Starting your college journey means choosing the right tech to support your studies, and your laptop is a key part of that toolkit. Whether you're writing papers, attending virtual classes, or streaming content, you'll need a laptop that balances performance, portability, and battery life. Your program may influence whether you opt for a budget-friendly Chromebook, a sleek Windows machine, or a powerful MacBook. Key factors include user experience, display quality, keyboard comfort, touchpad responsiveness, and, of course, battery life. Also, consider port selection for connecting peripherals and external displays.

We've rigorously tested over 140 laptops and compiled this list of top choices for students heading to college. Our selections include Chromebooks, mid-range options, and high-performance workstations, ensuring there's something for every type of student.

Best Overall Laptop for College: Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024)

If you're looking for the best laptop for college, the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) takes the crown. This premium laptop is perfect for students who need a light, portable device for everything from typing papers to browsing the web and watching videos. Apple's M3 chip delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks, and even light video editing and graphic work. Best of all, the MacBook Air doesn't have a fan, making it silent—ideal for quiet libraries and lecture halls.

• Screen Size: 13.6"

• Battery Life: Up to 11.6 hours of web browsing

• Portability Score: 9.1/10

• Max Brightness: 453 cd/m²

Buy Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) on Amazon

The downsides? Its port selection is limited with only two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, which may be a concern if you regularly use multiple external devices. For those seeking a bigger screen, the MacBook Air 15 (2024) offers a larger display with enhanced speakers but at a higher price point.

Best Windows Laptop for College: HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)

For Windows users, the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is a standout choice. This 2-in-1 convertible is lightweight, well-built, and features a beautiful 120Hz 2.8k OLED display. It’s perfect for students who need flexibility, offering the ability to switch between laptop and tablet modes. It also supports pen input, great for note-taking or sketching.

• Screen Size: 14"

• Battery Life: 10+ hours

• Display Type: OLED, 2.8k resolution

• Port Selection: USB-A, USB-C/Thunderbolt 4

Buy HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) on Amazon

Though the OLED display is stunning, it doesn't get as bright as the MacBook Air, and like all OLEDs, there's a risk of screen burn-in over time. But for students seeking versatility and a rich multimedia experience, the HP Spectre x360 is hard to beat.

Best Mid-Range Laptop for College: HP Pavilion Aero 13 (2024)

For those looking for a more affordable yet capable device, the HP Pavilion Aero 13 (2024) offers great value. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen processors, this ultraportable machine handles light productivity and even moderate workloads like programming or photo editing with ease. Its lightweight design and impressive 10-hour battery life make it a solid choice for students who need portability on a budget.

• Screen Size: 13"

• Battery Life: 10 hours

• CPU Options: Up to Ryzen 7 8840U

• Portability Score: 8.9/10

Buy HP Pavilion Aero 13 (2024) on Amazon

While it’s an affordable option, the Pavilion Aero has a few drawbacks. The build quality feels less premium compared to higher-end models, with a noticeable amount of flex in its plastic-aluminum chassis. But if you can look past its cheaper feel, this laptop delivers reliable performance for day-to-day tasks.

Best Budget Laptop for College: ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023)

If you’re on a tight budget, the ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023) is a solid pick. Despite its low price, this 16-inch laptop delivers good performance for basic student tasks like word processing, browsing, and video streaming. It’s also equipped with user-upgradable RAM, which is a rare feature in this price range.

• Screen Size: 16"

• Battery Life: 8.3 hours

• Port Selection: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI

Buy ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023) on Amazon

However, the Vivobook's display is somewhat dim and lacks the sharpness of pricier models. The keyboard and touchpad are decent, though not remarkable. Still, for students who need a functional and affordable laptop, it’s a great choice.

Best Cheap Laptop for College: Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Intel 13th Gen Core i3

If you prefer a Chromebook, the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Intel 13th Gen is a reliable and affordable option. Ideal for students with light workloads, this device is portable and boasts a 13-hour battery life, making it perfect for a full day of classes.

• Screen Size: 16"

• Battery Life: 9 hours

• CPU: Intel Core i3

• Portability Score: 7.8/10

Buy Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Intel 13th Gen Core i3 on Amazon

While the IdeaPad Slim offers great battery life, its keyboard and touchpad feel less refined compared to more expensive options. Still, it’s a great choice if you primarily use cloud-based tools and need a simple, reliable laptop.

Best High-Performance Workstation for College: Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023)

For students in demanding programs like engineering, programming, or graphic design, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) is a powerhouse. The M3 chip handles intensive workloads with ease, making it perfect for those who need to run resource-heavy applications.

• Screen Size: 14"

• Battery Life: 15.5 hours

• Port Selection: USB-C/Thunderbolt, HDMI, SD card slot

• Max Brightness: 548 cd/m²

Buy Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) on Amazon

Though expensive, the MacBook Pro's performance, build quality, and battery life make it well worth the investment for students needing top-tier performance.

Best Gaming Laptop for College: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)

For students who love gaming, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) offers a perfect balance between gaming performance and portability. Its sleek 14-inch design makes it easy to carry, while its high refresh rate OLED display provides an immersive gaming experience.

• Screen Size: 14"

• Battery Life: 21 hours

• CPU Options: AMD Ryzen 7/9

• Port Selection: USB-C, HDMI

Buy ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) on Amazon

While gaming laptops are often bulky, the Zephyrus G14 stays lightweight without sacrificing performance, making it a great option for students who want a gaming machine that doubles as a capable college laptop.

Alternatives:

• ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024): If you’re seeking a solid Windows alternative to the MacBook Air 13 (2024) but prefer a traditional laptop design over a convertible, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED is a strong contender. It delivers a similar user experience to the HP Spectre x360 14, though its battery life is slightly shorter, offering about eight hours of light usage.

• Lenovo Yoga 6 13 (2023): As a more budget-friendly option compared to the HP Pavilion Aero 13, the Lenovo Yoga 6 features a sturdier design and improved touchpad performance. However, it does have its downsides with a less bright display and a weaker webcam. Its performance is also lower due to its older Zen 3-based AMD processors.

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3: This is a more affordable alternative to the ASUS Vivobook 16, featuring a better webcam and USB-C support for video output, so you won’t need an extra HDMI cable. The drawback is its shorter battery life, lasting only six to seven hours of light use.

• Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (2024): For those seeking a powerful Windows workstation, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 is an excellent option, providing top-tier performance and versatility. It can even serve as a gaming device due to its Windows operating system. However, at 16 inches, it’s larger than the MacBook Pro 14 and may not fit all bags. Its battery life, while impressive at around 12 hours, falls short of the MacBook Pro’s. And while it can handle demanding tasks like 3D graphics, Apple’s M3 Max processor is still faster.

With these top laptop picks for college, you’ll find something that fits both your academic needs and your budget, whether you're looking for a simple Chromebook or a powerful workstation. Choose the one that suits your requirements, and you’ll be ready to tackle whatever college throws your way.