It’s back to school time and that means it’s time to get in school supply mode. Laptops are at the top of the school shopping list with more kids relying on them for schoolwork whether they’re using them in school or at home for virtual learning. The global pandemic made laptops essential as more kids needed them to get their assignments done at home. While more kids are returning to in-person learning, they still need those laptops to get their work completed. Plus, there are still kids who are doing virtual learning, so having a laptop is vital. Editor’s Note: We know raising kids can be hard. That’s why we’re dedicated to making your life easier with the latest and greatest parenting advice and products. We wanted to let you know that if you chose to purchase one of the items featured in this post, we may receive a small commission for it. More: The Best Tablets for Kids Not all laptops are created equal which is why this is the perfect time for parents to learn about the best laptops for kids and how to choose the right one.
Our Top School Laptop Picks
- Best Classic Laptop for Learning: HP Pavilion 15: on HP
What to Consider When Purchasing a Laptop for Kids
If you’re in the market for a laptop for kids for school or home, consider the following before making your purchase.
1. Laptop by Age and Grade Level
Today, even younger kids are using iPads and laptops regularly. But the technological needs of younger kids versus college students are very different. For instance, small children primarily need ease of access, spill-resistant keyboards, and the ability to put the laptop into tablet mode. This is what makes a laptop kid-friendly. They may start off with an iPad and then graduate to a laptop. Teens and older students will be more concerned with having gaming laptops, Bluetooth, and plenty of storage space.
2. Purpose and Laptop Features
Consider exactly how your children will be using the laptop. Is it a laptop for kids for school? Is it primarily for online communication and internet access for use with Wi-Fi? Is your child a gamer? If so, will the laptop be used heavily for gaming or coding? Do you want the laptop to be paired with other devices in the home? For instance, if you already have several Apple products in your home, you may want the devices to be connected. These are essential questions to ask yourself before determining the best laptop for kids in your house.
3. Laptop Cost and Budget
There are many laptops for kids that are reasonably priced these days, but the fancier you get with more special features, the more it will cost. A laptop is an investment that will typically last around three years, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank - especially if you are purchasing multiple laptops to accommodate the needs of more than one child.
How We Chose Our Favorite Kid Laptops
We have chosen our favorite laptops for kids for school using various trusted resources. We’ve based these choices on the personal experience of real parents and kids, the voices of experts, and scouring many reviews on our favorite websites.
1. The Best Laptop for Elementary School Children
Acer Chromebook Spin 11 CP3-11-1H-C5PN Convertible Laptop When it comes to laptops for kids for school this one is great for remote learning and communication. This laptop ranks high when it comes to durability because it can withstand the rough handling of younger kids. It has two cameras so your little one can easily use a webcam for Zoom and video chats. A stylus is included so your child can handwrite on the screen to draw, show their work for math problems, or simply get creative with art and design. It has a snappy keyboard that can bend and display as needed. The Google Chrome operating system and selection of Google apps will feel familiar to most elementary students. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
2. The Best Overall Laptop for Kids
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14 This laptop is great if you don’t want to break the bank, but also want a laptop that’s going to help your child get the job done. At less than $600, this laptop is a real winner. It has great performance and includes a USB-C port and an integrated fingerprint scanner. It has a comfy keyboard and touchpad which are great for kids. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
3. The Best Laptop for Kids Using the Laptop for Constant Entertainment
Dell G5 15 SE The Best Laptop for Kids Using the Laptop for Constant Entertainment This is the best laptop for gaming with its amazing display and performance for the price. It can also be used for studying and schoolwork. This inexpensive machine by Dell is a favorite because of its AMD specs. It keeps costs down without compromising performance. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
4. The Best Laptop for Parents Who Want to Make a Long-Lasting Investment
Apple MacBook Air This is the least expensive Apple laptop out there if you want a fully Apple family. It also has excellent battery life. This laptop can outlive most Windows laptops if you’re looking for one that has the best chance of getting your child through all of high school and even part of college. Macbooks are known for providing immersive experiences so this is a wonderful option for your artist or musician. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
5. The Best Laptop for Older Kids
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go This Surface Laptop Go is lightweight, easy to transport, and well designed. Plus, it won’t break the bank. This is lightweight and has a comfortable keyboard and touchpad. Since it has an attractive style and comes in many different colors, kids can choose one that feels like their own. The USB Type-A port is also a plus. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
6. The Best Laptop for Parents Who Need a Solid and Reliable Laptop Option for Younger Kids
Samsung 11.6" Chromebook 3 Intel Atom x5 E8000 This laptop has everything your little one needs whether you’re looking for laptops for kids for school or entertainment. It has solid security and no setup or long load times. All your child needs to do is sign in with Google. With free automatic updates and a water-resistant keyboard, this laptop seems almost made for little kids to do remote learning or to use for watching movies while parents get some work done. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
7. The Best Laptop for Parents Who are Trying to Work from Home with a Child Nearby
Google Pixelbook Go i5 Chromebook This laptop has everything an elementary student needs for school while keeping things simple for the working parent nearby. The Hush Keys feature helps to silence your child’s typing if he bangs on the keys. The brilliant touchscreen display and speakers will keep your child entertained with a movie when you need to focus. The response time is quick and getting the laptop started is easy. It’s also easy for your child to carry around at barely 2 pounds. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
8. The Best Laptop for Parents Who Want the Cheapest, Sturdiest Option
ASUS Chromebook C202 Laptop This laptop scores high when it comes to durability if it’s used by a kid for hours every day. It’s also good for parents who are budget conscious with a price tag of less than $300. It has a spill-resistant keyboard, rubberized grips for busy hands, and construction that can withstand being dropped 3.9 feet. It was specifically made for young students and is as tough as it needs to be. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say: “The Asus Chromebook C202SA is an ultraportable laptop with enough ruggedization to stand up to daily use in and out of the classroom. With a durable build, comfortable keyboard, and excellent battery life, it’s a great device for a child or adult alike, though performance won’t blow you away.” - Lifewire
9. The Best Rugged Laptop for Kids
Dell Chromebook 11 We all know kids may not be the most careful little people. That’s why this Dell Chromebook is designed to withstand the roughness. It’s rugged, affordable, and easy for kids to use. Parents will love the spill-resistant keyboard and the fact that this is compact and has a kid-friendly design. There are plenty of USB ports and it offers reasonably priced accidental damage coverage. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
10. The Best Premium Windows Laptop for Kids
HP Envy x 360 While this laptop is on the pricier side, you get what you pay for which is greatness! For older kids, this is a great value and simply exceptional. The AMD 4000-series processor is a big plus, especially if your child wants to do some heavy content creation like video editing. Battery life is top-notch at nearly 12 hours. The touchscreen is bright, vivid, and crisp. This may not be the best bet for younger kids but should be able to withstand some minor bumps with its aluminum construction. Here’s What Reviewers Have To Say:
11. The Best Laptop for High School Students
The Apple MacBook Air M1 With a long battery life (up to 18 hours) this is a great laptop for high school students. It has an amazing memory and a stunning display. The text is sharp and clear, making it perfect for the high school crowd. The Apple MacBook Air M1 is also very compatible. All existing apps work including Microsoft 365 and Google Drive. You’ll also have access to a large number of apps that are available on the App Store. It’s not only a good choice for school but also for entertainment. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
12. The Best Laptop for Little Kids
Lenovo Flex 3 This is a simple machine for younger kids. It is portable, affordable, and fast. It’s simple to use since all you have to do is power it up and you’re ready to go. The touchscreen makes it easy for young users, especially if they’re tracing letters on the screen rather than clicking a mouse. While this model is not super-techy, it is perfect for the younger crowd who don’t need many bells and whistles. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say: “Bought it for my daughter’s school work. Works great with google classroom. She loves she can notate and flips into tablet mode for tests. It’s very durable and the volume is good.picture quality is good.” - Best Buy Review
13. The Best Classic Laptop for Learning
HP Pavillion 15 When you’re looking for a classic laptop, the HP Pavilion 15 doesn’t disappoint. It’s among the best laptops for kids with its speakers, HP Fast Charge, and the option of a touchscreen display. It’s also affordable which is appealing to parents. While this one may not stand out with its features and design, it’s a classic choice when you’re looking for a laptop for learning for your child. Here’s What Reviewers Are Saying: “We actually got 3 units. The specs for the price was definitely a great value proposition. My nephews are having a great remote education experience thanks to this laptop and I upgraded my older HP unit and am very happy with this new unit performance!” - Best Buy Review
14. The Best Budget Laptop
Acer Chromebook Spin 311 When you want a laptop on a budget for your child, this one from Acer is a solid choice. It has a dual-core AMD processor and is well-made. It’s extremely portable and has just over eight hours of battery life. While this may not be a lot, it is sufficient for kids, especially for the price. When you’re looking for a laptop that gets the job done without breaking the bank, this one is a solid choice. Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
15. The Best Laptop for Tweens
ASUS L210 Laptop This is the best laptop for tweens because it’s lightweight and only one inch thick. They’ll also like the 180-degree lay-flat hinge feature which can be helpful for group projects. There is also a backlit keyboard and 6-inch number pad which is very handy. This ASUS laptop is affordable and easy to use for your favorite tween! Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:
The Bottom Line
When it comes to finding the best laptop for your child this school year, it’s all about affordability, features, and function. You want to match your child’s needs with the laptop to make sure it’s the perfect fit.
