What’s The Best Laptop For Students In 2024?
Top Laptops for Students in 2024
Finding the right laptop for students involves balancing performance, portability, and affordability. Here are some of the top picks for students in 2024, covering a range of needs from basic productivity to high-performance tasks.
1. Apple MacBook Air M2 (2024)
- Overview: The MacBook Air M2 combines power with a slim, lightweight design, making it perfect for students on the go. With Apple’s M2 chip, it handles multitasking smoothly and offers excellent battery life for long study sessions.
- Key Features:
- M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU.
- 13.6-inch Retina display with vibrant colors.
- Battery life up to 18 hours.
- Best For: Students in creative fields or those who need a reliable, all-purpose laptop.
- Price: Starting at £1,100.
2. Dell XPS 13 (2024)
- Overview: The Dell XPS 13 is known for its premium design and powerful performance in a compact body. With the latest Intel Core processors, it’s capable of handling productivity software, light creative work, and online classes smoothly.
- Key Features:
- Intel Core i5 or i7 12th/13th Gen processor options.
- 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with 4K and FHD+ options.
- Up to 16 hours of battery life.
- Best For: Students who want a high-performance Windows laptop with a sleek design.
- Price: Starting at £1,200.
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
- Overview: The Surface Laptop 5 is highly portable and has excellent touch support, making it ideal for students who prefer a tablet-laptop hybrid experience. It runs Windows 11 and offers a responsive touchscreen for note-taking or drawing.
- Key Features:
- Intel Core i5/i7 processor with integrated graphics.
- 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with pen support.
- Thin and lightweight with up to 17 hours of battery life.
- Best For: Students who want portability with touchscreen capabilities for note-taking and digital art.
- Price: Starting at £999.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
- Overview: The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a 2-in-1 laptop that offers flexibility, performance, and affordability, perfect for students needing versatility on a budget. It can handle basic productivity and light creative work with ease.
- Key Features:
- AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processors.
- 14-inch FHD touchscreen with 360-degree hinge.
- Battery life up to 10 hours.
- Best For: Budget-conscious students needing a flexible 2-in-1 design.
- Price: Starting at £550.
5. ASUS ZenBook 14 (2024)
- Overview: The ASUS ZenBook 14 is slim, lightweight, and offers impressive performance with AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors. It’s durable, compact, and great for students who prioritize portability and style.
- Key Features:
- AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7 processors.
- 14-inch FHD display with thin bezels.
- Battery life up to 14 hours.
- Best For: Students who need a stylish, lightweight laptop for productivity and moderate multitasking.
- Price: Starting at £899.
6. Acer Swift 3
- Overview: The Acer Swift 3 is a budget-friendly laptop with solid performance, making it a popular choice for students. It’s equipped with AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors and has good battery life, making it ideal for productivity on a budget.
- Key Features:
- AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processors.
- 14-inch FHD display with narrow bezels.
- Up to 11 hours of battery life.
- Best For: Budget-conscious students looking for good performance and portability.
- Price: Starting at £600.
7. HP Pavilion x360
- Overview: The HP Pavilion x360 is a convertible laptop with a touchscreen, ideal for students who want the flexibility of a 2-in-1 device. It’s powerful enough for multitasking and light creative work, with the added bonus of a touch display.
- Key Features:
- Intel Core i5/i7 processors.
- 14-inch touchscreen with 360-degree hinge.
- Up to 8 hours of battery life.
- Best For: Students needing a versatile 2-in-1 laptop for productivity and occasional creative projects.
- Price: Starting at £750.
8. Google Pixelbook Go
- Overview: The Google Pixelbook Go is a lightweight, Chrome OS-based laptop ideal for students who use primarily web-based applications. It’s affordable, has great battery life, and provides fast performance for browsing, streaming, and using Google Workspace.
- Key Features:
- Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 options.
- 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen.
- Up to 12 hours of battery life.
- Best For: Students who primarily need web-based functionality and enjoy the simplicity of Chrome OS.
- Price: Starting at £650.
Conclusion: Best Laptop for Students in 2024
- Top All-Rounder: The Apple MacBook Air M2 is excellent for its performance, battery life, and reliable design.
- Best Budget Choice: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 and Acer Swift 3 offer great value, portability, and versatility without breaking the bank.
- Most Flexible Design: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and HP Pavilion x360 provide touchscreen support and 2-in-1 flexibility for note-taking or creative work.
Overall Recommendation: For students needing long-lasting performance and ease of use, the Apple MacBook Air M2 and Dell XPS 13 are top choices. However, for those on a tighter budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 offers fantastic versatility.
These laptops cover a range of budgets and needs, ensuring students can find the perfect fit for study, productivity, and creativity.
