Best MacBooks for Students in 2024: Ranked
All MacBooks are great for education and learning. But which one should you pick?
If you're confused about selecting the best MacBook for students, don't worry. You're in the right place.
Apple manufactures MacBooks (Pro and Air), which are some of the best student laptops on the market. These are lightweight and well-built – ideal for students who need to carry them around campus. While a MacBook may seem expensive, it's a long-term investment that will see you through your academic years and beyond.
Best MacBooks for Students in 2024
Choosing the best MacBook for college students can be tough. There are two main MacBook lines right now: the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Each comes in different sizes and specifications, so finding the perfect model depends on your needs.
Factors like your major, how much you travel between classes, and how long your laptop should last on a single charge will impact your decision. Below, I've listed the best MacBooks for students in 2024, keeping in mind diverse needs, budgets, and ongoing MacBook deals for students.
Skip to:
MacBook Air (M3, 2024)
The latest MacBook for 2024, optimized for students with ultra-fast performance and incredible battery life. Perfect for all-round use, and the best choice for students looking for a future-proof laptop.
Launched in early 2024, the MacBook Air (M3) takes the performance of the Air series to a whole new level. With the new M3 chip, this model offers unparalleled speed and energy efficiency, making it the perfect choice for students who need a reliable laptop for studying, completing projects, or even light media creation.
Weighing just 2.6 pounds, it's the lightest MacBook available, making it easy to carry between classes. It also comes with a battery life of up to 20 hours, which means you'll never run out of juice during a long day at school or college. The MacBook Air M3 starts at $899, and you can often find MacBook deals for education that bring the price down.
MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The best and cheapest MacBook deal for students. Ideal for general use and mid-level tasks like video editing, design, and coding.
The 2022 MacBook Air is equipped with Apple’s M2 chip and delivers fantastic performance for most student needs. With its sleek design, 18-hour battery life, and near-silent operation, this model is the best choice for students on a budget without sacrificing power.
It’s lightweight, weighing just 2.7 pounds, and features a Touch ID sensor, backlit Magic Keyboard, and MagSafe charging. Its price starts at $1,199, but the base model is still a great value for those looking to future-proof their laptop. For students looking for a MacBook for studies and everyday tasks, this remains a top contender.
MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max, 2023)
The ultimate powerhouse for performance-heavy tasks like video editing, CAD, and design. Best for advanced students or professionals.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch is designed for students who need maximum power. It comes with the M2 Max chip and delivers top-tier performance in demanding fields like architecture, film production, and 3D modeling.
While it boasts a stunning Retina display, fantastic speakers, and a battery life of almost 19 hours, its starting price of $3,099 makes it out of reach for most students. However, if you need the best of the best, this model will handle anything you throw at it. MacBook deals for students can sometimes reduce the cost, so it's worth keeping an eye out.
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
The MacBook Air M1, released in 2020, is still an excellent choice for students. Despite its age, its performance surpasses many current laptops, and it remains one of the most budget-friendly MacBooks at under $700.
The M1 Air is perfect for students who want an affordable, lightweight MacBook that can handle everyday tasks. Its 18-hour battery life and fanless design make it an attractive option for those seeking portability and long-lasting performance. Look for MacBook deals for education to get even better pricing on this reliable model.
13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022)
The 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) is ideal for students who need more performance than the MacBook Air but don't require the power of the 14 or 16-inch models. It combines portability with a significant performance boost and a long battery life of over 18 hours.
It also supports iPad and iPhone apps, making it a versatile choice for students who want to use mobile applications on their laptops. While it still features the controversial Touch Bar, its price of $1,299 makes it a solid option for power users. Many students can take advantage of MacBook deals for studies to bring the cost down even further.
14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)
The 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro) brings more power in a more portable form factor compared to its 16-inch sibling. It’s equipped with Apple’s M2 Pro chip and delivers incredible performance in everything from 3D rendering to software development.
Its Liquid Retina XDR display and ProMotion technology make it one of the most advanced screens available, perfect for students in fields like graphic design, video production, and programming. However, with a starting price of $1,999, it’s a premium option best suited for those who need the extra power. Students may find discounts through special MacBook deals for college purchases.
Conclusion
In 2024, the MacBook Air (M3, 2024) is the best option for students who need an ultra-fast laptop for everyday tasks, creative projects, and studying. Its combination of price, performance, and battery life makes it ideal for students looking for a MacBook for studies. The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) also remains a strong contender, especially with ongoing MacBook deals for education.
For students requiring more power, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros (2023) offer incredible performance with their M2 Pro and Max chips, though they come at a higher price. Be sure to explore available MacBook deals for students to save on these premium models.
Why is a Macbook a great investment for Students?
A Macbook offers powerful performance, user-friendly design, and seamless integration with educational apps, making it an essential tool for academic success.
What are the best Macbook deals available for students?
Many retailers offer exclusive Macbook deals for Students, including discounts through Apple Education pricing, financing options, and student bundles that can save you significant money.
How can a Macbook for Students enhance my learning experience?
Macbook enhances learning with its high-resolution display, efficient multitasking capabilities, and access to valuable software for research, writing, and presentations.
Are there any special features of a Macbook that benefit students?
Yes, features like long battery life, lightweight design, great apps, and robust security measures make a Macbook particularly beneficial for students to learn on the go and protect personal data.
Where can I find the best Macbook deals tailored explicitly for students?
Check Apple’s official website for Education Store pricing, as well as authorized retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, which frequently update their Macbook deals for Students. You can also refer to my blog articles for similar deals regularly updated.
Last update on 2024-10-15 using Amazon Product Advertising API.