Best laptops for students
Whether you prefer Mac or Windows, we've got something for everyone.
Aaaaaah university. It’s such an exciting time, where you’ll meet new people, try new things and of course, knuckle down and study for that all-important degree.
But it’s going to be incredibly difficult to do so without a laptop (or a desktop if you’re that way inclined).
Even without the computer, uni can already be super expensive. Think textbooks, tuition, food, supplies and housing.
The silver lining though is that many of the best student laptops on the market may actually come in much cheaper than expected, so you can save your pennies for Friday night beers instead. Yay.
The good thing with laptops is that once you do make the investment, it’s something you’re not likely to replace for three, four, or who knows how many years.
Our top contenders below put value over having the top-of-the-line processors and graphics cards, bar two, giving you some great budget-friendly options.
But don’t worry, they still have enough juice to get you through a demanding workload at uni, as well as some post-study Netflix.
Find out more about the best laptop for you below.
Compare the best laptops for students
| Model name | Best for | Brand | Estimated price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Chromebook 15 | Chrome OS | Acer | £249 | |
| Microsoft Surface Go | Lightweight computing | Microsoft | £493 | |
| Lenovo Yoga 530 | 2-in-1 computing | Lenovo | £499 | |
| Apple Macbook Pro 13-inch | Performance | Apple | £999 | |
| Dell XPS 13 | Speed and power | Dell | £1,499 | |
| HP Pavilion 14 | Long-lasting quality | HP | £789 | |
| Microsoft Surface Pro | Hybrid 2-in-1 computing | Microsoft | £1,163 | |
| Huawei Matebook X Pro | Display | Huawei | £979 |
Best student laptops
Acer Chromebook 15
The Chromebook 15 is a ridiculously cheap student laptop that’s also very capable. The hardware is in line with that price, with lower specs across the board. However, as the machine runs Chrome OS, it doesn’t matter too much, with the laptop still delivering a fast and responsive user experience. Oh, and the 15.6-inch screen is an absolute delight, by the way. While its speakers aren’t its strongest point, at this price you won’t be complaining. The Chromebook 15 really is one of the best student laptops going for those shopping on a budget, and who don’t need a host of extra bells and whistles.
Perks:
- Good battery life
- Lightweight design
- Great value
Where to buy:
Microsoft Surface Pro
The Microsoft Surface Pro delivers fantastic 2-in-1 versatility, with great power and performance across the board. It’s one of the best student laptops if you’ve got a little bit more money to spend, and again, multiple configurations are available. This pro model is as versatile as they come, with a 7th generation Intel Core m3 – i7 CPU and a fan-less cooling system for truly silent running. If you’re looking to keep working on the commute to and from class, on campus, in halls or at home, the Surface Pro can flip in and out of either mode with silky smooth ease as well, making it very bus or train friendly.
Perks:
- Lightweight
- Great battery life
- 2-in-1
Where to buy:
Apple Macbook Pro 13-inch
This Macbook is a brilliant upgrade to Apple’s formidable laptop range and it’s one of the best business laptops money can buy, if you’ve got enough. One thing’s for sure – Apple has come out swinging with some seriously improved specs. The 13-inch model can be configured with the latest Intel Core processors, all USB-C ports are not Thunderbolt 3 and you can have up to 16GB of RAM. If you want even more performance, the 15-inch version is worth considering too.
Perks:
- Fast performance
- New and improved Macbook
- Great display
Where to buy:
Dell XPS 13
If you’re looking for one of the most refined and revitalised laptops on the market, look no further than the impressive Dell XPS 13. When it comes to performance you won’t be left wanting, thanks to its super slick 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 CPU. Add in a repositioned webcam (for vlogging and streaming purposes, naturally) and a simply stunning 13.3-inch Full HD display and you’ve got a powerhouse in portable form. The only caveat is it’s quite the investment, but it’ll definitely see you through college, uni and beyond. That raw quality and longevity, for us, makes it the best student laptop out there right now.
Perks:
- Impressive power
- Ultra-thin design
- Good for on-the-go users
Where to buy:
Check out our best tech and devices discount codes and deals
Amazon
Get a £10 voucher when you first sign in to your Amazon app
Sign in to your Amazon app for the first time and claim instantly your £10 promo code. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Amazon Business: Get 25% off your first purchase of £200
Create a free Amazon Business account and benefit from 25% off your first purchase of £200. What's more, enjoy amazing prices in the sale! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Amazon
20% off accessories for Kindle, Fire and Echo devices
Looking for some new accessories for your tech devices? Check out this offer and save 20%. T&C apply.
Last verified
Discount code ends
Amazon
£10 off your first Prime Now purchase over £40
Enter the code at the checkout to score a bargain - £10 off your first Prime Now purchase over £40. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Discount code ends
Amazon
£40 off your first Pantry order over £120
Save on your pantry order with this discount code! Now you can get £40 off when you spend £120 or more! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Discount code ends
Amazon
£20 off your first Amazon Fresh order!
Do your very first Amazon Fresh groceries shopping today and using this discount code score a £20 discount when you spend £60! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Discount code ends
Amazon
Bargain Box: Get 50% or more off
Amazon Bargain Box is your one-stop shop for thousands of items at super low prices. Hurry and snap up an amazing deal right now. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Up to 80% off: Today's deals at Amazon
Explore new deals every day and in every department. Gadgets, games, toys, fitness, beauty, food, drink, smart home devices and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Ao.com
Free bulb pack with Philips Hue Light Bulbs
Buy Philips Hue Light Bulbs at AO and get a fee bulb pack with this discount code! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
£6 off gift card purchases of £50
Buy gift cards of £50 value or more and get £6 off! Simply register for the promotion and the £6 will be automatically deducted from your next order! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
20% off Amazon Handmade
Shop gorgeous handmade gifts and treats from Amazon Handmade and get 20% off right now! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Currys PC World
4K TVs from £249
Shop 4K TVs at Currys and get prices from just £249! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Currys PC World
Price promise – up to 7 days after purchase
If you find a major UK retailer has the same product at a cheaper price, Currys PC World will match it even up to 7 days after you completed your purchase. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Currys PC World
£50 off iPads with trade-ins
Trade in your old qualifying tablet and get at least £50 off a brand new iPad at Currys PC World! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Currys PC World
Shop Nintendo Switch bundles and save!
Bundle your Nintendo Switch with your favourite games at Currys and save! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
20% off your first baby food subscription
Save 20% on your first baby food subscriptions with this Amazon promo code. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Get £4 off your £90 Amazon Pantry order
Add £90 or more Amazon Pantry items to your basket and automatically save £4 at the checkout. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Up to 40% off toys
Get your shopping for kids done today with up to 40% off top toys at Amazon! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Amazon Music 30 days free
Start your free trial today and get access to Amazon Music for an entire month! Sign up now! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Save 20% on AmazonBasics
Bag a bargain on everyday items with AmazonBasics. Shop for everything from HDMI cables and batteries to home necessities like bed sheets and bath towels. Save 20% today! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Up to 25% off essentials with Amazon vouchers
Explore the selection of Amazon vouchers and regularly save up to 25% on food, beauty, electronics and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Save up to 15% with automatic deliveries
Subscribe and save with Amazon automatic delivery! What's more, enjoy free shipping, no sign-up fees and the possibility to cancel anytime. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Free 6 months of Prime for students
Calling all students! Get Amazon Student including one-day delivery and Amazon video FREE for six months! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
20% off cosmetics & fragrances
Explore a range of discounted cosmetics and fragrances at Amazon. Shop today to save 20% on your order. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Get extra £6 when you top up £80
Get an additional £6 added to your Gift Card balance when you top up £80 or more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Explore weekly Hero Deals from Amazon
Snap up amazing bargains when you shop these Amazon Hero Deals. Use your chance to get HP laptops, monitors, printers and more at lower prices. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
20% off baby food and nappies with Amazon Family
Sign up for Amazon Family and enjoy 20% discount on your baby's food and nappies! Plus get exclusive discounts and recommendations tailored for your needs. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Upgrade your office tech with Amazon Business
Whether you're in need of USB extensions or laptops for new employees, Amazon Business will have you covered. Supply your business with all the essentials today. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Save 30% on Amazon Essentials fashion
Shop for fashion essentials at Amazon and save 30% on your purchase with this sale offer. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Save 15% of 6 bottles of wine AmazonPantry
Getting ready for the Christmas party? Pick wine to suit the occasion and save 15% if you buy 6 bottles at once. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Acer
15% student discount
Looking for a new Acer laptop or a smartphone, but have a limited budget? Get your unique student discount and enjoy 15% off any order! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Amazon Warehouse: Up to 50% off used products
If you're looking for electronics, clothes or even books but short on budget, Amazon Warehouse will have you covered with loads of quality used products at amazing prices. Buy used stuff with a discount of up to 50% off! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Currys PC World
Discover the latest tech from laptops to ovens at Currys!
Shop well known tech retail giant Currys PC World for great deals on all kinds of technology from computers to home appliances! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Currys PC World
Get free delivery on all orders
No need to worry about postage costs – all orders from the Currys PC World are delivered completely free of charge. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Currys PC World
PS4 consoles from £249
Shop PlayStation at Currys with console prices from as little as £249. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Get Amazon Audible free for 90 days!
Amazon Prime members can enjoy an audible membership FREE for a full three months! Sign up now and enjoy all your favourite books in audio form. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Amazon gift cards from £1
The perfect present! Treat a loved one to an Amazon gift card today and choose any amount from £1–£1,000! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
£5 off your next treasure
To take advantage of this offer you need to register for the promotion and sign up for the notifications. Amazon will notify you when the Treasure Truck is around, then simply made your purchase and enjoy £5 discount automatically applied at the checkout! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Amazon
Free 30 day trial of Amazon Prime Video!
Try Amazon Prime and enjoy member benefits including FREE delivery on eligible items, exclusive deals, discounted priority delivery, Prime Video, Alexa Shopping and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Amazon
Free £5 Amazon voucher!
You can now pay for your Amazon orders in cash! Choose the "Top Up In Store" option from the giftcards menu and top up just £25 to qualify for your voucher! T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Popular Amazon discount codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Jan 2020 | 20% off accessories for Kindle, Fire and Echo devices | 20W**** |
| 21 Jan 2020 | £10 off your first Prime Now purchase over £40 | WEL**** |
| 21 Jan 2020 | £40 off your first Pantry order over £120 | GET**** |
| 21 Jan 2020 | £20 off your first Amazon Fresh order! | GET**** |
| 15 Jan 2020 | Free bulb pack with Philips Hue Light Bulbs | FRE**** |
Popular Reads
Xbox Series X: The ultimate guide to Microsoft’s next generation console
Announced at the Game Awards 2019, the Xbox Series X will arrive in the 2020 holiday season. Read more…
Shop Black Friday 2019 now!
Black Friday is live! Shop now for great deals on fashion, tech and homewares with Finder's very own favourite retailers. Read more…
Top tech deals this Black Friday 2020
Buy yourself some new tech for less with Finder's round-up of the hottest deals on laptops, tablets, mobiles, TVs and more. Read more…
Shop the brand new (and best yet) iPhone 11 at Carphone Warehouse
Everyone's new no. 1 sought-after piece of tech is finally here!. Find out about buying the new iPhone 11 & 11 Pro at Carphone Warehouse here. Read more…
The best laptops for business
Looking for a new work laptop, or wondering which model to kit out your new office with? Let us help with our business laptop comparison and top picks! Read more…
How to buy Smiths shares | 1661p
Find out how to buy shares in Smiths, see Smiths' share prices over the last three months and check out our must-do checklist if you're looking to invest. Read more…
Where to buy washing machines online
Browse our list of the top retailers for buying washing machines online! Discover the perfect machine for your needs at the best price. Read more…
Where to buy laptops online
We've put together a helpful guide on the best places to buy a brand new laptop online. Browse our list of top retailers and the best tech discount codes and deals now. Read more…
The best PS4 Boxing Day sales
Read this guide to find the best Boxing Day deals on PS4s. Read more…
The best Xbox Boxing day sales
Find top deals on Xbox Ones this Boxing Day with our handy guide. Read more…
Ask an Expert