The Best Laptops for College Students

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College is when most people first get a laptop for themselves. They might have used an old Chromebook in high school or borrowed their parents’ PC, but as they're entering their university years, they need something that's their own. It's the device they'll take to classes, coffee shops, club meetings, and libraries—and rely on to achieve their academic dreams. But it's also the device they'll use to binge-watch shows and play games with roommates after hours.

I've been reviewing laptops for a decade, and after testing dozens of wallet-friendly laptops designed for college students, these are our recommendations on what to purchase before the school year starts. My picks range from traditional clamshell laptops to ...