Best Laptops for College Students in 2024
Choosing the best laptops for college students can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available on platforms like Amazon. As you prepare for your academic journey in 2024, investing in a reliable laptop becomes crucial for managing coursework, attending virtual lectures, and conducting research. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 laptops available on Amazon that cater to the diverse needs of college students, whether you’re into gaming, graphic design, or just need something lightweight for note-taking. We also included a buying guide to help you find the perfect laptop for your needs.
Buying Guide: Best Laptops for College Students
Before diving into our top product reviews, let’s clarify some key factors you should consider when selecting the best laptops for college students:
1. Performance
A laptop’s performance is primarily indicated by its CPU, RAM, and storage. For most college students, a laptop with at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD should suffice. However, if your major involves intensive software (like graphic design or computer science), you might need a more powerful machine.
2. Portability
Weight and size matter, especially if you’re carrying your laptop around campus. Look for laptops under 4 pounds with a thin profile for easy portability.
3. Battery Life
A long battery life ensures your laptop lasts all day without needing a charge. Aim for a laptop with at least 7-8 hours of battery life for optimal convenience during lectures and study sessions.
4. Display Quality
Given that you’ll be spending hours in front of the screen, a laptop with a full HD (1920×1080) display or better is advisable for comfortable viewing and reduced eye strain.
5. Budget
While it’s tempting to go for the latest models, staying within your budget is essential. Set a price range that works for you, and focus on options that provide the best value for your investment.
Top 10 Laptops for College Students on Amazon
1. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
The Apple MacBook Air with the M1 chip is renowned for its exceptional performance and battery life. With an 8-core CPU and up to 18 hours of battery life, this laptop handles coding, graphic design, and everyday tasks seamlessly. The retina display enhances visibility, making it ideal for long hours of study or creative work.
Moreover, it weighs only 2.8 pounds, making it highly portable for college students on the go.
Specifications:
– Processor: Apple M1, 8-Core
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 256GB SSD
– Display: 13.3” Retina
– Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
2. Dell XPS 13 (2022)
The Dell XPS 13 is a premium Windows laptop that perfectly blends performance with a sleek design. It features the latest 12th Gen Intel processors and offers various configurations, including up to 32GB of RAM. Its InfinityEdge display provides an immersive visual experience, making it great for streaming and studying.
Weighing just 2.7 pounds, this laptop is easy to carry around campus, and its nearly borderless screen enhances productivity.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i7-1250U
– RAM: Up to 32GB
– Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
– Display: 13.4” FHD+
– Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Dell XPS 13 9315 (Latest 2023 Model) 13.4" Laptop | Certified Refurbished from Dell Including 1 Year Dell Factory Warranty
- Intel 12th Generation Core i5-1230U (10-Core, Up to 4.40Ghz) | 256GB PCIe SSD | 8GB LPDDR5 5200Mhz
- 13.4" FHD+ (1920x1200) 500-Nit IPS Non-Touch Anti-Glare InfinityEdge Display with IR Camera and 720P HD Webcam | Backlit Keyboard with Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- 3-Cell 51Whr Battery | 45W USB-C Adapter | Only 2.59lbs | Sky Aluminum Chassis
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery) | Windows 11 Professional
3. HP Pavilion x360 (2021)
The HP Pavilion x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that features intuitive touch capabilities and a durable 360-degree design. Powered by 11th Gen Intel processors, it’s perfect for both productivity and multimedia consumption. This laptop is ideal for students who enjoy taking notes digitally or watch lectures on-the-go.
With a long battery life of approximately 8 hours, it can easily get you through your classes without needing a charge.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
– RAM: 16GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 14” FHD Touch
– Weight: 3.55 lbs
- 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
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (2021)
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a budget-friendly option for college students, offering solid performance for everyday tasks. It’s equipped with AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing a smooth computing experience for web browsing, word processing, and more.
This lightweight laptop also features a 15.6” Full HD display, enhancing your viewing experience during lectures or movie nights.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 256GB SSD
– Display: 15.6” FHD
– Weight: 4.6 lbs
- 【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
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (2021)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features a sleek design and a stunning PixelSense touchscreen display. It comes with 11th Gen Intel processors and provides an incredibly smooth performance, perfect for multitasking college tasks. With a battery life of up to 19 hours, you can easily get through your day without the worry of running out of power.
At just 2.79 pounds, it’s an excellent laptop for students who require portability and style.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 13.5” PixelSense
– Weight: 2.79 lbs
- Power to do what you want with up to 70% more speed than before and an 11th Gen Intel Core processor.
- Thin, light, elegant design in choice of two sizes: light, portable 13.5” or larger 15” that’s perfect for split-screen multitasking.
- Show your best side on video calls with sharp video and image quality, even in low light, thanks to a front-facing 720p HD camera.
- Enjoy theater-like sound for movies and shows with Omnisonic Speakers backed by immersive Dolby Atmos6.
- Be heard loud and clear on calls with dual far-field Studio Mics that capture your voice and reduce background noise.
6. ASUS ZenBook 14 (2021)
The ASUS ZenBook 14 offers an ultra-slim design combined with powerful specifications, making it one of the best laptops for college students in 2024. With an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it’s suitable for various computing tasks, from note-taking to video editing.
This laptop stands out with its stunning Full HD display and ErgoLift design that enhances your typing experience.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
– RAM: 16GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 14” FHD
– Weight: 2.62 lbs
- Go the extra mile with the remarkably sleek Zenbook 14 OLED. Seize every moment using the enhanced extended-life battery, amplify your efficiency with the top-tier Intel Core Ultra Processor Series.
- Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H 1.2 GHz (18MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 14 cores, 18 Threads); 8GB Soldered LPDDR5 Memory, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Display: 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED, 16:10, 500nit, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, Eye Care, touch, Glossy; Integrated Intel Graphics - Support to expandable with 2 monitors via HDMI & Thunderbolt 4 Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 4k (3840x2160) @60Hz.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.3; Backlit Keyboard; US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard; FHD IR Webcam with Privacy Shutter.
- Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade Windows, One-year WRT from ASUS. Windows 11 Professional 64-bit, with AI-powered Copilot, offers intelligent assistance for a variety of tasks. It's ideal for School Education, Designers, Professionals.
7. Acer Swift 3 (2021)
The Acer Swift 3 is another budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it a solid choice for students on the go. The lightweight design and all-day battery life ensure that you can easily carry it around campus.
Plus, the high-resolution 14” display ensures that visuals are crystal clear, whether you’re streaming videos or working on presentations.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 14” FHD
– Weight: 2.65 lbs
- Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor - up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache
- 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB Onboard LPDDR4X Memory and 256GB NVMe SSD
- 1 - USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging | 1 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging) | 1 - USB 2.0 port | 1 - HDMI port
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution | Up to 16 Hours Battery Life
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13 (2021)
If you’re a student who enjoys gaming during downtime, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 is a powerful ultrabook that caters to both gaming and productivity. Equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, and 16GB RAM, this laptop can handle modern games while also being a reliable study companion.
The 4K touch display offers vibrant visuals, making it perfect for design students as well.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i7-1065G7
– RAM: 16GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 13.3” 4K Touch
– Weight: 3.1 lbs
- 1. Compatible Model: Repalcement for Razer Blade Stealth 13 2021 OLED (OLED Type)
- 2. Size: 13.3 inch；Resolution: 1920x1080；LCD Connector: EDP 30pins
- 3. Package includes a LCD screen ONLY, no other parts. Please keep your original parts.
- 4. Even the same product, the model always changes as the production lot changes. We will send compatible model randomly, if you need to require specific model, please confirm with us before ordering.
- 5. The item will be well tested before shipping. Please kindly check your model and size again before you purchase. If you are not sure whether it is the correct item you need, please confirm with us and provide specific model and pictures of your original screen.
9. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 (2021)
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a budget-friendly, lightweight option perfect for students who primarily work with web applications. With its Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, this Chromebook is ideal for browsing, media consumption, and online coursework.
Its 2-in-1 design allows for flexibility, and the touchscreen enhances functionality.
Specifications:
– Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U
– RAM: 4GB
– Storage: 64GB eMMC
– Display: 13.3” FHD Touch
– Weight: 2.97 lbs
- Lenovo Flex 5 5i 2 in 1 Chromebook, larger screen and keyboard size than the 12.2" version. The x360 degree hinge allows 'Laptop' mode for everyday computing, 'Yoga' mode for sharing things, 'Flip' mode for binge-watching, or 'Tablet' mode for more intuitive interaction. The fast, secure operating system built by Google comes with AI tools to make hard work feel easy. Write like a pro, design unique backgrounds, and reimagine photos with generative AI.
- Intel Core i3-1315U (6 cores 8 threads, base clock speed 1.2GHz, max turbo to 4.5GHz, 10MB Cache); 8GB LPDDR4x 4266 MHz Memory (Soldered), 256GB Storage (128GB eMMC + 128GB SD Card); Get 12 months of free access to 2 TB of secure cloud storage with Google One
- 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) IPS 300nits Glossy, Touch Display; Integrated Intel UHD Graphics; Support to expandable monitors via HDMI or Type-C Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 4k (3840*2160) @60Hz; FHD 1080p Webcam with Privacy Shutter
- USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), 2x USB-C (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), microSD card reader; Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.3; Backlit Keyboard
- Auto Update Expiration (AUE) Date: June 2032. Google Chrome OS, Chromebook is a computer for the way the modern world works, with thousands of apps, built-in cloud backups and Google Assistant. It is secure, fast, up-to-date, versatile, and simple. Idea for Online course, Online school, k12 & k9 & College students, Zoom meeting, or Video streaming.
10. ASUS VivoBook 15 (2021)
The ASUS VivoBook 15 combines style with performance at an affordable price. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it comfortably meets the needs of students. Its NanoEdge display provides more screen area for productivity, and the lightweight design makes it easily portable.
Moreover, the laptop comes equipped with USB-C and USB-A ports for versatile connectivity options.
Specifications:
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
– RAM: 8GB
– Storage: 512GB SSD
– Display: 15.6” FHD
– Weight: 3.75 lbs
- 【Display】:15.6" IPS LCD FHD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen with an anti-glare surface and micro-edge provides a crisp, clear and ultra-wide view of your content. LED backlighting provides a thinner, more energy-efficient screen. 16:9,60Hz, 5ms response time
- 【Processor】: The Intel Core i3-1115G4 is a dual-core SoC for laptops and Ultrabooks based on the Tiger Lake-U generation (UP3). It integrates two Willow Cove processor cores. Each core can clock from 3 GHz (base speed) to 4.1 GHz (single- and dual-core boost)
- 【Upgraded Memory& Hard Drive】: RAM is upgraded to 20GB, Hard Drive is upgraded to 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD providing massive storage space for huge files, so that you can store important digital data and work your way through it with ease.
- 【Ports】:1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 X Headphone/Speaker/Line-Out Jack, 1 X HDMI, Intel UHD Graphics,37 WHr, 2S1P, 2-cell lithium-ion battery life, Wi Fi 5 (802.11ac),VGA camera, Bluetooth 4.1,14.17 x 9.25 x 0.78 in,3.97 lbs , 64-bit, come with 32GB ES USB card
- 【Premium Design】: Asus ultra-lightweight 3.75 lbs & thin Vivobook gets you ready to work from home and study online and maximum portability. Equipped with a long-lasting battery (up to 7 hours battery life). Energy-efficient LED backlight With Fingerprint Reader. Windows 11 Home in S mode is preinstalled and can be changed to windows 10 Home.
Conclusion
Finding the best laptops for college students in 2024 is no longer a challenging task, thanks to the diverse options available on Amazon. Each of the laptops reviewed above caters to different needs and budgets, making it easier for you to find one that suits your lifestyle. Whether you settle for a budget-friendly laptop or choose a powerhouse like the MacBook Air, investing in a reliable device can enhance your college experience significantly.
In summary, it’s essential to consider aspects such as performance, portability, battery life, display quality, and pricing when making your choice. We hope this article empowers you to make an informed decision and brings you one step closer to achieving your academic goals.