What are the best laptop features for college students?

If you walk onto any campus today, you’ll notice that students favor laptops that are versatile and extremely light (even if they’re slightly less efficient). Some students also prefer an ultraportable 2-in-1 hybrid PC or tablet, which can switch between tablet and laptop. Regardless of what you decide, these are the key laptop features to think about when buying a laptop: Weight: Even the lightest laptop starts to weigh heavy after a long day between classes and work. Some laptop models weigh less than 2.5 lbs., while others weigh more than 5 lbs. Compactness is key here, so try to find a model that is minimal in width, length and thickness. Battery life: This is the second most important criterion because you don't want to be left without the battery in the middle of the day or in the middle of class. The worst-case scenario is your laptop dies before you have a chance to save your work! Laptop battery capacity options can vary, but try to find devices with up to 14 hours of battery life. With general use, that should get you through your day. Processor: Finding a laptop with the highest processing power should not be your top priority. Most processors can handle the simple daily routine of a student without any issues. Instead, opt for a low-power model for better battery life, such as an Intel® Core™ i3 processor (or i5 if you still want a little more power). Memory: Random access memory, or RAM, is an important spec that will help your laptop run smoother and faster. The more you have, the faster your machine will be: opt for 4 GB minimum or 8 GB for even better performance. The last thing you want is to be lagging between apps in the middle of a lecture. Storage: If you can afford it, go for a computer with an SSD drive. It will be significantly faster, and they are more energy efficient, meaning you’ll have even better battery life. 256 GB is plenty, especially if you have an external hard drive to store your files. Screen: The screen is one of the elements on a laptop that consumes the most energy, so the smaller it is, the more battery-efficient your laptop will be. Stay between 11 and 16 inches. A 14-inch or 15-inch screen is fine as well, but keep in mind that it will be slightly bigger and sometimes heavier to carry around in your bag. Graphics card: No need to invest in a dedicated graphics card. The integrated cards (Intel®) are completely sufficient for your display needs unless you plan on gaming on campus. Connection: Opt for a minimum of 4 USB or USB-C ports to connect your mouse and your external hard drive without worries. It never hurts to have a few extra options for any other devices that you need to connect as well. Check out this video to help you decide on the best student laptop for your needs, but keep in mind that you'll likely find the laptop models listed in this video more affordable on Back Market.

Is a Chromebook suitable for students?

Chromebooks are a great option for students who want a simple, lightweight and affordable laptop. They are ideal for students who prefer using Google Workspace (previously known as G-Suite) for writing, creating presentations, collaborating with classmates and more. Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, so they don’t support desktop applications like the ones you’d run on a Windows computer or Mac. This means a Chromebook isn’t suitable for students who need to run Microsoft, Adobe, or similar programs. Chromebooks are not suitable for students who want to play video games on their laptops.

Are MacBooks or Windows laptops better for students?

In the Mac vs Windows debate, we like to stay neutral (everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, right?). But really, it comes down to the student’s operating system preferences. MacBooks and Windows can both run similar applications, and — depending on the make and model — both can have equally impressive power. While certain college majors may prefer one OS over the other (we’re looking at you, graphic design majors who love their MacBooks), that doesn’t necessarily mean the other OS won’t serve you just as well. So, if you’re a die-hard Windows or Apple fan, stick with what you know. Just make sure the laptop’s operating system and specs are compatible with the programs you plan to use.

Where can students get laptop discounts?

Short answer: Back Market (duh). Students enrolled in higher or continuing education receive an extra $20 off on any purchase (of $250 or more) with Back Market’s student discount. That means a like-new laptop on Back Market can be up to 75% off brand new. Professionally refurbished laptops are some of the best and most affordable laptops on the market. Professionally refurbished laptops have been repaired, tested, and restored to perfect working condition. Refurbished electronics also do something that brand-new electronics can’t: help keep toxic e-waste out of our landfills and lower our collective environmental footprint.

The 11 best student laptops for 2024

Updated on February 26, 2024

February 26, 2024

9 mins read

Clare Austen-Smith

Senior Brand Copywriter

Clare Austen-Smith, Senior Brand Copywriter

Updated on February 26, 2024

February 26, 2024

9 mins read

Published Feb 26, 2024 - The ideal student laptop will be lightweight with a long battery life for all those days you’ll spend on campus. You should also look for a keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience, along with a processor and operating system that will keep up with your daily tasks.

Whether you’re writing papers, conducting research, or — let’s be honest — streaming Netflix, you need a student laptop that works for you when you head back to school.

But how does someone pick a laptop that’s supposed to get them through the next four years? And what makes a laptop suitable for a student?

Here are a few specs students look for:

A screen between 11 and 16 inches
Strong battery capacity
A comfortable keyboard
Laptop memory and processor (Intel® Core™ i3 with 4 GB of RAM is enough for most students)
Faster SSD-type hard drive (128 GB or 256 GB)

Still need some student-friendly tech guidance? We’re happy to help. Keep reading to discover our comprehensive list of the best student laptops to find one that will get you through those fun college years.

1. Acer Chromebook Spin 11

Rating: 4.9 stars, 8 reviews on backmarket.com

Price: Starting at $62.99*

If you’re a student looking for a laptop that’s extremely affordable, lightweight, and easy to navigate, the Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is the way to go. This touch-screen Chromebook is ideal for a student who will be taking notes, conducting internet-based research, attending online classes and using their web browser for all of their tasks.

Since Chromebooks run on an internet-based operating system, it’s important to note that this laptop does not run offline programs such as Microsoft Office, so you must use Google Workspace or another web-based alternative.

Pros:

Lightweight and compact
Extremely fast boot-up time
Built-in virus protection

Cons:

Doesn’t support Microsoft and other desktop applications
Heavily reliant on Wi -Fi connection

Screen size	11 inches
Memory	4GB
Processor	Celeron N3350
Storage	SSD - 32GB
Operating system	ChromeOS

Verified Refurbished Acer Chromebook Spin 11

2. HP EliteBook 830 G7

Rating: 4.7 stars, 28 reviews on backmarket.com

Price: Starting at $399.99*

Most students will find everything they need within the HP EliteBook 830 G7. While this is a fairly lightweight and portable laptop, it still has sleek features and boasts more USB ports than you’d see on most laptops of this size. Another notable perk of this laptop is its durability. It can withstand plenty of daily wear and tear without showing much damage, which you’ll definitely want when you’re running late to classes with your laptop bouncing around in your backpack.

Pros:

High screen quality
Multiple USB ports + HDMI connection
Comfortable keyboard

Cons:

Slightly below-average CPU performance
Not ideal for power users like gamers, programmers or graphic designers

Screen size	13 inches
Memory	32GB
Processor	Intel® Core™ i7
Storage	SSD - 256GB
Operating system	Windows

Verified Refurbished HP EliteBook

3. Apple MacBook Air M2 13”

Rating: 4.6 stars, 36 reviews on backmarket.com

Price: Starting at $923.91*

If you’re a fan of Apple products but want something lightweight and thin (trust us, your shoulders and back will thank you), you can’t go wrong with a MacBook Air. This is the smallest and most compact laptop that Apple offers. But don’t underestimate it due to its size. This specific model has one of the newest and fastest processors on this list. Even if you’re a power user, this MacBook Air is likely to keep up with the many demands of your classes and more.

Pros:

Upgraded processor
Lightweight and slim design
Long battery life

Cons:

One of the highest price tags on this list
No HDMI port

Screen size	13.3 inches
Memory	8GB
Processor	Apple M2 8-Core™
Storage	SSD - 256GB
Operating system	MacOS

Verified Refurbished MacBook Air

4. Dell Latitude 7490

Rating: 4.6 stars, 17 reviews on backmarket.com

Price: Starting at $269.98*

Students and business professionals like this laptop for dozens of reasons, but most notably, its speed, comfortable typing experience and battery life that lasts through an eight-hour day. If you’re planning to spend long days on campus between classes (not to mention all the homework you’ll be doing in the library), the Dell Latitude 7490 is more than capable for the average student.

Pros:

Comfortable keyboard
Above average speakers

Cons:

Subpar screen brightness
Reports of overheating

Screen size	15 inches
Memory	16GB
Processor	Intel® Core™ i5
Storage	SSD - 512GB
Operating system	Windows

Verified Refurbished Dell Latitude

5. Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop

Rating: 4.5 stars, 2917 reviews on dell.com

Price: $729.99

If you’re a chronic multitasker, you will love the duality of a 2-in-1 laptop. This device features a comfy keyboard but turns into a tablet with one quick flip. For a 2-in-1 laptop, this one starts at a fairly affordable price and offers plenty of power for the average student. When it comes to the battery life, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at its ability to keep up with your busy school days without needing a charge.

Pros:

Affordable for a 2-in-1 laptop
Long battery life

Cons:

Underwhelming display
Reports of a stiff touchpad

Screen size	14 inches
Memory	8GB
Processor	Intel® Core™ i5
Storage	SSD - 512GB
Operating system	Windows

Dell Inspiron

6. Apple MacBook Pro Retina 16”

Rating: 4.5 stars, 163 reviews on backmarket.com

Price: Starting at $658.62*

For our Mac lovers who want a stunning display, amazing sound quality and ergonomic keyboard buttons, a 16-inch MacBook Pro might be worth the splurge. This MacBook also features the Mac Touch Bar instead of the function row. The Touch Bar is an intuitive approach to offering a customized function experience within different programs and applications. With the addition of the advanced processor, this MacBook has everything a student needs and then some.

Pros:

Impressive sound quality
Comfortable keyboard
Long-lasting battery
Innovative touch bar

Cons:

One of the heavier models on this list
No USB or HDMI ports/USB-C ports only

Screen size	16 inches
Memory	16GB
Processor	Intel® Core™ i7
Storage	SSD - 512GB
Operating system	MacOS

Verified Refurbished MacBook Pro

7. MSi GF63 Thin

Rating: 4.4 stars, 2,300 reviews on amazon.com

Price: $699

Just because you’re a student doesn’t mean you should give up your love of gaming. That’s why the MSi GF63 Thin is a great option for diligently studying students who like to wind down with a round of Counter-Strike — but only when their homework is done, right? This laptop is renowned for its simple gaming performance while also maintaining a thin and lightweight build.

Pros:

Lightweight, especially for a gaming-compatible laptop
Inexpensive

Cons:

Lower-end gaming laptop
Reports of an uncomfortable keyboard
Less than impressive screen quality

Screen size	15.6 inches
Memory	16GB
Processor	Intel® Core™ i5
Storage	SSD - 512GB
Operating system	Windows

MSI GF63 Thin

8. ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED

Rating: 4.3 stars, 382 reviews on asus.com

Price: $1,299

If you’re a Windows loyalist in need of a powerhouse laptop, you really can’t go wrong with the ASUS Zenbook 14, featuring a stunning OLED touchscreen. It has an advanced processor that's sure to keep up with even the heaviest workloads and has one of the most impressive batteries you’ll find on the market — a whopping 15 or more hours. With a battery life like that, this laptop is sure to get you through those late nights spent writing papers you should have started weeks ago.

Pros:

Stunning display
Plenty of USB and other ports
Long battery life

Cons:

Heavier laptop than most
Unimaginative design

Screen size	14 inches
Memory	32GB
Processor	Intel® Core™ Ultra 7
Storage	SSD - 1TB
Operating system	Windows

Asus Zenbook

9. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5

Rating: 4.3 stars, 157 reviews on lenovo.com

Price: $499

This 2-in-1 laptop is reminiscent of the Microsoft Surface Tablet in that it acts like a laptop, but it’s as portable as a tablet. Since this is a Chromebook, it can only run web-based programs, so it’s ideal for a student who requires a laptop solely for online assignments. This touchscreen is also compatible with a stylus for effortless navigation and taking digital notes by hand, but it comes at an additional cost.

Pros:

Affordable 2-in-1
Quality cameras
Beautiful OLED display

Cons:

Flat, uncomfortable keyboard
Stylus costs extra

Screen size	13 inches
Memory	4GB
Processor	Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ SC7180
Storage	SSD - 128GB
Operating system	ChromeOS

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5

10. Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 Convertible Laptop

Rating: 4.3 stars, 3,578 reviews on amazon.com

Price: $439.99

If you like the 2-in-1 concept but not the hefty price tag, the Acer Aspire 3 Spin may be your go-to device. This is a budget touchscreen laptop that includes a stylus, which is something that many 2-in-1 devices lack. So whether you’re a fan of handwritten notes or like the easy navigation of a touchscreen, this laptop packs a punch for students on a budget.

Pros:

Affordable 2-in-1
Wide range of ports

Cons:

Short battery life
Underwhelming display

Screen size	14 inches
Memory	16GB
Processor	Intel® Core™ i7
Storage	SSD - 512GB
Operating system	Windows

Acer Spin 3

11. Acer Aspire 5

Rating: 4.2 stars, 171 reviews on asus.com

Price: $529.99

If you’re looking for another budget laptop that delivers all the basics, the Acer Aspire 5 is right up your alley. While many budget laptops run slower and use cost-cutting materials, the Acer Aspire 5 doesn’t. This device offers everything you need and nothing you don’t at a price that’s hard to beat for a brand-new laptop. Plus, its durable build makes this laptop a great choice for students who are running (quite literally) from class to class.

Pros:

Durable build
Affordable price from new
Comfortable keyboard

Cons:

Underwhelming webcam quality
Reports of stiff touchpad

Screen size	15.6 inches
Memory	20GB
Processor	AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core
Storage	SSD - 1TB
Operating system	Windows

Acer Aspire 5

Bonus pick: iPad Air

Rating: 4.7 stars, 46 reviews on backmarket.com

Price: $464.30

For the student who wants ultra-portability, you may want to forgo a laptop and use an iPad. With the Apple Pencil, students love using their iPads to take notes and perform creative tasks like drawing, graphic design and video editing. Plus, you can always add a Magic Keyboard for those days when you need to write out a research paper.

Pros:

Lightweight and super-portable
Optimal battery life
Compatibility with Apple Pencil and Bluetooth keyboards

Cons:

Different file-saving system than a laptop
Some programs may not be available via the App Store
Certain files and online platforms may not be compatible with a tablet

Screen size	10.9 inches
Memory	8GB
Processor	Intel Core™ i8
Storage	64GB
Operating system	iPadOS

Verified Refurbished iPad Air

Student laptop frequently asked questions

If your decision is still up in the air, we’re here to help. Check out these frequently asked questions from students like you.

If you walk onto any campus today, you’ll notice that students favor laptops that are versatile and extremely light (even if they’re slightly less efficient). Some students also prefer an ultraportable 2-in-1 hybrid PC or tablet, which can switch between tablet and laptop.
Regardless of what you decide, these are the key laptop features to think about when buying a laptop:
Weight: Even the lightest laptop starts to weigh heavy after a long day between classes and work. Some laptop models weigh less than 2.5 lbs., while others weigh more than 5 lbs. Compactness is key here, so try to find a model that is minimal in width, length and thickness.
Battery life: This is the second most important criterion because you don't want to be left without the battery in the middle of the day or in the middle of class. The worst-case scenario is your laptop dies before you have a chance to save your work! Laptop battery capacity options can vary, but try to find devices with up to 14 hours of battery life. With general use, that should get you through your day.
Processor: Finding a laptop with the highest processing power should not be your top priority. Most processors can handle the simple daily routine of a student without any issues. Instead, opt for a low-power model for better battery life, such as an Intel® Core™ i3 processor (or i5 if you still want a little more power).
Memory: Random access memory, or RAM, is an important spec that will help your laptop run smoother and faster. The more you have, the faster your machine will be: opt for 4 GB minimum or 8 GB for even better performance. The last thing you want is to be lagging between apps in the middle of a lecture.
Storage: If you can afford it, go for a computer with an SSD drive. It will be significantly faster, and they are more energy efficient, meaning you’ll have even better battery life. 256 GB is plenty, especially if you have an external hard drive to store your files.
Screen: The screen is one of the elements on a laptop that consumes the most energy, so the smaller it is, the more battery-efficient your laptop will be. Stay between 11 and 16 inches. A 14-inch or 15-inch screen is fine as well, but keep in mind that it will be slightly bigger and sometimes heavier to carry around in your bag.
Graphics card: No need to invest in a dedicated graphics card. The integrated cards (Intel®) are completely sufficient for your display needs unless you plan on gaming on campus.
Connection: Opt for a minimum of 4 USB or USB-C ports to connect your mouse and your external hard drive without worries. It never hurts to have a few extra options for any other devices that you need to connect as well.
Check out this video to help you decide on the best student laptop for your needs, but keep in mind that you'll likely find the laptop models listed in this video more affordable on Back Market.
Chromebooks are a great option for students who want a simple, lightweight and affordable laptop. They are ideal for students who prefer using Google Workspace (previously known as G-Suite) for writing, creating presentations, collaborating with classmates and more.
Chromebooks run on ChromeOS, so they don’t support desktop applications like the ones you’d run on a Windows computer or Mac. This means a Chromebook isn’t suitable for students who need to run Microsoft, Adobe, or similar programs. Chromebooks are not suitable for students who want to play video games on their laptops.
In the Mac vs Windows debate, we like to stay neutral (everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, right?). But really, it comes down to the student’s operating system preferences.
MacBooks and Windows can both run similar applications, and — depending on the make and model — both can have equally impressive power. While certain college majors may prefer one OS over the other (we’re looking at you, graphic design majors who love their MacBooks), that doesn’t necessarily mean the other OS won’t serve you just as well.
So, if you’re a die-hard Windows or Apple fan, stick with what you know. Just make sure the laptop’s operating system and specs are compatible with the programs you plan to use.
Short answer: Back Market (duh). Students enrolled in higher or continuing education receive an extra $20 off on any purchase (of $250 or more) with Back Market’s student discount. That means a like-new laptop on Back Market can be up to 75% off brand new.
Professionally refurbished laptops are some of the best and most affordable laptops on the market. Professionally refurbished laptops have been repaired, tested, and restored to perfect working condition. Refurbished electronics also do something that brand-new electronics can’t: help keep toxic e-waste out of our landfills and lower our collective environmental footprint.

While you may be tempted to wait for a “back to school” sale to buy brand new, you won’t be able to beat the up to 70% off brand new prices Back Market has all year round.

So check out our best deals on MacBooks, Chromebooks and Windows devices to score an awesome laptop at an even more awesome price.

Methodology

During our research, we looked at the top-rated student-friendly laptops across various online stores and manufacturers. The above rankings are ordered based on customer ratings and the number of customer reviews regardless of education level or profession.

*Please note: The prices of verified refurbished laptops reflect the lowest price of that device on the Back Market website at the time of publication in February 2024. All other above prices reflect the price listed on the linked website at the same time of publication.