Top Student Laptops for 2024: Back-to-School & University BYOD (2024)

It's never too early to start preparing yourself and/or the kids for BYOD season! Why not ahead of the game now before the mad rush of the school and university year picks up again? We have compiled a handy list of the top-rated BYOD devices available right now at PB Tech. This list covers some of our top BYOD laptops. If you're looking for a Chromebook (generally the best choice for younger children), then make sure you check out our Best Chromebooks too!

Quick List! Top 5 BYOD Laptops

1. 15.6" HP 15s-fq0502tu Laptop
2. 14" Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
3. 15" Vivobook Go 15 Laptop
4. 12.4" Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
5. 13" Apple Macbook Air (M1 chip)

There is a great range of brands & models to choose from that fit a range of budgets. We've ordered our list from our most affordable pick up towards our most premium pick.

If you're after an affordable device that offers great value, check out the HP 15s-fq0502tu. This 15.6" FHD Laptop combines portability with practical performance features suitable for everyday use. It's equipped with 8GB RAM, making it cabpable of handling a variety of applications and multitasking needs. Storage starts from 128GB SSD, with options up to 1TB SSD, offering ample space for documents and files required for school work and study.

The laptop's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Its thin and light design, complemented by a micro-edge bezel and an 81% screen-to-body ratio, enhances portability while maximising the display area. It operates on Windows 10 Home in S mode, which provides an added layer of security for everyday web activities by allowing installations only from the Microsoft Store and ensuring browsing through Microsoft Edge. This mode is designed to offer performance and peace of mind, particularly for those who are looking for a safe, simple, and secure environment. You can switch out of S mode if desired, but keep in mind that once you switch out of it, you cannot switch back.

If you're in search of versatility and convenience in a laptop, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is an exceptional choice. This 14" Laptop embodies flexibility with its innovative flip design, allowing you to use it as a traditional laptop or tablet, and anywhere in between. It's an ideal match for students who require adaptability for their dynamic learning environments. The touch screen adds an extra layer of interaction, perfect for note-taking, drawing, or simply navigating through content with ease.

With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, there's sufficient processing power and memory to support a variety of educational applications, enabling this device to adapt to every need, from drafting essays to multimedia presentations. With its sleek design and robust build, it's not only a powerful performer but also a stylish accessory for the modern student. Embrace the power of choice and make the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 your gateway to a more flexible and interactive learning experience.

The ASUS Vivobook Go 15 is tailored for students looking for a laptop that's equal parts reliable and capable, packed with an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor and a solid 16GB of RAM. You'll fly through assignments and have plenty of horsepower for multitasking, all while enjoying your favourite digital content on the crisp 15.6-inch FHD display. The laptop's 512GB SSD ensures there's plenty of room for school work and more, while making sure everything runs swiftly. It's also equipped with all the necessary connections, including AC WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C, and HDMI, making it a cinch to link up with all your devices and displays.

Plan on taking part in a whole lot of zoom calls? No worries! The built-in webcam is just what you need, whether it's lessons, collaborative projects or catching up with friends. With Windows 11 Home at the helm, you'll experience the latest that Microsoft has to offer, with a user interface that's both intuitive and feature-rich. The Vivobook Go 15 is designed for easy travel from class to class with its light build, and it's tough enough to take on the day-to-day bumps and knocks. When it comes down to long study sessions, the ergonomic keyboard and responsive trackpad will help keep you comfortable and focused.

One of Microsoft’s latest and most mobile BYOD devices is the Surface Laptop Go 3 which delivers amazing performance and functionality with a stunning touch display all packed into a compact design. It shines with a vibrant 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen that makes note-taking and navigation a breeze, perfect for interactive learning and quick access to information. It's small size means you can easily browse, work, play, learn, and watch anywhere. Ultra-portable with a stylish design, the Laptop Go 3 is a great choice those who want a great windows experience on the move.

Inside, you'll find a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1235U Processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage, working together to offer a smooth experience that effortlessly keeps up with demanding schoolwork and multitasking needs. Plus, it comes with a full-sized keyboard, a large precision trackpad, and a secure fingerprint power button for convenient one-touch sign-in. Its lightweight design, coupled with USB-C and USB-A ports, ensure easy portability and connectivity for any educational setting. Up to 15 hours of battery life and fast charging make it perfect for a long day at school or university!

Not sure if this Surface is the right fit? Head over to the Surface Selector to find the best Surface device for you!

The Apple 13" MacBook Air M1 Chip is a great premium pick for tertiary students and users who enjoy the familiar, easy-to-use macOS interface. You won’t feel bad about spending a bit more on this laptop as you will get excellent features and performance in return. The MacBook Air is Apple's thinnest and lightest notebook that has been completely transformed by the M1 chip, leading to incredible performance and industry-leading power efficiency.

Not only can this laptop easily power through work and study but its fast CPU is ready to take on things like photo editing and some gaming too. Plus, it'll all look great on a brilliant 13.3" Retina display; and a FaceTime HD camera, three-microphone array and Magic Keyboard will create an enjoyable experience when connecting with fellow classmates. The M1 version will easily be sufficient for most students, but if you're after a larger display or the latest M2 chip, check out the full range of the MacBook Air here.