Looking for the best laptops for students in 2025? Read on to find out!
Choosing a laptop in 2025 isn’t just about speed or price—it’s about matching your academic needs with a device that lasts, performs, and travels well. Whether you’re attending lectures, writing essays, or running code, these laptops stand out based on performance, battery life, and student reviews.
This list features five top-selling laptops that have earned high marks from students across disciplines, along with a guide to help you pick the right one.
📚 Best Laptops for Students in 2025
1. Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024)
- Best for: Students in media, design, or those deep in the Apple ecosystem
- 13.6” Liquid Retina display with vivid color accuracy
- M3 chip handles everything from writing papers to light video editing
- Up to 18 hours of battery life = all-day use without a charger
- Lightweight at just 2.7 lbs – perfect for campus life
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
- Best for: Windows fans who want touchscreen and AI-powered tools
- Snapdragon X Elite CPU + 16GB RAM = smooth multitasking
- 13.8” touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate for note-taking and reading
- Built-in Copilot AI assists with writing, scheduling, and study organization
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6” (Student Edition)
- Best for: Budget-conscious students who need lots of memory
- 32GB RAM + 1TB SSD – more than many $1000+ laptops
- Basic Intel CPU, but capable for writing, Zoom calls, and research
- Ideal for high schoolers or non-tech majors
4. ASUS Vivobook 15.6”
- Best for: Everyday users who want strong specs under $700
- Full HD screen, Windows 11, good port variety (USB-C, HDMI, SD slot)
- Reliable performance for schoolwork, media, and web use
- Portable, with a clean design under 4 lbs
5. HP Chromebook 14”
- Best for: Cloud-based workflows and simplicity
- Runs ChromeOS—lightweight and secure
- Great battery life (~12 hours) and fast boot-up
- Perfect for K-12 students or note-taking–first college majors
💡 Student Laptop Buying Guide (2025 Edition)
Here’s what you need to look for, based on your major and budget:
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 (13th/14th Gen), AMD Ryzen 5/7, or Apple M2/M3
- RAM: 8GB for general use, 16GB+ for engineering, media, or comp sci
- Storage: SSD only – 256GB is okay; 512GB+ preferred for bigger files
- Display: At least Full HD (1920×1080); 13–14” is portable, 15.6” offers more screen
- Battery Life: 8+ hours minimum; 10–18 hours for Chromebooks and Macs
- Weight: Under 3.5 lbs for daily carry
- OS: Windows (versatile), macOS (design/media), ChromeOS (simple & budget-friendly)
- Ports: USB-C, HDMI, SD reader, and headphone jack
📊 Comparison Table: Best Student Laptops 2025
| Laptop | CPU | RAM | Storage | Battery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air M3 | Apple M3 | 8–16GB | 256GB–1TB | Up to 18 hrs | Creative students |
| Surface Laptop 7 | Snapdragon X Elite | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15+ hrs | Touch + AI use |
| Lenovo IdeaPad | Intel Celeron N4500 | 32GB | 1TB SSD | ~8 hrs | Budget, multitasking |
| ASUS Vivobook | Intel i5 / Ryzen 5 | 8–16GB | 512GB SSD | ~9 hrs | All-around use |
| HP Chromebook | Intel N100 | 8GB | 64–128GB eMMC | ~12 hrs | Basic users |
❓ FAQs: Student Laptops
1. Should I get a Chromebook or Windows laptop?
Chromebooks are great for cloud-first users and basic needs. Windows is better for versatility, compatibility, and heavier tasks like coding or Photoshop.
2. How much RAM do students need in 2025?
8GB is fine for general use. Go with 16GB+ for multitasking, video editing, or technical majors.
3. What is the best screen size for school use?
13–14″ is best for portability. 15.6″ is better for viewing multiple documents or editing media.
4. Is Apple or Windows better for college?
Both work well. Apple excels in design and battery life. Windows offers more options and works better with some engineering or programming software.
5. Can I use a student laptop for gaming too?
Yes, but budget laptops won’t run heavy games. Look for models with an entry-level GPU (like Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon) or check our student gaming laptop guide.
👩💻 About the Author
Michelle K. Arington is a digital education consultant and technology reviewer who’s been testing laptops for over a decade. Her work focuses on making tech buying easier for students and parents. Michelle has contributed to gear guides, remote learning reviews, and school tech recommendations for major education blogs and YouTube channels.