Best Budget Laptops for College Students – Study Smarter in 2025

Finding the right laptop for your studies in 2025 doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re attending university lectures, joining remote classes, or working on essays in the library, you need a laptop that’s reliable, portable and affordable. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the best affordable laptops that offer great value without cutting corners. From everyday work machines to budget gaming laptops for students, this list includes models from HP, Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS to suit every type of learner. We've also included options like Chromebooks for students and lightweight laptops for school for maximum portability. 

Read on to discover our top picks, compare specs, and learn which device is best for your course and lifestyle. Whether you're studying business, computing, or the arts, there's a laptop here for you. 

What to Look for in a Student Laptop 

Choosing the right laptop for college doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the key features you should consider before making your decision about the best student laptops. Whether you're writing essays, attending online lectures, or running course-related software, these factors will help you find the best affordable laptop that suits your needs: 

• Processor (CPU): Look for at least an Intel Core i5 or i7, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. These chips handle multitasking better and are ideal for research, video calls, and running multiple apps smoothly. 
• RAM: Aim for 8GB RAM at a minimum. If you plan to use more demanding software (like video editing or programming tools), 16GB is recommended. 
• Storage: An SSD (Solid State Drive) offers faster performance than a traditional hard drive. 256GB or more is ideal to store documents, apps, and files without slowing down. 
• Display Size: A screen between 13 and 15.6 inches offers a good balance between screen space and portability. Bigger displays (17") are useful for creative or technical work. 
• Battery Life: Look for laptops that offer at least 6 to 10 hours of battery life. This ensures you can get through a full day of classes or studying without needing a charger. 
• Portability: If you’ll be carrying your laptop to lectures and libraries, choose a device that is lightweight and easy to carry, ideally under 2kg. 
   

Understanding these features helps you choose a budget laptop that fits your study style, course, and daily routine. Prioritise performance and battery life over extras like touchscreens unless they’re essential for your course. 

Everyday Study Laptops: Reliable and Affordable 

HP 15-fc0038na: A Solid Budget Choice

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The HP 15-fc0038na is a straightforward, efficient laptop ideal for college students looking for a reliable work device. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor, it provides consistent performance for notetaking, web research, and document editing. With 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, it boots quickly and manages day-to-day tasks with ease. The 15.6-inch display offers clear visuals for watching videos or attending online classes. It's one of the best affordable laptops for basic academic needs. Running Windows 11 Home provides a familiar and easy-to-use interface. This model is great for students on a tight budget who need something functional and efficient without extra features. 

HP 15s-fq5030na: More Power, More Storage

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If you need more processing power for research, video conferencing, or multitasking, the HP 15s-fq5030na is an excellent step up. With an Intel Core i7-1255U processor and 512GB SSD, it’s ideal for students who run multiple programs at once. The 8GB RAM ensures smooth performance, while the 15.6-inch screen is ideal for working on documents or attending virtual lectures. It includes Windows 11 Home S, which is fast, secure, and simple to use. This model is a perfect example of the best student laptop that balances speed and functionality for long-term use. 

HP 15-fc0036na: Excellent All-Round Performance

 

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The HP 15-fc0036na gives students a dependable and well-balanced experience. Featuring the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it handles tasks like browsing, video calls, and light editing with ease. The 15.6-inch screen offers clear resolution, and the sleek design makes it a stylish companion for any lecture hall or study space. Running Windows 11 Home gives you access to all the tools you need for academic success. This model is one of the best affordable laptops for students who want speed and storage on a student budget. 

Find it interesting? You can look for more options in our HP laptop deals. 

Premium and Business-Ready Laptops: For Advanced Students’ Needs 

HP EliteBook 630 G10 (9Y777ET): Study with Security

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Ideal for business, IT or engineering students, the HP EliteBook 630 G10 (model 9Y777ET) is a lightweight, compact and secure laptop. It features the Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD for excellent speed and responsiveness. With a 13.3-inch display and Windows 11 Pro, it offers added security and business features for more demanding academic needs.  

It’s a strong choice for final-year students, postgraduates, or those in professional degree programmes. If you're looking for a lightweight laptop for school with high performance and long-term durability, this is a top pick. 

HP EliteBook 630 G10 (725G3EA): Compact and Capable

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Another excellent option in the business range, the HP EliteBook 630 G10 (model 725G3EA) includes the same Intel Core i5-1335U processor and 16GB RAM, delivering excellent multitasking power. With 512GB SSD storage, you can store large projects, academic documents, and media files with ease. Its compact 13.3-inch screen makes it one of the most portable and lightweight laptops for school, and Windows 11 Pro ensures enterprise-grade security. If your studies include business tools or remote teamwork, this EliteBook is a smart long-term investment. 

Lenovo ThinkPad E14: Trusted and Durable

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Lenovo's ThinkPad range is trusted by professionals worldwide, and the E14 is no exception. With an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, this laptop is built for performance and durability. The 14-inch screen size is a good balance between workspace and portability, and it runs Windows 11 Pro for added control and business tools. The ThinkPad's keyboard is one of the best for typing long essays or reports. This is a top pick for students who value build quality and longevity. 

Lenovo V14: Reliable and Professional 

The Lenovo V14 offers excellent value with a powerful Intel Core i5-13420H processor and 16GB RAM. It has a 512GB SSD, which is more than enough for storing coursework, presentations, and creative projects. The 14-inch screen is compact, making it ideal for on-the-go study, and it comes with Windows 11 Pro for business-level performance. It's perfect for students who want a laptop that feels professional and can grow with them into future careers. It’s another great choice among Lenovo laptops for college. 

Study and Game: Budget Gaming Laptops for Students 

Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9: Gaming and Study Power

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If you enjoy gaming between lectures or need to run demanding creative software, the Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9 is worth considering. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS, 24GB RAM, a huge 1TB SSD, and NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics. This makes it ideal for video editing, 3D design, and, of course, modern games. The 15.6-inch screen is bright and clear, and Windows 11 Home ensures easy usability. As a budget gaming laptop, it offers a strong balance between performance and cost. 

HP Victus 15-fb2007na: Play and Work Efficiently

The HP Victus 15-fb2007na offers impressive power at a student-friendly price. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and RTX 4050 graphics, this laptop is perfect for students who work hard and play harder. It handles gaming and software like Photoshop or coding platforms with ease. The 15.6-inch screen is perfect for immersive work or play. As one of the affordable gaming laptops, it’s a great option for creative or technical students looking to balance entertainment and study. 

ASUS TUF A15 FA507NVR-LP012W: Serious Gaming Power

The ASUS TUF A15 is designed for power users and gamers. It includes a Ryzen 7 7435HS processor, 16GB RAM, and an RTX 4060 GPU, providing excellent performance for game development, engineering software, and AAA gaming. With a 15.6-inch screen and Windows 11 Home, this laptop offers both visuals and functionality. The 512GB SSD ensures plenty of storage space. If you want a high-performing budget gaming laptop for students, this is a great choice that can also handle university assignments with no issues. 

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Chromebooks for Students: Simple and Fast 

Lenovo Chromebook S345: Study with Speed

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The Lenovo Chromebook S345 is a lightweight, fast-booting device, ideal for cloud-based work. With an AMD A6-9220C processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, it’s made for browsing, typing, and video calls. The 14-inch screen and ChromeOS make it easy to use, especially for younger students or those focused on Google Workspace tools like Docs and Drive. A great choice for affordable, stress-free studying. 

ASUS Chromebook CX1: Big Screen Simplicity 

The ASUS Chromebook CX1 is another excellent option for light computing. It features an Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, and a 64GB SSD, with a large 15.6-inch screen for comfortable viewing. ChromeOS offers speed, simplicity, and built-in virus protection. It’s ideal for document work, emails, and browsing. This model is perfect for students seeking the best affordable laptop with low maintenance. 

Lightweight and Portable Picks 

Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14: Study Anywhere 

This convertible laptop from Acer is great for students who move around campus often. With an Intel Core i3 N305 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD, it’s perfect for note-taking, video calls, and reading. The 14-inch touchscreen display folds into tablet mode for flexible use. Windows 11 Home makes it simple and user-friendly. It's one of the best lightweight laptops for school, combining function and portability. 

Acer Aspire 3 A317-55P: Large Screen on a Budget 

If you prefer a larger display, the Acer Aspire 3 A317-55P is an excellent budget option. It features an Intel N100 processor, 4GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD. The 17.3-inch screen is great for multitasking, reading, or watching lectures. It's ideal for students working with large spreadsheets or multiple tabs. This is one of the best affordable laptops for students who prefer a big screen and simple performance. 

Acer TravelMate P2 TMP216-51-TCO: Built for Study 

The Acer TravelMate P2 is designed for education and productivity. With an Intel Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it can handle a variety of academic workloads with ease. The 16-inch display offers plenty of screen space, and a strong build makes it ideal for everyday use. Running Windows 11, this laptop is great for students needing power and reliability in one package. 

Conclusion 

Whether you need a simple machine for writing essays or a powerful device for coding and design, there’s something here for every budget and subject. Choosing one of the best affordable laptops means you can focus on your studies without worrying about performance or cost. From budget gaming laptops for students to Chromebooks for students and lightweight laptops for school, these models offer a great mix of features and value. 

Don't forget to explore our full range, including affordable HP laptops for students, budget Acer laptops for study, and Lenovo laptops for college. Shop smart, study smart, and get the most from your university experience in 2025. And if you are after some fun, be sure to check out our gaming laptop deals for some amazing finds. 

FAQs – Student Laptop Buying Guide 

1. What is the best affordable laptop for students in 2025? 

The best affordable laptops for students include the HP 15-fc0038na, Lenovo Chromebook S345, and Acer Aspire 3. These models offer great value, reliable performance, and are perfect for everyday tasks like writing, browsing, and attending online classes. 

2. Are gaming laptops good for college students? 

Yes. Budget gaming laptops for students like the HP Victus 15 or Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9 are ideal for students who also use demanding software (e.g. CAD, Adobe apps) or enjoy gaming in their free time. They offer powerful CPUs and GPUs, making them versatile. 

3. Should I choose a Chromebook or a Windows laptop? 

Chromebooks for students are great for light tasks like browsing, email, and Google Docs. If you need to install apps like Microsoft Office, design tools, or development software, a Windows laptop is more suitable. 

4. How much RAM is enough for university work? 

8GB RAM is the minimum for smooth performance. If your course involves multitasking, video editing, or software development, go for 16GB RAM. 

5. What size laptop is best for studying? 

Most students prefer laptops between 13" and 15.6". They offer a balance between screen space for productivity and portability for carrying around campus.