10 Best Student Laptops 2025 in the United States

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.

The Dell Vostro 3520 is a strong contender for students who need a reliable and fast laptop for both study and light professional work. It’s powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor with 6 cores, which is capable of handling everyday tasks, multitasking, and online classes smoothly. The standout feature is its generous 32GB DDR4 RAM, offering excellent performance for running multiple applications at once, and a spacious 1TB PCIe SSD that provides quick start-up times and plenty of room for files and projects.

With a 15.6-inch Full HD display, it offers clear visuals and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is better than most student laptops, making scrolling and video playback smoother. However, its brightness is moderate at 250 nits, so it might be less comfortable to use in very bright environments. The laptop weighs about 5 pounds, which is a bit heavy for carrying around all day, so it’s better suited for students who mainly use it at home or school rather than on the go.

The laptop runs Windows 11 Pro, providing the latest features and security, which is helpful for both students and professionals. Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Ethernet, and multiple USB ports, supporting a range of accessories and network setups. One downside is the keyboard is non-backlit, which can be less convenient for typing in low light. Also, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are good for everyday visuals but not suited for gaming or heavy graphic design. This Dell laptop is highly suitable for students seeking a powerful and spacious machine for studying, remote learning, and multitasking, especially if portability is less of a priority.

The HP 14 Laptop is designed with students in mind, offering a blend of portability and performance that makes it suitable for schoolwork and casual use. Weighing just 3.24 pounds and featuring a thin profile, it’s easy to carry around campus or in a backpack. The 14-inch Micro-edge HD display provides a decent viewing experience, thanks to a high screen-to-body ratio that minimizes distractions from bezels. However, the resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels may not satisfy those expecting high-definition visual quality for media consumption or graphic work.

Performance-wise, the Intel Celeron N4020 processor, paired with 4 GB of RAM, handles everyday tasks like browsing, word processing, and streaming relatively well. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking, which could be a downside for students working on intensive projects. The laptop offers 64 GB of storage, which is adequate for basic file storage, but students may find it limiting for storing large files, applications, or media. Fortunately, the inclusion of Microsoft 365 for a year adds significant value, especially for students who need productivity software.

Battery life is another strong point, with up to 10 hours on a single charge, allowing students to work through long days without needing to recharge. Connectivity options are solid, featuring multiple USB ports and wireless capabilities, making it easy to connect peripherals and access the internet. The build quality may not match that of higher-end models; it lacks a robust feel that can withstand heavy use over time. Additionally, the operating system is Windows 11 S, which limits software installations to the Microsoft Store, potentially frustrating those who prefer to use a wider range of applications.

The HP 14 Laptop is a good choice for budget-conscious students looking for a lightweight device for basic tasks, though those needing higher performance or storage capacity might need to consider alternatives.