10 Best Student Laptops 2025 in the United States

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) is a powerful laptop originally designed as a gaming machine but also well-suited for students who need strong performance for demanding tasks. It runs on an Intel Core i7 14650HX processor paired with 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM, enabling smooth multitasking, handling of study software, and creative work with ease. The 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD offers ample storage and fast file access, ideal for storing projects, media, and applications.

Featuring a 16-inch FHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate, the laptop delivers smooth visuals and sharp images, which is great for watching videos or light gaming. The slightly taller 16:10 screen ratio provides extra vertical space for reading documents or browsing. However, weighing about 5.8 pounds, it is heavier than many typical student laptops, potentially making it less convenient to carry around all day.

Battery life is a significant downside, lasting around 2 hours under normal use, which may require frequent charging during the school day. Connectivity is robust with Wi-Fi 7 for fast internet and multiple USB ports to support various peripherals. The laptop runs Windows 11 Home, offering a familiar and user-friendly operating system. This laptop excels in speed, display quality, and build for heavy use, but its short battery life and heavier design could be drawbacks for students prioritizing portability and all-day use. It is well suited for users needing strong performance for gaming or creative software but less ideal for those seeking a lightweight, long-lasting device for casual studying.

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is a strong choice for students who need a reliable and versatile laptop for schoolwork and creative projects. It features a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and 16 GB of RAM, which means it can handle multitasking and demanding applications smoothly. The 1 TB of storage offers plenty of space for documents, media, and software, reducing the need to rely on external drives. Its 16-inch 3K AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals, making it great not only for reading and writing but also for viewing detailed images and videos. The touchscreen and included S Pen add a creative dimension, useful for note-taking, drawing, or marking up documents naturally.

Weighing light and designed for portability, it’s easy to carry around campus or between classes. Battery life is impressive, promising up to 25 hours on a single charge, which should comfortably last a full day of lectures and study sessions. It runs on Windows 11 Home, a familiar system that supports a wide range of applications students might need. Connectivity options are generous with HDMI, USB-A, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot, so you can plug in most devices without fuss.

A few things to consider: the integrated graphics card means it’s not designed for heavy gaming or intensive video editing, and the premium AMOLED screen may slightly reduce battery life if used at full brightness all the time. Still, students looking for a high-quality, portable laptop that excels in speed, display, and battery endurance will find this model well-suited to meet their needs.

The 2025 Apple MacBook Air with the new M4 chip is a strong choice for students who want a powerful yet lightweight laptop. Its 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU deliver smooth performance whether multitasking, editing videos, or handling demanding apps, making it great for coursework that requires speed and reliability. The 16GB of unified memory helps keep things fluid and responsive. The 256GB SSD storage is on the modest side, so if you store lots of files or media, you might need external storage or cloud solutions. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is sharp and bright, supporting a billion colors, which is nice for design, media, or just enjoying clear visuals during long study sessions.

Portability is a big plus here—the laptop weighs just 2.73 pounds and is slim, so it's easy to carry around campus or between classes. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 18 hours, which means it can easily last through a full day of lectures and studying without needing a charge. macOS offers a smooth and secure experience, especially if you already use other Apple devices, thanks to seamless integration features like iPhone mirroring and message syncing. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6E, covering most student needs for peripherals and fast internet. The 12MP Center Stage camera with good microphones is helpful for online classes and video calls.

The MacBook Air lacks a touchscreen and expandable storage options, which some students might miss. Apple’s laptops tend to be on the pricier side compared to Windows alternatives. This MacBook Air is a solid pick for students who prioritize performance, battery life, and a premium, portable design, especially if they are comfortable within the Apple ecosystem.