9+ Best Laptop For University Students | Unrivaled Guide 2021

Being a university student these days – whether it’s high school, university, or even graduate school – is very different from how it was a few years ago, with the emphasis on working online. There is less face-to-face contact, more seminars, and virtual classes, as well as more resources that are shared over the internet on different platforms.

And all that means that it is more important than ever to have access to one of the best laptops for university Studnets in 2021.

Laptops are not just for writing essays, but for taking part in those important online sessions. With so many online classes, video meetings, and online collaborative work, university students spend more time on their computers than ever before, and in order to work efficiently, having the best possible support is important.

Although the school year is now almost over, chances are that the home computer needs a replacement after more than a year of virtual meetings.

Also, with the summer sales come interesting things.

Best Laptop For University Students

If you’re wondering what the difference is between the best laptops for university students under 500 USD and the best overall laptops or the best gaming laptops or the best 2-in-1 laptops, it’s that the former must satisfy two different criteria: they must be incredibly versatile. and give the best for its price. This means that you can’t leave out any essential functions, but it must be affordable.

The arrival of Chromebooks has given the market a boost. The laptops dedicated to Google mobility have encouraged other brands to improve their game, as has happened for example with Apple iPads: all you need is a keyboard to give even more useful to Apple’s flagship tablet.

Well then, how do you choose the best laptop for university students? Price is important, sure, but it shouldn’t be the only criterion. That’s why our guide covers various options, manufacturers, and operating systems – every university student is different, and that means their needs are too.

We do not know what the next school year holds – after the last 14 months we have been taught not to try to predict the future – but we do know that whether you go to face-to-face classes or continue in online mode, or in a model hybrid, these laptops will be the perfect companion for studying, keeping in touch with friends and family, and letting your creativity run wild.

Best Laptop For University students | Comparison Table 2021

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Best Laptop For University Students | 2021 Products Overview

Product Overview:

The MRMAODOU laptop computer is a 15.6-inch device with an Intel x64-based Celeron J4115 Quad Core processor that runs at 1.8GHz (can up to 2.3 GHz) with low-power and low-noise performance. It comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) and is loaded with 8GB of RAM and 128GB M.2 SATA SSD, allowing it to start up quickly and run more smoothly and stably. Its storage capacity can be expanded by a TF card, making it an ideal Windows 10 laptop for basic home use and kids’ school work.

The MRMAODOU laptop computer boasts a large 15.6-inch FHD display that provides a wider view, rich colors, and clear text, making it ideal for watching videos, emails, word processing, and media streaming. Its 1920*1080 resolution HD screen breaks the low-end laptop in low-resolution state and makes you enjoy a clearer picture quality. This 15.6-inch computer laptop notebook supports 2.4GHz WiFi and 5GHz WiFi, compatible with Bluetooth and mobile hotspot, allowing you to easily surf the Internet and work on different occasions.

The MRMAODOU laptop computer has multiple interfaces, including 1 x mini HDMI, 1 x ultra-fast USB3.0, 1 x USB2.0, 1 x micro TF card slot, and 1 x headphone jack port. The mini HDMI port allows you to connect your laptop to an external display or a larger screen TV. Its sleek ergonomic design features an ultra-slim simple grey body design, chocolate keyboard, smooth touchpad, dual speaker at the bottom, and energy-saving function.

The MRMAODOU laptop computer’s dual 3.8V 4500mAh large-capacity battery provides long battery life, making it perfect for kids, students, office, and go-out work, among others. Additionally, when you are not beside the Windows 10 laptop 15.6 inch for a long time, the screen will go to sleeping mode by itself to save energy.

Overall, the MRMAODOU laptop computer is a versatile, reliable, and portable Windows 10 laptop that is ideal for basic home use, kids’ school work, and various work environments. Its large screen, multiple interfaces, energy-saving function, and sleek ergonomic design make it an excellent option for anyone in need of a compact and lightweight laptop for work or entertainment purposes.

Product Overview:

The Apple MacBook Air with Intel Core i5, 1.6GHz, (13-inch, 4GB, 128GB SSD) - Silver (Renewed) is a high-quality laptop that has been professionally refurbished and is fully functional. The product comes with a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee and has been inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon qualified vendors to ensure it meets the highest standards.

The MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with a resolution of 1440 x 900. It is powered by a 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor that can be boosted up to 2.7 GHz with 3 MB of shared L3 cache. The laptop also has Intel HD Graphics 6000, which delivers excellent graphics performance for demanding applications.

The MacBook Air comes with 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD, providing ample storage space for documents, photos, and other files. If you require more storage, there is an option to upgrade to 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for an additional cost.

This laptop runs on Mac OS X Yosemite and has a backlit keyboard and HD audio for an enhanced user experience. The MacBook Air has a battery life of up to 12 hours, making it ideal for work or leisure on the go.

Although this product is not certified by Apple, it is in excellent condition and has no visible cosmetic damage to the screen or body when viewed from 12 inches away. The battery has a capacity of over 80% relative to new, and accessories may not be original but will be fully functional and compatible. The product may also come in a generic box.

Please note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US, and outlets and voltage may differ internationally. As such, this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination, so it's essential to check compatibility before purchasing.

In summary, the Apple MacBook Air with Intel Core i5, 1.6GHz, (13-inch, 4GB, 128GB SSD) - Silver (Renewed) is a high-quality laptop that offers excellent performance, ample storage, and an enhanced user experience. With its long battery life and sleek design, it's an ideal choice for those who need a reliable and versatile laptop for work or leisure.

Product Overview:

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, model 14a-na0021nr, is a lightweight and modern laptop designed for remote work, school, music, movies, and everyday use. It has a 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) micro-edge anti-glare display that delivers crisp and clear images. The laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 600, which offers lightning-fast processing power for games, music, and binge-watching. The Chromebook has 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB eMMC storage, allowing you to save important documents and access them quickly.

One of the standout features of this Chromebook is its long-lasting battery life, which offers up to 13 hours and 30 minutes of wireless streaming, depending on usage. Additionally, the Chrome operating system allows you to navigate seamlessly through tabs and programs, making multitasking easy. The laptop is also ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered, making it an energy-efficient choice.

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop is equipped with a Wide Vision HD camera and integrated dual array digital microphones, allowing you to video chat with vibrant clarity. The Wi-Fi 5 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.0 combo ensure your connections are rock solid. The laptop weighs just 3.24 pounds, making it easy to take your work and entertainment with you wherever you go.

Finally, HP provides a 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. It's worth noting that this product is designed for use in the US, and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries. Overall, the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop is a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable laptop for work or entertainment on the go.

Product Overview:

The Samsung 11.6" LED 16GB Chromebook XE303C12-A01US is a compact and lightweight laptop designed for everyday use. It features a sleek silver color and measures 11.4 x 8.09 x 0.69 inches, making it easy to carry around wherever you go.

The laptop has an 11.6" backlit LED HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The integrated graphics and 0.3MP webcam and microphone make it ideal for video conferencing, online classes, or casual video calls with friends and family.

Powered by a Samsung Exynos 5 Dual-Core 1.7GHz processor with 1MB CPU cache and 2GB DDR3L RAM memory, this Chromebook provides a smooth and efficient performance for basic tasks like browsing the internet, checking emails, editing documents, and streaming videos. It also comes with a 16GB eMMC flash hard drive, which provides enough space for storing files, documents, and multimedia content.

The Samsung 11.6" LED 16GB Chromebook XE303C12-A01US runs on Chrome OS, a fast and secure operating system that is designed for cloud-based computing. It comes with built-in virus protection, automatic updates, and access to a wide range of apps and services from the Google Play Store, including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Other features of this Chromebook include 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless LAN, a card reader, and a 3W stereo speaker (1.5W x 2) that delivers clear and crisp sound. It also comes with a battery that can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for use on-the-go.

Please note that this product is designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries. Overall, the Samsung 11.6" LED 16GB Chromebook XE303C12-A01US is a budget-friendly option for users who need a reliable and portable laptop for basic tasks.

Product Overview:

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT is a powerful and sleek laptop designed for efficient and productive use. It boasts an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor that delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, users can get up to 4.1GHz for high-demand applications.

The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio, and narrow bezels, providing a visually stunning experience with sharp details and crisp colors. It also comes with an ergonomically-designed hinge that lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience.

Internal specifications include 4GB DDR4 on-board memory with one slot available for expansion, and 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage with one hard drive bay available to store files and media. Additionally, Acer's Purified.Voice technology, with enhanced digital signal processing, cancels out background noise and improves speech accuracy and far-field pickup, making calls clearer and talking to Alexa easier than before.

The laptop also features Windows 11 Home (S Mode), which comes with advanced security features built right in, such as protections against phishing and malicious software, ensuring users can navigate to new web pages or download apps without worry.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT is a great choice for users looking for a powerful and efficient laptop for work, school, or entertainment. It is lightweight, sleek, and easy to carry around, making it perfect for people on the go. Additionally, with its powerful processor, impressive display, and advanced security features, this laptop is a great value for its price.

Product Overview:

The HP 14" Home and Business Laptop is a powerful and versatile machine designed to handle everyday computing tasks with ease. This laptop comes equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen 3-3200U Dual-Core processor that has a clock speed of up to 3.50 GHz, making it ideal for multitasking and handling demanding applications. The Vega 3 graphics card also provides an excellent graphics experience.

The laptop has a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, which is perfect for viewing documents, browsing the internet, and streaming videos. The laptop comes with 8GB of RAM, which provides plenty of memory for running multiple applications simultaneously without any slowdowns. The 128GB M.2 SSD is also included, which offers lightning-fast boot times and quick file access.

The HP 14" Home and Business Laptop has a wide range of connectivity options, including RJ-45, USB-C, and HDMI, making it easy to connect to external displays and other peripherals. The laptop also comes with Bluetooth, which allows you to easily connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The laptop also features a built-in webcam, making it easy to video chat with friends and family or attend virtual meetings. The laptop comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, making it easy to get started right out of the box.

Overall, the HP 14" Home and Business Laptop is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable laptop that can handle everyday computing tasks with ease. With its powerful processor, ample memory, and versatile connectivity options, this laptop is sure to meet all of your computing needs.

Product Overview:

The Lenovo IdeaPad laptop computer is a compact and powerful device designed to meet the needs of everyday computing. The laptop features an AMD A6-9220e accelerated processor, which delivers dual-core processing that handles the AMD Radeon graphics alongside the central processor to balance the load, enabling great performance, rapid multitasking, and immersive entertainment.

The laptop has a beautiful 14-inch display with typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution and an energy-efficient LED backlight. The 4GB DDR4 memory ensures full-power multitasking, while the 64GB eMMC flash memory provides enhanced storage capabilities, streamlined data management, quick boot-up times, and support for high-definition video playback.

The device comes with 802.11ac wireless LAN, which ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity. It also has 2 x USB 3.0 ports and 1 HDMI 1.4 port for connecting to external devices. Additionally, it features a headphone/microphone combo port and AMD Radeon R4 integrated graphics.

The laptop runs on Windows 10 Home 64-bit English, which brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen. Furthermore, Microsoft Office 365 Personal 1-year subscription comes for free with this laptop.

The laptop has a stylish Platinum Gray color that gives it a sleek and modern look. It is an ideal device for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a compact and powerful laptop computer. Note that this product is designed for use in the US, and it may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad laptop computer is a reliable and efficient device that delivers outstanding performance and features for its price. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a perfect choice for people who are always on the move and need a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.

Product Overview:

The ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is a sleek and modern device that boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with an impressive 88% screen-to-body ratio. This laptop is designed for students and professionals who need a reliable and powerful device for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and light productivity work.

The laptop is powered by the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU, which has a clock speed of up to 3.4 GHz and 4MB Cache. This ensures that the device can handle multiple tasks with ease and can provide a smooth user experience. The device also comes with 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, which ensures faster boot-up times and quick access to frequently used applications and files.

One of the standout features of the ASUS VivoBook 15 is its Ergolift design. This design lifts the keyboard to an angle that is comfortable for typing and improves airflow for better cooling. The keyboard is also backlit and comes with a fingerprint sensor that can be activated via Windows Hello. This feature provides an extra layer of security to the device and ensures that only authorized users can access the laptop.

The device has comprehensive connectivity options including USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 2.0, and HDMI. It also comes with Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which ensures faster internet speeds and more stable connections. The laptop runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode, which exclusively runs apps from the Microsoft Store. Users can switch out of S mode in three easy steps to install apps that are not available in the Microsoft Store.

Overall, the ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is a solid device that offers great value for its price. It is a versatile and reliable device that can handle everyday tasks with ease and provides a comfortable and secure user experience. Its slim and lightweight design also makes it a great device for those who are always on the go.

Product Overview:

The Lenovo Chromebook S330 is a highly-rated laptop designed for everyday computing and multimedia tasks. Equipped with a MediaTek MTK8173C Processor, 4 GB LPDDR3 RAM, 64 GB eMMC 5.1 storage, and Chrome OS, this laptop delivers reliable and efficient performance.

The laptop is sleek, stylish, and secure with a slim design, less than one inch thick, and weighs only 3.3 pounds. It features a 14-inch FHD display with an aspect ratio of 16:9, making it perfect for viewing videos, images, and documents. The laptop is designed to connect users with full I/O support that includes USB-C, micro SD, and USB 3.0 ports for effortless connectivity. Additionally, the laptop has powerful 2 x 2 Wi-Fi ac with Bluetooth 4.1, a 720p webcam, and two 2W speaker systems for effortless collaboration. All these features are supported via a suite of collaborative apps available on the Chrome OS.

The Lenovo Chromebook S330 is perfect for all your daily computing needs, delivering a host of performance features. With LPDDR3 memory for multitasking, eMMC storage for quick boot-ups, fast software loading, and additional 100 GB of cloud storage via Google Drive, this laptop ensures that you have all the necessary resources for your work or entertainment needs.

The Lenovo Chromebook S330 is also easy to use, offering built-in virus protection and a long battery life. Additionally, there is no setup required, all that is needed is a Google account, and your data will be synced across devices via cloud storage.

In summary, the Lenovo Chromebook S330 is a high-performance laptop with an efficient processor, ample storage, and a suite of features for effortless connectivity and collaboration. Its sleek design, excellent display, and long battery life make it ideal for everyday computing and multimedia tasks.

Purchase Criteria: The Best Laptop For University Students | Buyer’s Guide

There are three key elements to consider when buying a university laptop before even looking at the hardware specs: weight, portability, and noise.

You'll be taking your computer from home to car to class, so you'll want something that's not heavy or unwieldy. If you intend to use your device during class, looking for options with a quiet fan is also a bonus (especially for your fellow students).

Durability and comfort are two features that are often overlooked in favor of high-end specs. Don't make that mistake!

You want a comfortable keyboard layout for typing long documents and spending a little more in exchange for a longer product life is always a smart move. Or you can check out the general laptop choice!

• Size and resolution

Size and resolution is definitely the first thing to look for in your new laptop as you will rarely use it on a desktop, but most of the time you will be on the go and working anywhere.

Therefore, paying attention to size is crucial as it is something that will determine the versatility and even portability of your laptop. Other than that, the resolution will determine the ease of use of your laptop. We always recommend students also check the screen quality when checking the resolution.

This will help you understand your laptop's capabilities when it comes to size, resolution, and even screen. What's left after that is performance and even a few other form and design features.

• Shape / Design

Aside from the size, shape, and design that will determine the ease of use, you will discover useful features that the manufacturer added to the laptop, it will tell you more about the portability and versatility of the laptop without even having to put your hands on the laptop.

We recommend that you look for the materials used to build the laptop, the number of ports, the thickness of the laptop, the weight of the laptop, and basically anything that you can see and is located on the laptop.

Other than that, we even recommend that you take a look at the ease of access to the main components, as you never know when you might end up updating your laptop, after all, and trust us, you don't want to have to remove a lot to access the components.

Paying attention to some useful features even before you get your hands on the laptop, like the fingerprint sensor, is very important so that you can be prepared and understand what else the laptop can offer (besides performance, of course).

• Performance

The main part of the notebook, the heart, and soul is what is inside: the configuration/components. Even if you don't understand much when it comes to the components, you will need to do some research.

Because laptop components can tell you a lot about the performance your laptop will be able to deliver. And if you are looking for a laptop that meets your specific needs, it is really important to know the performance level of your laptop.

Fortunately for you, if you know nothing about the components, our categorized selections will help any student find the perfect laptop for their school needs. All you need to do is pay attention to a few other things mentioned in these criteria, and you won't be wrong at all.

• Keyboard

As a student, you can expect to type a lot on the laptop as you will be doing anything from homework, essay writing, dissertations, and much more.

A quality keyboard does not need to be a full-size keyboard, but it should have a decent key size, excellent and comfortable key distance travel, and it should be of quality material that gives you plenty of comfort as you type.

When you are looking at the keyboard, we strongly recommend that you make sure that the keyboard is not placed awkwardly and that the palm rests are perfectly suited to the purpose of the keyboard. Also, make sure the trackpad is out of the way (or isn't too big).

In addition, we also recommend students to get a keyboard that comes with a backlight function, as it is one of the most useful functions voted by students all over the world. You never know when it might be useful for your needs!

• Connectivity

You may not have plans to connect additional and external devices, but you will have to connect your laptop with other devices at your school sooner or later.

As we always say, it is better to be prepared than to regret having made the wrong decision, and if you don't make sure you get a laptop with many ports, you will have a lack of connectivity problem that won 'not only slow you down, but even It may prevent you from doing some school work.

We highly recommend that you get a laptop that has at least some USB ports, HDMI port, micro card slot, and even ethernet and CD / DVD drives (if necessary).

At the level of modern technology, getting a laptop that's slim and yet has excellent connectivity is definitely not a problem.

Frequent questions

Which laptop processor is best for students?

The ideal student laptop processor would definitely be an i5 processor. It falls within the range of affordability without giving up much power.

What is the best laptop brand for university students?

There is no best brand, but there are top laptop brands that students agree on. These brands are Dell, Lenovo, and Acer.

Should you buy a 2-in-1 laptop to go to university?

It depends on what you plan to do with your laptop. If you just want to take notes with it and surf the internet, then a 2-in-1 laptop is a good idea. It is portable and usually affordable.

What’s the best laptop size for the university?

The best laptop sizes should be between 12 and 15 inches. Laptops within this size range are easier to transport and at the same time powerful enough to run resource-intensive software that university students will use for their course.

Do I want Mac OS or Windows 10?

Right now, the operating system you choose is more a matter of personal preference. Most programs are available in a multitude of operating system options, and there are emulators to run tools on other operating systems. Windows computers tend to be available with high-end specs, especially in terms of graphics cards and processor speed.

Should I choose a Chromebook for my university laptop?

Going with a Chromebook can be a great way to save money and get a lighter, more portable laptop. However, there are major drawbacks to consider. While you can now download Android apps with Chromebooks, you still can't install Windows programs. In many cases, that may not matter. If your courses don't use any high-end software, there is no reason to shell out the extra money.

What other features should I consider?

One big issue to consider for a school laptop is longevity. Whether you're attending a two-year tech school, earning a four-year degree, or even going beyond, you want a computer that lasts. Inexpensive laptops may be necessary when you factor in tuition and book costs, but they are not good long-term options.