Education is becoming increasingly digital, which means that our review of the top 10 laptops for college students could prove invaluable. As you’re picking a laptop for college, it’s important to consider the factors that make it usable for students. The model should be lightweight enough to carry to class or the library, and powerful enough to handle multiple programs simultaneously. Don’t forget to consider the student’s major — marketing, photography, or art majors will need excellent graphics capabilities, while an engineering student might need a powerful processor that can handle modeling and data processing. For maximum flexibility, you can also consider a laptop that doubles as a tablet for easy movie-watching in the dorm.

1. HP Envy 13-inch Thin Laptop

Keep your personal data safe at college with this HP Envy laptop. A fingerprint reader on the laptop unlocks it with a simple tap, so you can get into the computer without entering a password. This model is 13 inches, so it’s small enough to fit into a laptop bag or backpack. The micro-edge bezel helps you get the biggest possible screen area, and the touch-screen design allows multiple operating options. Shipped with Windows 10 Home, this computer is compatible with almost any program college students need to use.

2. Apple MacBook Air

When it comes to majors like graphic design and marketing, the Apple MacBook Air is one of the best laptops for college students. It’s built with Intel HD Graphics 6000 technology and a dual-core Intel i5 processor, so it can handle photos, videos, animation, and illustration. The ultra-slim, lightweight body doesn’t add bulk or extra weight, and the 8GB memory helps you tackle multiple operations at once. Choose from a variety of hard-drive sizes to accommodate your class load.

3. ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Durable Laptop

Tough and compact, this ASUS ZenBook is designed to stand up to the rigors of college life. The screen size is 13.3 inches, giving you plenty of room to write papers or browse the internet. Plus, with the NanoEdge bezel design, the outer frame is barely noticeable. With 16GB of RAM, you don’t have to worry about slowdowns or lag time, even when you’re running many tabs and multiple programs. The ErgoLift hinge and integrated cooling system make it easy to type while sitting on a couch or at a desk.

4. Dell XPS 9370 Laptop

Sleek and stylish, the Dell XPS 9370 laptop is a beautiful addition to your dorm room. Watch movies or do homework on the 4K Ultra HD screen, and use the full-size chiclet keyboard for easy typing. Worried about hackers or data theft? There’s even a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button that keeps out unauthorized people. Use the Thunderbolt ports to transfer information, and connect a wireless mouse with the Bluetooth technology. With its Intel Core 8th generation processor, this computer runs quickly and smoothly.

5. Asus C302CA-DHM4 Chromebook Flip

Enjoy the easy typing of a laptop and the convenience of a tablet with this Asus Chromebook Flip, which is one of the best cheap laptops for college students. The keyboard makes it easy to write term papers or do homework; when you need to take a movie break, simply flip the keyboard and use the touchscreen as a tablet. The full-rotation hinge turns the keyboard into a stand for easier viewing. Inside, an Intel Core processor and 4GB of RAM keeps all of your programs running smoothly. Plus, with a battery life of up to 10 hours, you can work on this laptop all day without needing to plugin.

6. Lenovo Yoga 710-15 15.6″ FHD Touch-Screen

Lightweight and affordable, this Lenovo Yoga 710-15 laptop is a great option for college students. The magic is in the rotating hinge, which enables you to transform this laptop into a tablet with a quick motion. Use the touchscreen or the trackpad to operate the computer, and rely on the LED backlight for maximum visibility. Packaged with Windows 10 Home, this laptop is compatible with most programs for any college major.

7. 2019 HP Spectre x360 2-in-1

Bid farewell to the need for a laptop and a tablet with this 2019 HP Spectre. This powerful device packs both into one unit. Use the touchscreen to operate the Spectre like a tablet, or flip the keyboard around for traditional laptop-style functionality. This computer even ships with an HP Stylus pen, so you can sketch or take notes by hand. With its 4K IPS screen, it’s a breeze to see your programs from any angle, in any lighting condition. The micro-edge bezel makes the most of your screen and eliminates wasted space.

8. HP 2-in-1 12.3″ Touch-Screen Chromebook

One of the top laptops for college students, the HP 2-in-1 Chromebook makes it easy to go from studying to relaxing. The sleek metal frame looks cool and contemporary, and the widescreen design allows you to see movies in perfect clarity. At just 12.3 inches, this Chromebook is a breeze to carry around campus. Video chat with friends back home using the integrated camera or take pictures with the front-facing camera. This model comes with a Chrome operating system, so it’s best for web-based applications and internet use.

9. Microsoft Surface Laptop

Ultra-thin and light, this Microsoft Surface laptop is a comfortable choice for a busy college student. It’s renewed, so you get the same excellent performance and a lower price tag. Running on an Intel Core i5 processor, this model offers blazing fast speeds to help you get through assignments in less time. Engineered with Intel HD Graphics 620 technology, this computer makes every detail of your word processor, web browser, or movie look clear and crisp.

10. Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Flagship High-Performance Laptop

When it comes to affordable laptops for college students, it’s hard to beat this Dell Inspiron laptop. We love the 15.6-inch screen, which provides a huge amount of space for design, data processing, and other detailed applications. The Intel Core i5 processor runs your programs efficiently, and the 8GB DDR4 RAM ensures that your commands are executed smoothly.

A great laptop is a must for a college student — making it easy to take notes, do homework, and stay connected, both in the dorm room and around campus. When you’re looking for laptops for college students, models that are light, portable, and powerful are your best bet.

Related:

• Top 10 Best Laptops for Business School
• Top 10 Best Laptops for Everyday Use
• Top 10 Best Laptops for Graphic Designers
• Top 10 Best Laptops for High School Students
• Top 10 Best Laptops for Kids
• Top 10 Best Laptops for Photographers
• Top 10 Best Laptops for Under $1000

By BCR Staff

October 2019