CNET: Best laptops for college in 2024

We’ve done research and testing to find the best laptop for college students in 2024. Two of the top picks are detailed below. See the full list at CNET.com.

CNET TAKE: With the arrival of the M3 MacBook Air, Apple dropped the M1 model from its lineup and positioned the M2 MacBook Air as the new budget option at $999. The M1 Air lives on as an exclusive at Walmart for only $649.

It has a slightly smaller screen at 13.3 inches than the 13.6-inch display you get with the M2 and M3 models. The M1 also has 400 nits in brightness, a 720p camera and a tapered design. And it still offers solid overall performance for most users and a long battery life of up to 18 hours.

CNET TAKE: The HP Pavilion Plus is a good fit for students because it delivers a stylish and solid all-metal chassis, good battery life and numerous configuration options at reasonable prices. It’s available in 14- and 16-inch sizes. We tested the 14-inch model, which is better for students who will take it across campus each day. HP offers AMD and Intel processors, and it can be configured with entry-level discrete graphics, too. There are also multiple displays to match your budget, including a beautiful OLED panel.

The starting price is $850 but is often discounted for hundreds less.

CNET.com