Best Laptops for College Students on a Budget 2024

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Finding the right laptop for students is all about striking a balance between affordability and performance, with enough battery life to last through a full day of classes. With this in mind, I’ve put together a list of the best laptops for students of all ages whether you’re heading to college or just need a reliable laptop for high school.

Choosing the best laptop can be tricky, so I’ve narrowed down the options for you. This list includes top picks from Ultrabooks, MacBooks, and Chromebooks, so no matter which operating system you prefer, there’s something here for you.

When buying a laptop for school, price (or price-for-performance) is the most important factor. Students often have a limited budget, but a new laptop is usually one of the biggest purchases they’ll make. It should be affordable yet durable enough to last through their entire course.

If you’re looking for a super-affordable option, check out our best budget laptops. But even on this list, every laptop offers great value for money. I’ve also included options for specific needs, like 2-in-1 laptops for digital artists and the M3 MacBook Air for students in creative fields.

OUR BEST PICKS

• Best Budget Laptop for Most Buyers – Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24, $299.99
• Best Budget Apple Laptop – Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020), $649.00
• Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop – Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023), $649.99
• Best Budget Gaming Laptop – Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT), $649.99
• Best Budget Business Laptop – Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1, $604.11
• Best Budget Clamshell Chromebook – Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, $445.00
• Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook – Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023), $371.00
• Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook – Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook, $284.99
• Best Extreme-Budget Chromebook – Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook, $305.69

RELATED: 2024’s Best Laptop: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide You Can’t Miss

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Best Budget Laptop for Most Buyers – Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)

The Acer Aspire 3 is a no-nonsense laptop that gets the job done without breaking the bank. It costs less than $500, making it a great pick for budget-conscious shoppers. Despite its simple design, it handles everyday tasks smoothly. With an AMD processor, Wi-Fi 6, and a battery that lasts nearly 17 hours, this laptop offers great value for its price. It’s not just affordable; it’s reliable too, which is why it’s the top budget laptop for most buyers.

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Best Budget Apple Laptop – Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020)

The MacBook Air with the M1 chip may not be the newest model, but it’s still one of the best lightweight laptops we’ve ever tested. You can find it for under $700 now, thanks to deals from retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. Even after four years, its performance is impressive, and the battery life is long-lasting. Plus, you get that classic Apple design and quality for a much lower price than usual.

If you’re looking for the cheapest MacBook, this is it. It’s brand new, and Walmart’s price even beats what you’d pay for a used one. It’s a fantastic deal for anyone who wants a portable and powerful MacBook without spending a fortune.

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Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop – Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable 2-in-1 laptop. Its 14-inch screen balances portability with the flexibility of a convertible design. With 13 hours of battery life, it can easily last through a full day. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, it’s great for browsing, working, and watching videos. Plus, it has plenty of ports and a high-quality webcam, making it a smart buy for those on a budget.

For under $600, the Flex 5i 14 offers a great mix of portability, performance, and features in a versatile 2-in-1 design. It’s a great middle ground for anyone who wants quality without big compromises.

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Best Budget Gaming Laptop – Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT)

Budget gamers often have to settle for less, but the Acer Nitro V 15 offers solid 1080p gaming for under $1,000. It avoids common issues seen in budget gaming laptops, like a poor display and weak construction. With a good selection of ports and better-than-expected build quality, this laptop even has a long-lasting battery, so you can game on the go without needing to plug in right away.

If you’re tight on cash but want a gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro V 15 is the way to go. It delivers enough performance to enjoy modern games at 1080p, all without breaking the bank. While you won’t get super detailed graphics, you’ll appreciate the stable performance, variety of ports, and long battery life.

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Best Budget Business Laptop – Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a powerful business laptop that doesn’t cost a lot. Starting at under $600, it offers a comfortable work machine with a 16-inch screen, plenty of ports, and Lenovo’s top-notch keyboard. Whether you choose Intel or AMD processors, you’re getting a well-built, budget-friendly laptop with Lenovo’s iconic design.

If you need a business laptop at a low price, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a smart choice. While it’s designed for small and medium-sized businesses, anyone looking for a reliable work laptop can appreciate it. With the trusted ThinkPad quality at an affordable price, it’s the best budget business laptop around.

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Best Budget Clamshell Chromebook – Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is part of Google’s Chromebook Plus program, which sets higher standards for affordable Chromebooks. Starting at $399, this model features a sleek design, solid performance with a Core i3 processor, and a durable build. It even has an antimicrobial coating, making it a great choice for shared use during cold and flu season.

The CX34 is perfect for students, casual users, and home-office workers who need a basic laptop without the need for touchscreen or tablet features. You’ll get a solid build, good port options, and a better experience than you’d expect for the price.

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Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook – Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)

The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023) is a rugged and versatile 2-in-1 Chromebook with category-leading AMD performance and an affordable price. With 13 hours of battery life, this Chromebook can keep up with a full day of work. Its sturdy aluminum build is certified to survive daily wear and tear. It also includes features like a full HD webcam, Wi-Fi 6, and a USB-C port.

This Chromebook is an excellent choice for almost anyone. It’s got great features like all-day battery life and powerful performance, making it perfect for productivity. Its tough aluminum build can handle the demands of classrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms alike. This Chromebook is a great deal at any price, and sometimes it’s even cheaper than the MSRP.

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Best Budget Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook – Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is a compact and portable 2-in-1 Chromebook with an 11-inch screen, a keyboard cover, and a kickstand. While it only has two USB-C ports and no headphone jack, you can easily add more connections with a dock. The combination of Lenovo’s tablet design and the flexibility of Chrome and Android apps makes this an excellent choice, especially with its affordable price.

If you’re looking for a small tablet that can also serve as a laptop, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 is worth considering. It’s got enough features and performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, emailing, and streaming, making it perfect for students, casual users, or anyone who wants value in a portable Chromebook.

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Best Extreme-Budget Chromebook – Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook

The Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a compact 2-in-1 laptop with a 12-inch screen and a budget-friendly price. It’s easy to carry and has over 8 hours of battery life, making it great for a full day of work or school. The touchscreen is responsive, and the design is flexible, with plenty of ports, making it a great alternative to more expensive Chromebooks and 2-in-1 laptops.

For anyone looking for a convertible design at a budget price, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a cost-effective choice. Whether you’re using it for school, productivity, or just browsing, this little Chromebook offers great value.

RELATED: Top 10 Ultralight Laptops for Business Travelers

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FAQ

What should I prioritize when choosing a budget laptop for college?

Focus on battery life, portability, and enough processing power for your coursework. Look for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM and a decent processor like Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.

Are refurbished laptops a good option for students?

Yes, refurbished laptops can offer great value. Just ensure they come with a warranty and have been certified by the manufacturer or a trusted retailer.

How much storage do I need on a budget laptop for college?

At least 256GB SSD is recommended. SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, which is important for quick access to your files.

Can I get a good laptop for under $500?

Absolutely! Look for models with essential features like 8GB RAM and SSD storage. Brands like Acer, Lenovo, and HP often have reliable options in this price range.

What are the most reliable brands for budget laptops?

Acer, Lenovo, and HP are known for offering reliable budget laptops that balance performance and price. Check reviews to find the best fit for your needs.