Best Laptops for College Students in 2024
Choosing the best laptops for college students can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available on platforms like Amazon. As you prepare for your academic journey in 2024, investing in a reliable laptop becomes crucial for managing coursework, attending virtual lectures, and conducting research. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 laptops available on Amazon that cater to the diverse needs of college students, whether you’re into gaming, graphic design, or just need something lightweight for note-taking. We also included a buying guide to help you find the perfect laptop for your needs.
Buying Guide: Best Laptops for College Students
Before diving into our top product reviews, let’s clarify some key factors you should consider when selecting the best laptops for college students:
1. Performance
A laptop’s performance is primarily indicated by its CPU, RAM, and storage. For most college students, a laptop with at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD should suffice. However, if your major involves intensive software (like graphic design or computer science), you might need a more powerful machine.
2. Portability
Weight and size matter, especially if you’re carrying your laptop around campus. Look for laptops under 4 pounds with a thin profile for easy portability.
3. Battery Life
A long battery life ensures your laptop lasts all day without needing a charge. Aim for a laptop with at least 7-8 hours of battery life for optimal convenience during lectures and study sessions.
4. Display Quality
Given that you’ll be spending hours in front of the screen, a laptop with a full HD (1920×1080) display or better is advisable for comfortable viewing and reduced eye strain.
5. Budget
While it’s tempting to go for the latest models, staying within your budget is essential. Set a price range that works for you, and focus on options that provide the best value for your investment.
Top 10 Laptops for College Students on Amazon
1. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
The Apple MacBook Air with the M1 chip is renowned for its exceptional performance and battery life. With an 8-core CPU and up to 18 hours of battery life, this laptop handles coding, graphic design, and everyday tasks seamlessly. The retina display enhances visibility, making it ideal for long hours of study or creative work.
Moreover, it weighs only 2.8 pounds, making it highly portable for college students on the go.
Specifications:
– Processor: Apple M1, 8-Core
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 256GB SSD
– Display: 13.3” Retina
– Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
2. Dell XPS 13 (2022)
The Dell XPS 13 is a premium Windows laptop that perfectly blends performance with a sleek design. It features the latest 12th Gen Intel processors and offers various configurations, including up to 32GB of RAM. Its InfinityEdge display provides an immersive visual experience, making it great for streaming and studying.
Weighing just 2.7 pounds, this laptop is easy to carry around campus, and its nearly borderless screen enhances productivity.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i7-1250U
– RAM: Up to 32GB
– Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
– Display: 13.4” FHD+
– Weight: 2.7 lbs
- The first Copilot+ XPS has powerful, on-device AI that delivers cutting-edge responsiveness and unmatched speed for navigating demanding multitasking workloads, enhanced security and efficiency in our thinnest and lightest XPS. The XPS 13 powered by Snapdragon X Elite, effortlessly tackles complex workloads and offers groundbreaking multi-day[2] battery life; the longest runtime in its class
- Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core Dual-Core Boost up to 4GHz, NPU up to 45 TOPS) X1E-80-100; 32GB LPDDR5x 8448 MT/s RAM, 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. Dell XPS 13 impresses with Snapdragon Elite X CPU for sleek design, vibrant display, and strong performance. Create like never before with XPS 13.
- 13.4", Non-Touch, FHD+ 1920x1200, 30-120Hz, Anti-Glare, 500 nit, InfinityEdge; Integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU, Excellent performance powered by Graphics; Expandable to 2 x 4K UHD monitors via USB-C 4 Ports
- Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 Wi-Fi 7 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Card; 2 x USB4 40Gbps USB Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery (Thunderbolt 3 Technology)
- Security Solutions: McAfee+ Premium 1-year, Fingerprint Reader, 1080P IR Webcam for facial recognition
3. HP Pavilion x360 (2021)
The HP Pavilion x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that features intuitive touch capabilities and a durable 360-degree design. Powered by 11th Gen Intel processors, it’s perfect for both productivity and multimedia consumption. This laptop is ideal for students who enjoy taking notes digitally or watch lectures on-the-go.
With a long battery life of approximately 8 hours, it can easily get you through your classes without needing a charge.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
– RAM: 16GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 14” FHD Touch
– Weight: 3.55 lbs
- Operating system: Windows 11 Home From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way.
- Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), multitouch-enabled, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, microedge Crystal-clear visuals with 178-degree wide-viewing angles.
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U 12th Gen Intel Core processor distributes performance where you need it the most — saving you time and increasing your ability to do the things you actually want.
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 X 4 GB) Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
- Internal storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (2021)
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a budget-friendly option for college students, offering solid performance for everyday tasks. It’s equipped with AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing a smooth computing experience for web browsing, word processing, and more.
This lightweight laptop also features a 15.6” Full HD display, enhancing your viewing experience during lectures or movie nights.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 256GB SSD
– Display: 15.6” FHD
– Weight: 4.6 lbs
- Fueled by the revolutionary AMD Ryzen 5000 H-Series mobile processor, this IdeaPad gaming laptop delivers the wins; with 6 ultra-responsive cores, it's the new standard for gaming performance in innovative, thin, and light laptops
- Includes free 3-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - Play over 100 high-quality PC games on Windows PC; includes iconic Bethesda games, new day one titles, and the EA Play on PC catalog
- 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU to supercharge your favorite games - Slingshot your gaming visuals with 120Hz refresh rate for tear-free gaming
- 8GB 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM memory and 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD storage
- 2 x 2W speakers with Nahimic Audio for Gamers; spacious gaming keyboard with white backlight; RJ45 Ethernet, 2x2 WiFi 802.11 ax, Bluetooth 5.0; 720p HD webcam and microphone array with privacy shutter; HDMI, USB-C
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (2021)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features a sleek design and a stunning PixelSense touchscreen display. It comes with 11th Gen Intel processors and provides an incredibly smooth performance, perfect for multitasking college tasks. With a battery life of up to 19 hours, you can easily get through your day without the worry of running out of power.
At just 2.79 pounds, it’s an excellent laptop for students who require portability and style.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 13.5” PixelSense
– Weight: 2.79 lbs
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 13.5-inch PixelSense Touchscreen Display (2256 x 1504) resolution
- 256GB Solid State Drive, 16GB RAM, Intel Core i7-1185G7 (3.0 GHz base frequency, up to 4.8 GHz burst frequency, 12 MB cache, 4 cores)
- Clean, elegant design thin and light, starting at just 2.76 pounds., Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wireless LAN, Surface Pen NOT Included
- USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, SD Card Slot., Windows 11 Pro
6. ASUS ZenBook 14 (2021)
The ASUS ZenBook 14 offers an ultra-slim design combined with powerful specifications, making it one of the best laptops for college students in 2024. With an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it’s suitable for various computing tasks, from note-taking to video editing.
This laptop stands out with its stunning Full HD display and ErgoLift design that enhances your typing experience.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
– RAM: 16GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 14” FHD
– Weight: 2.62 lbs
- SLEEK DESIGN - Go the extra mile with the remarkably sleek Zenbook 14 OLED — the ultimate ultraportable laptop. Seize every moment using the enhanced extended-life battery, amplify your efficiency with the top-tier Core Ultra processor Series 1, and achieve seamless connectivity via all the essential ports. Immerse your senses in the vivid Lumina OLED touchscreen and powerful new Super-linear speakers, while embracing the eco-elegance of the environmentally conscious design.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H 1.2 GHz (18MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 14 cores, 18 Threads); The Laptop features an AI Engine that combines the power of the CPU, integrated Graphics, an AI Boost NPU to accelerate AI workloads such as Copilot. 8GB Soldered LPDDR5 Memory, 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- VIVID DISPLAY - 14" WUXGA (1920 x 1200) OLED, 16:10, 500nit, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, Eye Care, touchscreen, Glossy Display; Integrated Graphics - Support to expandable with 2 monitors via HDMI & Thunderbolt 4 Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 4k (3840x2160) @60Hz; FHD IR Webcam with Privacy Shutter.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - 2 x Thunderbolt 4 supports display / power delivery, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.3; Backlit Keyboard; US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard.
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Windows 11 Home 64-bit, with AI-powered Copilot, offers intelligent assistance for a variety of tasks. Ideal for School Education, Designers, Professionals, Small Business, Programmers, Casual Gaming, Video Streaming, Online Class, College Students, Zoom Meeting, Video Conference, etc.
7. Acer Swift 3 (2021)
The Acer Swift 3 is another budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it a solid choice for students on the go. The lightweight design and all-day battery life ensure that you can easily carry it around campus.
Plus, the high-resolution 14” display ensures that visuals are crystal clear, whether you’re streaming videos or working on presentations.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 14” FHD
– Weight: 2.65 lbs
- Display: Stunning 14" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS 300 nits Anti-glare / 100% sRGB / 60Hz/ Thin Bezel LCD LED-backlit Display
- Memory / Storage / operation system: Upgraded to 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 4266 MHz / 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive for Storage / Windows 11 Home
- CPU/Graphics: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U 8-Core Processor (Up to 4.3 GHz, 8 MB Smart cache/ 8 Cores / 16 Threads)/Powered by AMD Radeon Graphics
- Connection & Ports/Battery: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort / 10Gbps / 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A support 5Gbps / 1x HDMI v2.0 / 1x Headphone and microphone combo jack / 48Whr 4-Cell lithium-ion battery (up to 8 hours battery life)
- Features:Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 / 720p HD Camera/ 12.67" x 8.33" x 0.63" inches / 2.76 lbs / Free 32GB USB Drive
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13 (2021)
If you’re a student who enjoys gaming during downtime, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 is a powerful ultrabook that caters to both gaming and productivity. Equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, and 16GB RAM, this laptop can handle modern games while also being a reliable study companion.
The 4K touch display offers vibrant visuals, making it perfect for design students as well.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i7-1065G7
– RAM: 16GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 13.3” 4K Touch
– Weight: 3.1 lbs
- 1. Compatible Model: Repalcement for Razer Blade Stealth 13 2021 OLED (OLED Type)
- 2. Size: 13.3 inch；Resolution: 1920x1080；LCD Connector: EDP 30pins
- 3. Package includes a LCD screen ONLY, no other parts. Please keep your original parts.
- 4. Even the same product, the model always changes as the production lot changes. We will send compatible model randomly, if you need to require specific model, please confirm with us before ordering.
- 5. The item will be well tested before shipping. Please kindly check your model and size again before you purchase. If you are not sure whether it is the correct item you need, please confirm with us and provide specific model and pictures of your original screen.
9. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 (2021)
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a budget-friendly, lightweight option perfect for students who primarily work with web applications. With its Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, this Chromebook is ideal for browsing, media consumption, and online coursework.
Its 2-in-1 design allows for flexibility, and the touchscreen enhances functionality.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U
– RAM: 4GB
– Storage: 64GB eMMC
– Display: 13.3” FHD Touch
– Weight: 2.97 lbs
- Enjoy next-gen performance now: The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13 inch laptop is powered by Intel Core i3 processor. It has 64GB of fast, responsive SSD storage. And has been certified by Intel for mobile performance. Breathtaking from any angle: However you use the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13 inch laptop, it will still look great. Whether in tablet, tent, stand, laptop mode or any angle in between, its slim, light 360˚ convertible design is sure to catch the eye.
- Stunning & smart: Thanks to narrow bezels and an impressive 13.3" Full HD display, you can enjoy your favorite movies and videos in crisp, clear detail. Everything sounds better in stereo: This laptop is ready to rock your world. With front-facing stereo speakers, your audio experience is truly enhanced. From music to movies and podcasts, everything will sound more alive than ever. No optical drive
- Get all hooked up: This laptop has two USB-C 3.2 (Gen 1) ports, a USB-A (Gen 1) port, and an audio jack. With the USB-C 3.2 (Gen 1) port, you can enjoy fast data transfer, multimedia streaming, and battery charging—all on a single port. WiFi to take your breath away: This laptop features the latest Intel WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, enabling best-in-class WiFi performance and the fastest, most reliable connectivity available
- Things couldn’t be easier: With the laptop, no setup is needed— just log in with your Google account and off you go. It has up to 10 hours battery life for all day usage. Collaborate faster with G Suite Use Google's productivity suite of powerful collaboration tools, like Google Docs and Google Sheets, to accomplish your daily work— creating, editing, and working with colleagues in real time. Non-backlit keyboard
- Dive into the moment Enjoy the streamlined interface of Chrome OS—with access to a rich library of apps on Google Play, plus custom Google Maps, wallpapers, and images, and more. Safety first, always With Chromebook, your device updates* every six weeks to provide the latest protection from security threats. It also goes through a verified boot process when it starts and automatically returns to a safer version if malicious changes are detected. Free IFT accessory: IFT 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
10. ASUS VivoBook 15 (2021)
The ASUS VivoBook 15 combines style with performance at an affordable price. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it comfortably meets the needs of students. Its NanoEdge display provides more screen area for productivity, and the lightweight design makes it easily portable.
Moreover, the laptop comes equipped with USB-C and USB-A ports for versatile connectivity options.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 15.6” FHD
– Weight: 3.75 lbs
- Microsoft Copilot Make complex tasks simple. Get answers, generate images, summarize texts, and more! Unleash your creativity with the power of intelligent assistance
- Stunning 15.6-inch FHD Touch Display Indulge in stunning visuals in breathtaking 1920 x 1080 resolution (16:9) and a 250-nit sustained brightness with vivid colors and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate
- Fast Intel Core i5-1334U Processor With the latest platform technologies for everyday applications, fast connectivity and performance optimization, the Intel Core i5-1334U processor enables casual gaming, creation and productivity
- Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics Powerful integrated graphics for all your everyday needs from day to night
- Multitask Effortlessly with 16GB Of Memory And 512GB Of Storage Experience lightning-fast performance and speedy multitasking, whether you're gaming, editing, or browsing. Save files quickly and store vast amounts of data. With extensive storage and advanced communication power, PCIe 3.0 SSDs perform well for everyday applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more
Conclusion
Finding the best laptops for college students in 2024 is no longer a challenging task, thanks to the diverse options available on Amazon. Each of the laptops reviewed above caters to different needs and budgets, making it easier for you to find one that suits your lifestyle. Whether you settle for a budget-friendly laptop or choose a powerhouse like the MacBook Air, investing in a reliable device can enhance your college experience significantly.
In summary, it’s essential to consider aspects such as performance, portability, battery life, display quality, and pricing when making your choice. We hope this article empowers you to make an informed decision and brings you one step closer to achieving your academic goals.