Hey everyone, Since a lot of juniors have been DM’ing me about which laptop to buy for college, I thought I’d drop a quick guide here. I also wrote a full detailed breakdown on my blog (with specs, pros/cons, and price ranges) — link at the end.

When you’re starting out in college, your laptop choice really depends on what you’ll actually use it for:

For notes, assignments, and basic coding → A thin & light laptop without a GPU (like HP Pavilion 14 or Dell Inspiron 15) is more than enough. They’re lightweight, have good battery life, and usually come with MS Office pre-installed. Perfect for non-tech branches or if you don’t plan on doing heavy stuff.

For gaming, video editing, 3D modelling, or ML model training → You’ll need a dedicated GPU. Options like HP Victus or ASUS TUF Gaming A15 are solid budget gaming laptops. They’re heavier but way more powerful, so if you see yourself working on projects involving AI/ML, simulations, or CAD software, a GPU laptop will save you headaches later.

For students who want something super portable & reliable → MacBook Air M1 is still one of the best picks. Insane battery life, very lightweight, and perfect for CSE/IT students who are into programming, app development, or design work. Downside: not ideal for AAA gaming.

Balanced options → Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 and Acer Aspire 5 give you the best of both worlds — good performance, portability, and fair pricing for students.

💡 General advice:

If you’re in CSE/IT/ECE → consider something with at least 16GB RAM + SSD.

If you’re in Mech/Civil → go for a GPU laptop if you’ll use AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or simulations.

If you’re in non-tech branches → save money and get a thin & light laptop without GPU.

For a more detailed breakdown with prices, weight, and full specs comparison table, I’ve written a complete blog post here: 👉 Best laptops for college students

Hope this helps freshers make a smarter choice before investing!

Total budget (in local currency) and country of purchase. Please do not use USD unless purchasing in the US:
$800–$1,200, US

Are you open to refurbs/used?
Prefer new, but open to refurbished laptops if they’re a great value for students

How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life?
Battery life and build quality are top priority for college use, followed by performance; ultrabook or slim laptop style preferred

How important is weight and thinness to you?
Very important — I’ll be carrying it between classes and around campus daily, so a lightweight laptop is a must

Do you have a preferred screen size? If indifferent, put N/A.
13–15 inches for portability and comfort

Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming? List which programs/games you desire to run.
Primarily note-taking, research, online classes, and streaming, plus light Adobe Photoshop and Premiere work

If you're gaming, do you have certain games you want to play? At what settings and FPS do you want?
Not a gaming laptop priority, but light indie or casual games at medium settings would be fine

Any specific requirements such as good keyboard, reliable build quality, touch-screen, finger-print reader, optical drive or good input devices (keyboard/touchpad)?
Reliable build, comfortable keyboard for long writing sessions, responsive touchpad; touchscreen optional

Leave any finishing thoughts here that you may feel are necessary and beneficial to the discussion.
I’m looking for the best laptop for a college freshman that can last through all four years without constant repairs. Strong battery life for all-day use, portability, and durability are essential. I’ve seen student laptop recommendations like the MacBook Air, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPad, but I’d love to hear from people who’ve used them in real college settings.

Total budget (in local currency) and country of purchase. Please do not use USD unless purchasing in the US:
$800–$1,200, US

Are you open to refurbs/used?
Prefer new, but open to refurbished laptops if they’re a great value for students

How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life?
Battery life and build quality are top priority for college use, followed by performance; ultrabook or slim laptop style preferred

How important is weight and thinness to you?
Very important — I’ll be carrying it between classes and around campus daily, so a lightweight laptop is a must

Do you have a preferred screen size? If indifferent, put N/A.
13–15 inches for portability and comfort

Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming? List which programs/games you desire to run.
Primarily note-taking, research, online classes, and streaming, plus light Adobe Photoshop and Premiere work

If you're gaming, do you have certain games you want to play? At what settings and FPS do you want?
Not a gaming laptop priority, but light indie or casual games at medium settings would be fine

Any specific requirements such as good keyboard, reliable build quality, touch-screen, finger-print reader, optical drive or good input devices (keyboard/touchpad)?
Reliable build, comfortable keyboard for long writing sessions, responsive touchpad; touchscreen optional

Leave any finishing thoughts here that you may feel are necessary and beneficial to the discussion.
I’m looking for the best laptop for a college freshman that can last through all four years without constant repairs. Strong battery life for all-day use, portability, and durability are essential. I’ve seen student laptop recommendations like the MacBook Air, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPad, but I’d love to hear from people who’ve used them in real college settings.

hi i’m going to a 4 yr next year and was looking for nice laptop to buy. i really enjoy the aesthetic and slimness of a macbook, but i plan to also play a lot of games so i think i would need something with more storage . please give me recommendations !!

edit- price point isn’t really a huge issue . also am looking to branch into editing/ photography in the future so it would be nice if it had anything to support this

So gonna be very honest, idk anything abt tech and I need a laptop as I'll be starting uni soon. The main purpose is assignments, school work etc. I tried to research but all of it seemed very overwhelmed and I didn't know where to start. So having no clue, I just decided to try on here. I honestly have no clue about the budget, my dad said i can get one upto 1L but is a laptop that expensive worth it for school work? I need reasonable alternative suggestions. Can yall please give me suggestions or recommendations?

Are you a student gearing up for the 2025 academic year and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of laptops out there? Don't worry, this post is your ultimate guide to finding the best laptop for students in 2025, with recommendations for every budget and major! 

Whether you're a coding whiz, a design guru, a future engineer, or a literature enthusiast, we've got you covered with top-rated laptops that will help you ace your studies and beyond. Let's dive in!

Top Picks for Every Student:

1. The Power User: If you need a laptop that can handle demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or running complex simulations, the Thinkpad P16s with AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, 64GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD is a beast! It even has a 16" 4K OLED display for stunning visuals.  - If need more details, visit here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0HuwYgYbc

2. The Budget-Conscious: Need a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank? The HP EliteBook 840 G8 is a solid choice. It features an Intel Core i5-1145G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, all for a reasonable price.   

3. The Ultra-Portable: For students who are always on the go, the Lenovo 100e Gen 4 is a lightweight and compact option with an 11.6" display. It's perfect for taking notes, browsing the web, and working on assignments between classes. - If need more details, visit here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6elrN8qGFzs

4. The Gamer: Can't resist squeezing in some gaming sessions after a long day of studying? The AMD R9 9955HX3D (85W) with an RTX 5090 (175W) is a killer combo for gaming performance in a laptop. 

Details and further discussion can be found in communities like r/laptops and r/SuggestALaptop.     

Factors to Consider:

• Major/Field of Study: Engineering and design students need powerful processors and dedicated graphics, while humanities students might prioritize portability and battery life.
• Budget: Set a realistic budget and stick to it. There are great laptops available at various price points.
• Operating System: Choose between Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS based on your needs and preferences.
• Portability: Consider the size and weight of the laptop, especially if you'll be carrying it around campus.
• Battery Life: Look for a laptop with long battery life to get you through those long lectures and study sessions.

Tips for Choosing the Right Laptop:

• Read Reviews: Check out reviews from other students and tech websites to get an idea of real-world performance.
• Compare Specs: Pay attention to the processor, RAM, storage, and display specifications to ensure they meet your needs.
• Consider Future Needs: Think about how your needs might change over the next few years and choose a laptop that can adapt.

Don't forget to ask questions and share your own laptop recommendations in the comments below!  Let's help each other find the perfect laptops for a successful academic year!

I’m looking for recommendations for a new laptop in 2025, and I have two needs: one for study and productivity and another for gaming. Ideally, I’d love to find one that can handle both, but I’m open to separate suggestions.

For a student laptop, I need something lightweight with great battery life (8+ hours) and strong enough to handle tools like Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and light creative work. My budget is around $800–$1200.

For a gaming laptop, I’m looking for good performance with a dedicated GPU (RTX 4060 or better) and a high refresh rate screen. My budget here is around $1500–$2000. Portability is a bonus, but cooling is important for long sessions.

Some models I’ve been considering:

Student: MacBook Air (M3), Dell XPS 13 Gaming: Asus ROG Zephyrus G16, Alienware x14 Does anyone have experience with these or other suggestions? Any models that balance both study and gaming would also be awesome.

If you're gearing up for school or college, finding the perfect laptop is key. We've rounded up Reddit’s top recommendations for student-friendly laptops in 2025, focusing on affordability, performance, and versatility.

 Reddit's Most Recommended Laptops for Students

1. Dell XPS 13 (2025)

• Why it's popular: Lightweight, reliable, and a solid choice for multitasking.
• Specs: Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.
• Ideal for: Students needing a durable laptop for both work and streaming.
• Price: $999, with frequent student discounts.

2. MacBook Air M3 (2025)

• Why it's great: Apple’s latest M3 chip makes this laptop incredibly fast and power-efficient.
• Specs: 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 13-inch Retina display.
• Best for: Creative tasks like video editing and long note-taking sessions.
• Price: $1,099; watch for deals at Apple’s Education Store.

3. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3

• Why it's loved: A budget-friendly, versatile 2-in-1 design with excellent performance.
• Specs: Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD.
• Great for: Switching between tablet and laptop modes for class and leisure.
• Price: Around $649.

Other best laptop for students according to Reddit 2025

• Microsoft Surface Go 3
• Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
• ASUS ROG Strix G16
• ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16
• LG Gram 15
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11

Student Discounts & Deals

• Dell: Exclusive student coupons during back-to-school sales.
• Apple: Discounts through their Education Store plus free AirPods.
• Lenovo: Savings for verified .edu accounts.
• HP and Acer: Seasonal deals on major online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Features to Look For

• Battery Life: Ensure it lasts at least 8-10 hours for a full day of classes.
• Weight: Aim for under 3 lbs to carry it around easily.
• Processor: Choose Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen for seamless multitasking.
• Durability: Look for well-built laptops to last through college.

FAQs

Q: What's the most affordable laptop for students in 2025?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 and Acer Swift 3 are great choices under $700.

Q: Which laptop is best for computer science students?
A: The Dell XPS 13 offers the performance needed for coding and multitasking.

Q: Are there good 2-in-1 options for students?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a standout with its flexible design and solid specs.

Let me know if you'd like further tweaks or if I should add more products! 

I’m on the hunt for the best laptop for students in 2025, and I thought Reddit would be the perfect place to gather insights from real people who know their tech. Whether you're a student yourself, a tech enthusiast, or someone who just upgraded, I’d love your recommendations!

Here’s what I’m looking for in a student laptop:

Must-Have Features for a Student Laptop in 2025 Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry between classes and study sessions.

Battery Life: At least 10 hours of battery life for all-day use without hunting for an outlet.

Performance: Enough power to handle multitasking (think multiple tabs, video calls, and note-taking apps) and light content creation.

Durability: Something that can survive being tossed in a backpack or handled daily.

Budget-Friendly: Preferably under $1,000, but I'm open to splurging for great value.

Special Features: Bonus for touchscreen, 2-in-1 convertibility, or stylus support for creative or design-focused courses.

Top Contenders (Based on My Research So Far)

Here are some laptops I've found in my research that seem great for students in 2025. I’d love your feedback if you’ve used any of these!

Apple MacBook Air M2 (2025 Model)

Why It’s Great: Incredible battery life, lightweight design, and the new M2 chip for fast performance. Best For: Creative students (video editing, design, coding) and those in need of reliable battery life. Price Range: Starts at $1,099.

Dell XPS 13 Plus

Why It’s Great: Gorgeous OLED display, slim design, and excellent performance for multitasking. Best For: Students who want a premium look and feel without sacrificing functionality. Price Range: Around $1,199.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 6

Why It’s Great: Sleek and versatile with touchscreen support, great for note-taking and presentations. Best For: Students in creative fields or those who prefer a 2-in-1 experience. Price Range: Starts at $999.

HP Pavilion Aero 13

Why It’s Great: Lightweight, affordable, and a solid performer for everyday student tasks. Best For: Budget-conscious students who still want premium features. Price Range: Under $900.

Acer Swift X 14 (2025)

Why It’s Great: Exceptional value with a discrete GPU for light gaming and content creation. Best For: STEM students or casual gamers who need performance on a budget. Price Range: Around $950.

Questions for the Community What are your experiences with these laptops? Have you found one that’s perfect for student life in 2025? Any hidden gems? I’d love to hear about laptops I might have missed that you think are amazing for students.

Tips for buying: Where should I look for deals or student discounts this year?

Pro Tips for Choosing a Student Laptop in 2025

• Check for student discounts: Many manufacturers (Apple, Microsoft, Dell, etc.) offer exclusive discounts for students. Don’t forget to ask!
• Consider extended warranties: If you’re buying a premium laptop, investing in extra protection might be worth it.
• Think long-term: Choose a laptop that will still be powerful and relevant in 3–4 years.

Let’s Make This the Go-To Guide! I’ll update this post with the best recommendations and insights from the community to create a helpful guide for anyone searching for the best laptops for students in 2025. Let’s make it the ultimate resource for anyone in the market!