The 11 Best Laptops for College in 2022

Best MacBook for Students
Apple MacBook Air M1

Our Takeaway

Need a laptop for heavy graphics work, stunning presentations, or long nights at the library? A MacBook Air with Apple's M1 chip is one of the best laptops for college students. The sleek design and barely-there weight also make the MacBook Air a solid choice for undergrads hauling their laptop everywhere.

While the MacBook Air comes at a lower price than the MacBook Pro, it still ranks among the more expensive options for laptops.

Best Traditional Windows Laptop for Students
Acer Swift 3

Our Takeaway

The Acer Swift 3 is one of the best laptops for students looking for a highly portable laptop with a powerful processor. While the newly released Acer Swift 5 model has a few worthy features, the price jump makes it hard to recommend to students on a college budget.

The Acer Swift 3 may appeal to students who need a portable laptop with a minimal design and a powerful mix of hardware and software components.

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Students
Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Our Takeaway

Can't decide between a tablet and a laptop? Consider the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. You'll get all the benefits of a touchscreen with the perks of a full keyboard.

The versatility of the Surface Pro makes it a solid choice for business students who need to type up a report and then give a presentation from their tablet. But when you're budgeting for your laptop, keep in mind that you'll need to buy the keyboard and stylus separately.

Best Chromebook for Students
Acer Chromebook Spin 713

Our Takeaway

This relatively affordable, premium Chromebook boasts a sturdy design and stand-out performance. This 2-in-1 option is the first Chromebook to receive Evo verification — the laptop meets rigorous standards for battery life, performance, and responsiveness.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 also benefits from serious durability due to its Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen and sturdy aluminum body. These features protect the laptop from shortfalls, more extreme temperatures, and humidity.

Best Premium MacBook for Students
Apple MacBook Pro M1 Chip

Our Takeaway

Students who prefer Apple products and can afford to spend more than $1,000 on a laptop should consider getting an Apple MacBook Pro. The laptop includes a Touch Bar, which is a slim OLED touchscreen that changes functionality depending on the application.

As one of the most powerful laptops on the market, the MacBook Pro can handle an array of activities, including note-taking, entertainment, and light gaming. It's worth noting that a new 2021 version was recently released; however, the price tag ($2,500) makes it hard to recommend to college students.

Best Premium Traditional Windows Laptop for Students
Dell XPS 13

Our Takeaway

An upgrade from Dell's successful 2019 XPS 13, the 2020 update features a large display and comfortable touchpad and keyboard. This laptop provides up to 14 hours of battery life while boasting the performance of Intel's 11th Gen Core i7 processor. While this laptop comes with a relatively steep price tag, students who require exceptional performance in a sleek package should consider this computer alongside other options.

Best Premium 2-in-1 Laptop for Students
HP Envy x360

Our Takeaway

One of the best laptops for college, the HP Envy x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 device with impressive graphics and top-notch performance. Its large screen and keyboard make typing easy, and the webcam kill switch and fingerprint reader provide extra security.

The Envy is a bit uncomfortable to use as a tablet due to its size, and the price point may be out of reach for many students. However, for learners who want a powerful laptop/tablet combo, HP's Envy x360 2-in-1 is tough to beat.

Best Premium Chromebook for Students
Google Pixelbook Go

Our Takeaway

One of the best laptops for college, this premium option comes in different models. The Google Pixelbook Go ranges from $650-$1,400 depending on the version you choose, making this a great option for most budgets. The laptop stands out due to its long battery life, sleek design, and 1080p webcam.

This Chromebook also shines due to its colorful display and solid performance. While this laptop does not have the best speakers and lacks some port options, this top performer is a great option for students looking for a reliable, lightweight computer.

Best Traditional Windows Laptop for Students on a Budget
Dell Inspiron 3510

Our Takeaway

College students who want a laptop to write papers, conduct research, and study for exams will find a lot to like about the Dell Inspiron 3510.

Although it's not the best laptop for streamers or gamers, it offers a solid mix of affordability and performance. Users can expect up to 11 hours of battery life. And you can upgrade the RAM and hard drive for a performance boost.

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Students on a Budget
Microsoft Surface Go 3

Our Takeaway

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a steal for students looking for an affordable 2-in-1 laptop. The lightweight design also appeals to students who take their laptop everywhere.

But the price does come with a few drawbacks. The keyboard and stylus come separately, adding to the total cost. Still, the Surface Go 3 might be the perfect fit for students wanting a mix of affordability and flexibility.

Best Chromebook for Students on a Budget
Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Our Takeaway

For budget-conscious students who don't need a high-performing computer, Lenovo's Chromebook Duet is an affordable option. This 2-in-1 Chromebook offers quality battery life in a slim package, and it comes with a detachable keyboard and cover.

While users may notice the Chromebook's cramped keyboard and lack of ports, the low price and functional performance make this an incredibly accessible choice for students.