Looking for a computer for taking remote classes, or just for carrying around campus? Either way, start your "best college laptops" short list with these top-rated, value-focused models.
ByTom Brant
Tom Brant
Deputy Managing Editor
My Experience
I’m the deputy managing editor of the hardware team at PCMag.com. Reading this during the day? Then you've caught me testing gear and editing reviews of laptops, desktop PCs, and tons of other personal tech. (Reading this at night? Then I’m probably dreaming about all those cool products.) I’ve covered the consumer tech world as an editor, reporter, and analyst since 2015.
Read Full Bio
&Brian Westover
Brian Westover
Lead Analyst, Hardware
My Experience
If you’re after laptop buying advice, I’m your man. I’ve been reviewing PCs and technology products for more than a decade. I cut my teeth in PC Labs, spending several years with PCMag.com before writing for other outlets, among them LaptopMag.com and Tom’s Guide. While computers are my main focus, I am also the resident Starlink expert, and an AI enthusiast. I’ve also written at length about topics ranging from fitness gear and appliances to TV and home theater equipment. If I’ve used it, I have opinions about it, whether somebody’s paying me to write them up or not.
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UpdatedJanuary 31, 2024
- RELATED:
- Best Chromebooks
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops
- Best Budget Laptops
- Best 2-in-1s
Our Top 9 Picks
Best Overall Value Laptop for Most College Students Jump ToDetails Best Affordable MacBook Laptop for College Jump ToDetails Best Light Laptop for College Jump ToDetails Best 2-in-1 Convertible for College Jump ToDetails Best 2-in-1 Tablet for College Note-Taking Jump ToDetails Best 15- or 16-Inch Desktop Replacement for College Jump ToDetails Best 17-Inch Desktop Replacement for College Jump ToDetails Best Budget Gaming Laptop for College Jump ToDetails Best Chromebook for College Jump ToDetails Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402)
Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)
Acer Swift Go 14
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Dell XPS 15 (9530) (2023)
LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
The Best Student Laptop Deals This Week*
- Dell XPS 13 9315 Intel i7 512GB SSD 8GB RAM 13.4" Laptop — $699.00(List Price $999)
- Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Intel i7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 15.6" Laptop — $529.99(List Price $699.99)
- Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Ryzen 7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 15.6" Laptop — $429.99(List Price $799.99)
- HP Pavilion 15 Ryzen 7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 15.6" Laptop — $519.99(List Price $849.99)
- Asus ROG Zephyrus Ryzen 9 RTX 4060 512GB SSD 14" Laptop — $999.99(List Price $1,599.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
For students, a laptop is as essential as textbooks and a school ID—and not just for taking notes and writing papers. It also needs to handle your extracurricular activities, from streaming movies and music to keeping up with your social networks, posting photos, gaming, and video chatting with the 'rents back home. With more colleges and universities mixing on-campus and remote learning, a laptop you can use wherever you are is essential.
A college laptop must also respect your budget while lasting through at least four years of undergrad and maybe a year or two of grad school. Lucky for you, we've collected our favorites from recent reviews—notebooks that not only fit the above criteria but (for the most part) are priced under $1,000, so they won't replace tuition as the biggest threat to your bank account. Check out our picks for the best college laptops for 2024, then keep reading to learn the details of what to look for while shopping.
Our Experts Have Tested 123 Products in the Laptops Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402)
Best Overall Value Laptop for Most College Students
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Asus's Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) is one of the best laptop deals a college student can get. Our top pick is a deep value for including premium touches at less than $1,000, like a beautiful 14-inch OLED touch screen with professional-grade color quality and a sleek ruggedized chassis. This Zenbook is at once ultraportable and sturdy enough to pass 12 MIL-STD-810H military-grade tests. The long battery life will carry you through a day of classes, the ample port selection eliminates the need to carry dongles, and the overall performance is solid, thanks to the AMD Ryzen CPU inside.
Who It's For
At less than $1,000, this is the best ultraportable for today's college or university student. It's especially ideal for college students who want a serious value without sacrificing professional-grade features and performance. The Zenbook's ultraportable design is excellent for traversing campus, and its performance will keep up with most college courseloads shy of hardcore engineering or design fields.
PROS
- Beautiful 14-inch OLED touch screen
- Long battery life
- Plenty of ports with no need for dongles
- Sturdy, ultraportable, MIL-STD chassis
CONS
- AMD model lags behind Intel-powered competitors
- Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics don't dazzle
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Ultraportable |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U |
Processor Speed | 2 GHz |
RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 14 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1800 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | OLED |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Graphics Memory | |
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.67 by 12.34 by 8.69 inches |
Weight | 3.06 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 15:46 |
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Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) Review
Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)
Best Affordable MacBook Laptop for College
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
The M2-powered MacBook Air comes in two sizes: the 13-inch model from 2022, and the larger 15-inch version from 2023. Both are excellent, highly portable systems, but the 13-inch Air frequently sells for under $1,000, making it the perfect choice for college students who need a Mac. At just 2.7 pounds, it's well-sized for carrying across campus, but the vibrant 13.6-inch screen won't leave you hemmed in as you type out work. Despite its slimness, the chassis is sturdy, and the port selection isn't bad, with USB-C and a MagSafe power connector. This is all dressing around the M2 processor, which will keep up with almost any level of coursework and last for nearly 13 hours of battery life.
Who It's For
The featherweight M2 MacBook Air is ideal for everyday users, of course. However, it's especially recommended for the college student who needs to have capability and portability but still has to keep it affordable. This sub-$1,000 laptop is the Mac to get for the classroom, the dorm room, and those Spring Break flights.
PROS
- Stunning, slim design
- Larger, more vibrant 13.6-inch display
- Multiple color options
- M2 chip delivers excellent performance
CONS
- Shorter battery life than 2020 M1 MacBook Air
- Camera notch encroaches on display panel
- Limited to two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports (though mitigated, in part, by MagSafe connector)
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Ultraportable |
Processor | Apple M2 |
Processor Speed | |
RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
Screen Size | 13.6 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 2560 by 1664 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Apple M2 |
Graphics Memory | |
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.44 by 11.97 by 8.46 inches |
Weight | 2.7 lbs |
Operating System | Apple macOS |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 12:55 |
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Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2) Review
Acer Swift Go 14
Best Light Laptop for College
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Acer Swift Go 14 provides exceptional value, combining impressive hardware and features in a lightweight laptop at a decent starting price. Despite weighing just 2.9 pounds, this 14-inch ultraportable is powered by an Intel Core i7-13700H processor as tested, making it ideal for getting work done quickly. From the gorgeous (optional) high-res OLED display to a capable collection of ports, it's a versatile machine for coming in at less than 3 pounds.
Who It's For
With a thin-and-light design that's less than 3 pounds and has a light price to match, the Acer Swift Go 14 is ideal for over-laden college students who prioritize performance and display quality. If you're married to Windows and need the optimal balance of low weight and power, this is the laptop to start with.
PROS
- Exceptional price-to-performance
- Brilliant display
- Decent I/O for a thin-and-light
CONS
- Unlovable keyboard
- A little thick
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Ultraportable |
Processor | Intel Core i7-13700H |
Processor Speed | |
RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 14 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1800 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | OLED |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Graphics Memory | |
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.73 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches |
Weight | 2.9 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 8:43 |
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Acer Swift Go 14 Review
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
Best 2-in-1 Convertible for College
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
College students could find a lot to like in a 2-in-1 laptop, giving you flexibility for typing or taking notes with a pen. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) is affordable and performant, making it the best 2-in-1 convertible for college. The 14-inch display is the right size for portability and convertible use, the 13-hour battery life will carry you through a full day of classes, and the Intel Core i5-1335U will power both projects and entertainment. Throw in a useful collection of ports and a 1080p webcam, and it's a smart pick for students.
Who It's For
College students seeking a budget-friendly 2-in-1 convertible will appreciate the portability, performance, and better-than-average features of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023). If you're looking for a catch-all computer to serve you well in school, stop your search and consider this Lenovo laptop.
PROS
- Strong application performance
- Right-size screen for 2-in-1 versatility
- Crisp, accurate 1080p webcam
- Varied and useful port selection
- Long runtime
CONS
- No CPU or screen upgrades
- Display's color coverage is lacking
- Gray keys clash with deep blue chassis
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Convertible 2-in-1 |
Processor | Intel Core i5-1335U |
Processor Speed | 1.3 GHz |
RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
Boot Drive Type | Hard Drive |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 14 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe |
Graphics Memory | |
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.78 by 12.3 by 8.9 inches |
Weight | 3.5 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 13:32 |
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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) Review
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best 2-in-1 Tablet for College Note-Taking
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Intel Core-based version of the Surface Pro 9 is the best 2-in-1 tablet for college students due to its impressive performance, outstanding battery life, and pen-friendly 3:2 screen that's exceptional for taking handwritten notes. With a sleek design, upgradable storage, and two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, the Surface Pro 9 is easily the most capable 2-in-1 on the market. The device's engineering and design have no real challengers, making it a highly practical tablet with the performance to reliably replace a laptop. Although it has a high starting price, the Surface Pro 9 remains the best choice among high-end Windows tablets, and our top pick for college and university students.
Who It's For
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is an ideal choice for college students who need a versatile device that is suitable for taking notes, completing assignments, and entertainment purposes. The combination of powerful performance and intuitive hands-on use makes it perfect for both the lecture hall and the dorm room, and extended battery life means you can do both without being tied to a power outlet. The tablet's superb digital inking makes it an ideal choice for students who prefer taking handwritten notes, but support for keyboard accessories and docking solutions makes it a practical investment for college students who require a reliable device that can replace their laptops, too.
PROS
- Impressive performance and battery life
- Outstanding cameras
- Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
- Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
- User-upgradable storage
CONS
- Essential accessories still not included
- No more headphone jack
- 5G only available with SQ3 processor
- High starting price
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Detachable 2-in-1 |
Processor | Intel Core i7-1255U |
Processor Speed | |
RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 256 GB |
Screen Size | 13 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1920 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe |
Graphics Memory | |
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches |
Weight | 1.9 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 13:12 |
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Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) Review
Dell XPS 15 (9530) (2023)
Best 15- or 16-Inch Desktop Replacement for College
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
If you want a nearly perfect desktop replacement for school, the 2023 Dell XPS 15 is the clear leader, earning an Editors' Choice award, leading among 15- and 16-inch laptops. Armed in our test unit with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, and a 4K OLED display, this machine will handle any content creation or general productivity task you throw at it, from writing papers to editing video to doing CAD work. Powerful enough for multimedia editing work or heavy data manipulation, it's a laptop that can take you through years of advanced studies in any topic. Plus, it's ready to fire up the latest games and movies, making it just as capable for when the work is done.
Who It's For
If you need a powerful laptop that's still portable enough to take to the lecture hall or library, the 15-inch XPS 15 is a reasonably slim desktop replacement that offers plenty of power for the most demanding tasks. And with more than 14 hours of battery life in our rundown test, it'll still have enough juice to let you watch a movie before you need to reach for the charger.
PROS
- Faster performance than ever
- GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs
- Brilliant OLED touch screen
- Premium build quality
- Long battery life
CONS
- Limited graphics performance ceiling
- Still has 720p webcam
- USB-C ports only (adapter included)
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Desktop Replacement |
Processor | Intel Core i7-13700H |
Processor Speed | |
RAM (as Tested) | 32 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 3456 by 2160 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | OLED |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU |
Graphics Memory | 8 GB |
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.71 by 13.6 by 9.1 inches |
Weight | 4.2 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 14:03 |
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Dell XPS 15 (9530) (2023) Review
LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
Best 17-Inch Desktop Replacement for College
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The LG Gram Pro 17 is a singular product among big-screen laptops, delivering a big 16:10 display in a thin and light package that's just 3.2 pounds. That's light enough to carry across campus without much trouble, and the ultra-light Gram pairs that with a capable Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. With plenty of oomph for media creation (and even light gaming) and a battery that stretches almost 18 hours, it's the best 17-inch laptop for college students.
Who It's For
For college students who want a bigger screen, or need a little more performance for media work or gaming, without going full "gamer," the LG Gram Pro 17 is your best bet. For covering so many types of college-grade use cases, this is our favorite 17-inch desktop replacement for college students.
PROS
- Remarkably light for a 17-inch laptop
- Big, beautiful 16:10 display with variable refresh
- Long battery life
- GeForce GPU suitable for light gaming
CONS
- Flexible bordering on flimsy
- Awkward top-row keys
- Poor audio
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Desktop Replacement |
Processor | Intel Core i7-1360P |
Processor Speed | |
RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
Screen Size | 17 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 2560 by 1600 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | Manual |
Screen Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 |
Graphics Memory | 4 GB |
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.7 by 14.9 by 10.2 inches |
Weight | 3.2 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 17:55 |
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LG Gram Pro 17 (2023) Review
Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF
Best Budget Gaming Laptop for College
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
College students often need powerful laptops for their day-to-day work, but let's be honest: Sometimes you just want something that will also let you have some fun on the weekends. In the Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF, at $999 you'll get surprisingly good performance, sturdy construction, an abundance of ports, and even reasonable battery life. All that is far from a given on a gaming notebook. In fact, it brings enough gaming prowess to budget-tight gamers to be our top recommendation for an affordable gaming laptop for college students.
Who It's For
Perfect for budget-conscious gamers and cash-strapped students, the Aorus 15 BMF delivers the best value mix of the 2023 budget laptop crop. Your student won't mind carrying it around, either—it looks like a premium machine—and you might still have some cash left over for everything else (especially all those bills!) that college throws at you.
PROS
- Sturdy, elegant construction
- On-point performance for the price
- Commendable keyboard
- Plenty of ports
- Rare 1080p webcam
- Sufficient battery life
CONS
- Merely average display
- RTX 4050 is outmatched by the RTX 3060
- Hit-or-miss touchpad
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Gaming |
Processor | Intel Core i5-13500H |
Processor Speed | |
RAM (as Tested) | 8 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1080 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU |
Graphics Memory | 6 GB |
Wireless Networking | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.82 by 14.2 by 10.7 inches |
Weight | 5.25 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 7:10 |
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Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF Review
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
Best Chromebook for College
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
If you're comfortable relying on tools like Google Docs and Android apps for your coursework, a Chromebook may be the best option for cash-strapped students. The 2023 Acer Chromebook Spin 514 manages to not only be a best-in-class Chromebook, but it's also a great 2-in-1 laptop, going head to head with the best Windows and ChromeOS systems available and coming out on top for the money. The AMD processor delivers top-notch performance, while design features like a a full HD webcam, a Wi-Fi 6 radio, a USB-C port, and an HDMI connection complement the flexible convertible design. With a generous 13-hour battery life, this Chromebook won't need frequent charging, and its sturdy aluminum build has MIL-STD 810H certification to survive the rigors of campus life, making it our current pick for best Chromebook for college.
Who It's For
If your course load tends toward writing papers and researching online (and maybe some very light browser-based media editing), the Chromebook Spin 514 will serve you well, possibly as a laptop supplement to your main desktop PC back in the dorm. With more than 13 hours battery life and support for both Chrome and Android apps, this Chromebook makes the grade for undergrads and grad students alike.
PROS
- Category-leading performance with AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- Excellent full HD webcam
- Rugged MIL-STD 810H construction with sturdy aluminum
- Decent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and HDMI out
CONS
- Uses cheaper eMMC storage
- 16:9 aspect ratio feels like a throwback
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
- No stylus included
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Laptop Class | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1 |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5625C |
Processor Speed | 2.3 GHz |
RAM (as Tested) | 8 GB |
Boot Drive Type | eMMC Flash Memory |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 128 GB |
Screen Size | 14 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1080 |
Touch Screen | |
Panel Technology | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Graphics Processor | Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics |
Graphics Memory | |
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.68 by 12.7 by 8.8 inches |
Weight | 3.3 lbs |
Operating System | Chrome OS |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 13:21 |
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Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023) Review
Buying Guide: The Best Laptops for College Students in 2024
How do you narrow down the list above, let alone other laptops not mentioned here, to find the right one to be your college colleague? Some of the questions to ask will apply to all laptop shoppers, whether families with kids or corporate executives; others are specific to higher education. Let's run down what you need to know.
Check With the School: Do College Students Get Laptop Discounts?
The first, and most important, thing to do is check with your school for specific system requirements and negotiated discounts. They may have hard-and-fast hardware recommendations available at special prices from vendors—or not.
Some colleges and universities want their students equipped withWindows-based laptops, to cut down on software incompatibility issues or to keep technical support concentrated on one platform. Others don't care which operating system you use, whether it's Windows,macOS, or even Linux if you're a hardcore type. Some institutions have onsite computer repair centers that service only laptops purchased from the university or an affiliated computer store on campus. Using one of these facilities, the turn-around time will be much quicker than if you were to send it overnight to the original manufacturer.
Most schools do offer price breaks for particular vendors and include extensive software bundles, which can shave off a good amount from your laptop purchase. So you might want to look into the campus store as a first shopping destination before you hit your local superstore or favorite online seller.
How Heavy Should a College Laptop Be?
Not every student will agree, but depending on how far you'll haul it every day, a big-screen notebook may not be such a good idea.
It's nice to have a mini home theater in your dorm room or play the latest games in big-screen glory, but a 5-pound-plus laptop with a 15- or- 17-inch screen will be a chore to haul across campus while you're running from class to class. You're better off with something that's light: If screen size matters less to you than convenience, a super-thinultraportablemight be the way to go.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
For most people, a 13- or 14-inch widescreen panel is ideal, as it will make room for other items in your backpack and minimize the weight burden. Depending on your tolerance level, a smaller display works as long as you understand that full web pages and productivity applications will involve more scrolling, and fonts will appear smaller than they do on larger screens, assuming the same resolution and zoom level.
Essays, research papers, and chatting online with your classmates will take up most of your computing time, so a full-size keyboard and a comfortable touchpad are crucial. Also know: When you venture smaller than a 13-inch-class laptop, you run the risk of not getting the same typing experience. The easiest way to ensure that you have the best keyboard is to stop by a brick-and-mortar store and spend some time typing on prospective choices of different size classes.
If you do decide to buy a smaller, less expensive laptop, it's probably worth investing in a standalonekeyboardyou can keep at home or in the dorm for when you need to do a lot of typing. A desktop monitor you attach via HDMI could be a nice complement, too.
What Processor to Get in a College Laptop?
Laptops offer a wide selection of processors across both budgets and usage cases—you can choose one that maximizes performance or one that favors battery life. Or you can select one that plays to both strengths: Intel's Core CPUs confer the benefits of both power and battery efficiency. AMD's Ryzen mobile chips are less common but have also emerged as viable picks for ultraportable laptops.
If you desire an all-day battery life and spend almost all of your time in a web browser, you might want to consider going with a Chromebook. These typically run on low-powered processors (Intel Celeron and Pentium chips, in most cases), but these CPUs suffice for the kinds of workaday online tasks that Chromebooks excel at. (More about Chromebooks in a bit, below.) If performance, on the other hand, ranks high on the list, a Mac with an Apple M1 or M2 chip, or a Windows laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, gives you the most oomph. (If you want to dig deeper, our guide to laptop processors gets into lots more detail on understanding CPUs for laptops.) Remember to look out for Intel Core Ultra processors and AMD Ryzen 8000-series chips on the rise, both equipped with on-chip AI hardware to run more of those tasks locally. For most college users, though, a midlevel processor from the last two generations should suffice for most workaday uses outside engineering or heavy-computation curricula like graphic design or video production.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
If you like playing games in your downtime, you might want to splurge on a more expensivegaming laptop. Most general-purpose machines, especially at under-$800 prices, won't have the kind of discrete graphics chip (GPU) necessary to make the hottest AAA game titles look good and play smoothly. But if you hunt around a little, youcanfind gaming laptops these days starting at around $700 to $800 with a decent Nvidia GeForce GTX or (less commonly) AMD Radeon RX GPU for playing games at 1080p and moderate or better settings. (See our guide to thebest cheap gaming laptopsfor lots more about budget GPUs, and about how to buy just enough of a gaming machine for your needs.) A powerful GPU can also help in certain high-end and scientific applications that can benefit from GPU acceleration, but, like a high-powered processor, they also feast on the battery.
The good news is that in most other cases (unless, say, you're an architecture major with a heavy reliance on CAD software), integrated graphics solutions should suffice for the day-to-day tasks you'll face. This is the graphics silicon built into the processors of most budget and midrange laptops. Today, that overwhelmingly means some form of Intel integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics, Intel Iris/Iris Plus graphics, or Intel Xe Graphics. Our reviews will detail their comparative performance levels, but none is a match for even a moderate dedicated GPU. (Read more about the limits of gaming on the integrated graphics processors in mainstream laptops.)
SSDs Are Top-Tier: How Much Storage to Get in a Laptop for College?
With the increasing prevalence of cloud storage and web applications, having plentiful local storage space issomewhatless vital now than it used to be, but you should still make sure that your laptop meets your needs. If you plan to install a lot of programs or want to hang on to lots of large media files, you'll need 500GB of space or more. If you don't foresee needing all that local storage or are content with leaving a lot of your work online, you can get by with a laptop with less space.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Whichever way you go, remember that storage affects speed, too. If you go with one of the increasingly uncommon budget laptops that uses a hard drive, because you get more storage for less money, know that it will be noticeably slower than a snappy-feeling solid-state drive (SSD). The higher cost and lower capacity of a faster SSD is a trade-off that some students are willing to make, and most should. Westronglyrecommend SSDs for laptops that are carried around campus a lot, since the SSDs (if not the laptop itself) are impervious to drop damage. Plus, being a lot faster than hard drives, they give a laptop a much snappier perceived feel.
The good news is that by plugging anexternal hard driveor external SSD into one of your laptop's USB ports, you can add more space whenever you need it. Although you probably won't have to do this unless you're a video junkie or an aspiring filmmaker, it's a good option to have.
Gamers may want to take an altogether different view. With many AAA game installations topping 40GB or 50GB each, a small SSD can get eaten up fast. You'll want to think about that before you buy a machine, say, with a 256GB SSD alone, or at least be prepared to swap games on and off the drive as you tire of or complete them. You really need to insist on at least a 500GB SSD in a gaming laptop.
What Kind of Battery Life to Expect From a College Laptop?
A sizablebatterycan be your biggest ally on a day filled with classes and extracurricular activities. A few school-oriented laptops come with multiple battery options. Most, though, have only one—and it's not removable.
In this case, figure out where battery life ranks in the grand scheme of things. If removable batteries are an option (which is rare), it might be a good idea to get a second one, or a larger "extended" one if available, at the time of purchase. The more "cells" the battery contains within a given model line, the better the battery life, all else being equal.
A big battery can mean some heft, but the weight gain is well worth it if it means leaving the system unplugged from dawn until dusk. This is where our reviews come in especially handy; we've tested every laptop that passes through our labs for battery runtime with nonstop video playback, so you can get a good idea of relative endurance between models.
Are Chromebooks Good for College?
In the past several years, we have seen a strong push by Chromebook manufacturers into the education market. Chromebooks themselves have gone from being glorified netbooks running Chrome OS to laptops that are still web-centric but have a relatively full feature set. If, like many schools, the one you're attending puts its coursework in the cloud, a Chromebook can offer you much of the functionality of a regular laptop, and it may deliver longer battery life.
It will also likely cost you a lot less than other types of notebooks. Prices for basic Chromebook models typically run between $200 and $400 (although higher-end models can go for as much as $1,000). Just be sure you have ready access to constant, stable Wi-Fi, as there is scant local storage on these systems, and you have to plan ahead to use them effectively offline.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
PC gamers, of course, won't find much use for one of these laptops; they only run Chrome OS apps and Android apps from the Google Play store. But a Chromebook can also be a good, inexpensive second laptop you carry around campus to take notes, while your beastly gaming rig (or desktop gaming PC, for that matter) hangs back at the dorm or at home. (In the market for a Chrome OS laptop? We've rounded up today'sbest Chromebooks.)
Are 2-in-1 Laptops Worth It for College?
In recent years, a new category of laptops has emerged. Hybrids, also known as 2-in-1s, are capable of functioning as traditional clamshell-style laptops when you need them to but can transform into tablets when that's a more convenient form for what you're doing. Some (generally calledconvertibles) sport a folding design that flips the keyboard out of the way, usually by rotating all the way around its hinge.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Others ("detachables") allow you to dock a tablet/screen portion of the PC with an accessory keyboard for laptop-like functionality. While these devices are tablets first, some still provide the level of performance you'd expect from a laptop, and are easily used on the go as laptop-like devices with the proper keyboard accessories, or docked at a desk for a more desktop-like experience. However, what they do better than any laptop is let you take handwritten notes just like you would with pen and paper, making them ideal for many types of study. Microsoft's Surface Pro devices tend to be in the forefront in terms of power and design for detachables.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
A budget 2-in-1 might be just what you need to fill a number of roles. One thing to be mindful of: If you are considering a detachable 2-in-1 design, make sure the keyboard base is included in the price. In some cases, it is; in others, it is an added-cost accessory that will bump up the price, sometimes by more than you'd expect. (See how we test laptops.)
How Long a Warranty to Get for a College Laptop?
Almost every laptop you might buy today is backed by at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranties are also available, but whether they're worth it depends on who you are as a user.
For starters, know that the standard warranty doesn't cover accidents that stem from a spilled drink or a drop on concrete. Most manufacturers sell accident coverage as a separate plan, on top of extended warranties that supplement the standard one, so you might end up spending close to $300 for three years of coverage. Apple offers a maximum extended warranty of three years, while some makers of Windows laptops will offer up to four years.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
In our opinion, if the warranty costs more than 15% of the total laptop price, you're better off spending the money on backup drives or services that minimize downtime in case something does go awry. Of course, you can't put a price on peace of mind. In rare instances, the logic board or the display—the most expensive pieces of a laptop—can fail and cost you in repairs half or more of what the laptop is worth. Faulty inner components (except the battery) usually break down during the first year, though; anything after that is probably more about regular wear and tear.
This again, though, is a case where the college itself may be an X-factor. Some schools have special arrangements with specific vendors for onsite service of their laptops, so it could pay, once again, to check with the college's bookstore or computer store to see if any such special circ*mstances apply.It's possible, say, that you could get parts and repairs for your Lenovo ThinkPad done overnight.
So, What Are the Best Laptops for College Students?
As with so many things...it depends. True, there are ever more choices on the market today, and slogging through them can be daunting. No worries, though: We did the work for you.
Scroll or swipe down for detailed specs on the hottest laptops to grace the dorm room, college classroom, and campus quad for this school year. And if you or the person you're shopping for is closer to graduation than freshman year, you should check out our guide to the best laptop for each type of graduate, which offers better choices for career-specific options. For more general factors to look for when shopping, check out ouroverall top laptop picks, as well as our favoritebudget notebooks.
Compare SpecsThe Best Laptops for College Students in 2024
Our Picks | Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402)See It$949.99 at Amazon | Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)See It$1,199.00 at Amazon | Acer Swift Go 14See It$1,099.99 at Amazon | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)See It$554.99 at Lenovo | Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)See It$830.99 at Amazon | Dell XPS 15 (9530) (2023)See It$2,849.00 at Dell | LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)See It$1,891.09 at Amazon | Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMFCheck Stock$949.99 at Best Buy | Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)Check Stock$499.00 at Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review |
Laptop Class | Ultraportable | Ultraportable | Ultraportable | Convertible 2-in-1 | Detachable 2-in-1 | Desktop Replacement | Desktop Replacement | Gaming | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1 |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | Apple M2 | Intel Core i7-13700H | Intel Core i5-1335U | Intel Core i7-1255U | Intel Core i7-13700H | Intel Core i7-1360P | Intel Core i5-13500H | AMD Ryzen 5 5625C |
Processor Speed | 2 GHz | 1.3 GHz | 2.3 GHz | ||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | Hard Drive | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | eMMC Flash Memory |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 512 GB | 1 TB | 512 GB | 512 GB | 256 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 512 GB | 128 GB |
Screen Size | 14 inches | 13.6 inches | 14 inches | 14 inches | 13 inches | 15.6 inches | 17 inches | 15.6 inches | 14 inches |
Native Display Resolution | 2880 by 1800 | 2560 by 1664 | 2880 by 1800 | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1920 | 3456 by 2160 | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1080 |
Touch Screen | |||||||||
Panel Technology | OLED | IPS | OLED | IPS | IPS | OLED | IPS | IPS | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None | None | None | None | None | None | Manual | None | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 90 Hz | 60 Hz | 90 Hz | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 144 Hz | 144 Hz | 60 Hz |
Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | Apple M2 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics |
Graphics Memory | 8 GB | 4 GB | 6 GB | ||||||
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.67 by 12.34 by 8.69 inches | 0.44 by 11.97 by 8.46 inches | 0.73 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches | 0.78 by 12.3 by 8.9 inches | 0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches | 0.71 by 13.6 by 9.1 inches | 0.7 by 14.9 by 10.2 inches | 0.82 by 14.2 by 10.7 inches | 0.68 by 12.7 by 8.8 inches |
Weight | 3.06 lbs | 2.7 lbs | 2.9 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 1.9 lbs | 4.2 lbs | 3.2 lbs | 5.25 lbs | 3.3 lbs |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Chrome OS |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 15:46 | 12:55 | 8:43 | 13:32 | 13:12 | 14:03 | 17:55 | 7:10 | 13:21 |
Where to Buy | $949.99 at Amazon $579.00 at Walmart | $1,199.00 at Amazon $899.00 at Best Buy | $1,099.99 at Amazon $1,389.99 at Walmart | $554.99 at Lenovo $554.99 at Walmart | $830.99 at Amazon $999.99 at Microsoft Store | $2,849.00 at Dell | $1,891.09 at Amazon $1,999.99 at LG | $949.99 at Best Buy $953.00 at Walmart | $499.00 at Amazon $699.99 at Acer |
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Editors' Choice
I’m the deputy managing editor of the hardware team at PCMag.com. Reading this during the day? Then you've caught me testing gear and editing reviews of laptops, desktop PCs, and tons of other personal tech. (Reading this at night? Then I’m probably dreaming about all those cool products.) I’ve covered the consumer tech world as an editor, reporter, and analyst since 2015.
I’ve evaluated the performance, value, and features of hundreds of personal tech devices and services, from laptops to Wi-Fi hotspots and everything in between. I’ve also covered the launches of dozens of groundbreaking technologies, from hyperloop test tracks in the desert to the latest silicon from Apple and Intel.
I've appeared on CBS News, in USA Today, and at many other outlets to offer analysis on breaking technology news.
Before I joined the tech-journalism ranks, I wrote on topics as diverse as Borneo's rain forests, Middle Eastern airlines, and Big Data's role in presidential elections. A graduate of Middlebury College, I also have a master's degree in journalism and French Studies from New York University.
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If you’re after laptop buying advice, I’m your man. I’ve been reviewing PCs and technology products for more than a decade. I cut my teeth in PC Labs, spending several years with PCMag.com before writing for other outlets, among them LaptopMag.com and Tom’s Guide. While computers are my main focus, I am also the resident Starlink expert, and an AI enthusiast. I’ve also written at length about topics ranging from fitness gear and appliances to TV and home theater equipment. If I’ve used it, I have opinions about it, whether somebody’s paying me to write them up or not.
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