The 15 Best Laptops for Kids for School in 2023
Laptops have become a portal to the outside world for most children, and a tool that they depend on to fulfill many of their basic needs. Our team has reviewed the top laptops for kids to help you make the most-informed decision when purchasing.
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.
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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
1. The Best Laptop for Elementary School Children: Acer Chromebook Spin 11 CP311-1H-C5PN Convertible Laptop on Amazon
2. The Best Overall Laptop for Kids: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14 on Amazon
3. The Best Laptop for Kids Using the Laptop for Constant Entertainment: Dell G5 15 SE on Amazon
4. The Best Laptop for parents who want to make a long-lasting investment: Apple MacBook Air on Amazon
5. The Best Laptop for Older Kids: Microsoft Surface Laptop Go on Amazon
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 on Amazon
7. The Best Laptop for Parents who are Trying to Work from Home with a Child Nearby: Google Pixelbook Go i5 Chromebook on Amazon
8. The Best Laptop for parents who want the cheapest, sturdiest option: ASUS Chromebook C202 Laptop on Amazon
9. The Best Rugged Laptop for Kids: Dell Chromebook 11 on Amazon
10. Best Premium Windows Laptop for Kids: HP Envy x360 on Amazon
11. Best Laptop for High School Students: The Apple MacBook Air M1 at Amazon
12. Best Laptop for Little Kids: Lenovo Flex 3 on Amazon
13. Best Classic Laptop for Learning: HP Pavilion 15: on HP
14. Best Budget Laptop: Acer Chromebook Spin 311: on Amazon
15. Best Laptop for Tweens: ASUS L210 Laptop on Amazon
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:
"Call me impressed, for education this 2 in 1 will be hard to beat!... If you have GSuite for Education and the Google Classroom app, wow...hand grade your Google Sheets, Slides and Doc assignments with handwriting notes inside of Google Classroom!!! Build on this unit is super solid, key press is great, touch screen is responsive, and the trackpad is great!. Double cameras make this a great choice for the science or math classroom. I can't wait to try the Gmath add on for students so they can hand write math and science questions...the only con...no storage built in for the stylus." - Amazon Reviewer
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:
“A lot of budget laptops have lots of bloatware. It can be very disappointing and frustrating. I hate that. Not with this laptop! Hardly any bloatware! Nothing slows it down, not even the cloud when I had to set it up. I bought it for that reason, and I must say that I am getting more than I expected. Especially for something that's in the $600 range. I am very impressed! The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14 is the best budget laptop I have ever purchased. I was on the edge of buying a $1,000 laptop but took a gamble and went $400 cheaper with this one. Best decision ever! Buy it!” - Amazon Review
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:
“When I received my HP laptop it was packaged securely and upon opening the box that beautiful blue was gorgeous!! Setup was a breeze and the computer was working GREAT!! I'm satisfied with my purchase and I'll be using this HP laptop for a long time!!”- Amazon Review
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:
"In my opinion, the 2020 MacBook Air is a perfect laptop. It has physical keys that are a pleasure to type on, a beautiful screen, an optimal size, good pricing, and a quad-core processor. The only "touch" button is the fingerprint sensor and the touch pad. The onboard graphics are as good as discrete graphics from a few years ago according to benchmarks, which is impressive. The speakers work well. Being an educator, I purchased it on the Apple Education Store for $1200, and it couldn't have come at a better time, given the transition to Zoom in the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you, Apple, for rediscovering yourself. I had been holding onto my 2012 MacBook Pro because I was unimpressed with the offerings the past few years." - Amazon Review
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:
“This is my second Surface. I absolutely love the quality, screen clarity, and weight of this computer. Finally something I can travel with without a shoulder strain!” -Amazon Review
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:
"Great for kids and home use! I am very pleased so far with this product. I bought this for my daughter to use since I figured we were going to be out due to the shutdown. Best investment! She is used to using something similar at school. Easy to set up, log on, and get to work. She loves it. Easy for her to use and connect to websites and activities. Lightweight and sturdy at the same time."-Amazon Reviewer
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:
"Brilliant laptop! The build quality is top notch and everything from the keyboard and track pad to the full HD screen is a very pleasant and premium experience. I got the base model and I think for most people that's all you need unless you need more storage. Chrome OS is lightweight already, so the laptop has absolutely zero performance issues with it's configuration. The battery is stellar, I'm getting nearly 12 hours before having to charge, and it has fast-charging capabilities when you do have to." - Amazon Reviewer
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:
“I use it for my school every single class, every single day. And it's awesome!!! The thing is though, it is not touchscreen. But I don't use touchscreen anyways, so it doesn't matter. I love it!!” - Amazon Reviewer
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:
“Great pc! Starts up fast, I love that it connects to my cell phone. Very responsive. The screen isn't as clear/vibrant as my older pc, but it's still really good quality. I'm a computer tech, and it's really nice to find a good pc with the specs I desire when I have to give up a prior good pc. Very impressed and pleased with the features.” - Amazon Review
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:
“I bought this 2020 MacBook Air (8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD storage) to replace a 2014 MacBook Air (4GB RAM, 256 GB SSD storage). I am undeniably a fan of Apple products in general, because they work with little fuss and are built to last (note that my old MacBook Air is more than 7 years old and still working perfectly). Although I've been underwhelmed by some Mac models in recent years, this one is stellar IMHO. Unless you have very heavy system requirements this machine would be an excellent choice.” - Amazon Reviewer
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:
“This laptop was worth every penny and some! The battery life is 13+ hours!!! I just use it for grad school so it being mostly web browser use is fine. Also my school and business emails are gmail so it’s perfect using the chromebook. I almost paid $600 for a laptop that I would be doing the same thing I’m doing now on this. Glad I got it. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry in my purse” -Amazon Review
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:
“It's an excellent throw-in-a-bag-and-go laptop. No bells and whistles (except the numpad/mousepad), excellent battery life, and a surprisingly robust plastic chassis. One charge usually gets about 10 hours of useful life, and that's without extreme battery saving settings in use.” - Amazon Review
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.
