Starting college is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of decisions—including choosing the right laptop. Whether you’re writing papers, conducting research, or even unwinding with Netflix after a long study session, having a reliable laptop can make all the difference. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best laptops for college students. From budget-friendly choices to high-performance powerhouses, we've covered all the bases so you can find the best laptop for your specific needs.
Top 10 Laptops For College
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top 10 picks for the best best laptops for college of 2024.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | HP Newest 14" Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 8GB RAM, 192GB Storage(64GB eMMC+128GB Micro SD), 1 Year Office 365, Webcam, HDMI, WiFi, USB-A&C, Win 11 S | SEE IT |
 | HP Notebook Laptop, 15.6" HD Touchscreen, Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Webcam, Type-C, HDMI, SD Card Reader, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home, Silver | SEE IT |
 | Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode | SEE IT |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop, Intel Dual Core Processor, 20GB RAM, 1TB SSD + 128GB eMMC, 15.6" FHD Display, 1 Year Office 365, Windows 11 Home, Wi-Fi 6, Webcam, Bluetooth, SD Card Reader, Grey | SEE IT |
 | HP 15 Laptop Computer College Students, Ultra Thin Light Notebook PC Laptop 15.6 Inch HD, AMD Ryzen 3, 16GB RAM 1TB SSD, Windows 11, Lifetime Microsoft Office, 10-Key Number Pad Webcam HDMI Rose Gold | SEE IT |
 | HP Stream 14" HD Lightweight Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 16GB RAM, 224GB Storage(64GB eMMC + 160GB Docking Station), Intel UHD Graphics, HD Webcam, 1 Year Office 365, WiFi, Bluetooth, Win 11s, Pink | SEE IT |
 | HP Newest 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink(Renewed) (Dale Pink) | SEE IT |
 | HP Portable Laptop, Student and Business, 14" HD Display, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 64GB eMMC, 1 Year Office 365, Webcam, SD Card Reader, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home, White, KKE Mousepad | SEE IT |
 | HP 14 Laptop for College Students, School, 14 Inch HD Display, Intel Celeron N4120, 8GB RAM, 192GB Storage (64GB eMMC + 128GB SD Card), Windows 11, 1 Year Office 365, Webcam, Snowflake White, PCM | SEE IT |
 | HP Stream 14-inch Laptop for Student and Business - Intel Quad-Core Processor, 16GB RAM, 320GB Storage (64GB eMMC + 256GB Card), 1-Year Office 365, Webcam, 11H Long Battery Life, Wi-Fi, Win11 H in S | SEE IT |
What to Look for in a College Laptop
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s talk about what makes a good college laptop. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Portability: College students are always on the go, so you need something light and easy to carry between classes.
- Battery Life: No one wants to be that person hunting for a power outlet in the middle of a lecture. A long-lasting battery is essential.
- Performance: You don’t need a gaming rig (unless that’s your thing), but your laptop should handle multiple tasks without lagging.
- Price: Let’s face it, most college students are on a budget. Getting the best bang for your buck is a top priority.
- Durability: College life can be rough on tech. From late-night study sessions to getting tossed in your backpack, your laptop needs to handle a little wear and tear.
Now that you know what to consider, let’s break down the best laptops for college students in 2024.
1. HP Newest 14" Ultra Light Laptop for Students and Business
Best For: Students looking for a portable, budget-friendly option
This 14-inch HP laptop is perfect for students who need something lightweight without sacrificing performance. It’s powered by an Intel Quad-Core N4120 processor, which handles day-to-day tasks like web browsing, streaming, and word processing with ease. Plus, it comes with 8GB of RAM and 192GB of storage, which is more than enough for taking notes, storing assignments, and handling light multitasking.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Super lightweight and portable
- Affordable price point
- Includes a one-year subscription to Office 365, so you're set for all your papers and presentations
2. HP Notebook Laptop, 15.6" HD Touchscreen
Best For: Students who want extra power for multitasking
The HP Notebook Laptop features a roomy 15.6-inch touchscreen and 32GB of RAM, making it an excellent choice for students who need a bit more muscle under the hood. Whether you’re working on large spreadsheets or juggling multiple apps, this laptop will handle it all without breaking a sweat. And with 1TB of SSD storage, you’ll have plenty of room for all your documents, photos, and even some games.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Touchscreen for easy navigation
- Tons of RAM for multitasking
- Large storage capacity for files and media
3. Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop
Best For: The all-around student looking for a balance between performance and price
Acer’s Aspire 3 is a fantastic option if you want a little bit of everything—solid performance, a good display, and portability. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U quad-core processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which is enough for daily use, streaming, and light gaming. The Full HD 15.6” display ensures crisp visuals, making it ideal for both work and entertainment.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Full HD IPS display for sharp visuals
- Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more stable connections during online classes
- Improved thermal system for longer work sessions
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop
Best For: Students who need massive storage and fast performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 stands out with a whopping 1TB SSD and 128GB eMMC storage, which is plenty for storing all your assignments, media, and projects. The 20GB of RAM is perfect for students who do a lot of multitasking, and the 15.6” FHD display ensures vibrant visuals, whether you’re studying or streaming.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Tons of storage for all your files and media
- High-speed RAM for smooth multitasking
- Great display for clear, vibrant visuals
5. HP 15 Laptop Computer College Students
Best For: Stylish students who want solid performance and plenty of space
This ultra-thin HP 15 Laptop offers a sleek, rose-gold design that’s sure to stand out. With 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, it offers plenty of power for all your school needs, from research to presentations. The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and Radeon Graphics make it easy to stream, work, and play without lag. Plus, the 15.6-inch display offers great clarity for those late-night Netflix binges.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Stylish, lightweight design
- High RAM and storage for smooth performance
- Long battery life and fast charging
6. HP Stream 14" HD Lightweight Laptop
Best For: Students looking for a budget-friendly laptop with decent specs
The HP Stream is perfect for students who need a reliable laptop without the high price tag. With 16GB of RAM and 224GB of storage, it’s perfect for handling everyday tasks like word processing, web browsing, and streaming. The 14” display is great for portability, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry between classes.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Affordable and lightweight
- Decent RAM and storage for its price
- Includes 1-year Office 365 subscription
7. HP Newest 14" HD Laptop, Dale Pink
Best For: Students on a tight budget who still want style
This HP model may have the basics, but it gets the job done. With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD storage, it’s best suited for light tasks like note-taking, research, and streaming. The 14” HD display is easy on the eyes, and its bright Dale Pink color adds a fun flair to your study setup.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Inexpensive but reliable
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes in a fun, eye-catching color
8. HP Portable Laptop, 14" HD Display
Best For: Students who want a portable and powerful laptop on a budget
Another excellent option from HP, this portable 14” laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and an Intel Quad-Core N4120 processor, making it a solid choice for multitasking. It also includes Office 365 for a year, which is a huge plus for students who need access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Portable and powerful for its size
- Includes Office 365 for a year
- Solid performance for multitasking
9. HP 14 Laptop for College Students
Best For: Students who need expandable storage
The HP 14 Laptop gives you 8GB of RAM and 192GB of storage, thanks to the added 128GB SD card. It's powered by an Intel Celeron N4120 processor and includes a 14” HD display, perfect for your daily study and entertainment needs. The lightweight design and decent performance make it a solid mid-range option for students who don’t need anything too fancy.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Expandable storage with the SD card
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable option for most students
10. HP Stream 14-inch Laptop
Best For: Students who need long battery life and portability
This model from HP Stream features a lightweight design and up to 11 hours of battery life—perfect for long study sessions or a full day of classes. With 16GB of RAM and 320GB of storage, it’s well-suited for students who need both performance and space but don’t want to break the bank.
Why It’s Great for College:
- Long battery life for all-day use
- Lightweight and portable
- Plenty of RAM and storage for the price
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need 16GB of RAM for college?
A: It depends on your major. If you’re into graphic design, programming, or anything that requires heavy applications, 16GB is recommended. Otherwise, 8GB should be plenty for most students.
Q: Is a touchscreen laptop worth it for college?
A: Touchscreen laptops can be handy for creative work or taking quick notes, but they’re not a must-have. It comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use your laptop.
Q: Should I get a laptop with a lot of storage?
A: Most students can get by with 128GB to 256GB if they store things in the cloud or use external drives. But if you’re someone who likes to keep everything on your laptop, go for 512GB or more.
Conclusion: Find the Laptop That’s Right for You
Choosing the best laptop for college is all about finding what works best for your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and budget-friendly or a powerful machine with tons of storage, there’s a perfect laptop out there waiting for you. Keep these top picks in mind, and you'll be ready to tackle any class, project, or study session with ease.