Best Student Laptops 2026
Affordable, reliable laptops perfect for students and everyday use.
Last updated: January 12, 2025•5 products tested
Our Top Picks
Full Rankings
#1
MacBook Air M3
Best OverallBest combination of performance, battery, and quality.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional battery life
- ✓Silent fanless design
- ✓Stunning display
Cons
- ✗Limited to 24GB RAM
- ✗Only 2 ports
- ✗Expensive for students
#2
ASUS VivoBook 15
Best ValueOLED display at a student-friendly price.
Pros
- ✓Beautiful OLED display
- ✓Good value
- ✓Lightweight
Cons
- ✗Battery could be better
- ✗Plastic build
- ✗Limited ports
#3
Acer Aspire 5
Best BudgetSolid performance at an unbeatable price.
Pros
- ✓Excellent value
- ✓Good performance for price
- ✓Full-size keyboard
Cons
- ✗Plastic build
- ✗Average battery life
- ✗Not for heavy tasks
#4
HP Pavilion 15
Good looks with solid all-around performance.
Pros
- ✓Attractive design
- ✓Good performance
- ✓Decent port selection
Cons
- ✗Average battery
- ✗Can run warm
- ✗Not the lightest
#5
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Reliable and affordable for basic needs.
Pros
- ✓Reliable brand
- ✓Good keyboard
- ✓Decent speakers
Cons
- ✗Average display
- ✗Modest performance
- ✗Heavier than ultrabooks
Comparison Table
| Product | Value | Battery Life | Portability | Performance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1MacBook Air M3 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | $1099 |
#2ASUS VivoBook 15 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | $549 |
#3Acer Aspire 5 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | $549 |
#4HP Pavilion 15 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | $599 |
#5Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | $449 |
Buying Guide
Students need laptops that balance performance, portability, and price. Look for good battery life, lightweight design, and enough power for productivity apps.
What We Evaluate
30%
Value
Performance per dollar
25%
Battery Life
Hours of real-world use
20%
Portability
Weight and size
15%
Performance
Speed for everyday tasks
10%
Build Quality
Durability
Our Testing Methodology
We evaluate laptops for student needs: value, battery, and everyday performance.
Learn more about how we test →Frequently Asked Questions
Mac or Windows?▼
Depends on your needs and budget.