Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Laptop for Students

Co-authored by Amber Crain

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

There are tons of awesome laptops out there, so choosing one for a student isn't easy! If you're feeling lost in a sea of options and features, we completely understand. We've researched a wide range of choices for you, keeping students in mind every step of the way, and we'll walk you through the process to help you narrow down your options. You'll have the perfect laptop in no time!

1

Go for a PC for a simple, affordable choice.

PCs are affordable, user-friendly, and compatible with most software. If you've never used a Mac operating system before, there's a bit of a learning curve before you get truly comfortable with it. Also, PCs tend to be cheaper and many schools prefer Windows-based laptops so students don't experience software incompatibility issues.^{[1]
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- School-grade PCs usually range from $300 to $900.
- If you go with a PC, be sure to invest in anti-virus and malware software for protection. Apple products generally have better built-in defenses against that stuff. If your PC is running Windows 10, the free antivirus software Microsoft Defender is already built in and should keep students safe. If you're running an older version of Windows, consider buying Norton or McAfee software to protect the computer. Both options cost about $100 per year.
- For business students, Windows is the platform of choice because software compatibility issues are less likely.
- Many popular engineering programs, like AutoCAD and Pro/Engineer, are only available for Windows.^{[2]
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2

Try a Mac for longevity and amazing graphic quality.

Macs are (almost) immune to viruses and offer the best graphics experience. If you're familiar with Mac’s operating system, or you’re a graphic design, photography, or music student, a Mac laptop is a great choice. Macs are more expensive, but the hardware is high-end and should last at least 5-7 years. Apple's flagship laptops are MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.^{[3]
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- The MacBook Air is slimmer, lighter, and more affordable than the Pro. A MacBook Air will still cost you at least $1,000, though, which isn't exactly cheap.
- MacBook Pros are top of the line machines. Pros are faster and bigger than Airs, but they're also heavier and more expensive. The going price for a MacBook Pro is $2,000 minimum and can range up to $5,000.

3

Get a core i5 processor for maximum efficiency.

Core i5 and i7 processors boast unbeatable performance speeds. The processor controls how quickly the computer runs. Most basic laptops have a dual core i5 processor, which works great for the average high school or college student. If you’re doing graphic design or video, or if you have to run a lot of applications simultaneously, a quad-core i7 processor is a better option.^{[4]
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- Processor speed is important, so it won’t be hard to find this information! It’s usually the first listed feature.
- Brands vary, but i7 processors usually cost about $200 more than i5 processors.

4

Look for 8 GB of RAM so multitasking is a breeze.

This much RAM easily meets the needs of most high school students. RAM determines how many tasks your laptop can handle at a time. For high school students with basic productivity needs, 8 GB of RAM is plenty.^{[5]
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Research source} If you're in college, studying graphic design, or taking virtual classes, 12-16 GB of RAM is more efficient. More RAM drives up the price, though, so stick to the minimum if you’re on a budget.
- The leap from 8 GB to 16 GB usually adds about $200 to the total cost.^{[6]
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- Technology, engineering, and programming students likely need 16 GB.^{[7]
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- If you plan to use your laptop for gaming or video editing, or if you can afford to splurge, go for 16 GB.

5

Go with a solid-state drive (SSD) so the laptop runs fast.

SSDs are faster and more durable than traditional hard drives (HDDs). Solid state drives (SSDs) cost a little more than HDDs, but the operation speed is much better. SSDs also tend to be more rugged than HDDs and hold up better when it comes to drop damage and general wear and tear.^{[8]
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- Students are often on the go, so the extra durability is worth it!
- SSDs are newer technology, so they cost more than HDDs by about $30 per GB. That price difference is shrinking quickly, though, since SSDs are becoming cheaper and more common over time.

6

Get at least 320-500 GB of storage.

500 GB is best if you install a lot of programs or save large media files. When it comes to hard drives, 320 GB is pretty much the gold standard for high school students. 500 GB is more appropriate for college students, but they could get by with 320 GB as long as they aren't studying visual art, programming, or engineering.^{[9]
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- If you’ll be working on or storing extremely large files (graphic design, video, or photography), consider springing for 1 TB of storage.
- More storage means a higher price tag, but price ranges can vary wildly between brands. Factors like core processor, RAM, hard drive, and screen size are bigger influences on the price.

7

Go with a 13–15 in (33–38 cm) screen for portability.

13–15 in (33–38 cm) screens are lightweight and great for everyday use. For the average high school or college student, a 13–15 in (33–38 cm) screen will easily meet your needs. There are lots of sizes available, though, so if you want to go bigger, do it! Just keep in mind: the bigger the screen, the higher the price.^{[10]
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- Screen size affects the weight of your laptop, too. A smaller screen is lighter and more portable.^{[11]
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  Research source} Generally, larger screens cost more than smaller ones, but the price can vary pretty drastically by brand.
- For example, a 17 in (43 cm) screen is significantly heavier than a 13 in (33 cm) screen and would be tough to lug around campus.

8

Get 1080p resolution for a high-quality visual experience.

1080p is perfect for everyday use and shouldn't cause eye strain. 1080 pixels is high-def and a great option for everyday use, including virtual learning, for both high school and college students. Images and text will look clean and crisp, so you’re less likely to experience eye strain.
- For graphic design, video, or photography students, ultra-high res screens, like 4K, are better.^{[12]
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- 1080p is pretty standard these days; you can find laptops with high-def screens for as little as $349.^{[13]
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9

Check for USB and other ports to support your devices.

You'll need 2-3 USB ports and an HDMI port for efficient connectivity. At a minimum, you need at least 2 basic USB ports on your laptop. Extra connections like HDMI and microSD are crucial if you need to display video or transfer images. The newest laptops have USB-C ports, so pick up a few dongles if you plan on connecting your old USB devices.^{[14]
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10

Look for a battery life of 8 hours or more.

College students need the most battery life since they're on the go. 8 hours of battery life should last all day as long as you're doing basic productivity stuff (including streaming video). However, if the laptop has ultra high-def 4K display, or if you're running complex programs, the battery will drain faster than that.^{[15]
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- Mac laptops tend to have the best battery endurance; some last 18 hours.
- If you're doing virtual learning at home, battery life isn't super important since there's always an outlet nearby.

11

Make sure the laptop supports third-party apps.

Third-party apps and additional software are often used for classwork. For everyday use and online learning, low-end hardware like tablets, cheap PC laptops, and Chromebooks probably won’t cut it because their capabilities are too limited. For example, most schools want their students to use Microsoft Word, but Chromebooks can’t install that software.
- If your school’s remote learning platform is completely web-based, you can get by with a Chromebook or cheap PC laptop. Be sure to double-check, though! You can find Chromebooks for under $200, which is significantly cheaper than basic PCs.^{[16]
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12

Get a 1-year warranty in case something goes wrong.

Buy an extended warranty and accident coverage for more protection. Most laptops are backed by at least a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, but it's important to make sure. If the laptop gives you problems or has faulty parts, the warranty ensures it gets repaired for free.^{[17]
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Research source} You can buy extended 3-4 year warranties, too. However, warranties don't cover accidents or theft. You may want to purchase accident coverage for that stuff.
- Apple's extended warranty of 3 years usually costs $250. You'll pay a similar rate for a PC to extend the offer up to 4 years.
- Manufacturers usually sell accident coverage as a separate plan. $300 for 3 years of coverage is pretty standard.^{[18]
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13

Look into refurbished laptops if you're on a budget.

Refurbs are used laptops that have been restored by professionals. If money is tight, a refurb can be a great solution. Refurbs are usually older models, though, so issues with battery life, Wi-Fi connectivity, and performance are possibilities. For the best experience, always buy a refurbished laptop directly from the manufacturer’s website.^{[19]
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- For example, if you have your heart set on a Mac but the new models are out of your price range, check online for refurb options! You might find an awesome deal on a great computer.
- Generally, the newer the OS is, the better, but you can always upgrade later.
- Avoid resellers on third-party platforms since buying from them can be pretty risky.

Community Q&A

Question

Which laptop should I choose if I have little money?

Mel K

Top Answerer

Look for refurbished laptops, as they are usually on the cheaper side, but are still in good condition.