Best Laptops For College Students (2024) – Top Picks!

Looking for the perfect sidekick for your college adventures? Look no further!

Whether it’s an academic pursuit you are seeking a companion for or your part-time job that you have been trying to keep up with along with your studies, you will need a good-quality laptop that has enough power and performance to meet your needs.

In this guide, I have handpicked and reviewed some of the top-rated options available in the market that are likely to suit the diverse needs of college students including studies, projects, and everything in between.

From lightweight designs to performance powerhouse systems with long-lasting batteries, I have found something for everything and shortlisted the options that strike the perfect balance between performance and affordability.

After rigorous testing of the fundamentals and specific requirements of tasks relating to coding, programming, video editing, graphic designing, and research, I was able to select the 10 best laptops for college students.

Dive into our detailed reviews to discover the amazing features these laptops have to offer along with my expert insights into what makes them a perfect choice for your specific needs and budget.

Top 10 Best Laptops For College Students Reviewed in 2024

Here’s a quick look at our top recommendations in 2024.

#Product TitleProcessorRAMPrice
1.Apple MacBook Air M1Apple M1 Chip8 GB
2.Apple MacBook ProApple M1 Pro Chip16 GB
3.Microsoft Surface Laptop GoIntel Core i5-1035G18 GB
4.Lenovo Chromebook DuetMediaTek Helio P60T4 GB
5.LG Gram 17Z90N-LaptopIntel Core i7-1065G716 GB
6.Lenovo Yoga 7iIntel Core i7-1355U16 GB
7.Asus ROG Zephyrus G14AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS24 GB RAM
8.Apple MacBook Pro M2Apple M2 Chip16 GB
9.Asus ZenBook 14 Ultra Slim AMD Ryzen 7 5800H16 GB
10.Acer Chromebook Spin 513Qualcomm Kryo 4688 GB

Not exactly what you were looking for? Consider checking out our guide to the best laptops for engineering students.

Now, without any further ado, let’s discuss these amazing laptops in detail.

1. Apple MacBook Air M1 – Best MacBook for College Students

Apple MacBook Air M1Starting at the top is the Apple MacBook Air 1, which is the ideal laptop for students because of its lightweight, thin, and compact design.

The laptop comes with an Apple M1 chip that provides you with a powerful CPU and GPU combination, along with a much more efficient Neural Engine for faster machine learning.

If you are not familiar with MacBooks, then you might not know the Amazing performance potential of the Apple M1 chip that combines everything into a tiny supercharged chip for incredible performance.

With this processor, the MacBook Air is able to handle intensive and complex tasks with ease and with much more speed.

Adding to this, the thermal efficiency of this laptop is also beyond exceptional. The fanless design ensures that the laptop generates no noise even during the most intense performance, without compromising on heat management.

With the power of macOS Big Sur in your hands, your performance is taken to a level further providing you powerful updates and the best-in-class security, making it one of the best 13-inch laptops for college students.

Moreover, the laptop wakes instantly and provides you with a much snappier bootup than what you get with a normal laptop. So, you can complete everyday tasks as well as your complicated projects with much higher efficiency and productivity.

With high-bandwidth and low latency memory, the multitasking ability of the laptop is also unrivaled. Additionally, the SSDs are twice as fast as compared to the conventional SSDs.

Furthermore, the security that comes with MacBook Air is uncompromised even in the face of the unknown. The advanced security and privacy features are unmatched.

The display resolution and clarity are also impressive. You get vibrant and crisp visuals on a 13.3-inch Retina display. With higher pixel density, you get razor-sharp text clarity and a wider color gamut.

With True Tone technology, the laptop automatically adjusts the warmth of the display according to your environment ensuring that the display is comfortable to look at and doesn’t cause a strain on your eyes.

The built-in HD camera is equipped with an image signal processor that helps you look your best in all online conferences and meetings. There are three built-in microphones that ensure you can talk in the meetings clearly.

So, as a student, this feature really comes to your aid in online classes and helps you with all your friendly group sessions.

Moreover, the magic keyboard will also enhance your typing experience providing you with useful features like backlit keys and ambient light sensors, allowing you to type even in low-light settings. You get the best typing experience there is.

The laptop also comes with Touch-ID that allows you to easily log in, unlock, pay online, save all passwords, and make purchases with just a single touch.

Last but not least, with the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity options, you can keep up with modern technology and get much faster speeds.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎7-core GPU
  • Display: 13.3 inch Retina display
  • Screen Size: 13.3 inches
  • Weight: 2.8 pounds
  • Battery Life: 18 Hours
  • Operating System: Mac OS
Pros
  • Powerful Performance
  • All-Day Battery Life
  • Superfast Processing
  • Astonishing Display Quality
  • Easy to Use
Cons
  • Can’t be upgraded
  • No Touchscreen

Final Remarks

All in all, the Apple MacBook Air is one of the best laptops for college students because of its unmatchable performance, long list of useful features, and considerably reasonable price.

 

2. Apple MacBook Pro – Best Premium Laptop for College Students

Apple MacBook ProWhile MacBook Air certainly provides you with a sweet spot between affordability and performance, when seeking superior performance for more complex operations, you will need a high-grade laptop.

So, for the professional and high-end needs of computer science and programming students, my recommendation is the Apple MacBook Pro.

Although it comes at a higher price point, the laptop provides unmatchable performance that is unrivaled for the ultimate needs of a professional and is the best Apple laptop for college students.

The laptop is equipped with an Apple M1 Pro chip that provides a massive leap in performance and is much faster or as Apple claims “Scary Fast”.

With a Deca-Core CPU, 16-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural engine all combined into a single enhanced chip that ensures faster, more intensive, and more efficient performance, you can perform even the most complex operations.

So, whether you have an intensive project to finish or play some high-end games in your leisure time, the laptop won’t disappoint you in any way.

Adding to this, the laptop comes with 16 GB of RAM that features high speeds for one of the fastest and most efficient multi-taking experiences.

Doesn’t matter how many applications you have opened simultaneously or how many tasks you have ongoing, the laptop can perfectly handle all the pressure.

Also, with 1 TB SSD storage, which is not only massive but also 2x faster, you can store all of your important data and entertainment files in a single space.

Don’t forget about the iCloud storage space which you will be able to use to your advantage.

Moreover, you get stunning, crisp, and wildly vivid visuals on a 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display that provides you with extreme color fidelity and unmatchable resolution.

With striking contrast resolution and enhanced dynamic range, you are able to experience the most realistic and life-like visuals that just set a whole new standard for graphics performance.

Worried about online meetings, group sessions, and the classes that you have to take online? Don’t be, because you will stand out with an HD camera that comes with an advanced image signal processor for much sharper video.

Moreover, with a six-speaker sound system that features force-cancelling woofers, you get amazing surround sound, perfect for watching movies.

Don’t forget about one of the longest battery life that you are going to get for up to 17 hours after a full charge.

You also get access to extensive connectivity options, including but not limited to 3 USB-Type C, HDMI, Thunderbolt, SDXC ports, and a headphone jack.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: Apple M1 Pro Chip (Up to 10-core CPU)
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎M1 Pro (Up to 32-core GPU)
  • Display: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • Weight: 3.53 lbs
  • Battery Life: 17 Hours
  • Operating System: Mac OS
Pros
  • Supercharged Professional Performance
  • Quicker Responsiveness
  • Graphic-Intensive Efficiency
  • Longer Battery Life
  • Massive Storage
Cons
  • Higher Price Point
  • Limited Port Options

Final Remarks

The MacBook Pro is best suited for ambitious students who won’t settle for less and want the ultimate performance that can handle the toughest and most intensive performance needs.

For more such high-performance laptops that suit complex requirements, consider checking out our guide to the best laptops for computer science students.

 

3. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go – Best Touchscreen Laptop for College Students

Microsoft Surface Laptop GoWhile Apple MacBooks certainly steal the spotlight, they are also expensive options which often puts them out of reach of many college students.

I understand the frustration, so I bring you the next best thing, a Microsoft Surface Go laptop.

Whether you are seeking slimness and portability or a reliable performance, this laptop won’t disappoint you and stands tall as one of the best affordable laptops for college students.

Equipped with a 10th Gen Core i5 processor, which is multi-core and multi-threaded, you get surprisingly good computing power for a reasonable price.

Combined with 8 GB high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM and 256 GB SSD storage, you get all the performance potential you need for managing your college needs including academic tasks, projects, work management, and entertainment.

What I found most distinguishing in this laptop, and that I think would perfectly suit college students, is the sleek design and aesthetic appeal. The laptop is light as a feather and easy to carry around the campus.

Hence, it won’t weigh you down when you are running between classes and will help you keep your performance on the go.

Adding to this, the laptop comes with a 12.4-inch Full-HD touchscreen PixelSense display that provides exceptional resolution, clarity, and details.

You will be able to enjoy striking clarity and sharpness while making presentations and reading books on the screen and enjoy vibrant and crisp visuals while watching movies.

Furthermore, the touchscreen functionality really adds to the productivity angle and enhances your options while working with the laptop.

Moreover, with the enhanced security of the fingerprint sensor in the power button and the One Touch sign-in feature, you get both the convenience and security of the modern world.

With a built-in HD camera, your online classes, meetings, and virtual sessions will be a lot clearer both in video quality and in sound.

The sandstone design gives a unique and distinguishing appeal to the laptop that will truly stand out as you carry it around.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-1035G1
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎Intel UHD Graphics
  • Display: 12.4” PixelSense touchscreen
  • Screen Size: 12.4 inches
  • Weight: 2.45 Pounds
  • Battery Life: 8.5 Hours
  • Operating System: Windows 10 S
Pros
  • Sleek & Stunning Design
  • PixelSense Touchscreen Display
  • Enhanced Security with Fingerprint Sensor
  • Reliable Performance
  • Versatile Functionality
Cons
  • No Touch Pen
  • No Backlit Keyboard

Final Remarks

An attractive choice for college students both in terms of design and price. The laptop offers reliable performance for the versatile needs of your academic endeavors.

 

4. Lenovo Chromebook Duet – Best Budget Laptop for College Students

Lenovo Chromebook DuetIf you have a low budget and want a laptop that can meet your usual needs as a college student like making assignments, working on projects, and running normal applications without weighing you down, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet might be the perfect option.

It comes in a thin, lightweight, and compact design, with a smaller size and much more efficient portability.

The laptop is equipped with a MediaTek Helio P60T mobile processor, integrated ARM G72 graphics co-processor, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and 64 GB flash storage.

You get the amazing convenience of a Chromebook which is fast, efficient, and secure, and perfectly caters to the needs of students who are looking for ease of use.

With a faster boot-up and verified security, your files will remain virus-free as both system and app updates run automatically in the background.

Not to mention that you get access to over 2 million Play Store applications free of charge.

Don’t worry about the limited storage, the laptop although lacks built-in storage, provides you 100 GB of free storage on Google One for 1 year which can be claimed once you purchase the laptop.

What really makes this laptop stand out is the ultra-portable detachable design, that provides the laptop 2-in-1 functionality and makes it one of the best 2-in-1 laptops for college students.

It comes with an included detachable keyboard that can be easily detached and the laptop can be converted into a tablet.

The lightweight design and this convertible functionality make it extremely portable, unlike any other laptop and you won’t feel the weight while carrying it around.

Adding to this, the laptop comes with a long-lasting battery that adds to the overall portability.

In terms of aesthetics, the design is a standout that features a unique dual-tone with aluminum alloy, which makes this tablet-cum-laptop both stylish and productive.

Moreover, with a display that provides you with striking details and vivid colors, you can enjoy immersive visuals while watching movies or doing editing work.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage: 64GB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎Integrated ARM G72 MP3 800GHz
  • Display: 10.1″ FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS
  • Screen Size: 10.1 inches
  • Weight: 15.84 Ounces
  • Battery Life: 10 Hours
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
Pros
  • Efficient Performance
  • Exceptional Clarity and Details
  • Ultra-Portable Laptop
  • Unique Design
  • Fast, Secure, and Easy to Use
Cons
  • Smaller Screen Size
  • Limited Built-in Storage

Final Remarks

When looking for reliable performance on a low budget, Lenovo Chromebook Duet is certainly the best laptop for college students that meets all basic and casual needs without burning a hole in their wallet.

Because of the affordable price and reliable features, this laptop is suitable for even lower-level students. If you want to see more like it, consider taking a look at our list of best laptops for high school students.

 

5. LG Gram 17Z90N – Best Lightweight Laptop for College Students

LG Gram 17Z90NSpeaking of laptops that stand out, LG Gram is difficult to overlook, especially for college students who are looking for massive display sizes for multitasking.

The LG Gram 17Z90N is one of the latest laptops that, despite their massive size, are thin, lightweight, and portable.

Equipped with a 10th Gen Core i7 processor, Intel Iris Plus graphics, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 1 TB SSD storage, you get the ultimate performance and superior functionality for managing even the most complex operations with ease.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This laptop has so much more to offer. Looking at the laptop from the front, you might think it’s gonna be heavy or difficult to carry around.

However, being the world’s thinnest and most lightweight laptop, which has been officially recognized, it stands out in its portability and easily fits anywhere you want it to, standing truly out as the best lightweight laptop for college students.

Out of its many standout features, the most prominent is the display. The 17” QHD IPS display provides you with superior resolution, delivering twice the pixels compared to a full-HD display.

Hence, you will be able to enjoy crystal-clear visuals with striking clarity and incredible details. Whether you are working on projects or class assignments, making presentations, playing games, or watching movies, the display won’t disappoint.

Adding to this, the massive size of the display provides you with an enhanced multi-tasking experience that allows you to work on multiple windows at the same time by opening them side by side.

With high-speed RAM and massive storage capacity, the system further enhances the multi-tasking experience and provides you with all the storage space you need for storing all your files in one place.

Furthermore, the laptop also features a long-lasting battery that can last up to 17 hours and gives strong competition to even the MacBooks by Apple.

Being lightweight and slim doesn’t mean being weak. The laptop comes with enhanced durability and protection that protects it from damage and ensures that the laptop remains your companion for a long time

Specs Recap
  • Processor: 10th Gen Intel i7-1065G7
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎ Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • Display: 17” WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS LCD Screen
  • Screen Size: 17 inches
  • Weight: 3 Pounds
  • Battery Life: 17 hours
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Pros
  • Massive Screen Size
  • Supreme Performance
  • Impressive Memory & Storage
  • Long Lasting Battery Life
  • Enhanced Protection
Cons
  • Large Size Limits Compactness
  • Speakers are not very loud

Final Remarks

With a massive display size and its reputation as the world’s lightest laptop, the LG Gram laptop is an attractive choice for college students and provides efficient performance and functionality.

 

6. Lenovo Yoga 7i – Best 2-in-1 Laptop for College Students

Lenovo Yoga 7iAnother premium laptop that caught my attention and is often praised as the ideal choice for students is the Lenovo Yoga 7i.

This is one of the latest laptops of the modern world that comes with the most advanced specs and provides you with an impressive experience.

Not just students, but professionals who are seeking ultimate performance and functionality prefer using this laptop.

The laptop is equipped with a 13th Gen Core i7 Deca-Core processor that provides you with lightning-fast processing speed and high-grade performance for managing even the most complex tasks and running the most advanced applications.

Combined with the Intel Iris Xe graphics, you get a good graphics performance that provides you with vibrant and crisp visuals, enhancing the display clarity and the vibrancy of the colors.

Adding to this, with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage, you have amazing performance potential that is not limited in any way and makes it one of the best premium laptops for college students.

With high-capacity RAM, you can enjoy multi-tasking up to the extreme level, where you open multiple applications and tabs, without any risk of the laptop slowing down.

The SSD storage, and a massive one, ensures that you have all the space you need for storing all your data in one place and also get much faster transfer speeds when it comes to the data.

But what makes the laptop truly stand out is the 2.2 K Multi-touch enabled 14-inch display, which enhances the true potential of the graphics co-processor and provides you with visual details that are unrivaled in the modern world.

The display also features Dolby Vision support to further enhance the images and video quality and also advanced low-blue light technology.

The TUV certification provides you with the assurance that you can look at the screen and work for long hours without having to worry about feeling any strain on your eyes.

If you are not satisfied with the specs, you can always upgrade them in the future. The laptop supports easy upgradability for a performance boost.

Best of all, it comes with extensive connectivity options, featuring the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology and Bluetooth 5.1 that provides faster, more efficient, and more reliable wireless connections, ensuring that there are no interruptions.

Moreover, with multiple USB ports, including both Type A and Type C, HDMI 1.3 port, and a micro-SD card reader along with a combo jack, you can connect all the latest devices you want easily with the system.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎ Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • Display: 14″ 2.2K (2240×1400) IPS
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • Weight: 3.42 Pounds
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Pros
  • Latest 13th Gen Processor
  • Next-Gen Performance
  • Compact & Portable Design
  • Exceptional Visual Sharpness & Clarity
  • Best-in-Class Touchscreen Functionality
Cons
  • Not for Advanced Games
  • Only 1 USB Type-A Port

Final Remarks

Standing out as the best 2-in-1 laptop for college students, the Lenovo Yoga 7i comes with the latest specs and most advanced features to provide you premium grade performance and high-end functionality.

Wanna see some more professionally optimized laptops? Take a look at our list of best laptops for nursing students.

 

7. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 – Best Gaming Laptop for College Students

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14If you are a passionate gamer and need a laptop that can provide satisfactory gaming performance while keeping the portability that won’t slow you down while running around the campus, then ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the perfect option.

This laptop comes in an exquisite Moonlight White design that makes it stand out without affecting its suitability in a classroom. There are no aesthetic marks, just a sleek yet stunning design.

It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor that features 16 threads for superior gaming performance and provides amazingly fast processing speeds to meet the needs of demanding games.

Combined with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU that features GDDR6 VRAM and 1382 MHz clocking speed, you can get advanced gaming performance and a smooth playing experience in a slimmer and more portable design.

Even if your needs are not purely about gaming but rather you need a laptop for photo editing, video editing, and other graphic-intensive applications, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 will still match your needs.

The display truly stands out with its 14 Inch size that features Full-HD resolution and is Pantone validated with an anti-glare panel and adaptive sync technology

Featuring 144Hz of lightning-fast refresh rate, you get amazing gaming visuals with tear-free and smoothest graphics. The display covers 100% of sRGB color spaces and provides 300 nits of brightness for more vibrant visuals even in outdoor spaces.

So, regardless of which game you are playing and how advanced or demanding it actually is, you can fully eliminate the visual tearing and get the most immersive experience.

To further enhance the performance and the multi-tasking capability of the laptop, it comes with 24 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage. Massive RAM and storage help you meet your personal needs as well as the needs of modern demanding games.

I believe the portable and lightweight design is a truly distinguishing feature of this amazing laptop, which makes it the best ASUS laptop for college students.

Students can carry this laptop around easily and fit it in their bags. It’s not the best just because of its gaming potential but also because of the backlit keyboard, the smart amplifier technology, and much more.

It comes with the latest connectivity options including the Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 combo, that provides uninterrupted wireless connectivity for as long as you need.

With AI noise cancellation, your online meetings will be a lot more convenient and clear, both in audio and in visuals.

Also, with advanced ROG cooling technology, that is both intelligent and comprehensive, you get amazing performance uninterrupted without any risk of overheating for long gaming hours.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: 8-Core AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS
  • RAM: 24GB DDR4
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
  • Display: 144Hz 300 nits 100% SRGB IPS
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • Weight: 3.6 Pounds
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Pros
  • Perfect for Gaming
  • Superior Processing Power
  • Lightning Fast Refresh Rate
  • High-Grade Specs
  • Thin & Lightweight
Cons
  • Smaller Screen Size for Gamers
  • The keyboard doesn’t have an RGB Backlit feature

Final Remarks

A powerful laptop for advanced gaming needs that comes in a portable and lightweight design and is perfectly suited for the title of best gaming laptop for college students.

 

8. Apple MacBook Pro M2 – Best Apple Laptop for College Students

Apple MacBook Pro M2Ambitious college students who are working on complex projects that require a lot of firepower in terms of computing, processing, and performance will find the Apple MacBook Pro M2 perfectly suited for their needs.

This is the latest generation of Apple’s professional laptops that comes with the most advanced technological interface for the highest performance capabilities.

Equipped with the latest Apple M2 chip that features an octa-core CPU and a deca-core GPU, you get the most supreme performance potential that is able to handle even the most complex tasks with ease.

Renowned as one of the most portable laptops, it comes in a thin, compact, and lightweight design, that features efficient portability with the longest battery life that a laptop could possibly offer.

Yes, with MacBook Pro M2, you get almost 20 hours of consistent battery life that handles demanding work and lasts through days making it the best portable laptop for college students.

The supercharged M2 chip is not to be taken lightly. It is 1.4x faster than the M1 chip and almost 6 times faster than the latest Intel processor.

So, you will have unrivaled speeds no matter how heavy or complex a program you are running on your system.

Additionally, with 24 GB of unified RAM, your multitasking performance potential just goes to a whole other level.

Adding to this, you don’t have to worry about your laptop getting overheated, because the advanced fanless cooling design makes sure that the temperature remains in check. Also, because the design is fanless, there is not going to be any noise.

As for the display, you get incredible clarity and amazing detail, providing you with realistic and lifelike colors.

With bright LED backlighting on the display and a P3 wide color reproduction gamut, you get much higher brightness that beats all the competition and provides stunning contrast and supreme vibrancy.

The display also features True Tone technology that enhances these lifelike visuals and provides you more realistic viewing experience.

For all your online classes, interviews, online meetings, and conferences, the HD camera and studio-quality three-mic array provide the perfect experience.

Not only do you get crystal clear audio quality with minimized background noise, but also enhanced image quality for more natural-looking skin tones while showing yourself online.

Last but not least, productivity is enhanced with the unique Touch ID and Touch Bar along with the Magic keyboard.

The Touch ID provides quick, secure, and convenient access to both laptops, private data, and payments, while the Touch Bar increases your work efficiency and productivity.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: Apple M2 chip, Up to 8-core CPU
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎Integrated
  • Display: 13.3-inch Retina
  • Screen Size: 13.3 inches
  • Weight: 3.0 pounds
  • Battery Life: 20 HOURS
  • Operating System: Mac OS
Pros
  • Portable Powerhouse
  • Superior Performance of M2 Chip
  • Exceptional Visuals & Incredible Detail
  • Advanced Cooling Technology
  • Studio Quality Camera & Mic
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Limited Upgradability

Final Remarks

The Apple MacBook Pro M2 offers unparalleled performance with the latest M2 chip, ensuring a powerful and efficient experience for those who seek nothing but the best laptop for college students.

 

9. ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop – Best ASUS Laptop for College Students

ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim LaptopAgain the premium price point often puts MacBooks out of reach of many college students, however, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on productivity or innovation.

ASUS is one of the few brands that keeps on introducing the most innovative features that enhance your productivity while keeping a slim and low-profile design.

The ASUS ZenBook 14 is one such option which became my favorite because of its unique features.

The laptop is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor that features 8 high-performance cores and 16 MB of smart cache memory providing you insanely fast speeds for handling complex operations.

Combined with the Radeon-powered Vega 7 graphics, you get a reliable graphics performance, which though not suitable for the most high-end gaming experience, still provides satisfactory performance in relation to vibrancy and clarity of visuals.

You get amazing contrast with vibrant details and excellent clarity because of the efficient graphics processing.

You can see it all on the 14-inch Full-HD IPS display that offers wide viewing angles on a 4-way Nano-Edge bezel screen for maximized screen-to-body ratio.

Adding to this, the laptop is equipped with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 1 TB of PCIe SSD storage, providing you amazing performance potential and limitless functionality, marking itself as one of the best ASUS laptops for college students.

You will get faster bootups, instant responsiveness, higher data transfer speeds, quicker application loading, and a more efficient multitasking experience.

Moreover, with an exclusive ErgoLift hinge design, the laptop provides you with an improved typing position that increases your productivity.

The feature also keeps the laptop in a slightly elevated position which enhances the thermal management and keeps the laptop cool during intense performance.

Furthermore, one of the distinguishing features is the Number-Pad, which is a rare find that you won’t see anywhere else. The NUMPAD is integrated into the touchpad, which is quite innovative and works perfectly.

Additionally, the IR webcam comes with a privacy shutter, keeping you safe and secure while browsing online.

With Windows 11 professional in the system, you get amazing functionality for running advanced applications and managing the system much more efficiently.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎AMD Radeon Vega 7 Graphics
  • Display: 14 inch wide-view Full HD 4-way NanoEdge bezel
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • Weight: 2.9 Pounds
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Pros
  • Efficient & Reliable Performance
  • Versatile Functionality
  • Impressive Visuals
  • Innovative ErgoLift Design & Touchpad NUMPAD
  • Military Grade Durability
Cons
  • Minor fan noise
  • The bottom gets hot

Final Remarks

The ASUS ZenBook 14 stands as an innovative and powerful choice for students, offering efficient performance, impressive visuals, and unique features like the Number-Pad and ErgoLift design.

 

10. Acer Chromebook Spin 513 – Best Cheap Laptop for College Students

Acer Chromebook Spin 513Lastly, we have a budget-friendly choice for college students who just need a casual or simple laptop for making assignments, and presentations, attending online classes, doing some basic tasks, and keeping up with the classes.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is a reliable choice for students that comes at a really low price but doesn’t compromise on any of the important features or performance aspects.

The laptop is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c chip that includes Qualcomm Kyro 468 8-core processor and Adreno 616 GPU, providing you with reliable computing and graphics performance.

Combined with 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 64 GB of SSD flash storage, you get a strong foundation for all your performance needs, not just for basic computing but also for handling some complex operations and efficient multitasking.

Don’t be worried because of the limited storage, because you get access to 100 GB of free Google Drive storage space that can hold all your important data in one place which can be instantly accessed from anywhere.

I believe that for students, the Chrome OS is quite convenient. It provides you instant access to more than 2 million Android apps in Play Store and it is just easier to use.

It comes with built-in advanced virus protection, boots up in literally seconds, and updates automatically.

Not to mention that even at a price this low, the laptop provides you with a multi-touch enabled display and a fully convertible design which makes it one of the best convertible laptops for college students that is also cheap.

Not to mention that the 13.3-inch Full-HD display is covered in Corning Gorilla Glass, which is ultra-durable and resistant to scratches.

Just because the laptop is cheap, doesn’t mean it has compromised on any important features. It provides a backlit keyboard, comes with a protective sleeve, and has a long-lasting battery life, which also enhances the portability of the laptop.

Specs Recap
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c (Qualcomm Kryo 468 Octa-core CPU)
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 64GB SSD
  • Graphics: ‎Integrated (Qualcomm Adreno 618 GPU)
  • Display: 13.3″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Multi-Touch Display with Corning Gorilla Glass
  • Screen Size: 13.3 inches
  • Weight: 2.7 Pounds
  • Battery Life: 13 Hours
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
Pros
  • Fast & Efficient Performance
  • Easy Operating System
  • Full-HD Touchscreen Display
  • Super Portability
  • Built-In Virus Protection
Cons
  • Not for High-Grade Performance or Heavier Programs
  • Limited Memory & Storage

Final Remarks

An attractive choice for budget-conscious users who are looking for the best laptop for college students while staying under a specific budget. Equipped with reliable specs and impressive features.

If you have a restrictive budget, you might wanna consider some of the options on our list of best laptops under $800.

 

How to Select the Best Laptop For College Students in 2024: Buyer’s Guide

Finding the perfect laptop that would suit the diverse needs of all college students is almost an impossible task. You need to carefully assess the particular needs of your specific area of interest and needs, and then make an informed decision.

So, to help you make the right choice, I have carefully designed this comprehensive guide that discusses some of the most important aspects that you must pay attention to for choosing the best laptop for college students.

Let’s get right to it:

MacBook, Chromebook, or Windows?

Not an easy decision, right? Well, once you have all your requirements written on paper along with your budget, the choice will not remain difficult.

While the MacBook is without a doubt the best possible option, it comes with a hefty price tag. Despite its attractiveness and amazing performance potential, it is understandable if it is out of your budget range.

However, if you can save up money for it, there is nothing better available that would meet the diverse needs of any field of study in college.

Chromebooks, on the other hand, are really cheap and still come with reliable specs and features. You get the touchscreen functionality along with amazing convenience and attractive features of an Android-like interface.

Windows OS is something in between. They are powerful machines, available over a diverse range, and provide you with multiple options.

Power & Performance

The choice of core power and performance components will depend on your own specific needs.

If you just need a laptop for basic computing and casual usage like making assignments, working on social sciences projects, and data management that doesn’t require any high-end application, then you can go with low to medium-range options.

However, if you are a computer science or engineering student, or in the field of digital arts like graphic designing that requires the use of advanced software, then you will need to focus on getting higher power and more performance potential.

Make sure you go with the highest possible generation you can find in your specific budget range and go with the option for the best possible results.

Display & Resolution

The display is also an important factor and must not be overlooked. Whether you are looking for a casual laptop or an advanced one, you must pay this factor proper attention.

Select the display size that best meets your needs. If you are going to stay on the move, then a smaller size is better, but if you are more of a fixed-space user, then a larger screen size is more suitable.

Resolution is a personal preference but might be a requirement of your specific projects and tasks, so you should choose accordingly.

Portability & Ergonomics

Another important factor and probably one of the most crucial ones is portability and ergonomics.

You must select a laptop that is compact, lightweight, and thin. It would fit easily in your bag, won’t weigh you down while running around the campus, and will help you keep your performance on the go.

Also, the ergonomic features will enhance your productivity and efficiency as you work through the projects. Features like a backlit keyboard, elevated design, and large keys enhance your typing experience and in turn your productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What laptop brand is best for college students?

The answer is subjective as no one brand can be termed as the best overall. However, if you are not restricted by budget, I would highly recommend going with Apple MacBooks as they provide best-in-class performance.

  1. Are Chromebooks Good for College?

Chromebooks are highly convenient and easy to use. They come in lightweight design, most feature touchscreen functionality, and provide you with many attractive features. However, they are not made for heavy-duty performance.

  1. How much should I spend on a college laptop?

The budget is strictly dependent on your specific needs. You might need to spend more as a computer science or engineering student but not so much as a humanities or social science student.

  1. How much RAM does a college student need?

The minimum threshold should be set at 8 GB RAM for any laptop in the modern world. Next, it is dependent on your specific needs and budget. The higher RAM you go with, the more performance you are going to get from the laptop.

  1. Is A MacBook good for college?

They are the absolute best, if not for the budget. If you can afford these laptops, they will provide you with the best in class performance and ensure that you get the best experience and are most productive in your work.

  1. How can college students get cheap laptops?

There are several cheap options available in the market that can cater to the specific needs of college students. If you don’t need to run any advanced applications that only require basic computing performance, then cheap laptops in the above lists are good.

  1. Which is the No 1 laptop for students?

I would suggest the Apple MacBook Air as the best laptop for college students as it comes at a comparatively reasonable price and offers you the best-in-class performance along with amazing specs and features.

Wrapping Up!

College students have diverse needs and hence the ideal laptop for them can vary depending on their specific area of study and their personal preferences.

The above guide shares some of the best laptops for college students that are selected after a careful analysis of the criteria that I created for these diverse needs.

If I were to pick one, I would definitely recommend the Apple MacBook Air M1 as my top choice, as it finds that sweet spot between performance and affordability and provides you with perfect performance.

However, if Apple is not your thing, then Lenovo Yoga 7i might be the next best thing. It is equipped with the latest processor and provides you with amazing features and high-grade performance specs.

Remember, your laptop will be your companion through not only your academic endeavors but also your goals, and what you want to become after you are done with college.

So, you must carefully consider all the aspects I have discussed and make an informed decision. Good Luck!

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