Nowadays, selecting the ideal laptop as your study companion is crucial. With a lot of options available, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. In this article, we provide a comprehensive buying guide reviewed by IT Consultant, Developer, and Instructor Kevin Lee Cardoza.
Additionally, we present our curated selection of the best laptops for students. Our list includes a diverse range of models from renowned brands like Apple, HP, and Lenovo. We also made sure to add laptops with different specs and price points to cater to various needs.
Quick List - Top Laptops for Students
Kevin Lee is an educator who specializes in Information Technology (IT). He also has years of experience as a technical support specialist and is well-versed in programming, application development, software testing, and user experience design. Furthermore, his passion for building custom computers and creating electronic devices and systems keeps him up-to-date with the latest trends and information.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
In this buying guide, discover essential tips and considerations for selecting the perfect laptop for students. Note that you can get a decent laptop with the minimum specs for 20 to 30 thousand pesos, but if you want better specs, be prepared to shell out more money.
For those who prioritize portability, go for laptops in the range of 13 to 14 inches and weighing under 2kg. These compact and lightweight devices, often referred to as Ultrabooks, are designed with mobility in mind. Their smaller size allows for easy transportation, fitting comfortably into bags or backpacks without adding significant weight.
It's worth noting that if a larger screen is desired, it typically comes at the expense of increased weight and power consumption. Larger laptops offer a more immersive viewing experience but can be bulkier and less convenient to carry. Additionally, they may require more frequent charging due to higher power requirements.
Find out the key minimum requirements for a laptop for school. Learn about processors, RAM, and storage to ensure you have a reliable device that meets your educational needs.
Selecting a processor for a student laptop depends on your needs, and there are multiple high-performing options. For Intel-based laptops, the recommended minimum processor is an Intel Core i5, striking a balance between power and affordability. It effortlessly handles tasks like document editing, web browsing, and light multitasking.
For AMD-based laptops, the Ryzen 5 processor is a suitable minimum requirement. It delivers robust performance and multitasking capabilities and often comes at a budget-friendly price compared to Intel processors. With a Ryzen 5 processor, students can confidently tackle demanding school projects, run resource-intensive software, and enjoy a smooth computing experience.
Apple users can opt for the popular M1 chip. The M1 chip combines impressive performance and energy efficiency, seamlessly integrating with macOS for optimized software performance. It empowers students to handle challenging academic tasks, such as content creation, coding, and multimedia projects while benefiting from extended battery life for sustained productivity throughout the day.
To enhance multitasking efficiency, it's recommended to have a minimum of 8GB RAM. It enables seamless operation of multiple applications, smooth task switching, and optimal performance for research, note-taking, web browsing, and running educational software.
Anything lower than 8GB can lead to a noticeable degradation in computer performance and subsequently affect the overall user experience. It can cause slow responses, frequent freezing, and difficulty with multitasking.
For optimal performance, your laptop should have at least 256GB of storage in the form of an SSD (Solid State Drive). An SSD offers faster access to programs and the operating system, resulting in quicker boot times and improved overall responsiveness.
However, if you're someone who values having more storage, you can opt for a reliable and affordable HDD (Hard Disk Drive). While an HDD may not provide the same speed as an SSD, it can offer a larger storage capacity at a similar price point.
Ports add to the functionality of a laptop. For example, USB-A and C ports allow the connection of external hard drives, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. You might even come across USB-C ports that are Thunderbolt-enabled, which means they are capable of very fast data-transfer speeds.
Other ports, such as HDMI and VGA, allow you to easily connect your laptop to a bigger external display. Ethernet ports give you the option of connecting a LAN cable for a more stable internet connection. And if you don't want to rely on using a pair of Bluetooth earphones all the time, then a 3.5 mm audio jack is a must.
When considering other features for a school laptop, there are several aspects worth looking into. Firstly, aiming for a battery life of at least 10 hours ensures that you can work throughout the day without constantly needing to recharge. Secondly, a 1080p resolution display provides clear and crisp visuals, enhancing your viewing experience for educational materials.
Additionally, an integrated graphics card is usually sufficient for most students' needs unless you are taking specialized courses in media or computer graphics, where a laptop with a discrete or dedicated GPU would be more suitable. Lastly, having a built-in webcam is essential for attending online classes, participating in video conferences, and collaborating with classmates or professors remotely.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||||
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Operating System | CPU/GPU | RAM | Storage | Screen Size | Weight/Dimensions | Ports | Features | Battery Life | Warranty | |||||
1 | Lenovo Flex 5i | ![]() | Versatile 2-in-1 Laptop with Powerful Performance | Windows 11 | Intel Core i3-1215U (12th Gen) / Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200) IPS touchscreen | 1.5 kg | Thunderbolt 4, USB, HDMI, 4-in-1 card reader, audio jack | 360° hinge, Dolby Audio speakers, fingerprint reader, privacy webcam shutter | 12 Hours | 1 Year | |
2 | ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED | ![]() | Stunning OLED Display with High Performance and Portability | Windows 11 | Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H / Intel Arc Graphics | 16 GB LPDDR5X | 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD | 14-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 120Hz, 16:10 aspect ratio, touchscreen | 1.2 kg / Dimensions 14.9 mm | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm audio jack | Dolby Atmos audio, fingerprint sensor with Windows Hello, backlit keyboard, TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light display | 19 Hours | 1 Year | |
3 | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 | ![]() | Powerful Performance Meets Sleek Portability | macOS Sonoma | Apple M3 chip: 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency), 8-core or 10-core GPU | 8 GB, 16 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB SSD | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664 resolution, True Tone, 500 nits brightness | 1.24 kg / 0.44 inch | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe 3 charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack | 1080p FaceTime HD camera, Spatial Audio with 4 speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Touch ID | 18 Hours | 1 Year | |
4 | Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3 | ![]() | Reliable Performance and Sleek Design for Everyday Computing | Windows 11 | Intel Core i5-12450H (12th Gen) / Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | 16 GB LPDDR5-4800 | 512 GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS, anti-glare | 1.62 kg / 359.3 x 235 x 17.9 mm | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (Data/PD/DP), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Headphone/mic combo, 1x SD card reader, 1x Power connector | Backlit keyboard, FHD webcam with privacy shutter, fingerprint reader integrated in power button, Dolby Audio speakers | 10 Hours | 1 Year | |
5 | Apple MacBook Air 13 M4 | ![]() | Ultra-Light MacBook Air with Next-Gen M4 Chip and Brilliant Display | macOS Sonoma | Apple M4 chip: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 8-core or 10-core GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing | 16 GB, 24 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB SSD | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664), 500 nits brightness, True Tone, P3 wide color gamut | 1.24 kg / 0.44 inch thickness | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe 3 charging port, 3.5 mm headphone jack | 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage, Touch ID, Spatial Audio with 4 speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 18 Hours | 1 Year | |
6 | Dell Inspiron 14 FHD+ 2-in-1 | ![]() | Flexible 2-in-1 Laptop with Strong Performance and Ample Storage | Windows 11 | Intel Core i7-150U (10 cores, up to 5.4 GHz) / Intel Graphics | 16 GB DDR5, 5200 MT/s | 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD | 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), IPS, anti-glare, 16:10 aspect ratio | 1.5 kg | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (PD & DP), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Headphone/mic combo, 1x Power adapter, 1x SD card reader | 360° hinge, backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, FHD webcam with privacy shutter, Wi-Fi 6 | 10 Hours | 1 Year | |
7 | Huawei Matebook D14 | ![]() | Sleek and Portable Laptop with Efficient 12th Gen Intel Performance | Windows 11 | 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U or i5-12450H / Intel UHD Graphics | 8 GB, 16 GB LPDDR4X | 256 GB, 512 GB NVMe PCIe SSD | 14-inch IPS FullView, 1920 x 1200, 16:10 aspect ratio, 300 nits brightness | 1.39 kg / 314.5 x 227.79 x 15.9 mm | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data, charging, DisplayPort), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 2.0, HDMI, 3.5mm combo jack | Fingerprint power button, Full-size keyboard with 1.5 mm key travel, 720p HD camera, dual speakers, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | 12 Hours | 1 Year | |
8 | MSI Modern 14|B5M-084PH | ![]() | Powerful Ryzen 5 Laptop with Sleek 14-inch FHD Display | Windows 11 | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U / AMD Radeon Graphics | 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz | 512 GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 SSD | 14-inch FHD | 1.4 kg / 319.9 x 223 x 19.35 mm | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (PD charging), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB-A 2.0, 1x HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 60Hz), 1x Micro SD card reader, 1x headphone/mic combo jack | Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, HD webcam (720p), Wi-Fi 6E, 2 W speakers | 10 Hours | 1 Year | |
9 | HP Pavilion x360|14-DY1027TU | ![]() | Versatile 2-in-1 Laptop with Intel Core Power and Vibrant Display | Windows 11 | Intel Core 5 120U/ Intel Iris Xe Graphics | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB | 14-inch FHD | 1.51 kg / 322 x 210 x 18.9–19.9 mm | USB-C (PD & DisplayPort), USB-A, HDMI 2.1, headphone/mic combo, microSD card reader | 360° hinge, backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, HP Wide Vision 720p HD webcam, Audio by B&O speakers | 8 Hours | 2 Year | |
10 | Acer Acer Swift Go 14 | ![]() | Sleek and Powerful 14-inch OLED Laptop with Intel Core Ultra 5 | Windows 11 | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores) / Intel Arc Graphics | 16 GB LPDDR5X | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD | 14-inch OLED WUXGA (1920 x 1200) | 1.3 kg / 312.9 x 217.9 x 14.9 mm | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (PD & DisplayPort), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack | Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, Killer Wi-Fi 7, Dolby Atmos speakers, 65Wh battery, fast charging | 13 Hours | 1 Year |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core i3-1215U (12th Gen) / Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
Screen Size | 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200) IPS touchscreen |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.5 kg |
Ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB, HDMI, 4-in-1 card reader, audio jack |
Features | 360° hinge, Dolby Audio speakers, fingerprint reader, privacy webcam shutter |
Battery Life | 12 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Reviews mention:
Users praise the vivid OLED display and smooth performance, highlighting its suitability for creative work and entertainment. The lightweight build and long battery life are appreciated for mobility. Some users note the premium build and keyboard comfort, while a few suggest improvements in port variety.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H / Intel Arc Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD |
Screen Size | 14-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 120Hz, 16:10 aspect ratio, touchscreen |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.2 kg / Dimensions 14.9 mm |
Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm audio jack |
Features | Dolby Atmos audio, fingerprint sensor with Windows Hello, backlit keyboard, TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light display |
Battery Life | 19 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Reviews mention:
Users praise the MacBook Air’s impressive speed and energy efficiency thanks to the M3 chip. The display quality and color accuracy receive high marks, making it great for content creators and students alike. Battery life is noted as excellent, though some users wish for more port variety.
Operating System | macOS Sonoma |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Apple M3 chip: 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency), 8-core or 10-core GPU |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB SSD |
Screen Size | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664 resolution, True Tone, 500 nits brightness |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.24 kg / 0.44 inch |
Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe 3 charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Features | 1080p FaceTime HD camera, Spatial Audio with 4 speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Touch ID |
Battery Life | 18 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Reviews mention:
Users highlight the laptop’s solid performance for daily tasks and multitasking, appreciating the bright display and comfortable keyboard. Battery life and build quality receive positive remarks, though some wish for more port options. Overall, it is seen as a dependable choice for students and professionals on a budget.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core i5-12450H (12th Gen) / Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5-4800 |
Storage | 512 GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
Screen Size | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS, anti-glare |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.62 kg / 359.3 x 235 x 17.9 mm |
Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (Data/PD/DP), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Headphone/mic combo, 1x SD card reader, 1x Power connector |
Features | Backlit keyboard, FHD webcam with privacy shutter, fingerprint reader integrated in power button, Dolby Audio speakers |
Battery Life | 10 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Reviews mention:
Users praise the MacBook Air M4’s excellent performance for everyday tasks and creative work, highlighting its silent operation and long battery life. The vivid display and improved webcam with Center Stage are also appreciated. Some users note the limited port selection, recommending a dongle for multiple peripherals.
Operating System | macOS Sonoma |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Apple M4 chip: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 8-core or 10-core GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing |
RAM | 16 GB, 24 GB |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB SSD |
Screen Size | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664), 500 nits brightness, True Tone, P3 wide color gamut |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.24 kg / 0.44 inch thickness |
Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe 3 charging port, 3.5 mm headphone jack |
Features | 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage, Touch ID, Spatial Audio with 4 speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery Life | 18 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Though there are no user reviews yet, Dell Inspiron laptops are generally appreciated for their reliable performance and build quality. The 2-in-1 design is popular among users who need flexibility for both productivity and casual use. Battery life and screen quality are expected to meet everyday demands well.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core i7-150U (10 cores, up to 5.4 GHz) / Intel Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB DDR5, 5200 MT/s |
Storage | 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
Screen Size | 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), IPS, anti-glare, 16:10 aspect ratio |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.5 kg |
Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (PD & DP), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Headphone/mic combo, 1x Power adapter, 1x SD card reader |
Features | 360° hinge, backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, FHD webcam with privacy shutter, Wi-Fi 6 |
Battery Life | 10 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the laptop’s vibrant display and solid build quality, noting it performs well for work and study tasks. The fingerprint power button and full-size keyboard with decent key travel are praised for convenience and comfort. Some users suggest battery life could be longer, but overall it is considered a great value for its price range.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U or i5-12450H / Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM | 8 GB, 16 GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB NVMe PCIe SSD |
Screen Size | 14-inch IPS FullView, 1920 x 1200, 16:10 aspect ratio, 300 nits brightness |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.39 kg / 314.5 x 227.79 x 15.9 mm |
Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data, charging, DisplayPort), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 2.0, HDMI, 3.5mm combo jack |
Features | Fingerprint power button, Full-size keyboard with 1.5 mm key travel, 720p HD camera, dual speakers, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 |
Battery Life | 12 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Reviews mention:
Users praise the laptop’s solid performance and responsive display, noting it handles productivity and multimedia tasks well. The lightweight design and backlit keyboard are appreciated for comfort and convenience. Some users mention battery life is decent but could be longer for heavy use.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U / AMD Radeon Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz |
Storage | 512 GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 SSD |
Screen Size | 14-inch FHD |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.4 kg / 319.9 x 223 x 19.35 mm |
Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (PD charging), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB-A 2.0, 1x HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 60Hz), 1x Micro SD card reader, 1x headphone/mic combo jack |
Features | Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, HD webcam (720p), Wi-Fi 6E, 2 W speakers |
Battery Life | 10 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the flexible 2-in-1 design and bright, clear display, making it suitable for work and entertainment. The keyboard is comfortable and backlit, while performance is reliable for everyday tasks. Battery life is generally good, with fast charging supported. Some users suggest more port options would be welcome.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core 5 120U/ Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512 GB |
Screen Size | 14-inch FHD |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.51 kg / 322 x 210 x 18.9–19.9 mm |
Ports | USB-C (PD & DisplayPort), USB-A, HDMI 2.1, headphone/mic combo, microSD card reader |
Features | 360° hinge, backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, HP Wide Vision 720p HD webcam, Audio by B&O speakers |
Battery Life | 8 Hours |
Warranty | 2 Year |
Reviews mention:
Though specific reviews for this model are limited, Acer Swift Go series is generally praised for its bright OLED display and solid performance. Users value the laptop’s lightweight design and fast responsiveness. Battery life and build quality are also commonly highlighted as strengths.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores) / Intel Arc Graphics |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Screen Size | 14-inch OLED WUXGA (1920 x 1200) |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.3 kg / 312.9 x 217.9 x 14.9 mm |
Ports | 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (PD & DisplayPort), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack |
Features | Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, Killer Wi-Fi 7, Dolby Atmos speakers, 65Wh battery, fast charging |
Battery Life | 13 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by IT Consultant, Developer, and Instructor, Kevin Lee Cardoza.
I carry a lightweight auxiliary (Bluetooth) keyboard to avoid using the built-in keyboard in laptops. Laptop keyboards are very fragile and wear out after a year of constant use. As someone who used to work as a laptop technician, a replacement built-in keyboard is terribly expensive. Also, open or close the laptop lid with care, as most are just made of plastic.
While tablets and Chromebooks may suffice for general tasks, they may lack the capabilities of a standard laptop, especially for subjects like programming. When it comes to learning specialized subjects, investing in a dedicated laptop provides the necessary power and functionality to effectively tackle complex tasks and optimize the learning experience.
Done selecting a laptop for class? It's time to elevate your study space! We've attached some articles below about the best study tables, computer chairs, and lamps to make you comfortable enough during your online classes and review sessions.
Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Lenovo|Flex 5i
No. 2: ASUS|Zenbook 14 OLED
No. 3: Apple|MacBook Air 13 M3
No. 4: Lenovo|Ideapad Slim 3
No. 5: Apple|MacBook Air 13 M4
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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