You've applied, got the grades and now you need to pick one of the best student laptops to take with you to university or college, but unless you've already spent your student loan on beer, having the best laptop to travel with you isn't as simple as lugging that old computer your Dad gave you into lectures. Anything more than a few years old probably isn't going to cut the academic mustard.
Of course, becoming a university student isn't exactly a cheap lifestyle these days. Sticking to your budget is going to become more important than ever. Even setting out to get the most competitively-priced budget laptop is a gateway to buyer's remorse. You'll always find top-end high-spec computers, and if you have the cash that's the most attractive option. But, before you so blow that student loan, consider saving a bundle on any of the best student laptops by cutting some corners with a great laptop under £1000. An affordable option doesn't mean a lesser quality laptop; they can still be just as durable and long-lasting as a newer, more expensive model.
Best student laptops of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall student laptop: Acer Aspire 5 15.6 Inch Laptop - View at Amazon
• Best budget student laptop: HP 11-ak0027na - View at Argos
• Best student laptop for programming: MSI Modern 15 Inch FHD Laptop - View at Amazon
• Best student laptop for graphic design: LG Gram 17 - View at Currys
So, in a marketplace flooded with options, which of the best student laptops should you go for? We've put together a handy buyer's guide, plus some of your questions answered, at the end of the article. The good news is that we have something for everyone, from basic entry-level laptop deals to options with more horsepower. And we know student life isn't going to be all work and no play - there are options to keep you entertained too.
And on the subject of fun, there's no way that any self-respecting fresher is going to hit the hall of residence without at least considering taking a monster of a gaming laptop with them. But, we don't advise it - you'll need every penny you can save for things like textbooks, food and the Student Union bar.
It's worth addressing the main specs you'll want to keep an eye out on before going forward. Your CPU is the processor that keeps everything running smoothly, with RAM performing a similar function; you want to pay close attention to them if you keep a lot of windows, tabs and programs open at once. GPU factors into graphics, so that's only really a concern for recreational uses. Naturally, storage and battery life are important, especially if you don't want to have to juggle files or charge around in a panic.
Now, let's find the best student laptops to keep your grades on track and your digital world on campus with you.
Best student laptop of 2024
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall student laptop
Acer Description
The Acer Aspire 5 15.6 Inch Laptop is a budget-friendly powerhouse that delivers affordable but effective computing. With an Intel Core i5 processor and ample 16GB RAM, it will handle multitasking and the most demanding of study regimes. Its sleek design, vibrant Full HD display, and backlit keyboard make the Aspire 5 an ideal on-the-go learning companion.
The SSD storage and broad connectivity options will keep you working quickly will all of your data. Plus, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics and Twinair cooling system deliver an impressive all-around performance. With up to seven and a half hours of battery life, the Aspire 5 is the ultimate one-size-fits-all student laptop solution.
Pros
- Powerful Intel Core i5 processor
- Solid-state drive
- Enough RAM for most tasks
Cons
- Battery life is mediocre, depending on what you use it for
Best budget student laptop
www.argos.co.uk
Description
The HP Stream Laptop PC 11-ak0027na is a compact and budget-friendly gem. Its portability and 11.6-inch screen make this a laptop that's perfect for students on the move. Surprisingly, the keyboard is a good usable size and makes this a featureful note-taking companion.
The Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM aren't the fastest or biggest to be found - but that's not the point. Aside from being a brilliant budget option, the vibrant HD display and responsive keyboard make this a solid and simple budget option.
Add to this the 13-hour battery life, the HP 11-ak0027na Laptop PC is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable yet reliable tool for all your studies.
Pros
- Very small and portable
- Windows 11 operating system
- Full-size keyboard Ideal for busy note-taking and office applications
Cons
- Limited storage space - so invest in an external hard drive
Best student laptop for programming
MSIDescription
If it's style and power you're looking for while you code, the MSI Modern 15-inch FHD Laptop is a fantastic option as a programming student laptop. The 15-inch Full HD display is also ideal for longer sessions, and the backlit keyboard means you can keep on coding into the night. The i5 processor and 8GB RAM ensure it can tackle the tasks you throw at it too.
Despite not having Bluetooth, this does have a great range of ports; plus its lightweight construction delivers military-grade durability. So, if you're the sort of student who likes to throw their laptop into a bag and keep writing your programs on the bus or train, the MSI Modern 15 is a solid choice.
Pros
- Brilliant all-rounder
- Military-grade durability
- Plenty of ports
Cons
- Slightly plasticky build
4.
LG Gram 17
Best student laptop for graphic design
LG www.currys.co.uk
Description
Whilst the LG Gram 17 Laptop is a designer's dream, it's somehow one of the lightest laptops on the market. And that's even more impressive when you consider it has a stunning 17-inch display - ideal for anyone spending long hours on design or creative projects. And that work is made easier thanks to a 99 per cent accuracy for DCI-P3 colour gamut, and an anti-glare screen.
Battery life is really impressive at a whopping 21 hours, and RAM rocks in at a staggering 32GB. With incredible performance and a solid build, the LG gram is undoubtedly one of the best student laptops for creative types. When it comes to screen quality and performance you'll be hard pushed to find a better option.
Pros
- Very thin and lightweight
- Beautiful screen
- DCI-P3 99 per cent wide colour gamut
Cons
- The integrated graphics card is fine for design, but not heavy gaming
Best Apple student laptop
AppleDescription
There's no doubt that when it comes to portable computing, Apple has a real edge - and not just in the looks department. The Apple 2020 MacBook Air sports a typically slim and elegant design with a spec that will outlast your studies. Equipped with Apple's M1 chip and a 256GB SSD, this laptop is fast enough to support all kinds of studies and recreation.
The 13.3-inch Retina display is the real star here, being easy on the eye for long lectures and more. Plus, with a battery life of roughly 15 hours, it's sure to last you through even the busiest of days. The keyboard is, of course, as comfortable and low-profile as you'd expect from Apple, while Touch ID adds quick and easy security. Oddly, there's no Face ID support, but that's a minor blot on an otherwise spotless copybook. If you want style, portability and power with you on campus, this is it.
Pros
- Hallmark Apple build quality
- Amazing performance from the processor
- Long battery life
Cons
- No Face ID
Best high-spec student laptop
Acerwww.currys.co.uk
Description
Okay, let's be honest. This Acer Predator Helios Neo is an unapologetic gaming beast. If you can afford it, the power and overall experience when 'studying' on this laptop is going to be second to none. That's thanks to the Intel Core processor and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, which easily keeps pace with plenty of dedicated gaming computers.
The 16-inch Full HD display and high refresh rate conspire to deliver stunning visuals, and the robust build makes it quite the portable powerhouse - despite being on the heavy side. Yes, this is every student's weapon of choice when it comes to gaming, but if you need to study on it when you're not blasting enemies, the spec will handle anything your tutor will throw at you. Besides, who can say no to a 1TB SSD?
Pros
- Super-powerful specification
- Incredible Nvidia dedicated graphics card
- Impressive cooling system
Cons
- No fingerprint reader
Best tablet-style student laptop
LenovoDescription
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is something of a game-changer, and not just because it can do a pretty good impersonation of a seriously powerful tablet. Chromebooks work on Google's Chrome OS, and that means streamlined search integrations and a reliable and fast experience. The flexible 2-in-1 design will transform from a laptop to a 15.6-inch touchscreen tablet.
The 10-hour battery life is reasonable for a device that's this lightweight, so you can stay productive during a full day of lectures and beyond. The CPU and GPU are far from impressive, but they get the job done consistently. The only real drawback is the 128GB storage being less than what you get with a laptop, but that's a fair trade-off for the portability and convenience of a tablet.
All in all, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 is perfect for students who love their iPad or Android tablet but need more power and a wider range of apps than most tablets can deliver.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- 360-degree hinge for tablet-style operation
- Respectable battery life
Cons
- Keyboard not backlit
Best touchscreen student laptop
Description
For those torn between a tablet and a laptop, the touchscreen design of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 might sway you in one direction. Navigating menus with a mouse or trackpad can be tiring, so having the option to simply use a touchscreen at any point is great, especially when you need to record plenty of notes. The i5 CPU is reliable, and alongside the 8GB RAM, more than capable of running important software such as Microsoft Office or various Adobe Creative Suite programs.
Although the GPU is just fine, the rest of the specs are brilliant. The storage capacity is great for general use, and even if you need to expand it, the data transfer speeds are excellent. Even the speakers are worth noting, being surprisingly high quality for a laptop; ideal for music production and other courses involving recording software. The 18-hour battery life is great too, but some find it doesn't always last that long.
Pros
- Works very well with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
- Great sound with Dolby Atmos
- Fast data transfer speeds for transferring files
Cons
- Battery life isn't always consistent
Best student laptops: Buyer's guide
What are you studying?
If you’re on a graphic design or filmmaking course, you’ll probably need something more capable than the average tablet or budget laptop. Most laptops come with 4GB of RAM at least, and thanks fine for note-taking and office applications, but for anything more specialist you'll need at least 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Pay attention to the processor too - normally a layman's guide is to compare the numbering system of the models. For instance, an Intel i3 is obviously less capable than an i9 and so on. If in doubt, get stuck into the tech specs.
On the flip side, if you’re not looking to run processor-intensive or graphics programs, it's best to go for something less expensive and more functional. As always, consider your needs first.
Do you want to use it for entertainment too?
Yes, that's a loaded question. Of course you do, but watching Netflix is quite different from playing the latest games when it comes to the best student laptops and their specs. Your budget will expand wildly, but if you have the cash for a machine that can study hard and play hard you'll be all set. If you don't, you'll still find plenty of budget laptop options that are powerful enough for movies and light gaming.
And on the subject of entertainment - don't forget that laptop speakers are notoriously underwhelming. We recommend that film and TV buffs invest in some external USB or Bluetooth speakers to take things up a notch.
Don't forget to protect your investment
So, you've spent your budget (perhaps over-spent a little too) and have your all-singing all-dancing machine. But now you really need to think about transport and storage. You'll probably be hopping on and off buses and trains to get around. So, you should get a decent (preferably waterproof) laptop backpack. You may want to consider insuring it too, as student accommodation and campuses can be a hazardous environment for expensive electronic gear like the best student laptops.
Best student laptops: Frequently asked questions
Which student laptop has the best battery life?
Battery life is one of those nebulous stats that winds up on the manufacturer's spec sheet. But often those don't make it into real life. Batteries do lose their storage abilities slowly over time, but when the machine is new the battery life will vary based on how it's being used. Graphic-intensive or processor-heavy applications will drain it faster than note-taking or browsing. Gaming or movies will also sap the power faster.
The key here is to look at the stated battery life, pay attention to any caveats (such as 'stated battery life is based on light usage') and take it with a pinch of salt. If you're concerned about power when travelling or during a power cut, we suggest investing in a good-sized power bank.
What's the best - a student laptop or tablet?
Can an iPad replace a laptop for a college student? It's an attractive idea. After all, an iPad is very light and portable, and it looks cool. There's a good range of tablets for students too. So, the short answer is: Yes, of course, you can go for an iPad or a similar tablet. But, will you save money? Possibly not. Also, you'll need to invest in a decent external Bluetooth keyboard to be able to type essays and notes effectively. And then there are the stands that tablets use. They're often less than ideal for longer periods of study with limited viewing angles.
We recommend a laptop for students almost every time. Many are upgradable when it comes to RAM and storage, and they're also generally more powerful with larger screens. Choosing the best student laptop is going to enable your studies and take you all the way to graduation.
Do laptops come with MS Office?
Older Windows laptops came with a trial version of Microsoft Office, but now things have moved to the Cloud. Microsoft offers most of its products online via its 365 service. If your laptop doesn't come with it, you can get a great deal on Microsoft 365. Right now it comes with free antivirus too.
What's the best student laptop deal?
Thankfully, unlike professional or gaming computers, some highly practical laptops can cost less than £400. Just because you can get a great deal on a high-spec gaming beast doesn't mean it's a cheap or wise purchase; especially for travelling to and from college. Likewise, getting a very cheap but low-spec laptop at half price isn't a deal unless it can do everything you need it to.
To sum up, the best deal is the one you can afford that ticks the right boxes for both study and leisure. Stick to your budget and you can't go wrong.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best and Yours. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.
He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
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