8 Best Laptops Under $700 for Students in 2026

Finding the right laptop as a student can significantly enhance your academic experience. Here are some top picks under $700 that balance performance and affordability.

8 Best Laptops Under $700 for Students
Compare all Laptops side-by-side
1 Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5

Winner
★ 4.3 Budget Best for: General studies and light gaming

The Acer Aspire 5 offers a great balance of performance and portability, making it perfect for students. With a full HD display and solid battery life, it’s well-suited for both study and entertainment.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Processor: Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) RAM: 8 GB Storage: 512 GB SSD
  • Affordable price for students
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Long battery life for all-day use
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Mediocre speakers
2 Dell Inspiron 15 3000

Dell Inspiron 15 3000

Editor's Choice
★ 4.3 Budget Best for: General studies and everyday use

This laptop features a reliable Intel processor and a comfortable keyboard, ideal for long writing sessions and research. Its sturdy build makes it a good option for students on the go.

Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) Processor: Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) RAM: 8 GB DDR4 Storage: 256 GB SSD
  • Affordable price for students
  • Solid performance for everyday tasks
  • Decent battery life for all-day use
  • Limited storage options
  • Basic display quality
3 H
★ 4.3 Mid-range Best for: Students needing a versatile laptop for everyday use

With its convertible design, the HP Pavilion x360 can be used as a laptop or tablet, providing flexibility for note-taking and presentations. Its touchscreen feature enhances usability in various modes.

Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen Processor: Intel Core i5 (11th Gen) RAM: 8GB DDR4 Storage: 512GB SSD
  • Versatile 2-in-1 design
  • Good battery life
  • Solid performance for multitasking
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Average speakers
4 Lenovo IdeaPad 3
★ 4.3 Budget Best for: General study and everyday tasks

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is equipped with a fast processor and ample storage, ensuring smooth performance for school projects and media consumption. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around campus.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U RAM: 8GB DDR4 Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Affordable price point for students
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Good battery life for all-day use
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Average speakers
5 ASUS VivoBook 15
★ 4.3 Mid-range Best for: General studies and light gaming

The ASUS VivoBook 15 boasts a sleek design and vibrant display, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. It offers good performance for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.

Display: 15.6-inch Full HD Processor: Intel Core i5 RAM: 8 GB Storage: 512 GB SSD
  • Affordable for students
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good performance for multitasking
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Average battery life
6 Microsoft Surface Go 2
★ 4.3 Budget Best for: Note-taking and light productivity tasks

This 2-in-1 device combines the functionality of a laptop with the portability of a tablet. It's perfect for students who need to take notes and access educational materials on the go.

Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y RAM: 4GB or 8GB Storage: 64GB eMMC or 128GB SSD
  • Lightweight and portable for easy carrying
  • High-resolution touchscreen for interactive use
  • Good battery life for all-day productivity
  • Limited performance for heavy multitasking
  • Storage options may be insufficient for some users
7 Acer Swift 3
★ 4.3 Mid-range Best for: Everyday student tasks

The Acer Swift 3 features a lightweight design and long battery life, making it great for students who need a reliable laptop for classes and projects. Its powerful performance is a bonus.

Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X Storage: 512 GB SSD
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Strong performance for everyday tasks
  • Long battery life for all-day use
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Average speakers
8 HP 14 Laptop
★ 4.3 Budget Best for: Students seeking a budget-friendly laptop for everyday use

Compact and efficient, the HP 14 Laptop is designed for students who need a reliable device for browsing and studying. Its affordable price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious learners.

Display: 14-inch HD Processor: Intel Core i3/i5 RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good battery life
  • Affordable pricing
  • Limited gaming capability
  • Basic display quality

What to look for

When selecting a laptop for school, consider the following factors:

  • Performance: Look for a decent processor and at least 8GB of RAM to handle multitasking.
  • Battery Life: Choose a laptop that can last through long lectures and study sessions.
  • Portability: A lightweight design is ideal for students who travel between classes.
  • Storage: SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, making them a great choice for quick access to your files.

Final tips

Always check for student discounts and consider refurbished models to stretch your budget further. Read reviews to ensure the laptop meets your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions

What features should I look for in a laptop under $700 for school?
Look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, a reliable processor (like Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), and a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster performance. A good battery life of at least 6-8 hours is also essential for all-day use.
Are there good gaming laptops available under $700?
While gaming laptops typically require a higher budget due to their powerful hardware, there are some options under $700 that can handle light gaming. Look for models with dedicated graphics cards and a decent cooling system.
Can I use a laptop under $700 for graphic design or video editing?
Yes, you can find laptops under $700 that are suitable for light graphic design and video editing. Look for models with a good display, sufficient RAM, and a capable processor, but be mindful that performance may be limited for more intensive tasks.
What brands are reliable for budget laptops?
Some reliable brands for budget laptops include Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, and HP. These brands often offer good build quality, customer support, and a range of models that fit within a $700 budget.
Should I consider refurbished laptops in my search?
Absolutely! Refurbished laptops can offer great value, often providing higher specifications for a lower price. Just ensure you buy from reputable sellers that offer a warranty.
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