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Discover budget-friendly laptops that deliver reliable performance for note-taking, research, online classes, and light multitasking.
Heading back to school doesn't have to mean sacrificing performance for price. In 2025, students face tight budgets but demand laptops that can handle everything from Google Docs and Zoom calls to light coding and streaming. With rising tuition costs, finding a machine under $600 that won't lag during midterms is a game-changer.
We scoured the market for the best student laptops under $600, prioritizing real-world testing for battery life (aiming for 8+ hours), at least 8GB RAM, SSD storage, and durable builds. Our selections balance Windows powerhouses for versatile software with Chromebooks for seamless cloud-based work, covering high schoolers to college grads.
From the absolute best overall value to ultrabudget steals and specialized picks like gaming-ready or 2-in-1 convertibles, this list has options for every student persona. All are currently available, with prices reflecting 2025 street deals on Amazon and major retailers.
The Acer Aspire 5 strikes the perfect balance for students with its zippy Ryzen 5 processor, ample 16GB RAM, and spacious 512GB SSD, handling multitasking like essays and tabs galore without a hitch. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display is sharp for reading textbooks, and up to 10-hour battery life keeps you going through lectures. At under $500, it's unbeatable value for everyday academic demands.
For cash-strapped students, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 delivers essentials like solid web browsing, Office apps, and streaming at a rock-bottom price. Its lightweight design and 10-hour battery make it ideal for campus carry, while the Ryzen 3 keeps things smooth for basic homework. Upgrade potential adds longevity without breaking $300.
This versatile 2-in-1 flips into tablet mode for note-taking with a stylus (sold separately), making it a standout for interactive learning. The responsive touchscreen and sturdy hinge hold up to daily abuse, paired with decent battery for all-day classes. It's the unique pick for creative students who want flexibility under $550.
Gamers on a student budget will love the 16-inch 120Hz display and cloud gaming support via GeForce Now, perfect for unwinding with Fortnite or League after studying. It runs Android apps and Chrome OS flawlessly for schoolwork, with exceptional battery life. A steal for dual-purpose use under $550.
Boasting up to 12 hours of runtime, this VivoBook powers through full school days without a charge, ideal for long lectures or library sessions. The Core i5 and 512GB SSD tackle programming or research effortlessly in a slim, portable chassis. Great for students who hate outlets.
This 14-inch powerhouse with ARM-based Snapdragon efficiency offers MacBook-like battery (18+ hours) in a tiny footprint for backpack warriors. It crushes web-based tasks and light AI tools via Copilot+ PC features. Perfect for dorm life or commuting students.
Affordable Chromebook with pen support for digital inking during classes, plus Gemini AI integration for smarter studying. The 2-in-1 design and MIL-STD durability handle rough student life, with auto-updates for security. Ideal for Google Workspace fans on a budget.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Acer Aspire 5 A515-57G-50H3 (AMD Ryzen 5 7520U) Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15ALC7 (AMD Ryzen 3 7320U) Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
HP Pavilion x360 14-ek1025nr (Intel Core i3-N305) Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Acer Chromebook 516 GE (Intel Core i3-1215U) Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Asus VivoBook 15 X1504ZA (Intel Core i5-1235U) Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Dell Inspiron 14 5430 (Snapdragon X Plus) Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook 14 Intel Core i3-N305 Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
