Top Student-Friendly Laptop Brands for Ultimate Learning Experience

Choosing the perfect laptop as a student can be quite overwhelming given the plethora of options available today. With a focus on both affordability and functionality, it is essential to balance performance with features suited to an academic lifestyle. Brands like Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo have consistently been top contenders, offering a range of laptops that cater to various student needs, from vigorous multitasking to seamless media handling. Curious to find out which specific models are highly recommended for students in 2023? Read on to discover the best brands and models that strike the ideal balance for educational success.

Illustration of student laptop

Best brands of student laptop in 2025

Apple

Apple is a leading brand among U.S. college students for laptops, with a significant market presence. In a 2010 survey, 27% of student-owned notebooks were Macs, surpassing Dell's 24% share, and 47% of students planned to purchase a Mac for their next laptop. This trend reflects Apple's strong appeal to students, particularly noted at universities like the University of Virginia, where over 43% of incoming freshmen in 2009 owned Macs. Apple's focus on user experience, design, and quality has contributed to its popularity in the educational sector. Despite recent market share fluctuations, Apple remains a preferred choice for many students. For further details, you can read the survey findings on their popularity among college students here.

Dell

In the U.S., Dell held the second place in popularity among college students, with 24% of student-owned notebooks being Dell laptops, as of a 2010 survey. In terms of shipments, Dell's global PC shipments amounted to 64.28 million units in 2023, indicating a strong market presence. Dell's laptops are favored for their robust security measures, including a Secure Development Lifecycle and rigorous quality control processes. This makes Dell a reliable option for students seeking both performance and security. To explore their range of laptops, visit the Dell official website.

Lenovo

Lenovo is a leading producer of student laptops, boasting a 24% market share in the global laptop industry as of 2023. Known for its diverse range of models, Lenovo offers high-value options such as the IdeaPad and ThinkPad series, which are popular among students for their durability and performance. In 2018, Lenovo shipped 58.4 million units of desktop PCs and laptops, solidifying its position as the world's largest PC vendor. Lenovo's laptops are available in various configurations, including Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux, catering to different student needs. With its intelligent transformation strategy launched in 2021, Lenovo continues to innovate and provide top-notch devices for educational purposes.

HP

HP is a leading producer of student laptops, known for its robust and feature-rich models. In 2018, HP held a 21.7% market share in the laptop industry, with popular models like Envy, Elitebook, and Pavilion being favorites among students. As of 2023, HP's market share stood at 12%, indicating its continued dominance in the educational sector. HP's laptops are praised for their durability, performance, and affordability, making them an ideal choice for students. With a strong presence in North America, HP remains a top option for educational institutions and individual students alike.

ASUS

ASUS is renowned as one of the best producers of student laptops, offering a wide range of models that cater to various needs and budgets. In 2016, ASUS held a significant 40% global market share in the gaming laptop segment, a testament to its commitment to innovation and performance. For students, ASUS laptops such as the Zenbook and Vivobook series provide excellent value, with features like robust build quality, sleek designs, and powerful performance. The company's high-end gaming laptops, like the ROG Zephyrus G14, also offer premium features that can benefit students requiring powerful computing for demanding tasks. As of 2023, ASUS holds a 7.1% market share in the global PC market, solidifying its position as a reliable choice for students.

Acer

Acer is a leading producer of student laptops, known for its robust performance and affordability. In 2023, Acer held a 6.9% market share in the global PC market, with a strong presence in the education sector, particularly through its Chromebook offerings, which dominate the US education industry with a 60% market share. Acer's revenue in 2023 was approximately $10.5 billion, with a projected growth to $11.2 billion in 2024, driven by demand for its gaming laptops and monitors. The company's Aspire Vero series is also notable for its sustainability, using up to 40% post-consumer recycled materials and reducing CO2 emissions by 30%. Acer's continuous innovation and strategic partnerships are expected to slightly increase its market share to 7.2% in 2024.

Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface, particularly the Surface Laptop SE, stands out as a top choice for student laptops due to its tailored design for education. Released in November 2021, the Surface Laptop SE offers pared-back specs and entry-level pricing, starting at just $AU399, making it an economical and effective learning tool. This device features an 11.6-inch non-touch liquid crystal display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, enhancing student productivity. According to a Forrester study, adopting Surface devices improves student outcomes, supports 1:1 student device models, and reduces the total cost of ownership for schools.

MSI

MSI is renowned as one of the best producers of laptops, particularly for students, due to its commitment to breakthroughs in design, technological innovation, and extreme performance. In 2023, MSI, along with Toshiba, Microsoft, and Samsung, held a combined market share of 13.9% in the global laptop market. MSI's laptops, such as the Cyborg 15, feature advanced Intel Core i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, and innovative cooling systems, making them ideal for both gaming and academic tasks. The brand's focus on gaming and eSports also translates to high-performance capabilities that benefit students requiring powerful laptops for various applications. With its robust hardware and sleek designs, MSI laptops are a popular choice among students seeking reliable and high-performance devices.

Samsung

Samsung, although not as dominant in the laptop market as in smartphones, still holds a significant position, particularly for students seeking reliable and feature-rich laptops. In 2023, Samsung, along with other companies like Toshiba, MSI, and Microsoft, accounted for a combined 13.9% of the global laptop market share, down 2.3% from 2022. Samsung's diverse product lineup, including its high-performance and budget-friendly options, makes it a viable choice for students. The company's expertise in display technology and battery life, as seen in its other electronic products, translates well to its laptops. However, for specific student-focused laptops, other brands like Lenovo, HP, and Dell often lead in market share. For more details on Samsung laptops, you can visit their official website.

Razer

Razer is a leading brand for student laptops, particularly in the gaming and premium segments, with its systems business maintaining a market-leading position in the U.S. for premium gaming laptops and expanding its market share in new international markets. In 2021, Razer reported a revenue growth of 33.3% year-over-year to $1.62 billion, driven by robust demand for its hardware, including peripherals and gaming laptops. The company's peripherals business remains a leader across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific, and new categories like gaming chairs and broadcast equipment are gaining traction. Razer's Blade laptops, such as the Blade 14, are known for their high performance and compact design, making them ideal for students who need powerful and portable devices. With over 200 million users of its software suite, Razer offers comprehensive customization and optimization options. For more insights into their innovative products, visit Razer's official website.