Finding the best budget laptops for students can be elusive for anyone without any idea where to look. Students need a laptop that can help them effectively navigate the sea of assignments, research, and virtual lectures. A good laptop should not only act as a student’s gateway to knowledge, collaboration, and innovation but also seamlessly offer entertainment opportunities like gaming and video streaming.
So, what makes abudget laptopsuitable for students? Students should consider more than just the aesthetics and pay attention to the RAM, storage, display, and price. It should tick all the boxes for durability, robust performance, value for money, and reliable battery life.
Updated on June 14, 2025, by Charlie Vin Tony:As the demand for better and more affordable student laptops increases, we have updated the list with more information on the best budget laptops for students as well as tips on how to choose one.
Game Rant’s Best Budget Laptops for Students
ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop
The ASUS TUF F17 is a laptop powered by an Intel Core i5-11400H processor with six cores and a boost speed of up to 4.5 GHz. It features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 4 GB of GDDR6 RAM. The display on the laptop is a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz.As part of the TUF Series, this laptop is designed for durability and meets the MIL-STD-810H military standard. It uses a dual-fan system for cooling.
The ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop stands out as the best overall budget laptop for students, balancing affordability and power. Its Intel Core i5-11400H processor and 8GB RAM enable snappy, reliable performance when handling basic tasks like college assignments. Students can take the experience further by utilizing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card to enjoy vivid in-game visual effects.
For the students whose coursework involves video editing and graphic design, this GPU should enable them to deliver accurate results all the time. The 17.3-inch FHD 144Hz IPS display offers vibrant visuals, making it a reliable choice for students requiring a robust laptop. Also, the makers of this laptop gave it a military-standard construction with the MIL-STD-810H chassis, which assures that it will last through years of rough handling by students. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 for fast, low-latency wireless internet. Students who need a fully-fledged numeric keyboard should find this laptop very useful.
However, it’s important to note that the laptop’s 8 GB DDR4 RAM may restrict multitasking capabilities. Additionally, its solid build results in a heavier carry weight, which might be a consideration for students frequently on the move. Nevertheless, its superb graphics and vibrant screen resolution solidify its status as the best overall budget laptop for students.
HP Victus 15
With a decent Intel Core i5 12th-generation processor and a GTX 1650 GPU powering it, the Victus 15 isn’t the fastest laptop, but it does offer decent pricing, a 144Hz display, and a healthy slew of ports.
The HP Victus 15 emerges as the best lightweight budget laptop, ideal for students who are always on the move. With its powerful 12th-Gen Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU, it delivers the perfect balance of performance and portability. The 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz display provides clear and fluid visuals for both academic and gaming purposes, making it a versatile option for students' diverse needs.
While the HP Victus 15 is celebrated for its value and comprehensive features, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks. Some feedback indicates that the laptop can become loud during demanding tasks, and its battery longevity might leave something to be desired. Yet, its robust performance and connectivity options solidify its position as the best lightweight budget laptop for students, ensuring preparedness for any situation, whether in the classroom or on the go.
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop touchscreen
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is a study, well-built touchscreen laptop with an aluminum finish that adds a touch of class and style. Featuring a 14-inch Touchscreen and ultra-narrow bezels, this laptop has the power and flexibility to get everything done.It also has a durable 360-degree hinge that can flip the touchscreen display for a more comfortable working experience. In addition, it’s powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor for fast performance.
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 secures its spot as the go-to multi-purpose budget laptop for students, striking the perfect balance between efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and flexibility. Its robust aluminum build and 360-degree hinge offer the durability and flexibility needed for a bustling academic life, easily transitioning from intense note-taking sessions to relaxed movie nights. The full HD touchscreen delivers crisp, clear visuals, making every task more enjoyable.
The Chromebook excels in many areas, but it’s important to note the limitations in RAM and mixed reviews on battery life. These issues may affect multitasking and long study days. However, the Chromebook’s overall value, build quality, and performance make it the ideal budget multipurpose laptop for students.
It features the Intel Core M3-8100Y processor and 4GB RAM, which are adequate for students whose tasks involve basic word processing and internet browsing. However, because of the limited 64 GB SSD storage, the laptop isn’t suitable for on-the-device file storage. Instead, users can utilize cloud storage options like Google Drive or detachable devices like USB sticks.
The two-in-one laptop turns 360 degrees on its hinges to transform into a more convenient tablet mode without breaking down. Students who need to transfer files to and from the laptop can use the available USB Type-A or two USB Type-C ports. Even though it has an all-metal body, the aluminum laptop is lightweight at only 3 pounds, which is great for students to carry to and from class.
HP Envy Laptop WQXGA
The HP Envy WQXGA is a killer productivity laptop that features a massive memory size of 64GB. Also, with its 4TB fast storage, users will have plenty of space for their work files and large gaming titles. With the power of the Core i9 13900H CPU and RTX 4060, it is surely going to be a killer machine at executing the programs quickly while not remaining behind in gaming either.
For students enrolled in graphics-intensive courses looking for a budget-friendly laptop with a powerful GPU, the HP Envy Laptop WQXGA is an ideal choice. This laptop is a standout in the student market, offering high-end performance wrapped in a sleek design. Its 16" IPS touchscreen is a visual delight, displaying vivid colors and sharp resolution that make both studying and gaming a pleasure. The laptop’s performance is driven by an Intel Core i9 CPU and an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, and it’s well-supported by a substantial 64GB of RAM and a dual 2TB SSD setup, catering to all storage needs.
While it’s a dream machine for many, the absence of a numeric keypad and its premium price point could give pause to budget-conscious students. However, for those willing to invest, the HP Envy offers unmatched performance and versatility, making it a top choice for students who want the best of both worlds in productivity and gaming. Its exceptional connectivity options further enhance its appeal as the best GPU laptop for students on a budget.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a large 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an efficient, but potent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia’s mid-range RTX 4060 GPU. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high 165 Hz refresh rate for fast-paced gaming. That is all topped up with a large 1TB SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory, making it an ideal desktop replacement for those looking to grab one.
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 is a solid budget gaming laptop for students seeking a balance between academic needs and gaming leisure. Its QHD display and 165Hz refresh rate promise immersive gaming and crystal-clear visuals for study and content creation. The AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU provide smooth performance for both new and existing games, supported by 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVME M2 SSD for quick multitasking and ample storage.
While the Acer Nitro 17 is praised for its performance and value, there has been feedback about occasional crashes, emphasizing the need to consider system stability. Nevertheless, its exceptional performance and immersive display make it a top choice for students seeking a budget gaming laptop.
MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop
MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop brings modern specifications without going too thick. Weighing just 4.37 pounds and measuring less than an inch in thickness allows better portability, while the Core i7 10 core CPU with RTX 4060 ensures gaming on ultra settings. The IPS display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and the RAM and storage are more than adequate.
The MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop stands out as a top choice for students looking for a high-end budget laptop that doesn’t compromise on mobility or performance. Its lightweight design, weighing only 4.37 pounds, is perfect for students who are always on the go. Powered by an Intel Core i7 12650H processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, this laptop is equipped to handle both demanding academic tasks and gaming at ultra settings with ease.
However, the battery life of the Cyborg 15 points to the common trade-offs seen with high-performance laptops, lasting 3 to 4 hours for typical tasks and around 2 hours for gaming. Yet, for students prioritizing speed and display quality over battery life, the MSI Cyborg 15 is an exceptional choice. Overall, it excels as the best high-end budget laptop for students balancing academics and gaming.
How to Choose the Best Budget Laptop for Students
Finding the ideal budget laptop means balancing cost with functionality. This will mean that students can tackle both academic and personal projects with ease. Consider these three points when picking out the best budget laptop for your studies.
Price vs. Performance
While affordability is key, investing in a laptop that doesn’t skimp on performance is crucial. Look for models that offer the best combination of processor speed, RAM, and storage within your budget.
Longevity and Durability
Students need a laptop that can keep up with their busy schedules. Durability and battery life are essential factors to consider, ensuring the laptop withstands daily use and has enough power to last through long study sessions.
Ease of Use and Portability
With students constantly on the move, a laptop’s weight and design are important. A lightweight, slim-profile laptop with a user-friendly operating system will make it easier for students to carry them between classes and use wherever they go.
Storage
Students often need to store documents, photos, videos, and games on their laptops. That is why the type and size of storage is an important factor. SSDs allow the fast booting of student laptops and the loading of files. However, laptops with high-capacity SSDs are more expensive.
Battery life
Battery life refers to how long a student can use a laptop on a full charge. Laptops with the worst battery life last 7 to 10 hours, while the high performers last 12 to 17 hours. Students should select a laptop with a battery that can last long enough based on their needs.
After picking the perfect budget laptop for your studies, why stop leveling up your study experience? The ideal setup can lead to improved studying and perhaps even better grades. So, consider exploringthe best RGB gaming keyboards, perfect for both late-night study sessions and gaming breaks. These keyboards offer both style and functionality, making sure that your study space will be both inspiring and efficient.
FAQ
Q: What makes a laptop ideal for students on a budget?
An ideal budget laptop for students offers a balance between performance and affordability, ensuring it can handle academic software while being cost-effective.
Q: Can budget laptops handle gaming and study needs?
Yes, many budget laptops are equipped to manage both study tasks and casual gaming, thanks to their versatile specifications.
Q: How important is battery life in a student’s laptop?
Battery life is crucial for students, as it allows for extended use during classes and study sessions without needing constant recharging.
