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10 Best Laptops For Students 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Sky Blue

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,120
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Operating System

Most important from
3290 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The leap in speed with the M4 chip is noticeably superior to previous models, delivering a smoother and faster experience.
RAM
The base model’s memory feels somewhat limited, suggesting that opting for higher RAM could better future-proof the device.
Operating System
Switching from Windows to macOS has been a surprisingly smooth and rewarding transition, enhancing overall satisfaction.

The 2025 Apple MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a strong choice for students who want a lightweight, powerful laptop. Its M4 processor with 10 CPU cores and 8-core GPU handles multitasking and media quickly, which is great for school projects, video editing, or even casual gaming. The 16GB of memory is generous, allowing smooth performance even with many apps open. Storage at 256GB SSD is on the modest side, so students who store lots of files or large media might need to use external drives or cloud storage.

Battery life stands out here — up to 18 hours means you can work or study all day without hunting for a charger. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp with rich colors, ideal for reading, writing, and watching videos. Portability is a plus too, as the laptop is slim and weighs about 2.7 pounds, making it easy to carry around campus. macOS is user-friendly and integrates well with other Apple devices, which is a big plus if you already use an iPhone or iPad. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, supporting fast data transfer and wireless connections. However, it has limited USB ports, so you may need adapters for some peripherals.

The 12MP camera and quality speakers make video calls clear, important for online classes or group meetings. On the downside, the higher price typical of Apple products might be a consideration for budget-conscious students, and the storage could feel tight for some. This MacBook Air is an excellent, stylish, and reliable option for students prioritizing performance, battery life, and portability over maximum storage.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,120
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Operating System

Most important from
3290 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The leap in speed with the M4 chip is noticeably superior to previous models, delivering a smoother and faster experience.
RAM
The base model’s memory feels somewhat limited, suggesting that opting for higher RAM could better future-proof the device.
Operating System
Switching from Windows to macOS has been a surprisingly smooth and rewarding transition, enhancing overall satisfaction.
#2

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Starlight

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
1247 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Falling in love with its impressive speed and battery life, this laptop proves to be a reliable companion for all tasks.
Battery Life
Falling in love with its impressive speed and battery life, this laptop proves to be a reliable companion for all tasks.
Display
Setting up is a breeze; just know your WiFi password and you're good to go. The vibrant display and rapid performance make it a standout.
Portability
Ideal for newcomers to Mac, it's intuitively easy to navigate and enhances the homeschooling experience with its lightweight and perfect screen size.
Connectivity
Setting up is a breeze; just know your WiFi password and you're good to go. The vibrant display and rapid performance make it a standout.
Operating System
Ideal for newcomers to Mac, it's intuitively easy to navigate and enhances the homeschooling experience with its lightweight and perfect screen size.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop is highly suitable for students due to its powerful performance, lightweight design, and long battery life. Equipped with the Apple M4 chip, this laptop ensures fast and smooth operation whether you're multitasking between apps, editing videos, or playing games. Its 24GB of unified memory and 512GB SSD storage provide ample space for all your academic needs, allowing you to store large files and run multiple applications efficiently.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers stunning visuals with 1 billion colors, making it great for media consumption and detailed work. Additionally, the laptop's slim profile and weight of just 3.32 pounds make it easy to carry around campus or between classes. The MacBook Air boasts up to 18 hours of battery life, ensuring it can last through long lectures and study sessions without needing a charge. Connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure that you can easily connect to various peripherals and high-speed internet.

The 12MP Center Stage camera and quality audio features enhance virtual meetings and online collaboration. The inclusion of Touch ID adds a layer of security and convenience for accessing your device. Despite some potential considerations, the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop remains an excellent choice for students seeking a powerful, portable, and visually impressive device for their educational needs.

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
1247 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Falling in love with its impressive speed and battery life, this laptop proves to be a reliable companion for all tasks.
Battery Life
Falling in love with its impressive speed and battery life, this laptop proves to be a reliable companion for all tasks.
Display
Setting up is a breeze; just know your WiFi password and you're good to go. The vibrant display and rapid performance make it a standout.
Portability
Ideal for newcomers to Mac, it's intuitively easy to navigate and enhances the homeschooling experience with its lightweight and perfect screen size.
Connectivity
Setting up is a breeze; just know your WiFi password and you're good to go. The vibrant display and rapid performance make it a standout.
Operating System
Ideal for newcomers to Mac, it's intuitively easy to navigate and enhances the homeschooling experience with its lightweight and perfect screen size.
#3

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Storage; Space Black

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
1401 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting a full day of heavy use without needing a recharge.
Processor (CPU)
Performance is remarkably fast and smooth, handling demanding tasks like photo and video editing with ease.
Display
The stunning Liquid Retina XDR display offers vivid visuals and sharp detail, enhancing both study and creative work.
Portability
Portability strikes a good balance—light enough to carry comfortably around campus while maintaining a premium build.
Operating System
macOS provides a versatile and customizable environment, supporting both beginners and power users alike.
Connectivity
Connectivity options, including HDMI and Thunderbolt 4 ports, cover most modern needs without extra adapters.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 chip is a powerful and sleek laptop that excels in performance, making it great for students who may need to run demanding software or multitask efficiently. Its 10-core CPU and 24GB of unified RAM ensure smooth and fast operation, which is more than enough for everyday study tasks, creative projects, and even some professional-level work. The 1TB SSD provides ample and speedy storage for documents, apps, and media, although some students might find it more than they need for typical coursework. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals with high brightness and sharpness, ideal for reading, video editing, or streaming lectures.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 16 hours of wireless web use, which supports a full day of classes or study without frequent charging. Weighing just over 3 pounds and slim in design, it’s fairly portable, though not the lightest option available, so carrying it around campus is comfortable but might not be ideal for those prioritizing ultra-light laptops. macOS is the operating system, which integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, beneficial for users already in the Apple ecosystem.

Connectivity options are robust, including multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, an SD card slot, and MagSafe charging, covering almost all modern student needs without needing extra adapters. The high price point and focus on advanced features might be more than what casual or budget-conscious students require. Its premium build quality and strong security features add value for those looking for longevity and privacy. This MacBook Pro is suitable for students who want a powerful, versatile laptop with excellent display and battery life, especially those who use or prefer Apple products, but it might be excessive for basic or budget-focused users.

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
1401 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting a full day of heavy use without needing a recharge.
Processor (CPU)
Performance is remarkably fast and smooth, handling demanding tasks like photo and video editing with ease.
Display
The stunning Liquid Retina XDR display offers vivid visuals and sharp detail, enhancing both study and creative work.
Portability
Portability strikes a good balance—light enough to carry comfortably around campus while maintaining a premium build.
Operating System
macOS provides a versatile and customizable environment, supporting both beginners and power users alike.
Connectivity
Connectivity options, including HDMI and Thunderbolt 4 ports, cover most modern needs without extra adapters.

Buying Guide for the Best Laptops For Students

Choosing the right laptop for students involves considering several factors that will ensure the device meets their academic needs and personal preferences. Students typically require a laptop that is portable, reliable, and capable of handling various tasks such as writing papers, conducting research, and participating in online classes. It's important to balance performance, battery life, and ease of use to find the best fit.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of the laptop and determines how fast and efficiently it can run applications. For students, a mid-range processor like Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is usually sufficient, as it can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos. If you are studying a field that requires more intensive computing, such as engineering or graphic design, you might need a higher-end processor like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how smoothly your laptop can run multiple applications at once. For most students, 8GB of RAM is adequate for general use, including running office applications and browsing the internet. If you plan to run more demanding software or multitask heavily, consider opting for 16GB of RAM to ensure better performance.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop. Solid State Drives (SSD) are faster and more reliable than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD). For students, a 256GB SSD is typically enough for storing documents, applications, and some media files. If you need more space for large files or software, consider a 512GB SSD or higher.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial for students who need to use their laptops throughout the day without frequent recharging. Look for laptops that offer at least 8 hours of battery life to ensure it can last through classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities. If you are often on the go, prioritize models with longer battery life.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. A Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is generally sufficient for most students, providing clear and sharp visuals for reading, writing, and watching videos. If you are studying fields like graphic design or video production, you might benefit from a higher resolution display or better color accuracy.
PortabilityPortability is important for students who need to carry their laptops to classes, libraries, and other locations. Look for laptops that are lightweight (under 4 pounds) and have a slim design. A screen size of 13 to 14 inches strikes a good balance between usability and portability.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) determines the software environment of your laptop. Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS are the most common options. Windows is versatile and compatible with a wide range of software, making it a good choice for most students. macOS is preferred by those who are already in the Apple ecosystem or need specific software available only on Macs. Chrome OS is lightweight and ideal for basic tasks and web-based applications, suitable for students who primarily use Google services.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi are essential for connecting peripherals and accessing the internet. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports for your needs, and consider models with USB-C for faster data transfer and charging. HDMI ports are useful for connecting to external displays, and reliable Wi-Fi is crucial for online learning.

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