We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Laptops For College Students

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
By clicking on a link to a third party's website, log data is shared with that third party.

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dell Inspiron 15 3535 15.6 inch FHD+ (1920 x 1080) Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Processor, AMD Radeon Graphics, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, English Keyboard, Carboon Black

10.0  score

Available on
£265.72
View Product
View more options
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,160
Performance
Storage
Performance
Performance is impressive for everyday tasks, with faster boot times and application launches compared to older models.
Storage
Storage capacity is generous, though actual available space is slightly reduced due to pre-installed software, easily expandable with an external SSD.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 is a solid choice for college students, primarily due to its combination of performance, storage, and display features. With a 15.6-inch Full HD display, enhanced by a 120Hz refresh rate and anti-glare coating, it offers clear and vibrant visuals that are ideal for studying and media consumption. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor ensures competent performance for everyday tasks and the 8GB of RAM allows for multitasking, which is suitable for typical college workloads.

For storage, the laptop is equipped with a 512GB SSD, providing quick access to files and fast boot-up times, which are beneficial for students who need to manage large files and multiple applications. Running on Windows 11 Home, it provides a familiar and user-friendly interface for students. In terms of portability, the laptop weighs 1.66 kg, which is manageable for carrying between lectures and study sessions. However, some might find it slightly on the heavier side for daily commute. The battery life, with 41 Watt hours, should be sufficient for moderate use, but might require additional charging throughout the day for more intensive usage.

Connectivity is a strong point with this model, offering Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and a variety of ports including HDMI and USB, making it easy to connect to other devices and networks. This flexibility is great for students needing to connect with projectors or other peripherals. While it lacks an optical drive, this may not be a significant drawback for most modern users, who rely more on USB and digital downloads. The backlit keyboard is a nice addition, aiding in late-night study sessions. The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 effectively balances performance and features, making it a reliable choice for college students looking for a laptop that can handle both academic and entertainment needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,160
Performance
Storage
Performance
Performance is impressive for everyday tasks, with faster boot times and application launches compared to older models.
Storage
Storage capacity is generous, though actual available space is slightly reduced due to pre-installed software, easily expandable with an external SSD.
#2

ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA 15.6" Full HD Laptop (Intel i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Windows 11 Home)

9.4  score

Available on
£401.71
View Product
View more options
Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Performance
Storage
Battery Life
Battery life is decent, though carrying a charger might be necessary for extended use.
Performance
Upgrading the RAM is straightforward, with support up to 40GB after a BIOS update, significantly boosting performance.
Storage
A fantastic value for its specifications, including an Intel i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
Operating System
Out-of-the-box updates are necessary but manageable, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

The ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA is a solid choice for college students thanks to its well-balanced features. It boasts a powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor and 16GB of RAM, providing excellent performance for multitasking, running applications, and handling educational tasks smoothly. The 1TB PCIe SSD offers ample storage space for documents, multimedia files, and software, which is great for students who need to store a lot of data.

Additionally, the laptop comes with Windows 11 Home, which offers a modern operating system with enhanced security and user-friendly features. The 15.6-inch Full HD display ensures clear and vibrant visuals, perfect for studying and entertainment. Portability is decent with a weight of 1.7 kg, making it relatively easy to carry around campus. However, it might feel a bit heavy for those looking for ultra-light laptops.

The average battery life is around 8 hours, which should be sufficient for a day of classes but might require carrying a charger for longer sessions. Connectivity options are robust, including multiple USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, ensuring fast and reliable internet connections. One drawback is the integrated Intel HD Graphics, which might not be suitable for heavy graphic-intensive tasks or gaming. In summary, the ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA is a reliable and well-rounded laptop for college students, offering good performance and ample storage, though it could improve in terms of graphics capabilities and weight.

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Performance
Storage
Battery Life
Battery life is decent, though carrying a charger might be necessary for extended use.
Performance
Upgrading the RAM is straightforward, with support up to 40GB after a BIOS update, significantly boosting performance.
Storage
A fantastic value for its specifications, including an Intel i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
Operating System
Out-of-the-box updates are necessary but manageable, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
#3

Dell G15 5530 15.6" FHD 165Hz Gaming Laptop, Intel Core i7-13650HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060-8GB, 16GB RAM DDR5, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, English-UK-Irish Qwerty Backlit Keyboard, Dark Shadow Grey

Rating
9.1
Portability
Battery Life
Performance
Portability
Despite being heavier and chunkier than ultra-portable models, the solid build quality makes it durable and reliable for long-term use.
Battery Life
The large, brick-like power adapter and relatively fast battery drain under high performance slightly impact mobility but are manageable when plugged in.
Performance
The laptop delivers impressive performance for both gaming and demanding tasks, handling large photo and video libraries smoothly without lag.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are good, though an extra USB port would have been beneficial; using a USB extension is an easy workaround.

The Dell G15 5530 is a powerful laptop that stands out with its strong performance thanks to the Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics. This combination makes it excellent not just for gaming but also for demanding tasks like video editing or running multiple apps smoothly. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD offer plenty of fast storage and memory, which helps with quick startups and ample space for files or games.

Its 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 165Hz refresh rate delivers sharp, smooth visuals and reduced blue light, which is easier on the eyes during long study or gaming sessions. On the connectivity front, it includes several USB ports, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 6, so connecting to peripherals or the internet should be hassle-free. The laptop runs Windows 11 Home, offering a familiar environment suitable for both work and entertainment.

Regarding portability, the Dell G15 weighs around 2.65 kg and is a bit thicker than ultra-portable models, which might be noticeable when carrying it around campus daily. This laptop is well suited for students who want a robust machine capable of gaming, creative work, and multitasking, but who don't mind a slightly heavier device that may need regular charging.

Rating
9.1
Portability
Battery Life
Performance
Portability
Despite being heavier and chunkier than ultra-portable models, the solid build quality makes it durable and reliable for long-term use.
Battery Life
The large, brick-like power adapter and relatively fast battery drain under high performance slightly impact mobility but are manageable when plugged in.
Performance
The laptop delivers impressive performance for both gaming and demanding tasks, handling large photo and video libraries smoothly without lag.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are good, though an extra USB port would have been beneficial; using a USB extension is an easy workaround.

Buying Guide for the Best Laptops For College Students

Choosing the right laptop for college is crucial as it will be your companion for taking notes, completing assignments, and possibly even for entertainment. The ideal laptop should be portable, powerful enough to handle your coursework, and have a battery life that lasts through your classes. It's important to consider what you'll be using the laptop for, as different fields of study may have different requirements. For instance, an engineering student might need a more powerful machine than a literature student. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a laptop for college.
PortabilityPortability is determined by the size and weight of the laptop. This is important because you'll likely be carrying your laptop around campus all day. Laptops with screen sizes between 11 to 14 inches are generally considered portable and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a backpack. If you need a larger screen for tasks like graphic design, you might opt for a 15-inch model, but keep in mind it will be heavier. Consider how much you'll be moving around with your laptop to decide the right balance between screen size and portability.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial for students who spend long hours on campus without access to power outlets. A laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours is ideal for a full day of classes and study sessions. Some laptops offer extended battery life of 10-12 hours, which can be beneficial if you have a particularly long day. Consider your daily schedule and how often you'll be able to charge your laptop to determine the battery life you need.
PerformancePerformance is determined by the processor (CPU), RAM, and storage type. For most students, a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) will provide a good balance of performance and efficiency. If you're studying a field that requires more intensive software, like video editing or 3D modeling, you might need a more powerful processor (like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7) and more RAM (16GB or more). Consider the software you'll be using for your studies to choose the right performance level.
StorageStorage capacity determines how much data you can keep on your laptop. An SSD is preferred over a traditional hard drive because it is faster and more reliable. For most students, 256GB of SSD storage is sufficient for storing documents, applications, and some media. If you plan to store a lot of large files, such as videos or design projects, you might need 512GB or more. Consider your storage needs based on the type of files you'll be handling.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that supports a computer's basic functions. The most common options are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows is versatile and compatible with most software, making it a good choice for a wide range of students. macOS is popular among students in creative fields due to its design and media capabilities. Chrome OS is lightweight and works well for web-based tasks, making it suitable for students who primarily use cloud-based applications. Consider the software you'll need for your studies and your personal preference when choosing an OS.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi are important for connecting your laptop to other devices and networks. Most students will need at least a couple of USB ports for peripherals like a mouse or external hard drive, and an HDMI port can be useful for connecting to projectors or external monitors. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest standard and offers faster and more reliable connections, which can be beneficial in crowded campus environments. Consider the devices you'll need to connect to and the type of network access you'll have on campus.