Today’s college students need laptops. The machines are not just great for relaxing between classes, they also hold online textbooks, run university software, and execute word processors. For that reason, you should always put thought into your purchase.
Many companies make great laptops, but few have as many college options as HP. The following models provide the perfect mix of work and play every student’s needs.
Contents
Who Should Get This
Obviously, these laptops are best for college students of all ages. HP is known for making strong devices at affordable price points, and that is perfect for someone bouncing between their dorm, class, and library.
Though made for students, the following laptops are strong machines when utilized in any setting. Their lightweight frames and powerful processors can be appreciated by just about any user who spends their time traveling.
Best HP Laptops for College Students: Our Picks
This section goes over the top HP student laptops and analyzes their traits as well as the different niches they fill.
1. HP Pavilion 14
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor. Affordable price point. Strong construction. Powerful specs.
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Weight: 3.37 pounds
- Battery Life: 6 hours
If you’re a student who wants an HP, it’s hard to beat the 14. It checks every relevant box for someone trying to make it through school, including an affordable price point, colorful screen, strong Intel Core i5 processor, and durable shell.
The tough construction, mixed with the lighter weight, makes it easy to bring to class or around campus. On top of that, the vibrant colors make it easy to work on an essay or big project, while the larger screen makes it easy to relax with your favorite movie or show.
Of course, no computer is perfect. This model, while well-rounded in all of the important ways, does lack a few premium features. The battery life, capping out at around six hours, also could be a bit longer.
2. HP Envy
- Best For: Processing Power
- Key Features: Excellent storage and internal memory. Great audio and crisp resolution. Strong processor. Tough exterior.
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Weight: 4.42 pounds
- Battery Life: 13 hours
The HP Envy is a good student HP laptop due to how well it blends powerful specs with a strong machine. Outfitted with an incredibly tough build and powerful external shell, the Envy is a fantastic option for students looking for something a bit more well-rounded.
Not only is it great in class, but the strong speakers, UHD graphics, and 13-hour battery life make it perfect for relaxing too. The entire package looks stylish, while the ample security options help keep all of your information safe.
Unfortunately, for all of its amazing traits, the Envy is a heavy laptop. At almost five pounds, you’re definitely going to notice when carrying around. Not the end of the world, but something to note if you have to go long distances.
3. HP Spectre Folio
- Best For: Functionality
- Key Features: 2-in-1 design. Great look with leather finish. Good storage. Strong battery. Portable. Versatile.
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Weight: 3.24 pounds
- Battery Life: 22 hours
The Spectre Folio is an amazing laptop for students who value versatility in their machines. This is a true 2-in-1 model, meaning you can switch it from tablet to laptop mode whenever you need. The ability to kick back with a tablet and take notes on a computer is perfect for students.
However, this is more than the design. The Folio has a lot of internal storage, a strong processor, as well as a durable, 13.4-inch screen. The battery lasts just about forever and the keyboard is both responsive and feels good to use.
The only downside to this one, and this can be an issue for some students, is the audio quality. Don’t expect crisp music when using this one.
4. HP Envy x360
- Best For: Battery Life
- Key Features: Powerful Intel processor. Long-lasting battery. Strong hard disk. Sleek look. Fast charging.
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Weight: 4.34 pounds
- Battery Life: 13 hours
The x360 is a strong laptop that delivers a full 2-in-1 design with some of the best graphics on the market. That combination pairs perfectly with the full HD display to create a well-rounded machine that’s perfect for anything a college student would ever need both on and off campus.
It has the power needed to run programs, the resolution to play movies and games, as well as the screen needed to bring any web page to life. You get an Intel i7 processor, 12GB of RAM, as well as up to 13 hours of battery life. Perfect for late nights in the coffee shop or dorm room.
When using this, you just need to be a bit careful. It’s not the most durable machine on the market. Be careful when lugging it around to avoid any accidental bumps or drops.
5. HP Chromebook
- Best For: Lightweight
- Key Features: Quick processing power. 14-inch display and excellent audio. Multi-touch touchpad with backlit keyboard. Portable.
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Battery Life: 12 hours
Any student knows that lugging a heavy laptop around campus can be annoying, especially if you have a long way to go. The HP Chromebook is a perfect way around that issue, providing you with a fast, powerful computer that only clocks in at a few pounds.
Not only that, the dual-core Intel processor perfectly backs up both the powerful graphics and the 14-inch anti-glare, micro-edge screen. The sleek design feels great to use, as does the responsive backlit keyboard.
The only issue you may run into when using this product is that it can crash if you’re doing too much. It’s a perfect option for web browsing, movie watching, or doing projects, just don’t have too many programs going at the same time.
6. HP Stream 14
- Best For: Budget
- Key Features: Lightweight-but-durable body. Large, vivid display. Dual-Core processor and modern look. Portable.
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Battery Life: 13 hours
College students are always looking to save some extra cash, and it’s especially useful when you can save it on your computer. The Stream 14 fills that role, delivering a versatile budget model that’s lightweight, tough, sleek, and fast. It has a long-lasting battery as well.
On top of that, the entire package is well-made without ever being too big or bulky. You can easily carry this in your bag without adding extra pounds. The memory and internal storage are both more than enough for any programs you might need.
This laptop is a more budget-friendly model, which means you don’t want to overexert it too much. As long as you keep the workload down, you’re going to have a great model that won’t break the bank.
Best HP Laptops for College Students: What to Consider
Weight & Portability
College students are constantly on the move. While walking to class does not seem like a big deal at first, doing it hundreds of times over a semester starts to add up.
It is best to cut down on the amount of weight you bring with you. Always pay attention to your laptop’s weight and focus on getting a machine made with lighter metals.
Processing Power
Serious students need to handle a range of programs. For that reason, you want a fast computer that can operate at a high level. Many cheaper college laptops, while affordable, struggle to run key programs you need for class. Strong processors cut down on such issues, as do machines with a lot of RAM or memory storage.
Appearance
While specs certainly matter, there is nothing wrong with style. College is a time of self-expression, which is why you want a laptop that fits your look. Sleek, professional machines are one way to go, as are colorful devices that pop in a crowded study hall. Do not be afraid to break from the norm and get something truly out there.
Useful Tips and Resources
When picking a laptop for school, you need to make sure you have a good bag to carry it around in. It is easy to only focus on the machine, but these laptop bags protect your device and come with room for your other school supplies.
HP runs Windows, and that operating system has a lot of useful features many users do not know about. When going to class, it is important to be at your best. The programs listed in this guide will give you a leg up in every aspect of school.
Final Words
Every college student, regardless of major, can appreciate a good computer. HP devices meet all studying needs without charging the premium price noted in their competitors. While the laptops can still be expensive, there are great choices at every level.
A good school computer should have enough power to run important programs, but also come with a lot of fun features for relaxing between classes. Every device in this guide passes that test with flying colors.
