Find the best laptop for students in 2026
The most important features of a good laptop for student are:
- Connectivity - you will be connecting this device to monitors, projectors, external storage and devices you haven't seen before
- RAM - during the education you will need to install lots of different software, some of which may be demanding. Also, don't be surprised having 70+ browser tabs open while writing an essay.
- Portability - you will be carrying it with you often
- Reliability - nothing is worse than having a dead laptop and due date the next day
Best laptops under $500 for students and school
ASUS - Vivobook 14 14" FHD+ Laptop - Copilot+ PC - Snapdragon X with 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Quiet Blue
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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Apple - MacBook Pro 13.3" Certified Refurbished - Intel Core i5 2.0GHz - Touch Bar/ID - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD (2020) - Space Gray
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD provide ample power for multitasking and storage in a compact 1.41kg chassis featuring the unique Touch Bar. The high-resolution Retina display with True Tone and the excellent Force Touch trackpad enhance the premium user experience. This refurbished model is best for business professionals or students who prioritize macOS reliability, portability, and a quality keyboard in a proven design.
Lenovo - IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" Full HD Touchscreen
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core AMD 5825U processor and 16GB of RAM provide strong multitasking performance for a budget laptop, while the 15.6-inch IPS touchscreen adds versatility. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard and a full selection of ports, including three USB-A, enhances its practicality for daily use. This device is best for students or home office users who need a responsive, well-equipped laptop for productivity tasks and media consumption.
Samsung - Galaxy Book4 15.6" FHD Laptop - Intel
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-core Intel 150U processor and 16GB of RAM provide ample power for multitasking, supported by a premium-feeling chassis. The 15.6-inch FHD display is positioned as a visual highlight, contributing to a well-rounded, everyday design. This laptop is best suited for students and business users who prioritize reliable general performance and a polished look over specialized features.
Best laptops under $1000 for students and school
ASUS - Zenbook A14 14" FHD+ OLED Laptop - Copilot+
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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 G1 14.0" Intel Core Ultra 5
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor with a dedicated NPU for AI tasks, housed in a durable, ultra-thin aluminum chassis. The 14-inch OLED display offers excellent contrast and clarity, complementing its premium build and business-focused features like the AI-powered Shield Mode for privacy. This laptop is best for business professionals and students who prioritize AI-enhanced productivity, security features, and a sleek, portable design over high-end gaming performance.
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A13MT-243US 13.4" Full HD+
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 12-core Intel 1360P processor and 120Hz touchscreen provide snappy performance in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. The 1.35kg chassis is highly portable and includes practical ports like Thunderbolt and HDMI 2.1 for connectivity. This laptop is best for students and business travelers who need a compact, responsive device for note-taking and presentations, not for gaming.
Dell - Plus - Copilot+ PC - 14" 2K 2-in-1
Why we recommend this ▼
Its discrete AMD Radeon 860 graphics and 8-core processor provide solid performance for a 14-inch touchscreen laptop. The 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM offer good multitasking headroom in a portable form factor. This model is best for students or general users who need a capable, all-around Windows machine for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Best laptops under $2000 for students and school
Apple 13" MacBook Air (M4, Sky Blue)
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
ASUS - ProArt PX13 13" 3K OLED Touch Screen Laptop - Copilot+ PC - AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 - 32GB Memory - RTX 4050 - 1TB SSD - Nano Black
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 13.3-inch 3K OLED Lumina touchscreen and AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with 50 TOPS NPU power make it a standout for on-the-go AI tasks and creative work. The inclusion of a dedicated NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU and the exclusive ASUS DialPad offers tangible benefits for precise control in applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. This laptop is best for mobile digital artists and content creators who prioritize a premium, color-accurate display and AI-accelerated workflows in a compact 1.39kg chassis.
Lenovo 14" ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 47-core Intel 258V CPU and 16GB integrated Arc graphics provide exceptional multi-threaded performance for a sub-1kg ultraportable. The 14-inch 120Hz OLED display offers vibrant visuals ideal for media consumption and detailed creative work. This laptop is best for business travelers and content creators who prioritize extreme portability and a premium screen for presentations and video editing on the go.
Microsoft 13.8" Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC (7th
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 12-core Qualcomm X1E chip and integrated X1 GPU deliver exceptional AI performance and over 21-hour battery life in a sleek, 1.34kg chassis. The 13.8" 120Hz PixelSense touchscreen offers vibrant colors and smooth interaction, complemented by a premium, all-aluminum build. This laptop is best for students and business professionals who prioritize all-day portability, responsive touch input, and seamless integration with Windows 11's new AI features.