Best Laptops For High School Students (2024) – Expert Picks!

Embarking on your educational journey in high school is full of thrilling endeavors. In this digital era, it is difficult to get through it without access to technology.

Not only for your academic endeavors, but for keeping up with the social trends, exploring the vast world wide web, and finding new worlds of entertainment, you will need a digital companion.

Hence, to get through this life with a passport of success, you will need the best laptop for high school students.

Whether it is tackling assignments, diving into research projects, finding entertainment, or exploring creative options, with the right laptop at your side, you will be able to achieve your goals.

In this guide, I will be exploring some of the top-rated options with hands-on testing details about these laptops. I will also provide you with some expert insights into the attractive features of these laptops.

Top 10 Best Laptops For High School Students Reviewed in 2024

Here’s a quick look at our expert recommendations for 2024.

If you are looking for more powerful laptops capable of handling higher levels of academic and personal endeavors, perhaps you will like to check out the best laptops for college students.

Now, without any further ado, let’s dive into the amazing details of these laptops and find out what they have to offer.

1. Acer Aspire 5 – Best Budget Laptop for High School Students

Top of the list, we have the perfect laptop for high schoolers that comes for an affordable price and provides you with amazing performance and functionality.

The Acer Aspire 5 is a slim and lightweight laptop that is both affordable and provides you with reliable performance.

It comes equipped with AMD Ryzen 3 processor, Radeon-powered Vega 3 graphics, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and 128 GB SSD storage.

While the specs might not seem high-grade, they still provide fast, efficient, and reliable performance. You can take care of all of your high school tasks, and projects while enjoying some games and entertainment on the side as well.

The processor is powerful enough to handle all the casual and day-to-day needs as well. You won’t have any problems handling even heavier applications or multitasking.

Adding to this, with a 15.6-inch Full-HD display that is supported by a backlit IPS panel, you get amazing visuals and crystal-clear graphics.

With wide viewing angles, you can enjoy entertainment with the whole family or group of friends in your dorm.

The laptop also provides efficient portability with its lightweight design and long-lasting battery, making it one of the best portable laptops for high school students.

Moreover, with a backlit keyboard and an ergonomic design, your typing experience is also enhanced which increases your productivity.

Final Remarks

A versatile and budget-friendly option when it comes to the best laptops for high school students. With attractive features and a portable design, it perfectly meets the needs of high schoolers.

 

2. Apple MacBook Air M1 – Best Apple Laptop for High School Students

If you can save up some money, then there is no better option than Apple MacBook Air M1.

It is one of the ideal options for both students and professionals of all levels. It comes with some of the most advanced yet convenient features.

With the advanced Apple M1 chip that combines an 8-core CPU, it provides 3x faster performance compared to the previous-gen CPUs by Apple.

If you are not familiar with the Apple M1, then I must tell you that it doesn’t just include a CPU, but also a GPU and Neural Engine, 3 combined into one.

The GPU in M1 also features 8 cores and provides 5x faster performance while the 16-core Neural Engine is responsible for machine learning and provides 9 times faster performance compared to previous models.

Adding to this, the portability that this MacBook provides is truly exceptional. With 18 hours of battery life, you can use it for days without running out of charge.

Moreover, with a fanless cooling system, you don’t have to worry about being distracted by fan noise during intense or demanding performance, making it one of the best Apple laptops for high school students.

Additionally, the convenience of macOS Big Sur is just amazing. It transforms your experience of using powerful applications and provides you not just best-in-class convenience but also the most advanced security.

Furthermore, with 8 GB of unified superfast RAM and 256 GB SSD storage, the laptop ensures optimal performance power for instant boot, faster responsiveness, and efficient multitasking.

Final Remarks

With unrivaled performance, unmatchable efficiency, and a reasonable price, this laptop is ideal for both students and professionals who need a reliable companion for their technological endeavors.

 

3. Acer Swift 3 – Best Lightweight Laptop for High School Students

If the above choice seems a bit expensive, then perhaps you would like to consider the Acer Swift 3, one of the most compact and lightweight laptops on the market.

Compared to the Acer Aspire 5, this laptop comes at a higher price but also provides superior specs and more advanced features.

It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen series 7 processor that features 8 high-performance cores and one that provides speed up to 4.1 GHz.

Combined with 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB SSD storage, the laptop provides you with advanced performance and an efficient multitasking experience.

So, you have a performance powerhouse in your hands that is able to handle complex operations and allow you to use high-end games.

These advanced specs put the laptop on the list of best laptops for computer science students.

Adding to this, with the 14-inch Full-HD display, you get wide viewing angles along with vibrant and crisp graphics.

So, whether you are involved in some creative project or watching movies, this laptop is perfect for an enhanced visual experience.

Moreover, with a fingerprint reader, you add another layer of security to your laptop while also increasing convenience.

Just to give you an idea about portability, this laptop is just 0.63 inches thin and weighs only 2.65 pounds. Additionally, it provides a long-lasting battery life of up to 11.5 hours.

Final Remarks

One of the best Acer laptops for high school students provides powerful performance, efficient multitasking, and a vast range of attractive features.

 

4. Apple MacBook Pro – Best Premium Laptop for High School Students

For those who are looking for the most powerful companion on their academic journey, ambitious students who wish to stand out, or visionary ones who want to set their professional goals early on, the Apple MacBook Pro is the perfect option.

This laptop is designed for the most premium and professional-grade performance, ensuring that you get access to the fastest speeds and the most productive features.

Equipped with the M1 Pro chip, this laptop provides scarily faster performance which is a giant leap ahead of even the M1 chip by Apple.

With an octa-core CPU and 14-core GPU combined, the laptop is able to handle even the most complex and high-end operations like a piece of cake, making it one of the best laptops for high school students.

You have no risks of the laptop slowing down or the application crashing while loading. It boots up instantly and loads applications in fractions of a second. Also, you get to experience the smoothest usage experience.

Adding to this, with 16 GB of unified memory and 512 GB of SSD storage, you will get much higher efficiency. Do not confuse these with your usual memory and storage parts. These ones are faster, smarter, and better.

Moreover, the stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides the most incredible visual clarity with vibrant and crisp visuals. With exceptional contrast and extreme color accuracy, you will get to experience the most realistic and lifelike visuals.

Not to mention the built-in 1080p webcam that beats any other camera because of its clarity which is further enhanced with an advanced image signal processor. Because of this processor, your image appears much better toned on video calls.

Final Remarks

If you have the budget for it, you won’t find a better option. This laptop provides you with extreme-level specs and performance potential which will make every task a breeze.

With extreme performance potential, this laptop is ideal for engineering students who have diverse and demanding needs. Check out more at Best Laptops for engineering students.

 

5. Acer Chromebook 314 – Best Cheap Laptop for High School Students

I think some high schoolers might be scared after looking at the price tag of our previous pick, right? Well, you don’t have to be.

Not all laptops for your high school needs will come with a hefty price tag. If you just need a laptop for basic computing needs and not for anything that requires high-end performance, then you might find Acer Chromebook 314 suited for your needs.

This budget-friendly laptop comes with an Intel Celeron 4020 processor along with 4GB DDR 4 RAM and 64 GB flash storage.

A compact laptop that is easier to carry around and comes with a durable body. The Chrome OS provides you with a simpler and more convenient usage experience.

With built-in protection and automatic updates and backups, you have almost everything covered.

If you are worried about the storage, you must know that with a Chromebook, you also get access to 100 GB of Google Drive space.

Adding to this, the laptop comes with a touchscreen interface as well, which further enhances your productivity and provides you with more options, making it one of the best affordable laptops for high school students.

With a 14-inch display size and Full-HD resolution that also features a 10-finger multi-touch display, you not only get good-quality visuals but also can intuitively control all features with your fingers or a touch pen.

The laptop also provides you with a long-lasting battery and comes with extensive connectivity options.

Final Remarks

An affordable option for low-budget users that provides reliable performance for casual computing needs. The laptop is perfect for your normal school projects and also suffices for basic entertainment.

 

6. HP Chromebook x360 14a – Best Convertible Laptop for High School Students

Another affordable Chromebook that caught my attention is the HP x360 14a, which also comes with a touchscreen but is also a 360-degree convertible.

Hence, you can use the laptop at multiple angles and also convert it into the form of a tablet, which makes it very efficient for high schoolers who need the functionality of 2 devices in one.

The laptop comes equipped with an Intel Celeron 4020 processor, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and 64 GB eMMC flash storage. These specs provide you with reliable performance and functionality.

Adding to this, the 14 14-inch high-definition display comes with micro-edge bezels on both sides that provide an immersive view.

The durable hinge allows you to safely use the device at your desired angle, whether you want to use it in Studio mode, Tent mode, Laptop mode, or Tablet mode, the hinge won’t disappoint you and won’t lose its rigidity.

Moreover, the built-in Intel Ultra-HD 600 graphics co-processor enhances the visual experience and provides better text and image clarity, making it one of the best 2-in-1 laptops for high school students.

In addition to the built-in storage, you also get access to 100 GB of free Google Drive storage. Furthermore, you can use the memory card reader to expand the storage even further.

For your needs of online classes and group sessions, the laptop comes with an HP Wide Vision 720p HD webcam, along with a dual array of microphones and satisfactory speakers.

Final Remarks

One of the most affordable laptops that comes with fast, convenient, and efficient performance and provides 2-in-1 functionality with a fully 360-degree convertible design.

 

7. Razer Blade 15 – Best Gaming Laptop for High School Students

For passionate gamers, the Razer Blade 15 is the perfect laptop which comes in a sleek, compact, and lightweight design and provides beastly performance capable of handling even the most advanced games of the modern world.

Unlike traditional gaming laptops, this one doesn’t come in a bulky design and also doesn’t weigh much. So, as a high schooler, you won’t have to worry about extra budget and play your favorite games anywhere you want.

The laptop is equipped with a 10^th Gen Intel Core i7 processor that provides you with supreme and ultimate performance for all your gaming needs. With 8 high-performance cores and Max Turbo technology, you get a whooping processing speed of 5.1 GHz.

What makes this laptop really unique is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU that comes in the advanced Max-Q design and provides you with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM.

Do not confuse the RTX Super series with the conventional one, as this GPU is 25% faster and provides much higher clocks that are able to handle the demanding needs of advanced games.

Adding to this, with a 15.6-inch Full HD Display that comes with thin bezels and provides a lightning-fast refresh rate of 300 Hz, you get a tear-free gaming experience and the smoothest visuals even with the most advanced games.

With advanced innovative cooling technology and a thin, durable, and lightweight design, the laptop perfectly meets the portability needs of high schoolers, which makes it the best gaming laptop for high school students.

Final Remarks

An award-winning gaming laptop that comes in a compact and lightweight design while providing supercharged performance and a power-packed potential. Perfect for the versatile needs of high school gamers.

 

8. Microsoft Surface Go 3 – Best Touchscreen Laptop for High School Students

For sophisticated students who want to excel in academic adventures, Surface Go 3 is the most ideal choice.

One of the most portable laptops in the world that provides you with the perfect 2-in-1 functionality and can be used in the form of a detachable tablet.

So, don’t buy the keyboard if you don’t need it, and still use the full functionality of a PC with Windows 11 OS.

It comes equipped with an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and 64 GB eMMC flash storage. These specs perfectly meet all the needs of a high schooler and provide efficient performance and functionality.

Adding to this, the laptop comes with a 10.5-inch high-resolution display with a kickstand that enhances user experience.

In terms of portability, I don’t think any other laptop can beat this one. The device only weighs 1.2 pounds, which makes it the best portable laptop for high school students.

Moreover, with a USB Type-C port, a 3.5 mm jack, the latest wireless connectivity options, and a micro-SD card reader, you get convenient and extensive connectivity options.

Additionally, the laptop comes with a long-lasting battery life which adds to the overall portability and enhances the user experience.

Due to enhanced portability, a stunning design, and impressive performance potential, this laptop also secures its spot as one of the best laptops for nursing students.

Final Remarks

In terms of portability, performance, and ease of use, this is the best laptop for high school students that you can find today. It just provides you with the perfect sweet spot between portability, performance, and affordability.

 

9. Dell XPS 13 9310 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop for High School Students

Chromebooks, while definitely portable, compact, and come with touchscreen functionality, are still lacking in terms of performance potential when it comes to complex and high-end applications.

During my search, I came across Dell XPS 13, one of the most advanced touchscreen laptops, and one that stands out in terms of both design and performance.

The laptop is equipped with an 11^th Gen Intel Core i7 processor that features 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache and provides you with an amazing processing speed of up to 4.8 GHz.

Combined with Intel Iris Xe graphics, the laptop provides you with amazing visuals with enhanced clarity and impeccable details.

Adding to this, the 16 GB of high-bandwidth and low-voltage RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage ensures that all your performance needs are fully met and you are able to handle even the most complex of tasks with ease.

Moreover, with a 13.4-inch Full-HD display that features an Infinity Edge design, touchscreen functionality, and an anti-reflective 500-nit display, you are able to watch the most realistic graphics coming to life.

Additionally, with Dolby Vision technology, you get an incredible contrast, making details a lot sharper with brighter whites and darker blacks, making it the best 13-inch laptop for high school students.

Furthermore, the craftsmanship is truly exceptional, features the finest details, has superior material construction, a durable design, and provides an efficient design.

Final Remarks

Stunning is truly an understatement when it comes to Dell XPS 13. This laptop is truly exceptional both in terms of design and performance. Even in a tiny body, it provides mighty performance potential and is considered one of the best.

 

10. HP Pavilion Aero 13 – Best HP Laptop for High School Students

As always, we have something special saved for the last. The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is a unique laptop for high schoolers that comes in a stunning design and also a reasonable price.

The laptop comes with value-packed features and provides you best bang for your buck. It has an aesthetically pleasing design that will perfectly suit you as a student.

It comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, combined with 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. These specs are more than enough for your casual as well as high-end performance needs.

With its portable and lightweight design, the laptop is perfect for students who are always on the move and provides power-packed performance on the go, making it one of the best HP laptops for high school students.

The 13.3-inch WUXGA display provides you wide viewing angles and with a 16:10 aspect ratio, it provides maximized display along with superior visual quality and excellent colors.

Adding to this, with Radeon-powered graphics, the true visual potential of this laptop is taken to a whole new level, where you are able to enjoy immersive visuals and have a casual gaming experience as well.

Moreover, the laptop comes with a long-lasting battery that lasts for more than 10 hours. With HP Fast Charge technology, you can charge the device up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes.

Final Remarks

With a powerful processor, incredible visual details, a superfast processor, and a feather-light body, this laptop fully justifies its position on our list of best laptops for high school students.

 

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

As a high schooler, finding the ideal laptop for your needs and budget can be a daunting endeavor, but certainly not an impossible one.

I have already shared 10 of the best options available in the market. However, selecting one among so many attractive choices can be a difficult task.

So, to help you out, I have created this comprehensive guide that will provide you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Here we go:

Ideal Specs

The specs will depend on your specific needs. For a social sciences student, a normal laptop with an Intel Celeron processor and baseline specs of 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage should suffice, provided the laptop has either cloud storage or an SD card slot.

However, for computer science and engineering students, more powerful specs are needed.

So, you should go with options like Intel i5 10^th Gen or higher or their AMD equivalent.

If you also want to play games, learn graphics-related work, or run heavy applications related to your career goals, then you might need even higher specs.

For such students, I highly recommend going with MacBooks that combine all of this performance potential into a single Apple M chip which has immense power.

Display and Graphics

Visuals matter, especially for research and creative endeavors. So, you must aim for higher-resolution displays that provide decent graphics with enhanced clarity and detail.

The display size will remain a personal preference. If you can easily handle a larger display size by wearing a large bag, then it is good, otherwise, settle for smaller options.

GPUs are dependent on your specific needs. If you are going to use graphics-intensive programs and games, then a dedicated GPU is a must. Otherwise, an integrated graphics co-processor should suffice.

Portability & Durability

High school life is dynamic and your laptop should be able to keep up with you. It won’t be able to do so in a heavy and bulky body.

You should select a laptop that comes in a lightweight and portable design, which would easily fit into your backpack and doesn’t hinder you from staying on the move.

From bustling classrooms to extracurricular activities, a sleek, durable build ensures your device remains your agile companion. A laptop that comes with the best portability automatically becomes the best laptop for high school students.

Moreover, in your pursuit of portability, never forget about durability. High school environments can be unpredictable. Invest in a laptop that can withstand the occasional bumps and spills of student life.

Connectivity Options

A laptop that syncs seamlessly with other devices is a game-changer. In the modern world, you will need a device that is able to keep up.

Choose a laptop with multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi capability, and compatibility with peripherals you might need for school projects or extracurricular activities.

Also, make sure that the laptop comes with the latest USB Type-C port and the latest variant of wireless chips for better connectivity speeds.

Budget Matters

Finding the right laptop doesn’t mean breaking the bank. You must always make a proper budget before you start looking for options.

Seek devices offering a blend of performance, durability, and affordability. Keep a flexible budget and if you find a perfect option, make sure you can nudge your budget a bit if it is out of your reach.

You can also explore student discounts or seasonal deals to get the best value for your investment. You can check out our list of best laptops under $700 to find the ideal blend of affordability and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of laptop is best for high school students?

A student needs a laptop that doesn’t weigh him or her down while still providing enough performance power to meet all the needs. So, a portable laptop with powerful specs would be the ideal choice.

2. Is a Chromebook or laptop better for high school?

It depends on your specific needs and budget. For low-budget users, Chromebooks are more suitable but their performance potential is limited. However, for students who have high-performance needs, a laptop is a more suitable choice.

3. How to choose a laptop for students?

Selecting the ideal laptop for students can be a difficult task. I have shared a detailed buyer’s guide above that discusses all of the important aspects to help you select the ideal option for your needs and budget.

4. What are the specs for a high school laptop?

As a high-school student, the specific specs will depend on your specific requirements. A computer science or engineering student will need a laptop with more powerful specs compared to a social sciences student.

5. Are gaming laptops good for high school?

Gaming laptops are often bulky which makes them unsuitable for high school students who are constantly on the move. However, if you are considering a compact and lightweight laptop like the Razer Blade 15, then they can be considered good enough.

6. Which is better for students: a laptop or a desktop?

Students need a device that can help them keep their performance and efficiency on the go. While desktops are certainly useful, affordable, and powerful, they lack portability. For modern students, laptops are much more suitable.

Wrapping Up!

To sum it all up, the laptop has become a necessity for high schoolers, one they can’t do without. So, getting one is a must.

Finding the ideal choice can be a daunting endeavor, but with the diverse range of options in the above guide and the proper guidelines to help you make the selection, it will be a piece of cake.

If I were to recommend one as the best laptop for high school students, I would definitely ask you to go with the Apple MacBook Air M1. It comes at a reasonable price and provides you with powerful performance potential.

For low-budget users, Acer Aspire 5 is a more suitable option which comes at an affordable price without compromising on any of the performance aspects.

I hope the guide helps you make an informed decision and choose a perfect companion for your academic adventures. Good Luck!