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It's not always simple to choose the finest computer for students. When looking for the best laptops to suit all of your demands as a student, size, power, and—possibly most importantly—price are crucial considerations. That may seem overwhelming, particularly if you also have homework and tests to complete.
Whether you're looking for a Mac, a Windows 11 PC, a sleek all-in-one, or a large, powerful gaming PC, we can assist you in finding the ideal device. Since every student is different and has a varied budget, we've compiled a list of some of our top PCs at a variety of pricing points.
Our carefully compiled list of the top computers for students is provided below. Remember to also read our articles on the best MacBooks for college students and the best Chromebooks for students. Also, keep an eye out for any possible sales from your preferred vendor. You never know what may materialize. Now, let's examine the top student PCs.
THE TOP COMPUTER FOR STUDENTS IN GENERAL
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Overview: Apple iMac 24-inch (2023)
Specifications:
- Display: 24-inch, 4480 x 2520 resolution
- Special Features: 1080p webcam, exceptional speakers
- Processor: Apple M3 chip (8-core CPU)
- Graphics: Apple M3 chip (up to 10-core GPU on $1,499 model)
Reasons to Buy:
- Bright, beautiful 4.5K display in a thin design
- Speedy performance facilitated by the Apple M3 chip
- Great audio quality enhancing overall multimedia experience
- Solid 1080p webcam for video calls and conferences
Reasons to Avoid:
- The $1,299 model may feel underpowered for some users
- Lack of height or angle adjustment could be inconvenient for ergonomic preferences
With its latest turboboost to M3, Apple's iMac has risen to the top of our rankings as the greatest student computer available right now. It has a stunning display, a top-notch webcam, and a variety of vibrant new color combinations. In addition, the M3 offers gaming, convenient multitasking, and monster performance that will more than satisfy your job list.
Because the iMac M3 still has a $1,299 starting price and comes with the extra features and processing power of the M3 processor, it's an even better offer. Better performance in activities like gaming and video editing pays financially, as does higher-quality video during phone conversations. The iMac M3 is an excellent choice if you're looking for a new desktop Mac and you like the notion of an all-in-one since it offers serious gaming and creative work along with acceptable performance at almost everything in a compact that costs less than $2,000.
THE BEST PC FOR STUDENTS UNDER DOORS
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Overview: Dell XPS 8950
Specifications:
- Processor: Up to 12th gen Intel Core i9-12900K
- RAM: Up to 64 GB
- Graphics Card: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
- Storage: Up to 2 TB SSD + 2 TB HDD
- Accessories: None
Reasons to Buy:
- Understated design
- Solid overall performance
- Plenty of ports
Reasons to Avoid:
- Understated design (for those preferring flashy designs)
- Lack of storage options
One of the greatest PCs for students is the Dell XPS 8950, which is a good entry-level device that is quiet, compact, reasonably priced, and loaded with components strong enough to handle any school assignment or play the newest games at a steady pace.
Because it houses such potent components in a discrete, low-key chassis that won't seem out of place in a dorm or workplace, the XPS 8950 is an excellent purchase for students. Even though the interior is a little small, there's plenty of space to modify and upgrade as your needs change. Opening the chassis only requires removing two thumb screws and a side panel, so no tools are needed.
THE BEST MACBOOK FOR Study
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Overview: MacBook Air M2 (2022)
Specifications:
- Display: 13.6 inches (2560 x 1664)
- CPU: Apple M1
- GPU: Integrated 8-core GPU
- RAM: 8GB to 24GB
- Storage: 256GB to 2TB
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy:
- Wonderfully portable design
- Bright and colorful 13.6-inch display
- Strong M2 performance
- Impressively long battery life
- 1080p webcam
Reasons to Avoid:
- Notch a bit distracting
- SSD slower than MacBook Pro M2
- Supports only single external monitor
The MacBook Air M2 can withstand several courses, breaks, and late nights without losing its power. We say this since it lasted for 14 hours and 06 minutes during the Tom's Guide battery test. Additionally, it performs noticeably better than the Air M1. The MacBook Air is surprisingly good in many aspects, with the M2 CPU providing ample power for your academic pursuits.
Additionally, because the MacBook Air's M1 chip is comparable to the A-series processors found in iPhones and iPads, you can use iPadOS and iOS apps on it. Living the life of remote learning? The MacBook Air webcam is enhanced by signal processing in the M2, so you'll seem sharper and more precise than before. Its Magic Keyboard is excellent for comfortably typing for extended periods of time. Additionally, it is the most reasonably priced MacBook available at $999 right now.
BEST WINDOWS Laptop FOR THE STUDENTS
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Overview: Acer Swift 5 (2022)
Specifications:
- Display: 14-inch WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) touchscreen
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1260P
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
Reasons to Buy:
- Dazzling design
- Gorgeous display
- Plenty of power
- Super speedy SSD
Reasons to Avoid:
- Lots of bloatware
- Speakers just OK
For powerful, lightweight laptops under $1,000, there's fierce competition from Dell's always dependable XPS 13 series and Apple's M2-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. However, Acer abruptly interrupted the discussion with their significantly improved, revamped, and even more potent Swift 5 model.
Along with a potent 12th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, a stunning 1600p display, and a very quick 1TB SSD, it has an opulent new design with golden trim. In addition, when compared to its major competitors, it is less expensive. Despite a few drawbacks, the most recent Acer Swift 5 is an excellent choice overall, especially considering its $1,499 price tag.
THE BEST INSTITUTIONS CHROMEBOOK COMPUTERS
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Overview: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Celeron | Core i3 processors
- RAM: 4GB, 8GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- Display: 13.3-inch QLED (1080p)
- Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy:
- Beautiful design
- Gorgeous QLED display
- Improved battery life
Reasons to Avoid:
- Key travel could be better
- Touchscreen input can be inconsistent
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, with its stunning QLED display, excellent sound quality, and long battery life of eight hours, is a high-end Chromebook that's ideal for students. In addition, Chrome OS runs extremely fast because to its Core i3 configuration.
Its keyboard's somewhat narrow vertical travel didn't exactly make us thrilled. Over time, you'll become accustomed to a little learning curve caused by this. However, to receive a Chromebook with such a sleek appearance is amazing; the Fiesta Red color option shines out among the many silver Chromebooks and PCs. Furthermore, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a really good deal for $549 (Celeron) or $699 (Core i3).
THE BEST GAMING COMPUTER FOR STUDENTS
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Stylish Overview: Alienware Aurora R16
Specifications:
- VR Ready: Yes
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700F
- RAM: 32 GB
- Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
- Storage: 512GB
- Accessories: Keyboard & mouse
Reasons to Buy:
- Elegant, discreet design
- Small desk footprint
- Excellent performance
- Runs cool and quiet
Reasons to Avoid:
- Proprietary design limits upgradability
One might excuse themselves if at first glance you didn't recognize the newest model in the company's Aurora gaming PC lineup—the Alienware Aurora R16, which starts at $1,749—as a gaming computer.
In contrast to the ultra-futuristic Alienware Aurora R15, which screams "gaming PC," the Aurora R16's Legend 3.0 design is notably more muted. Apart from a few subtle details, this Alienware desktop would look perfectly at home in an office.
Although it doesn't have a fancy appearance, you can outfit this setup with the newest Intel CPUs and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs to give it power where it counts. And because of its sophisticated cooling technology, which keeps the PC quiet and cool, the Aurora R16 won't melt under all that power.
THE IDEAL SMALL PC FOR STUDENT
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Overview: Apple Mac mini M2
Specifications:
- CPU: Apple M2 (8-core CPU)
- Graphics: Apple M2 (10-core GPU)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB to 512GB
- Display: Sold separately
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, HDMI, 2x USB-A, Ethernet (up to 10GB), 3.5mm headphone jack
- Accessories: Magic Mouse / Magic Trackpad (optional), Magic Keyboard (optional)
Reasons to Buy:
- Powerful, especially with M2 Pro
- Small, quiet and looks good on a desk
- $100 cheaper than predecessor
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not user-repairable or upgradable
Students may desire a delicate, thin PC to discreetly rest on their desk. We suggest the Apple Mac mini M2 to those students; it has all the features we liked about the Mac mini with M1, but with the inclusion of Apple's proprietary M2 processor, it is now quicker and less expensive.
Of all of Apple's current Mac models, the M2 Mac mini is the most reasonably priced and offers incredible value for a reasonable price. Although you won't be able to easily crunch large video files or play the newest PC games, the Mac mini M2 should be more than sufficient for the most of coursework. It will require you to connect it to your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor, but that is standard when buying PCs.
THE BEST PC FOR DO-IT-YOURSELVES
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Overview: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Specifications:
- Type: Single-board
- CPU: ARM Cortex A72
- Graphics: VideoCore VI GPU
- RAM: 1 GB / 2 GB / 4 GB
- Storage: N/A
- Display: N/A
- Special Features: 4K 60 Hz video support
- Accessories: Wide range of optional accessories
Reasons to Buy:
- Significantly more powerful than past models
- Supports dual 4K video output, USB 3.0 and USB Type-C for power
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not compatible with older Raspberry Pi cases
- Software compatibility is hit or miss
With its more potent processor, 4K video output, and better part selection, the $35–$55 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B takes DIY tech to new heights, building upon the success of the Raspberry Pi. Although installing Windows on this very inexpensive DIY PC can make it function as a stand-alone computer in an emergency, it's not actually the best use case for this machine.
The true value of the Raspberry Pi 4 for students, however, is in the sheer number of projects that can be constructed with it. It's just a beautiful circuit board straight out of the box, but you may use it as a mini PC, web server, home media center, or vintage gaming machine once you configure it with a power supply, display or monitors, and your preferred input devices.
You'd be better off with another PC on our list if you want a ready-made PC for schoolwork and papers, but the Raspberry Pi is a lovely little DIY PC board that you can use for all kinds of awesome student projects.
How the Best Student Computers Are Tested
We undertake a number of standard tests to gauge how well each computer works, what applications it's best suited for, and what kind of capabilities you get for the money as we assess and review a wide range of computers, including the best gaming PCs, best all-in-one computers, and best small PCs.
A bespoke file transfer test to gauge hard drive performance is one of these common tests, along with generic performance benchmarks like Geekbench 4 and 5 (for processor performance) and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra (for graphics).
Gaming-focused benchmarks measure the frame rates that each desktop will generate in titles like as Tomb Raider, Far Cry: New Dawn, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Middle-earth: Shadow of War. They assess system performance using popular games. In order to assess how well-suited each game is to the particular requirements of virtual reality, we will also undertake specific game tests and the SteamVR performance test.
Most significantly, we use each desktop computer for daily tasks for a significant amount of time. To help us determine which ones are greater value for your money, we play games, work, watch movies, and play loud music.