When you’re a student, your laptop isn’t just a device—it’s your lifeline. Whether you’re typing up that last-minute essay, binging your favorite series between classes, video chatting with friends, or exploring your creative side, the right laptop can make all the difference. But finding a laptop that balances performance with price? That’s where things get tricky.
Don’t worry—I’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance machine or just something reliable to get through your studies, here’s your ultimate guide to the best budget laptops for students in 2024. And with SPC deals in your pocket, you’re guaranteed to get more bang for your buck.
Apple – Quality Meets Simplicity
Let’s start with Apple, the brand that’s synonymous with simplicity and style. The monarch of the student laptop category, virtually any Apple laptop will not only handle everything you throw at it, but will last your entire school career. While Apple isn’t usually the first name you think of when it comes to budget-friendly options, their MacBook Air offers a great mix of performance, portability, and price—especially if you take advantage of Apple’s education pricing.
Why It’s Worth It:
- M1 Chip Performance: The M1 chip has revolutionized what you can expect from a MacBook. It’s lightning-fast, energy-efficient, and perfect for multitasking—whether you’re juggling assignments, editing videos, or streaming in 4K.
- Long Battery Life: Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life with the MacBook Air, which means you can go all day without needing to find an outlet. Perfect for those back-to-back classes.
- Portability: Weighing in at just 2.8 pounds, the MacBook Air is a breeze to carry around campus. And with its slim profile, it slips easily into your backpack.
Pro Tip: Save with Apple Education Pricing and grab your MacBook Air at a discount. Check out the deal here.
Samsung – Versatility for Every Student
Samsung’s lineup of laptops offers something for everyone, whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest in a powerhouse machine. From the affordable Galaxy Book Go to the premium Galaxy Book Pro 360, Samsung has you covered with a range of options that blend functionality with style.
Samsung Galaxy Book Go
If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, the Galaxy Book Go is a great choice. It’s lightweight, runs on Windows 11, and has enough power for everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on assignments.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Affordable Price: One of the most budget-friendly laptops in Samsung’s lineup, perfect for students who need the basics.
- Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Processor: Provides enough power for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight Design: At just over 3 pounds, it’s easy to carry around campus.
Samsung Galaxy Book2
Stepping up a bit, the Galaxy Book2 offers more power and features while still keeping the price reasonable. With an Intel Core processor and a full HD display, this laptop handles multitasking with ease, making it ideal for students who need to juggle multiple applications at once.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Intel Core i5/i7 Options: Choose the level of performance that suits your needs and budget.
- Full HD Display: Enjoy sharp, clear visuals whether you’re working or streaming.
- Lightweight and Portable: It’s slim, sleek, and easy to take with you wherever you go.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
If you’re ready to invest in something more powerful, the Galaxy Book Pro is a serious contender. With a Super AMOLED display, Intel Evo certification, and up to 20 hours of battery life, this laptop is built for students who demand top-tier performance.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Super AMOLED Display: Delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it perfect for streaming, design work, or even gaming.
- Intel Evo Certification: Ensures that the laptop is optimized for performance, responsiveness, and battery life.
- Ultra-Lightweight: Despite its power, the Galaxy Book Pro is one of the lightest laptops around, starting at just 1.92 pounds.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
For those who want the ultimate in versatility, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 is where it’s at. This 2-in-1 laptop can easily transform into a tablet, thanks to its 360-degree hinge. It’s perfect for students who want a device that can adapt to any situation—whether you’re taking notes in class, sketching out ideas, or watching movies in bed.
Why It’s Worth It:
- 2-in-1 Functionality: Switch between laptop and tablet modes with ease, giving you more ways to work and play.
- S Pen Support: Comes with an S Pen, making it a great choice for creative students who need to draw, design, or take handwritten notes.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 21 hours on a single charge means you can go all day without worrying about power.
Pro Tip: Save up to 10% off most Samsung products with SPC. Grab the deal here.
Lenovo – Power Without the Price Tag
Lenovo is a favorite among students for a reason. Their laptops are known for being durable, powerful, and, best of all, budget-friendly. Whether you need a machine for basic tasks or something more robust, Lenovo has a laptop that’ll fit your needs without emptying your wallet.
Lenovo IdeaPad Series
For students on a budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad series offers great performance at an affordable price. The IdeaPad 3 and 5 are solid choices for everyday use, with enough power for multitasking, streaming, and even some light gaming.
Why It’s Worth It:
- AMD Ryzen and Intel Core Options: Choose the processor that fits your needs.
- Full HD Display: Crisp visuals for work and play.
- Affordable: Great value for the performance you get.
Lenovo Yoga Series
If you’re looking for something more versatile, the Lenovo Yoga series offers 2-in-1 functionality at a reasonable price. The Yoga 7i is a standout, with its 360-degree hinge, touchscreen, and sleek design.
Why It’s Worth It:
- 2-in-1 Design: Easily switch between laptop and tablet modes.
- Touchscreen: Ideal for creative work or just navigating your device more intuitively.
- Solid Performance: Intel Core i5/i7 processors provide plenty of power for multitasking.
Pro Tip: Save up to 50% off some items at Lenovo. Check out the deal here.
HP – Reliable and Affordable
HP’s laptops are known for their reliability and affordability, making them a popular choice among students. Whether you need a basic model for note-taking and web browsing or something with a bit more power for creative projects, HP has options that won’t disappoint.
HP Pavilion Series
The HP Pavilion series offers a great balance between performance and price. With options like the Pavilion x360, you can get a 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen at a budget-friendly price.
Why It’s Worth It:
- 2-in-1 Functionality: The x360 models are perfect for students who need versatility.
- Solid Performance: Intel Core processors ensure smooth multitasking.
- Affordable: The Pavilion series offers good specs without a hefty price tag.
HP Envy Series
If you’re looking for something with a bit more power, the HP Envy series is a step up. With better build quality, enhanced displays, and more powerful processors, the Envy series is great for students who need a laptop that can handle more demanding tasks.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Premium Design: The Envy series looks and feels more upscale, with metal finishes and higher resolution displays.
- Performance: More powerful Intel Core i7 options make it a good choice for creative work or multitasking.
- Good Value: Offers premium features at a price that’s still reasonable for students.
Pro Tip: Save up to 20% on HP products with SPC. Get the deal here.
Dell – Performance Meets Value
Dell is a trusted name in laptops, offering a range of models that combine performance with value. Whether you’re after a basic model for everyday tasks or something more powerful, Dell’s got something to fit your needs.
Dell Inspiron Series
The Inspiron series is Dell’s answer to budget-conscious students who still want solid performance. These laptops are great for everyday tasks, from writing papers to streaming movies.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Affordable Options: Inspiron laptops offer good performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Variety of Models: Whether you need a basic laptop or something more powerful, there’s an Inspiron for you.
- Solid Build: Dell’s build quality is reliable, so you know your laptop will last through your studies.
Dell XPS Series
For those willing to spend a bit more, the Dell XPS series offers top-tier performance and design. It’s perfect for students who need a laptop that can handle more demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or gaming.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Premium Build: The XPS series is known for its sleek design and high-quality materials.
- Stunning Display: With options for 4K Ultra HD displays, the XPS series is perfect for creative students.
- High Performance: Intel Core i7 and i9 processors, along with dedicated graphics options, make the XPS series a powerhouse.
Pro Tip: Get 10% off monitors and 15% off selected items at Dell with SPC. Check out the deal here.
LG – High Quality, Low Price
LG may be better known for its TVs and monitors, but their laptops shouldn’t be overlooked. LG’s laptops combine excellent displays with solid performance, all while keeping the price in check. If you’re looking for something lightweight with a great screen, LG has options worth considering.
LG Gram Series
The LG Gram series is all about portability without sacrificing performance. These laptops are incredibly lightweight, making them perfect for students who are always on the move.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Ultra-Lightweight: The LG Gram is one of the lightest laptops on the market, starting at just over 2 pounds.
- Long Battery Life: Get up to 19.5 hours of battery life, which is perfect for those long days on campus.
- Great Display: LG’s expertise in displays shines through, offering crisp and vibrant screens.
Pro Tip: Get 10% off at LG.ca, stackable on promotions. Check out the deal here.
Final Thoughts: Getting the Most for Your Money
Choosing the right laptop as a student doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Whether you’re an Apple aficionado, a Samsung supporter, a Lenovo lover, or loyal to another brand, there’s something out there that fits your needs and budget.
And with SPC, you can save on all of these great options, making it easier to get the tech you need without overspending. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance between price, performance, and portability.
Spend. Save. Repeat. With SPC, getting the best laptop for your needs just got a whole lot easier.
Happy laptop hunting!
Dante