Finding the right laptop is crucial for college students. With the best laptops for college, you need a device that is not only powerful enough to handle various tasks but also portable and reliable. As we step into 2024, many models cater to students’ needs effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 laptops available on Amazon, providing an in-depth review of each one. If you’re searching for the best laptops for college, you’ve come to the right place!
- 【14" HD Display】14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView. With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups
- 【Processor & Graphics】Intel Celeron N4120, 4 Cores & 4 Threads, 1.10 GHz Base Frequency, Up to 2.60 GHz Burst Frequency, 4 MB Cahce, Intel UHD Graphics 600, Handle multitasking reliably with the perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value
- 【RAM & Storage】8GB high-bandwidth DDR4 Memory (2400 MHz), Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. 64GB high-speed eMMC Storage for your office and webinar needs
- 【Ports】1 x USB 3.1 Type-C ports, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, and there's a microSD slot
- 【Windows 11 Home in S mode】You may switch to regular windows 11: Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon;Select "Activation", then Go to Store; Select Get option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)
- 【Memory & Storage】The PC memory has been upgraded to 32GB DDR4 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; the Hard drive has been upgraded to 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast boot-up and speedy data transfer
- 【Processor】Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor (2 Cores, 4 threads, 6MB L3 Cache, base at 3.00GHz, up to 4.10GHz), with Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), touchscreen, micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC
- 【Tech Specs】1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 HDMI, 1 AC smart pin, 1 Headphone/Microphone combo; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home - Beautiful, more consistent new design, Great window layout options, Better multi-monitor functionality, Improved performance features, New videogame selection and capabilities, Compatible with Android Apps
- Purposeful Design: Travel with ease and look great doing it with the Aspire's 3 thin, light design.
- Ready-to-Go Performance: The Aspire 3 is ready-to-go with the latest AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics—ideal for the entire family, with performance and productivity at the core.
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels.
- Internal Specifications: 8GB LPDDR5 Onboard Memory; 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage to store your files and media
- The HD front-facing camera uses Acer’s TNR (Temporal Noise Reduction) technology for high-quality imagery in low-light conditions. Acer PurifiedVoice technology with AI Noise Reduction filters out any extra sound for clear communication over online meetings.
- 【Memory & Storage】The PC memory has been upgraded to 16GB DDR4 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; Hard drive has been upgraded to 64GB eMMC for fast boot up and speedy data transfer
- 【Processor】Intel Celeron N4120 Processor (4 Cores, 4 Threads, Base Frequency at 1.1GHz, Up to 2.6GHz at Max Turbo Frequency), with Intel UHD Graphics 600
- 【Screen】14" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC
- 【Tech Specs】1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Mic Combo, 1 x AC smart pin, SD Card Reader; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth; Windows 11 Home
- REMOTE WORK READY - Work efficiently from the comfort of your own home office using the HP 14" Chromebook.
- CLEAR IMAGING - Images appear crisp with the 14" HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare (1) display.
- LIGHTNING FAST PROCESSING - Games, music, and binge watching are taken to new heights with Intel Celeron N4000 (2) processing power and Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3).
- SECURELY SAVE YOUR WORK - With 32 GB eMMC storage (4), saving important documents is made simple. Plus, quickly access your documents with 4 GB of RAM.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY LIFE - Enjoy up to 13 hours and 30 minutes of wireless streaming (5) depending usage.
- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】20GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive + 128GB eMMC allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】Celeron N4500 (Cores:2 Threads:2; Clockspeed:1.1 GHz Turbo Speed: 2.8GHz; Cache Size: L1: 4096 KB, L2: 12.0 MB, L3: 4 MB)
- 【Display】15.6" FHD (1920x1080), 250nits, IPS-Level, Anti-glare
- 【Tech Specs】 1 x Card reader; 1 x HDMI 1.4b; 1 x USB 2.0; 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (support data transfer only); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1; 1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm);
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home - Beautiful, more consistent new design, Great window layout options, Better multi-monitor functionality, Improved performance features, New videogame selection and capabilities, Compatible with Android Apps
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 8GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual-Core 3.0GHz Processor (6MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.10GHz) Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD Touchscreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x Multi-format SD Media Card Reader, Wireless-AC Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home
- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】32GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】11th Gen Intel Core i3-1125G4 Processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 8MB L3 Smart Cache, Clockspeed at 2.0 GHz, Up to 3.7 GHz at Max Turbo Frequency)
- 【Display】17.3" diagonal, HD+ (1600 x 900), anti-glare, 250 nits, 60% NTSC
- 【Tech Specs】1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate, 2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate, 1 x HDMI 1.4b, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 【Authorized KKE Bundle】Bundled with KKE Mousepad
- 【Upgraded】Seal is opened for upgrade only, 1-Year warranty on Upgraded RAM/SSD from SnowBell, and original 1-Year Manufacture warranty on remaining components.【14.0-inch diagonal, HD Display】With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups.
- 【Intel Celeron N4120】Immerse yourself in a world of power and efficiency, where an ultra-low-voltage platform optimizes energy usage. Experience seamless multitasking and smooth performance with the 4-core, 4-way processor.
- 【16GB RAM】Plenty of high bandwidth to run multiple programs simultaneously without any slowdowns.【64GB eMMC】Delivers blazing boot-up speed and enhanced storage capabilities. Effortlessly access your extensive digital library with ease.
- 【Intel UHD Graphics 600】Enjoy solid image quality that brings your everyday content to life with vibrant colors and sharp details. 【720p HD Camera】Provides high quality video calls, virtual meetings and online interactions.
- 【Windows 11 S included】With Windows 11, leverage a fresh new feel and tools that make it easier to be efficient, it has what you need for whatever's next. 【Dimensions & Weight】12.76"x 8.86"x 0.71", 3.24 lbs. 【Ports and Accessories】1x USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A, 1x RJ-45, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Headset, 1x AC smart pin. 【1 Year Office 365】Take your productivity and work mobility to the next level with the Microsoft 365 Office Suite (1 year subscription included). Pink, Bonus 32GB Hotface USB Card.
- 14” Diagonal HD BrightView WLED-Backlit (1366 x 768), Intel Graphics,
- Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD
- 3x USB Type A, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HP Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
- Windows 11 OS, Dale Pink
Buying Guide for the Best Laptops for College
Before diving into our top picks, here’s a brief buying guide to help you choose the best laptops for college based on your needs:
1. Determine Your Major and Usage Requirements
Different majors have varying requirements. For example, a computer science major might need a powerful laptop for coding and software development, while a liberal arts major might only require internet browsing and document editing.
2. Portability
As a college student, you’ll be frequently moving around campus. Lightweight and compact laptops make it much easier to carry between classes.
3. Battery Life
Choose a laptop with strong battery performance; you don’t want to be searching for an outlet between classes. Aim for at least 8 hours of battery life.
4. Performance
Look for modern processors (i5 or better) and sufficient RAM (at least 8GB). These factors will ensure smooth multitasking and app performance.
5. Storage
Consider SSD over HDD for faster access to files and quick boot times. An SSD with a minimum of 256 GB is recommended for most students.
6. Budget
Lastly, set a budget. There are outstanding laptops available in various price ranges. Don’t overspend on features you may not use.
Top 10 Laptops for College Students in 2024
1. Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 consistently ranks among the best laptops for college due to its balance of performance and portability. It features a stunning 13.4-inch display with ultra-thin bezels and a sleek aluminum chassis.
With the latest Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, the Dell XPS 13 can handle everything from web browsing to intensive applications with ease. Battery life is also impressive, with up to 12 hours on a single charge, which is ideal for long study sessions or back-to-back classes.
Overall, it’s lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, making it the best laptop for any college student.
- Super long battery life, when streaming on the Netflix app for Windows 11 offers up to 18 hours. Razor thin body, just 0.60"; It weighs 2.6 pounds, Lightweight design; Recharge in less than an hour with Express Charge.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Processor (E-Core Max 3.8 GHz, P-Core Max 4.8 GHz with Turbo Boost, 16 Cores, 22 Threads, 24 MB Cache); 16GB LPDDR5x 3733MHz RAM, 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 120Hz, Anti-Glare, 500 nit, InfinityEdge, 16:10 Display; Integrated Intel Arc Graphics, Excellent performance powered by Graphics; Expandable to 2 monitors via Thunderbolt 4. Max resolution of the External Monitors: 4K (3840*2160) @60Hz
2. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The Apple MacBook Air has always been a popular choice among students, and with the introduction of the M2 chip, its appeal has grown even more. This laptop offers exceptional performance and efficiency in a lightweight design.
With an incredible battery life of up to 18 hours, it provides ample time to study, stream, or work on assignments. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display enhances the visual experience, making it perfect for creative work and presentations.
For students invested in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless integration with other devices enhances productivity and user experience.
- STRIKINGLY THIN DESIGN — The redesigned MacBook Air is more portable than ever and weighs just 2.7 pounds. It’s the incredibly capable laptop that lets you work, play or create just about anything — anywhere.
- SUPERCHARGED BY M2 — Get more done faster with a next-generation 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU and up to 24GB of unified memory.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day and into the night, thanks to the power-efficient performance of the Apple M2 chip.
- BIG, BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY — The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display features over 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color and support for 1 billion colors for vibrant images and incredible detail.
3. ASUS ZenBook 14
ASUS ZenBook 14 is known for its elegant design and powerful performance. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, ensuring efficient processing for demanding applications.
With 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, you can multitask with ease without sacrificing speed. The 14-inch full HD display offers vibrant colors and is perfect for various tasks, including media consumption and online classes.
Additionally, the ZenBook 14’s compact design and light weight make it a travel-friendly option, perfect for college life.
- 【Memory & Storage】The PC memory has been upgraded to 16GB DDR4 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; the Hard drive has been upgraded to 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast boot-up and speedy data transfer
- 【Processor】13th Gen Intel Evo Platform Core i7-13700H Processor (14 Cores, 20 threads, 24MB L3 Cache, base at 1.80GHz, up to 5.00GHz), with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 【Screen】14.5-inch, 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED Touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio)89%
- 【Tech Specs】1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 , 1 x HDMI, 1 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth; Backlit Keyboard (On: F7); Windows 11 Pro
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. It has a 15.6-inch FHD display, making it ideal for watching lectures or doing project work.
Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, along with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, it’s capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly. The backlit keyboard makes it user-friendly for late-night studying.
Its affordability and decent specs make the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 one of the best laptops for college on a budget.
- MULTITASKING MASTER - The IdeaPad 1 is a thin and compact laptop that offers responsive performance and anticipates your every need for effortless on-the-go multitasking
- MORE EXPANSIVE DISPLAY - Indulge in a better binging experience by immersing yourself in your favorite shows with a borderless display for more screen while listening to clear, rich audio from two Dolby Audio speakers
- PERFORMANCE ON THE GO - Zip along while multitasking across several tabs, the new AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor built on UMA architecture delivers punchy mobile performance with a 20W thermal design point
- LIGHTEST PART OF YOUR DAY - Weighing just 3.5 lbs, the effortlessly cool cloud grey laptop is lighter than your water bottle and just as essential
- SOLID SECURITY - Keep your home life private and be seen only when you want to be with the 720p camera that comes with a physical privacy shutter
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is perfect for students who appreciate a high-quality build and an impressive display. The PixelSense touchscreen enhances your interaction with the laptop and is great for note-taking.
Equipped with Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it delivers reliable performance for academic tasks. With up to 11.5 hours of battery life, it’s designed to last through long days on campus.
Its sleek design and lightweight nature make it a great option for students aiming to combine style with performance.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 13.5-inch PixelSense Touchscreen Display (2256 x 1504) resolution
- 256GB Solid State Drive, 16GB RAM, Intel Core i7-1185G7 (3.0 GHz base frequency, up to 4.8 GHz burst frequency, 12 MB cache, 4 cores)
- Clean, elegant design thin and light, starting at just 2.76 pounds., Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wireless LAN, Surface Pen NOT Included
- USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, SD Card Slot., Windows 11 Pro
6. HP Pavilion x360
The HP Pavilion x360 stands out as a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that is perfect for students seeking flexibility. It features a 14-inch touchscreen display that can easily transition between laptop and tablet mode, making it ideal for notetaking and presentations.
With an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it functions efficiently and handles most tasks without lag. The design is stylish and compact, making it easy to carry around campus.
HP Pavilion x360’s adaptability makes it a practical choice for modern college life.
- FULL HD TOUCH DISPLAY - Intuitive touchscreen technology lets you control your PC right from the vibrant 1920 x 1080 screen, plus be entertained any way you choose with this PC’s 360-degree design
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR - Offering more than just a performance score, this 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315U processor advances real-world computing and delivers more ultra-efficient multi-tasking
- INTEL UHD GRAPHICS - Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage; and enjoy higher bandwidth and boosted performance with 8 GB DDR4 RAM memory
- GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH WINDOWS 11 HOME - From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
7. Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5 is an affordable yet powerful laptop that suits college students well. The device offers a 15.6-inch Full HD display that provides excellent visuals for watching videos or participating in online classes.
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it delivers solid performance for a range of applications. The laptop also has a decent battery life lasting up to 10 hours, allowing students to work throughout the day without needing to recharge.
Acer Aspire 5 is a great option for those who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- Do What You Do With Exceptional Performance: The 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. And Intel UHD graphics distribute performance where you need it most. With 16GB LPDDR5 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage—the Aspire 5 is made to do it all.
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike colors and sharp details on the 15.6” FHD IPS touch display. You have more space to work thanks to narrow bezels. Equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimization and viewing comfort.
- The Design: The slim 0.71" body give the Aspire 5 a premium feel and appearance. An ergonomic hinge design lifts the body of Aspire 5 and tilts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling and a better sound experience.
- Smooth Operator: Make light work of your daily tasks, with a full line-up of features to elevate your day-to-day—like a 720p webcam and an air inlet keyboard.
- Internal Specifications: 16GB LPDDR5 memory; 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD to store your files and media; Windows 11 Home
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13
For students who also enjoy gaming, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 merges portability with performance. This laptop is ultra-compact yet boasts a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti graphics card, making it a good fit for graphic-intensive tasks and gaming.
With a 13.3-inch Full HD display and 16GB of RAM, it can handle demanding applications, ensuring that students can game or work without issues. The Razer Blade Stealth 13’s design is sleek and stylish, appealing to gamers and professionals alike.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Designed for mobility: Ultra-thin, light and incredibly durable with a cnc unibody aluminum frame and long battery life.
- 120hz full HD thin bezel display: Super-fast 120hz full HD display that enables smooth visuals in games, with 100% sRGB color space.
- Razer chroma keyboard and precision touchpad: keyboard featuring single-zone rgb lighting with 16.8 million color options, and a precision glass touchpad.
- Complete connectivity — Includes thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, wireless AX, HD webcam utilizing windows hello, and 4-array mics.
9. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9)
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) is a premium laptop ideal for students who seek a robust machine with a reliable keyboard—a crucial feature for those who do a lot of writing. Its lightweight design and military-grade durability make it travel-friendly.
The laptop is equipped with the latest Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, ensuring powerful performance for multitasking. A 14-inch UHD display offers crystal-clear visuals, which is great for presentations and video conferencing.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a top-tier option for students who prioritize performance, build quality, and usability.
- 16
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7 1135G7, up to 4.20 GHz Max Boost, 4 Cores, 8 Threads, 8 MB Cache. Microsoft Windows 11 PRO (64-bit)
- Display: 14-inch diagonal, Touchscreen, IPS, micro-edge, antiglare, LED Backlight
- Ports: 1x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 power in, 1x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 1x Optional Network extension for Ethernet / side-mechanical docking, 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x Headphone/mic combo, 1x Optional Smart card reader, 1x Kensington Nano Security Slot
- Features: Discrete TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 2x2 AX & Bluetooth 5.1 or above
10. MSI Modern 14
The MSI Modern 14 is an excellent laptop for students interested in multimedia and creative work. It comes with a 14-inch Full HD display, which provides vibrant colors and sharp images, perfect for photo and video editing.
Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, combined with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, it offers solid performance for a reasonable price. With impressive battery life and lightweight design, it’s an optimal companion for students who are always on the go.
MSI Modern 14 is a great choice for creative students who need a dependable laptop for their projects.
- 【 RAM & Storage】This computer comes with 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD
- 【14" Full HD display 】14" FHD 60Hz 45%NTSC IPS-Level.
- 【Intel Core i5-1155G7processor】The processor Intel Core i5-1155G7 is developed on the 10 nm technology node and architecture Tiger Lake U. Its base clock speed is 2.50 GHz, and maximum clock speed in turbo boost - 4.40 GHz. Intel Core i5-1155G7 contains 4 processing cores.
- 【Other Features】Intel Iris Xe graphics,720p HD Webcam,3 cell (39Whr) Li-Polymer battery,Bluebooth 5.2,Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201(2*2 ax), Windows 11 Home
- 【Bundle with USB Hub】Bundled with USB 3.0 Hub, Suitable for USB port computer and other equipment, standard USB3.0 theory 5Gbps high-speed transmission, can actually SUB2.0 multi-port expansion, such as: mouse, keyboard connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best laptops for college in 2024 requires considering various factors, including your major, usage, and budget. The laptops listed above cater to different needs and preferences, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your academic journey.
Whether you opt for the robust Dell XPS 13 or the budget-friendly Lenovo IdeaPad 5, a reliable laptop will greatly assist you in your college experience. Happy shopping and good luck in your studies!
Last update on 2025-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.