Best Laptops for Students: Best Picks for Performance and Budget in 2024

Choosing the right laptop as a student can make a big difference in your academic experience. Whether you need a reliable machine for taking notes, running complex software, or even gaming, your laptop should be both powerful and budget-friendly.

In 2024, there are plenty of options that balance performance, portability, and price, making it easier for students to find the perfect fit for their needs.

Best Laptops for Students

Here are some of the best laptops for students in 2024, taking into account performance, affordability, and features that help you succeed in school.

Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024)

Best for Overall Performance and Portability

The Apple MacBook Air M3 is a top contender in 2024 for students looking for an all-around excellent laptop. Its sleek design, powerful M3 chip, and outstanding battery life (up to 18 hours) make it ideal for all-day use, whether you’re in class or studying late into the night. The MacBook Air M3 is lightweight and comes in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, giving you the option to choose between portability and more screen space.

Key features: M3 chip, up to 18 hours battery, 13″ or 15″ Retina display

Starting price: $1,099

While it’s on the pricier side, its performance and long-lasting build make it a great investment for students, especially those who need their laptop for intensive tasks like video editing, graphic design, or coding.

HP Pavilion Aero 13

Best Windows Alternative

For students who prefer Windows, the HP Pavilion Aero 13 is a fantastic choice. It’s ultra-lightweight at just 2.2 pounds, making it easy to carry around campus. Despite its compact size, it packs a punch in terms of performance, thanks to AMD Ryzen processors. It’s perfect for everyday tasks like word processing, streaming, and light gaming.

Key features: AMD Ryzen 5/7 processors, 13.3″ display, 2.2 pounds weight

Starting price: $880 (often available for less than $500 during sales)

With its sleek design and budget-friendly price (especially during discounts), the HP Pavilion Aero 13 is a solid pick for students looking for performance without breaking the bank.

Dell XPS 13 (2024)

Best for Premium Windows Experience

If you’re after a premium Windows laptop that’s versatile and reliable, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent option. Known for its stunning 13.4-inch display with thin bezels, this laptop offers great performance and is perfect for students studying design, engineering, or any field that requires multitasking and processing power.

Key features: 13.4″ InfinityEdge display, Intel 13th Gen processors, sleek and portable design

Starting price: $999

Though it’s a bit more expensive, the Dell XPS 13’s premium build and advanced features make it worth the price for students who need top-tier performance and aesthetics.

Acer Swift 3

Best for Budget-Conscious Students

The Acer Swift 3 is one of the best budget laptops for students in 2024, offering solid performance at an affordable price. It comes with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, a full HD display, and decent battery life. For students who need a reliable laptop for note-taking, research, and occasional media consumption, the Swift 3 is a great choice.

Key features: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, 14″ FHD display, lightweight aluminum body

Starting price: $649

It’s a good option if you’re looking for a laptop that’s affordable yet still capable of handling most student needs, without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or design.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3

Best for Portability and Touchscreen Lovers

For students who prioritize portability and a touchscreen, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 stands out. It’s compact, lightweight, and comes with a responsive touchscreen display, perfect for those who like to take handwritten notes or draw diagrams during lectures. The battery life is solid, giving you enough juice for a full day on campus.

Key features: 12.4″ touchscreen, Intel Core i5, ultra-portable design

Starting price: $799

The Surface Laptop Go 3 strikes a great balance between portability and functionality, making it a great companion for students who are constantly on the go.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5

Best for 2-in-1 Flexibility

If you want the flexibility of a 2-in-1 laptop, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a standout option. It can be used as a traditional laptop or flipped into tablet mode for note-taking, reading, or watching lectures. It’s equipped with powerful processors and a sharp 14-inch touchscreen, making it ideal for students who value versatility.

Key features: 14″ touchscreen, AMD Ryzen 5/7 processors, 360-degree hinge

Starting price: $699

For students who prefer a convertible device for creative or collaborative work, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 offers excellent performance at a reasonable price.

ASUS ZenBook 14

Best for Lightweight Design and Performance

The ASUS ZenBook 14 is perfect for students who want a lightweight yet powerful machine. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on performance, as it features the latest Intel or AMD processors and a 14-inch NanoEdge display. It’s ideal for students who need to carry their laptop everywhere but still want strong multitasking capabilities.

Key features: 14″ NanoEdge display, Intel or AMD processors, ultra-slim design

Starting price: $849

This laptop is a great choice for students who need something portable but don’t want to give up on power or performance.

Google Pixelbook Go

Best Chromebook for Students

For students who prefer a Chromebook, the Google Pixelbook Go is a fantastic option. It’s lightweight, fast, and integrates well with Google services, making it great for those who rely on cloud-based applications like Google Docs and Sheets. It also has an impressive battery life, perfect for long study sessions or a full day of classes.

Key features: Intel Core processors, 13.3″ touchscreen, Chrome OS

Starting price: $649

The Pixelbook Go is perfect for students who don’t need heavy software but value speed, simplicity, and a smooth user experience.

Acer Aspire 5

Best for Power on a Budget

The Acer Aspire 5 is another affordable option that delivers more power than you’d expect at its price point. It’s equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processors, a 15.6-inch display, and a full keyboard with a numeric pad, making it great for students studying subjects like accounting or engineering.

Key features: 15.6″ FHD display, Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5, full keyboard with numeric pad

Starting price: $529

If you need a larger screen and more power for a low price, the Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best budget laptops in 2024.

HP Envy x360

Best for Versatility and Performance

The HP Envy x360 is a solid 2-in-1 option that balances power, versatility, and style. With a vibrant 15.6-inch touchscreen, it’s perfect for students who need a larger screen for creative projects or multitasking. It also has great performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, making it suitable for running demanding software.

Key features: 15.6″ touchscreen, Ryzen or Intel Core, 360-degree hinge

Starting price: $899

The HP Envy x360 is a great pick for students who want both the power of a traditional laptop and the flexibility of a tablet.

FAQs

Which company of laptop is best for students?

Apple, Dell, and Lenovo are top choices for students.

What laptop do most students use?

Many students use laptops from Apple, Dell, or Lenovo, with popular models being the MacBook Air, Dell XPS, and Lenovo IdeaPad.

Which laptop is best, HP or Dell for students?

Both HP and Dell offer great options, but Dell laptops like the XPS 13 are often preferred for their performance and build quality.

What laptop do you need for university?

A laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is generally recommended.

Conclusion

Choosing the best laptop for students in 2024 depends on your needs, whether it’s portability, budget, or performance. From the powerful MacBook Air M3 to the budget-friendly Acer Aspire 5, there’s a laptop for every type of student.

Be sure to consider what features are most important for your studies, whether it’s battery life, processing power, or screen size, to find the perfect fit for you.

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