10 Best Laptops for Students

Find the most suitable device for your specific needs as a student with this list of the 10 best student laptops.

As you will observe, laptops are not only in demand for creatives and professionals, but they are also a must-have device for students nowadays.

Especially if you are dreaming of being a graphic designer, video editor, engineer, or architect, investing in a high-quality laptop will be a great choice.

What is the best laptop for students?

If you ask my opinion on this matter, I will say that the 2021 Apple MacBook Pro will be the best student laptop that I can recommend.

However, because I understand that we all have different criteria for selecting the best devices for us, I’ve included a total of ten of the best laptops for you to choose from.

For those students who are pursuing their dream of being professional graphic designers someday, buying the Microsoft Laptop 4 will be their wisest decision.

This laptop has a powerful and fast processor that can run any graphic design software without any lag.

The ROG Strix Scar 15 is an amazing option too, especially for students that are looking for the best gaming laptop to buy this year.

So without keeping you waiting, here’s my list of the 10 best laptops for creative students in 2022.

10 Best Student Laptops

1. 2021 Apple MacBook Pro — Best overall
2. Microsoft Laptop 4 — Best for graphic design
3. Acer Swift 3 2021 — Best for video editing
4. Acer Chromebook 315 — Best for coding
5. Google Pixelbook Go — Best for Photoshop
6. Microsoft Surface Go 3 — Best budget
7. Dell XPS 17 — Best for engineering students
8. Dell G15 — Best for college students
9. ASUS VivoBook Ultra Thin — Best for AutoCAD
10. ROG Strix Scar 15 — Best for gamer students

How to choose the best laptop for students

Just like choosing the best drawing laptops, there are also things to consider when buying a laptop for students.

And if you want an ultimate guide to choosing the best student laptop for you, then here are some points to remember:

1. Processor
2. Operating System
3. RAM
4. Storage
5. Price

For you to understand why these things are so important, let me give you a more detailed explanation:

Processor

Having a fast and powerful CPU is important because the computer’s processing unit is in charge of all of its work and is in charge of everything.

If you want to be a professional designer or artist someday, you need a high-quality laptop that can run complicated design tools.

In order to figure out which laptop is best for you as a student, search for the specs of the program you use.

Operating System

The software that runs the computer’s software, hardware, and resources is called the operating system (OS), so you need to think about this one as well.

Software and hardware need to be able to talk to each other, and the OS is a must to keep everything in order.

Operating systems are important because they are the only way to use laptops.

With that being said, just keep in mind to always check the OS of your desired device.

RAM

In general, a laptop’s performance is based on its CPU and RAM.

More RAM means that your computer can run faster because it has more space to work with.

At the very least, you should get a drawing laptop with at least 8GB of RAM.

The more RAM you have, the better.

Storage

Data that you want to keep for a long time can be stored in the “storage component” of your laptop, not in the computer’s RAM.

Hard disk drives are still used in a few laptops because they are cheap and easy to find.

For the same reason, it’s important for it to keep your data and run programs.

Price

When you buy a laptop for school, there are a few things to think about that go beyond the price.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a high-end drawing laptop to do well in school.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a cheap laptop for students, and it’s great for students who don’t have a lot of money to spend.

1. 2021 Apple MacBook Pro

If you’re looking for one of the latest laptops from Apple, then the MacBook Pro 2021 is definitely something you must have.

The best overall Apple laptop for students.

Apple designed its own M1 SoC (system-on-a-chip) that proved so successful that every MacBook and Mac desktop since has been equipped with it.

‍We’ve been able to get up to 14 hours of battery life out of it, which is a considerable improvement over previous MacBook Air models.

iOS apps may now be run on your phone or tablet, expanding your options and offering you advantages if you own other Apple products, such as an iPhone or iPad.

As a result, the Apple MacBook Pro 2021 is a great choice for students pursuing a career in graphic design, photography, and other creative courses.

So if you’re interested in having the best laptop for creative students, look no further than the MacBook Pro 2021.

Specifications

Display: 14-inch
Processor: Apple M1 Pro chip
RAM: 16GB RAM
Storage: 512GB SSD

Pros

1. Blisteringly-fast performance
2. Gorgeous mini-LED display

Cons

1. No USB-A port

Buy 2021 Apple MacBook Pro on Amazon

2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

On the other hand, the Surface Laptop 4 is an ideal option for students that are pursuing a career as graphic designers.‍

The best laptop choice for graphic design students.

This student laptop boasts special uses and features which will allow you to run your creative software without any lag.

‍You can run any graphic design app you want with no hassles on this laptop, and it’s a great showcase for Windows 10.

Free upgrades to Windows 11 are also available now that it has been released.

For those who dislike macOS, this is the closest thing to a replacement for the MacBook Pro that they can get.

Aside from its powerful processor, it also has a stylish design which makes it ideal to use even in public places.

So, if you want to buy the best graphic design laptop for students, then the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is definitely the one you need.

Specifications

Display: 13.5" Touchscreen PixelSense 2256 x 1504
Graphics: Integrated
Processor: Hexa-Core AMD Ryzen 5 4680U
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x
Storage: 128GB SSD

Pros

1. Lightweight and stylish
2. Great performance
3. Good battery life

Cons

1. Few configuration options

Buy Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 on Amazon

3. Acer Swift 3 2021‍

For those students that want to be professional video editors someday, the Acer Swift 3 2021 will be the perfect laptop to have.

A must-have student laptop for video editing.

Even though it’s cheap, it’s powerful enough to do most daily tasks of a student, such as researching, designing, and video editing, without sacrificing performance.

‍ For the price, you can’t beat the quality and performance.

With its lightweight and compact design, it’s easy to take with you to school or work, but its solid construction guarantees it won’t fall apart under normal use.

As a result of hardware advancements, the new model is more powerful than ever before, and its battery life has also been improved.

Moreover, the is one of my most recommended laptops for video editing students.

It works well in running creative software such as Premiere Pro, Pinnacle Studio, Final Cut Pro, and others.

Specifications

Display: 14" Full HD IPS 100% RGB
Graphics: Integrated
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Octa-Core
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD

Pros

1. Highly portable
2. Excellent multitasker

Cons

1. Not great for gaming

Buy Acer Swift 3 on Amazon

4. Acer Chromebook 315‍

If you’re wondering what the best laptop is for programming students, look no further than the Acer Chromebook 315.

The most recommended student laptop for coding.

In my opinion as a professional, this laptop is the best affordable Chromebook that students may buy today.

‍You won’t have to worry about running out of battery life with this student laptop, which has a bright and brilliant 14-inch display and a 12-hour battery life.

This feature will allow you to work all day without having to worry about finding a power source.

Given that so many student apps are now online anyhow, you won’t be missing much in terms of application compatibility by switching to Chrome OS.

There are many advantages to using Chromebooks, including the fact that they are often less expensive than both Mac and Windows-based computers.

Overall, I consider the Acer Chromebook 315 as an excellent option for students that are looking for the best laptop for coding.

Specifications

Display: 5.6” HD
Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
RAM: 4GB RAM
Storage: 32GB eMMC

Pros

1. Android app support
2. Big screen size

Cons

1. Low disk storage capacity

Buy Acer Chromebook 315 on Amazon

5. Google Pixelbook Go

I also included the Pixelbook Go from Google on my list since it is definitely a must-have student laptop for photo editing.‍

This product is the best student laptop for Photoshop.

This laptop comes at a reasonable price and it is an amazing choice for those who want to have the most suitable laptop to use for Photoshop and other software.

‍The Google Pixelbook Go boasts an impressive battery life that can last up to 12 hours of charging, giving you the freedom to use it without bringing a charger.

Moreover, its lightweight and compact design make it a portable laptop for students that are usually traveling.

It also has the 8th Gen Intel Core Processor, which is quick and responsive, allowing you to do your creative projects with ease.

With the brilliant HD touchscreen display and dual stereo speakers, you can now get an amazing pictures and sound.

Lastly, the Google Pixelbook Go is the best-buy student laptop for Adobe applications.

Specifications

Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128 GB

Pros

1. Incredible battery life
2. Amazing ‘Hush’ keyboard

Cons

1. No biometric login

Buy Google Pixelbook Go on Amazon

6. Microsoft Surface Go 3‍

For those who want to have the best Microsoft 2-in-1 laptop for students, I would recommend you buy the Surface Go 3.

The best affordable laptop for students on a budget.

As long as you have the extra cash for the keyboard and pen, this can be more cost-effective for students than buying a laptop altogether, in many cases.

‍With its elegant and quality design, Microsoft has managed to keep the price point of the new Surface Go 3 at an attractive level.

For students seeking a laptop or tablet that they can use to work on office projects, browse the web, and unwind with a little Netflix, this is a fantastic option.

It also comes pre-installed with the latest version of Windows, which means it can run just about any software you can think of.

The option to use it as a tablet during lectures is ideal for taking notes, while creative students can even use it for digital graphics and design work.

Moreover, it has a compact size which means it's easy to slip into a bag and take on the road.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is definitely a great choice for those who are looking to buy the best budget laptop for students.

Specifications

Display: 10.5" Touchscreen
Processor: Intel® Pentium® Gold
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB eMMC

Pros

1. Premium build
2. Decent Core i3 performance

Cons

1. Poor battery life

Buy Microsoft Surface Go 3 on Amazon

7. Dell XPS 17 2021‍

According to Dell, the XPS 17 is designed for people who desire the same features and performance as a MacBook Pro and an XPS 15 in a larger form factor.

The best laptop for engineering and architecture students.

A portable workstation like the Dell XPS 17 (2021) is an excellent option if you’re not a fan of Apple’s operating system.

‍Despite the fact that Dell makes some of the best Windows-based products today, the XPS line is a favorite among designers and other creative types.

For the most demanding projects, you may purchase an 11th-generation Intel i9 processor with 64GB of memory and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.

If you’re a creative person, this is an excellent sample of what a Windows device is capable of, and you can even get it preloaded with Windows 11.

16:10 aspect ratio screens are good for students because they offer more vertical space than normal 16:9 widescreen displays.

Additionally, it may be customized with a 4K Ultra HD+ resolution of 3,840 x 2,400 pixels.

So whether you’re pursuing an engineering or an architecture career, the Dell XPS 17 2021 is definitely a great student laptop to use.

Specifications

Display: 17-inch UHD
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6
Processor: Intel i9–10885H 10th Gen
RAM: 32GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB SSD

Pros

1. Long battery life
2. Excellent audio quality

Cons

1. Expensive as configured

Buy Dell XPS 17 on Amazon

8. Dell G15‍

If you’re a college student looking for the most suitable device to use for your needs, then the Dell G15 is the best laptop for you.

A great laptop choice for college students.

It has a 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) 120Hz display with 250 nits brightness, which is absolutely a great deal for its price.

‍If you’re looking for a budget 15-inch laptop, go no further than the Dell G15.

This student laptop is powered by a 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5–11400H 6-core CPU and 8 GB of RAM.

Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3050 GPU with 4GB of dedicated RAM and a 512GB SSD completes its list of features.

So if you want to have the best laptop for college students like you, then go for the Dell G15.

Specifications

Display: 15.6 Inch FHD 120Hz LED
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
RAM: 8GB RAM
Storage: 512GB SSD

Pros

1. Stylish, premium design
2. Long battery life
3. Stylish, premium design
4. Long battery life

Cons

1. Thick and heavy chassis

The best student laptop for AutoCAD.

And because this laptop is made to be ultra-thin and lightweight, it is an ideal device to use for students on the go.

‍TheVivoBook Ultra Thin also has a massive storage capacity, which will allow you to save and keep creative projects that you can use in the future.

This student laptop comes with a fast and powerful processor, which makes it very suitable for professional software such as AutoCAD, Adobe applications, and more.

It also boasts a 15.6" IPS LCD touchscreen with an anti-glare surface that provides a crisp, clear view of your content.

Aside from the fact that it is an ideal laptop for students, it is also a great deal for professionals who are looking to buy an affordable yet high-performing laptop.

Specifications

Display: 15.6'’ FHD Touch Screen
Graphics: Integrated
Processor: Intel 10th gen Quad-Core i7–1065G7 up to 3.9GHz
RAM: 16GB RAM
Storage: 512GB SSD

Pros

1. Eight-hour battery life
2. Slightly superior performance

Cons

1. Subpar display

Buy ASUS VivoBook Ultra Thin on Amazon

10. ROG Strix Scar 15‍

For students that love to play online games while on a break, the ROG Strix Scar 15 is definitely a perfect choice for you.

The best gaming laptop for students in 2022.

This laptop is one of the latest gaming laptops from Asus since it was just released this year.

‍One of the best-value full-size laptops in its class, the ROG Strix Scar 15 is also a fairly compact and light device for what it is.

The improved chipset and the inclusion of a MUX allowed it to outperform the larger 2022 Scar 17 and the earlier 2021 generation.

However, in stock Turbo mode, the components still run hot, especially on the GPU side.

The efficiency of the Intel Alder Lake platform leaves something to be desired.

The ROG Strix Scar 15 is a better-balanced performance laptop than the Scar 17 and is said to appear on more shopping lists as a result of its smaller size and less weight.

So if you’re a student that loves to play games in your free time, the ROG Strix Scar 15 is definitely the best gaming laptop for you.

Specifications

Display: 15.6” 300Hz IPS FHD
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Processor: Intel Core i9 12900H
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB SSD

Pros

1. Solid build
2. versatile Manual profile in Armory Crate

Cons

1. Expensive

Buy ROG Strix Scar 15 on Amazon‍

Conclusions

Laptops are not only useful for creatives and professionals, but they also play a huge role in the day’s life of a student.

Which affordable laptop is best for students?

If you’re going to ask me this question, I can say that the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a great choice for students on a budget.

It is one of the best buys today since it comes with an amazing performance despite being affordable.

I also included a complete student laptop buying guide to serve as your reference in choosing the right device for you.

Now that I’m done giving you my top picks, which laptop do you think is the best for students?

Originally published at https://www.ebaqdesign.com on October 31, 2022.