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Affordable, student-approved laptops that deliver reliable performance for notes, research, streaming, and light multitasking without exceeding your budget.
Heading back to school or starting college? A great laptop is essential for acing assignments, joining Zoom classes, and staying organized—but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. In 2025, budget laptops under $600 pack impressive specs like fast processors, decent RAM, and long battery life, making them ideal for students juggling studies and side hustles.
We scoured the market for real, available models from trusted brands, prioritizing portability, durability, battery endurance (10+ hours), and value. Our selections balance Windows powerhouses for demanding software with lightweight Chromebooks for web-based tasks, covering high schoolers to grad students across price tiers from $300 to $599.
Whether you need a top all-rounder, ultra-cheap option, or specialized pick for gaming or convertibles, these 7 recommendations are based on hands-on testing, user reviews, and 2025 benchmarks. Let's find your perfect study buddy!
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i stands out with its speedy Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, handling multitasking like Google Docs, Zoom, and light photo editing effortlessly. Its 15.6-inch FHD display and 11-hour battery make it a daily driver for lectures and study sessions. At under $550, it's unbeatable value for most students.
Perfect for tight budgets, this Acer Aspire 3 offers solid Ryzen 3 performance for web browsing, essays, and streaming with 8GB RAM and a spacious keyboard. The 15.6-inch screen is crisp for reading textbooks, and its lightweight build (under 4 lbs) slips easily into a backpack. You'll get reliable daily use without frills.
This 2-in-1 Chromebook flips into tablet mode for note-taking with a stylus (sold separately), powered by an Intel Pentium and 8GB RAM for seamless Google Workspace integration. Its MIL-STD durability withstands campus life, and ChromeOS ensures lightning-fast boot times and top-tier security. Ideal for cloud-savvy students seeking unique flexibility.
With up to 12 hours of battery, this compact HP 14 keeps you powered through all-day classes and group projects on its Ryzen 5 processor and 256GB SSD. The 14-inch display is bright for outdoor study, and fast charging gets you 50% in 45 minutes. Great for mobile students who hate outlets.
Ultra-portable at just 3.1 lbs, the Asus VivoBook Go 15 fits any backpack with its slim profile, Core i3 power, and massive 512GB storage for files and apps. The 15.6-inch FHD screen with anti-glare is perfect for libraries, and it runs cool during long sessions. Prioritizes portability without sacrificing usability.
Dell’s Inspiron 15 excels in reliability with a comfortable keyboard, Core i3 speed for Microsoft Office and browsing, and plenty of ports for peripherals. Its 1080p webcam shines for virtual classes, and the sturdy build lasts semesters. A no-nonsense choice for consistent performance.
Punches above its weight for gaming and coding with Iris Xe graphics, a fast i5 chip, and 512GB SSD—run League of Legends or light edits smoothly. The slim aluminum chassis feels premium, and Thunderbolt 4 future-proofs it. Students wanting more power will love this.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15.6-inch Intel Core i5-1235U Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Acer Aspire 3 A315-59 AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Acer Chromebook Spin 314 CP314-1HN Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
HP 14 Laptop 14-dq2000 AMD Ryzen 5 5625U Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Asus VivoBook Go 15 E1504FA Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Intel Core i3-1215U Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 Intel Core i5-1235U Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
