Best Budget Student Laptops in 2025: Top 3 Compared
By Emma Brooks · July 12, 2025 · 6 min read
Finding a reliable laptop for school doesn’t have to break the bank. In this comparison we evaluate three affordable but capable laptops that meet the needs of students and commuters. The Acer Aspire Go 15 Slim offers a traditional Windows experience with a comfortable keyboard and long battery life. Acer’s Chromebook Plus 514 pairs the same efficient Intel Core i3‑N305 processor with Chrome OS and a generous 512 GB SSD for cloud‑first workflows. Apple’s MacBook Air (M2) brings premium performance, a brilliant Liquid Retina display and best‑in‑class battery life to the budget‑conscious Apple fan.
Which One Should You Get?
- Best for Basic Productivity & Note Taking – Acer Aspire Go 15 Slim (i3‑N305, Windows) – ideal for students who need a Windows laptop for web browsing, document work and streaming on a tight budget.
- Best for Cloud‑Centric Students – Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (i3‑N305, Chrome OS) – perfect for students who live in Google’s ecosystem and want a lightweight laptop with abundant storage and ports.
- Best for Performance & Portability – Apple MacBook Air 13‑inch (M2) – great for students who need professional‑grade performance, a high‑resolution display and ultra‑long battery life without carrying a charger.
The top budget laptops for students in 2025
Pros
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad that make long typing sessions easy
- Plenty of ports (USB‑A, USB‑C, HDMI and headphone jack) for peripherals
- Excellent battery life—around 11 hours in testing
- Affordable price with built‑in Copilot AI features
Cons
- Entry‑level Core i3‑N305 struggles with demanding tasks
- Limited 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage may fill quickly
- Poor webcam quality and no upgrade path for memory or storage
Unique Features & Insights
Pros
- Efficient Intel Core i3‑N305 processor paired with 8 GB RAM
- Generous 512 GB PCIe SSD—much larger than most Chromebooks
- Bright 14‑inch 1080p touchscreen that folds flat to 180°
- Excellent port selection (2× USB‑C, 2× USB‑A, microSD and audio jack)
- Lightweight 3.15‑lb chassis with comfortable keyboard
Cons
- All‑plastic build and faux‑aluminum finish feel less premium
- Keyboard lacks backlighting and trackpad is small
- Only 8 GB memory; multitasking performance is limited
Unique Features & Insights
Pros
- Powerful Apple M2 chip delivers fast performance with excellent efficiency
- 13.6‑inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and P3 color
- Exceptional battery life—over 14 hours of use
- Lightweight 2.7‑lb design and silent fanless operation
- Premium build quality and 1080p FaceTime HD webcam
Cons
- Only two Thunderbolt/USB‑4 ports plus MagSafe; requires adapters for multiple peripherals
- Memory and storage are not upgradeable after purchase
- More expensive than the other two options
Unique Features & Insights
Final Comparison Table
Each of these laptops serves a different type of student. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize a familiar Windows environment, the Acer Aspire Go 15 Slim is a solid workhorse with a full suite of ports and long battery life. For those who live in the Google ecosystem, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 offers a generous SSD and versatile 180‑degree touchscreen in a lightweight chassis. Finally, students willing to pay a premium will find that the MacBook Air M2 delivers unmatched performance, a stunning display and outstanding battery life in the lightest package here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8 GB of RAM enough on the Acer Aspire Go 15?
For basic tasks such as web browsing, note taking and streaming video, 8 GB of RAM is adequate. However, users who open many tabs or run heavy applications may notice slowdowns because the memory isn’t upgradable and the entry‑level processor is modest.
Can I install Windows apps on the Acer Chromebook Plus 514?
No. Chromebooks run Chrome OS and can’t install native Windows applications. They support Android apps from the Google Play Store and web apps. If you need specific Windows software, consider the Aspire Go 15 instead.
How does the MacBook Air M2’s battery life compare to the other two laptops?
The MacBook Air M2 has the longest battery life of the group, lasting over 14 hours in testing. The Aspire Go 15 lasts around 11 hours, while the Chromebook Plus 514 typically provides about 10 hours on its 50 Wh battery.
Do any of these laptops have upgradeable memory or storage?
None of these laptops are designed for internal upgrades. The Acer Aspire Go 15 and Chromebook Plus 514 have soldered memory and limited storage; you can expand storage via external drives or cloud services. The MacBook Air M2’s memory and storage are soldered as well—choose your configuration wisely at purchase.
Which laptop is best for multimedia editing and light gaming?
The MacBook Air M2 is the strongest performer thanks to its M2 chip and integrated 10‑core GPU option. It can handle light photo and video editing and casual gaming better than the Intel‑based Aspire Go 15 or Chromebook Plus 514, which are designed primarily for productivity and web applications.