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 CA$500 for students and school
Apple MacBook Air MVFK2LLA, 13 Inches 1.6GHz
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Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen2 Business Laptop Notebook,
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM deliver reliable power for demanding business applications, housed in the durable ThinkPad chassis. The laptop offers excellent connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports and a full suite of business-oriented I/O. This is best for corporate users and remote workers who need a dependable, well-connected machine for daily productivity tasks.
HP - 14" Laptop - Intel Celeron N4500 2021 - 4GB
Why we recommend this ▼
With its Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB of RAM, this laptop is positioned as a basic, entry-level machine for simple tasks. Its 14-inch micro-edge display and thin, portable design at 1.47kg make it easy to carry, while Windows 11 in S Mode prioritizes security and simplified operation. This device is best for students or home users needing a secondary computer strictly for web browsing, document editing, and streaming video.
Dell Latitude 5510 Laptop PC, Intel Core i5-10310U
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core Intel i5-10310U processor and 16GB of RAM provide solid multitasking performance for a business laptop. The Windows 11 Pro OS and robust build quality ensure reliable operation in professional environments. This model is best for business users and students who prioritize dependable daily productivity over high-end graphics or display quality.
Best Laptops under CA$1,000 for students and school
Apple 13-inch MacBook Neo Apple A18 Pro chip with 6‑core
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Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5" Touch-Screen
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen and clean, elegant design make it a standout for its premium build quality. The thin and light 1.54kg chassis offers excellent portability for daily commuting. This laptop is best for business professionals and students who prioritize a sharp display and a polished, portable design over raw performance.
ASUS 16" Vivobook 16 Laptop Copilot+ PC
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Qualcomm 45-core processor, which promises strong multi-threaded performance and efficiency for a Copilot+ PC. The laptop offers solid productivity essentials with a 16-inch display, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD in a relatively portable 1.88kg chassis. This device is best for developers and business users who prioritize long battery life and AI-assisted Windows workflows over graphics-intensive tasks.
Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business &
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD provide ample capacity for multitasking and storage, while its 15.6-inch IPS touchscreen adds a versatile input method. The laptop's 1.66kg weight offers solid portability for a device with these specs, making it easy to carry. This configuration is best for students or business users who need to run many applications simultaneously and value the utility of a touchscreen for presentations or note-taking.
Best Laptops under CA$2,000 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
Microsoft 13.8" Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC (7th
Why we recommend this ▼
Its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip delivers excellent battery life and efficient performance in a slim, premium aluminum chassis. The 13.8-inch 120Hz touchscreen is sharp and responsive, enhancing the premium Windows-on-Arm experience. This laptop is best for students and business travelers who prioritize all-day battery life and portability over high-performance gaming.
Lenovo 14" ThinkPad E14 Gen 6 Laptop (Black)
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics and 16GB of DDR5 RAM provide surprising performance for light creative tasks, while its 1.44kg weight and 47Wh battery support solid all-day portability. The laptop's durable build and comprehensive port selection, including four USB-A ports, are key differentiators for a business-ready machine. This ThinkPad is best for students and mobile professionals who need reliable productivity performance and robust connectivity in a compact chassis.
MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo A1MG-029US 13.3" QHD+
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor paired with a 13.3" QHD+ OLED touchscreen, delivering strong performance and vibrant visuals for creative work in a sub-1kg chassis. The combination of a 1TB SSD and WiFi 7 connectivity ensures fast local storage and future-proof wireless speeds for mobile professionals. This laptop is best for business travelers and content creators who prioritize a premium, ultra-portable design for productivity and media consumption over gaming capabilities.