Best Laptops for Students in 2024: A Complete Guide!
As technology continues to evolve, having a reliable laptop is more essential than ever for students in 2024. Whether you’re attending virtual classes, collaborating on group projects, or creating presentations, your laptop will be the hub of your academic life. But with the vast number of options available, choosing the best laptop for your needs can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up the best laptops for students in 2024, covering different budgets, features, and use cases.
Table of Contents
1. Apple MacBook Air M2 (2024)
Best Overall Laptop for Students
- Price: $999 and up
- Key Features: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, Apple M2 chip, 18-hour battery life, lightweight design.
The MacBook Air M2 is an all-around powerhouse for students, combining excellent performance, portability, and battery life. Powered by Apple’s M2 chip, it delivers faster processing speeds and better graphics performance compared to its predecessor. With up to 18 hours of battery life, students can confidently take this laptop to classes, libraries, and study sessions without worrying about running out of power.
The MacBook Air is ideal for students in creative fields such as design, video editing, and music production. The stunning Liquid Retina Display ensures crisp visuals, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry around campus. The downside is that it’s on the pricier side, but for students who need top-tier performance, the investment is worthwhile.
Pros:
- Powerful M2 chip
- Long battery life
- Sleek and lightweight
- High-quality display
Cons:
- Limited port selection
- Higher price tag
2. Dell XPS 13 (2024)
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Best Windows Laptop for Students
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- Price: $1,099 and up
- Key Features: Intel 13th Gen Core i5/i7, 13.4-inch FHD+ InfinityEdge display, up to 16 hours of battery life.
For students who prefer a Windows-based system, the Dell XPS 13 is a top contender. Known for its sleek design, the XPS 13 features a nearly bezel-less InfinityEdge display, making it perfect for multimedia, coding, and multitasking. With 13th-generation Intel processors, this laptop is fast, responsive, and handles heavy software with ease.
The XPS 13 is versatile enough for a wide range of majors, from business students to engineering students who need to run software like MATLAB or AutoCAD. Its compact design and excellent battery life make it a great option for students on the go.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Stunning display with minimal bezels
- Fast performance
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- Expensive upgrades for RAM and storage
- No HDMI port
3. Acer Swift 3
Best Budget Laptop for Students
- Price: $699 and up
- Key Features: 14-inch FHD display, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U or Intel Core i5, 12-hour battery life.
The Acer Swift 3 provides a great balance of performance, price, and portability, making it one of the best budget-friendly laptops for students. It’s powered by either an AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i5 processor, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and light gaming.
With a sleek aluminum chassis, the Swift 3 is lightweight and portable without sacrificing durability. Its long battery life ensures you can work throughout the day without needing to charge it constantly. While it might not have the power of the MacBook Air or XPS 13, the Acer Swift 3 is perfect for students on a budget who still want a reliable, stylish laptop.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Decent performance
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Average display quality
- Limited performance for heavy tasks
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
Best Laptop for Portability
- Price: $999 and up
- Key Features: 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, Intel Evo Core i5/i7, up to 17 hours of battery life.
The Surface Laptop 5 is a fantastic option for students who value portability and touch input. This lightweight laptop has a beautiful touchscreen display and an excellent battery life, making it a solid choice for taking notes, browsing the web, and even using creative apps like Adobe Photoshop.
The Surface Laptop 5’s design is sleek and minimalist, while the high-resolution PixelSense display offers clear, vivid visuals. It’s perfect for students who prioritize portability and flexibility, and its performance is sufficient for most academic tasks.
Pros:
- Lightweight and ultra-portable
- Touchscreen display
- Great battery life
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Limited ports
- Expensive for the hardware offered
5. HP Pavilion Plus 14
Best Mid-Range Laptop for Students
- Price: $899 and up
- Key Features: Intel Core i5/i7, 14-inch 2.8K OLED display, up to 10 hours of battery life.
For students looking for a great mid-range laptop, the HP Pavilion Plus 14 strikes an excellent balance between performance and price. Its 2.8K OLED display is one of the best you’ll find at this price point, offering sharp and vibrant visuals, perfect for media consumption, content creation, and schoolwork.
With Intel’s latest processors, the HP Pavilion Plus 14 offers solid performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Its design is sleek and professional, making it a great option for students who need a reliable laptop for both academic and creative endeavors.
Pros:
- Stunning OLED display
- Good performance for the price
- Solid build quality
- Affordable mid-range option
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Limited storage options
Conclusion
In 2024, the best laptop for students depends on your budget, academic needs, and personal preferences. If you’re looking for top-tier performance and don’t mind the price, the MacBook Air M2 or Dell XPS 13 are unbeatable choices. For students on a tighter budget, the Acer Swift 3 offers fantastic value without compromising on performance. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and HP Pavilion Plus 14 provide great mid-range options with unique features like a touchscreen or OLED display.
When choosing your laptop, consider what features are most important to you: battery life, portability, display quality, or performance. With the right laptop, you’ll be equipped to tackle any academic challenge that comes your way in 2024!
FAQs
What should I consider when buying a laptop for school?
Performance: Look for laptops with fast processors (Intel i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 5/7, or Apple M2) to handle multitasking and academic software.
Battery Life: A laptop with long battery life (10+ hours) is ideal for students who need to work all day without charging.
Portability: Lightweight and slim laptops are easier to carry around campus.
Display: A clear and bright display is essential, especially if you’re doing creative work or need a touchscreen.
Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend. Budget laptops can still offer great performance for basic tasks, while premium models provide top-notch features.
What is the best laptop for students on a budget?
The Acer Swift 3 is an excellent budget-friendly option, offering good performance, a solid build, and long battery life at an affordable price.
Is a MacBook worth the price for students?
Yes, especially if you’re in creative fields like design, video editing, or programming. The MacBook Air M2 provides high performance, a stunning display, and long battery life, making it a worthwhile investment for students who need top-tier specs.
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