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10 Best Student Laptops 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP Stream 14" Laptop, Intel N4120 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, Intel UHD Graphics, HD Display, Dual Speakers, Microsoft 365 Personal 12 month included, Win 11, Jet Black, 14s-dq0000sa

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,375
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display Size and Quality
Processor (CPU)
Zips along pretty quickly for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming movies, and working on documents.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting hours on a single charge.
Display Size and Quality
Keyboard is great and the screen is crystal clear.
Portability
Lightweight and compact, perfect for carrying around.

The HP Stream 14" Laptop is a lightweight and portable option, ideal for students who need a device to carry around campus or school. It weighs just 1.46 kg and has a sleek design with a 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel, making it easy to slip into a backpack. Its battery life is sufficient for a full day of classes or study sessions, and it comes with fast-charge technology to get you quickly powered up when needed. The inclusion of 12 months of Microsoft 365 Personal subscription is a great addition, offering access to essential software like Word and Excel, which are useful for coursework and assignments.

On the performance side, the Intel Celeron N4120 processor and 4GB RAM are suitable for basic tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and using office applications. However, they may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The storage capacity of 64 GB eMMC is quite limited, so students might need to rely on additional cloud storage or external drives for their files.

The laptop's display measures 14 inches and has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which is adequate for day-to-day use but not suitable for high-resolution content or detailed graphic work. Connectivity options are good, with multiple USB ports, an HDMI port, and support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it easy to connect various peripherals and stay connected wirelessly. While it does not have a powerful graphics card, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 will manage everyday graphics tasks, although it won't be suitable for gaming or graphic-intensive applications. This laptop fits the needs of a student looking for a budget-friendly device for basic tasks, but may not be sufficient for those needing more power and storage.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,375
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display Size and Quality
Processor (CPU)
Zips along pretty quickly for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming movies, and working on documents.
Battery Life
Impressive battery life, lasting hours on a single charge.
Display Size and Quality
Keyboard is great and the screen is crystal clear.
Portability
Lightweight and compact, perfect for carrying around.
#2

HP 14" Laptop, Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, FHD Display, Up to 8hrs battery, Win 11, Dual Speakers, Natural Silver, 14s-dq5005sa

Rating
9.8
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display Size and Quality
Processor (CPU)
The laptop performs efficiently for light multitasking and general student needs, though it is not suited for heavy gaming or demanding software.
Battery Life
Battery life is decent enough to last through a day of meetings or lectures, and the fast charging feature helps quickly top up power.
Display Size and Quality
The 14-inch screen provides clear, comfortable viewing with good resolution suitable for long study sessions.
Portability
The sleek and lightweight design makes it highly portable and convenient for commuting or moving between classes.

The HP 14" Laptop with an Intel Core i5-1235U processor is a solid choice for students looking for a balance of performance and portability. Its 8GB of RAM is sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, writing papers, and streaming videos, while the 512GB SSD offers fast storage with plenty of room for documents and media. The 14-inch Full HD display with anti-glare coating provides clear, comfortable viewing, which is great for long study sessions without causing eye strain.

Weighing just 1.46 kg and featuring a thin design, this laptop is easy to carry around campus or between classes. Battery life of up to 8 hours means you can get through most of the day without needing to plug in, and the HP Fast Charge feature helps top up quickly when you do. Connectivity options include multiple USB 3.0 ports, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which cover basic needs for connecting to peripherals and the internet. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics support light multimedia use but are not designed for demanding gaming or heavy graphic work.

The RAM is fixed at 8GB, which might limit more intensive multitasking or future-proofing. While the processor is modern and efficient, this laptop is best suited for general student tasks rather than specialized software that requires high power. This HP laptop is a dependable, lightweight option for students who need a reliable machine for day-to-day studying, web use, and media consumption without the extra cost or weight of a more powerful model.

Rating
9.8
Processor (CPU)
Battery Life
Display Size and Quality
Processor (CPU)
The laptop performs efficiently for light multitasking and general student needs, though it is not suited for heavy gaming or demanding software.
Battery Life
Battery life is decent enough to last through a day of meetings or lectures, and the fast charging feature helps quickly top up power.
Display Size and Quality
The 14-inch screen provides clear, comfortable viewing with good resolution suitable for long study sessions.
Portability
The sleek and lightweight design makes it highly portable and convenient for commuting or moving between classes.

Buying Guide for the Best Student Laptops

Choosing the right laptop as a student is crucial because it will be your companion for assignments, research, and possibly entertainment. The key is to find a balance between performance, portability, and battery life, while also considering the specific needs of your field of study. Whether you need a laptop for basic tasks like word processing and browsing, or more demanding applications like graphic design or programming, understanding the specifications will help you make an informed decision.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop, determining how fast and efficiently it can run applications. For basic tasks like browsing and word processing, an entry-level processor such as an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 will suffice. For more demanding tasks like video editing or programming, consider a mid-range processor like an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. High-performance needs, such as gaming or 3D modeling, may require an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. Choose based on the complexity of the tasks you expect to perform.
RAMRAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. For general use, 8GB of RAM is typically sufficient, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without slowdown. If you plan to use more intensive applications, such as those for graphic design or data analysis, 16GB or more may be necessary. Consider your multitasking habits and the software you plan to use when deciding on the amount of RAM.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep on your laptop, including documents, applications, and media. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster and more reliable than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). A 256GB SSD is usually adequate for most students, providing a good balance of speed and storage space. If you need to store large files, such as videos or extensive software, consider a 512GB SSD or a combination of SSD and HDD. Think about your storage needs based on the type of files you will be handling.
Battery LifeBattery life is important for students who need to use their laptops throughout the day without frequent charging. A laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life is ideal for a full day of classes and study sessions. If you often work in places without easy access to power outlets, prioritize longer battery life. Consider your daily routine and how often you will be away from a power source when choosing a laptop.
Display Size and QualityThe display size and quality affect your viewing experience and portability. A 13-14 inch display is a good compromise between portability and screen real estate, suitable for most students. If you need more screen space for tasks like design or video editing, a 15-16 inch display might be better. Consider the resolution as well; Full HD (1920x1080) is generally sufficient for clear and sharp visuals. Think about how you will use your laptop and where you will carry it when deciding on display size and quality.
PortabilityPortability is determined by the laptop's weight and size, which affects how easy it is to carry around. Lighter laptops, typically weighing around 3 pounds or less, are easier to transport and ideal for students who move between classes and study spots frequently. If you prioritize performance over portability, you might opt for a slightly heavier model. Consider how often you will be carrying your laptop and the importance of portability in your daily routine.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi capabilities, determine how you can connect your laptop to other devices and networks. Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports for your peripherals, and consider an HDMI port if you plan to connect to external displays. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more reliable internet connections, which can be beneficial for online classes and research. Think about the devices you will connect and the type of internet usage you anticipate when evaluating connectivity options.