The best student laptops: top models to help you power through coursework

best student laptops
(Image credit: Apple / ASUS / HP)

The best student laptops have all you need to get through your course, keep up with project deadlines and help you prepare for tests. Whether you're pursuing a subject that requires a lot of computing power, such as 3D animation, or you just need to write essays, do research and keep up with emails, it's an investment that'll pay for itself many times over.

So, which to choose? At Creative Bloq, our laptops experts have been testing and reviewing devices for over a decade, so we know what we're talking about, and we know how to save money on a laptop. That's how we've curated our list of the best student laptops below (for something post-studies, see our list of the best graphic design laptops, and if you favour Apple, see the best MacBooks for students).

Right now, our top pick is the MacBook Air (M2) 2022, which offers speed and power without incurring the sky-high price tag of the latest M3 models. But if you don't need a very powerful laptop, we've also listed some alternatives. Either way, don't forget to make the most out of student perks like Apple student discounts and Samsung student discounts.

Beren Neale headshot
Beren Neale

As Ecom Editor, when Beren's not testing and reviewing the best laptops, he helps digital creatives get the best deals on the kit that they need and love. Attending university in the early 2000s, just as laptops for students were becoming the norm, Beren has had experience with all sorts of models, from entry level Chromebooks to top end MacBook Pros.

Our expert says
Image of writer Matt Hanson
Our expert says
Matt Hanson

"As an experienced computing editor for TechRadar – and a former English literature student myself – I know a great student laptop when I see it. This offers the right balance of power, portability and price."

Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson headshot
Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson

“The Acer Swift 3 is a good laptop for all general uses, and as such makes it an attractive option for students looking for a sturdily built, lightweight laptop with RAM and storage to suit you for a long while. I’m impressed, especially given its student-friendly price.”

Our expert says
Ian Evenden profile shot
Our expert says
Ian Evenden

"While it suffers from the same GPU issues – namely a lack of power and compatibility – as other Snapdragon laptops, the HP Omnibook X 14 pulls a rabbit from the hat in the form of extremely long battery life."

Our expert says
Ian Dean headshot
Our expert says
Ian Dean

"As with most ChromeOS laptops the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is excellent for everyday tasks and the spread of office apps ensures it's an affordable laptop for students."

Our expert says
Paul Hatton, a photo of a smiling man
Our expert says
Paul Hatton

"I graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, and this is the kind of laptop I would have loved – especially for its price."

Our expert says
Ian Evenden profile shot
Our expert says
Ian Evenden

"While it's an unexciting laptop, I think students will appreciate the value for money of the Inspiron 14."

Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson headshot
Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson

"This is one of the most impressive laptops I've tested in a while. It's more expensive than others on this list, but worth it for students in creative disciplines."

Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson headshot
Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson

"Though I especially recommended this laptop to hybrid workers, its teeny-tiny dimensions make it an easy rec for students as well. Run to class with this in your bag and you'll barely feel it!"

Our expert says
Ian Evenden profile shot
Our expert says
Ian Evenden

"Having been working in journalism since the days of QuarkXpress 4 and Photoshop 5, I always appreciate a powerful laptop. This is a pricey proposition, but has much to recommend."

Our expert says
Rob Redman author bio
Our expert says
Rob Redman

"It's obviously not going to be an option for most students. but if I'd had the budget for something like this back when I was studying Art and Design, I'd have snapped it up like a shot."

Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5
This is one of the best options for students on a tight budget. In fact, we're talking almost Chromebook prices, but without many of the limitations that come with using ChromeOS.
Read our 3-star review

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
It might not have an M3 chip, but we think the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is an excellent and affordable laptop for students. Its price is significantly lower, and it offers perfectly acceptable performance for most needs.
Read our 5-star review.

Microsoft Surface Go 3

Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Surface Go 3 is one of the most affordable 2-in-1 tablets in the Microsoft family, and while it's nowhere near as powerful as the Surface Pro, it has a similar design and is capable of running low-demand software.
Read our 3-star review

MSI Prestige 14 Evo

MSI Prestige 14 Evo
For a Windows option firmly in the middle of the range, we think the MSI Prestige 14 Evo is a good option for students, with enough specs to cover a wide degree of uses while keeping costs down.
Read our 3.5-star review

Beren Neale
Ecom Editor

Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.

With contributions from
  • Freelance journalist and editor