9 Good laptops for homeschooling students (top picks)

Whether you’re enrolled in a traditional school or doing homeschooling, a need for good laptops is like a need for air. These days, we use laptops not just to type papers or research but also to create multimedia presentations, complete assignments, communicate with teachers, edit videos, and even take online classes.

Especially in the case of homeschooling, I highly recommend having the best gadget by which you can have online lessons, communications, and other activities without any hitches.

? I’m a Digital Nomad and spend 12 hours of the day on screen, crafting, researching, and reading the contents online, editing videos, and attending conferences and webinars, so I’m confident about what I’m recommending in this guide. With that said, you don’t have to double-think about the good laptops for homeschooling after this guide.

I experienced that most parents have concerns about the appropriate laptops for their homeschooling kids due to their budget and the fact that immature kids often break things. Worry not because the newest 2022 Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6″ FHD laptop is like a swiss army knife. It comes up with Intel 11th Generation i3-1115G4 Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 128 GB SSD with integrated Intel UHD Graphics. This machine is very versatile and can do everything from handling day-to-day tasks to more demanding processes like video and image editing without any lag.

Or the fancy alternative would be the Hp Pavilion 15 Laptop, which is a bit on the upper side regarding pricing ($800+). Still, this machine is real love and my only recommendation if you are looking for the best homeschooling laptops. It’s very lightweight (4.3 pounds), has a great battery life of around 7-8 hours, and is one of the most powerful laptops in the market with an Intel 11th generation i7 processor, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 8 hours of battery life.

Not convinced! Why not dig things in detail?

PS: In this guide, I ranked the 9 good laptops for homeschooling students, Plus my top 5 best laptop for homeschooling choices in a comparison table, so that you can save time and quickly make the comparison for your best purchase.

What to look for in good laptops for homeschooling students

When it comes to finding the best laptop for homeschooling, there are a few things you need to consider. If you’re looking for a device that’s powerful and versatile enough to handle multitasking and online learning, then you’ll go with the minimum specifications,

➡️ an Intel Core i3 processor
➡️ 4 GB of RAM
➡️ 128 GB SSD
➡️ 13 inches of screen

OR, it would be best if you choose to go with an Intel core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of SSD, and a basic GTX graphic card.

Such laptops can cost you as cheap as $250-400 to an average of $400-$800. If you don’t want to spend too much on a laptop, then some Chromebooks are specially designed for education and home use, which are more affordable.

? P.S: A detailed buying guide for laptops is discussed at the end of this post.

How do you get a laptop for homeschoolers at the best rates?

Wait! As I don’t want you to make any mistakes, here is a quick nifty tip when buying a perfect yet cheap homeschooling laptop.

The most important tip here is to not go with the latest models as they are usually more expensive. Instead, go for older models that are still updated with the latest features.

Furthermore, It’s ok to have a laptop with minimum specifications. It doesn’t need to be powerful as long as it can handle tasks such as browsing the internet, preparing documents, watching videos, and of course, must consider playing games. I recommend going with 4 GB RAM and HDD instead of SSDs (if you’re tight on the budget). This way, you can still have a decent machine without spending too much.

Similarly, you can compromise screen size and go for a smaller 13-inch display.

9 Good laptops for homeschooling

Here are my top picks of good laptops for homeschoolers this year:

1. Hp pavilion 15
2. Acer Aspire 5 
3. 2022 Lenovo Ideapad 3i
4. ASUS VivoBook L203MA
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
6. Apple MacBook Pro (2020)
7. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 
8. Acer – Chromebook Spin 713 2-in-1
9. Dell XPS 13 9380 

1: HP Pavilion 15 Laptop

HP Pavilion 15. It is the perfect laptop for homeschooling needs. It’s affordable at just $800 (around), and it has the power to handle more intensive tasks.

Perfect Laptop for Homeschooling Needs – Parents can spend less time struggling with tech tools and more time getting their homeschooling done with the powerful HP Pavilion 15. This affordable laptop has the performance to handle more intensive tasks, plus a long-lasting battery so you can stay productive even when you’re on the go.

Perfect Laptop for Entertainment and Productivity – The HP Pavilion 15 is perfect for entertainment and productivity. The 15.6-inch Full HD micro-edged screen provides a cinematic viewing experience, while the audio by B&O gives you rich, immersive sound. This laptop is also great for multitasking, with 16GB of RAM to help you keep up with your work and play. Plus, the long battery life means you can stay entertained for hours.

Intel Iris Xe Graphics Gives Crisp, Stunning Visuals – With its Intel Iris Xe Graphics, the HP Pavilion 15 provides crisp, stunning visuals that are perfect for homeschoolers. The graphics performance is so good that you can even enjoy a cinematic viewing experience at home. Plus, the laptop is thin and light, so you can take it wherever you go.

? The best thing about this laptop is its energy certification – one of the reasons for being #1 on my good laptops for homeschooling students list. 

2: Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

A good laptop is essential for any student but can be expensive. As a homeschooling parent, you want to ensure your child has the best device to stay connected online 24/7.

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is the perfect solution for parents who want to provide their children with a powerful portable laptop.

With its AMD Ryzen 7 3700U Mobile Processor, this laptop can easily handle any job. Plus, the 15.6″ Full HD IPS screen provides sharp, crisp visuals that are perfect for creative projects. And with its thin bezel, there’s more space to work with wherever inspiration strikes.

Powerful Processor for Homeschooling Parents – The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor provides powerful performance for any homeschooling parent. With its 4GB DDR4 Memory, this laptop can easily handle any job. Plus, the 15.6″ Full HD IPS screen provides sharp, crisp visuals that are perfect for creative projects. And with its thin bezel, there’s more space to work with wherever inspiration strikes.

Thin and Lightweight Design – At just 3.97 lbs., this laptop won’t weigh you down, and its sleek design won’t take up much space in your bag. So whether you’re heading to the library or hitting the road for a field trip, the Aspire 5 is a perfect choice.

Long Battery Life – You can take it wherever you go without worrying about finding a power outlet. With up to 7.5 hours of battery life, this laptop will keep you going all day.

3: 2022 Lenovo Ideapad 3i

Not all laptops are created equal. Some have low-quality screens or keyboards, while others are too expensive.

But not in the case of Lenovo Ideapad 3i.

It is the perfect homeschooling laptop for chilling out in a dehumidifier room because it has a crisp 15.6-inch display and a comfortable keyboard. Plus, it’s affordably priced at just $400 (around). It’s great value for your money and will help you get the job done.

Fast Processor – This laptop features an 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor. With this processor, you’ll be able to quickly and easily access your files.

8GB of High-Bandwidth RAM for Smoother Homeschooling – This laptop can run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously, switching between them quickly and easily. So, this laptop can handle everything, whether watching a movie, taking an online class, or doing research. Plus, you can save all your important files with its 128GB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive.

Non-Touch Narrow Border Display – The 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Non-Touch Narrow Border Display is perfect for watching movies, playing games, and browsing the internet. And, with its narrow border, you’ll have more screen space to work with.

4: ASUS VivoBook L203MA

Are you looking for a new laptop for homeschooling?

The ASUS VivoBook L203MA is designed to help you be productive all day – even when you’re moving. This compact and lightweight 11.6-inch laptop is powered by the latest Intel processor and provides long-lasting battery life. With 64 GB eMMC storage and pre-loaded Windows 10 in S mode, it offers full compatibility with a wide range of software and peripherals.

Powered by the latest Intel processor – The latest Intel processor ensures that the ASUS VivoBook L203MA can handle all your homeschooling needs. With plenty of power under the hood, you can work on multiple projects at once without any slowdown.

Compact and lightweight design – It’s intently designed to carry anywhere. The size of the machine is smaller than A4 paper, and its weight is 2.1 lb making it one of the lightest laptops.

Sharp and vivid visuals – The L203MA comes with an 11.6” HD (1366×768) display, providing clear and sharp visuals for all your work. The integrated HD webcam is perfect for online classes and video calls with friends and family. Plus, Asus SonicMaster Technology ensures clear, immersive sound and two built-in speakers.

Windows 10 in S mode – Windows 10 in S mode is a 100% app-based version of Windows where all applications are verified and tested for quality on the Microsoft store. With Windows 10 in S mode, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your laptop is always up to date with the latest security features.

5: Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Chromebooks are great for homeschooling, but they can be a bit pricey, or the cheapest one may not have all the features you’re looking for.

But, I found a machine that is a great option because it’s affordable and has all the necessary features.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight and versatile Chromebook to use for homeschooling. It’s thin and light, with up to 10 hours of battery life, and it comes with a detachable keyboard that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. The unique dual-tone design with aluminum alloy on the tablet stands out, and the 10.1″ FHD IPS display provides great visuals.

Good Chromebook For Your Homeschooling Companion – The Chromebook Duet is perfect for students on the go with its thin and light design that easily fits in a backpack. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you can keep going all day without having to recharge. The detachable keyboard makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, and the unique dual-tone design with aluminum alloy on the tablet is a standout design.

Make homeschooling easier – Homeschoolers will appreciate the easy-to-use touchscreen and fast boot-up. They can also take advantage of the thousands of apps on the Google Play Store. The Chromebook is also lightweight and easy to transport, making it the perfect travel companion. Built-in wireless connectivity lets you easily connect to the internet and stream your favorite content. Plus, the 4-side narrow bezels give you a great viewing experience.

Great Visuals – The 10.1″ FHD IPS display provides great visuals, and the 10-point multi-touch touchscreen is also USI pen compatible (sold separately).

6: Apple Mac Pro (2020)

The 2020 Apple MacBook Pro has an M1 chip that delivers faster performance and better graphics. You can also get up to 20 hours of battery life to keep going all day long.

The design, performance, and features are top-notch. With 16 cores of processing power, the MacBook Pro is perfect for any task you need to complete. Whether working on a school project or studying for a test, this computer will make the process much easier. Plus, the Retina display is stunning and provides incredible image detail.

Perfect Productivity Device For Homeschoolers – It offers incredible power and performance for homeschooling families. With an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, this computer can handle any homeschooling task you throw at it. Whether working on a history project or researching a biology paper, the New MacBook Pro will help make the process smoother and faster.

Perfect Graphics – The 13.3-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness offers incredible image detail and vibrant colors. With such clear visuals, it will be easier to see every detail of your work, whether you’re studying a diagram or writing a paper.

Incredible Camera & Audio Performance – The advanced image signal processor on the FaceTime HD camera ensures that your video calls will be clear and sharp. With stereo speakers and support for Dolby Atmos playback, you’ll also enjoy immersive sound quality while you work.

Incredible Battery Life – The Apple MacBook Pro offers incredible battery life, so you can get more done without worrying about your device running out of power. With up to 17 hours of wireless web use and 20 hours of movie playback on the Apple TV app, you’ll be able to work or study for longer periods without needing a break. Additionally, the integrated 58.2-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery ensures that your device will last throughout the day. And if you ever need to recharge, the 61W USB-C Power Adapter will help you get back up and running quickly.

7: Microsoft Surface Pro 8

If you’re on a good budget (The price is around $900), plus not a fan of Mac, then the Microsoft Surface Pro is a no-brainer device for you.

Homeschoolers will love the Microsoft Surface Pro’s great design, versatile 2-in-1 functionality, and lightweight portability. The included Surface Pen makes it easy to take notes or doodle between classes, and the kickstand gives you the option to use it as a laptop or tablet. With fast connections and extra speed, the Surface Pro is perfect for keeping up with your studies.

Portable Laptop-Tablet device – With its powerful Intel Evo platform, 13” touchscreen, and detachable keyboard, the Surface Pro 8 is perfect for taking on any homeschooling task. Plus, its sleek and compact design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. So if you’re looking for a laptop-tablet PC that can handle anything a homeschooling parent needs, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is definitely worth considering.

Do everything – It allows homeschoolers to do everything they need on one device. The Intel Evo platform provides performance, graphics, and battery life so students can study effectively. Additionally, with its fast connections and extra speed, the Surface Pro lets students quickly access the internet and download files when needed.

Ergonomic keyboard – The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard is ergonomic, meaning it’s designed to reduce stress on your hands and wrists. It’s also sleek and compact, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space on your desk. And with a full-function row and backlit keys, you’ll be able to type comfortably all day long.

Plus, it is also detachable, so you can use it as a stand-alone keyboard or attach it to the tablet for a more traditional laptop experience.

Microsoft 365 Subscription – Included Microsoft 365 subscription gives homeschoolers full access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint so they can create presentations and do research easily.

8: Acer Chromebook Spin 713

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 hits the perfect sweet spot. If you’re looking for a Chromebook with more advanced specifications than the previously discussed Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook, this Chromebook is one of the good laptops for homeschooling.

It’s got a great processor and plenty of storage, but it’s also lightweight and easy to carry around. Plus, the convertible design means you can use it in multiple ways depending on your needs. And when it comes to connectivity, this Chromebook has you covered with Intel Wi-Fi 6, two USB Type-C ports, an HDMI port, and a USB 3.0 port.

However, the device is a bit heavier (4.27 pounds), and the battery lasts less than the manufacturer’s claim (10 hours).

Nevertheless, it’s worth the investment.

9: Dell XPS 9380 Laptop

It has an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U Processor and Windows 10 Home 64-bit. The Dell XPS 9380 Laptop also has a 13.3″ FHD (1920×1080) Non-Touch InfinityEdge Display, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive. Perfect for homeschooling kids, this laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for a fast and reliable machine.

However, some customers complained about low camera quality, making it difficult to use for online video conferencing or taking pictures and videos.

Buy a good laptop for homeschooling – Detailed Buying Guide

You may wonder where to start if you are in the market for a new laptop. With so many different models and brands available, it cannot be easy to know which one is right for you. This guide section will help you find the best laptops at cheap rates without sacrificing quality or features. I’ll also provide tips on how to get the best deal on your new laptop.

To make it simple, there’re three things (in general):

• Your need
• Your Budget
• Your brand preference

Consider why you’re buying and what your kids will be using it for. Do they need a fast processor for gaming? A large screen for watching movies or editing videos? A lightweight model they can take to school? Make a list of your kids’ must-haves before you start shopping.

If you want them only to watch lessons, a budget-friendly Chromebook is a great option that will also last longer on a single charge (cost you around $200-$300). But I always recommend going with the one that can handle multiple tasks, high in performance, great in design with good screen resolution, webcam, audio experience, and long battery life (cost you around $400-$800 – You can choose anyone from the above mentioned top 5 picks).

And if you have a high budget and looking for premium laptops (big brands and popular among professionals), then your options would be MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Microsoft Surface Laptop; they can cost you around $1000 bucks and up.

Choose the Right Operating System

Windows or Mac? That is the question. If you’re comfortable with Windows and its interface, stick with what you know. But a Mac could be a good choice if you’re open to trying something new. They’re user-friendly and have plenty of built-in features, plus they come with cool accessories like the trackpad.

On the other side, a Chromebook with Chrome OS is a popular device for today’s educational use, as this OS is simple, secure, and fast; plus, you can use Android apps on these Chromebooks – and they cost very less as compared to with Windows and Mac. I have reviewed two chromebooks devices here in this guide but if you are highly interested and wanna dig deep I recommend reading this detailed review guide on Chromebooks.

It depends on your preferences, but most generally prefer Windows for its flexibility and Mac for its design and user-friendliness.

Processor

The processor is the brain of your laptop, so you want to ensure it’s a good one. Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors are the best choices for students. They’re fast and powerful, but not too expensive.

Storage

How much storage do you need? If you plan on downloading many movies, music, or photos, you’ll want at least a 256GB hard drive. But if you just need to store your school papers and essays, a smaller 128GB drive will do the trick.

RAM

It’s important for a laptop because it helps it run smoothly. If you’re looking for best laptop for homeschooling, I recommend at least 4GB of RAM, but for more intensive tasks and multitasking, go for 8GB or more.

Screen Size

This is a personal preference, but I recommend a screen size of 13 inches or larger. Smaller screens are fine for portability, but they can be harder to see. Plus, you’ll want to ensure you have enough space to open all your tabs and programs.

Battery Life

One of the most important aspects of any laptop is battery life. After all, you don’t want your kids to be tethered to a power outlet all day long. Be sure to check how long the battery lasts before making a purchase.

I recommend a minimum of six hours, but more is always better.

Also Read: Setting up homeschool space: A simple walkthrough

How Much Should You Spend?

It really depends on your needs and budget. A laptop for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and streaming TV shows will cost less than high-powered gaming or video editing machine. If you’re looking for one that is very lightweight and has long-lasting battery life, you should spend around $200 to $300.

But if you want a laptop that can handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, you should expect to spend at least $400 to $800. And if you have a high budget, you can find laptops that cost even more than $1,000.

What kind of laptop is best for homeschooling?

It really depends on your needs, but I recommend a laptop with a good processor, plenty of storage, and long battery life. A 13-inch or larger screen is also a good idea. And if you can find a laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone, that’s even better.

What is the best device for homeschooling?

There is no one “best” device for homeschooling, as each family’s individual needs and preferences will differ. Most prefer windows laptops, some use Chromebooks for their affordability, some use android tablets, and of course, avid apple lovers use iPads or Macbooks. However, there are a few things to remember when choosing a homeschooling device. First, ensuring that the device is compatible with any educational software or apps you plan to use is important. Second, consider the size and weight of the device, as it will need to be portable enough to be used in different locations. Finally, consider the device’s price point, as you want to ensure it is affordable for your family.

Can I use Chromebook for homeschooling?

Yes, Chromebooks can be a great option for homeschooling families on a budget. They are affordable and come with various apps that can be used for educational purposes. However, ensuring that the Chromebook is compatible with any educational software or apps you plan to use is important.