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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
9.8
Chosen by1,429
Memory (RAM)
Battery Life
Portability

Most important from
939 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
9.8
Chosen by1,429
Memory (RAM)
Battery Life
Portability

Most important from
939 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 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
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1432 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
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1432 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.
#3

2020 Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display (27-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage)

Rating
9.4
Display
Operating System

Most important from
1120 reviews

Display
The iMac operates seamlessly, and the display is as stunning as one would expect from Apple.
Operating System
The newest operating system is easy to learn, though some features are cumbersome and unnecessary.

The 2020 Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display is a solid choice for students who need a powerful and reliable desktop computer. Its 27-inch 5K Retina display is stunning, providing an impressive resolution that is great for detailed work, multimedia projects, and entertainment. The 3.3GHz 6-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM ensure smooth performance for most tasks, though upgrading the RAM may be necessary for more demanding applications or multitasking.

The 512GB SSD offers fast storage and ample space for essential files and applications, but students with extensive media libraries might need additional external storage. The AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics card is capable of handling graphic-intensive tasks and light gaming, making it versatile for various uses. While the iMac's all-in-one design saves space and reduces clutter, its portability is limited compared to a laptop, making it more suitable for students who do most of their work in a single location.

The inclusion of Mac OS provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience, with a wide range of educational software available. One downside is the lack of flexibility in upgrading internal components over time. Additionally, the product is relatively heavy at 19.7 pounds, further limiting its portability. Battery life is not applicable here as it is a desktop model. Students who prioritize a powerful, visually impressive desktop over portability will find this iMac to be a great fit for their educational needs.

Rating
9.4
Display
Operating System

Most important from
1120 reviews

Display
The iMac operates seamlessly, and the display is as stunning as one would expect from Apple.
Operating System
The newest operating system is easy to learn, though some features are cumbersome and unnecessary.

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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