Welcome to our handy guide to the best student laptops on the market today, all of which you can buy with a student discount.
So if you’re looking to buy a student laptop then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve looked at models available at Argos, Currys PC World, Apple and more
This guide will show you the best laptop deals, all the student discounts with computer retailers and also what you buy for your budget. From cheap notebooks to gaming laptops, we have all the best and cheapest options in 2024 that will save you money.
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Best Student Laptops – The Results
Before we start our in-depth guide, here is a summary of which laptop for students is the best for each individual circumstance.
Best Overall Student Laptop
Best Cheap Apple Mac
Best Cheap Chromebook
Best Refurbished Laptop
Best Laptop Under £400
Best Microsoft Laptop
Best Premier HP Laptop for Students
Best Dell Laptop For Students
Best Gaming Laptop
Best Laptop for Build Quality
Best Laptop for Value for Money
Best Midrange Laptop for Students
HP Pavillion 15
Read on to find more details on these great laptops, we looked at factors that you said were important, such as excellent battery life, budget laptop options to the Macbook Air, Gaming laptop options, solid performance versions and more.
Student Laptops UK Overview
Gone are the days of ring-binders, notebooks and pens to see you through your uni lectures, and now everyone in class has either a tablet or laptop to work from. Even if you’re not studying a course that involves programming, computer design or lots of note-taking, you’ll find that you really need a computer to see you through.
Of course, they’re not cheap, and as with anything retailers can prefix with the word ‘student’, you’ll find the internet full of sales spiel, today’s best deals and confusing contradictions. Here, we set the record straight when it comes to what you really need to know before you make your decision to purchase the best student laptop for you.
If you’re more likely to use your laptop for streaming shows and browsing social media, then you should really consider a cheaper laptop or even a tablet may be for you. However, if you’ve got coursework to complete, research to do and a dissertation to write, you’ll need a laptop and that student discount will come in handy too!
So here we go with our best student laptops guide. If your budget is on the lower side you can still get some great specs that should last you through your university career and beyond with our top picks.
Apple Macbook Air, From £938
The Macbook Air laptop really has it all for students. The great Apple m1 silicon chip means the Macbook Air is super quick, similar to a Macbook pro 13 inch.
If you already have an iphone then it will sync with the Macbook and make life so much easier. Even though it is one of the more expensive laptops it will last you years and could actually be more cost-effective.
It has a great 13.3 inch screen which is full hd, it’s actually one of the best screens around and the graphics are well defined. It really is one of the best student laptops. For new Macbooks, we like Currys as they will match on price and have today’s best deals reduced and have a great choice. We love the Apple MacBook air.
GET LAPTOP >Apple Mac Pro 13 Refurbished, From – £499
An Apple Macbook Pro for £499? Surely there is some catch.
Well, there is only one and that is that it is a refurbished model. This means that this Macbook pro 13 inch has been previously owned but sent back and refreshed and refurbished so it works like new.
It is in proper working order and is one of the best ways for students to get a good discount on a Macbook pro that would usually be out of the budget range. There are good specs too including an i5 processor, 500gb memory and of course Apple’s smooth, sophisticated iOS operating system. Great battery life.
As you’re buying through Wowcher there is a 14 day no-quibble money-back guarantee and this a great laptop option for students for a cheaper Macbook pro. And there is a Wowcher student code available too.
GET LAPTOP >ACER ASPIRE 3 INTEL I5 2.5GHZ 8GB 1TB WINDOWS LAPTOP – REFURBISHED
Did you know you can buy laptops from eBay? And did you know that big well-known high street retailers sell on there?
In this instance, Argos has a great Acer Aspire 3 i5 laptop for just £273.99. Such a low price.
The one catch (if you can call it that) is that it is a refurbished laptop, but there is a great warranty that gives peace of mind and means it is a cracking deal. You’d be hard pushed to get another laptop with such a great spec.
As it has an i5 processor, it means you can run Windows 10 as well as other software such as Microsoft Office so you can do all the uni work you’ll ever need. We’ve bought a few things refurbished including the laptop we’re writing on now and never had a problem but make sure you check the warranty. It’s a cost-effective way to get one of the best student laptops. Check out eBay for today’s best deals on student laptops.
GET LAPTOP >Asus Vivobook, From £429
We already liked this Asus laptop because it was under £400 at Currys and it had an i3 processor although there are options for an intel core i5 too. But now it’s possible to get an extra 10% off as it is included in their big sale. There are also variations with a ram 8gb 16 gb versions. It’s a similar screen size to the Apple 13.3 inch screen.
Other things to note with student laptops and this one in particular is that it comes with Windows 10 which is essential for uni. You get a full HD experience with NanoEdge display (such a great screen) and it’s averaging 4 stars in the reviews at currys.co.uk. As they say, it’s great for work and play so worth checking out and the price is student loan friendly! This is realistically the most popular price range for student laptops.
If your budget is on the lower side you can still get some great specs that should last you through your university career and beyond.
Always check today’s best deals to see if you can get extra savings on student laptops with a student discount on top these already great prices!
Sometimes you need to shell out a bit more for your student laptop for university, especially if you get a 2 in 1. You might need to run special software for your course or if you’re lucky enough to have the budget then a more expensive laptop can be a better investment in the long run as it will last longer, run faster and you’ll be able to work more efficiently. You might have to upgrade to an intel core m3 processor to make sure they run.
We have found some of the best student laptop deals costing over £500.
GET LAPTOP >Microsoft Surface Go 2 Laptop, From 399
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a real contender to the 13.3 inch Apple Mac for the best student laptops crown. The surface pro has a great touchscreen that is 13.5 inches wide, runs Windows 10 S like a dream and has a lightning processor.
It runs Windows 10 perfectly as you would expect and is in effect a 2 in 1 laptop as it doubles as a tablet too. There are options with an intel core i7 which makes it very powerful indeed.
We’ve found a great deal at Currys PC World that saves £200 and is open to everyone, not just students. This surface laptop is definitely one to consider for your university year.
GET LAPTOP >Hp Envy 13 Ultrabook, From £699
This lovely looking Ultrabook is a good rival to the Microsoft surface pro. It is the latest model for 2024 and has a great spec with a quad-core processor which is very speedy indeed.
It’s really thin so is easy to take with you to lectures and even has a fingerprint sensor for added security.
We’ve seen it with £50 off in the sale too. There are various processors you can get including intel core i5 and intel core i7 for one of the best student laptops options. Check out Currys for today’s best deals reduced on student laptops.
GET LAPTOP >Dell Inpiron 15 15.6″ Laptop, From £499.99
If you’re looking for a speedy laptop at a great price then look no further than this DELL Inspiron machine that’s been reduced to £599.99 from £999.99 at Currys. It’s a cheaper option to the Dell XPS.
The reason it’s so fast? It’s got a zippy Intel Core i7 7500u processor and intel UHD graphics ram which will have you speeding through those late-night essays in no time. Unless you get distracted by Love Island that is!
For the price, you’ll be hard pushed to get any better specs and will be a great investment for your university life. There are other Inspiron 15s available too direct from Dell starting at £499.99
GET LAPTOP >Asus Tuf Gaming Laptop, From £749
If you’re looking for both a gaming laptop and something for university work too then this Asus FX503 now has £120 at Currys There is a speedy i5 quad processor and intel uhd graphics ram to run any PC game smoothly.
The full hd 15-inch screen is perfect for your coursework and if you need to run any memory-hungry programmes for your uni modules then this beauty of a computer will handle it no problem.
Plus there is a free games bundle too which is not to be sniffed at. See Currys for today’s best deals. There are options for a storage 256gb and intel UHD graphics upgrade too and for the price in the same bracket as some great student laptops for sale like the MacBook pro 13 inch with a CPU intel core.
GET LAPTOP >Huawei Matebook D 14 inch Ryzen 8gb Storage 256 bg Laptop, From £559.99
A 14inch laptop that really packs a punch, Huawei’s Matebook looks slimline and delicate but in power, is really anything but!
Power-wise, the Huawei Matebook’s price tag is justified with a quad-core processor with a 2GHZ speed, 8GB of RAM, 226GB SSR storage, intel UHD graphics and Microsoft Windows 10 OS (with an option of generation intel core i5 processor). The beautiful high definition display spans a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels with a 178 degree viewing angle across a 14inch screen. The Radeon Vega graphics card ensures a stunning display that wouldn’t be out of place on a computer at a much more premium price point for a 1920 x 1080 spec.
The optimised battery life lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge, which is plenty for a day on campus. This laptop comes very highly reviewed and commended by users, and for those who expect to use theirs a lot, this could be a wise purchase. There are options for an intel core i7, storage 256gb upgrades and intel UHD graphics too.
GET LAPTOP >HP Pavilion 15 Pentium Gold 4 GB 128 gb full HD Laptop, From £429.99
A mid-range laptop from consumer favourites HP, the Pavilion Pentium Gold makes for great value given its features. The 15.6-inch screen means it does feel larger than some of the other options listed in the guide, but its ultra-thin and sleek casing combined with its lightweight size don’t make it any less portable than others. Don’t be betrayed by its size, though; there’s some serious power behind it!
The Quad-Core processor operates at a 1.1GHZ speed, operating the latest version of Windows 10, and there’s 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage to boot. The connectivity is tip-top, too; there’s 2 USB 3.1 ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth, Ethernet, full HDMI, and a multi-card media reader, with top-speed WiFi enablement, of course. You’ll also find a built-in webcam, built-in microphone, built-in audio sound system, pre-installed Netflix and 30 days free of Microsoft Office and McAfee Live. There are options for intel core 5, intel core i7, core i7 and higher ram 8gb 16gb too.
The pinnacle of the HP Pavilion Pentium Gold is its high-definition display, across 1920×1080 pixels with an Intel 605 graphics card. You’d be hard-pressed to beat a display of this calibre in a screen this size; certainly without Apple software installed. There are options of 14 inch HP laptops too if you want some a bit smaller, thin and light with intel UHD graphics and storage 256gb options.
GET LAPTOP >HP Envy 13.3 Inch Intel Core Laptop, From £649
The HP Envy will definitely give your fellow students envy when they see it, but this isn’t a purchase to be made lightly. It’s no run-of-the-mill computer, and the price tag reflects that with this excellent choice. If you’re sure that your laptop will be used heavily for work and pleasure and you need a long-lasting practical solution, then read on.
The Intel Core i7 processor is top of the range for speed and heavy usage although there is a generation intel core i5 available too, allowing you to stream video footage, editing complex documents, touch up photos, browse the web and run design programs all at the same time! The performance is evident from the off. You’ll find Windows loads in seconds rather than minutes… there’s a first for everything, eh?
The HP Envy has a touchscreen as well as a normal keypad, so you can flick between apps and typing as you need to, depending on where you are, what you’re up to, and what works best for you. The NVIDIA graphics card gives beautiful still and video imagery as you’ve never seen before, and the built-in speakers by Bang & Olufsen produce a stunning sound that rivals the quality of external ones.
Backed up with 14-hour battery life, beautiful streamlined design, fingerprint security detail and pre-loaded applications, this is a laptop that can’t be easily beaten by anything else on the high street.
This laptop has different feature options such as CPU intel, CPU intel core 5, intel core i7, ram 4gb 8gb 16gb options, graphics intel UHD, storage 256GB and a decent battery life. Check out Currys for today’s best deals for this full HD laptop.
GET LAPTOP >Acer Chromebook, From £229
A laptop for under a hundred quid? Can this be true? Well dear students it is true. The Acer Chromebook on sale currently at Currys and is the cheapest student laptop we’ve found to date and a great choice at a very affordable price. Much cheaper than the Google Pixelbook Go.
If you need a lightweight simple machine to take some notes in tutorials and browse the web then this is perfect. We should point out that the Acer Chromebook doesn’t run Microsoft Office or Windows 10.
But you can use Google Docs or Sheets to word processor do simple spreadsheets and browse using the Chrome browser. It’s not the best Chromebook but it is the cheapest so keep an eye out for that low price. There are options too for an intel core 15, core i7 and ram 8gb 16gb or graphics intel UHD upgrades although this will cost more.
GET LAPTOP >Best of the Rest Student Laptops
Do you want some other student laptop options? Well, we have some right here for you. The Google Pixelbook Go is ultra-thin, has a long battery life and uses the Chrome OS system with an option of an intel core i7 and a HD screen. It is the best Chromebook for the money. If you want a premium Chromebook then the Google Pixelbook Go is definitely one to consider.
The Acer Swift 3 is also ultra-thin so you can take it everywhere with you. It also starts from £349 so the Acer Swift 3 is great for budget wary students that need good battery life.
The Dell XPS 13 is a premium student laptop, one of the best laptops you can buy with a HD screen. It has a core i7 processor and the option of 8gb or 16 gb of ram so the Dell XPS 13 has the top specs to match the price tag. 2 in 1 laptops are popular if you are looking to combine a tablet and laptop to become a 2 in 1 machine. It has a good battery life too.
Other Factors To Consider For Your Best Student Laptops
First things first, you need to set a budget. There is a huge variety in the amount of money you can spend on a laptop for university, and in general terms, the more functionality, the more cost; so weigh up exactly what you need it to do alongside your budget amount and if you’re doing a course that you suspect will incur lots of computer usage, check for any set requirements in features or functionality such as battery life. There’s a balance to be found in incurring cost: don’t scrimp unnecessarily or you may end up with poor quality and have to replace a lot sooner. But equally, don’t spend heavily on features you don’t need and will never use such as the Dell XPS.
Tech Features for Your Best Student Laptops Features
There are lots of features to consider and here are some of the most important.
Processors including 10th Gen Intel, intel core i5, AMD Ryzen and Intel Celeron
The processer of a laptop includes options such as generation intel core i5, intel core i7, Macbook air m1, intel core m3 chip, intel iris amd ryzen, amd ryzen 5, amd radeon, gen intel core, the latest 10th generation (10th gen) gen intel, intel Celeron and intel Pentium but there are lots more besides and new ones are being developed all the time.
Usually the higher the number to better and faster the processor. It will mean your laptop will run and stay fast. There are older chips including 8th gen and intel celeron but 10th generation intel is the ideal now in October 2024. We like the amd ryzen 5 in particular.
Ram including Ram 8gb 16gb
Ram is the memory and the bigger it is the faster and better your computer will run. The options are ram 4gb 8gb processor, ram 4gb 16gb or just ram 4gb is possible too.
Hours of Battery Life
How long the battery lasts is of course going to affect your purchase decision. You want as long battery life as possible with exceptional battery life as you can afford. There is nothing worse than being at university and you’ve forgotten your power cable and the battery life lets you down. Battery life is an important factor.
Screen Size, Resolution and Graphic Features
This includes 13.3 inch (Apple tend to use the 13.3 inch size), 14 inch, full hd screen, nvidia Geforce gtx, intel HD graphics (including graphics intel hd), iris plus graphics, graphics intel hd, 4k ultra hd, retina display, 4k display and Graphics 615 ram for a 14-inch screen amongst other sizes.
Resoultion sizes include 1,920 x 1,080, 1366 x 768, 1920 x 1280, 1,920 x 1,080 and a 4k display.
Operating System
The three main operating systems are Chrome OS, Windows 10 and Apple iOS.
Storage Space
Even though there is the cloud now available, storage is still something you should consider. Options for storage include storage 32gb, 64gb emmc 128gb, 128gb ssd 256gb. storage 256gb. Storage 128gb is usually at the cheap laptop end of the spectrum. There’s also the pcie nvme ssd options.
What is full HD?
Full HD is full high definition. It’s now the standard for most laptops and televisions too. There are new forms of high definition too such as 4k ultra HD.
Do I need RAM 8GB 16GB?
Ram 8gb 16gb are the two options of RAM for most students in 2024. To answer the 8gb 16gb question you need to ask how much budget you have. The sweet spot is currently ram 8gb and if you want 16gb RAM then you’ll likely need to pay more. So if 8gb 16gb is an option for a Macbook Pro, Acer Chromebook or Dell XPS for instance, see how much money you have in your student laptop budget and upgrade your RAM.
Other Features
You might look for other features for the audience when you purchase, which might be important to you when buying a laptop, such as usb ports including usb c ports, video editing capabilities, 2 in 1 laptop (it acts as a tablet too), video editing, usb c ports, remote learning capabilities, gen intel core, intel pentium, solid state drive, storage 64gb, 512gb ssd, touch screen, how heavy or lightweight design is and how easy to carry around campus, value for money, good wi fi internet connection, sd card, fingerprint reader, wi-fi options for laptops like the dell xps 13 and 2 in 1 options, 1920 x 1280 resolution etc.
Consider where you’ll use your laptop most and if you need something easily portable between home and classes. If you’re a design student, you may find you need something with a large screen but light, as you’ll need to cart it about as well as having video editing functions, but otherwise, you should be able to find something that’s light and compact enough not to give you arm-ache while out and about. And see that you check out the best deals at a reduced price.
If you’re particularly clumsy, then you would be wise to investigate differing warranties, insurance policies and even rugged accessories to protect your new purchase. Dependent on your day’s schedule, you may too need to buy extra chargers or a laptop with extra-long battery life to see you through back-to-back seminars. And be sure, of course, to find a bag or rucksack that can fit your new laptop within so that you’re not forced to carry it around in your hands.
It goes without saying that if possible, you should shop around to find a deal with a decent student discount. There are many ways to do this, so be sure to look into various deals; with the manufacturers directly, third-party retailers and even university-linked schemes. Snap yourself up a bargain with today’s best deals and get started studying asap!
What makes a Good Laptop?
In today’s fast-paced digital age, having a reliable and efficient laptop is crucial for both work and leisure activities. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, choosing the right laptop can significantly impact your productivity and overall computing experience. This article will delve into the key factors that contribute to a good laptop, highlighting a few examples to illustrate their implementation.
- Performance:
One of the most critical aspects of a good laptop is its performance. The processor, RAM, and storage drive are key components that determine how well a laptop can handle various tasks. A powerful processor, such as Intel Core i5 or i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7, ensures smooth multitasking, fast data processing, and seamless application performance. Ample RAM, typically 8 GB or more, enables smooth operation of resource-intensive software and allows for efficient multitasking. Additionally, a solid-state drive (SSD) offers faster boot-up times, quicker file transfers, and overall snappier system responsiveness.
Example: The Dell XPS 15 combines an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a lightning-fast SSD, providing excellent performance for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- Display Quality:
A laptop’s display quality greatly impacts the visual experience. A good laptop should have a high-resolution screen, vibrant colors, and good viewing angles. Higher resolution, such as Full HD (1920×1080) or 4K (3840×2160), provides sharp and detailed visuals, ideal for multimedia consumption and content creation. Furthermore, an IPS (In-Plane Switching) or OLED panel ensures accurate color reproduction, wider viewing angles, and enhanced visual clarity.
Example: The MacBook Pro with Retina Display boasts a 13-inch or 16-inch Retina display, which offers stunning visuals, sharp text, and vibrant colors, making it a popular choice among professionals in creative fields.
- Portability:
Portability is a crucial factor, especially for individuals who need to carry their laptops around frequently. A good laptop should strike a balance between performance and portability. A lightweight and slim design makes it easier to transport, whether commuting, traveling, or attending meetings. Additionally, a long-lasting battery life ensures uninterrupted usage on the go, eliminating the need for frequent charging.
Example: The LG Gram series is renowned for its lightweight design, with models weighing under 2.5 pounds. These laptops feature a durable build, impressive battery life, and powerful performance, making them an ideal choice for frequent travelers and professionals on the move.
- Connectivity and Expandability:
Versatile connectivity options are essential for seamless integration with other devices and peripherals. A good laptop should have multiple USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 or higher) for connecting external storage, input devices, or displays. Additionally, an HDMI or DisplayPort allows for easy connection to external monitors or projectors. The presence of an SD card slot and a headphone jack adds convenience for photographers, videographers, and audio enthusiasts. Furthermore, a Thunderbolt 3 port provides high-speed data transfer and can connect to docking stations for expanded connectivity.
Example: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers a range of connectivity options, including multiple USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, HDMI, and an SD card reader, allowing users to connect to various devices and expand their workstation.
Choosing a good laptop involves considering several essential factors such as performance, display quality, portability, and connectivity options. The examples mentioned, including the Dell XPS 15, MacBook Pro, LG Gram series, and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, exemplify how these factors can be incorporated into laptops to provide
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laptop brand is best for students?
Specifically, the best student laptops for students are:
- Macbook pro 13 inch
- Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Google Pixelbook Go
- Dell XPS 13
- Macbook Air M1
- Acer Swift 3 2020
- Acer Chromebook
- Microsoft Surface Laptop
We advise that students should consider the top brands for the best laptops for students. This includes Apple, Microsoft, Google, Dell, Acer and Asus.
What is the best laptop for college students in [year]?
Which is the best new laptop for college students depends on a variety of things such as budget, the software you might need to run for your courses and compatibility with your phone. As a minimum college students should look at getting the best processor for their money. So if you can push your budget to a generation intel core i5 for example it means it will run a lot faster.
We have researched lots of laptops and brands with great build quality, some more expensive, some with an affordable price and found the following great options for college students:
- Apple Macbook Air M1
- Dell XPS 13
- Google Pixelbook Go
- Surface Go 2 Surface Laptop
- Acer Swift 3 2020
What specs should I look for in my student laptop?
First you should look at a good processor. Some good options include intel pentium, intel core i7, generation intel core i5, cpu intel core, gen intel core m3, amd radeon, 10th generation intel celeron, apple m1, 8th gen
intel uhd graphics ram, nvidia geforce, graphics intel uhd, intel iris xe, nvidia geforce gtx, intel hd graphics, iris plus graphics, iris plus,
ram 8gb ram 4 gb 8gb
storage 256gb ssd, storage 128gb ssd, 512 gb ssd, 64gb emmc, storage 32gb,
1,920 x 1,080, full hd, 14 inch, 4k ultra hd, retina display, 13.3 inch
2 in 1, thin and light, battery life
Where can you get today's best deals for student latops?
There are various places you can get today’s best deals for student laptops. We like Currys as they have a big selection and there is a price match promise. AO also have a price promise although less range.
You might want to consider buying direct from Apple or Samsung too as they both have student discount codes for laptops.
Summary of Student Discount Laptops
As you can see there are lots of factors and options when looking to purchase a laptop for your university studies. We update this page regularly, so check back for a whole host of options to suit your computing needs and budget.
We also list and explain all the tech specifications that you will want to consider too, such as CPU intel, intel iris xe, 2 in 1 carry around options and more besides.
Just to let you know, we sometimes earn an affiliate commission if you purchase through links. We may earn an affiliate commission if you click through and buy a student laptop directly from this article. So through this site, we may earn a small commission and we appreciate that we are supported by its audience.
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