Best Laptops for Students in 2024: Top Picks for Every Need

As the new academic year approaches, one cannot overemphasize the importance of a reliable, efficient, and high-performance laptop. For a student, a laptop is not just a mere gadget, but an important tool that serves his or her academic life: the time spent attending virtual classes, jotting notes, researching, or preparing an assignment. New technologies keep coming every day, so as the year 2024 approaches, there are new crop laptops looking at meeting each student’s needs for general use, a special task, or a little bit of everything.

The following guide should help you find the right laptop for the college student in 2024 based on various needs and budgets. Whether you need an all-around powerhouse, a budget-friendly device, something for high-intensity gaming, or a specialty device for engineering and coding, we have you covered.

In doing so, we are going to have a look at further how we can future-proof your laptop purchase by running trends and technology in your space. The type of trends and technological advances, like AI-powered learning, 5G connectivity, and foldable displays, will help you make an awesome choice that stays relevant and powerful in your student life.

The kind of choice a laptop makes may have the greatest impact on your educational experience. Read through our elaborative descriptions, comparisons, and insights to make a well-informed choice for a device that perfectly meets your needs and boosts your learning in 2024 and beyond.

(Image Credit: Apple)

1. Apple 2023 MacBook Air (15-inch, M2 Chip)

Powered by the Apple M2 chip, which features an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, the MacBook Air delivers top-tier performance. Whether you are multitasking with several applications open or running demanding software, this laptop handles it all with ease. The M2 chip is also incredibly energy efficient, contributing to the laptop’s impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, ensuring it can last through a full day of classes and study sessions without needing a recharge.

Weighing just 3.3 pounds, the MacBook Air is exceptionally portable, making it easy to carry between classes. Despite its lightweight design, it doesn’t compromise on build quality, featuring a robust and premium construction that’s both durable and stylish. The laptop also includes a backlit Magic Keyboard and a spacious Force Touch trackpad, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Apple 2023 MacBook Air is the epitome of a versatile student laptop. It’s designed to handle everything from note-taking and research to multimedia projects and even light gaming. The M2 chip’s efficiency means you won’t experience lag, even with multiple applications open. Additionally, the 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display makes viewing a pleasure, reducing eye strain and ensuring clarity whether you’re reading textbooks or watching a movie.

(Image Credit: Lenovo)

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Spin 2-in-1

The Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor, combined with 8GB of RAM, provides enough power for everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video streaming. While it may not be suited for highly demanding applications or heavy multitasking, it performs admirably for standard academic tasks. The 64GB eMMC storage, though limited, is adequate for essential documents and applications, especially with the cloud storage options that Chrome OS offers.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its 2-in-1 versatility. The Flex 3i can be used as a traditional laptop or folded into a tablet, making it highly adaptable to different scenarios, such as taking notes in class or watching videos in tent mode. The laptop is slightly heavier at 3.97 pounds but still portable enough for daily campus use.

Battery life is another strong point, with up to 10 hours on a single charge, ensuring it can last through a full day of classes. The Chrome OS provides a secure and straightforward user experience, with access to a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Spin 2-in-1 is an excellent choice for students who need a reliable and versatile laptop without breaking the bank. Its 2-in-1 functionality allows it to switch between a laptop and tablet mode effortlessly, making it ideal for taking notes in class, doing homework, or streaming videos. Despite its budget-friendly price, it offers a full HD touchscreen and adequate performance for everyday tasks.

(Image Credit: Dell)

3. Dell XPS 13 Plus

Powered by the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors, either i5 or i7, the XPS 13 Plus offers exceptional performance for multitasking, running complex software, and handling demanding tasks. The availability of up to 16GB of RAM ensures smooth operation even with multiple applications open, while the storage options of 512GB or 1TB SSD provide ample space for files, projects, and media.

Despite its high-end specifications, the Dell XPS 13 Plus remains incredibly lightweight at just 2.73 pounds, making it one of the most portable laptops in its class. The laptop’s build quality is outstanding, featuring a sleek and durable aluminum chassis that exudes professionalism and style.

Battery life is solid, with up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, though it might be less if you opt for the UHD+ display or engage in resource-intensive activities. The laptop also includes a comfortable keyboard and a large, responsive touchpad, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Dell XPS 13 Plus is a top-tier Windows laptop that combines performance, design, and portability. Its powerful Intel Core processors ensure smooth operation for both everyday tasks and more demanding applications, making it a suitable choice for students in fields that require intensive software. The high-resolution touchscreen enhances the experience, whether you’re working on a project or watching a movie.

(Image Credit: Razer)

4. Razer Blade 15

The Razer Blade 15 is powered by 12th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 3070, or 3080 graphics cards. This combination ensures exceptional gaming performance, allowing you to play the most demanding titles without any lag or stuttering. The laptop also includes up to 32GB of RAM, making it capable of handling multiple applications and games simultaneously.

Despite its powerful hardware, the Razer Blade 15 maintains a sleek and slim design. The build quality is superb, with a durable aluminum chassis that feels premium and robust. However, this does come at the cost of weight, as the laptop weighs 4.4 pounds, which is heavier than most other options on this list.

Battery life is relatively short, with up to 6 hours of use on a single charge, reflecting its high-performance components. However, this is typical for gaming laptops and should be expected.

For students who are also gamers, the Razer Blade 15 offers the best of both worlds. Its powerful hardware can handle the latest games at high settings, while its sleek design makes it suitable for academic settings as well. The high refresh rate display provides a smooth gaming experience, and the robust build ensures it can withstand the rigors of student life.

(Image Credit: Microsoft)

5. Microsoft Surface Go 3

The Surface Go 3 is powered by either an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or an Intel Core i3-10100Y processor, providing enough power for typical student tasks. The device offers multiple storage options, from 64GB eMMC to 256GB SSD, and up to 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for note-taking, browsing, and using Office applications.

One of the standout features of the Surface Go 3 is its compatibility with the Surface Pen, which enhances the note-taking experience. The pen allows for precise writing and drawing, making it ideal for students who prefer handwritten notes or need to draw diagrams and illustrations.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 11 hours on a single charge, ensuring it can last through a full day of classes without needing a recharge. The device runs Windows 11, offering a full desktop experience with access to a wide range of applications and software.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is perfect for students who need a highly portable device for taking notes, reading, and light productivity tasks. Its compact size, excellent touchscreen, and long battery life make it a versatile and reliable choice for academic use.

(Image Credit: Apple)

6. Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop (M2 Pro Chip)

The M2 Pro chip, featuring a 10-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, provides unparalleled performance, handling complex computations and demanding applications with ease. Whether you’re compiling code, running simulations, or working on large datasets, the MacBook Pro ensures smooth and efficient operation. The device also includes 16GB of unified memory, which significantly enhances multitasking capabilities.

Storage options include 512GB or 1TB SSD, offering ample space for large projects, software, and files. The MacBook Pro is designed for heavy use, with a robust build quality that can withstand the rigors of daily academic and professional work.

Battery life is exceptional, with up to 18 hours on a single charge, allowing students to work on intensive tasks throughout the day without worrying about recharging. The MacBook Pro also features an advanced cooling system, ensuring the device remains cool even under heavy workloads.

The Apple 2023 MacBook Pro is a powerhouse designed for students in demanding fields like engineering and coding. Its high-performance components, stunning display, and long battery life make it an ideal tool for tackling complex academic and professional projects.

(Image Credit: Apple)

7. Apple 2022 MacBook Air (M2 Chip)

The laptop comes with 8GB or 16GB of unified memory, enhancing its ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously. Storage options of 256GB or 512GB SSD provide sufficient space for storing code, projects, and necessary software.

One of the key advantages of the MacBook Air is its lightweight design, weighing only 2.7 pounds, making it extremely portable. This is particularly beneficial for students who need to carry their laptop between classes, libraries, and study groups.

Battery life is another strong point, with up to 18 hours on a single charge, ensuring it can last through an entire day of classes, coding, and study sessions without needing a recharge.

The Apple 2022 MacBook Air with the M2 chip is a powerful and portable laptop that is perfect for students focused on programming. Its excellent performance, long battery life, and lightweight design make it an ideal choice for coding and development tasks, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed.

Choosing the right laptop can be daunting given the plethora of options available. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Performance: For basic tasks such as browsing, word processing, and streaming, an Intel Core i3 or equivalent processor with 4GB RAM is sufficient. For more demanding applications like video editing or programming, look for at least an Intel Core i5 or i7 with 8GB RAM or more.
• Portability: If you’re frequently moving around campus, a lightweight laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours is ideal. Consider models like the MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13 Plus, which are both lightweight and have long-lasting batteries.
• Display Quality: A higher resolution display (Full HD or more) is beneficial for detailed work and reduces eye strain. The MacBook Air’s Liquid Retina display, for instance, offers sharp and vibrant visuals.

Here, I have explained every laptop in the article to a chart to take a clear idea about different items,

Laptop Model	Display	Processor	RAM	Storage	Battery Life	Weight	Price
Apple 2023 MacBook Air (15-inch, M2 Chip)	15.3-inch Liquid Retina (2880 x 1864)	Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU	8GB Unified Memory	256GB SSD	Up to 18 hours	3.3 lbs	$1,194.00
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Spin 2-in-1	15.6-inch FHD Touchscreen (1920 x 1080)	Intel Pentium Silver N6000	8GB RAM	64GB eMMC	Up to 10 hours	3.97 lbs	$349.13
Dell XPS 13 Plus	13.4-inch InfinityEdge Touchscreen (1920 x 1200 or 3840 x 2400)	12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7	8GB or 16GB RAM	512GB or 1TB SSD	Up to 10 hours	2.73 lbs	$1,599.00
Razer Blade 15	15.6-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 165Hz or FHD (1920 x 1080) 360Hz	12th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9	16GB or 32GB RAM	512GB or 1TB SSD	Up to 6 hours	4.4 lbs	$3,099.00
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Laptop	14-inch HD Touchscreen (1366 x 768)	Intel Celeron N4020	4GB RAM	64GB eMMC	Up to 10 hours	3.3 lbs	$429.99
Microsoft Surface Go 3	10.5-inch PixelSense Touchscreen (1920 x 1280)	Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Intel Core i3-10100Y	4GB or 8GB RAM	64GB or 128GB eMMC or 128GB or 256GB SSD	Up to 11 hours	1.2 lbs	$1,829.95
Apple 2022 MacBook Air (M2 Chip)	13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display (2560 x 1664)	Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU	8GB or 16GB Unified Memory	256GB or 512GB SSD	Up to 18 hours	2.7 lbs	$972.93

Laptop technology is evolving faster than ever, and students stand to benefit immensely from the latest innovations. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

AI-Powered Learning

Imagine a laptop that learns your study habits and tailors its performance accordingly. AI can optimize battery usage, streamline workflows, and even offer personalized study recommendations. Some laptops are even starting to integrate AI-powered tutors that can help with everything from writing essays to solving complex math problems.

Blazing-Fast 5G Connectivity

5G isn’t just about faster downloads; it’s about unlocking a world of educational possibilities. Imagine seamless collaboration with classmates, instant access to massive research databases, and immersive virtual reality experiences – all from anywhere on campus (or beyond).

All-Day (and Then Some) Battery Life

Forget the constant hunt for power outlets. The latest advancements in battery technology are pushing boundaries, allowing students to go from morning lectures to late-night study sessions without needing a recharge.

Foldable and Flexible Displays

While still in their early stages, foldable laptops are poised to revolutionize how we interact with our devices. These versatile machines can transform from traditional laptops to tablets, offering a unique blend of productivity and entertainment.

Staying ahead of the curve isn’t just about having the coolest gadgets; it’s about investing in tools that can enhance your education and open doors to new opportunities. These emerging technologies are not just gimmicks – they have the potential to make learning more efficient, engaging, and accessible than ever before.

By keeping an eye on these trends, you can make informed decisions about your next laptop purchase and ensure you’re equipped for the future of learning.

Tip: You can supplement this section with specific examples of laptops that already incorporate some of these emerging technologies (e.g., laptops with AI-powered features or those that offer 5G compatibility). This can add a tangible element to the discussion and show students what’s already available.

• Apple MacBook Air (M2 Chip): With its advanced M2 chip, this laptop offers exceptional performance and energy efficiency, a step towards all-day battery life. Its powerful processor also supports emerging AI applications and machine learning tasks.
• Dell XPS 13 Plus: Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, this model is poised to integrate more AI features and offers some models with 5G connectivity, enhancing collaborative and research capabilities.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook: This 2-in-1 device already provides flexibility with its convertible design, and future iterations may include foldable displays, making it a versatile tool for both productivity and entertainment.

By choosing a laptop that aligns with these future trends, students can ensure their device remains relevant and powerful throughout their academic journey and beyond.

What factors should I consider when choosing a laptop for school?

When choosing a laptop for school, consider the following factors:

• Performance: Ensure the laptop has a suitable processor, enough RAM, and sufficient storage to handle your academic tasks.
• Portability: A lightweight design and long battery life are crucial for students who need to carry their laptops around campus.
• Display Quality: A high-resolution display can reduce eye strain during long study sessions and is beneficial for multimedia tasks.
• Operating System: Choose an OS that you’re comfortable with and that supports the software you need for your studies (Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS).
• Budget: Determine your budget and find the best laptop that offers the most value within your price range.

What is the best overall laptop for students in 2024?

• The Apple 2023 MacBook Air (15-inch, M2 Chip) is our top pick for the best overall student laptop. It offers a powerful M2 chip, excellent battery life, a stunning Liquid Retina display, and a lightweight design, making it ideal for a wide range of academic tasks.

Which laptop is the best for students on a budget?

• The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Spin 2-in-1 is the best budget-friendly option for students. It provides decent performance, a versatile 2-in-1 design, a responsive touchscreen, and a full HD display at an affordable price.

What is the best Windows laptop for students?

• The Dell XPS 13 Plus is the best Windows laptop for students. It features a sleek design, powerful performance with 12th Gen Intel Core processors, a beautiful InfinityEdge touchscreen, and excellent portability.

Which laptop is best for gaming and academic use?

• The Razer Blade 15 is the best choice for students who are also avid gamers. It offers high-performance gaming capabilities with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, a high refresh rate display, and a sleek, durable design.

What is the best laptop for note-taking?

• The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the best laptop for note-taking. Its compact size, lightweight design, excellent PixelSense touchscreen, and compatibility with the Surface Pen make it perfect for taking notes, reading, and light productivity tasks.

Which laptop is best for engineering and coding students?

• The Apple 2023 MacBook Pro (M2 Pro Chip) is the top choice for engineering and coding students. It offers a powerful M2 Pro chip, a high-resolution Liquid Retina XDR display, long battery life, and robust build quality, making it ideal for demanding academic tasks.

What laptop is recommended for programming students?

• The Apple 2022 MacBook Air (M2 Chip) is the best laptop for programming students. It features the efficient M2 chip, long battery life, a stunning Liquid Retina display, and a lightweight design, providing excellent performance for coding and development tasks.

How can I future-proof my laptop purchase?

• To future-proof your laptop, consider models that incorporate the latest technologies such as AI-powered features, 5G connectivity, all-day battery life, and flexible or foldable displays. Investing in a high-performance laptop with these features ensures it remains relevant and powerful throughout your academic journey and beyond.

Are there student discounts available for these laptops?

• Yes, many manufacturers and retailers offer student discounts on laptops. Check the official websites of brands like Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft, or authorized retailers, to find student deals and promotions. Additionally, consider refurbished models for more budget-friendly options.

Selecting the right laptop for your academic journey is a critical decision that can significantly impact your productivity and learning experience. In 2024, the market offers a diverse range of laptops tailored to meet various student needs, from budget-friendly Chromebooks to high-performance gaming laptops.

For an all-around excellent choice, the Apple 2023 MacBook Air with the M2 chip stands out with its powerful performance, stunning display, and exceptional battery life. If budget is a primary concern, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Spin 2-in-1 provides great value without compromising essential features. Students seeking a robust Windows experience will find the Dell XPS 13 Plus an ideal companion for its sleek design and powerful capabilities. Meanwhile, gamers and those requiring intensive performance should consider the Razer Blade 15, which excels in both gaming and academic tasks.

Specialized needs are also well-catered to with the Microsoft Surface Go 3 for note-taking, the Apple 2023 MacBook Pro for engineering and coding students, and the Apple 2022 MacBook Air for programming enthusiasts. Each of these laptops offers unique advantages that align with specific academic requirements.

Furthermore, keeping an eye on emerging technologies like AI-powered learning, 5G connectivity, and foldable displays can ensure your investment remains relevant and future-proof. Ultimately, the best laptop for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. By considering the detailed descriptions and comparisons provided, you can confidently choose a laptop that will support your educational goals and enhance your learning experience throughout your