College Life
The Best 20 Laptops for College Students – The Ultimate 2023 Guide
If you are trying to figure out which laptop out there is the right one for you, keep reading and check out the best laptops for college students.
Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by Cher
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Fall semester is fast approaching, and whether you’re in the dorm room decorating or finding the perfect college bag for this year, prepping for college is no easy task.
You might be missing a couple of important items, like the perfect laptop to use for the semester. If you pick the right one, maybe it will last for the rest of your college life.
If you are still figuring out which laptop out there is the right one for you, keep reading and check out the best laptops for college students!
In This Post:
• Best Laptop For Students
• Best Laptops For Students On A Budget
• Best Laptops For Designers
• Best Laptops For Video Editors
Best Laptop for Students Overall
1. MacBook Pro
The all-around best laptop for college students is the MacBook Pro. There is no doubt that this laptop can be used for downloading tons of PDF files for school, video editing, gaming, and designing.
Plus, it’s a collegiate classic and is mostly used by college students because of its easy functionality and versatility. I absolutely LOVE IT!
Even if you are not a “pro”, the MacBook Pro is equipped with easy-to-follow features that make for a smooth and uninterrupted user experience. Even with its big, functional specs, I love how compact the MacBook Pro is.
It fits in most bags and cases, which is perfect for bringing it to classes or study sessions. Truly, the MacBook Pro is the best laptop for students!
Specs:
- Processor: System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
- Graphics: Apple 8-core GPU
- Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
Advantages:
- Can be used for anything from video editing to schoolwork and designing
- Easy-to-use interface and features
Disadvantages:
- Can be pricey the more storage and RAM you get
- The switch from one operating system (like Windows) to macOS can be a hassle
Related: 60 College Must-Haves-Everything a College Needs to Survive
Best Laptops for Students on a Budget
2. HP Pavilion x360
If you are on a budget and are looking for the best laptop for students, one with amazing features and a low price, then the best college laptop for you is the HP Pavilion x360.
This laptop is convertible and can function as a tablet—perfect for whenever a classroom desk can’t fit a whole laptop. You can easily transform this laptop into a tablet and work by touching or writing on it instead of the regular mouse and keyboard combo. If your meetings are conducted virtually, the webcam of this laptop will do the job.
With a resolution of 720p, it’s perfect for virtual meetings. I love that it is a 2-in-1 laptop! Normally, I would need a tablet and a laptop for effective note-taking, but with the HP Pavilion, I could have both for a much lower cost.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Graphics: Intel Iris X Graphics
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 256GB
- RAM: 8GB
Advantages:
- Convertible laptop
- Eco-conscious
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
Disadvantages:
- Might need to buy bigger storage especially if used for gaming, but for school, 256GB should be okay
- Might have to purchase a digital pen separately
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
For your great ideas, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is the best and most affordable laptop to get. A big, 15.6-in screen is perfect for having multiple tabs open whenever conducting research for your classes, and a battery life of 12.6 hours will last you no matter how many classes you attend in one day.
The Lenovo IdeaPad is the definition of an affordable laptop without discounting quality. Personally, the HDMI port is what I love.
Most laptops this thin abandon their HDMI port, but it is a crucial feature, especially for college students who want to connect their laptops to big screens to study more efficiently. I love that the IdeaPad 3i kept that port and was still able to keep the laptop light and portable.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Graphics: Intel Iris X Graphics
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 256GB
- RAM: 8GB
Advantages:
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- 1-year warranty
Disadvantages:
- Might be too big for some
- Not a convertible laptop
4. 2021 Newest HP Premium
Another good laptop for when you are on a budget is the 2021 HP Premium. With long-lasting battery life and a thin, portable design, this laptop is perfect for the college student who just gets the job done.
I like the color of this laptop because it’s not gaudy, which means I can bring it anywhere! Like the IdeaPad, the HP Premium has its HDMI port intact, perfect for those long library study sessions.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Celeron Processor
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display: 14 in
- Storage: 64GB
- RAM: 4GB-16B
Advantages:
- Microsoft subscription included
- 720p HD webcam included
- Has USB and HDMI ports
Disadvantages:
- Non-backlit keyboard
- The battery can only go for 8.5 hours
5. ASUS L210
With a price tag of $238.80 that comes with a free subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, the ASUS L210 is the most affordable laptop for students. The ultra-thin laptop comes with an 11.6-in display, which is perfect for someone who wants a laptop that is unassuming and portable. The highlight? The touchpad can be transformed into a number pad to type numbers easily! The ASUS L210 really maximizes its features despite its petite size, and the number pad is the best representation of that. I love how tiny this laptop is. It’s perfect for whenever I have big books to carry and I do not want to add the weight of a big laptop.
Specs:
- Processor: 2.8 GHz celeron_n4020
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Display: 11.6 in
- Storage: 64GB
- RAM: 4GB
Advantages:
- Slim display
- Numpad feature
- Flexible
- Has Bluetooth
- Microsoft subscription included
Disadvantages:
- Might be too small for some
- The design is a little outdated
6. ASUS VivoBook
Another contender for the best and most affordable laptop for students is the ASUS VivoBook. For $349.99, you will get a 15.6-in full HD screen with a fingerprint scanner for secure access.
No more typing in passwords, especially when your professor talks so fast that you have to access your choice of a word processor ASAP.
The ASUS VivoBook comes with a built-in webcam and a backlit keyboard, which is perfect for both virtual meetings and late-night studying. I love how big the screen is.
For this price, you would normally get a smaller screen, but the VivoBook provides a whopping 15.6 inches for the best experience.
Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3
- Graphics: Radeon Vega 3
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 128GB
- RAM: 8GB
Advantages:
- Has a fingerprint scanner
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Backlit keyboard enabled
Disadvantages:
- Might need to buy bigger storage
- Might be a little big for some
- Battery life is only 8 hours
7. 2020 Apple MacBook Air
The Apple MacBook Air with the Apple M1 chip is an affordable option compared to the MacBook Pro. It is truly designed for school activities, as it offers a seamless experience with its 18-hour battery life and its quality Retina display.
Plus, its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to store and carry around campus, and it is a perfect fit for any classroom desk.
The MacBook Air has a fanless design, which makes silent operation possible, because you don’t want a laptop making unnecessary noises during class.
I love that the MacBook Air comes in three classic and sleek colors so I can personalize it however I want. If you are looking for a laptop that will cater to your academic needs, the MacBook Air is one of the best laptops for students.
Specs:
- Processor: System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
- Graphics: Apple 8-core GPU
- Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen display
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
- RAM: 8GB
Advantages:
- Has touch-ID
- Light and easy to carry
- Highly versatile and functional
Disadvantages:
- Might need to buy bigger storage or RAM, and that can get a little more expensive
- Doesn’t have an exhaust fan; can overheat
8. HP ProBook
If you want an affordable yet highly functional laptop that mimics one of your notebooks, then the HP ProBook is the best choice for you.
The ProBook is the definition of easy-to-carry because of its notebook-like design. It can surely fit in a school backpack, perfect for the on-the-go student.
However, don’t underestimate its design; the HP ProBook has a 16.5-hour battery life that can last back-to-back four-hour seminars or labs.
Plus, the ProBook is EPEAT certified because it helps reduce environmental impact from multiple eco-attributes, and did I mention it’s super affordable? Overall, I love the design of this laptop and its price, but what sets it apart from its competitors is its environmental friendliness.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Celeron
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Display: 11.6 in
- Storage: 64GB
- RAM: 8GB
Advantages:
- Energy efficient
- Eco-conscious
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Has touchscreen feature
Disadvantages:
- Only 8 hours of battery life
- Might be too small for some
9. Acer Aspire 5
Another amazing laptop for a student on a budget is the Acer Aspire 5. The $300 laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor with Radeon graphics that makes everything faster, whether multiple activities are being done or not.
The laptop comes with a fingerprint reader for secure access and an amazing widescreen display. The Acer Aspire 5 is perfect for the college student who loves to do editing from time to time.
The laptop can handle both your hefty PDF files from your professors and your editing apps. I love that the design is a classic laptop design with no gimmicks, just amazing features.
It comes with the proper outlets from HDMI to USBs, which I personally recommend looking for when purchasing a laptop.
Specs:
- Processor: Ryzen 3
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 6
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 128GB
- RAM: 4GB
Advantages:
- Affordable
- Thin and compact
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Backlit keyboard included
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
Disadvantages:
- Might need to buy bigger storage
10. HP Stream 11
The HP Stream is the perfect starter laptop for students on a budget. This laptop has everything you need to succeed in school, from a webcam to a microphone to a high-functioning processor that will make doing schoolwork a breeze.
HP Stream 11 is EPEAT certified and is energy efficient, which means it uses less energy than alternative products. I love that the battery lasts up to 12 hours because I know it’ll last me for most of my classes, and with a price tag of $199.99, I think that’s so worth it.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4020
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Display: 11.6 in
- Storage: 32GB
- RAM: 4GB
Advantages:
- 12 hours battery life
- Eco-conscious
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
Disadvantages:
- Outdated design
- Might be small for some
Related: 40 Dorm Hacks Every College Student Must Know
Best Laptops for Designers
11. Lenovo Legion
The 17.3-in full HD display of the Lenovo Legion is perfect for beginner and intermediate designers.
It has a high bandwidth so you can smoothly run your editing applications and even games, or run multiple programs at once without reducing the speed of the experience.
If you are looking for a high-resolution and a high-quality laptop for designers, then this is one of the best.
I love that the Lenovo Legion is compact despite its wider screen, because it is perfect for students who are pursuing design, especially when they have to carry equipment around. Plus, even though it’s compact, it didn’t remove the important ports like USBs and HDMIs.
Specs:
- Processor: AMD 4th Generation Ryzen 7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti
- Display: 17.3 in
- Storage: 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD
- RAM: 32GB
Advantages:
- High Performance
- Great for multitasking
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Backlit keyboard included
Disadvantages:
- Might be too big for some
12. Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor that makes doing work smooth.
If you are looking for a laptop that will cater to your design needs, then you must always consider what processor it is working on, because it can affect your work and the experience you will have with it.
The Dell Inspiron 15 has a high-quality processor, which means that the experience of working on it will be seamless. I love that the screen comes with an anti-glare treatment so I can clearly view whatever’s on-screen, which means I could take the laptop outside without the worry of glares affecting my view.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 512GB
- RAM: 16GB
Advantages:
- Fingerprint reader included
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Anti-glare screen
- Thinner and energy-efficient screen
Disadvantages:
- Might be too big for some
- Not flexible
13. Lenovo ThinkPad E14
One important feature that design students tend to consider in a laptop is if it’s flexible. Flexibility is key, especially when it comes to designing; you want to be able to work comfortably so you can achieve the best output.
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14’s screen bends so you can look at it vertically, which is perfect for designers. I love that this product comes with a free mousepad, because who doesn’t love freebies?
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U Processor
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display: 14 in
- Storage: 1TB
- RAM: 16GB
Advantages:
- Includes lots of memory
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Flexible and Bendable
Disadvantages:
- Backlit keyboard not included
- No fingerprint scanner
14. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17
If you want a super high-quality experience when you are designing, then the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 is the perfect laptop for you.
It truly is one of the best laptops for students because of its quality graphics that allow for the ultimate user experience. The Scar 17 comes with an exceptionally large 17.3-in display for the best design experience.
This laptop was originally made for gaming, but if you want a laptop that’s high functioning even when multiple applications are running, then this is the best one to purchase.
I really love that this product provides professional speed because whether I use it for gaming or designing, it will provide me with the best experience.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i9
- Graphics: Intel Iris X Graphics
- Display: 17.3 in
- Storage: 1TB
- RAM: 32GB
Advantages:
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Multitasking capability
Disadvantages:
- Might be on the bigger side for some
15. Lenovo Flex 5
Another one of the best laptops for students, especially for future designers, is the Lenovo Flex 5. This 2-in-1 product can be used as a regular laptop or a tablet that can be operated with a stylus.
The digital pen is included with the product! The pen is perfect for drawing, taking notes, and much more. The opportunities are endless.
The 360-degree hinge allows you to bend and use your laptop however you want. Even better, when you want to draw on it or use the digital pen, the laptop can be propped up or layed down - whatever you are comfortable with. I really love that it comes with a digital pen, because it is perfect for designing. Sometimes a mouse isn’t enough, so the pen absolutely makes it better.
Specs:
- Processor: Ryzen 5
- Graphics: AMD Integrated Graphics
- Display: 14 in
- Storage: 256GB
- RAM: 16GB
Advantages:
- Includes digital pen
- Convertible laptop
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Touchscreen mode
- Stand mode for binge-watching
Disadvantages:
- On the smaller display size
- A little on the heavier side
Related: The 10 Absolute Best College Planners To Succeed – The Ultimate Guide
Best Laptops for Video Editors
16. Lenovo ThinkPad E15
One of the best laptops for video editing is the Lenovo ThinkPad E15. With a powerful processor, like the Lenovo E14 mentioned above, the E15 can handle multiple tasks at once and won’t overheat or slow down when you are rendering your videos.
Plus, it has a big enough screen to see clearly when you are in the process of editing. I love that it bends vertically, too, because I could prop it to any surface and I would be able to see clearly and comfortably.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Graphics: UHD 620
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 512GB
- RAM: 16GB
Advantages:
- Super flexible
- Bendable
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
Disadvantages:
- No touchscreen mode
17. Dell XPS 15
The ultra-thin and light Dell XPS 15 is a powerful laptop with optimal features for video editing. The laptop has a stunning 4K display and advanced thermal control to prevent the laptop from overheating when rendering high-resolution graphics.
I love that the XPS 15 is energy efficient and can be connected to my mobile phone via Bluetooth to make transferring files from phone to laptop seamless. If you are looking for a laptop that will cater to your video editing needs, then the Dell XPS 15 is the best choice.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Display: 15 in
- Storage: 512GB
- RAM: 16GB
Advantages:
- Eco-conscious
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Immersive audio
- Sleek design
- Thin and lightweight
Disadvantages:
- No touchscreen mode
- Not as flexible
- Might be big for some
18. Dell XPS 13
If the Dell XPS 15 is too big for your liking, then the Dell XPS 13 is the second-best option for video editing. It has the exact same features as the XPS 15, but with this one, you’ll save space when storing because of its 13-in display.
Coined as “tiny but mighty”, the XPS 13 has an adaptive performance that’s perfect for your video editing needs. Its smaller frame than the XPS15 is a big plus. If a smaller laptop with big features is more your groove, then this product is the best choice.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 11th Gen
- Graphics: Intel Iris X Graphics
- Display: 13.4 in
- Storage: 512GB
- RAM: 16GB
Advantages:
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- Immersive audio
Disadvantages:
- Like the XPS 15, the XPS 13 has no touchscreen mode
- Not as flexible as the Lenovos
19. Razer Blade 15
Gaming laptops are usually designed to handle different games’ heavy graphics, and some of these laptops can handle video editing!
The Razer Blade 15 is the best laptop for students who are into video editing as it can handle rendering and stacking 4K videos atop of each other without the laptop slowing down.
The Razer Blade 15 comes with a 6-Core 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with up to 5.0 GHz that causes its fluid performance. I love that, despite its big features, the laptop is still thin and compact, and it has an open SSD slot so I can add more storage.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 256GB
- RAM: 16GB
Advantages:
- USB and HDMI ports included
- Has Bluetooth
- High performance
Disadvantages:
- The laptop is on the heavier side and it’s not ideal to carry around
20. MSI Prestige 15
Another great laptop for students who are into editing is the MSI Prestige 15. This laptop has a heavyweight internal performance but a lightweight design, which makes it portable.
The Prestige 15 has a True Pixel display and 4K resolution for the ultimate video editing experience. I love the color of the laptop and how it looks very professional! It truly is perfect for editing enthusiasts.
Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650
- Display: 15.6 in
- Storage: 1TB
- RAM: 32GB
Advantages:
- High performance for video editing
Disadvantages:
- Fewer ports
Final Thoughts on Best Laptops for Students
I hope this list helped you figure out what the best laptop for college students is, and I hope it helped ease your worries about what to bring to the new semester. As always, I am happy to help, and hope you have an amazing semester!
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