15 Best Computers for College Students | Best of 2024

Battery life, size, price, and storage capacity are just some of the few factors every student must consider while buying a computer for school. When you combine all these factors, finding the best student computer can be daunting.

 What computers are best for college students? As a student, you won’t want a computer with poor battery life as it can power off when you’re in the middle of some studying.

This post reviews the 15 best computers for college students. A device that can just help you ace your exams and then let you unwind by streaming TV or playing games.

How to Choose the Best Computer for College Students

 When trying to find what computers are best for college students, budget is a key consideration.

We completely realize that not everyone can spend a ton of money on a student laptop, so you need to make sure you get something that satisfies all of your requirements without going crazy with your budget.

  Choosing the best computer for college students shouldn’t be something you overthink. Just make a list of the base features you’re looking out for.

Because you’ll need a laptop that can multitask all the apps you’ll need without being a burden to tote about the school, it should ideally be both flexible and lightweight. 

Also read: 7 Ways To Sell Old Computers For Big Money in 2024

Factors to Consider when Buying a Computer for College

 Beyond being able to manage the rigours of your academics, the best student computers should also check a few more boxes. Before purchasing your college computer, consider the following things.

  • Battery: Make sure your perfect college computer has a long-lasting battery. For people who use their laptops for extended periods away from a power source, a second or external battery pack may be helpful.
  •  Software: Look for student software packages at campus bookstores. For instance, students may qualify for significant savings on software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office.
  • RAM: 4GB is currently the minimum need for laptops, and most users find it to be adequate. If you require extra RAM, you can often install it. Make sure your preferred buy has adequate room to accommodate textbooks and other bulky materials.
  • Processor: Speed is a critical factor to consider if you intend to run large programs such as video editing software or online gaming. In that situation, a CPU with a clock speed of 3.5 to 4 GHz would be ideal.
  • Connectivity: All computers have wireless adapters, however not all laptops have ethernet connections in terms of connectivity. The availability of USB and HDMI ports is another important factor you should consider when checking out the best college computer to purchase.

Also read: 15 Most Expensive Laptops in the World in 2024

Best Computers for College Students

 The college student computer holy grail! Trying to find what computers are best for college students? Below are some of the best. 

#1. MacBook Air M1

 Computers like the MacBook Air M1 are ideal for college students. It can endure several classes, breaks, and all-nighters.

Its performance is also much better when compared to previous Apple computers: the MacBook Air’s M1 CPU transforms it into an incredibly capable device that has enough power for your academic pursuits.

 The MacBook Air’s M1 CPU, which is comparable to the series processors used in the iPhone and iPad, can run iOS and iPadOS apps.

Its Amazing Keyboard is excellent for typing comfortably for extended periods. You can find deals for the MacBook air M1 for $899 on Amazon. 

 What computers are best for college students? well, you have it. The MacBook Air M1 is one of the best computers for college students. 

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Also read: How Long do Laptops Last? | When to Get New One

#2. Dell XPS 13

 The top high-end computer for college students is the Dell XPS 13.

The notebook comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, making it suitable for both work and pleasure.

You have plenty of time for both with a battery life of over 11 hours. 

 The XPS 13 is as attractive as it is strong. Dell made some significant upgrades despite the lower size, such as a bigger track-pad and keyboard.

This13.4-inch, nearly bezel-free display computer is one of the best computers for college students. The lightweight is also a plus for college students who might need something light for classes.

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Check Out; 15 Best Dell Laptop for College Students | 2024 Ranking

#3. HP Envy 13

 What computers are best for college students? Well, there’s the HP Envy 13. It combines strength, longer battery life, and sleek design to become one of the best computers for college students.

The 2024 model showed it can compete with far more expensive high-end computers.

 It features thinner bezels and better performance. It is simple to see why the Envy 13 is one of the best computers for college students when you consider its feature set, svelte design, vibrant and bright 1080p display, and plenty of speed provided by an 11th Gen Core i5 CPU.

And to be perfectly honest, the Envy 13 is a fantastic and affordable option in comparison to others. 

Also read: Does Best Buy have Student Discount? How Does it Work?

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#4. HP Spectre X360 14

The 1920 x 1280-pixel IPS and 3K2K OLED display choices, spectacular 12+ hour battery life, and quick overall performance are some peak features of the Spectre x360 14.

It’s simple to understand why this computer is popular among college students.

 Some of its notable features are its great security features. It boasts of a state-of-the-art fingerprint sensor and facial recognition with an amply sized touchpad that feels luxurious to the touch.

It also has a comfortable keyboard and a fair range of ports for connectivity. The HP Spectre x360 14 is one of the best computers for college students. 

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Read Also 15 Best HP Laptops for College Students in 2024

#5. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

 Most queries on what computers are best for college students tend to focus on adaptability.

You need to go no farther than the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 if adaptability is your primary priority.

With its long battery life, sturdy construction, and reliable use, this all-rounder has all the makings of an excellent student computer.

 Considering its size, it has more than enough ports. For individuals who desire a laptop and a tablet but can only afford one, its 2-in-1 form factor is ideal.

Its 11-inch size makes it a remarkably portable device, which is a popular feature for college students. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is one of the best computers for college students. 

Amazon

Check Also; 15 Best Laptop For Mechanical Engineering Students | 2024

#6. Apple MacBook Pro

Apple MacBook Pro

 Nearly every PC on the market, even several workstations, cannot compete with the MacBook Pro’s processing capability.

The Pro lasted an absurd 18 hours and 20 minutes on our battery test, which replicates real-world usage.

Despite packing so much power, the computer features a thin and stylish chassis, Go Apple!

 The MacBook Pro 13-inch with M2 remains a solid alternative at a much more reasonable price point for individuals who require just a little more power than the MacBook Air, even though the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro versions can attract some customers with high-end demands. It is one of the best computers for college students to choose from.

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Also read; 13 Quick & Easy Online Jobs for College Students in 2024

#7. Acer Swift 5

 The 11th Gen Intel-powered Swift 5 is one of the best features of the Acer Swift 5. It has a 13-hour battery life, excellent performance, and a stunning appearance.

With a quicker SSD, zipper performance, outstanding video transcoding, and lightning-fast file transfers, it snags a place as one of the best computers in 2024.

 The Acer Swift is portable and aesthetically stunning because of its appealing color scheme. The Acer Swift 5 is a worthy computer for students trying to find what computers are best for college students. 

Amazon

#8. Apple iMac 27 inch

 The Apple iMac 27-inch (2020) epitomizes an all-in-one computer. If you’re completing a lot of homework in design, picture editing, or video editing, it will be helpful to you.

This is because of the Retina 5K display’s 5120 x 2880 vibrant detail resolution and P3 broad color gamut capability.

It incorporates True Tone color temperature control, which automatically changes the colors on the screen to match the room’s natural lighting.

  Intel 10th-generation CPUs, AMD Radeon Pro 5000 series graphics, and probably most crucially, a 1080p webcam—a significant upgrade from the 720p webcams used in earlier iMacs—are all housed inside the screen.

Overall, it’s a sleek, powerful computer that is more than up to managing any coursework you may encounter. Students searching for what computers are best for college students definitely get their answer with the iMac 27inch. 

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#9. Apple iMac 24 inch

 For those who can afford it and love Macs, we have something better: Apple iMac 2024 (24-inch).

This is one of the best computers for college students since it has a stunning display, a terrific camera, and a variety of vibrant new color schemes.

 This is the first iMac to have Apple’s M1 processor, a unique piece of silicon that has previously shown itself to be effective and powerful in previous Mac series.

It provides enough power for this 24-inch all-in-one to easily run all of your favorite educational programs with more power.

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#10. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2

 Its Beautiful design, Gorgeous QLED display, and Improved battery life earn it a spot as one of the best computers for college students.

It also features an amazing soundbox.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook can run Chrome OS quickly because of its core i3 configurations.

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Also read: How to Get the Samsung Student Discount in 2024

#11. Acer Aspire 5

 The Acer Asper 5 versions have sufficiently strong CPUs and RAM for mild gaming.

It has a respectable six-hour battery life, which, if you’re not using it for any intense work, should allow you to use it for most of the day.

Although it may not be as lightweight as some of the other items on our list, the 14-inch model weighs less than four pounds.   

 Any model you choose will provide you with a lot of value for a fully functional non-Chromebook laptop.

What computers are best for college students? The Acer Aspire 5 is a good fit, but it’s quite pricey when you compare it to previous models from the brand. 

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#12. Dell XPS 13 OLED

 The Dell XPS 13 is a fantastic option if you have a reasonable budget and need a portable, capable Windows computer to get you through a few years of school.

Because of its superior performance, stunning display, and sleek design, it is one of our favorite laptops.

 The battery life suffices to get you through a day of courses without having to run for a charger, even though it isn’t as excellent as some other laptops of the same price.

Dell started providing the XPS 13 with a 3.5K OLED touchscreen option in 2024. When installed in the XPS 13’s thin- Infinity Edge design, the OLED’s deep, inky blacks, bright colors, and high contrast ratios shine. It is one of the best computers for college students.

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Also read: How To Get an eBay Student Discount for September | 2024

#13. Alienware m17 R5

 The Alienware m17 R5 is a good choice for students trying to find what computers are best for college students.

While the Alienware m17 R5 is overkill for most classwork, it is a good competitor if you’re seeking a laptop that can also maximize your free time.

Although you definitely won’t want to carry this about campus all day because of its weight of 5.6 pounds.

 It features a mind-blowing AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor and Radeon RX 6850M XT GPU. They provide an impressive performance that just convinces you why they’re one of the best computers for college students.

The Alienware m17 R5 shouldn’t be the top option for most students, but if you have a lot of demanding coursework or you don’t plan to stop playing games while in college, think about it because of its excellent multimedia features and excellent gaming performance.

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#14. Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360

 A terrific choice for college students, the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360, is an outstanding engineering achievement.

It is amazing to have a 15.6-inch AMOLED display on a 3.1-pound laptop with a 2-in-1 form factor that is ideal for college students.

Unless you have demanding demands, this vanishingly small laptop has more power than you will probably ever need.

 The accompanying S Pen only strengthens the alluring package, making it simple to write handwritten notes when necessary or to draw if your field of study is artistic.

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#15. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook

 Not only is the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook one of the best computers for college students.

It’s one of the finest Chromebooks available. It is impressive in terms of performance and battery life, and it is also highly portable.

Also, its exceptional durability and mobility make it perfect for carrying about campus, bringing to student government meetings, and relaxing in bed after a hard day of homework.

 The battery life is so amazing that it lets you watch a movie continuously for 16 hours and 20 minutes. Of course, the swanky new OLED display is also noteworthy.

This computer ticks all boxes needed for what computers are best for college students. In comparison to other Chromebooks, it’s quite affordable. 

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Benefits of Computers for College Students

 Computers have provided countless learning materials and increased the accessibility and flexibility of schooling.

Students may now learn information and expertise from various internet resources besides classroom assignments and libraries.

 A computer’s memory size is a worthy feature that benefits college students. Large volumes of lecture notes, presentations and other educational resources are available for download and storage by teachers and students.

Computers impact students’ interpersonal interactions with their peers and mentors, besides the benefits already reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best affordable laptop for college students?

The top budget-friendly laptop is HP’s Envy x360 13. It retails for about $850 in HP.

What laptop do most students use?

The HP pavilion is one of the most popular laptops among students.

What is the best computer for learning?

The HP Envy X360 is one of the best computers for learning.

What computers are best for college students?

Apple MacBook Air (M1) and the HP Envy 13 are one of the best computers for college students.

Is there a student discount when buying laptops?

Yes, most brands like Mac and Dell offer discounts for college students buying laptops from their respective brands.

Conclusions

Computer use in classrooms has a tremendous impact on both pupils and instructors. It significantly eases the learning process.

Computers are a must for every college student since they are a key component of academic success.

The perfect college laptop should be lightweight, have adequate storage, and have long battery life.

References

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