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
Acer
Equipped With a Powerful Ryzen Processor for a Fast and Lag-Free Experience
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.
Table of Contents
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 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating System | CPU/GPU | RAM | Storage | Screen Size | Weight/Dimensions | Ports | Features | Battery Life | Warranty | |||||
1 | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M2 chip | ![]() | Features the Powerful M2 Chip for Optimal Performance | macOS | M2 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 13.6" | 1.24kg / 30.41W x 21.5D x 1.13H cm | 4 (MagSafe 3 Charging, 2 Thunderbolt/USB, 3.5mm Headphone Jack) | Liquid Retina Display, Fast and Powerful M2 Chip, Fanless Design, HD Camera, Spatial Audio | Up to 18 Hours | 1 Year | |
2 | Lenovo Ideapad 3|14IML05 | ![]() | Get the Latest Specs for a Lower Price | Windows 11 | Intel Core i5-10210U / Intel UHD Graphics | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 14" | 1.5kg / 24.13W x 32.77D x 1.98H cm | 8 (Power Connector, HDMI 1.4b, USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack (3.5 mm), Card Reader, NOVO Button Hole) | Dolby Audio, Webcam Shutter | 9 Hours | 1 Year | |
3 | Huawei Matebook|D14 | ![]() | A Portable Device With a 180-Degree Opening Angle | Windows 11 | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 / Intel Iris Xe | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 14" | 1.38kg / 32.25W x 21.48D x 1.59H cm | 5 (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.0 (Type C), HDMI, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack) | Anti-glare Huawei FullView Display, Flicker Free and Low Blue Light Certified, Fingerprint Power Button, WI-Fi 6 Compatible, Fast Charging | 12.5 Hours | 2 Years | |
4 | Acer Aspire 5|A515-45-R03P | ![]() | Equipped With a Powerful Ryzen Processor for a Fast and Lag-Free Experience | Windows 11 Home | AMD Ryzen 5-5500U / AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | 15.6" | 1.8kg / 36.34W x 25.05D x 1.80H cm | 6 (USB 2.0, USB 3.2 (Type C, Gen 1), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, RJ45) | Fast and Powerful Ryzen Processor | Up to 10 Hours | 1 Year | |
5 | HP Pavilion x360|14-DY1027TU | ![]() | A 2-in-1 Laptop With Impressive Graphics and Audio | Windows 11 | Intel Core i5-1155G7 / Intel Iris Xe | 8GB DDR4-3200 | 512GB SSD | 14" | 1.5kg / 32.2W x 20.9D x 1.99H cm | 6 (SuperSpeed USB Type C, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type A, HDMI, AC Smart Pin, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack) | Convertible Laptop, Micro-Edge Display, Dual Array Digital Microphones, Dual Speakers With B&O Technology, WiFi 6 Compatible, Energy Star Certified, EPEAT Gold Registered | Up to 12 Hours | 1 Year | |
6 | Asus VivoBook 16|M1603QA-MB230WS | ![]() | Uses AI Technology for Enhanced Video and Audio | Windows 11 Home | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H / AMD Radeon Graphics | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 16" | 1.88kg / 24.77W x 35.84D x 1.99H cm | USB 2.0, USB 3.2 (Gen 1, Type C), USB 3.2 (Gen 1, Type A), HDMI, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack | Fast and Powerful Ryzen Processor, Fingerprint Sensor, 180° Lay Flat Hinge, IceCool Thermal Technology, ErgoSense Keyboard, AI Noise-Canceling Technology, Antibacterial Guard, Physical Webcam Shield, Low Blue Light Certified, WiFi 6 Compatible | unknown | 2 Years | |
7 | MSI Modern 14|B5M-084PH | ![]() | Excellent Build Quality With Plenty of Useful Features | Windows 11 Home | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U / AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 14" | 1.3kg / 35.68W x 23.38D x 1.69H cm | 6 (USB 3.2 (Type C, Gen 2), 2 USB 3.2 (Type A, Gen 2), (4K @ 30Hz) HDMI, microSD, DC-in) | Fast and Powerful Ryzen Processor, Ultra-Light and Slim | unknown | 1 Year | |
8 | Dell Inspiron 15.6"|3511-5174BLK-PUS | ![]() | Features a User-Friendly Touchscreen Display and Numeric Keypad | Windows 11 Home in S Mode | Intel Core i5-1035G1 / Intel UHD Graphics | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 15.6" | 1.7kg / 35.84W x 23.55D x 1.88H cm | 6 (Charging Port, USB 2.0 (Type A), 2 USB 3.2 (Type A), HDMI, Microphone/Headphone Combo Jack) | Touch Screen, Number Pad | unknown | 1 Year |
Operating System | macOS |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | M2 |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Screen Size | 13.6" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.24kg / 30.41W x 21.5D x 1.13H cm |
Ports | 4 (MagSafe 3 Charging, 2 Thunderbolt/USB, 3.5mm Headphone Jack) |
Features | Liquid Retina Display, Fast and Powerful M2 Chip, Fanless Design, HD Camera, Spatial Audio |
Battery Life | Up to 18 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core i5-10210U / Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Screen Size | 14" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.5kg / 24.13W x 32.77D x 1.98H cm |
Ports | 8 (Power Connector, HDMI 1.4b, USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack (3.5 mm), Card Reader, NOVO Button Hole) |
Features | Dolby Audio, Webcam Shutter |
Battery Life | 9 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
If your tasks involve a lot of creative work, Huawei's MateBook D14 is the perfect choice. The 14-inch FullView display delivers stunning visuals with sharp details and vibrant colors, making your content come alive. However, it's equipped with flicker-free and reduced blue light technology to prevent eye strain. Its thin bezel design, combined with its slim body, makes it a portable device that you can bring anywhere.
Adding to its sleek design is the recessed front camera, which also gives you privacy. Though some customers aren't a fan of the pop-up camera, most agree that the laptop has commendable battery life. But the highlight of this product is its 180° opening angle which helps you find the best view, increasing productivity.
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 / Intel Iris Xe |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Screen Size | 14" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.38kg / 32.25W x 21.48D x 1.59H cm |
Ports | 5 (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.0 (Type C), HDMI, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack) |
Features | Anti-glare Huawei FullView Display, Flicker Free and Low Blue Light Certified, Fingerprint Power Button, WI-Fi 6 Compatible, Fast Charging |
Battery Life | 12.5 Hours |
Warranty | 2 Years |
The Acer Aspire 5 has all the right specs that can make it your next study or work buddy. It's equipped with a Ryzen 5-5500U processor, allowing you to breeze through tasks with ease. It also has plenty of storage for your documents, pictures, videos, and other files. And you don't have to worry about connectivity, as it comes with various ports, including USB, HDMI, and RJ45.
Moreover, it has a full HD display with a high screen-to-body ratio, providing you with consistent colors and crisp images. And thanks to Acer's Color Intelligence technology, it protects your eyes from excessive blue light exposure. From students to professionals, customers like to use this laptop for different tasks like accounting and coding—even gaming! Their only complaint is the speakers, but overall, it's a great device!
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | AMD Ryzen 5-5500U / AMD Radeon Graphics |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Screen Size | 15.6" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.8kg / 36.34W x 25.05D x 1.80H cm |
Ports | 6 (USB 2.0, USB 3.2 (Type C, Gen 1), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, RJ45) |
Features | Fast and Powerful Ryzen Processor |
Battery Life | Up to 10 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core i5-1155G7 / Intel Iris Xe |
RAM | 8GB DDR4-3200 |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Screen Size | 14" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.5kg / 32.2W x 20.9D x 1.99H cm |
Ports | 6 (SuperSpeed USB Type C, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type A, HDMI, AC Smart Pin, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack) |
Features | Convertible Laptop, Micro-Edge Display, Dual Array Digital Microphones, Dual Speakers With B&O Technology, WiFi 6 Compatible, Energy Star Certified, EPEAT Gold Registered |
Battery Life | Up to 12 Hours |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H / AMD Radeon Graphics |
RAM | 16GB |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Screen Size | 16" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.88kg / 24.77W x 35.84D x 1.99H cm |
Ports | USB 2.0, USB 3.2 (Gen 1, Type C), USB 3.2 (Gen 1, Type A), HDMI, Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack |
Features | Fast and Powerful Ryzen Processor, Fingerprint Sensor, 180° Lay Flat Hinge, IceCool Thermal Technology, ErgoSense Keyboard, AI Noise-Canceling Technology, Antibacterial Guard, Physical Webcam Shield, Low Blue Light Certified, WiFi 6 Compatible |
Battery Life | unknown |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U / AMD Radeon Graphics |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Screen Size | 14" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.3kg / 35.68W x 23.38D x 1.69H cm |
Ports | 6 (USB 3.2 (Type C, Gen 2), 2 USB 3.2 (Type A, Gen 2), (4K @ 30Hz) HDMI, microSD, DC-in) |
Features | Fast and Powerful Ryzen Processor, Ultra-Light and Slim |
Battery Life | unknown |
Warranty | 1 Year |
But what sets it apart is its touchscreen display and numeric keypad. The touchscreen display makes it easier to navigate and use the device, while the numeric keypads are beneficial for those who work with a lot of numbers such as engineers and accountants. The only qualm users have about it is its poor battery life—but other than that, they're satisfied with its performance.
Operating System | Windows 11 Home in S Mode |
---|---|
CPU/GPU | Intel Core i5-1035G1 / Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Screen Size | 15.6" |
Weight/Dimensions | 1.7kg / 35.84W x 23.55D x 1.88H cm |
Ports | 6 (Charging Port, USB 2.0 (Type A), 2 USB 3.2 (Type A), HDMI, Microphone/Headphone Combo Jack) |
Features | Touch Screen, Number Pad |
Battery Life | unknown |
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: Apple|MacBook Air 13-inch with M2 chip
No. 2: Lenovo|Ideapad 3|14IML05
No. 3: Huawei|Matebook|D14
No. 4: Acer|Aspire 5|A515-45-R03P
No. 5: HP|Pavilion x360|14-DY1027TU
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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