Choosing the right laptop for university students involves considering a balance between performance, portability, and price. With the vast array of options available, it's crucial to identify brands that consistently offer reliability and support for academic needs. Whether you prioritize a lightweight model for easy transport or require robust software capabilities for specialized courses, there are several notable brands that excel in creating student-friendly laptops. Explore the list below to find the best laptop brand that aligns with your educational pursuits and lifestyle.
Illustration of laptop for university students
Best brands of laptop for university students in 2025
Apple
Apple is a leading choice for university students due to its robust and reliable laptops, with 27% of student-owned notebooks being Macs in 2010, and a significant 47% of students planning to purchase a Mac for their future needs. A more recent survey found that 71% of students prefer Macs, citing reasons such as ease of use, reliability, and durability, even though 60% currently use PCs. Macs are particularly favored for their integration with other Apple devices and their ability to handle demanding tasks in various fields of study. The Apple ecosystem, including features like Apple Intelligence and Continuity, enhances the student experience by providing powerful tools for productivity and creativity. Additionally, Apple offers special education pricing and other incentives to make their products more accessible to students. For more details about college students heading to campus with Mac and iPad, visit their newsroom.
Dell
Dell is a leading producer of laptops for university students, known for its reliable and powerful devices. Between 80 and 90 percent of students participate in one-to-one device programs that provide Dell laptops, configured specifically for their learning needs. These laptops often come with robust specifications such as 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel Core processors, 16 GB of RAM, and solid-state drives, ensuring they meet the demanding requirements of academic work. Dell's devices are also supported by comprehensive IT services and maintenance programs, enhancing their longevity and performance. The success of these programs is evident, as seen in institutions like the University of Colorado Boulder, where students can purchase their used laptops for a nominal fee after graduation. For more details, you can explore Dell's one-to-one student device programs case study.
HP
HP is a leading brand for university students seeking high-quality laptops, offering models like the HP Laptop 15t-fd000, which features an Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 12GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM, and a 15.6" diagonal HD display, making multitasking effortless. HP laptops are designed for portability, convenience, and multifunctionality, making them ideal for college life. Students can benefit from exclusive discounts of up to 40% through the HP Education Store. Additionally, HP's commitment to technology is evident in their curated offerings for students, ensuring they stay ahead in the digital age. With such robust specifications and affordable options, HP laptops are a popular choice among university students.
Lenovo
Lenovo stands out as a leading producer of laptops for university students, boasting a significant 24.8% global PC market share as of the third quarter of 2024, with 16.5 million units shipped during this period. Their diverse range of laptops, including performance, ultraportable, and 2-in-1 models, cater to various academic needs, from English literature to computer science and engineering. Lenovo's commitment to supporting students with discounts and funding options helps alleviate financial strain on guardians and students. Their laptops are designed for durability, long battery life, and the power to handle CPU-intensive software. With options available from under $300 to over $1,000, Lenovo offers a laptop to suit every student's budget and requirements. For more information, explore their offerings on the Lenovo student page.
ASUS
ASUS is a leading brand for university students, offering a range of laptops that cater to various educational needs. With products like the VivoBook Flip 14, designed for flexibility and equipped with Intel(r) Core(tm) i7 processors, ASUS ensures students can handle everyday tasks with ease. In the higher education sector, ASUS products are known for their stability, quality, and performance, making them ideal for tasks such as video editing and graphic design. Despite a recent decline in market share to 2.9% in the US in 2023, ASUS remains a significant player globally, especially in the gaming and education segments. For more information about their educational offerings, visit the ASUS education page.
Acer
Acer stands out as a top choice for university students due to its innovative and versatile laptop offerings. In 2024, Acer's market share in the global PC market is projected to be around 7.2%, driven by its strong presence in the education sector, particularly with its Chromebook offerings. The Acer Aspire Vero 16, for instance, is an eco-conscious option powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, offering up to 26 hours of battery life and sustainable design features. Additionally, Acer's AI-powered laptops, such as the Swift AI Copilot+ PCs, enhance productivity with advanced AI capabilities, long battery life, and premium 3K OLED displays. These features make Acer laptops ideal for handling a range of academic tasks, from note-taking to multimedia projects. You can explore more details on the best Acer laptops for college students in 2024.
Microsoft
Microsoft is a formidable brand for university students seeking reliable and versatile laptops, particularly with its Surface Pro series, which offers the flexibility of both a tablet and a laptop. The Surface Pro 9, for instance, features powerful processors, optional 5G connectivity, and a long battery life of up to 19 hours, making it ideal for on-the-go productivity. Microsoft's market share, although smaller compared to other giants, stands at around 4% in the global laptop market as of 2023. The Surface Pro's compatibility with Windows 11 ensures seamless integration with essential software for academic purposes, such as Microsoft Office and specialized business tools. This makes Microsoft laptops a strong choice for students, especially those in business and analytics programs.
Samsung
Samsung is a notable producer of laptops for university students, offering models like the Samsung Galaxy Book4 and Galaxy Book4 FE, which are praised for their performance, portability, and affordability. In 2023, Samsung, along with other brands like Toshiba, MSI, and Microsoft, accounted for a combined 13.9% of the global laptop market share. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 FE, powered by an Intel Core i7-1335U processor and 16GB of RAM, is particularly versatile for demanding university tasks. These laptops are designed to handle multiple browser tabs, statistical software, and streaming with ease, making them ideal for students. With features like long-lasting battery life, fast SSD storage, and multiple connectivity options, Samsung laptops are a solid choice for university students. For more details on why the Samsung Galaxy Book is considered the best laptop for university students, check their detailed analysis.
LG
LG is a notable producer of laptops highly suitable for university students, particularly with models like the LG gram 14 (2023), which is praised for its portability, lightweight design, and impressive battery life of around ten hours. This laptop features a sharp 14-inch display, a spacious and tactile keyboard, and a responsive touchpad, making it ideal for school use. It is available with Intel 13th Gen. P-series CPUs, capable of handling fairly demanding workloads, although it lacks the power of a dedicated GPU. The LG gram 14 also stands out for its extensive port selection and longer battery life compared to some competitors. However, it may not be the best choice for students requiring strong GPU performance.
MSI
MSI is a highly regarded brand among university students for its high-performance laptops, particularly in the gaming and professional segments. In 2023, MSI, along with other brands like Toshiba, Microsoft, and Samsung, accounted for a combined 13.9% of the global laptop market share. MSI's laptops, such as the Cyborg 15, feature advanced technologies like Intel Core i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, and a 144Hz IPS-Level display, making them ideal for both gaming and academic tasks. The brand has also been recognized for its overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend, winning the Reader's Choice Laptop award for four years in a row. MSI's focus on innovative design and performance makes it a top choice for university students seeking reliable and powerful laptops.
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