School is starting and the time of “back-to-school” shopping is here. Whether you want to admit it or not, computer knowledge and access to one has never been as important. Even before the entire Covid-19 situation, we would recommend for kids to have access to a desktop computer or laptop, but now, it is not only recommended, it is basically essential.
That said, laptops are without a doubt the most practical computer types. They are portable, thus can be used at home (in any room), in school, in the library, at friends, … anywhere. Moreover, in 2020, you absolutely want to ensure that your child gets familiarized with computers and as many of the programs and perhaps even some programming languages as early in its childhood as possible. Proper computer literacy is rather essential for any line of work and leisure time as well, so it will give your kid additional options.
Since there are 100s of choices on the market, which can make choosing the best laptop for kids almost a mission impossible, we decided to provide you with as much useful information as possible. Herein, you will learn why to buy your school-age child a laptop, we will also take a close look at 10 best laptop for kids models, and provide you with a list of things to consider when buying the best laptop for kids, which will serve you as a buyer’s guide.
Without further ado, let’s dig in, shall we?
Why Buy Your School-Age Child a Laptop
Providing a school-age child with a computer might have been an option in the past, however, these days this is a part of essential equipment. Especially now, with Covid-19 lookdowns, when computers enable your children to access online classes and get educated.
We all agree that computer access is no longer an option but why laptops? Well, they are just way more practical than PCs. Laptops these days are lightweight and can easily fit in most backpacks, which makes them a perfect choice for schooling children of basically all ages. Whether your child is in primary school, middle school, high school, or even college, the best laptop for kids, is what it can benefit from most.
Choosing the best laptop for kids, will provide your child with access to an unlimited database of knowledge, teach him resourcefulness, managing various types of software, and perhaps even some coding, which is an extremely valuable skill to have these days.
That said, if you can afford to buy your child one of the best laptop for kids, you should definitely do so. Of course, you should not forget to set some proper ground rules regarding internet surfing, gaming, and other fun activities that are available with a laptop, especially if it has online access.
10 Best Laptops For Kids in 2024
This is most likely the section you’ve been waiting for. Herein, you will learn which the 10 best laptops are for kids. We will take a detailed look at the 10 laptops that all have what it takes to be the best laptop for kids. The following list will enable you to simply choose one of the presented models and make the process of shopping for the best laptop for kids as simple and painless as possible.
However, if you are one of those who likes to do your own analysis and research, then use this list in combination with the following section and find the best laptop for kids by your standards.
1. Apple MacBook Air
Apple is still delivering amazing laptops and their MacBook Air is more than capable enough to cover all of your child’s needs. This incredibly thin and light laptop features a brilliant Retina display with True Tone technology, Magic Keyboard, processors with up to twice the performance, faster graphics, Touch ID, and all-day battery life.
Apple MacBook Air packs great speakers and a camera. Speakers offer double the bass and 25% more volume. This amazing laptop also packs three microphones, and HD FaceTime, which enables smooth online meetings (classes) and communication with schoolmates.
The Apple MacBook Air comes in three colors – space gray, gold, and silver and in two internal memory sizes – 256GB and 512GB. Apple Macbook Air is a great option, however, may be too pricey for many of you.
Main features:
- Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
- Backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID
- Tenth-generation Intel Core i3 – i7 processor
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Fast SSD storage (256GB/512GB)
- 8GB of memory (RAM) (up to 16GB options available)
- Stereo speakers with wider stereo sound
- Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
- Force Touch trackpad
Specifications:
- Display: Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors; 16:10 aspect ratio; True Tone technology
- Security: Touch ID sensor
- Processor: several options:
- 1GHz dual-core Intel Core i3, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz, with 4MB L3 cache
- 1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz, with 6MB L3 cache
- Configurable to 1.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz, with 6MB L3 cache
- Configurable to 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, with 8MB L3 cache
- Storage:
- 256GB PCIe-based SSD; Configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
- 512GB PCIe-based SSD; Configurable to 1TB or 2TB SSD
- Memory: 8GB of 3733MHz LPDDR4X onboard memory; Configurable to 16GB of memory
- Battery and Power: Up to 11 hours wireless web; Up to 12 hours Apple TV app movie playback; Up to 30 days of standby time; Built-in 49.9‑watt-hour lithium‑polymer battery; 30W USB-C Power Adapter; USB-C power port
- Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x (0.16-0.63) inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Camera: 720p FaceTime HD camera
- Operating System: macOS
- Audio: Stereo speakers; Wide stereo sound; Support for Dolby Atmos playback; Three-mic array with directional beamforming; 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible; Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
2. Acer Chromebook Spin 11
The Acer Chromebook Spin is a great universal and very affordable option. To get the best price, you may want to consider the Certified Refurbished version of this laptop (Certified Factory refurbished). It is basically a 2-in-1 (tablet/laptop) as it comes with a display that rotates all the way and offers a touch screen. It may be slightly small for those who plan to do most of the stationary work, however, with 11.6” it is perfect for carrying around and getting things done on the go. If you have a kid that does a lot of work in the library or at friends’ house, this might be a great choice.
Keep in mind that this laptop is not one of the highest-performing models. It is not suitable for kids that plan to engage in video and photo editing or advanced gaming. Though, it is more than enough to cover all school-related activities with ease.
Main Features:
- Touch screen
- Extremely portable – only 11.6”
- Affordable price
- Durable frame
- Includes stylus
- 2-in-1 – laptop/tablet
- Multitasking is easy with 4 GB of ram
- An Intel Celeron N3350 1.10 GHz processor gives you plenty of power to face your most difficult tasks
- You don’t need to worry about running out of space when you’re equipped with 32 GB of storage space
Specifications:
- Standing screen display size: 11.6 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500
- Chipset Brand: Intel
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Camera: 720p webcam
- Weight: 2.98 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.1 x 11.7 x 0.79 inches
- RAM: 4GB
- Internal storage: 32GB
- Connectivity: 802.11ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth 4.2
3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is another great choice for those in need of maximum portability. With 10.1” display, it fits any backpack with ease. It is highly affordable and offers more than enough performance power to cover all schooling projects. However, it may be handy to offer your kid and additional external larger display to connect it to the laptop in case there are some PowerPoint presentations or other projects to do that require a larger display.
As the name suggests, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is also a 2-in-1 laptop/tablet. It comes with a stable plug-and-play detachable keyboard enabled with a 5-point pogo pin and magnet design. This feature enables you to use it as a real tablet.
It incorporates a great aluminum design and offers a very durable frame that will last your child throughout the schooling.
Main Features:
- 2-in-1 Chromebook
- Detachable keyboard
- Thin and lightweight
- Up to 10 hours of battery life (2)
- Unique dual-tone design with aluminum alloy
- Stylish productive and practical
- Fast secure and easy to use
- 10 1″ FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS display and stunning colorful details
- The 10-point multi-touch touchscreen is also USI pen compatible (pen sold separately)
Specifications:
- Standing screen display size: 10.1 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1200 pixels
- Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
- Chipset Brand: MediaTek
- Card Description: Integrated
- Wireless Type: 801.11ac
- Battery: 10 Hours Average Battery Life (in hours); 7,000mAh (27Wh) battery
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Weight: 15.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 9.44 x 6.29 x 0.29 inches
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB
4. LG Gram 13” Full HD
The LG Gram 13” Full HD is an extremely high-performing laptop. With 13” display, it is still on a very portable side. It offers great specifications, including 8GB of RAM, which ensures that even the most advanced multitasking runs smoothly. For those in need of even more power, there is a 16GB RAM version available as well. You can get 256GB or 512GB storage to store all the projects and school work with ease.
The LG Gram 13” Full HD is built to last. It is lightweight and offers great connectivity options and solid integrated graphics.
Main Features:
- Durable – Military Mil-Std
- Amazing battery life
- Many ports
- Backlit Keyboard
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM, Storage: 256GB SSD: IST 500GB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive
- Intel Core i7-8550U (1.8 GHz base frequency, up to 4.0 GHz burst frequency, 8MB cache)
- 3″ IPS Full HD(1920×1080) Touchscreen, 72Wh Lithium Battery (up to 18 hours of battery life- MobileMark 2014 Standard),
- 2 x USB3.0, 1 x USB type-c, 1 x HDMI, Fingerprint, Backlit Keyboard, Bluetooth 4.1+ Intel WIFI AC
- One-year warranty from LG, Windows 10 Home 64-bit, Ideal for Student, Home, Professionals, Small Business, and School Education
Specifications:
- Standing screen display size: 13.3 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Memory Speed: 2400 MHz
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Chipset Brand: Intel
- Card Description: Integrated
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1, WIFI AC
- Battery: Average Battery Life (in hours): 18 Hours; 72wH Battery
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 12 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
- RAM: 8/16GB
- Storage: 256/512GB
- Camera: 720p HD Webcam
- Security: Fingerprint reader
5. Microsoft Surface Go 2
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is another ultra-portable 2-in-1 laptop/tablet. It offers very solid performance and decent internal storage. You can choose between 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. This ultra-thin laptop comes with a detachable keyboard. Microsoft Surface Go 2 also includes a stylus and surface mouse, which are designed to offer you complete control over your workflow.
If your kids is on the go a lot and you want to enable them to get the most done, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 might be one of the best options. It also looks extremely stylish and cool, so you will contribute to your kid’s image.
Surface Go 2 can handle every to-do item throughout your day. Jot down ideas, help out with homework, create and practice presentations, and manage your email.
Main Features:
- Starting at just 1.2 pounds (not including Type Cover*), with new 10.5” touchscreen
- Battery life up to 10 hours. Perfect for browsing, shopping, emails, and homework
- Tablet portability, performance, and laptop versatility with adjustable Kickstand and Signature Type Cover
- Includes USB-C port and headphone jack.
- Full HD front- and rear-facing cameras let you make crisp, clear calls to friends and family or take and share great photos.
- Hi-res touchscreen is perfect for browsing, playing, and binge-watching
- Available in a great platinum color
Specifications:
- Standing screen display size: 10.51 Inches
- Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1280 Pixels
- Card Description: Integrated
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 802.11ax Wi-Fi
- Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 1
- Average Battery Life (in hours): 10 Hours
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Item Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 7.81 x 10.61 x 1.83 inches
- Dimensions: 7.81 x 10.61 x 1.83 inches
- Processor Brand: Intel
- Flash Memory Size: 64GB/128GB
- RAM: 4GB/8GB
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615
6. Lenovo Flex 5 Premium
The Lenovo Flex 5 Premium is for all students that need a high-performing laptop. It comes with 16GB of RAM, which will ensure that even the most advanced task run smoothly. It also offers four storage options, the largest one with a massive 2TB SSD.
The Lenovo Flex 5 Premium is also packed with a display that folds back all the way, which makes this laptop also a tablet. Of course, in combination with its touch screen.
Since it comes with a 14” display, it is slightly less portable than some of the above options, however, this makes it suitable for multi-window tasks and other activities that require a larger display.
Main Features:
- Powerful storage: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM Memory, 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive
- The Powerful and Latest AMD Ryzen 5 Processors, AMD Hexa-Core Ryzen 5 4500U (>i7-8550U), (2.3 GHz base frequency, up to 4.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 3MB L2 / 8MB L3 cache, 6 Threads)
- 14 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Touchscreen 250 nits Glossy Widescreen LED Display; Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- Many external ports: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1, 1 x headphone/microphone combo, 1 x 4-in-1 Card Reader
- Windows 10 Home 64-bit, Fingerprint Reader Touch Style, Camera 720p, Keyboard Backlit, English (US), Wireless-AC (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 4.2, up to 10 hours battery life, Accessory Including a Lenovo Digital Pen and Delca 16GB Micro SD Card
- Lenovo Digital Pen
Specifications:
- Display: 14-inch FHD IPS Touchscreen ( 1920 x 1080 ) 250 nits Glossy WLED Display
- Processor: AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5 4500U (>i7-8550U), (2.3 GHz, up to 4.0 GHz, 3MB L2 / 8MB L3 cache, 6 Treads)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Integrated Graphics
- Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11ac; Bluetooth 4.2
- Camera: 720p HD Webcam
- Keyboard: Backlit Keyboard
- Security Feature: Fingerprint Reader
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home 64 bit
- Ports & Slots: 2 x USB 3.1 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1, 1 x headphone/microphone combo, 1 x 4-in-1 Card Reader
- Battery: up to 10 hours of battery life
- Dimensions: 14.24 x 9.67 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 3.63 lbs
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
7. Acer Chromebook 15
The Acer Chromebook 15 is a highly affordable laptop suitable for all sorts of tasks. With a 15” display it is on the larger side, offering multi-window capabilities and a great overview for various projects and tasks. This laptop is not the most advanced and does not offer extreme performance characteristics, however, it is more than capable of covering all your kid’s needs (at least those related to schooling).
The Acer Chromebook 15 can also be purchased in a form of refurbished laptop to save extra and get the best value-for-money deal possible.
This is the world’s first 15.6″ HD Chromebook letting you see more, do more, and explore more than ever before. With a 27% larger screen area than the 13.3 Chromebook, and a 24% larger screen than a 14 Chromebook means more content can be shown with less scrolling and productivity tools such as Excel are easier to interact with. Like most Chromebooks, this computer runs Google’s Chrome OS instead of Windows or Mac OS.
Main Features:
- This Intel Celeron 3205U Dual-core 1.50 GHz is a blazing fast Processor
- The 15.6″ and 1366 x 768 resolution LCD HD Display will have you captivated
- Sporting 4 GB of DDR3 SDRAM and 32 GB of Hard Drive Disk Space you will have plenty of memory to accelerate your tasks
- This Chrome OS comes with HDMI Port x1, USB 2.0 Ports x1, and USB 3.0 Ports x1
Specifications:
- Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768
- Graphics Coprocessor: HD Graphics
- Chipset Brand: Intel
- Card Description: Integrated
- Wireless Type: 802.11a
- Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 1
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Weight: 4.85 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.08 x 9.65 x 0.97 inches
- Color: White
- Processor Brand: Intel
- Processor Count: 2
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
8. ASUS VivoBook S15
The ASUS VivoBook S15 is another great 15.6-inch laptop. It is a great choice for all students in need of a large display. The size of this solid laptop makes it slightly less portable, however, it is still lightweight enough to be carried with ease as long as you have a backpack large enough to fit it inside.
This laptop offers a great sleek design. The frame around the display offers an extremely thin border, which makes the entire display-related experience great. It offers solid characteristics, including 8GB of RAM that will help you tackle even more advanced multitasking.
The ASUS VivoBook S15 is also equipped with many external slots to help you use external storage, additional displays, and more. It also offers an ergonomic backlit keyboard and a fingerprint sensor.
Main Features:
- 6 inch Full HD NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 86% screen-to-body ratio
- Powerful Intel Core i5-10210U Processor (6M Cache, up to 4.2 GHz)
- 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD and Windows 10 Home
- Metal chassis and 16mm z-height
- Ergonomic backlit keyboard along with a fingerprint sensor-activated via Windows Hello
- Comprehensive connections including USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 2.0, HDMI, and Gig+ Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Specifications:
- Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Memory Speed: 2666 MHz
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Chipset Brand: Intel
- Card Description: Integrated
- Wireless Type: Bluetooth, 802.11ax
- Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 2
- Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 2
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
- Processor Brand: Intel
- Processor Count: 4
- Memory Size: 512GB
- Graphics Card Ram Size: 8 GB
- RAM: 8GB
9. Google Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook
The Google Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook is an extremely compact laptop. It is built to last. It offers unique clean looks and very solid performance. The Go M3 Chromebook is more than any kid who needs to complete all school-related tasks with ease. Pixelbook Go M3 Chromebook packs 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough to get your kid through even more advanced multitasking smoothly.
Pixelbook Go is the Chromebook that goes anywhere and keeps going. It’s barely 2 pounds, is 13 mm thin, and has up to 12 hours of battery life. It is a perfect choice for students of all ages.
It starts up in seconds and makes working a breeze. The 8th Gen Intel Core processor is built for speed and responsiveness, powering everything you do.
Main Features:
- Pixelbook Go lets you stay unplugged for up to 12 hours
- Up to 2 hours of use in just 20 minutes of charging
- Lightweight – barely 2 pounds.
- 13 mm thin with a grippable design, making it easier to carry
- The 8th Gen Intel Core Processor is quick and responsive, powering everything you do.
- Designed to prevent things from getting off track. The Titan C security chip and built-in anti-virus software help protect your data.
- Built for comfort: A backlit keyboard and Hush Keys make using Pixelbook Go comfortable and quiet.
- The touchpad is spacious and accurate, so you only need to use a light touch.
- The fanless design stays cool to let you comfortably use it on your lap.
Specifications:
- Standing screen display size: 13.3 Inches
- Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
- Chipset Brand: Intel
- Card Description: Integrated
- Wireless Type: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Average Battery Life (in hours): 12 Hours
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Weight: 2.33 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB
10. Windows 10 Fusion5
The Windows 10 Fusion5 is an ultra-thin tablet operating on Windows 10. It offers extreme portability and high functionality. It is equipped with very solid specs that enable advanced tasks to be performed with ease and smoothly. Windows 10 Fusion5 is also very durable.
We recommend getting it with the docking station with the keyboard, which makes typing and other keyboard-related tasks a breeze.
Main Features:
- The ultimate user experience.
- Fully loaded with the latest user-friendly Windows 10 S package
- Perfect Windows tablet PC for your daily requirement, be it education, office work, or industrial use
- Upgraded Intel Quad-core CPU with powerful GPU – 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard Storage
- The 10” screen on this Windows 10 S tablet PC by Fusion5 is perfect for viewing our favorite TV shows, movies, Youtube and playing games
Specifications:
- Display: 10.1” 1280 x 800 IPS
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Quad-Core
- Ram: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Connectivity: WiFi; Bluetooth 4.0
- Camera: 5MP Primary Camera and 2MP Front Camera
- Average Battery Life (in hours): 6 Hours
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.28 x 10.67 x 1.5 inches
Things to Consider Before Buying Laptop For Kids
Below is a short overview of the most important aspect and point to consider when buying a laptop for your kid. This may serve you as a buyer’s guide for the best laptop for kids.
Durability
There are some exceptions but in general, kids are more careless than adults, as such, you want to equip them with a durable laptop. This is especially important if they plan to use it a lot on the go. Longest battery life also an important factor before buying a laptop.
Parental controls
This option will be available through software, so make sure to include as much as you feel is needed and appropriate.
Operating System
There are three options to choose from Windows, Chrome OS, and macOS. Each has its advantages and disadvantages so it’s best to follow your own or your kid’s preferences. Consider their other gadgets and compatibility.
Compatibility for schoolwork
Make sure to consider your kid’s age and need. What kind of school work is most common? Does it require high portability or a larger display? Is there a lot of typing or more researching involved?
Is it built for backpacks?
When buying the best laptop for kids, make sure to go with a laptop that is firmly built and can be carried in a backpack without any worries. Avoid laptops that are fully made of cheap plastic.
Specification
You need to go with the specs that will meet your kid’s needs. If you have a child involved with advanced photos, video editing, or gaming, you will need to get a laptop with a more advanced graphics card and RAM of at least 8GB. For other schoolwork, 4GB of RAM and the integrated graphic will do the trick.
Should I also consider graphics and games?
As a parent, you will have to decide whether or not you will allow your child to play games. A healthy amount of gaming never hurts anyone, but extended periods of gaming can be harmful in many ways. If you decide to get a laptop that will also cover the most advanced games, be prepared to pay extra and also don’t go with laptops that are smaller than 15”.
Budget
In our list above, you can find the best laptop for kids for less than $300. However, you can also find one that is well over $1000. Laptops’ prices vary greatly and can go up to $2500 or even more if you very to get one that can perform the most advanced video editing.
Make sure to consider your budget and your kid’s needs. To be honest, with $300 you should easily get a solid laptop that will cover all school-related needs.
Recap
If you came this far, then you are a semi ‘laptop-for-kids’ expert. You now know that there are many options and that you need to consider your child’s needs and also your budget to determine which may be the best laptop for kids in your case.
We believe in your ability to make a good decision and pick the best laptop for your kid. Best of luck (not that you need it).
