Best Laptops for College Students
🎓 Best Laptops for College Students: The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Perfect Campus Companion
From budget friendly workhorses under $500 to premium powerhouses for STEM and creative majors, here is everything you need to make the smartest laptop purchase before heading to campus.
Let's be real: choosing a college laptop can feel more stressful than picking your classes. There are hundreds of options, confusing spec sheets, and the constant fear that you will spend your (or your parents') hard earned money on the wrong machine. Nobody wants to be the student sitting in the library, watching the spinning wheel of death while their essay refuses to save. 😅
The good news? The laptop market right now is incredibly student friendly. Whether you are writing essays, crunching data in a statistics class, editing videos for your film course, or just trying to survive Zoom lectures without your webcam making you look like a pixelated ghost, there is a perfect laptop for you at nearly every budget.
I have spent weeks researching, comparing specs, reading reviews, and testing recommendations to compile this comprehensive guide. We will walk through the most important features to look for, break down the best laptops by category, and help you figure out which machine will be your faithful academic companion for the next four years. Let's dive in! 💻
📋 Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison Table: Top Picks at a Glance
- What to Look for in a College Laptop
- Best Overall: Apple MacBook Air M4 (13 inch)
- Best Windows Laptop: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
- Best 2 in 1: Lenovo Yoga 7 2 in 1 14
- Best Budget Pick: Acer Aspire Go 15
- Best Budget Windows Allrounder: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Best Premium Windows: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
- Best for Creative Majors: MacBook Pro 14 M4
- Which Laptop for Which Major?
- The Spec Sheet Decoded: What Actually Matters
- Tips, Tricks and Troubleshooting
- Student Discounts You Should Know About
- Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
📊 Quick Comparison Table: Top Picks at a Glance
Before we dig into the details, here is a side by side comparison of our top recommended laptops for college students. This should help you quickly identify which direction to go based on your priorities.
| Laptop | Best For | Display | RAM | Battery Life | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air M4 13" | Best Overall | 13.6" Liquid Retina | 16 GB | Up to 18 hrs | 2.7 lbs | ~$999 |
| ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED | Best Windows | 14" OLED 2.8K | 16/32 GB | Up to 12 hrs | 2.8 lbs | ~$800 |
| Lenovo Yoga 7 2 in 1 | Best 2 in 1 | 14" OLED Touch | 16 GB | Up to 14 hrs | 3.3 lbs | ~$750 |
| Acer Aspire Go 15 | Best Budget | 15.6" IPS FHD | 16 GB | Up to 12 hrs | 3.7 lbs | ~$300 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | Budget Allrounder | 15.6" FHD | 8 GB | Up to 9 hrs | 3.5 lbs | ~$400 |
| Surface Laptop 7 | Premium Windows | 15" PixelSense | 16 GB | Up to 16 hrs | 3.67 lbs | ~$999 |
| MacBook Pro 14 M4 | Creative Majors | 14.2" Liquid Retina XDR | 24 GB | Up to 22 hrs | 3.4 lbs | ~$1,599 |
🔍 Can't decide between two models? Use our free Laptop Compare Tool to see specs, pricing, and ratings side by side. It takes the guesswork out of your decision!
🔧 What to Look for in a College Laptop
Before throwing your money at the shiniest laptop you see, let's talk about what actually matters for college life. Spoiler: it is not always the fanciest spec sheet. Here are the key factors you should prioritize, roughly in order of importance for most students.
Battery Life: The Single Most Important Spec
If your laptop dies in the middle of a three hour lecture and you are nowhere near an outlet, you are in trouble. Aim for at least 8 to 10 hours of real world battery life. Some newer laptops with Apple M4 or Intel Lunar Lake chips are pushing well past 15 hours, which means you can leave the charger in your dorm and still get through a full day of classes. Trust me, your back will thank you when your bag is a few ounces lighter.
Portability: Your Back Will Thank You
You will be carrying this thing everywhere. Between classes, to the library, to the coffee shop, and back to your dorm. A laptop that weighs under 3.5 lbs with a screen size between 13 and 14 inches is the sweet spot for most students. If you need more screen real estate, a 15 inch model works too, but try to keep it under 4 lbs.
Performance: More Than Just Specs on Paper
Most students don't need a fire breathing gaming rig. For writing papers, browsing the web, attending video calls, and streaming, a modern processor like the Apple M4, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen 5/7 will handle everything you throw at it. Pair that with at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB is the new standard and strongly recommended), and you are golden for 90% of college tasks.
Display Quality: Easy on the Eyes
You will stare at this screen for hours every day, so make sure it does not hurt your eyes. Look for at least a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. If you can stretch your budget, an OLED panel will deliver richer colors and deeper blacks, which is especially nice for creative work and binge watching between study sessions. 🎬
Keyboard and Trackpad: The Unsung Heroes
You are going to type thousands of words on this keyboard. A mushy, cramped keyboard will make essay writing feel like punishment. If possible, go try out laptops at a physical store before buying. Your fingers will tell you which keyboard feels right faster than any review ever could.
Ports and Connectivity
Dongle life is no fun. Having at least one USB-A port, a USB-C port, and an HDMI output makes connecting to classroom projectors, external monitors, and flash drives much easier. Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 is a bonus for faster internet in crowded lecture halls and dorms.
💡 Pro Tip: Not sure which features matter most for your specific situation? Take our personalized recommendation quiz. Just answer a few quick questions about your major, budget, and preferences, and our AI will match you with the ideal laptop. It takes less than two minutes!
🏆 Best Overall: Apple MacBook Air M4 (13 inch)
Apple MacBook Air M4 13"
If I had to recommend just one laptop for college students, it would be the MacBook Air M4. It is the laptop that keeps showing up at the top of virtually every expert recommendation list, and for good reason. Apple dropped the starting price to $999 while bumping up the base RAM to 16 GB, making this the best value the Air line has ever offered.
The M4 chip delivers incredible performance for everyday student tasks, and it handles more demanding workloads like video editing and coding without breaking a sweat (literally, since it is fanless and completely silent). The battery life is bonkers, with Apple claiming up to 18 hours and real world tests consistently hitting 14 to 15 hours. That is a full day of classes, study sessions, and Netflix without touching a charger. 🔋
The 13.6 inch Liquid Retina display is bright, color accurate, and easy on the eyes during marathon study sessions. The 12MP Center Stage webcam makes you look sharp on Zoom calls (no more blurry shadow look). And at just 2.7 lbs, it practically disappears in your backpack.
Pros:
- Outstanding battery life (up to 18 hours)
- Fanless, completely silent operation
- Lightweight at just 2.7 lbs
- 16 GB RAM standard
- Excellent build quality
- Supports two external displays with lid open
Cons:
- Base model only has 256 GB storage
- Limited to two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports
- No touchscreen
- 60Hz display (no high refresh rate)
- Not ideal if your program requires Windows software
💻 Best Windows Laptop: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
If you prefer Windows (or need it for your major), the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED is a knockout. Starting around $800 for the base config and around $1,100 to $1,300 for the well specced versions, it delivers an all metal build, gorgeous OLED display, and strong Intel or AMD processors at a price that undercuts much of the competition.
The 14 inch OLED panel is genuinely stunning. Rich colors, perfect blacks, and a crisp 2.8K resolution at 120Hz on the higher spec models make everything from reading lecture notes to watching tutorials a visual treat. 🖥️ The laptop weighs just about 2.8 lbs and measures under 0.6 inches thick, so portability is excellent.
You get a proper selection of ports too, including USB-A, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and a headphone jack. No dongles needed for most situations, which is a major advantage over the MacBook Air.
Pros:
- Gorgeous OLED display with accurate colors
- Great port selection including HDMI
- Lightweight, premium all metal design
- Strong performance with Intel or AMD chips
- Competitive pricing for what you get
Cons:
- Base model limited to 8 GB RAM and 60Hz
- Glossy screen can be reflective outdoors
- Keyboard feel may not suit everyone
- Battery life decent but not class leading
🔄 Best 2 in 1: Lenovo Yoga 7 2 in 1 14
Lenovo Yoga 7 2 in 1 14
For students who want maximum flexibility, the Lenovo Yoga 7 2 in 1 is a fantastic choice. Its 360 degree hinge lets you flip between laptop mode for typing, tent mode for watching lectures, and full tablet mode for note taking with a stylus. If you like handwriting your notes (studies show it helps retention!), this is the laptop for you. ✍️
The 14 inch OLED touchscreen displays vibrant colors and deep contrast, and the 16:10 aspect ratio gives you extra vertical space that is perfect for scrolling through documents and web pages. Battery life runs around 14 hours, which is impressive for a 2 in 1 with an OLED display.
Under the hood, you get solid performance from AMD or Intel processors, and the keyboard is surprisingly comfortable for a convertible. The optional Yoga Pen adds a real writing on paper feel that makes digital note taking genuinely enjoyable.
Pros:
- 360 degree hinge for tablet, tent, and laptop modes
- Beautiful OLED touchscreen
- Great for handwritten notes with stylus
- Solid battery life
- Good value at around $750
Cons:
- Pen often sold separately
- Slightly heavier at 3.3 lbs
- Not a gaming machine
💰 Best Budget Pick: Acer Aspire Go 15
Acer Aspire Go 15
College is expensive enough without your laptop draining your savings. The Acer Aspire Go 15 proves you do not need to spend a fortune to get a reliable college machine. For around $300, you get a spacious 15.6 inch 1080p display, 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and a full day of battery life. That is a ridiculous amount of value. 🤯
Let's be clear about expectations: this is not a speed demon. The Intel Core i3 processor handles browsing, writing papers, streaming lectures, and running Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 without complaints. But it will struggle with heavy multitasking, video editing, or anything graphically intensive. For the majority of students who need a reliable tool for everyday academic work, though, it punches way above its weight class.
The keyboard has decent travel and feels comfortable for longer typing sessions, and the port selection is generous with USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. Battery life hovers around 7 to 12 hours depending on workload, which covers most of a school day.
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable at under $300
- 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD at this price
- Spacious 15.6 inch FHD display
- Good port variety
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- Budget Intel processor limits heavy workloads
- No touchscreen or backlit keyboard
- Plastic build (not as premium feeling)
- A bit heavier at 3.7 lbs
🎯 Best Budget Windows Allrounder: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has been a student favorite for years and continues to deliver excellent value. For around $400, you get a laptop that feels a notch above its price thanks to a sturdy build, smooth performance, and reliable day to day usability. It is the kind of laptop that just works without fuss, exactly what you need when you have a paper due at midnight. 📝
Configurations typically come with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB RAM (some configs offer 16 GB), and 256 to 512 GB SSD storage. The 15.6 inch Full HD display is comfortable for extended reading and writing, and the keyboard has a nice tactile feel that typing heavy students will appreciate. Battery life runs 8 to 9 hours in typical use.
Lenovo's build quality tends to feel slightly more robust than competing budget models. The IdeaPad 3 is not going to win any beauty contests, but it is reliable, functional, and gets the job done without drama.
Pros:
- Strong performance for the price
- Reliable Lenovo build quality
- Comfortable keyboard for extended typing
- Good variety of configurations
Cons:
- Base models may have only 8 GB RAM
- Display brightness could be higher
- Design is functional but not flashy
✨ Best Premium Windows: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition
If you want the Windows equivalent of the MacBook Air experience, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is as close as it gets. The build quality is outstanding, with clean lines and a minimalist design that looks right at home in any lecture hall or coffee shop. It simply feels great to use. 🌟
Powered by Snapdragon X processors, the Surface Laptop 7 delivers impressive battery life (often exceeding 14 to 16 hours) while keeping performance snappy for everyday tasks. The display is bright, sharp, and offers great color accuracy for a non OLED panel. The keyboard and trackpad are among the best in the Windows world.
The main trade off is a limited port selection. You get USB-C and USB-A, but no HDMI, which means you may need a dongle for classroom projectors. If you value build quality, battery life, and a refined experience over raw port count, the Surface Laptop is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Outstanding build quality and design
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
- Impressive battery life
- Beautiful high resolution display
- Available in 13.8 and 15 inch sizes
Cons:
- Limited ports (no HDMI)
- Snapdragon has some app compatibility quirks
- Starting price around $999
🎨 Best for Creative Majors: MacBook Pro 14 M4
Apple MacBook Pro 14" (M4/M4 Pro)
If your major involves video editing, 3D rendering, music production, graphic design, or any other resource hungry creative work, the MacBook Pro 14 is the machine that will never let you down. The M4 chip (or the even more powerful M4 Pro) chews through Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Logic Pro, and other demanding apps like they are nothing. 🎥
The 14.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR display is absolutely breathtaking, with ProMotion technology delivering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and incredible HDR performance. Colors are dead accurate, which is critical for design and video work. Battery life reaches up to 22 hours on the M4 Pro model, which is frankly absurd for a laptop this powerful.
Yes, it is expensive. The starting price around $1,599 is a significant investment. But if your academic work (and future career) depends on creative software running smoothly, this is the laptop that will serve you through college and well into your professional life.
Pros:
- Unmatched performance for creative tasks
- Stunning XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion
- Insane battery life (up to 22 hours)
- Excellent speaker system and webcam
- Will last years beyond graduation
Cons:
- Expensive starting at $1,599
- Heavier at 3.4 lbs
- Overkill for basic student tasks
🎓 Which Laptop for Which Major?
One of the most common questions I get is "What laptop should I buy for my major?" Your field of study can significantly impact which specs and features matter most. Here is a quick breakdown to point you in the right direction.
Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences
If your day revolves around writing papers, reading articles, building presentations, and attending Zoom meetings, you do not need a powerhouse. Focus on battery life, a great keyboard, and portability. The MacBook Air M4, ASUS Zenbook 14, or even a well specced Chromebook will serve you beautifully. 8 to 16 GB RAM and an SSD are all you need.
STEM and Engineering
Science, engineering, and math programs often require specific software (MATLAB, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SPSS) that can be demanding. You will want at least 16 GB RAM, a strong multi core processor, and in some cases a dedicated GPU. Check with your department before buying, as some software is Windows only. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED or a higher end Lenovo ThinkPad are solid choices here.
Computer Science and Programming
Programmers need a machine that can handle IDEs, virtual machines, Docker containers, and compilation without choking. 16 GB RAM is the minimum, and 32 GB is even better if you are running VMs. A comfortable keyboard is also crucial since you will be typing code for hours. Both the MacBook Air M4 (macOS has a great terminal and dev ecosystem) and the ASUS Zenbook 14 or Lenovo ThinkPad are popular choices among CS students.
Creative Arts, Film, and Design
Video editing, graphic design, 3D modeling, and music production need serious muscle. Aim for 16 to 32 GB RAM, a powerful CPU, and a color accurate display. The MacBook Pro 14 M4 is the gold standard here, though Windows alternatives like the Dell XPS 15 or Lenovo Yoga Pro models also work well. An OLED display is a big plus for color critical work. 🎨
Online and Remote Students
If you are attending classes remotely, prioritize webcam quality, microphone clarity, and reliability. You will be on video calls for hours, so a laptop that handles Google Meet or Zoom without lag is essential. The HP Pavilion x360 and Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 are both popular among online students for their solid webcams and stable performance during long virtual sessions.
🎯 Still unsure? Different majors have wildly different requirements. Use our AI powered recommendation quiz to get a personalized suggestion based on your exact major, budget, and usage patterns. It is free and takes just a couple of minutes.
🔍 The Spec Sheet Decoded: What Actually Matters
Spec sheets can feel like reading another language if you are not a tech person. Let me break down the numbers that actually matter for college students so you can make an informed choice without a computer science degree. 😉
Processor (CPU): The Brain
The processor determines how fast your laptop thinks. For college tasks, here is the quick guide:
- Apple M4: Outstanding performance and battery efficiency. The gold standard for most students.
- Intel Core Ultra (Series 2): Great for battery life and thermals. Solid for both everyday use and light gaming.
- Intel Core i5/i7 (Arrow Lake): More raw power, good for heavier workloads.
- AMD Ryzen 5/7 (Zen 5): Excellent multi threaded performance at competitive prices.
- Intel Core i3 / Ryzen 3: Fine for basic tasks on a budget. Will handle browsing, writing, and streaming.
⚠️ Watch out for: Qualcomm Snapdragon processors on Windows laptops offer great battery life, but they run the ARM version of Windows, which can have compatibility issues with some specialized academic software and games. Double check your program's software requirements before buying a Snapdragon based machine.
RAM (Memory): The Multitasking Muscle
RAM determines how many things your laptop can juggle at once. Here is what you need:
- 8 GB: The bare minimum. Fine for light tasks, but can feel restrictive with lots of browser tabs plus Zoom plus Spotify.
- 16 GB: The sweet spot for most students. Handles multitasking comfortably and will last you through all four years.
- 32 GB: Only necessary if you are editing video, running virtual machines, or working with large datasets.
Storage: SSD Is Non Negotiable
Always get an SSD (Solid State Drive), never an old school HDD. SSDs are dramatically faster for boot times, file transfers, and app loading. For storage size:
- 256 GB: Tight. You will need to be disciplined about managing files and lean on cloud storage.
- 512 GB: The comfortable middle ground for most students.
- 1 TB: Ideal if you work with large media files or want plenty of headroom.
Display: Your Window to Productivity
At minimum, get a 1920x1080 (Full HD) display. Higher resolutions like 2K or 2.8K are noticeably sharper, especially on OLED panels. A 16:10 aspect ratio gives you more vertical space than the older 16:9 ratio, which is really helpful for reading documents and coding. Screen brightness of at least 300 nits is recommended, especially if you study outdoors or in bright environments.
🛠️ Tips, Tricks and Troubleshooting
You have picked out the perfect laptop. Excellent! Now here are some tips to make sure it serves you well throughout your entire college career.
Setting Up Your New Laptop for College
- Update everything first. Before you install anything, run all operating system and driver updates. This prevents a ton of headaches down the road.
- Set up cloud backup immediately. Whether it is iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, get your files backing up from day one. Losing a term paper because your laptop died is a nightmare nobody needs.
- Install a good antivirus. Windows users especially should have proper security software. MacOS is not immune to threats either, so stay smart online.
- Organize your files early. Create a clear folder structure by semester and subject. Future you will be grateful when searching for that random file from last semester.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl+Z (undo), Ctrl+Shift+T (reopen closed tab), and Alt+Tab (switch windows) will save you hours over four years. Seriously. ⌨️
Making Your Battery Last Longer
- Lower your screen brightness to 50 to 70%. Your eyes adjust quickly, and the battery savings are significant.
- Use dark mode when possible, especially on OLED displays. Dark pixels use less power.
- Close tabs and apps you are not using. Each open Chrome tab eats RAM and battery.
- Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you do not need them.
- Use your laptop's built in battery saver or power management mode during long lecture days.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
My laptop is running slow: Close unnecessary browser tabs (yes, all 47 of them), check for background processes eating resources, and make sure your storage is not almost full. Running low on storage dramatically slows down any machine.
Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting: Update your Wi-Fi drivers, forget the network and reconnect, or switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands if available. Campus Wi-Fi can be finicky, so sitting closer to an access point helps too.
My laptop overheats in lectures: Make sure the vents are not blocked (looking at you, blanket users), use it on a hard flat surface, and consider a lightweight laptop cooling pad for intensive study sessions.
Battery drains faster than expected: Check which apps are consuming the most battery in your settings, disable startup programs you don't need, and make sure your operating system and drivers are up to date.
Screen is too dim outdoors: Increase brightness manually (auto brightness does not always react fast enough), seek shade, or invest in a matte screen protector to reduce glare. 🌞
🔋 Protect your investment: Get a good laptop sleeve or case. College backpacks are not gentle environments. A $20 sleeve can prevent a $1,000 repair. Also consider getting a laptop lock if you study in public places and need to step away.
🎒 Student Discounts You Should Know About
Before you hit that buy button, check for student discounts! Many manufacturers offer significant savings when you verify your student status with a .edu email or student ID. Here are some of the best ones to look into:
- Apple Education Store: Discounted pricing on all Macs and iPads, plus occasional free AirPods promotions during back to school season.
- Lenovo Student Store: Up to 20% off on select models. Their deals during back to school season are especially good.
- Dell University: Student discounts and bundle deals throughout the academic year.
- Microsoft Education Store: Discounts on Surface devices and free access to Microsoft 365 for students.
- ASUS Student Deals: Regular promotions and cashback offers for verified students.
- Your campus bookstore: Many universities have vendor relationships that offer exclusive deals to enrolled students. Always check before buying elsewhere!
Also, keep an eye on back to school sales events in July and August. Retailers often drop laptop prices to Black Friday levels during this period. If your timing is flexible, this is when you will score the best deals. 💸
🏁 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Choosing the right laptop for college does not have to be stressful. With a clear understanding of your needs, your major's requirements, and your budget, you can narrow down the field quickly and find a machine that will serve you beautifully for years to come.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- For most students: The Apple MacBook Air M4 is the best all around choice with unbeatable battery life, performance, and build quality at $999.
- For Windows fans: The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED offers incredible value with a stunning OLED display, good performance, and versatile port selection starting around $800.
- On a tight budget: The Acer Aspire Go 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 prove you can get a reliable college machine for under $500 without compromising on the essentials.
- For creatives and power users: The MacBook Pro 14 M4 is an investment that will pay off through college and your early career.
- Prioritize in this order: Battery life first, then portability, performance, display quality, and finally keyboard comfort.
- 16 GB RAM is the new standard. Do not settle for less if your budget allows.
- Always check for student discounts before purchasing. You could save hundreds.
- Try before you buy if possible. Visit a retail store and test the keyboard, trackpad, and weight.
🔍 Need more help deciding? Use our Laptop Compare Tool to stack any two models side by side, or take our personalized recommendation quiz for a tailored suggestion. Happy laptop hunting! 🎓
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should I spend on a college laptop?
A: For most students, the sweet spot is between $700 and $1,200. You can find excellent options in this range that will last all four years. Budget shoppers can find solid machines under $500, and students in demanding programs (engineering, film, design) may need to spend $1,200 to $1,600 for the performance they require.
Q: Mac or Windows for college?
A: It depends on your major and preferences. Macs are excellent for general use, creative work, and if you already own Apple devices. Windows is essential if your program uses specific software (like certain engineering or business applications) that is not available on macOS. Always check your department's requirements before deciding.
Q: Is a Chromebook good enough for college?
A: For students whose work is primarily web based (Google Docs, email, research, streaming), a Chromebook can be a great budget option. However, if you need to run desktop applications, specialized software, or do anything beyond browser based tasks, a Windows laptop or Mac will serve you much better.
Q: Should I get a 2 in 1 laptop?
A: If you like handwriting notes or sketching, a 2 in 1 with stylus support is a fantastic choice. If you primarily type and do not plan to use tablet mode, a traditional clamshell laptop usually offers better performance and value for the same price.
Q: How long should a college laptop last?
A: A well chosen laptop should comfortably last four years of college. Premium models from Apple and Lenovo often last even longer. To maximize lifespan, take care of the battery (avoid leaving it plugged in at 100% all the time), keep the software updated, and invest in a protective case.
Q: Is 8 GB RAM still enough?
A: For basic tasks, yes. But 16 GB is strongly recommended as the new minimum. Modern browsers, video conferencing apps, and even basic multitasking can push 8 GB to its limits. If you plan to keep the laptop for four years, 16 GB gives you much more breathing room.
📺 Watch: Best Laptops for College Students
Want a visual overview? Check out this helpful video breakdown of the top student laptops and what to look for when shopping:
Written with 💚 by the LaptopHunter team. Last updated February 2026.
