Best Laptops for Students in 2022 (Plus Discounts!)

Is your school ready to invest in some technology for students? Are you considering the purchase of a new laptop for your own child? All the choices can feel a little overwhelming, so we’ve scoured the reviews and put together this list to help you out. The best laptops for students are sturdy, affordable, and reliable. Whether you’re looking for a basic Chromebook for younger students or a full-featured laptop for older kids, these top picks will fit the bill. Plus, we’ve tracked down all the discounts to make the purchase a little easier on your wallet!

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Best Chromebooks for Students

A Chromebook is an excellent pick for the budget-conscious, but they do come with some limitations. Basically, Chromebooks generally rely on the internet to provide access to programs via the Chrome OS operating system. You can’t install the full Microsoft Office suite, but you can use the online versions. Chromebooks come in a range of prices, including extremely affordable options that still offer everything most students need. Here are some of the best.

Acer Chromebook 314

For a small investment, you’ll get a whole lot of performance from this Chromebook, which routinely makes the lists of the best laptops for students. This is the perfect starter machine, able to last a full school day on battery alone. The display quality is excellent, though at this price point, you don’t get a touch screen. Watch for deals on this Chromebook, which often drop the price below a couple hundred bucks.

Discounts: Create a free account at Student Beans to save 10% and get free shipping.

Dell Chromebook 11 3100

Looking for a touch screen 2-in-1 that won’t break the bank and can stand up to lots of wear and tear? Check out this rugged Chromebook, which is engineered to withstand bumps and drops. Plus, Dell offers very affordable accident coverage, for kids who are extra hard on their electronics. Touch screens are becoming a must-have these days, and this machine includes one at an excellent price. Battery life is good too, so it will last through school days and homework sessions.

Discounts: Visit Dell University for current discounts and deals for students.

Samsung Chromebook 4

Here’s another budget-friendly pick, sturdy and reliable without lots of bells and whistles. Real-life Amazon reviewers give this one incredibly high marks, noting that as long as you’re not expecting a high-end display and lightning-fast performance, you’ll get everything you need at a price that’s totally affordable.

Discounts: Sign up for the Samsung Education Offer Program for special discounts and deals for students.

Acer Chromebook 315

Chromebooks are often on the smaller side, which is great for portability. But when you stare at a screen for hours at a time, a bigger size can be a real benefit. That’s why this 15-inch Chromebook makes our list. A larger touch screen laptop at an affordable price point, it boasts long battery life and lots of excellent reviews from users.

Discounts: Create a free account at Student Beans to save 10% plus get free shipping.

ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3

One of the first Amazon reviews for this model notes that it’s perfect for elementary students, and we agree. The 2-in-1 touch screen capability means kids can use it as a tablet for learning programs but also have a keyboard handy for assignments that require typing. Grab the available stylus to make online handwriting practice a cinch.

Discount: Sign up with an .edu email address to get special ASUS for Education pricing. 

Best Laptops for Students

Full-featured laptops give you more capability offline, including the ability to use the full Microsoft Office suite. You’ll find options in every price range, but we suggest prioritizing reliability, portability, and battery life to find the best laptops for students. Here are some terrific options to consider.

Apple MacBook Air

For decades, Apple was synonymous with school computing. That’s been changing in recent years, but if your student’s school is loyal to Macs, it’s worth investing in the MacBook Air. It’s a pricier option, but reviewers love its performance and extra-long battery life. Older students will benefit from the video- and photo-editing options, which make it easy to ace school projects. The new M2 chip model makes its debut in summer 2022, and only time will tell if it’s a worthwhile upgrade to the slightly less expensive M1 model.

Discounts: Apple offers good student discounts when you shop through their Education Store. Their 2022 Back-to-School event includes discounted Apple Care and free gift cards too.

Microsoft Surface Go 2

This model just hit the shelves, and it’s racking up good reviews. It’s lightweight, affordable, and sturdy—the big three for student laptops. The battery life is a little low, but it should be enough for class note-taking or doing homework on the go. The touch screen is bright and responsive, and the fingerprint sign-in button adds a nice layer of security.

Discounts: Shop through the Microsoft Education Store for student deals and discounts.

Acer Aspire 5

Acer models appear multiple times on this list because the brand is well-known for creating reliable and affordable options for students and educators. The Aspire 5 has lots of customization options across a wide price range, so you can get the storage, speed, and power you need without paying for anything extra. Battery life is decent, and though this laptop is a little heavier than some other models, it’s still plenty light enough to be easily portable.

Discounts: Save 10% and get free shipping when you create a free account at Student Beans

Lenovo Yoga 6

If battery life is high on your list, check out the Lenovo Yoga line. These 2-in-1 laptops are beloved for their versatility and durability. There are lots of options available in this line, but we like the new Yoga 6 as a good mix of affordability and functionality. Still, you can’t really go wrong with any of the Yoga 2-in-1s, so choose the model that provides the power and performance you need.

Discounts: Sign up with ID.me to confirm your eligibility to save 10% with Lenovo’s Student & Teacher discount.

MSI Modern 14

Never heard of MSI? This brand, previously known mostly for high-end gaming computers, has been branching out into business and education laptops and getting high marks for their efforts. PC Magazine ranked this model one of the best ultra-portable models of 2022 (it only weighs 2.8 pounds), praising its affordable price and reliable design. It also has some pretty beautiful color options, which is a nice touch for models on the low end of the price range.

Discount: No student discounts are currently available for MSI.

Help kids use their new tech by trying these 21+ Chromebook Keyboard Hacks.

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