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Laptop & Notebook ComputersHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Budget Laptops for Students of 2025 1
  • 10 Best Budget Laptops for Students of 2025 2
  • 10 Best Budget Laptops for Students of 2025 3
  • 10 Best Budget Laptops for Students of 2025 4
  • 10 Best Budget Laptops for Students of 2025 5

10 Best Budget Laptops for Students of 2025

Students rely on laptops for research, classes, and creative projects, but finding an affordable option that meets both school and personal needs can be overwhelming. With so many models available, the key is to focus on essential features rather than paying for extras you don’t need.


This guide highlights the best budget laptops for students, whether you're in general studies, STEM, or creative fields. These picks balance performance and affordability, helping you get a reliable device that lasts through your school years — without overspending.

Last updated 03/03/2025

Quick List - Top Budget Laptops for Students

1

Acer

Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop‎NX.KJBAA.001
Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop

Lightweight Power for Everyday Use

2

Lenovo

IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop15IJL7
IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop

Affordable Performance for Learning and Productivity

3

HP

14" Ultra Light Laptop for Students and Business
14" Ultra Light Laptop for Students and Business

Portability Meets Productivity

4

NIMO

15.6 FHD N151 Student LaptopN151
15.6 FHD N151 Student Laptop

Crisp Display with Smooth Performance

5

Acer

Chromebook 315315
Chromebook 315

Fast and Secure with Chrome OS

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Top Picks at a Glance

Acer
Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop
Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop

Lightweight Power for Everyday Use

NIMO
15.6 FHD IPS Student Laptop Computer
15.6 FHD IPS Student Laptop Computer

Sharp Display with Smooth Multitasking

Lenovo
Laptop V15 for Business, Home, Student
Laptop V15 for Business, Home, Student

Versatile and Dependable for Work and Study

HP
2025 15.6 Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5 Laptop
2025 15.6 Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5 Laptop

High-Performance Computing with a Sleek Design

How to Choose Budget Laptops for Students - Buying Guide

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best budget-friendly laptops for students.
1

Laptops Under $300: Basic PCs for Online Education and Learning

Laptops Under $300: Basic PCs for Online Education and Learning
Source:amazon.com

Students who simply need a laptop for taking notes, browsing the Internet for information, and taking online classes can manage with a laptop in this price range. These kinds of laptops usually have basic processors and low storage capacity but are nevertheless sufficient for daily schoolwork. Most of these models have built-in cameras and microphones, important for online conferencing and remote learning classes.


Recommended Models:

  1. Acer Chromebook 315 ($229.99)

  2. Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook Business Student Laptop ($219.00)

  3. HP Chromebook for Students and Home ($249.98)

  4. HP 14" Ultralight Student and Business Laptop ($239.96)


What Makes Them Stand Out:


  • Lightweight Designs: Convenient for campus travel and portability.

  • All-day Battery Life: A lower power processor means less power consumption.

  • Webcam and Microphone: These are necessary for online meetings and virtual classes.

  • Sufficient for Basic Tasks: Web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing run smoothly.

  • User-Friendly OS Options: The majority of Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops are user-friendly.


Things to Remember:


  • Limited Performance: Low-end processors and low RAM can't run heavy applications.

  • Small Storage: Typically 64GB to 128GB eMMC or SSD, so cloud storage may be necessary.

  • Basic Displays: Typically 720p or 1080p resolution, which is okay for learning but not for intensive multimedia usage.

  • Offline Limitations (Chromebooks): Very reliant on internet use for the majority of features.
2

$300–$600: Good Laptops for Everyday Work and Some Creative Tasks

$300–$600: Good Laptops for Everyday Work and Some Creative Tasks
Source:amazon.com

If you need a bit more power and storage than the cheapest solutions can manage, mid-range laptops offer a solid compromise between price and performance. They have more powerful processors, more RAM, and bigger SSDs, so students who use many applications, like beginner graphic design programming majors, will have more than enough to get by.


Recommended Models:

  1. Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop ($321.99)

  2. NIMO 15.6 FHD IPS Student Laptop ($379.00)

  3. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop ($399)

  4. NIMO 15.6 FHD N151 Student Laptop ($399.99)


What Makes Them Stand Out:


  • More Powerful Processors: Usually Intel Core i3/i5 or Pentium N100 for more seamless multitasking.

  • Standard 8GB+ RAM: Delivers better performance and reduces app-switching delays.

  • Bigger SSD Storage: 128GB to 512GB, making boot times and data access faster.

  • Full HD Displays: Enhanced resolution for media viewing and light content creation.

  • Good Battery Life: Usually 8–10 hours, enough to last a whole day at school.


Things to Remember:


  • Basic graphics: Can carry out basic tasks but has difficulty with advanced 3D graphics.

  • Trade-Offs in Build Quality: Cost-cutting could involve the use of fewer high-quality materials or features.

  • Moderate Creative Capabilities: Able to do basic Photoshop, minor video editing, or basic coding projects.
3

$600–$1000: High-Performing Laptops for STEM and Creative Students

$600–$1000: High-Performing Laptops for STEM and Creative Students
Source:amazon.com

Students enrolled in computer-heavy programs, like graphic design, engineering, or computer science, tend to require more powerful hardware to process software compilation, 3D modeling, or intensive editing. Laptops within this category tend to provide greater RAM capabilities, more efficient processors, and generous SSD storage to facilitate heavy academic workloads.


Recommended Models:

  1. Lenovo Laptop V15 for Home, Business, and Students ($749.98)

  2. 2025 HP 15.6 Laptop Computer ($935.00)


What Makes Them Stand Out:


  • High-Performance Processors: Intel i5/i7 or AMD equivalent processors to facilitate faster computing.

  • 16GB–40GB RAM: Ideal for heavy multitasking and large project files.

  • Large SSD Storage: 512GB or more, perfect for large multimedia or coding projects.

  • Effective Cooling: Prevents overheating during extended, resource-hungry operations.

  • Improved Displays: Full HD or above for accurate design work.

  • Perfect for Demanding Software: Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, advanced programming software.


Things to Remember:

  • Higher Price Range: Means more powerful hardware for specific needs.

  • Heavier Form Factor: More components can make it heavier, affecting portability.

  • Too Much for Everyday Users: Ordinary students might not need this level of performance.
Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Budget Laptops for Students Ranking

Here are the top budget-friendly laptops for students available on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. We independently ranked each device based on price and consumer popularity.
Popularity
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Products
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Key features
Details
Screen Size
Screen Resolution
Processor
RAM Size
Memory Speed
Hard Drive Size
USB 2.0 Ports Count
USB 3.0 Ports Count
Built-In Camera
Dimensions
Operating System
1

Acer

Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop‎NX.KJBAA.001

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop 1

Lightweight Power for Everyday Use

15.6 in.

‎1920 x 1080

4.1 GHz

8 GB

3200 MHz

‎128 GB

3

‎14.29 x 0.74 x 9.35 inches

Windows 11 S

2

Lenovo

IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop15IJL7

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop 1

Affordable Performance for Learning and Productivity

15.6 in.

1920 x 1080

‎1.1 GHz

20 GB

2400 MHz

1 TB SSD

1

2

‎14.18 x 9.29 x 0.7 inches

Windows 11 Home

3

HP

14" Ultra Light Laptop for Students and Business

HP 14" Ultra Light Laptop for Students and Business 1

Portability Meets Productivity

14 in.

1366x768

‎1.1 GHz

16 GB

2400 MHz

64 GB SSD

3

12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 inches

Windows 11 Home

4

NIMO

15.6 FHD N151 Student LaptopN151

NIMO 15.6 FHD N151 Student Laptop 1

Crisp Display with Smooth Performance

15.6 in.

‎1920 x 1080

‎3.4 GHz

‎DDR4

unknown

‎1 TB SSD

1

2

‎14.07 x 8.98 x 0.76 inches

Windows 11

5

Acer

Chromebook 315315

Acer Chromebook 315 1

Fast and Secure with Chrome OS

15.6 in.

1920 x 1080

2.8 GHz

4 GB

2933MHz

‎128 GB

4

‎14.4 x 9.9 x 0.8 inches

‎Chrome OS

6

NIMO

15.6 FHD IPS Student Laptop Computer

NIMO 15.6 FHD IPS Student Laptop Computer 1

Sharp Display with Smooth Multitasking

15.6 in.

‎1920x1080

‎4.4 GHz

16 GB

unknown

1 TB

1

2

unknown

‎15.66 x 9.99 x 0.74 inches

Windows 11

7

HP

Chromebook Student & Home Laptop14

HP Chromebook Student & Home Laptop 1

Reliable and Efficient for Learning and Home Use

14 in.

1366 x 768

2.6 MHz

4 GB

4266 MHz

128 GB

2

12.85 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches

Chrome OS

8

Lenovo

Laptop V15 for Business, Home, Student‎V15 G3

Lenovo Laptop V15 for Business, Home, Student 1

Versatile and Dependable for Work and Study

15.6 in.

1920 x 1080

3.7 GHz

40 GB

3200 MHz

1 TB

1

2

14.13 x 9.29 x 0.78 inches

Windows 11 Pro

9

Lenovo

Slim 3 Chromebook Laptop for Business StudentSlim 3

Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook Laptop for Business Student 1

Effortless Speed and Portability

14 in.

1920 x 1080

2.05GHz (8 cores, 8 threads)

4 GB

unknown

192 GB

2

unknown

‎13.23 x 0.73 x 8.7 inches

Chrome OS

10

HP

2025 15.6 Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5 LaptopEssential 15

HP 2025 15.6 Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5 Laptop 1

High-Performance Computing with a Sleek Design

15.6 in.

1920 x 1080

‎4.4 GHz

64 GB

unknown

1 TB

2

1

‎14.17 x 9.29 x 0.73 inches

Windows 11

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Acer
Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop‎NX.KJBAA.001

Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop 1
Source:amazon.com
Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop 2
Lowest price
$321.99
Mid
Lowest price
$321.99
Mid
Processor4.1 GHz
Hard Drive Size‎128 GB

Lightweight Power for Everyday Use

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a slim, lightweight laptop designed for students and professionals alike. Featuring a bright display, fast processing, and long battery life, it’s perfect for handling daily tasks, streaming, and web browsing with ease.
Screen Size15.6 in.
Screen Resolution‎1920 x 1080
RAM Size8 GB
Memory Speed3200 MHz
USB 2.0 Ports Count
USB 3.0 Ports Count3
Built-In Camera
Dimensions‎14.29 x 0.74 x 9.35 inches
Operating SystemWindows 11 S
View all
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Lenovo
IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop15IJL7

Lowest price
$379.00
Mid
Processor‎1.1 GHz
Hard Drive Size 1 TB SSD

Affordable Performance for Learning and Productivity

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is an ideal choice for students looking for a budget-friendly laptop that still delivers reliable performance. With a sleek design, fast startup, and essential multitasking capabilities, it supports online learning, research, and everyday computing needs.
Screen Size15.6 in.
Screen Resolution1920 x 1080
RAM Size20 GB
Memory Speed2400 MHz
USB 2.0 Ports Count1
USB 3.0 Ports Count2
Built-In Camera
Dimensions‎14.18 x 9.29 x 0.7 inches
Operating SystemWindows 11 Home
View all
No.3

HP
14" Ultra Light Laptop for Students and Business

Lowest price
$239.00
Low Mid
Processor‎1.1 GHz
Hard Drive Size64 GB SSD

Portability Meets Productivity

This 14-inch HP laptop is built for students and professionals who need a lightweight yet powerful device. With a compact design and efficient processing, it’s great for taking notes, attending virtual meetings, and working on the go without slowing down.

Screen Size14 in.
Screen Resolution1366x768
RAM Size16 GB
Memory Speed2400 MHz
USB 2.0 Ports Count
USB 3.0 Ports Count3
Built-In Camera
Dimensions12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 inches
Operating SystemWindows 11 Home
View all
No.4

NIMO
15.6 FHD N151 Student LaptopN151

Lowest price
$399.99
Mid
Processor‎3.4 GHz
Hard Drive Size‎1 TB SSD

Crisp Display with Smooth Performance

The NIMO 15.6 FHD Student Laptop features a full HD display for clear visuals, making it great for studying, streaming, and working on projects. With a responsive keyboard and long-lasting battery, it’s a solid choice for students and casual users alike.
Screen Size15.6 in.
Screen Resolution‎1920 x 1080
RAM Size‎DDR4
Memory Speedunknown
USB 2.0 Ports Count1
USB 3.0 Ports Count2
Built-In Camera
Dimensions‎14.07 x 8.98 x 0.76 inches
Operating SystemWindows 11
View all
No.5

Acer
Chromebook 315315

Lowest price
$219.98
Low Mid
Processor2.8 GHz
Hard Drive Size‎128 GB

Fast and Secure with Chrome OS

The Acer Chromebook 315 offers seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem, providing quick boot times, cloud-based storage, and reliable performance. Ideal for students and professionals who need a simple, secure, and efficient device for everyday tasks.
Screen Size15.6 in.
Screen Resolution1920 x 1080
RAM Size4 GB
Memory Speed2933MHz
USB 2.0 Ports Count
USB 3.0 Ports Count4
Built-In Camera
Dimensions‎14.4 x 9.9 x 0.8 inches
Operating System‎Chrome OS
View all
No.6

NIMO
15.6 FHD IPS Student Laptop Computer

Lowest price
$379.00
Mid
Processor‎4.4 GHz
Hard Drive Size1 TB

Sharp Display with Smooth Multitasking

This 15.6-inch FHD IPS laptop provides vibrant visuals and a comfortable viewing experience, making it ideal for studying, entertainment, and light work. Its powerful processing ensures smooth multitasking without lagging.
Screen Size15.6 in.
Screen Resolution‎1920x1080
RAM Size16 GB
Memory Speedunknown
USB 2.0 Ports Count1
USB 3.0 Ports Count2
Built-In Cameraunknown
Dimensions‎15.66 x 9.99 x 0.74 inches
Operating SystemWindows 11
View all
No.7

HP
Chromebook Student & Home Laptop14

Lowest price
$249.99
Low Mid
Processor2.6 MHz
Hard Drive Size128 GB

Reliable and Efficient for Learning and Home Use

Designed for students and home users, this HP Chromebook offers fast startup, built-in virus protection, and cloud storage access. Its lightweight build and long battery life make it a practical choice for schoolwork and everyday web browsing.
Screen Size14 in.
Screen Resolution1366 x 768
RAM Size4 GB
Memory Speed4266 MHz
USB 2.0 Ports Count
USB 3.0 Ports Count2
Built-In Camera
Dimensions12.85 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches
Operating SystemChrome OS
View all
No.8

Lenovo
Laptop V15 for Business, Home, Student‎V15 G3

Lowest price
$749.99
High
Processor3.7 GHz
Hard Drive Size1 TB

Versatile and Dependable for Work and Study

The Lenovo Laptop V15 is built for versatility, catering to students, home users, and business professionals alike. Its strong processing power, durable build, and large display make it a great option for multitasking and productivity.
Screen Size15.6 in.
Screen Resolution1920 x 1080
RAM Size40 GB
Memory Speed3200 MHz
USB 2.0 Ports Count1
USB 3.0 Ports Count2
Built-In Camera
Dimensions14.13 x 9.29 x 0.78 inches
Operating SystemWindows 11 Pro
View all
No.9

Lenovo
Slim 3 Chromebook Laptop for Business StudentSlim 3

Lowest price
$215.00
Low Mid
Processor2.05GHz (8 cores, 8 threads)
Hard Drive Size192 GB

Effortless Speed and Portability

The Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook is designed for business professionals and students who need a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use device. With a slim and lightweight profile, it’s perfect for on-the-go use while maintaining smooth performance.
Screen Size14 in.
Screen Resolution1920 x 1080
RAM Size4 GB
Memory Speedunknown
USB 2.0 Ports Count
USB 3.0 Ports Count2
Built-In Cameraunknown
Dimensions‎13.23 x 0.73 x 8.7 inches
Operating SystemChrome OS
View all
No.10

HP
2025 15.6 Laptop Computer, Intel 10-Core i5 LaptopEssential 15

Lowest price
$749.99
High
Processor‎4.4 GHz
Hard Drive Size1 TB

High-Performance Computing with a Sleek Design

This HP 15.6-inch laptop, powered by an Intel 10-Core i5 processor, delivers powerful performance for students, business users, and professionals. Whether you’re multitasking, streaming, or handling intensive tasks, this device ensures efficiency and speed.

Screen Size15.6 in.
Screen Resolution1920 x 1080
RAM Size64 GB
Memory Speedunknown
USB 2.0 Ports Count2
USB 3.0 Ports Count1
Built-In Camera
Dimensions‎14.17 x 9.29 x 0.73 inches
Operating SystemWindows 11
View all

Frequently Asked Questions

Can budget laptops handle online gaming?

Most budget laptops can handle basic or older games, but they lack the processing power and dedicated graphics cards needed for modern, graphically intensive games. For gaming, look for models with at least an integrated GPU.

How much storage do students really need on a laptop?

For basic school tasks, 128GB to 256GB of storage is usually sufficient, especially if cloud storage is used. However, students working with large files, such as video editing or programming, should opt for at least 512GB.

What are the best accessories for student laptops?

Useful accessories include a laptop stand for better posture, an external keyboard and mouse for extended use, and a portable charger for all-day battery life. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones can also improve focus during online classes.

Do budget laptops support external monitors?

Most budget laptops include an HDMI or USB-C port that allows connection to an external monitor for dual-screen productivity. However, resolution and refresh rates may be limited based on the laptop’s graphics capability.

How can students extend battery life on their laptops?

Reducing screen brightness, closing unused applications, and enabling battery saver mode can help extend battery life. Keeping the laptop in sleep mode rather than shutting it down frequently also helps reduce power drain.

Top 5 Budget Laptops for Students

No. 1: AcerAspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop‎NX.KJBAA.001

No. 2: LenovoIdeaPad 1 Student Laptop15IJL7

No. 3: HP14" Ultra Light Laptop for Students and Business

No. 4: NIMO15.6 FHD N151 Student LaptopN151

No. 5: AcerChromebook 315315

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