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

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

The best student laptops will provide everything 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 editing video, 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 they know what they're talking about. With their help, we've curated our list of the best student laptops below. 

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MacBook Air (M2, 2022) test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildPremium build quality and portability★★★★★
PerformanceImpressive M2 chip power★★★★★
DisplayStunning Liquid Retina screen★★★★★
PricingOn the expensive side★★★
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Chromebook Spin 514 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildPremium aluminum build with lots of ports★★★★
PerformanceSolid for ChromeOS tasks★★★★
DisplayExcellent 14-inch Full HD touchscreen★★★★★
PricingCompetitive for its class★★★★
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Acer Swift 3 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildSolid construction with good keyboard★★★★
PerformanceAdequate for everyday tasks★★★
DisplayBright screen with decent color accuracy★★★
PricingOn the cheap side★★★★★
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Acer Swift 3 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildSlim, durable, and packed with essential ports★★★★
PerformanceExcellent for creative workflows and gaming★★★★★
DisplayBrilliant 3K OLED with 120Hz refresh,★★★★
PricingWell-priced for the performance★★★★
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Acer Swift 3 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildUltralight at just 1 kg★★★★★
PerformanceGreat for productivity and photo-editing★★★★
DisplayOutstanding 2.8K OLED screen★★★★★
PricingPricier than some alternatives★★★★
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HP Spectre X360 test results
AttributesNotesRating
Design and buildLightweight, 2-in-1 functionality★★★★★
PerformancePowerful, AI-ready processors★★★★
DisplayThe display is gorgeous★★★★★
PricingPremium pricing for a premium product★★★★
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Key features
AttributesNotesRating
PriceExpensive, but good value .★★★★
DesignSleek, thin and portable★★★★★
PerformancePowerful enough for anything you need★★★★★
Battery lifeExcellent battery life★★★★★
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

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Matt Hanson

Matt has been a technology journalist for over 15 years, writing for publications such as T3, MacFormat and Creative Bloq. He's a managing editor of TechRadar, Creative Bloq's sister site, where he can be found writing about and reviewing laptops, computers, monitors and more. He often writes for Creative Bloq, helping creatives find their perfect laptop or PC.

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