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Home > Blog > Best Laptops for University Students in 2024/2025; Top Picks

POSTED: 12 September, 2024

Best Laptops for University Students in 2024/2025; Top Picks

Student life is challenging enough. The last thing you would need is a laptop that’s slowing you down. From lectures to late-night study sessions, your laptop should be powerful enough to rely on!

We've rigorously tested thousands of laptops, ensuring you get the best performance for your academic needs. Our expert team reviews all the top models to curate a list of best 2 in 1 laptops for university students.

Sneak Peek: Our favourite these days, is the ASUS ZenBook S 13 (UX5304), known for its impressive balance of affordability, performance, and stunning display.

If you're managing your university fees and need the best laptop for your studies, don't worry. We've included affordable options that don't skimp on quality.

However, it's not always easy to get the best tech deal on laptops. All you need is market research and comparing specifications of your favourite picks to find the best one!

It might be overwhelming, as the best student laptops could be Chromebooks, Windows laptops, MacBooks, or 2-in-1 laptops. Choosing the right laptop depends on your coursework and daily demands.

If you're a university student studying graphic design, you'll need a laptop with exceptional processing power and color accuracy. Check out our guide to the best laptops for graphic design students.

Let's jump right into finding the best laptop for you!

Do You Know, What Best Suits You?

Wait! Before you start finding the best laptop for you, make sure to understand what suits you best!

Subject	Recommended Specs
Content Creation (Writing, Blogging, Video Editing, etc.)	Mid-range laptop with a good processor and sufficient RAM for multitasking. 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a comfortable keyboard are recommended
Architecture	Powerful laptop with a dedicated graphics card. 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a high-resolution display are essential.
Web Development or Programming	Mid-range laptop with a good processor and sufficient RAM for multitasking. 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a comfortable keyboard are recommended.
Graphic Design/ Illustration	High-performance laptop with a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and a large screen. 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a high-resolution display are recommended.
Business & Economics	Mid-range laptop with a good processor and sufficient RAM for multitasking. 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a comfortable keyboard are recommended.
Computer Science & Engineering	Powerful laptop with a dedicated graphics card. 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a high-resolution display are essential.
Healthcare & Sciences	Reliable laptop with a good battery life. 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a comfortable keyboard are essential.

Which are the Best Laptops for University Students in 2024? At a Glance

Best Overall: ASUS Zenbook S 13 (UX5304)

What Makes it Unique?

The Zenbook S 13 features a brilliant 13.3" OLED display, delivering exceptional clarity and vibrant colours.

Who is This Suited For?

Ideal laptop for university students who need a lightweight, portable laptop with powerful performance for multitasking, media creation, and intense productivity on the go.

Pros:

13.3" OLED display with deep blacks and vibrant colours
Ultra-thin and lightweight design
Intel Core Ultra 7 processor for smooth multitasking
Long battery life, perfect for all-day use
Premium build quality and sleek aesthetic

Cons:

Higher price point compared to other laptops
Limited ports due to slim design
Not ideal for heavy gaming
May run hot under prolonged high-performance tasks
No dedicated graphics card for intensive graphical work

Product Detail:

It stands out as the best overall laptop for its combination of sleek design, powerful performance, and eye-catching display. The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM, ensures that this laptop can handle everything from intensive multitasking to creative tasks like photo or video editing. Weighing just under 1kg and featuring a premium metal build, it’s incredibly easy to carry around.

The OLED display is a visual treat, making it ideal for those who value high-quality viewing for creative or entertainment purposes.

While it may be on the pricier side, its performance and display quality more than justify its position as the best overall laptop.

Best Value: Lenovo IdeaPad 3

What Makes it Unique:

Combining an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics, this laptop delivers impressive gaming and multitasking performance at an affordable price.

Who is This Suited For?

Ideal for university students who are budget-conscious and enjoy light-gaming, looking for a versatile laptop that handles both.

Pros:

Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor for multitasking
NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics card for casual gaming and graphical work
Efficient performance across various applications
Affordable price point for the features offered
512GB SSD for fast storage and quick boot times

Cons:

Heavier than ultrabooks, making it less portable
Battery life may not last through a full day of heavy use
Display quality is not as vibrant as OLED
Build quality is plastic, less premium compared to others
Not suitable for high-end gaming or intensive creative work

Product Detail:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid all-rounder that offers fantastic value for money. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 processor, it handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and even some light creative software with ease.

Thanks to the inclusion of NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics, it also performs well for casual gaming and graphical tasks. The 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 512GB SSD provides fast storage for your files, games, and applications.

With a 15.6" screen, it’s ideal laptop for university students who need a larger display for productivity but still want the performance required for some gaming downtime.

While it lacks the ultra-portability of more premium laptops and its build is less premium, the IdeaPad 3 is a fantastic budget-friendly option.

Best MacBook for Students: Apple MacBook Air M2

What Makes it Unique:

The M2 chip brings a revolutionary level of performance and efficiency, offering students a balance between power and battery life in a sleek, lightweight design.

Who is This Suited For?

Perfect for students who value portability, performance, and the seamless Apple ecosystem for their tasks and creative projects.

Pros:

M2 chip delivers exceptional performance with great power efficiency
Slim, lightweight design, perfect for carrying between classes
Long-lasting battery life, ideal for a full day of university work
Stunning 13.6" Retina display with True Tone technology
Excellent build quality with a premium look and feel

Cons:

Limited to 8GB RAM, may struggle with very demanding tasks
Expensive
Limited port selection
Not upgradeable
macOS may not be compatible with some specialised software used in certain courses

Product Detail:

A go-to choice for students seeking a combination of style, power, and portability. Powered by Apple’s M2 octa-core chip, this laptop breezes through everyday tasks like note-taking, research, and video calls, while also capable of handling more demanding workloads like editing videos or running creative software.

The 13.6" Retina display with True Tone technology ensures everything looks crisp and vibrant, making it great for both university work and leisure.

Its ultra-slim, lightweight form makes it easy to carry around campus, while the long-lasting battery ensures you won’t be left searching for a power outlet during lectures.

Although it’s a bit more expensive, the seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and its high build quality makes it an excellent choice for students who prefer macOS.

Best Budget Laptop for University Students: Lenovo IdeaPad 3

What Makes it Unique:

Affordable yet powerful, this laptop offers excellent multitasking and gaming performance thanks to the AMD Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics.

Who is This Suited For?

Best suited for students on a budget who need a best budget laptop that balances study tasks with light gaming or creative work without breaking the bank.

Pros:

AMD Ryzen 5 processor for smooth performance
NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics for casual gaming
Large 15.6" screen, ideal for productivity
16GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking
Affordable price for the hardware specs

Cons:

Heavier than most ultrabooks, less portable
Average battery life under heavy use
Plastic build quality, not as premium
Lacks a high-refresh-rate display for serious gaming
Display quality is not as vibrant as OLED or Retina screens

Product Detail:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a budget-friendly laptop that packs a punch, making it perfect for students who need versatility on a tight budget. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD it offers snappy performance for day-to-day activities, from browsing and word processing to handling light creative software.

The NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics card is best for casual gaming or tasks that require some graphic rendering. The large 15.6" screen makes it easy to work on essays or presentations, but it's also great for entertainment.

While it’s not the most portable or premium build, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers superb value for the price.

Best 2-in-1 Laptops for University Students: HP Elite x360

What Makes it Unique:

The Elite x360's 2-in-1 design allows it to transition from a laptop to a tablet, offering flexibility for students who need both touch and typing capabilities.

Who is This Suited For?

Perfect for university students who need the versatility of a laptop and tablet in one device, making it ideal for taking notes, sketching, and handling presentations.

Pros:

Versatile 2-in-1 design with touchscreen functionality
Intel Core Ultra 7 processor for smooth multitasking
Lightweight and portable for easy carrying
Excellent battery life for all-day use
High-quality 13.3" touchscreen display

Cons:

Slightly expensive compared to traditional laptops
Limited port options due to slim design
Touchscreen may attract fingerprints and smudges
Keyboard experience may be compromised in tablet mode
Not as powerful as traditional laptops for heavy-duty tasks

Product Detail:

Designed for students who need a versatile and portable device that functions as both a laptop and tablet. Its 2-in-1 design offers flexibility, allowing students to switch between typing assignments and using the touchscreen for drawing or annotating documents.

Weighing just over 1kg, this device is highly portable and ideal for students on the go. With a 13.3" touchscreen display, it offers a vivid and responsive experience for note-taking and presentations. It delivers excellent battery life, making it ideal for long study sessions without needing to constantly plug in.

While it's on the pricier side, still a top choice for students who want the best of both worlds in a 2-in-1 laptop.

A Quick Tip: To get the most out of your laptop’s battery, adjust your screen brightness, close unnecessary applications, and use 'battery saver' mode when you don’t need full performance.

Best AI-Integrated Laptop: ASUS Zenbook S 16

What makes it unique:

Equipped with AMD Ryzen AI technology, this laptop offers advanced AI-based features for enhanced performance, user experience, and power management.

Who is This Suited For?

Ideal for students in fields like AI development, data science, and creative work who need top-tier performance and cutting-edge AI-driven capabilities.

Pros:

AI-enhanced performance with AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor
Stunning 16" OLED touchscreen display with vibrant colours
Massive 32GB RAM for handling demanding applications
1TB SSD for ample storage and quick access
Sleek and modern design with premium build quality

Cons:

Higher price point due to advanced AI features
Larger size may limit portability for some users
AI features may be overkill for casual users
Limited ports due to slim design
Runs warm during intensive tasks

Product Detail:

The ASUS Zenbook S 16 OLED stands out for its integration of AMD Ryzen AI, making it one of the most advanced AI-driven laptops available. This cutting-edge technology optimises everything from performance to battery life, making it perfect for users who require advanced computing power for AI-based applications, video editing, or high-end software.

Its 16" OLED touchscreen display is nothing short of breathtaking, offering rich colours and deep contrasts, making it a joy to use for media consumption or creative work.

While it comes with a premium price tag and is slightly larger than most laptops, its AI-enhanced features and high-performance components make it worth the investment who want to future-proof their devices for the next level performance.

Specification	ASUS ZenBook S 13 (UX5304)	Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (AMD Ryzen 5	Apple MacBook Air M2	HP Elite x360 830 G11	ASUS Zenbook S 16 OLED	Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gaming
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7	AMD Ryzen 5 5500H	Apple M2 Octa-Core Chip	Intel Core Ultra 7 155U	AMD Ryzen AI 9	AMD Ryzen 5 5500H
RAM	16GB	16GB	8GB	16GB	32GB	16GB
Storage Capacity	1TB SSD	512GB SSD	512GB SSD	512GB SSD	1TB SSD	512GB SSD
Display	OLED (2880 x 1800)	Full HD IPS (1920 x 1080)	Retina IPS Display (2560 x 1664)	Full HD (1920 x 1080) Touchscreen	4K OLED (3840 x 2400) Touchscreen	Full HD IPS (1920 x 1080)
Screen Size	13.3"	15.6"	13.6"	13.3"	16"	15.6"
Keyboard	Backlit Keyboard	Full-size Keyboard	Backlit Keyboard	Backlit Keyboard, Convertible	Backlit Keyboard	Full-size Keyboard
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours	Up to 8 hours	Up to 18 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 10 hours	Up to 8 hours
Connectivity	Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E	USB 3.2, USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6	Thunderbolt, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E	Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6	USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6E	USB 3.2, USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6
Graphics Card	Integrated Intel Iris Xe	NVIDIA RTX 2050	Apple 10-core GPU	Integrated Intel Iris Xe	Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics	NVIDIA RTX 2050
Price	Around £1,400	Around £600	Around £1,200	Around £1600	Around £1700	Around £600
Availability	Available at Box.co.uk	Available at Box.co.uk	Available at Box.co.uk	Available at Box.co.uk	Available at Box.co.uk	Available at Box.co.uk

Ready to Buy? Find Your Perfect Laptop Today!

When it comes to choosing the best laptop for university, the key question remains: how much should you spend? While it's tempting to go all out, the best approach is to balance your budget with your needs. For most students, a budget between £600 to £1,200 will get you a solid, dependable machine that can handle everyday tasks. However, if your coursework demands more power, or you want premium features like high-performance graphics or an ultra-portable design, it might be worth investing a bit more.

If one of the laptops from our recommended list has caught your eye, don’t wait—snap it up right now at Box.co.uk. They've got you covered with fast delivery and competitive pricing. But hey, if our picks don’t quite fit your style or needs, that’s totally fine! Explore other options that you feel are the best choice for you.

Remember, the right laptop is an investment in your academic success, so make sure it’s the perfect fit for your university life!

For university students balancing academic and professional ambitions, the ASUS ZenBook offers a great mix of productivity and portability. Learn more about the best ASUS ZenBook models.

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