6 Best Laptops for Kids, Ideal for Working, Playing and Everything in Between
We found the most affordable, reliable, and durable laptops for students of all ages.
Most of us grew up carrying bulky textbooks, but today's kids can carry around library information with a device smaller than a notebook. If your child needs digital access to school materials and online resources, it's probably time to buy them a laptop of their own. Research on whether handwritten notes are better for retention of information typed on laptop keyboards is mixed, but students with laptops can do research, create documents, graphics, and presentations, collaborate with their classmates, and can learn to use the apps they are likely to find later in life. The best part is that laptops are cheaper than ever.
THE BEST LAPTOPS FOR KIDS
Best Overall: Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Best Windows Laptop for Kids: Acer Aspire 5
A Chromebook on the Cheap: Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Best Chromebook for Kids: Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Best for Older Kids: Microsoft Surface Go 2
Best MacBook for Kids: Apple MacBook Air Laptop
Most kids don't need the most powerful processor, graphics card, or maxed-out specs, such as a large hard drive or an expensive laptop with several gigabytes of RAM. They really need something portable, sturdy, and long-lasting battery.
But there are hundreds of laptops for kids to choose from, and sifting through them is as difficult as helping your child with their math homework. So, shop our picks for the best laptops for kids that are reliable, easy to use, and perfect for going back to school.
What To Consider
We know that reading laptop specifications can be intimidating, difficult to understand, and downright boring. But we assure you – laptop specifications are one of the most important things one should consider when buying a new computer – be it for you or your child.
Understanding what processor it is equipped with, its display type, how much memory it has, and its connectivity options are the keys to choosing the best laptop for your child. But don't let these specifications overwhelm you—we've provided a quick analysis to make it clear exactly what you should be looking for.
Processor: The newer processor (CPU), as you'd expect, will offer more power and better performance. Two of our tech editors suggest opting for laptops powered by the Intel Core series chip because they're capable of more than the entry-level Celeron series. The latter works well for basic tasks, such as general web browsing, video streaming, or typing up a Word document.
Display: Since your child will be using the computer for both work and play, you want it to have a sharp screen with a good resolution. Choose a model that has Full HD resolution, that is, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The larger these numbers, the more detailed the picture on the screen.
Memory: There are two types of memory to look for: RAM, which is essentially short-term memory, and a hard drive, which is your computer's long-term memory. It stores the stuff you want to open and access throughout the lifetime of the PC. SSD or solid-state drives are much faster and more reliable than eMMC storage. As far as RAM is concerned, 4GB is the base amount that usually comes with laptops for kids, but 8GB is ideal as you can easily run multiple programs at once.
Connectivity: Be sure to look for a laptop for kids that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless standards. These features are important because they keep your laptop safe in the future and ensure they pair seamlessly with the latest earbuds, speakers, and support the latest Wi-Fi standards so you get the fastest, most reliable download speeds. can do Translation? Connectivity features extend the lifespan of the laptop substantially, which is a major selling point for this investment.
In addition to the above, you'll want to pay attention to the laptop's operating system. Chromebooks, which are often the cheapest laptops, run the ChromeOS operating system. These use the Chrome web browser (which you will actually be reading this page on) as the main interface of the laptop. If you buy a Chromebook, your child will use web-based apps like Google Docs to create their work, which is then stored online. Chrome laptops can also download select Android apps, but they often have smaller amounts of onboard storage – so they cost less.
Other kids' laptops come with Windows 10 in S Mode, which means you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store. However, you can upgrade to a full Windows 10 build for free. In this way, you can download more and more apps. Lastly, Apple laptops run OS X, a clean and easy-to-use operating system that's excellent for creative types. However, it comes at a very high price point. If you want a touchscreen laptop that plays double-duty as a tablet, you'll need to opt for a Chromebook or Windows laptop, as MacBooks don't have a touchscreen.
Whether you're looking for a unique 2-in-1 convertible laptop, MacBook, or a Chromebook for your kiddo as they start elementary school, we'll help you find the right laptop for your little one and your budget constraints. would help.
GOOD
- USB-C ports located on both sides for charging
- Touchscreen display with stylus support
BAD
- Screen brightness is average
KEY SPECS
- Chip: 10th-generation Intel Core i3 (dual-core)
- Display: 13-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Memory: 4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMC
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, two USB-C ports, USB-A port
- Battery Life: 10 hours
Lenovo's Chromebook Flex 5 is our favorite laptop for kids. It often reaches prices above $300, but still offers users a sleek design, a sharp-looking 360-degree touchscreen, and a backlit keyboard for late-night homework sessions. The laptop delivers a lot of power for the price, plus it's incredibly portable and weighs less than 3 pounds. It is equipped with two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot.
Its webcam has an integrated privacy shutter that provides peace of mind. There is a fingerprint sensor for logging in quickly. The touchscreen is compatible with a nifty stylus, which will surely come in handy for some notice. Google's Chrome OS platform supports Android apps, making the Flex 5 equally good for school work as well as entertainment.
GOOD
- Equipped with Ethernet and HDMI ports
- Powerful processor
BAD
- Lacks touchscreen
KEY SPECS
- Chip: 11th-generation Intel Core i3 (dual-core)
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display
- Memory: 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, USB-C port, three USB-A ports, HDMI, Ethernet port
- Battery Life: 8.5 hours
For those looking for a versatile Windows laptop that's more affordable than the competition -- without sacrificing build quality -- the Acer Aspire 5 is worth your consideration. Considering its price, it offers a nice design, up-to-date hardware specs, and reliable performance. Buyers have the option of spending a bit more for a more powerful version that has a better processor, increased memory, and a convenient fingerprint sensor, but we think you can't go wrong with either model.
The Acer Aspire 5 offers excellent battery life that's reliable enough to last it through the school day - plus, it has an aluminum cover and a backlit keyboard. Since the laptop runs Windows 10, it has a wider app ecosystem than similarly priced Chromebooks.
GOOD
- A detachable keyboard is included
- Impressive 11-hour battery life
BAD
- Kickstand could be sturdier
KEY SPECS
- Chip: MediaTek Helio P60T Processor (octa-core)
- Display: 10.1-inch Full HD IPS display
- Memory: 4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMc
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, USB-C port, five-point pogo pins
- Battery Life: 10 hours
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is not only an amazing computer for kids – it's also the cheapest Chromebook you can buy. This two-in-one computer has a detachable keyboard, which means you can use it as a tablet or laptop. It sports a unique adjustable back fabric cover that will protect it from drops. The cover also has a kickstand, which makes it easy for the couple to watch YouTube or make video calls.
The Chromebook Duet's 10.1-inch touchscreen is sharp and bright. Plus, its included keyboard will come in handy for writing papers for class. Although the computer doesn't feature one of the most powerful or up-to-date processors, it's still fast enough for browsing the Web, using social media, answering emails, or doing light photo editing.
For parents looking for a cheap Chromebook that's less like a tablet and more like a laptop, consider shopping around for the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 instead.
GOOD
- Excellent display
- Versatile port selection
BAD
- Lacks a fingerprint sensor
KEY SPECS
- Chip: 10th-generation Intel Core i3 (dual-core)
- Display: 13.5-inch 2KIPS display
- Memory: 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, HDMI
- Battery Life: 10 hours
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a convertible 2-in-1 laptop that's jam-packed with fast components, a big battery, and a stunning and spacious 3:2 LCD display. This is a laptop that pushes your dollar further than other options, thanks to its high-end specifications, excellent build quality, and incredible pricing.
The base model includes Intel's latest Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of NVMe solid-state storage, making it significantly more powerful than other laptops for kids. In fact, this Chromebook offers similar performance to competing laptops that cost $800. It also offers a generous selection of ports.
There are dual USB-C ports, a USB-A jack, a headphone jack, a MicroSD slot, and even an HDMI jack, which have become a rarity for slim laptops these days. Whether your child is in middle school, high school, or just about to start college, this Chromebook is great no matter what its workload involves.
GOOD
- Crystal-clear webcam
- Extremely portable
BAD
- The keyboard is sold separately
KEY SPECS
- Chip: Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor (dual-core)
- Display: 10.5 -inch PixelSense touchscreen with 1,920 x 1,280 pixels
- Memory: 4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMC storage
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, Surface Connect Port, microSD card slot
- Battery Life: 10 hours
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an ultra-compact, 10.5-inch tablet that is a capable Windows 10 PC. For a budget of just $400, you'll get the entry-level Surface Go with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, but you'll have to pick up the trackpad and keyboard separately.
During our testing with the Surface Go 2, we found it was powerful enough to handle a steady stream of apps without slowing down. Microsoft claims that the Surface Go 2 is capable of delivering up to 10 hours of video playback between charges.
The Surface Go 2 is also a wonderful video chat companion. It has dual 5MP front- and rear-facing cameras that are even clearer than most of the $1,700 Dell XPS 13 webcams we've tested. Not only this, this computer has twin microphones which help in increasing the clarity and reducing the background noise.
Overall, this PC is a compact and versatile option that is perfect for work or play. If you are looking for a practical, affordable, and stylish one, you will not be disappointed.
GOOD
- Powerful processor
- Extremely thin and lightweight
BAD
- Expensive
KEY SPECS
- Chip: Apple M1 chip
- Display: 13.3-inch Retina display (2,560 by 1,600 pixels)
- Memory: 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 compatibility
- Battery Life: 18 hours
This would not be a list of laptops without MacBooks. The latest MacBook Air has vastly improved hardware features, including increased processing and graphics power, a redesigned keyboard, and a more vibrant display. And though it's certainly one of the best laptops for kids out there, it comes at a hefty price tag.
The laptop is powered by Apple's own M1 chip, which delivers jaw-dropping performance boosts and up to 18 hours of battery life. The laptop's 13-inch screen is sharp, colorful, and provides more detailed images than the competition. Its bezels aren't as thin as those found on some Windows laptops, but you'll love its larger trackpad and smaller footprint.
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