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If you’re a student, then going back-to-school means getting new supplies to get the most out of the new school year. This year is going to be different. You’re going to do better, work smarter and get your homework and school projects over and done with quickly. But first, you’ll need a new laptop to help you accomplish all of your classroom goals.
We rounded up the best laptops from top computer manufacturers, including Apple, Asus, Lenovo, Razer and others, from across the internet to help you just get the job done in the classroom.
These machines are great for productivity, like work processing and research, while they can also balance your school life and dorm life — such as watching videos, listening to music and even playing a few video games here and there — without skipping a beat.
Meanwhile, if you’re not a student going back-to-school, then these laptops are also suited for office workers and freelancers looking to get all of their daily tasks finished. These laptops are great for just about any writer, editor, photographer, or videographer looking to meet their deadlines for on-going projects. And after you pick up your new laptop, you may also want to consider a new laptop backpack to get the new machine from your home to school or office in one piece.
Scroll down and check out our recommendations for the best laptops for back-to-school, or returning to the office.
Apple
Editor’s Pick
Apple MacBook Air
The latest Apple MacBook Air is the apex of laptops in 2024. It’s speedy, thanks to the tech company’s M3 chip, and it’s buttery smooth for most tasks, productivity and entertainment, thanks to macOS Sonoma. If you’re looking for a new laptop, start here.
Lenovo
Best Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
If you’re looking for a laptop to get you online as soon as possible, then the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is our pick. It’s designed for the internet with a wide range of web apps from the Chrome Web Store, as well as Android apps from the Google Play Store. If your school and work life are in Google’s cloud of apps and services, like Gmail and Google Docs, then going with a Chromebook is best.
Asus
Best Display
Asus Zenbook Duo
The Asus Zenbook Duo’s display is so sharp that there’s actually two of them. The Zenbook Duo is a Windows 11 laptop that has a detachable display for more screen real estate, which means better productivity. You can use it as a speedy traditional laptop, or detach the display to use it as a dual screen or tablet. It’s really up to you.
Acer
Best Wallet-Friendly
Acer Aspire 3
On sale for $416 (reg. $499.99), the Acer Aspire 3 is a speedy and smooth laptop that won’t break the bank. It runs Windows 11 for productivity and entertainment, while it’s powerful enough to get your school work finished without any hiccups or stales in performance.
MSI
Best Windows 11 Laptop
MSI Prestige AI Evo
The MSI Prestige AI Evo is one of the smoothest and most powerful Windows 11 laptops you can buy in 2024. It has everything you’d want in a Windows laptop, including a sharp 16-inch OLED Ultra HD display, a high-octane Intel Core Ultra 7-155H processor and sleek design to accomplish just about any tasks quickly and efficiently.
Razer
Best for Gaming
Razer Blade 16
If you’re a gamer, then look no further then the Razer Blade 16 for high performance gaming. This laptop will make short work out of just about any big game, including “World of Warcraft” and “Diablo IV,” or anything found on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming service. And since it’s a Windows 11 laptop, it’s also great for school work — when you find time between long gaming sessions.
Apple
Best for Photo/Video Editing
Apple MacBook Pro
Armed with Apple’s M3 Max processor, the latest Apple MacBook Pro is ideal for any photo and video editing on-the-go, while its brilliant 16-inch display is large enough to see your work as true to life as possible. It’s also lightweight enough to take with you on any classroom projects that involves shooting footage in the field. The Apple MacBook Pro is a beast!
Looking for more? Check out our picks for the best back-to-school gear here. In the meantime, shop the best laptops for school or work on Amazon, below:
