Whether you're on a tight budget or have specific preferences for your operating system, there's a laptop out there from a reputable brand that can meet the unique demands of college life. Our team of in-house tech experts has carefully selected a range of laptops that are not only affordable but also feature-packed, boast extended battery life, offer a decent display size, and are easily portable between classes, the library, and your dorm room.
The Best Laptops for College Students:
Best Overall: Dell XPS 15
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Display Size: 15.6 inches
Processor: 13th Gen Core i7-13700H
RAM: 32GB
Storage: 1TB
Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
The Dell XPS 15 stands out with its powerful performance, compact form factor, and impressive 13-hour battery life. Its 15.6-inch LCD display, although not touchscreen, offers a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it ensures smooth multitasking for demanding tasks like graphic design and video editing.
Price: $1,688 on Amazon
Best Budget Option: Asus Vivobook 16"
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Display Size: 16 inches
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
The Asus Vivobook offers an affordable Windows-based laptop with a 16-inch display. While it may not be a powerhouse, it's suitable for running most Windows and cloud applications. Weighing just 4.1 pounds, it's lightweight and durable, meeting US MIL-STD 810H standards. The laptop provides essential ports, including USB Type-A and Type-C, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Price: $455 on Amazon
Best MacBook: 14" MacBook Pro with M3 Processor
Operating System: MacOS Sonoma
Display Size: 14.2 inches
Processor: Apple M3
Unified Memory: 8GB
Storage: 512GB
Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
For Apple enthusiasts on a budget, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 processor offers a perfect blend of power and affordability. With an impressive 22-hour battery life, a high-resolution Liquid Retina XDR display, and the M3 processor's capabilities, it's an ideal choice for students who need a reliable Apple laptop without breaking the bank.
Price: $1,449 on Amazon
Best Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Operating System: ChromeOS
Display Size: 14 inches
Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a versatile and budget-friendly option for students heavily reliant on cloud services. With ChromeOS, it seamlessly integrates with Google services and supports Android apps. Despite lacking a touchscreen, it offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, making it a practical choice for students with a cloud-centric workflow.
Price: $440 on Amazon
Best Premium Option: Lenovo Yoga Book i9 2-in-1
Operating System: Windows 11
Display Size: 2x 13.3-inch touchscreens
Processor: 13th Gen Intel i7-155U
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i redefines premium laptops with its innovative dual 13.3-inch OLED touchscreens and detachable keyboard. With a powerful 13th Gen Intel i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a sleek design, it's perfect for students who value both functionality and aesthetics. Whether for productivity or entertainment, this 2-in-1 laptop offers a unique computing experience.
Price: Check on Amazon
In addition to these top picks, explore our coverage of the best laptops for 2024, budget laptops, Chromebooks, and desktop computers to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
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