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Reliable, lightweight laptops perfect for note-taking, Zoom classes, and essays without exceeding your student budget.
As a student juggling classes, assignments, and part-time jobs, you need a laptop that's affordable, portable, and powerful enough for everyday tasks like Google Docs, research, and virtual meetings. With prices under $600, you don't have to sacrifice performance or battery life for value—2025's budget models from trusted brands deliver impressive specs including 8GB+ RAM, SSD storage, and long-lasting batteries.
Our expert-curated list is based on rigorous testing for student needs: seamless multitasking, durable builds for campus life, and compatibility with school software. We prioritized real-world availability on sites like Amazon, factoring in user reviews, benchmark scores, and value across Windows and ChromeOS options.
From the best overall for balanced performance to specialized picks like gaming-ready Chromebooks and ultra-budget steals, these 7 laptops cover high schoolers, college undergrads, and grad students. All are 2024-2025 models under $600, ensuring future-proof features like Wi-Fi 6 and fast charging.
This Lenovo strikes the perfect balance for students with its speedy Intel i3 processor, ample 16GB RAM for multitasking essays and tabs, and a massive 512GB SSD. The 10-hour battery and lightweight 3.5lb design make it ideal for all-day classes, while the FHD display keeps readings sharp.
At the lowest price point, this Acer delivers surprising value with a capable Ryzen 3 chip for smooth browsing and Office apps, plus a roomy 512GB SSD. It's tough enough for backpack abuse and offers solid 9-hour battery life for budget-strapped high schoolers.
Unique 2-in-1 versatility sets this HP apart—flip it to tablet mode for note-taking with the stylus-ready touchscreen. The i5 processor handles light photo editing and Zoom flawlessly, making it a standout for creative students on the go.
Perfect for Google Workspace fans, this 2-in-1 Chromebook offers tent mode for presentations and lightning-fast boot times. With ChromeOS security and auto-updates, it's hassle-free for students focused on cloud-based schoolwork.
Boasting up to 11 hours of runtime, this ASUS keeps you powered through lectures and study sessions. The Ryzen 5 punch handles multiple tabs and light coding, all in a slim, 3.9lb chassis that's easy to tote.
Loaded with 16GB RAM, this Dell chews through 20+ Chrome tabs, Word docs, and Spotify effortlessly. Its comfortable keyboard and precise trackpad shine for typing papers, backed by Dell's reliable support.
Students wanting downtime fun will love the 144Hz QHD screen and RGB keyboard for cloud gaming via Steam or Fortnite. It doubles as a stellar study machine with strong performance for school apps.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15.6" FHD (Intel Core i3-1315U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2025 Model) Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH (AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2025 Edition) Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
HP Laptop 15-dy5000 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Convertible Touchscreen, 2025 Model) Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook 14" 2-in-1 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC, 2025 Model) Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
ASUS VivoBook Go 15 E1504FA (AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2025 Model) Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (Intel Core i3-1215U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2025 Refresh) Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Acer Chromebook 516 GE (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Gaming Edition, 2025) Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
