The 7 Best Laptops for Middle School

Choosing the best laptop for middle school students in 2024 is an important decision. As a computer expert passionate about technology, I know how critical it is to find a reliable, portable, and powerful device for educational needs and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll take you through my top 12 picks for the best laptops for middle schoolers, with options for every budget, operating system preference, and usage requirement.

When evaluating laptops for middle school, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Portability: Middle schoolers need a lightweight laptop that‘s easy to carry between classes and to and from school every day. Look for slim designs under 4 pounds.

2. Battery life: To avoid rushing to find a charger in the middle of the school day, choose a laptop that can last at least 8 hours on a single charge. Some of my recommendations can even power through 12+ hours.

3. Durability: Accidents happen, especially with younger students. A well-built laptop with a sturdy frame and keyboard is a must. Some education models are specifically ruggedized to withstand drops and spills.

4. Performance: While middle schoolers typically don‘t need a super high-end laptop, it‘s important to have enough processing power, RAM, and storage for schoolwork, web browsing, streaming video, and light gaming. I recommend a minimum of an Intel Core i3 or equivalent processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD).

5. Price: Stick to your budget and don‘t overspend on features your middle schooler won‘t use. You can find great laptop options ranging from under $500 to over $1000. The sweet spot for most students is $600-$800.

6. Operating system: Windows is the most common OS and offers the widest software compatibility. macOS is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. Chrome OS is a simple, secure, web-centric OS that‘s very affordable.

Now, let‘s dive into my top picks for the best laptops for middle school students:

1. Apple MacBook Air (M1): For students in the Apple ecosystem, it‘s hard to beat the latest MacBook Air. With the powerful M1 chip, this lightweight laptop is a portable powerhouse with industry-leading battery life up to 18 hours. The 13.3" Retina display is stunning, and you get a comfy Magic Keyboard and spacious trackpad.
   Pros: Super fast, amazing battery life, beautiful screen
   Cons: Expensive, only two USB-C ports
   Price: From $999

2. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5: This 2-in-1 Chromebook is an unbeatable value. You get an Intel Core i3 processor, a 13" 1080p touchscreen, backlit keyboard, and solid construction, all for under $500. Battery life is excellent at 10 hours, and it‘s impressively lightweight at just under 3 pounds. As a convertible, you can use it as a laptop or tablet.
   Pros: Affordable, lightweight, versatile 2-in-1 design
   Cons: Limited storage (can expand with microSD card), no USB-A ports
   Price: From $409

3. HP Envy x360: For a do-it-all Windows laptop, the Envy x360 is a great choice. This 2-in-1 has a gorgeous 15.6" 1080p OLED touchscreen, 11th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. It‘s crafted from aluminum and has a 360-degree hinge to switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. All-day battery life and Bang & Olufsen audio complete the premium package.
   Pros: Beautiful OLED touchscreen, premium design, good specs for price
   Cons: A bit heavier at 4.11 pounds
   Price: From $799

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go: The most portable and affordable Surface Laptop is great for middle schoolers. With a 12.4" touchscreen, 10th-gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD, it has plenty of pep for everyday tasks. The keyboard is comfy, and the aluminum and polycarbonate build feels very high-end. You can expect 11-13 hours of battery life depending on usage.
   Pros: Lightweight, excellent build quality, good keyboard
   Cons: Port selection limited to one USB-C, one USB-A
   Price: From $549

5. Acer Aspire 5: For a big-screen experience on a small budget, check out the Aspire 5. This 15.6" Windows laptop packs an 11th-gen Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD for zippy everyday performance. The 1080p display is crisp, and the backlit keyboard makes typing easy in dim environments. At 3.64 pounds, it‘s portable enough for middle school while providing a spacious screen for multitasking.
   Pros: Large 1080p screen, good specs for price, includes USB-A and HDMI
   Cons: Plastic build, battery life only around 7 hours
   Price: From $459

6. Dell XPS 13: This premium Windows ultrabook is pricey but perfect for discerning middle schoolers. It crams a 13.3" InfinityEdge display into an 11-inch chassis, with next-to-no bezels. The aluminum unibody design is sleek and sturdy, and your choice of 11th-gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors provide ample power. It‘s incredibly compact and light at 2.64 pounds, with a battery that lasts up to 14 hours.
   Pros: Gorgeous slim-bezel design, powerful specs, all-day battery
   Cons: Can get very expensive with upgrades, limited to only USB-C ports
   Price: From $999

7. ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED: Another premium lightweight laptop, this ZenBook stuns with a 1080p OLED display color-calibrated for accuracy. An 11th-gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD make for a very responsive Windows experience. The 13.3" screen fits into a compact chassis thanks to slim bezels, and a 67Wh battery provides up to 13 hours of juice.
   Pros: Vivid OLED screen, powerful specs, huge battery
   Cons: No 3.5mm audio jack, some bloatware
   Price: From $799

8. Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook: Lenovo‘s business acumen meets the simplicity of Chrome OS in this no-nonsense 2-in-1. With a 13.3" 1080p touchscreen, AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, this convertible Chromebook flies. It‘s MIL-SPEC tested to withstand knocks and drops, and the garaged stylus makes note-taking a breeze. You‘ll power through 10+ hour days with ease.
   Pros: Fast performance, military-grade durability, built-in stylus
   Cons: On the heavier side at 3.3 pounds, expensive for a Chromebook
   Price: From $599

9. Google Pixelbook Go: Google‘s top-tier Chromebook is an excellent choice for middle schoolers who live in the cloud. The distinctive ribbed bottom makes it easy to carry, and the 13.3" 1080p touchscreen display is beautiful. Performance from the Intel Core m3 processor, 8GB RAM, and 64GB SSD is snappy, and the backlit keyboard is a joy to type on. Expect around 10 hours of battery life.
   Pros: High-quality lightweight design, great keyboard, bright touchscreen
   Cons: Expensive for a Chromebook, only USB-C ports
   Price: From $649

10. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro: For a super thin-and-light Windows laptop, look no further. The Galaxy Book Pro weighs in at an astonishing 1.92 pounds thanks to its aluminum construction. The 13.3" 1080p AMOLED display is gorgeous and color-accurate. An 11th-gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD keep Windows 11 humming along, and the 63Wh battery lasts up to 20 hours.
    Pros: Incredibly lightweight, stunning AMOLED screen, amazing battery life
    Cons: Keyboard and touchpad just decent, limited ports, pricey
    Price: From $999

11. Acer Spin 713 Chromebook: This premium 2-in-1 Chromebook has a 13.5" 2256×1504 touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio that‘s great for productivity. The 10th-gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD are powerful enough for demanding Android and Linux apps. The aluminum chassis is military-grade durable, and the battery lasts up to 10 hours.
    Pros: Versatile 3:2 display, strong performance, MIL-STD 810H tested
    Cons: Heavier and pricier than average Chromebook
    Price: From $699

12. HP Pavilion 15: For a solid all-around Windows laptop that doesn‘t break the bank, the Pavilion 15 is a great pick. It pairs a 15.6" 1080p display with an 11th-gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing snappy performance for schoolwork and entertainment. The full keyboard with numpad is great for data entry, and the battery lasts up to 8 hours.
    Pros: Large 1080p screen, good specs for price, full keyboard layout
    Cons: Plain design, heavy at 3.86 pounds
    Price: From $699

When shopping for a middle school laptop, it‘s essential to involve your student in the decision-making process. Consider their needs and preferences, and read reviews from trusted sources. If possible, visit a store to get hands-on with different models before buying.

Whichever laptop you choose, I recommend investing in some important accessories. A sturdy sleeve or backpack for protection, a USB mouse for easier navigation, and an external hard drive or cloud storage subscription for backing up important files can all enhance the experience.

Middle school is a pivotal time in a student‘s educational journey, and having the right technology tools can make a big difference. I hope this guide has given you helpful insights to choose the best laptop for the awesome middle schooler in your life. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I‘m always happy to provide a geeky perspective!