The best laptops for college students

Were all contending with a return to normalcy, and going back to school likely feels strange yet exciting. Whether youre heading to a physical campus, taking classes online or a mix of both, a laptop is sure to be the control center for your studies.

And things have changed quitWhether youre heading to a physical campus, taking classes online or a mix of both, a laptop is sure to be the control center for your studies. Getting a new machine can better help you stay on top of your schedule and handle your furious multitasking with dozens of tabs devoted to research while you write your essays. Given were still dealing with ongoing inflation and the global chip supply shortage, you might be concerned about rising prices or what might be in stock. The good news is, companies are still making a ton of new laptops, and there are plenty of models for you to consider. We compiled this guide to help you make the right choice, alongside a list of this years best laptops.

What to expect

Since the introduction of Apples M1-powered MacBooks and Windows 11 last year, not much has changed significantly. Apple unveiled its new M2 system-on-chip (SoC), alongside two laptops that are equipped with it, including a redesigned MacBook Air. Meanwhile, new PCs keep getting announced, with models this year typically powered by 12th-gen Intel processors or the latest AMD Ryzen chips.

Though the shift to ARM-based systems has been successful for Apple, the PC industry is still struggling to keep up, and Windows on ARM is still tough to recommend. Snapdragon laptops may look and feel sleek, offer excellent battery life and built-in cellular radios, but theyre typically quite expensive, especially considering their limited app compatibility.

Speaking of, most laptops with top-of-the-line specs can cost you around $1,800 to $2,000 these days. For most students, though, a midrange machine might be enough. Depending on your field of study, you could get by with an Intel Core i3 processor or equivalent, with at least 6GB of RAM. If you need to run specialized software for design or programming, consider upgrading to a beefier system with more memory. On the other hand, if you do most of your coursework online or in a browser, getting a Chromebook could save you a lot of money.

Youll also want to pay attention to a devices weight. There are a lot of premium ultraportables in the 13-inch category, with chips like Intels Core i3 or i5, that cost around $1,000. And if thats too expensive, youll still have respectable options in the $600 to $800 range, but they might be heavier and use older, slower processors. Ive included our favorite budget-friendly model in this roundup but we also have a complete guide to more-affordable laptops that you can check out as well.

With some laptop makers deciding to get rid of headphone jacks this year, its important to check specs lists when youre shopping for newer machines. If you dont have wireless headphones or use equipment that plugs into the 3.5mm jack, youll want to steer clear of devices like Dells new XPS 13 Plus.

Finally, while most laptops in 2022 offer WiFi 6 or 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 or later, the compatible routers or other devices that would enable those faster connections arent very prevalent yet. Chances are, your campus WiFi might still be stuck on an older setup, so its not crucial that you get a system with the latest standards yet. Of course, it doesnt hurt to get a laptop thats future-proof, but just know that of all the things to look out for, WiFi 6E shouldnt be a dealbreaker in your decision-making process.

Engadget Picks

Best Apple: MacBook Air M1

Apple

Though Apple just released the new MacBook Air with M2, we have yet to fully test its performance and battery life. Plus, it costs $200 more than the M1 model, which is still retailing for $999. In fact, even though its older, the M1 MacBook Air is a solid machine, outperforming many PCs while maintaining a fanless design, which is why were recommending it over the new model. Youll still get a great keyboard and excellent battery life, along with a nice Retina display.

Of course, it uses a 720p webcam, while the new model has a sharper 1080p setup housed in a notch. The latter also has thinner display bezels that make it look more modern, as well as a Magsafe port that lets you keep charging while still having access to the devices two USB-C ports. But if youre already living a largely wireless life and dont mind a not-so-great camera, you might find the M1 MacBook Air is a better deal.

If you can wait a little longer and can spare the extra $200, the new MacBook Air could be worth considering. It also comes in a fresh Midnight shade which could set you apart from the sea of silver or gray in your lecture hall.

Best Windows: Dell XPS 13 Plus

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The best PC has long been Dells well-rounded XPS 13 series and I still recommend it to anyone that doesnt want a Mac. Yes, the new XPS 13 Plus lacks a headphone jack, and we havent got one in to test yet. But the XPS 13 is a well-rounded machine and reliable workhorse that will get you through classes and late-night writing sessions without breaking a sweat.

Like its predecessors, the XPS 13 Plus offers a lovely OLED screen with impressively thin bezels and packs a roomy, comfortable keyboard. It also features a new minimalist design that looks more modern. Im not sure about the row of capacitive keys at the top in lieu of traditional function keys, but from our time with an early sample, they at least worked.

If you dont like the changes Dell has made to the XPS 13, or if you definitely need a headphone jack, the older generations are still solid options. Theres also the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro series, which feature beautiful OLED screens and sharper webcams in thin and light frames. I also like Microsofts Surface Laptops, and the most recent edition offers great performance and battery life, albeit in an outdated design.

Best for gaming: Razer Blade 15

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Just because your laptop might primarily be for school or work doesnt mean you cant use it for fun. Those looking to game on their machines should prioritize responsive screens and ample ports for their favorite accessories that can best help them defeat their virtual enemies. If youre considering a gaming-first machine that you can use for school, check out our guide to buying a gaming laptop. It covers details about different CPUs and GPUs, minimum specs and more. Our favorite gaming laptop is the Razer Blade 15, which has an Intel Core i7 processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics for $2,500.

Its the most expensive item on this list, but you also get a 15-inch quad HD screen that refreshes at 240Hz. Different configurations are available, depending on your preference, including a Full HD 360Hz and a 4K 144Hz version. The Blade series is also one of the most polished gaming laptops around.

Those looking for something cheaper and more portable should consider the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, which was our favorite model last year. The main reason it got bumped down a notch is because the 2022 refresh is almost $600 more expensive. Its still a solid gaming laptop though, with an excellent display, roomy trackpad and plenty of ports in spite of its thin profile.

Best Chromebook: Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook

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If you can do most of your schoolwork through web-based apps, a Chromebook is worth considering. Sure they dont generally look fancy, nor have high-end specs. But theyre often more affordable and have longer battery life. Our favorite Chromebook is Lenovos Flex 5 Chromebook, which Engadgets resident Chrome OS aficionado Nathan Ingraham described as a tremendous value.

This laptop nails the basics, with a 13-inch Full HD touchscreen, a fantastic keyboard and a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor. The 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage may sound meager, but in our testing the Flex 5 held up in spite of this constraint. Its also nice to see one USB-A and two USB-C ports, eight-hour battery life and a 360-degree hinge that makes it easy to use the Flex 5 as a tablet. Thats a bonus, especially now that Chrome OS supports Android apps.

Though the Flex 5 is almost two years old by now, its a solid device for around $400. In fact, you can sometimes find it on sale for as little as $300, making it a great option for someone looking for a basic browser-based machine on a tight budget.

Best budget: HP Pavilion Aero 13

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If youre looking for something under $800, your best bet is the HP Pavilion Aero 13. For $750, youll get a Full HD screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and surprisingly thin bezels, as well as a comfortable keyboard and spacious trackpad. Importantly, the Aero 13 provides relatively powerful components compared to others in this price range, with an AMD Ryzen 5000 series processor and Radeon graphics. Plus, it has a generous array of ports and enough juice to last you the entire work day and then some.

Best Convertible: Microsoft Surface Pro 8

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For those who need their laptops to occasionally double as tablets, the Surface Pro series is a no-brainer. Compared to notebooks with rotating hinges, tablets with kickstands are often much slimmer and lighter. The Surface Pro 8 is the most recent model and it features Microsofts sleek new design with a thinner profile and minimal bezels. The Pro 8 also has a 120Hz display that makes scrolling long documents or spreadsheets feel much faster, and you can drop the refresh rate down to 60Hz if you want to conserve battery life.

We also like Microsofts Type Covers, though its worth noting that theyll cost you an additional $100 to $180. Those who want to doodle or sketch on the display may appreciate the Surface Slim Pen 2s haptic feedback.

Unless youre bent on sticking to Apples ecosystem, in which case an iPad Pro would suit you best, the Surface Pro 8 is arguably the best convertible laptop around.