It can be challenging to locate the best laptops for children. Some computers are inappropriate for children; many of the greatest laptops are pricey, high-performance gadgets that a youngster does not need. However, the fact that a laptop is intended for younger users does not imply that we should discard the specifications.
A good laptop for children does not need to be a performance powerhouse, but it should be able to manage all the daily duties a child will perform. We’re referring to studying, web browsing, YouTube viewing, and some after-school gaming.
Additionally, they should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that any device used by children will surely endure, and they should have a long-lasting battery so that your child is not tethered to an electrical outlet all day. Several of the best Chromebooks meet this criterion; the best ones for students are exceptional, particularly for older children.
You want to spend only a little money on a device your child may outgrow, so cost-effectiveness is an important consideration. If you’re searching for a discount, you can check out the best available laptop deals, although we’ve tried to stick as much as possible to affordable options.
We have evaluated dozens (if not hundreds) of laptops and Chromebooks to recommend the finest laptops for students. After hours of research and testing, we are convinced that our top options will satisfy your child’s demands and your budget.
The best laptops for kids for 2023
1. Acer Chromebook Spin 311
SPECIFICATIONS
- CPU: Intel Celeron N4000
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- RAM: 4GB
- Screen: 11.6″ HD (1366 x 768) 16:9 IPS touchscreen
- Storage: 64GB Flash Memory
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 opts for an AMD APU, which employs the well-known Radeon graphics technology for enhanced 3D capabilities – if you can pull yourself away from your studies long enough to play some games from the Google Play Store! So long as the dual-core AMD processor outperforms the Celeron by a small margin, Chrome will stay more responsive.
Importantly, the Acer Spin 311 seems sturdy and well-made, so it can withstand being dropped in a school backpack or thrown in the trunk of a car. It is incredibly portable and totally useful, despite the screen’s slight lack of brightness. With a battery life of a little over eight hours, the Chromebook’s battery could be more robust, but when weighed against the low price, this is a solid option.
REASONS TO BUY
- More capable AMD AP
- Fabulous flip design
REASONS TO AVOID
- Dim screen
- Average battery
2. Microsoft Surface Go 2
SPECIFICATIONS
- CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core m3 – Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615
- RAM: 4GB – 8GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC – 128GB SSD
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 opts for an AMD APU, which employs the well-known Radeon graphics technology for enhanced 3D capabilities – if you can pull yourself away from your studies long enough to play some games from the Google Play Store! So long as the dual-core AMD processor outperforms the Celeron by a small margin, Chrome will stay more responsive.
Importantly, the Acer Spin 311 seems sturdy and well-made, so it can withstand being dropped in a school backpack or thrown in the trunk of a car. It is incredibly portable and totally useful, despite the screen’s slight lack of brightness. With a battery life of a little over eight hours, the Chromebook’s battery could be more robust, but when weighed against the low price, this is a solid option.
REASONS TO BUY
- Premium desig
- Affordabl
- Can run full Windows 10
REASONS TO AVOID
- No Touch Cover or stylus included
- Base model’s specs are weak
3. Google Pixelbook Go
SPECIFICATIONS
- CPU: Intel Core m3 – i7
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB
- Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD – 13.3-inch 4K Ultra HD Molecular Display
- Storage: 64GB – 256GB
The best laptop for children must be secure, user-friendly, and durable enough to outlast their naps. Google Pixelbook Go surpasses all these needs with its extraordinary battery life and security-focused ChromeOS environment. It is lightweight and generally robust, making it an excellent choice for children in elementary school.
Google complements this with an exceptional keyboard and a 1080p webcam. And while the kids may like watching their favourite cartoons and playing casual games on that crisp display, you will enjoy using it for the occasional work email you must send while spending time with your children. This is the Chromebook of your dreams, minus the prohibitively high price tag.
REASONS TO BUY
- Incredible battery life
- Amazing ‘Hush’ keyboard
- Rare 1080p webcam
REASONS TO AVOID
- No biometric login
- Higher-spec models are pricey
4. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
SPECIFICATIONS
- CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T Processor
- Graphics: ARM G72 MP3 800GHz
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
- Screen: 10.1″ FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS, glossy, touchscreen, 400 nits
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
Which laptop should be purchased for a child? Something inexpensive and adaptable. True to its name, this Lenovo Chromebook offers two form factors in one while employing the flexibility of ChromeOS and costing significantly less than most of the leading Windows tablets now available. Of course, true to its Chromebook nature, its battery has an extraordinarily extended life of about 22 hours — you could pull an all-nighter, use it throughout the day and mid-afternoon, and still pass out before it dies. For this budget, concessions are unavoidable:
- The keyboard is diminutive.
- The trackpad is less reliable.
- The charger and headphones share a single connector.
Yet, if cost is your primary concern, this is one of the best laptops for children, particularly for online classes.
REASONS TO BUY
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life
- Very affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Tiny keyboard and finicky trackpad
- Charger and headphones share a single port
5. Acer Chromebook 516 GE
SPECIFICATIONS
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1240P
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Screen: 16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 120 Hz
- Storage: 512GB SSD
If your child wants a device for education and gaming, consider exploring a Chromebook with gaming capabilities. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is our favourite of this uncommon breed of laptops since it offers good performance in a sleek and robust body with a truly outstanding display. The price is a bit higher than other laptops on this list, but the build quality deserves the premium – this laptop is for a slightly older child.
Remember that these ‘gaming Chromebooks’ still utilize Chrome OS. Thus they cannot directly run games from Steam or Epic Games Store. You can instead download and play games from the Google Play Store and utilize cloud gaming services like Microsoft Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. They require a subscription and a reliable internet connection but provide access to a large library of games that can be streamed on demand. These are ideal for indecisive children who are always looking for something new to play with.
REASONS TO BUY
- Great all-rounder performance
- Fantastic display
- Lightweight and portable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Fairly expensive for a Chromebook
- Sub-par speakers
- Can’t use Steam directly
Ultimately, the best laptop for your child will depend on their specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget. It is important to consider factors such as durability, ease of use, and affordability when selecting a laptop for your child, as these features will ensure that they can effectively use the laptop for both educational and recreational purposes.
