch display.

Does this convertible laptop sound like your dream study companion? Read our full HP Envy x360 review to learn more about its potential

Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing a Student Laptop

In today’s digital age, laptops for students serve a multitude of purposes beyond mere essay writing and note-taking. With the rise of online classes, video meetings, and virtual collaborations, students are spending more time than ever on their laptops. To ensure optimal performance, it’s crucial not to compromise on an underpowered model.

As we approach the new academic year, retailers are offering enticing discounts on high-quality laptops perfect for both new and returning students.

The best student laptops distinguish themselves from other categories by excelling as all-rounders while maintaining excellent value for money. They must strike a balance between delivering essential features and remaining affordable.

The emergence of Chromebooks and Apple’s iPads has revolutionized the market, pushing PC manufacturers to elevate their offerings. Consider exploring The Zero Byte’s best tablets guide as well, as many modern tablets can function as capable laptops with the addition of a keyboard.

When selecting the ideal student laptop, price is undoubtedly a significant factor, but it shouldn’t be the sole criterion. Our guide encompasses a wide range of options, manufacturers, and operating systems to cater to the diverse needs of every student.

As we navigate the uncertainties of the upcoming academic year, one thing remains certain: these laptops will be the perfect companions for studying, enjoying movie nights with roommates, staying connected with loved ones, and unleashing your creativity.

Choosing the Perfect Student Laptop for Your Needs

We hope our student laptop guide proves invaluable for anyone shopping for a capable and affordable system to enhance their productivity. We continuously update this list with the latest models and information, so be sure to check back regularly. Additionally, we’ve included essential buying advice to help you narrow down the ideal learning tool for your return to school.

Modern computers must support a vast array of software, as various courses have specific requirements beyond standard office packages. Microsoft’s Office 365 suite is available for free to students, while Google’s Chromebooks and the associated Google Docs suite offer another free alternative.

These laptops should be capable of running HD video lectures without stuttering, and a good set of speakers is always beneficial for listening to teachers or enjoying music. Affordability is also crucial, given the rising costs of education worldwide.

Integrated webcams are now a standard feature on every laptop, making them essential for web lectures and broadcast media-related courses.

Our Approach to Testing Student Laptops

When testing student laptops, we consider the various aspects that buyers would evaluate in-store, given the versatility and power of these devices.

We begin by assessing the build quality and design, looking for signs of robustness, quality, and overall fit and finish. During this stage, we also evaluate the laptop’s screen, examining its color balance, fidelity, and features such as anti-glare coatings or slim bezels.

Next, we focus on the laptop’s hardware, both on paper and in practice. We review its core specifications, including the processor, RAM, storage capacity, and graphics chip, before benchmarking the overall package using a range of tools.

We then move on to the experiential aspects of the review process, assessing the laptop’s operating system, software, and real-world performance. This includes evaluating its portability and performance in various settings, such as coffee shops.

Finally, we examine any noteworthy features, such as RGB lighting systems, mechanical keyboards, built-in webcams, touchscreens, rotating screens, stylus support, and biometric sign-in options. We also provide a rough, real-world estimate of the system’s battery life.

Only after completing these stages do we officially score the student laptop using a 5-star system, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. If the laptop scores highly, it is then considered for The Zero Byte’s recommendations.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Student Laptop

Selecting the perfect laptop for your academic needs can be a daunting task. With countless options available, it’s essential to find a system that caters to your specific requirements. Our comprehensive student laptop buying guide is here to showcase the cream of the crop, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Rigorous Testing for Reliable Results

At The Zero Byte, we take pride in our meticulous testing process. Every product undergoes a series of rigorous assessments to provide you with accurate and trustworthy reviews. For a detailed breakdown of our testing methodology, visit our How We Test page.

Factors to Consider

When choosing between a desktop and a laptop for your next computer, consider your lifestyle and computing needs. Laptops offer unparalleled portability, allowing you to work and study on the go, while desktops provide more power and expandability for resource-intensive tasks.

Microsoft Surface Lineup

Microsoft’s Surface family of computers has gained popularity among students for their sleek design and versatility. Check out our ranking of every Surface computer currently available to find the one that best suits your needs.

Remember, investing in the right laptop can greatly enhance your academic experience. Take the time to evaluate your requirements and explore the options presented in our guide to make a well-informed decision.