No longer simply a luxury, laptops have become a must-have tech item for teens. It helps them to stay connected with friends and family, provides them with a convenient location to store documents and files for any class projects, and makes online gaming or video viewing easier. If your teens would benefit from having the world’s information at the tips of their fingers while they’re doing homework, (and who wouldn’t?) then we’ve found the laptop for them.
We reviewed dozens of laptops for teens to identify the best of the best. We found the durable laptops that your teen can abuse a bit without breaking and those that can handle his more robust gaming needs. You can also choose from models that double as tablets or have touchscreen interface. Almost all of the models we chose to include in our list come with enough RAM and storage to power all your teen’s needs, and weigh less than 3 pounds, and provide all-day battery life.
If you are interested in gaming, see our list of The Best Gaming Computers and if you want to start them even younger, we also have a list of The Best Laptops and Accessories for Kids.
From the beginning of our research it was abundantly clear that the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop was the obvious winner of best overall laptop for a teen. It’s lightweight, making it easy to take from class to home, and it has all the basics your teen will need to make his school work a breeze.
The 5 Top-Rated Laptops for Teens
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Best Laptop for Teens | Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop | 4.4 |
| Best Touchscreen Laptop for Teens | HP X360 15.6 Inch Full HD Touchscreen 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop | 3.9 |
| Best Budget Laptop for Teens | Lenovo 130S-11IGM 11.6inch HD Laptop | 4.1 |
| Best Gaming Laptop for Teens | Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC | 4.2 |
| Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Teens | Lenovo 11.6" HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Overall Laptop for Teens: Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
There are a few names you’ll see frequently when you’re looking for a laptop, but the most common is probably Acer; and with very good reason. There may be a wide range in quality for laptops on the market, but Acer predominately features on the top of most anyone’s list. The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is the best of the company’s product line to meet all your teen’s needs.
The screen is backlit and so is the keyboard, so your teen will be able to take notes even if the room has been darkened so the class can better see the PowerPoint presentation. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Mobile Processor processor offers high enough speed performance that your teen may not even notice the difference between this laptop and your family desktop. And with a Radeon Vega 3 graphics card, he or she may be able to get some gaming done too – after work is done, of course.
With nearly 1,000 customer reviews on Amazon, you’ll be all the more pleased to discover the overall rating for this laptop is still 4.4 stars. Not too shabby; and when you take into consideration that price tag of just over $300, you may just be convinced.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop Key Features:
- 1920 x 1080 full screen resolution
- Windows 10 pre-installed in S mode
- 7.5 hours of battery life
Best Touchscreen Laptop for Teens: HP X360 15.6 Inch Full HD Touchscreen 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
The HP X360 15.6 Inch Full HD Touchscreen 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop has a 360-degree hinge that flips the screen all the way around for use as a laptop, stand, tent, or tablet. This 15.6″ HD laptop features an SVA micro-edge WLED backlight and multitouch-enabled edge-to-edge glass.
With Intel UHD Graphics 620, you shouldn’t expect your teen to play more resource demanding games, but if you didn’t want to give her or him another opportunity to play Fortnight anyways, this is a solid way to limit that.
With an overall Amazon customer rating of 3.9 and the fact it’s from a reputable go-to computer brand like HP, you should feel confident this laptop will suit your teen’s needs.
HP Pavilion X360 15.6″ Full HD Convertible Touschscreen Key Features:
- 15.6″ HD SVA micro-edge WLED backlight
- Multitouch-enabled edge-to-edge glass
- 1920 x 1080 screen resolution
- 8 GB computer memory
- Front-facing HP TrueVisions Full HD webcam with integrated dual digital microphones
Best Budget Laptop for Teens: Lenovo 130S-11IGM 11.6″ HD Laptop
If you thought our budget pick was going to be a Chromebook, you weren’t alone. No one could be more surprised than us that a laptop with Windows 10 included still makes our best budget pick. But here the Lenovo 130S-11IGM 11.6″ HD Laptop is, killing it. If your teen needs a laptop that will let him write his papers, do his research, and take notes like a boss for school, this is the laptop for him. And if he loses it, you won’t be out as much money as you may think.
We should warn you, your teen won’t be gaming on this laptop. The processor will really only handle the basics your teen needs to get homework and projects done. For a lot of families, though that’s a big plus. After all, if it’s not able to load Netflix without a constant buffering, then you won’t have to worry about your teen sneaking on it when he or she should be getting the essay written. And to that end, there also is no CD/DVD drive, so he won’t be popping in DVDs, wither.
We have mentioned how well-priced it is, but just to reiterate: the under $170 price tag is the number one selling point without question. However, if you want a bit more feedback before you invest, check out Amazon’s 150+ customer reviews and overall rating of 4.1 stars. This is a steal!
Lenovo 130S-11IGM 11.6″ HD Laptop Key features:
- 4GB RAM
- 1366 x 768 resolution
- Intel Celeron N4000 processor
Best Gaming Laptop for Teens: Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC
The Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Graphics with 6GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM and a 9th Generation Intel Core i7 9750H 6 Core Processor – and if you aren’t sure what that exactly means, the best way to put it in layman’s terms is that it will play pretty much any game your teen could want to play. And if she’s an avid gamer, then this is one you won’t want to miss out on.
Of course, it’s not only good for gaming; your teen will still be able to take notes and write essays with no problems. This computer is robust enough that you can expect your teen to be able to use it just as you could a desktop – for better or for worse. You may want to check into parental controls if you’re concerned, because this computer has very few limitations on its operation!
This gaming laptop has right around 450 customer reviews on Amazon that have earned it an overall rating of 4.2 stars. That’s plenty enough to sell you on the quality, but if you need a bit more reassurance, take a look at those reviews and we think you’ll be sold!
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC Key Features:
- Additional options include: headset, mouse pad, and Microsoft Office
- 2-hour initial set up time
- WASD and Arrow blue-lit; keyboard backlit
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Teens: Lenovo 11.6″ HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1
Most teens have access to a tablet or a laptop, but we dare say most parents aren’t particularly keen on the idea of giving them both. The Lenovo 11.6″ HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 is the best of both worlds and allows your teen to have all the perks of either, depending on his use. If she wants to type her papers up quickly, then the laptop will be opened just as you’d expect, and she’ll have the added bonus of combining the touchscreen to amplify her use. If she’d rather run an app that works better as a tablet, then the keyboard folds back and the touchscreen will allow her to do so.
As a Chromebook, you’ll probably want to bear in mind that she won’t be able to install Microsoft Office, but with growing popularity for these types of laptops, Google Docs is more and more widely accepted for emailed assignments. It’s even more user friendly than it once was, making the pull towards a Microsoft laptop less and less. For printed-out and handed in essays, the teacher won’t even know the difference.
More than 150 people have felt strongly enough about this laptop to come back to Amazon and leave a review; and when the reviews are 85% positive, giving it an overall rating of 4.4 stars, it makes the laptop all the more attractive. And for a laptop that only runs around $240, you certainly won’t feel like you’ve bought a lemon with this one!
Lenovo 11.6″ HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Key Features:
- 1366 x 768 HD resolution
- 10 hour average battery life
- Google Chrome OS
Who Should Buy a Laptop for a Teen
If your teen has been struggling in classes, then a laptop may be able to help with his grades. Not only will he be able to take more efficient notes in class with the use of a laptop, he won’t lose them, either. In the same vein, completed homework won’t be misplaced or left at home, and his essays will always be available for him to work on while he has his laptop on hand. Accessing the internet is all the easier with a laptop that he can connect to a wifi wherever he takes it and that means his ability to complete his homework is only dependent on access to the internet. Even if your teen hasn’t been struggling, you may see a bump in grades and overall productivity with the addition of a laptop. Not only will your teen be better able to complete homework and projects, but the entire world’s knowledge will be just a few clicks away.
For a teen who is about to enter college, a high-quality laptop is an absolute must-have item. Once in college, the number of times your teen will use it daily will be astronomical, so you’ll want to make sure you’re finding a laptop that will stand up to her frequent use. And if you know what a teenager can subject her possessions to, then you know just how badly that can go. Make sure you’re accounting for that by picking a laptop that will get the same kind of treatment. They make ultra-durable laptops for the rougher teens and for the neglectful, you can choose a robust antivirus, too. Before college, the teen may not use the laptop as religiously, but both of those features become all the more beneficial for that age. And for the high school aged teen, there will still be plenty of use in both school and for entertainment. You’ll be able to keep in contact easier when your child is away from home and the games she’ll be able to play, even on a basic laptop, will still keep her occupied for as long as she wants.
Important Features to Consider
A teen’s laptop should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a laptop for your teen:
- Processor. If your teen will be doing any work with graphics or wants a laptop for gaming, you’ll want to consider upgrading the processor. Otherwise, most available processors are powerful enough to handle any standard applications a high school student would run.
- RAM. If speed, such as for gaming, is an issue, then shopping around for models with upgraded RAM is essential. This will ensure your teen’s laptop doesn’t get slowed down at critical moments.
- Audio/video. A decent set of speakers, integrated microphone, and camera are must-haves for your teen’s laptop dream sheet. This ensures they can stay connected with friends and family, and allows them to enjoy both movies and games with ease. If, however, you’re going to monitor how your teen uses this new laptop, you may want to consider that in the type of laptop you purchase.
- Storage. Unless your child requires large storage capabilities for school projects, most standard hard drives will cover their needs. Anywhere from 128GB-500GB is standard and will more than handle most needs. If additional storage is required, you can purchase an external hard drive that easily connects via USB for an affordable price.
- Durability. If there’s a potential for bumps and drops, purchasing a laptop with integrated shock absorbers or the like will help to protect your investment. You can also purchase aftermarket accessories that help cut down on wear and tear, and any accidents that may happen. Carrying cases or protective sleeves are worth the small investment in order to protect your child’s laptop.
- Size. Teens (especially those who are gaming) will appreciate a larger screen size. Models around 13 inches offer a good compromise between size and affordability. Be conscious of the weight of the laptop, so that your child isn’t lugging around a computer that’s too heavy for them to safely carry. Heavier laptops are also more likely to be damaged in case of falls or bumps. Look for models that weigh less than 5 pounds.
- Specs overrule names. You’ll probably see plenty of the same name brands and model names over and over while you’re searching for the right laptop for your teen. The one thing you’ll need to bear in mind is that the brand and even model number does not always mean they’ll have the same specifications. You’ll want to check the above features in each laptop you’re considering. You may very well think you’re getting the model with the 8GB of RAM, but you accidentally get the laptop 6GB of RAM and your child’s favorite game won’t be run on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do high school students need laptops?
Need is a relative word. Your teen very likely won’t need a laptop during high school; if the course material requires a computer, one will most often provided for your teen’s use. Schools will typically give high schoolers a free period and access to a library or computer lab to complete anything they are required to type up or research. For more affluent schools, they may even allow your child to borrow laptops during the school year. If your teen tends to bring home a lot of homework that requires the use of a computer and your home is without one (or you aren’t able to share), then you may want to look into a local library that will, no doubt, provide him access to one. For most assignments in high school, there will still be ample opportunity to work on the assignments that require their use.
However, they will undoubtedly benefit from a laptop. Case in point, with a laptop, your teen won’t be able use the excuse, “I didn’t have a computer for my homework” to blame for his bad grades and incomplete assignments. If your child struggles with focus or time management, then the time provided for the class may not be enough for him and he will require additional work at home. If you’re able to give him the ease a laptop can provide, even if not needed, it will still be very helpful for your teen’s grades and academic career.
Can computers be tracked if stolen?
Unfortunately, your teen’s laptop won’t be able to be tracked in case of theft when you purchase it. However, there are a few programs you can put on the laptop to help with that (some are even free). These programs will lay dormant until you notify the server that the laptop has been stolen. Then the program will, most often, trace your laptop’s location via the wifi locations as it connects to them or enters their range. You’ll be able to monitor your laptop’s connectivity and view screenshots of your computer’s use remotely via the program’s website service. These programs can even periodically take webcam photos to identify the thief. It doesn’t guarantee that your teen’s laptop will be recovered, but it certainly increases the chances!
Your computer’s laptop can be tracked if stolen – but only if you take precautions ahead of time. After picking out a laptop for your teen, you’ll probably want to check out a list of laptop tracking software.
What are the benefits of a laptop for teens?
Primarily, having her own laptop will give your teen the opportunity to reach her potential in academic success. It will make researching a bit faster, and over time they’ll learn how to discern credible sources from the less credible. You’ll be giving your child multiple options for writing and editing, which will often help her learn different formats and after correcting the same grammar mistakes over and over, she’ll learn the correct way to write faster than by handwriting. By trying multiple writing and editing programs, she’ll learn what works best for her and develop her skills more easily in her preferred format. She’ll also have more efficient notes from her classes. She’ll be able to go back to her typed notes to better organize them and as she organizes, she’s actually studying. When she wants to find something specific in her notes, she’ll be able to quickly search through several pages at once, making it much faster to find the right answers. With access to the internet and emails, she’ll be able to send and receive her classmates’ notes to compare and facilitate efficient group work. Should she miss a class, another student with a laptop can send her the notes and she can paste them directly into her working class document to make it a seamless absence.
As an additional perk, your teen will be able to play a lot of her games in the privacy in her own room without bothering the rest of the family or monopolizing the television. You could also allow your teen to use her laptop for video calls with friends or family, making the distance between her and his grandparents meaningless. Finally, keep in mind that even if you have a family computer, purchasing a laptop for your teen will keep her off yours.
What age should a kid get a laptop?
Of course there are no hard and fast rules on what you get your kid and when. When you purchase a laptop for your child – if you ever do – is going to depend on your and your child’s preferences, as well as your finances, to say the least. With the increased use of tablets and phones, your child may not even want a laptop until it becomes academically beneficial. If that’s the question you’d like answered, then you’re looking at advanced middle schoolers maybe but primarily, high school aged teens will benefit from owning a laptop. If you’re willing or able to, you can experiment by allowing them to borrow your laptop and see how well they do with it. If you notice an improvement in grades, or a minimized time completing homework, then you may want to look deeper into a laptop of their own. After high school and into college your teen will more likely “need” a laptop. (Or rather, this is the academic level where not having one will be a detriment to him.)
It’s a personal choice that will probably effect your entire family in one way or another, so you’ll want to avoid rushing in, just because there’s a good Black Friday sale. Remember, if your oldest child gets a laptop at 13 years old, your other children will want one at that age as well. While that may make sense, bear in mind, too, that your 11 year old may get into coding and your 16 year old could still love using the computer lab at school.
Other Laptops for Teens We Reviewed
We looked at 45 other laptops for teens. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best laptops for teens list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your teen. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- 10″ to 13″ Screen Laptops for Teens
- 13″ to 15″ Screen Laptops for Teens
- 15″ and Larger Screen Laptops for Teens
10″ to 13″ Screen Laptops for Teens
Acer C720-2103 Chromebook 11.6-Inch
This laptop boasts a powerful Intel Celeron 2955U 1.4 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB hard drive. The HD screen features anti-glare technology and is backlit for ease of reading in all conditions.
Key features:
- Battery lasts up to 8.5 hours
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Built-in speakers and camera
Cost: *Est. $100
Acer Chromebook CB3-131-C3SZ 11.6-Inch Laptop
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any need, this laptop boasts an Intel Celeron N2840 2.16 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive. Its compact size and slim design easily tucks into a backpack or purse, and it comes with access to 100GB of Google Drive storage free for 2 years.
Key features:
- Up to 9 hours battery life
- Weighs less that 2.5 pounds
- Boots up in just 10 seconds
Cost: *Est. $217
Acer Chromebook R11 Convertible, 11.6″ HD Touch
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any need, this laptop boasts an Intel Celeron N3150 1.6 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD hard drive. Its compact size and slim, convertible design easily tucks into a backpack or purse, and it comes with access to 100GB of Google Drive storage free for 2 years.
Key features:
- Up to 9 hours battery life
- Weighs less that 3 pounds
- Durable aluminum cover
Cost: *Est. $285
ASUS Chromebook Flip 10.1″ Touchscreen Laptop
Thanks to its unique design and 10-finger touchscreen, this 2-in-1 unit can be flipped from 0 to 360 degrees, allowing teens to use it as a Chromebook, or a tablet. It boasts an Intel Quad-Core 1.8GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and 16GB SSD hard drive.
Key features:
- Comfortable 97% full-size keyboard
- Up to 9 hours battery life
- Weighs just 2 pounds
Cost: *Est. $280
Asus TP200SA 11.6-Inch 2 in 1 Flip Transformer Book HD Touchscreen Laptop
This convertible machine boasts an Intel Celeron N3050 1.60 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and 32GB flash memory. It can be used 360-degrees for a variety of options. The slim and lightweight design makes it easily portable, and it fits into most backpacks or purses.
Key features:
- Includes a one year Office 365 subscription
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Up to 9 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $340
ASUS Transformer Book 10.1 Inch 2 in1 Touch Laptop
Available in a choice of multiple configurations to suit anyone’s needs, this laptop boasts an Intel Core 1.44 GHz processor and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and 64GB eMMC hard drive. It is both Bluetooth- and WiFi-enabled and features microHDMI, and microUSB connectivity.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Weighs just 2.4 pounds
- Battery lasts up to 11 hours
Cost: *Est. $320
Available in a choice of colors, this laptop boasts an Intel Atom 1.33 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD hard drive. Its slim design easily tucks into most backpacks and it’s compatible with most printers, cameras, USBs, and other hardware devices.
Key features:
- Windows 8 pre-installed
- Includes a one year Office 365 subscription
- Up to 12 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $330
An incredibly cost-effective option for teens, this laptop boasts a powerful processor and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD hard drive. Powered by Chrome OS, you can easily sync documents between Android devices and have access to all files while on the go thanks to Google’s suite of free apps.
Key features:
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Weighs less than 2.54 pounds
- High resolution display
Cost: *Est. $219
Dell Chromebook 11″ Traditional Laptop
This laptop boasts an Intel Celeron 1.6 GHz processor and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and 16GB of flash storage. It offers convenient access to Google’s suite of free apps and comes with built-in virus protection to keep kids safe online – see additional kid-friendly laptops.
Key features:
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- Built-in webcam and SD card reader
- 1 Year Mail in Service
Cost: *Est. $150
Dell XPS9250-1827 12.5″ FHD Touchscreen Laptop
Available in a choice of different configurations for any student’s needs, this laptop boasts an Intel Core M 6Y54 1.1 GHz processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD hard drive. It features a 12.5-inch FHD touchscreen and first in class 4K Ultra HD display.
Key features:
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Up to 6.75 hours battery life
- Can be used as a tablet or laptop
Cost: *Est. $900
HP Chromebook 11 G4 11.6 Inch Laptop
This popular laptop from HP boasts a Samsung Exynos 5 1.7 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive. It is both Bluetooth- and WiFi-enabled for connectivity on the go and is available in a choice of colors.
Key features:
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Built-in webcam
- Up to 6.25 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $200
HP Stream 11-y010nr 11.6-Inch Notebook
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any need, this compact laptop boasts a lightweight design that makes is easily portable for students on the go. It boasts an Intel Celeron N3050 1.6 GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB eMMC storage. It weighs less than 3 pounds and provides up to 10 hours of battery life.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Choice of colors to suit any personal style
- Includes a one year Office 365 subscription
Cost: *Est. $220
Lenovo Thinkpad Helix 36984MU 11.6-Inch Notebook
This laptop boasts an Intel Core i5-3427U 1.8GHz processor and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and a 180GB SSD hard drive for easy file access on the go. It can be used 4 different ways (laptop mode, tablet mode, stand mode and tablet+ mode) for the ultimate in versatility.
Key features:
- Weighs just under 2 pounds
- Excellent battery life
- 11.6 VibrantView Capacitive Touchscreen
Cost: *Est. $250
The tablet that’s powerful enough to replace your full PC, this computer offers the suite of Office programs to ensure your teen’s productivity. It is available in a choice of different bundle varieties to suit any family’s needs.
Key features:
- Special screen won’t strain your eyes
- 12.3″ screen
- Weighs just 3.5 pounds
Cost: *Est. $485
Panasonic Toughbook CF-C2CCAZXCM 12.5-Inch Laptop
While it’s the priciest laptop on our list, this model does not disappoint and has been built to withstand almost anything your teen might throw at it. (Or throw it at). It boasts an Intel Core i5 3427U 1.9 GHz processor and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive.
Key features:
- Up to 14 hours battery life
- Rotating screen
- Integrated hands-free ergonomic strap
Cost: *Est. $1899.99
Samsung ATIV Book 9 12.2 Inch Laptop
This laptop boasts an Intel Core M 5Y31 0.9 GHz processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD hard drive to tackle all your child’s projects. It comes with Windows 8 pre-installed with a free upgrade to Windows 10 is available.
Key features:
- HD 2560×1600 LED-lit screen
- Studio-quality audio and hyper-real display
- Up to 10.5 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $890
Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C13-K01US 11.6″ Laptop
Available in a choice of configurations, this laptop boasts an Intel Celeron N3050 1.6 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive. Powered by Chrome OS, you can easily sync documents between Android devices and have access to all files while on the go thanks to Google’s suite of free apps.
Key features:
- Weighs just 2.5 pounds
- Up to 11 hours battery life
- Spill-resistant design
Cost: *Est. $190
Samsung Chromebook (Wi-Fi, 11.6-Inch, RENEWED)
This laptop boasts a Samsung Exynos 5250 Dual Core processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive. It features integrated WiFi, speakers, camera, and microphone for ease of connectivity no matter where life takes your teen.
Key features:
- 90 day warranty
- Up to 7 hours battery life
- Weighs just 2.5 pounds
Cost: *Est. $90
Samsung Chromebook 2 11.6 Inch Laptop
Available in a choice of two different colors, this laptop boasts an Exynos 5 Octa processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive to boost your teen’s productivity on the go. Integrated security features help protect against viruses and the stitched, leather-like design provides a sleek appearance.
Key features:
- Up to 9 hours battery life
- Noise reduction for better video connections
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
13″ to 15″ Screen Laptops for Teens
Acer Aspire S7-393-7451 13.3-Inch Full HD Touchscreen Ultrabook
This beautifully-styled laptop boasts an 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor (Up to 3.4GHz) and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD hard drive. It features a great interface and comes with Windows 10 pre-installed for easy setup right out of the box.
Key features:
- HD 1920×1080 LED-lit screen
- Up to 15 hours battery life
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
Cost: *Est. $1,000
Acer Aspire S 13 Touch, 13.3″ Full HD Laptop
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any student’s needs, this laptop boasts a 6th Generation Intel Core i5-6200U processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD hard drive for maximizing productivity. Webcam, WiFi, and Bluetooth ensure your child can stay connected from anywhere.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
Cost: *Est. $1,000
Acer Aspire E 15.6 Inch Laptop
This laptop boasts an Intel Core i5-8250U processor (up to 3.4GHz) and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD hard drive to tackle any project your child gets. Thanks to HD display and Dolby Digital Plus home theater sound, it’s perfect for games and entertainment.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Weighs 5.27 pounds
- Up to 15 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $720
Acer Aspire A315 15.6″ HD Laptop
Available in a choice of two different configurations, this laptop boasts a Intel Core i5-7200U 2.5 GHz Dual-core processor and comes complete with 6GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD hard drive for easily completing homework on the go. Integrated webcam, microphone, and high-performance sound system ensure your child can easily stay connected.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Up to 6.5 hours battery life
- Weighs just under 5 pounds
Cost: *Est. $460
Apple MMGF2LL/A MacBook Air 13.3-Inch Laptop
Apple’s computers a beloved for their ease of use and intuitive features, which makes them ideal for teens. It easily syncs photos and more across devices. It weighs just 3 pounds, which makes it easily portable for use at home or in the classroom.
Key features:
- Choice of storage sizes
- HD 2560×1600 resolution
- Battery lasts up to 12 hours
Cost: *Est. $814
This professional-quality laptop from Apple boasts a powerful Intel Dual Core i5 2.5GHz processor and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. HD graphics help bring projects to stunning visual life and the arsenic-, mercury-, and PVC-free design ensures your teen isn’t exposed to harmful chemicals.
Key features:
- Up to 8 hours battery life
- Weighs less than 5 pounds
- Durable aluminum construction
Cost: *Est. $450
ASUS ZenBook UX303UB 13.3-Inch QHD+ Touchscreen Laptop
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any student’s needs, this laptop boasts a powerful 6th-generation Intel Core i7-6500U 2.5GHz processor and comes complete with 12GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD to tackle any project your teen might have. The keyboard is backlit and it features an easy-to-use touchscreen on this slim design.
Key features:
- Weighs just 3 pounds
- 1 year warranty
- Up to 7 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $1,100
Dell XPS XPS9350-5341SLV 13.3 Inch QHD Touchscreen Laptop
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any student’s needs, this laptop comes with an Intel Core i7-6560U 2.3 GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD hard drive. It features a 13-inch LED backlit touchscreen that is practically borderless and comes with Windows 10 pre-installed.
Key features:
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Up to 18 hours battery life
- Durable, machined aluminum construction
Cost: *Est. $1500
Dell XPS 13.3-Inch InfinityEdge Touchscreen Laptop
This stellar laptop is a top pick for teens thanks to its Intel Core i7-5500U 2.40 GHz processor and 8GB of RAM along with a 256GB SSD hard drive. It features a touchscreen interface and comes with Windows 10 pre-installed for ease of use right out of the box.
Key features:
- Up to 11 hours battery life
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Integrated speakers, microphone, camera
Cost: *Est. $1,500
This laptop features a pretty robust 2.4 GHz Intel Core i3 graphics card that, while it may not keep up with your bigger games, will handle your teen’s less intense games or apps just fine.
Key features:
- Windows 10 operating system
- 14″ Bright View glossy display
- 8GB RAM
Cost: *Est. $340
Available in a choice of multiple configurations to suit any student’s needs, this laptop boasts an Intel Celeron N3060 1.6 GHz processor and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and a 32GB eMMC for productivity on the go.
Key features:
- Up to 7 hours battery life
- Weighs less than 4 pounds
- HD graphics and audio support
Cost: *Est. $210
Lenovo Lavie Z 13.3-Inch Laptop
This laptop boasts an Intel Core i7-5500U 2.4 GHz processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD hard drive. This incredibly slim and lightweight laptop was the winner of the CES Best of 2015 award thanks to its durable and reliable design.
Key features:
- Up to 9 hours battery life
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- Durable magnesium-lithium construction
Cost: *Est. $2,000
A popular choice with major corporations, this laptop is popular for a reason — it’s a powerful, durable, workhorse of a machine. It boasts an Intel Core i7-4600M Dual Core processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a 240 GB SSD hard drive for storing all your teen’s files.
Key features:
- Up to 12 hours battery life
- Windows 8 pre-installed
- Weighs less than 5 pounds
Cost: *Est. $1400
This incredibly thin and lightweight laptop boasts an 8th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD hard drive. It has been constructed from a magnesium alloy for a durable and long-lasting design.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Weighs just over 2 pounds
- Up to 21.5 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $1120
Toshiba CB35-B3330 13.3 Inch Chromebook
This laptop boasts an Intel Celeron 2.16 GHz processor and comes complete with 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive. Integrated access to Google’s free apps helps ensure no project is left behind. Comes with 100GB of free Google Drive storage and is available in a choice of 3 different colors.
Key features:
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Up to 11 hours battery life
- Includes 12 free Gogo in-air Internet passes
Cost: *Est. $215
Toshiba 4GB RAM 13.3 Inch Chromebook Full HD-Screen
Available in a choice of different configurations, this laptop boasts an Intel Celeron processor N2840 and comes complete with 4GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD hard drive. Stunning visuals display on an HD screen and easy access to Google’s free apps helps ensure productivity.
Key features:
- Up to 9 hours battery life
- Weighs less than 3 pounds
- Includes 12 free Gogo in-air Internet passes
15″ and Larger Screen Laptops for Teens
Acer Nitro 5 15.6″ FHD Gaming Laptop
To make sure his or her laptop has all it needs to run your teen’s most demanding games, this laptop comes complete with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- 12 GB RAM
- 4 GHz Intel Core i7
Cost: *Est. $730
An affordable mid-range option, this laptop boasts a powerful Intel i7-7500U 2.7 GHz processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD hard drive for computing on the go. It features a blue light filter to help make reading more comfortable and offers a choice of 4 visual modes.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Weighs about 5 pounds
- Includes 1-year accidental damage protection
Cost: *Est. $1,000
ASUS 15.6″ Gaming Laptop Ryzen 5
You’ll be able to customize your purchase with this laptop for your teen; it offers nineteen different RAM, hard drive, and SSD options to make it perfect for his game, no matter how robust.
Key features:
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 16 GB RAM
- Windows 10 pre-installed
Cost: *Est. $670
This compact laptop boasts a Rockchip RK3288 1.6 GHz processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and 1TB of HDD storage. It provides access to Microsoft Web Apps for completing projects while on the go.
Key features:
- Up to 5 hours battery life
- Weighs just 3.7 pounds
- Easily syncs with other Android devices
Cost: *Est. $735
Dell Inspiron i7559-2512BLK 15.6 Inch FHD Laptop
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any student’s needs, this laptop boasts an Intel Quad Core i7-6700HQ 2.6 GHz processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and a massive 1TB hard drive to store even the biggest files and projects. It can even withstand temperatures up to 149 degree Fahrenheit.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Weighs less than 5 pounds
- Up to 10 hours battery life
Cost: *Est. $2,000
Dell Inspiron 17 5000 Series – 17.3 inch Laptop
This laptop boasts a 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor and comes complete with 16GB of RAM and a massive 1TB solid state drive to store all your teens projects from school start to finish. The keyboard is backlit for ease of typing in all lighting conditions and it features an integrated webcam to help keep your teen connected.
Key features:
- Windows `0 professional pre-installed
- Weighs under 7 pounds
- HD, 17.3-inch LED-backlit display
Cost: *Est. $1500
HP 15.6-Inch HD Wide Screen Business Laptop
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any student’s needs, this laptop boasts an AMD A6-9220 processor and comes complete with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD hard drive for maximizing productivity. Built-in microphone, webcam, WiFi, and Bluetooth ensure your child can stay connected from anywhere.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Long battery life
- Weighs less than 5 pounds
Cost: *Est. $520
HP High Performance 15.6 inch HD Touchscreen Backlit Keyboard Laptop
This touchscreen laptop will make it all the easier for your teen to catch up on his work or take notes in class by offering a backlit keyboard so he can always see what he’s typing, even in dark classrooms.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- DVD-Writer
- Lightweight; 4.25 lbs
Cost: *Est. $570
Available in a choice of different configurations to suit any teen’s needs, this laptop boasts an 8th-gen Intel Core i5 processor plus 8GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD hard drive to tackle any project. It offers a stunning HD display and is made from durable and lightweight carbon magnesium and lithium magnesium.
Key features:
- Windows 10 pre-installed
- Up to 19 hours battery life
- Weighs just under 2.5 pounds
Cost: *Est. $950
Samsung Notebook 5 15.6″ Laptop
This notebook computer boasts a 2 GHz AMD processor and comes complete with 8GB of RAM and 1TB hard drive. Its compact design makes it easily portable and the silver color offers a stunning design.
Key features:
- 15.6″ anti-glare HD display
- Ultra slim and sleek design
- Weighs just 7.8 pounds
Cost: *Est. $490
