20 Best Laptops for Students in 2025

Schools are starting; universities are now reopening: thousands and thousands of students are now looking for the best laptops for students. If you are one of them too, do not worry, you are in the right place. The best part is Black Friday is around the corner, and the sale is on! So, this is the best time for you to grab the deal with Student Laptop Black Friday deals all over the globe.

In this article, I have listed the most recommended models for those who study and need a powerful, handy and reliable laptop.

searching for the best laptops for students?

You will discover not only which student laptops you should buy but also how to choose them without neglecting any aspect, especially the main ones related to and acclaimed by the world of school and university. So, here we go!

Table of Contents

Best Laptops for Students

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)

The 13-inch MacBook Air M3 is what happens when power meets simplicity. It’s thin, silent, and wicked fast — perfect for writing papers, editing photos, or running creative apps without breaking a sweat.

Why students love it

The M3 chip handles everyday and creative tasks effortlessly.
Up to 18 hours of battery life for marathon study sessions.
Crisp Retina display with stunning color accuracy.
Fanless design keeps it silent in the library.
Lightweight, durable, and minimal — classic Apple.

When to skip it

Need Windows-only tools or have a budget under $1,000.
Only two Thunderbolt ports, so you’ll probably need a hub.
Integrated graphics = fine for casual gaming, not AAA titles.

This is the laptop most students should buy. It’s reliable, fast, and a joy to use.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

Same Apple magic, bigger canvas. The 15-inch MacBook Air is ideal for multitaskers who like more screen space without the bulk.

Why students love it

Larger Liquid Retina display for split-screen productivity.
The M3 chip keeps performance snappy and efficient.
Lasts around 18 hours on a charge.
Fantastic speakers for lectures, music, or movies.
Still lightweight and completely silent.

When to skip it

Slightly larger footprint; not as travel-friendly.
Pricier than the 13″ version.
No high-refresh display or advanced gaming support.

If you’re someone who prefers working across multiple windows or loves big screens, this one nails it.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4, Late 2024)

The M4 MacBook Pro 14 is for power users — think engineers, developers, and design majors. It’s built to crush heavy workloads while staying portable.

Why students love it

The M4 chip delivers true pro-level performance.
Bright Liquid Retina XDR display for color-critical work.
Battery lasts a full academic day.
Keyboard and speakers are top-tier.
Ideal for video editing, coding, or 3D modeling.

When to skip it

Too much laptop if you just browse and write essays.
Expensive — usually $1,500 and up.
No hardware upgrades after purchase.

If you need workstation-level power in a compact body, this is the one. Otherwise, the Air M3 gives you 90% of the experience for less money.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 (2024)

Tablet or laptop? Why not both. The Surface Pro 10 gives you the freedom to use it your way — in class, on your bed, or sketching on the go.

Why students love it

2-in-1 design with detachable keyboard.
Works flawlessly with the Surface Pen for handwritten notes.
Snapdragon chip = silent and efficient.
13″ high-refresh touchscreen looks amazing.
Easily 10+ hours of battery life.

When to skip it

Some desktop apps aren’t optimized for ARM processors.
Not built for gaming or 3D design.
Limited ports (mostly USB-C).

It’s perfect for note-takers, digital artists, and minimalists who live off flexibility.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 2024)

This one’s for students who want elegance with endurance. The Surface Laptop 7 runs on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite — a chip that’s both powerful and insanely efficient.

Why students love it

Thin, silent, and super lightweight.
Copilot+ AI PC that’s ready for Windows 11’s new AI features.
Up to 27 hours of battery life — yes, that’s real.
PixelSense touchscreen feels smooth and premium.
Great keyboard and trackpad.

When to skip it

Older apps may run slower via emulation.
Not for GPU-heavy work like CAD or gaming.
Pricier than traditional Intel laptops.

It’s futuristic, practical, and built to last years. Perfect if you’re ready for the next wave of AI-driven Windows laptops.

HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)

The Spectre x360 is a showstopper. Sleek, convertible, and reliable — it’s a student’s dream if you value both looks and performance.

Why students love it

Stunning OLED display that rivals pro monitors.
Intel Core Ultra processor with Arc graphics for fluid performance.
Flips 360° into tablet mode with included stylus.
9–10 hours of battery life.
Premium design and backlit keyboard.

When to skip it

On the expensive side.
Not upgradeable (soldered RAM).
A little heavy for tablet-only use.
Not built for gaming.

If you want one laptop that does it all — work, creativity, and style — this is one of HP’s finest.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (2024)

ThinkPad. Two words: solid and dependable. The X1 Carbon Gen 12 is made for students who want long-term reliability, not gimmicks.

Why students love it

Weighs only 2.4 lbs — unbelievably light.
Built with a carbon-fiber chassis for durability.
Intel 14th-gen Core Ultra CPU = serious multitasking power.
Excellent keyboard for typing marathons.
Plenty of ports — USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and more.

When to skip it

Premium pricing for business-grade extras.
Design is understated — all function, no flash.
Integrated graphics only.

It’s one of those laptops you can rely on for years. Workhorse through and through.

ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024)

The Zenbook 14 OLED is the perfect blend of power, portability, and polish. It’s stylish yet practical — a true student favorite.

Why students love it

Breathtaking OLED screen with 2880×1800 resolution.
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU and Arc graphics handle anything.
Lightweight at just 3 lbs.
8–10 hours of real-world battery life.
Comfortable keyboard and large trackpad.

When to skip it

OLED screens need care (avoid static images).
Not built for gaming.
Slightly pricier than entry-level ultrabooks.

It’s a no-fuss, top-tier laptop for productivity, creativity, and binge sessions alike.

Acer Swift Go 14 (2024)

The Swift Go 14 gives you everything you need — speed, portability, and great battery life — without stretching your budget.

Why students love it

Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen options available.
2.8K OLED display looks fantastic.
Weighs just 2.7 lbs, great for commuters.
Includes HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C ports.
Great typing feel and quick resume times.

When to skip it

Not ideal for gaming or design work.
Entry models have 8GB RAM (upgrade if possible).
Build isn’t as premium as high-end rivals.

For the price, it’s a killer all-rounder — perfect balance of quality, performance, and affordability.\

Acer Aspire 5 (15.6″, 2024)

The Acer Aspire 5 is the definition of “gets the job done.” It’s affordable, dependable, and powerful enough for daily student life.

Why students love it

Big 15.6″ Full HD display — perfect for research and writing.
AMD Ryzen 5 7520U handles multitasking with ease.
Plenty of ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet.
Great for casual editing, streaming, and office work.
Affordable and easy to find.

When to skip it

Bulkier at around 4 lbs.
Battery lasts around 7–8 hours.
Plastic build isn’t premium.
Not for gaming or creative professionals.

For budget-conscious students, this is a smart buy. Reliable, practical, and simple.

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LG Gram 15 (2024)

If you want a big screen without the bulk, the LG Gram 15 is your best friend. It’s shockingly light for its size — lighter than some 13-inch laptops — yet packs serious performance.

Why students love it

Weighs only around 2.5–2.7 lbs despite the 15″ display.
Runs on Intel’s Core Ultra processor for smooth multitasking.
Huge battery life — perfect for long days on campus.
Magnesium alloy body that’s tough but featherlight.
Plenty of ports: Thunderbolt, USB-A, HDMI, and more.

When to skip it

Not for heavy gaming or 3D design — integrated graphics only.
Ultra-light frame feels slightly flexible.
Touchscreen models exist, but not all variants have it.
Pricey for its category — you’re paying for weight reduction.

For students who want a big-screen laptop that won’t break their back, the Gram 15 is gold.

Dell XPS 13 (Snapdragon, 2025)

The Dell XPS 13 is the poster child of compact Windows laptops. And now, with the Snapdragon X Elite chip, it’s faster, quieter, and lasts even longer.

Why students love it

20+ hours of battery life — yes, really.
13.4″ FHD+ 120Hz display with ultra-thin bezels.
Completely fanless and whisper-quiet.
Stunning aluminum and carbon-fiber build.
AI-powered Windows 11 features run flawlessly.

When to skip it

ARM-based chip means older Windows apps might need emulation.
Only two Thunderbolt ports — adapters might be needed.
Premium price tag for a small laptop.

It’s built for modern students — fast, sleek, and designed to last an entire semester on one charge (almost).

Lenovo Yoga 7i (16″ Gen 8, 2024)

The Yoga 7i 16 is Lenovo’s do-it-all machine. It’s a laptop, tablet, presentation screen, and creative canvas all rolled into one.

Why students love it

360° hinge turns it into a tablet in seconds.
Huge 16″ 2K touchscreen — great for research, drawing, or presentations.
Intel Core Ultra 7 155U CPU for serious multitasking.
Includes an active pen for handwritten notes and sketches.
Comes with a number pad — ideal for finance, math, or science students.

When to skip it

Large and heavy (~4.4 lbs), not the most portable.
Battery lasts around 7 hours — fair, but not stellar.
Not a dedicated gaming or rendering machine.

If you want a big, flexible laptop that can handle everything from note-taking to presentations, this is a solid pick.

ASUS Vivobook 14 (Linux Edition, Ubuntu)

This one’s for the coders and tinkerers. The ASUS Vivobook 14 Linux Edition comes preloaded with Ubuntu, making it a perfect fit for programming students or anyone who prefers open-source tools.

Why students love it

Ships with Ubuntu Linux, ready out of the box.
Intel Core i3-1315U and 8GB RAM — smooth for everyday use.
Lightweight (about 3.1 lbs) and easy to carry.
Plenty of ports for peripherals and lab setups.
Clean, bloat-free system that boots lightning fast.

When to skip it

Not for users who need Adobe or MS Office Windows features.
Entry-level specs — not built for gaming or rendering.
Linux may require occasional driver tweaks.

For tech-minded students, this is a fun, affordable machine that gives you full control.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (15″, Ubuntu Linux)

The IdeaPad Slim 3 is a sleeper hit — especially this Ubuntu edition. It’s powerful, spacious, and doesn’t make you pay for a Windows license you don’t need.

Why students love it

Pre-installed Ubuntu Linux — fast and clutter-free.
15.6″ Full HD touchscreen for big-screen productivity.
AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with 16GB RAM = effortless multitasking.
Massive 2TB SSD for projects, media, and backups.
Often bundled with external SSDs or docking hubs.

When to skip it

No native Adobe suite or Windows-only apps.
On the heavier side (~4 lbs).
Integrated Radeon graphics, not for gaming.

This one’s a powerhouse for Linux users who want high specs without overspending — a rare combo.

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HP Laptop 15 (FHD, Ubuntu Edition)

This HP 15 is a quiet workhorse for Linux lovers. It comes preloaded with Ubuntu, so you save money while getting serious performance — no unnecessary Windows bloat here.

Why students love it

Ubuntu Linux out of the box — secure, fast, and stable.
10-core Intel Core i5-1235U with 32GB RAM for heavy multitasking.
2TB SSD plus bonus 256GB portable SSD (in some bundles).
Numeric keypad for data-heavy courses.
Plenty of ports including USB-C, HDMI, and USB-A.

When to skip it

Plastic build — not fancy, but functional.
Display is Full HD IPS — decent, not premium.
Windows-only software will need a workaround (dual boot or VM).
Not built for gaming.

If you’re studying computer science, data, or STEM subjects and prefer Linux, this laptop gives you maximum performance for your money.

HP 255 G10 (15.6″, FreeDOS – No OS)

This one’s a DIYer’s dream. The HP 255 G10 ships with FreeDOS, meaning you install your own OS — perfect if you know what you’re doing and want to save cash.

Why students love it

AMD Ryzen 5 7530U with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
Great value for solid mid-range hardware.
Full-size keyboard with numeric pad.
Lots of ports for classroom setups.
Easy to install Windows or Linux of your choice.

When to skip it

No OS preloaded — requires setup.
Screen quality can vary (some TN panels, check specs).
Build is functional, not flashy.
Battery life is average (~5–7 hours).

This laptop is ideal for tech-savvy students who want control over their software setup and don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty.

Lenovo V15 G3 (15.6″, No OS)

A no-OS laptop built for students who know exactly what they want. The Lenovo V15 G3 is simple, solid, and made for productivity.

Why students love it

Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD — smooth and balanced.
Durable design made for daily classroom use.
Multiple USB ports and HDMI included.
Cheaper since you install your own OS.
Great for general tasks like research, docs, and streaming.

When to skip it

Requires manual OS installation.
8GB RAM is fine, but upgrade if you multitask heavily.
Display is average Full HD — fine for studying, not color work.
No dedicated graphics.

A solid choice for anyone confident enough to handle their own OS setup. Clean, reliable, and budget-friendly.

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 (No OS)

The ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 is a student-friendly version of Lenovo’s iconic professional line. It’s built tough, feels premium, and comes ready for your own OS install.

Why students love it

14″ sweet spot between screen size and portability.
AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 (or Intel variant) with upgradeable RAM.
Classic ThinkPad keyboard — simply the best typing feel.
Fingerprint reader and TPM security for privacy.
Multiple ports and solid thermals.

When to skip it

No preinstalled OS — setup required.
Integrated graphics only.
Slightly heavier and thicker than ultrabooks.
Non-touch display on most variants.

If you’re a student developer or frequent writer, this laptop feels like an investment. It’s practical, customizable, and built to outlast your degree.

HP 250 G10 (15.6″, FreeDOS – No OS)

The HP 250 G10 wraps up this list as another FreeDOS gem — same concept, Intel-based. It’s the kind of laptop you buy once and make completely your own.

Why students love it

Intel Core i3/i5 (13th Gen) with 8GB RAM and SSD storage.
Large 15.6″ Full HD screen for classes and multitasking.
Multiple ports: USBs, HDMI, and Ethernet.
Affordable yet capable — no unnecessary extras.
Perfect for installing your own OS or dual-booting.

When to skip it

Requires OS installation — not plug-and-play.
Plastic build and slightly heavy (~4 lbs).
Not for gaming or high-end workloads.
You’ll need to install drivers manually post-setup.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want decent specs and flexibility, this one’s a steal.

Final Thoughts

From Apple’s M-series powerhouses to Linux-ready workhorses, this list covers every kind of student — the creative, the coder, and the budget warrior.

Whether you want a no-compromise MacBook or a self-configured Lenovo, the right laptop is the one that keeps up with your studies and your lifestyle.

So, this was all about the 20 best student laptops to buy from the whole diversity of options available in the market. All these amazing laptops are available on Amazon so, no need to go anywhere just sit on your couch, go through all the alternatives, and find the perfect fit for you. Happy shopping!

Last update on 2024-11-21 using Amazon Product Advertising API.

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