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7 Best Apple Computers For Students 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,113
Memory (RAM)
Battery Life
Portability

Most important from
969 reviews

Memory (RAM)
This MacBook feels great and runs smoothly even with 8GB of RAM, handling multitasking effortlessly.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting longer than any other laptop I've used, making it perfect for all-day use.
Portability
The sleek, lightweight design makes it highly portable and barely noticeable in a bag.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with the M3 chip is an impressive choice for students due to its performance and portability. The M3 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of both academic work and entertainment. With 8GB of RAM, it is adequate for typical student activities, though heavy multitaskers or those working with demanding applications might find the memory limiting. The 256GB SSD offers fast storage but might be insufficient for students with extensive data needs or larger software installations; additional cloud storage could be necessary.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display provides vibrant visuals and supports a wide color range, making it great for both studying and media consumption. Battery life is a standout with up to 18 hours, allowing students to work through the day without needing to recharge frequently. Weighing just 2.7 pounds and being under half an inch thick, it is highly portable and convenient for carrying around campus. Operating on macOS, it seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, which is a plus for those already in the Apple ecosystem.

Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt ports, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, although the limited number of ports might require adapters for additional peripherals. Touch ID provides convenient and secure access. The MacBook Air 2024 is a powerful, lightweight laptop with excellent battery life and a beautiful display, making it a strong choice for students, especially those who are Apple users. However, those needing more storage or RAM may need to explore upgrades or other models.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,113
Memory (RAM)
Battery Life
Portability

Most important from
969 reviews

Memory (RAM)
This MacBook feels great and runs smoothly even with 8GB of RAM, handling multitasking effortlessly.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting longer than any other laptop I've used, making it perfect for all-day use.
Portability
The sleek, lightweight design makes it highly portable and barely noticeable in a bag.
#2

Apple 2023 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M3 chip: 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24-inch Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Matching Accessories. Works with iPhone/iPad; Silver

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
550 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M3 iMac delivers fast, smooth performance that easily handles everyday tasks, making it a strong choice over previous models and many PCs.
Display
Its vibrant 24-inch Retina display provides an impressive visual experience that complements creative and study activities alike.

The Apple 2023 iMac with M3 chip is a sleek, all-in-one desktop that suits students who want a reliable and visually impressive computer for both study and creativity. Its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU offer strong performance, making tasks like creating presentations, video editing, and light gaming smooth and responsive. The 8GB of unified memory is enough for everyday student use, though power users or those running many apps simultaneously might find it somewhat limiting. The 256GB SSD provides quick access to files but may require external storage if you have a large library of videos or projects.

The 24-inch Retina display is bright and sharp, showing vibrant colors that enhance multimedia experiences and detailed work. Portability isn’t a strong point since it’s a desktop, but the slim design helps it fit nicely on any desk without taking up much space. Battery life is not applicable here, as it’s a plugged-in desktop. The macOS operating system is user-friendly, especially for those already in the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless integration with iPhones and iPads. Included accessories like the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Magic Mouse add convenience and security.

Its handy ports and the latest Wi-Fi 6E support ensure good connectivity options. This iMac is an excellent choice for students who prioritize a beautiful display, steady performance, and smooth integration with other Apple devices, but it might not be ideal for those needing very large storage or extreme multitasking capabilities.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
550 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M3 iMac delivers fast, smooth performance that easily handles everyday tasks, making it a strong choice over previous models and many PCs.
Display
Its vibrant 24-inch Retina display provides an impressive visual experience that complements creative and study activities alike.
#3

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; Midnight

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1442 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M2 chip performs wonderfully, noticeably faster than the previous M1 chip.
Display
The display and sound are great, enhancing both study and entertainment experiences.
Battery Life
The battery lasts at least 8 hours on a single charge, supporting long work sessions without recharging.
Portability
The size and weight make it perfect for portability, ideal for bringing to coffee shops or classes.
Operating System
The MacBook Air runs flawlessly without overheating, even without cooling fans.

The Apple 2022 MacBook Air with the M2 chip is an excellent choice for students due to several key factors. It features a next-generation 8-core CPU, which ensures fast and efficient performance for a wide range of tasks, from writing papers to browsing the web. Combined with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, it can handle everyday student activities seamlessly, although those needing heavy multitasking or extensive storage might find it limiting.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display offers vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it great for both study and entertainment. Weighing only 2.7 pounds, this MacBook Air is highly portable, perfect for carrying between classes or study sessions. The battery life is impressive, up to 18 hours, allowing students to use it all day without worrying about recharging. It includes a backlit keyboard, which is useful for typing in low-light environments, and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, enhancing video call quality for online classes or virtual meetings.

With versatile connectivity options like MagSafe charging, Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack, it supports various peripherals and accessories. The Mac OS operating system is user-friendly and integrates well with other Apple devices, which can be advantageous for students already in the Apple ecosystem. One potential downside is the limited RAM and storage options, which may not suffice for students with demanding software needs or large file storage requirements. Additionally, the higher price point typical of Apple products may be a consideration for budget-conscious students. Nonetheless, the MacBook Air's durability, sleek design, and robust features make it a strong contender for students seeking a reliable and capable laptop.

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1442 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M2 chip performs wonderfully, noticeably faster than the previous M1 chip.
Display
The display and sound are great, enhancing both study and entertainment experiences.
Battery Life
The battery lasts at least 8 hours on a single charge, supporting long work sessions without recharging.
Portability
The size and weight make it perfect for portability, ideal for bringing to coffee shops or classes.
Operating System
The MacBook Air runs flawlessly without overheating, even without cooling fans.

Buying Guide for the Best Apple Computers For Students

Choosing the right Apple computer for a student involves considering several key factors that will ensure the device meets their academic and personal needs. It's important to think about what the computer will be used for, such as writing papers, conducting research, creating presentations, or even more demanding tasks like video editing or programming. By understanding the key specifications and how they relate to your needs, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well throughout your studies.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of the computer and determines how fast and efficiently it can perform tasks. For basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming, a dual-core processor will suffice. However, for more demanding applications like video editing, programming, or running multiple applications simultaneously, a quad-core or higher processor is recommended. Students should consider their field of study and choose a processor that can handle the software they will be using.
Memory (RAM)RAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. For general use, 8GB of RAM is typically sufficient. However, if you plan to run more intensive applications or multitask heavily, 16GB or more may be necessary. Students in fields like graphic design, engineering, or computer science should consider higher RAM to ensure their computer can handle complex tasks without slowing down.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your computer. Solid State Drives (SSD) are faster and more reliable than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD). For most students, 256GB of SSD storage is a good starting point, providing enough space for documents, applications, and some media. If you have a large media library or need to store large files, consider 512GB or more. External storage options are also available if you need additional space.
DisplayThe display quality is important for comfort and productivity, especially if you spend long hours on your computer. Retina displays offer high resolution and sharpness, which is beneficial for reading, writing, and viewing media. For students in creative fields like graphic design or video production, a larger screen with higher resolution can be advantageous. Consider the size and resolution that will best suit your needs and workspace.
Battery LifeBattery life is a critical factor for students who need to use their computer throughout the day without access to a power outlet. Look for a computer with a battery life of at least 10 hours to ensure it can last through classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities. If you are often on the go, a longer battery life will provide more flexibility and convenience.
PortabilityPortability is important for students who need to carry their computer between classes, libraries, and home. Lighter and thinner models are easier to transport and can fit into backpacks more comfortably. Consider the weight and size of the computer, and choose one that balances performance with ease of carrying.
Operating SystemApple computers run on macOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices. Ensure that the software and applications you need for your studies are compatible with macOS. If you are already using other Apple products, the continuity features can enhance your productivity and convenience.

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