Almost every college student needs a decent laptop to complete his assignment, to search online for solutions, or take online classes. If you're going to buy a laptop that would help you in your studies, then you should be picky.
You can't just randomly pick any laptop because some laptops are made for different purposes, for example, some are the best laptops for artists, some are for professionals and some are for other specific purposes.
So if you are looking for a high-performance laptop to help you complete your college homework on time. You don't need to search online for hours to get the best laptop for studies because we have compiled a list of the best laptops for college students.
Before starting the list, let us tell you that we've been reviewing different products for a while, for example, the best laptop for photo editing under $1000. You can also check our Buyer's Guide section for more reviews like this.
Context
- Introduction
- Best Laptops for College Students
- Buying Guide for the Best Laptop for College Students
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The best laptop for college students must have a decent CPU to run the different tasks and have sufficient Ram for things like multitasking. Having a fair amount of Hard Drive space is also important because without enough space you won't be able to put your study material on your laptop.
And some students also tend to play video games on their laptops, so we have also added some laptops having adequate specifications for running mid-ranged video games.
So without any further ado, let's get started with the review of the Top 10 Best Laptops for College Students.
Best Laptops for College Students
1. HP Envy 13
Features
- CPU: Intel Core i5/Core i7
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620/Nvidia GeForce MX250
- RAM: 8GB/16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
- Display: 13.3-inch, 1080p or 4K
- Size: 12.1 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
Characteristics
HP Envy 13 is the best overall laptop on our list because of its useful security features. Every college student needs a laptop that gives access to authorized users only. The fingerprint sensor and a webcam kill switch lock everyone else from your machine, keeping your files and documents secure.
This is an attractive machine that has more than 11 hours of battery life. It is a portable FHD model that has a refreshed new design. With Intel UHD Graphics 620/Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU installed in it, you'll be able to play video games.
The HP Envy 13 is an updated laptop that comes with powerful speakers suitable for movie and game nights. This is definitely a budget laptop that offers you everything you need in the best laptop for college students.
2. Dell XPS 13
Features
- CPU: Intel Core i3/Core i5/Core i7 (10th Gen)
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus
- RAM: 8GB/16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
- Display: 13.4-inch, 1920 x 1200 or 4K
- Size: 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
Characteristics
If you’re looking for the best premium Windows 10 laptop in the market, then you should purchase Dell XPS 13. This attractive machine offers you an excellent battery life together with unmatched performance.
It is the perfect machine for college students who need a serious workhorse that’s also built for entertainment. This notebook ensures you enjoy using it, thanks to its integrated Intel graphics and its lightweight frame.
Dell XPS 13 is as pretty as it is powerful; it is definitely a machine you’ll be proud of using among your peers. The Dell company managed to make it smaller and lighter without compromising its performance. In fact, it performs way better than its predecessors thanks to the 13.4-inch display, the large keyboard, and trackpad, as well as the groundbreaking near-bezel-less display on every side.
Related: Top 10 Best Laptop For Photo Editing Under $1000
3. HP Envy x360 13
Features
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Display: 13.3-inch, 1080p
- Size: 12.1 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
Characteristics
HP Envy x360 13 is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops for students thanks to its outstanding 1080p display. It is a stylish machine with a vivid and bright display. Its compact aluminum battery gives you up to 12 hours of battery life.
Even though it doesn’t come with a stylus like most machines in this category, it is one of the best Ultrabooks on the market.
HP Envy x360’s main selling point has got to be its Herculian AMD Ryzen processor that's powerful enough to do almost every task that you need to do. It offers the kind of performance every college student craves.
4. Apple MacBook Air
Features
- CPU: Intel Core i3/i5/i7 (Y-series)
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus
- RAM: 8GB/16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
- Display: 13.3-inch, 2560 x 1600-pixel
- Size: 11.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
Characteristics
Apple MacBook Air is the best 13-inch laptop on the market at the moment. This has a sleek design that’s both portable and lightweight. This is a high-performance machine with long battery life.
The new keyboard addresses all the issues users had with the previous Butterfly version. Other significant improvements include the superfast SSD, as well as the Y-series processor.
The best thing about Apple MackBook Air the that you'll get what you want, you can have an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor installed in it, can have 8GB or 16GB Ram or can get 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of drive space. It totally depends on your budget, choice, and needs.
Related: Top 10 Best Webcam For Zoom Meetings
5. HP Spectre x360
Features
- CPU: Core i5/Core i7
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus
- RAM: 8GB/16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
- Display: 13.3-inch, 1080p or 4K
- Size: 12.1 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Characteristics
HP Spectre x360 is yet another impressive 2-in-1 laptop ideal for students. This stunning machine has an ultraportable design any student would want to show off. The sleek and premium design is a big plus in this one of the best laptops.
This best laptop for science majors comes with a 10th-generation CPU that offers you optimum performance. This, together with the 13+ hours of battery life, ensures you have a seamless learning experience.
HP Spectre x360 has a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) touchscreen. Now you'll be able to get the finest screen quality that'll also help you in doing tasks like graphic designing and photo editing.
6. Lenovo Yoga C940
Features
- CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-1065G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus
- RAM: Up to 16GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB
- Display: 14-inch, 1080p or 4K
- Size: 12.6 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
Characteristics
This is yet another excellent 2-in-1 laptop with a slick design. Lenovo Yoga C940 is a fast-performance machine that features a 4K display for an amazing user experience. Its hinge doubles as a speaker that can turn 360 degrees to convert your laptop into a tablet.
Its dynamic speakers ensure you have the best experience watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a video game. You get to interact with crisp and vibrant images thanks to the machine’s 1080p and 4K displays. We also named this machine as the best laptop for computer science majors.
The 10th generation Intel processor ensures you multitask without worrying that your machine will buffer. Lenovo Yoga C940’s ultra-portable chassis makes it a lightweight addition to your backpack. You can carry your laptop to class every day without its weight weighing you down.
Related: Top 10 Best Laptops For Writers on a Budget
7. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)
Features
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1030NG7
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Display: 13.3-inch, 2560 x 1600
- Size: 12 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
Characteristics
The Apple MacBook Pro’s design is an incremental change to Apple’s tried-and-tested formula. The company finally phased out the uncomfortable Butterfly keyboard and replaced it with a more reliable one. This laptop’s keyboard is nothing short of magical because it makes typing easy and enjoyable.
It has the same aluminum design we’ve all come to identify Apple products with. With only 3.1 pounds of weight, you'll be comfy while carrying it from one place, and you’ll not have trouble carrying it to class every day.
Apple MacBook Pro has an elegant feel that every student can identify with. Even though its bezels need trimming, they can fit right into most laptop bags.
8. Acer Swift 3
Features
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Display Size: 14-inch, 1080p
- Size: 12.7 x. 8.6 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Characteristics
Do you want blistering performance on a budget? Acer Swift 3 comes with an AMD Ryzen CPU that guarantees exactly that. This machine's Ryzen 7 4700U CPU is its main selling point because it gives it the horsepower that much more expensive laptops lack.
Aside from this laptop's raw performance, it also features a sleek keyboard that makes typing fun and easy. You also get a fingerprint reader that locks out all unauthorized users. What more would you need in a laptop?
This machine’s chassis is made of magnesium and aluminum as opposed to most machines’ plastic chassis. For this reason, Acer Swift 3 is a durable investment that will serve you for many years.
Related: Top 10 Best Monitor For MacBook Pro Graphic Design
9. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (8th Gen)
Features
- CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i5/Core i7
- GPU: Intel UHD
- RAM: 8GB/16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD
- Display: 14-inch, 1080p or 4K
- Size: 12.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
Characteristics
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an ideal student laptop because aside from housing an 8th Gen CPU, it comes with 1080p and 4K display options.
This means that this will not only perform exceptionally well; it will also ensure you interact with crisp and clean imagery. Not to mention the long battery life that saves you from carrying the laptop charger everywhere you go.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon features a durable design, a functional keyboard, and an aesthetic appearance. There are a lot of other features and traits in this powerful machine which's why it is among college students.
10. Google Pixelbook Go
Features
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8200Y
- GPU: Intel UHD 615
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Display: 13.3-inch, 1080p
- Size: 12.2 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
Characteristics
Lastly, we have Google Pixelbook Go, which gives you the elegance and sleekness of Pixelbook at a much lower cost. This is among the cheapest laptops in the market that delivers the same performances as the top machines.
Not to mention Google Pixelbook Go has a lightweight and compact design that is 2.3 pounds and 12.2 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches respectively. This has a powerful Intel Core i5-8200Y processor that is sufficient enough for every task.
You'll definitely get a smooth learning experience while using this one of the best laptops for college students because of its high-end and exclusive specifications and features.
Buying Guide for the Best Laptop for College Students
When it comes to buying a laptop for college, many people are unsure of what is the best option. Different laptops have different advantages and disadvantages, so it can be hard to know which one will work best. This guide will list some things you should consider before making your purchase.
RAM: RAM is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a laptop. If your computer does not have enough memory, you will notice that your programs freeze or take more time than usual to load. It can also make multiple tasks difficult because there isn't an abundance of space available on the RAM for them all.
Tablet Mode: The tablet mode is something that many people love about buying laptops, but it also has some drawbacks. Many of these computers are touchscreens which makes it easy for you to use your computer without the need for an external mouse and keyboard. However, this can also make your computer more susceptible to damage.
Battery Life: The battery life of a laptop is important because it determines how much you will be able to use the device before having to recharge it again. If you are constantly using your laptop in one place, this may not matter as much. However, if you plan on bringing your computer with you a lot, longer battery life will be beneficial for you.
Storage Capacity: The storage capacity of your laptop is definitely something to look at when buying a new device. If you have a large number of pictures or movies that you would like to save on this computer, it might benefit you if the space available was larger than usual. However, if you do not plan on saving much, the storage space may not be as important for you.
Weight: The weight of your laptop is something to consider if you will often bring it with you everywhere. If this computer will only stay in one place and won't move around a lot, then this may not matter too much. However, if you plan on carrying your laptop in a backpack or briefcase often, it would be beneficial for you to get one that is lighter.
Price: The price of the device is definitely something important when buying any new gadget like laptops and phones. It can be difficult to determine which computer will work best with your budget and needs without comparing prices from different sellers first.
Processor: The processor is an extremely important part of a laptop. This component determines how fast the computer will run and handle multiple tasks at once. If your laptop does not have a strong processor, you will notice that it takes longer to do basic activities like browsing the Internet or typing up documents.
Graphics Card Quality: The graphics card of the computer is often overlooked when buying laptops. This component determines how well you can play games on your laptop and what resolutions they will run at as well. If this part isn't high quality, some games may not load at all or the speed will be too slow for you to play.
Screen Resolution & Size: The screen resolution and size of your laptop is definitely an important factor when deciding on which device to buy. This component determines how much detail can be seen on your computer as well as what size it will appear in front of you. If this part of your laptop is not high quality, some images or words may be difficult to see on the screen.
Other Considerations/Requirements: There are a lot of other factors that you should consider before buying a laptop for college. These can include whether you want a touchscreen computer as well as if there needs to be compatible with certain software programs that you use. You should also determine how much money you want to spend on this device and the exact specifications that it needs in order for you to be happy with your purchase.
FAQs
Should I get Windows or Mac OS?
There are many benefits to both of these operating systems, so it would be important for you to consider which one will work best with your style and needs. Windows is designed for regular use while Mac is more simple but also has multiple advantages that some people may prefer over the other option.
Is a touchscreen important to me?
A touchscreen is a feature on some computers that allows the user to interact with the device through touch. These parts of laptops are becoming more popular because it makes using your computer easier and also has other benefits as well. If you do not plan on working with certain programs, this may not be an important factor for you though.
How much money am I willing to spend?
There are many laptops that vary in price, so it would be important for you to determine how much money you want or need to spend on one of these devices. Once again, this will depend on your own personal preferences and needs as well. You should compare prices from different sellers before making your purchase.
Are Chromebooks good for college?
A Chromebook is a laptop that runs on Google's Chrome operating system. These parts of computers are very simple and don't have some features available in other laptops, but they also often come with affordable price tags as well which could make them an attractive option to college students. If you find yourself mainly using the Internet for most activities, this may be a great choice for you.
Is it important that my laptop is compatible with Microsoft Word?
You may use certain programs or MS Office on your computer during college, so it would be important to determine if they are compatible with the device that you choose before making any purchases. If there are compatibility issues, some of these features may not work properly when you try to use them.
Are higher-end specs necessary?
If you're looking for the best laptop on the market, it would be important for you to determine if more high-end features are necessary or not. Devices that have better graphics cards and processors will usually cost much more than others though so this may only be a factor if you plan on using your laptop for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.
Conclusion
So this is the list of the best laptops for college students. Please note that we're not comparing these laptops, we only showed you the top-rated laptops that are available in the market right now and these laptops would surely help you in your studies significantly.
Now you have a wide variety of college laptops to choose from. A good laptop ensures you have a smooth learning experience.
The best laptops for college students that we mentioned above are:
We hope this list proved to be guiding and informative. Kindly let us know in the comment section if you find any mistake in the article.