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10 Best School Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Starlight

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,131
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Battery Life

Most important from
1447 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Incredibly fast performance handles multiple demanding apps and 4K video editing smoothly without crashing.
RAM
Seamless multitasking with 16GB RAM allows smooth operation even under heavy workloads.
Battery Life
Exceptional battery life supports extended use throughout a full school day without needing to recharge.
Display
The large, vibrant display is gorgeous and enhances both work and multimedia experiences.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and perfectly sized for easy portability between classes and campus locations.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch with the new M3 chip is a strong contender for students needing a reliable, portable laptop for school. Its 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU offer fast performance that can handle everyday tasks like writing papers, browsing, and multimedia smoothly. With 16GB of RAM, multitasking works well, and the 256GB SSD provides quick storage access, though some users might find the storage a bit limited for large files or many apps. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours, which means you can use it throughout a full school day without recharging.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is large and vibrant, making it comfortable for reading and watching educational videos. Weighing just over 3 pounds and being slim, it’s easy to carry around campus or between classes. It runs macOS, which integrates seamlessly with iPhones and other Apple devices, adding convenience if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, covering most needs, though the limited number of ports might require adapters for some users.

While the base storage size might need upgrading for those who store many files locally, the MacBook Air's price is usually higher compared to other laptops in the school category. This laptop is an excellent choice for students who want a stylish, powerful, and long-lasting device that pairs well with other Apple gadgets, especially if school work involves creative apps or if you value excellent battery life and display quality.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,131
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Battery Life

Most important from
1447 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Incredibly fast performance handles multiple demanding apps and 4K video editing smoothly without crashing.
RAM
Seamless multitasking with 16GB RAM allows smooth operation even under heavy workloads.
Battery Life
Exceptional battery life supports extended use throughout a full school day without needing to recharge.
Display
The large, vibrant display is gorgeous and enhances both work and multimedia experiences.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and perfectly sized for easy portability between classes and campus locations.
#2

Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

Rating
10.0
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
796 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Speed is awesome, and it's very lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, perfect for long study sessions.
Display
The 15.6-inch screen size is just right—not too big or too small, with a nice resolution touchscreen.
Weight and Portability
Speed is awesome, and it's very lightweight, making it easy to carry around.

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop is a versatile choice for students and professionals alike. Featuring an Intel Quad-Core i5-1155G7 processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, it ensures smooth multitasking and quick performance. The 32GB RAM is a significant advantage, handling intensive applications and multitasking with ease. The 1TB SSD offers ample storage for projects, files, and applications, while also providing faster boot-up times compared to traditional HDDs.

The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display with anti-glare technology is ideal for students, providing clear, sharp visuals and reducing strain during long study sessions. However, the brightness at 220 nits might be a bit dim for outdoor use. Weighing 3.65 pounds, it strikes a balance between portability and screen size, making it easy to carry around campus. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, HDMI, and a headphone/microphone combo jack, which is great for staying connected and collaborating.

The inclusion of a numeric keypad is a bonus for those dealing with a lot of data entry. Running on Windows 11 Pro, it is well-suited for education and professional use, supporting various modern applications and security features. The lack of an optical drive might be a drawback for those who still use CDs or DVDs. In summary, this laptop offers robust performance, ample storage, and is suitable for a variety of tasks, making it a solid choice for students who need a reliable and efficient device for their educational needs.

Rating
10.0
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
796 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Speed is awesome, and it's very lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, perfect for long study sessions.
Display
The 15.6-inch screen size is just right—not too big or too small, with a nice resolution touchscreen.
Weight and Portability
Speed is awesome, and it's very lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
#3

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; Starlight

Rating
8.5
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
1500 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Handles multitasking and demanding tasks like video editing effortlessly.
Battery Life
Exceptional battery life, easily lasting a full day.
Display
Stunning Liquid Retina display enhances viewing experience.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight design makes it perfect for on-the-go use.

The Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip is a strong candidate for school use. Its M2 chip provides robust performance with an 8-core CPU and integrated GPU, making it capable of handling demanding tasks and applications efficiently. With 16GB of unified memory, multitasking and running multiple applications is smooth and hassle-free. The 256GB SSD storage offers ample space for school documents, projects, and media files, although some users might prefer more storage depending on their needs.

One of the standout features is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours, which is ideal for long school days and study sessions without the need for frequent charging. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is vibrant and clear, perfect for reading, writing, and viewing educational content. The laptop's portability is enhanced by its lightweight design, weighing just 2.73 pounds, making it easy to carry around campus. The backlit keyboard ensures comfortable typing in any lighting condition, and the 1080p FaceTime HD camera supports clear video calls for online classes and meetings.

The MacBook Air runs on macOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices, benefiting users who already own Apple products. Connectivity options include a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack, providing versatile connection possibilities. On the downside, the laptop's initial storage might be limited for some users, and the high price could be a barrier for budget-conscious students. Despite these points, the MacBook Air's durability, performance, and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for school-related activities.

Rating
8.5
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display

Most important from
1500 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Handles multitasking and demanding tasks like video editing effortlessly.
Battery Life
Exceptional battery life, easily lasting a full day.
Display
Stunning Liquid Retina display enhances viewing experience.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight design makes it perfect for on-the-go use.

Buying Guide for the Best School Laptops

Choosing the right laptop for school can significantly impact your productivity and learning experience. It's important to consider various factors to ensure the laptop meets your academic needs and fits your lifestyle. Here are some key specifications to look at when selecting a school laptop, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of the laptop and determines how fast and efficiently it can run applications. For school purposes, a mid-range processor like Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is usually sufficient. If your coursework involves heavy computing tasks like programming or video editing, you might need a higher-end processor like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. For basic tasks like web browsing and word processing, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 will do the job.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects how smoothly your laptop can run multiple applications at once. For school use, 8GB of RAM is generally adequate for most students, allowing for efficient multitasking and smooth performance. If you plan to run more demanding software or keep many tabs open simultaneously, consider 16GB of RAM for better performance.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your laptop. Solid State Drives (SSD) are faster and more reliable than Hard Disk Drives (HDD). For school, a 256GB SSD is usually enough for storing documents, applications, and some media files. If you need more space for large files like videos or extensive software, consider a 512GB SSD or even 1TB SSD.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial for students who need to use their laptops throughout the day without frequent recharging. Look for laptops with at least 8 hours of battery life to ensure it lasts through classes and study sessions. If you have long days or limited access to power outlets, consider laptops with 10-12 hours of battery life.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. A Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is generally sufficient for schoolwork, providing clear and sharp text and images. If you need more screen space for multitasking or detailed work, consider a higher resolution like 4K. Screen size is also important; 13-14 inches is portable and convenient for most students, while 15-17 inches offers more screen real estate but is less portable.
Weight and PortabilitySince you'll be carrying your laptop around campus, weight and portability are important factors. Lightweight laptops (under 3 pounds) are easier to carry and fit into backpacks. If you need a larger screen or more powerful hardware, you might have to compromise on weight, but aim for something under 5 pounds to maintain portability.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) determines the software compatibility and user interface. Windows is versatile and widely used, making it suitable for most students. macOS is preferred by those who are already familiar with Apple products and offers seamless integration with other Apple devices. Chrome OS is a good option for basic tasks and web-based applications, offering simplicity and affordability.
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 USB-C for faster data transfer and charging. HDMI is useful for connecting to external displays. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more reliable internet connections, which can be beneficial for online classes and research.

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