As students venture into higher education, one of the most critical investments they can make is in a reliable computer. In 2024, the landscape of technology has introduced an array of powerful laptops and desktops, specifically designed to cater to the demanding needs of college students. Whether you’re attending lectures, conducting research, or collaborating on group projects, a dependable computer can streamline your academic journey.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best computers for college available on Amazon, along with an in-depth review of each product and a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Here, we will explore the best computers for college that offer great performance, portability, and value for your money.
Top 10 Computers for College Students in 2024
1. Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)
The Apple MacBook Air M2 showcases a sleek design and impressive performance, making it one of the best computers for college. The remarkable M2 chip provides lightning-fast processing power, making it perfect for multitasking and running demanding applications.
Key Features:
- 13.6-inch Retina Display
- 8GB RAM (upgradable)
- 256GB SSD storage (upgradable)
- Excellent battery life (up to 18 hours)
- Lightweight and portable
The MacBook Air M2 is ideal for students who need performance during presentations or creative software use without sacrificing battery life.
- 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.
2. Dell XPS 13 (2023)
The Dell XPS 13 remains a popular choice among college students for its excellent build quality, stunning display, and remarkable performance. The newest model is equipped with the latest Intel processors, which enhances performance for both productivity and entertainment.
Key Features:
- 13.4-inch FHD+ Display
- Intel Core i7 processor options
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
- Compact and lightweight design
This ultra-portable laptop is perfect for students who travel frequently between classes and need reliable performance on the go.
- 13.4" LED Display Wide UXGA (1920x1200) 120Hz Display; 802.11be, Bluetooth 5.4, Integrated Webcam, Fingerprint Security System, Backlit Standard Keyboard
- 【Powerful Performance with Ultra 7-155H 】 14th Gen Ultra 7-155H 1.40GHz Processor (upto 4.8 GHz, 24MB Cache, 16-Cores, 22-Threads, 6 Performance-cores); Intel Arc Integrated Graphics
- 【High Speed and Multitasking】 16GB OnBoard RAM; 60W Power Supply Type-C Power-In, 3-Cell 55 WHr Battery; Graphite Black Color
- 【Enormous Storage】 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD; 2 Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C), No Optical Drive
- Windows 11 Pro-64,
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
For budget-conscious students, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers a great balance of price and performance. With solid processing power and essential features, it’s perfect for those who need a dependable machine without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- 15.6-inch FHD Display
- AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD storage
- Decent battery life
This laptop is suitable for general college tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and streaming videos.
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 12GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 3.00 GHz 2 Cores Processor (6MB Cache, up to 4.10 GHz), Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD TouchScreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 3.2, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x SD Card Reader, Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home, 64 bit
4. HP Envy x360 14
The HP Envy x360 14 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that functions as both a laptop and tablet. The touchscreen capability, combined with a powerful AMD Ryzen processor, makes it a great device for students who want versatility in their workload.
Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD touchscreen
- AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
- Fast charging capability
Its 2-in-1 design is especially useful for taking notes in class or sketching out ideas.
- 【14'' FHD IPS Touchscreen Display】Navigate, create, and write naturally with utmost precision on this responsive touchscreen. Elevate your digital encounters and immerse yourself in a captivating virtual world like never before. 【2-in-1 Design 】Convert to a tablet with the flip of a screen around a 360° hinge.
- 【13 Gen Intel Core i7-1355U Processor】Effortlessly accelerate your creativity while powering through new levels of productivity in this blazing fast 10-core processor. Embrace highly efficient multitasking, powering through new levels of productivity and unleashing your full potential in a boundless journey.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM】Experience abundant high-bandwidth performance that seamlessly tackles resource-intensive tasks. Smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously and deliver lightning-fast responsiveness that keeps you in the flow. 【1TB PCIe SSD】Delivers lightning-fast boot-up speed, enhanced storage capabilities, and support for high-definition video playback. Effortlessly store an extensive digital library and access your virtual world with ease.
- 【Backlit Keyboard】Enjoy comfortable and accurate typing, even in dim light. 【HP Wide Vision 5MP IR Camera】Video chat with your entire team in stunning details thanks to the 88-degree wide-angle field of view. Infrared sensor assists safe log-in through face recognition. 【Intel Iris Xe Graphics】Designed to enhance your visual experience, Intel Iris Xe Graphics delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and fluid animations, empowering you to achieve professional success with amplified productivity.
- 【Windows 11 Home】Family, friends, passions, music, creations, games – Windows 11 is the one place for it all. 【Fingerprint Reader】Enhance laptop security with seamless fingerprint authentication, ensuring convenient access while protecting your data and personal information. 【Ports & Accessories】2 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x Headphone Jack, 1x Micro SD card reader. Dual speakers by Bang & Olufsen. Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth. 3.35 lbs. Natural Silver.
5. ASUS ZenBook 14
The ASUS ZenBook 14 combines a lightweight design with a robust performance. Known for its stunning display and battery life, it’s great for students who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality.
Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD display
- Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- Sleek design
This laptop is an ideal companion for students involved in design or multimedia studies due to its high-quality display.
- 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.
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is known for its premium design and seamless integration with Windows. It’s incredibly portable with an elegant design and is perfect for students who need a reliable laptop for everyday use.
Key Features:
- 13.5-inch PixelSense Display
- Intel Core i5 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
- Battery life up to 15 hours
Its laptop’s light weight and excellent keyboard make it great for typing long essays.
- With 16 GB of memory, users can run many programs without losing execution
- The 13.5" 2256 x 1504 screen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512 GB total SSD capacity is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
- 18 Hours battery run time helps you stay unwired and work longer non-stop
7. Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 is a compact laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance. With a lightweight design and solid build, it’s perfect for students who value portability.
Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD IPS display
- AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
- Up to 12 hours battery life
This laptop is budget-friendly while delivering strong performance for most college tasks.
- 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
For students interested in gaming alongside their academic work, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 is a powerful laptop that combines performance with gaming capabilities.
Key Features:
- 13.3-inch FHD display
- Intel Core i7 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
This laptop is suitable for serious gamers while being a competent tool for college tasks.
- 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. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
The HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop is another excellent choice for students who want to game during their downtime. This laptop balances performance and price, making it accessible yet powerful.
Key Features:
- 15.6-inch FHD display
- Intel Core i5 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
Ideal for students who enjoy gaming or require strong graphics performance for design work.
10. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10)
For those who prioritize battery life and durability, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an excellent choice. It offers exceptional performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks.
Key Features:
- 14-inch UHD display
- Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
The ThinkPad series is renowned for its keyboard quality, which is excellent for long typing sessions.
- Lenovo’s 11th generation (2023 version) of the flagship ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a powerhouse of performance boosting features in an ultrathin and ultralight form factor.
- Unopened retail packaging, sold as configured by Lenovo. One Year Onsite Lenovo Limited Warranty Included. Add up to 5 years of Lenovo premium coverage when you register your computer with Lenovo.
- Known for its Class-leading keyboard, the Lenovo ThinkPad series is regarded by many as the standard-setter for business notebooks, with the X1 Carbon at the pinnacle.
- A full HD webcam, quad-mic 360 degree far-field array, and four speakers allow for easy video conferencing while working on the go. With a range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, and HDMI ports, connect multiple peripherals.
- Built on the Intel Evo platform for lightweight power, it delivers superior and swifter computing experience while working on heavy duty applications or complex data and files.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Computer for College
When choosing the best computer for college, several factors come into play, including budget, required functions, and personal preferences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the right computer for your needs.
1. Determine Your Budget
Before you start looking, it’s essential to set a budget. College computers can range from budget-friendly models to high-end machines. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to that range.
2. Assess Your Needs
Think about what you’ll be using your computer for. If you’re into graphics-heavy tasks such as video editing, a powerful laptop with a dedicated GPU is essential. If your tasks are more towards essay writing and research, a mid-range laptop will suffice.
3. Portability
Considering you’ll be moving between classes, a lightweight and portable computer is crucial. Look for models that are thin and lightweight, preferably under 4 pounds.
4. Battery Life
A computer that lasts throughout your classes without needing a charge is vital. Look for laptops that offer at least 8 hours of battery life to get through a typical school day.
5. Build Quality
Investing in a computer with a sturdy build is important, as it will be subject to daily wear and tear. Consider models that have undergone military-grade testing for durability.
6. Operating System
Choose between macOS and Windows based on your familiarity and preference. macOS is generally preferred for creative tasks, while Windows offers more flexibility in hardware and software options.
7. Performance Specifications
Pay close attention to key specifications:
- Processor: Aim for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
- RAM: Minimum of 8GB is essential; 16GB or more is recommended for heavy multitasking.
- Storage: Opt for SSD over HDD for faster boot and load times. A minimum of 256GB is recommended.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
Always check reviews and recommendations online. User feedback can provide you with insights about real-world performance and reliability.
Conclusion
Investing in one of the best computers for college is a decision that can greatly impact your academic experience. Each of the computers mentioned above combines performance, portability, and distinct features tailored to different needs and preferences. From high-performance laptops to budget-friendly options, there’s a perfect fit for every student. Choose wisely, and ensure that your new computer enhances your college journey rather than hindering it.