Best Budget Laptops for College Students in 2024

July. 16,2025

Discover the top budget-friendly laptops perfect for college students in 2024. This guide highlights models that balance performance, portability, and affordability, including the HP Envy 13, MacBook Air M1, HP Pavilion 14, and Dell G5 15. Ideal for studying, streaming, gaming, and everyday tasks, these laptops are optimal choices for student needs on a budget.

Best Budget Laptops for College Students in 2024

Top Budget-Friendly Laptops for Students

Shopping for a laptop online can be overwhelming, especially for students on a budget. Choosing a device that handles presentations, streaming, gaming, and lecture notes without breaking the bank is essential. To help narrow down your options, we've curated a list of the best affordable laptops ideal for college life.

HP Envy 13
The HP Envy 13 stands out as a top choice for students. It boasts a sleek design and a Thunderbolt 4 port, making it perfect for under $1000. Its portability, long battery life, and solid performance make it a great companion for academic and entertainment needs.

Best Budget Laptops for Students
Equipped with a bright 1080p display, a stylish body, and an 11th Gen Core i5 processor, it ensures quick performance and a modern aesthetic. Its slim bezels and robust power make it competitive with more expensive models.

MacBook Air M1
Apple’s innovative M1 chip transforms the MacBook Air into a powerhouse. It’s lightweight, slim, and delivers exceptional performance combined with outstanding battery life. Although slightly pricier, the M1 MacBook Air offers remarkable value, making it a smart choice for students seeking reliability and speed.

It may not be the cheapest option, but it provides excellent performance for its cost.

HP Pavilion 14
This model features Intel UHD Graphics 620, 8GB RAM, an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U, and a 256GB SSD. Its sleek yet simple design pairs well with a crisp display, making it appealing for students. Its sturdy build, multiple ports including USB-C and HDMI, and nearly 11 hours of battery life make it highly practical on campus.

Dell G5 15
This gaming-capable laptop from Dell offers a solid mix of performance, battery longevity, and portability. Its decent graphics capability allows students to enjoy gaming during downtime. Despite an entry-level configuration, it remains a powerful and portable choice for many students.

Note:
Our blog covers various categories presenting helpful and insightful information. While our research helps inform your decisions, please consider that data may vary across sources. The website isn’t liable for discrepancies or inaccuracies, nor does it account for special deals or discounts readers might find beneficial.