Being a parent of 2, I recently found my kids exploring my laptop’s software and other productive tools present in it. While doing my official work and playing with my kids, I don’t realize that they are also growing up.
This is the time when I realized that having a laptop for my kids is crucial to enhancing their knowledge and personal growth. Now, finding the best laptop for homeschool is not an easy task.
For me, a Laptop for homeschooling should have a balance of performance, portability, and as well as price because you just can’t through thousands of dollars on a laptop for kids.
This is the time when I started the journey of finding the best laptop for homeschool has started. After doing a handful of research I was finally able to get the best out of the best laptop.
So, I thought to share this experience with all the viewers of this blog, so that you will get all the questions of your answers in a single place which includes key factors to consider when choosing the best laptop for homeschooling, or Is Chromebook a good choice for homeschool? or features to look for in the best laptop for homeschool?
So, without taking much of your time, let’s get started !!
Key Features to look for while buying the Best Laptop for HomeSchool
As a parent, I need a reliable device that can handle my children’s online learning needs. But with so many options out there, how do I choose the right one?
So, I went through all the features available on the laptop, understood their importance in day-to-day school activities like team meetings, online activities, video conferencing, etc, and finally listed down all the must-have features in a laptop for homeschooling.
Here are the features I consider before buying the best laptop for homeschooling
Performance
Firstly I need a laptop that runs smoothly and can handle multiple tasks at once like video conferencing with MS Office for taking notes so for me a good processor is the basic requirement.
So for the best homeschool laptop, I choose an Intel core i5 processor with a 10th-generation processor which is reliable and cost-effective too. One can choose AMD Ryzen 5 also which is equally effective as Intel i5.
This will ensure that my laptop runs online classes, web browsers, video conferencing apps, and other programs without lagging or freezing.
Storage
A good homeschooling laptop must have enough storage to keep the files in the system. Storage is also fast enough to start the laptop in seconds. So, I choose an SSD over HDD because SSDs are much faster and have a faster boot time.
One can choose a 256 GB SSD or 512 GB SSD for a homeschool laptop.
Battery life
I don’t want my kids to be stuck with the charging port all the time while doing their assignments and video classes. So, I have chosen a laptop that has a decent battery backup of up to 8 hours on a single charge. This way I ensure that my kids stay productive and only focus on important things while doing their assignments.
Display
The display is another crucial factor as I don’t my kids to wear specs at an early age. So, I have chosen a screen size short enough to make a laptop portable and large enough to view the works clearly and bright enough even during a sunny day.
I chose a homeschool laptop that has a screen size of 13 inches to 15 inches and has at least an IPS display with 250nits.
Portability
A lightweight and compact design is ideal for a homeschool laptop. So I have chosen the laptop of weight around 4 pounds so that it can easily fit in a backpack or bag, and won’t strain shoulders or back when you carry it.
Durability
No matter how many times I teach my kids, they always put something on my keyboard. So for them, I have to choose a laptop that can withstand wear and tear, sturdy chassis, and yes a spill-resistant keyboard is a must when buying the best laptop for homeschool.
So, these are the major factors one should look for before buying the best laptop for homeschool. By following these tips, you can find a laptop that will make your kids online learning easier and more enjoyable.
List of Best Laptops for Homeschool
Best on the factors mentioned above, here are the best laptops for homeschooling I recommend choosing for your kids to start their journey of online learning.
Last update on 2024-07-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
HP Pavilion 14
CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD
Display: 14” HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge 250 nits display
Ports: 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
Recently, I got the chance to get my hands on HP Pavilion 14 and I am really impressed with its performance, features, and design.
This 14-inch laptop has no flaws when compared to other laptops in this price range. I can run multiple programs and tabs like photo editing, and MS Office, or watch movies without any lag or slowdown.
Intel Iris Xe Graphics card that delivers amazing visuals and graphics even during a sunny day. The screen is HD and gives me a clear and crisp experience of working on it.
The laptop can run on the battery for around 9 hours without needing to charge during normal to high usage which is really good. I can work anywhere and anytime, whether it’s at home, in the library, or at a coffee shop.
This laptop has a backlit keyboard which will give a good experience while typing however only flaw I see on this laptop is the screen as it is not full HD.
- 【Premium HP RAM】 Experience improved multitasking with...
- 【Storage】 Enjoy up to 15x faster performance than a...
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i5-1135G7 (up to 4.2 GHz with...
Last update on 2024-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
Pros
- Good for homeschool
- Fast charger
- Huge storage size
- Decent for gaming at low fps
Cons
- Screen not full HD
Overall, this laptop from HP is a good choice for homeschooling if you are willing to spend a decent amount on a laptop that lasts longer and you don’t have to look to upgrade in the coming years for your child. This laptop will not disappoint you.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
CPU: Intel Core i5 11th generation
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM
Storage: 128 GB SSD
Display: 14” HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge 250 nits display
Ports: 1x USB Type-C, 1x USB Type-A, 1x Sd card reader, 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
When I started to review Microsoft Surface Go, I was skeptical but as things went by, this laptop stunned me with its amazing performance.
The first thing that captured my eyes was its durable metal finish that resists scratches and fingerprints and when I held the laptop I found the laptop to be super lightweight which is only 2.45 pounds. I can easily carry it around the house, or even take it outside if you want to study in the backyard or at the park.
As soon as I start the laptop, it starts in seconds. The display is very clear and the touchscreen is amazing. Although I bought the pen also (sold separately which I don’t like) to take notes, draw diagrams, or solve math problems. It gives me the feeling of writing on a tablet but with more comfort.
About the performance, I ran a web browser, started Netflix, and photo editing software at the same time and it didn’t let me down.
The only issue of storage space is there in this laptop but I can store data on the cloud which is even more secure and yes the bottom of this laptop is plastic.
- Light, portable Surface touchscreen Laptop with Windows 11...
- Work, play, stream, and run day-to-day apps with 11th Gen...
- Look and sound your best on video calls with improved HD...
Last update on 2024-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
Pros
- Portability at its best
- Good battery backup for up to 12 hours
- HD webcam and dual studio microphones
- Brillant Touchscreen
Cons
- Keyboard is compact
Overall, this laptop is the best alternative to Chromebook. Unlike Chromebooks, you can store data and play games at an affordable price. So if you looking for the best Chromebook for homeschool you should also consider this laptop.
If a touchscreen with portability is your priority then this laptop suits you as the best laptop for homeschool.
Dell Inspiron
CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 32 GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
Display: 15.6″ Full HD Touchscreen display
Ports: 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, 1x SD Card Reader
Dell Inspiron has an incredible combination of everything you need to make your online learning experience smooth and enjoyable.
I got the chance to review this laptop when one of my friends purchased this laptop. It has a 15.6-inch full HD touchscreen that lets you interact with your lessons more engagingly.
The touchscreen is very responsive and the display is crisp even on a brighter day.
You can even play games with this laptop. I tried playing AAA games like Sims 4 without any lag at low to medium settings.
A whopping 32 GB RAM allows me to run multiple programs and tabs without any lag or stuttering. I was able to switch between your browser, video conferencing, and document editing without any hassle.
With 1 TB of NVMe SSD, I can store as much data as I can without worrying about storage space.
- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】32GB high-bandwidth...
- 【Processor】Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 8MB...
- 【Display】15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-glare LED...
Last update on 2024-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
Pros
- Best-in-class touchscreen
- FHD Antiglare LED Touchscreen
- 720 HD Camera
Cons
- The keyboard is not backlit
Overall, I am really amazed by the performance of this laptop from Dell. If you are looking for the best laptop for homeschool with Wifi I highly recommend this laptop as it has an amazing touchscreen, user-friendly touchscreen with a stunning performance.
You can beat Dell in terms of reliability, and ease of use at an affordable price.
HP Chromebook x360 14C
CPU: Intel i3-1115G4
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
RAM: 8GB RAM
Storage: 256GB (128GB SSD + 128GB SD Card)
Display: 14″ FHD IPS Touchscreen display
Ports: 2x USB Type-C, 1x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack, 1x microSD media card reader
While looking for the best laptop for homeschooling, I thought of trying a Chromebook also, because a Chromebook is cost-effective and fast enough to run any task with ease.
So, I got my hands on this HP Chromebook for homeschooling needs. It’s a 360-degree convertible laptop from HP so depending on my mood, I can switch it to tablet mode while watching Netflix, or working on notes, and on the other hand, I can switch back to laptop mode during web browsing.
The laptop has ChromeOS which is lighter and faster than Windows OS relies on cloud-based apps which means you always have to be connected while using the Chromebook.
Regarding performance, I was able to do everyday tasks, such as web browsing, streaming, and multitasking easily however not able to play AAA-rated games.
You can even access the Google Play Store which has tons of apps as well as Google productivity suites such as Docs, sheets, and Slides.
- The HP Pro C640 Gen 2 Chromebook 14 provides easy-to-use,...
- 11th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7 Processor (4 Cores...
- 14" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, micro-edge, WLED-backlit, 250...
Last update on 2024-07-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
Pros
- Best battery backup
- Ample ports for connectivity
- Latest Gen Wifi 6
- Backlit keyboard & Fingerprint reader
Cons
- Limited storage space
Overall, this HP Chromebook is the best Chromebook for Homeschool under $600 and a good choice for homeschoolers who want a versatile and affordable laptop that can handle their online learning needs.
However, you can’t expect much from the Chromebook. Working with various software such as Adobe Premier is not possible with Chromebook but you can download and use other software from Google Play Store.
ASUS 15 VivoBook Laptop
CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
GPU: Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 20GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 256GB (128GB SSD + 128GB SD Card)
Display: 15.6″ Full HD Micro-Edge Display
Ports: 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1x HDMI, 1x Microphone/Headphone Combo Jack, MicroSD card reader.
Asus Vivobook meets all the needs of experienced students. I must say this is a complete package for a homeschool student. With its Intel i5 11th generation processor coupled with 20 GB of RAM, I was able to do multi-tasking easily and effectively.
I can work on documents, browse the web, watch a video, or play a game all at the same time and this laptop doesn’t let me down. I don’t feel any kind of lag. I highly recommend choosing this laptop as the best laptop for homeschool.
Another thing I like about this laptop is its display. It has a stunning Full HD Micro-Edge Display that delivers clear visuals with vivid colors. The display comes with touch input also but for that, you need to pay some extra however, a non-touch display is enough for your homeschool needs.
- [Processor] 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor &...
- [Display] Experience sharp details & crisp colors on the...
- [RAM & Storage] 20GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run...
Last update on 2024-07-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
Pros
- Matt finish keyboard with a good grip
- Easy to setup
- Complete package for schooling and gaming
- AI noise canceling
Cons
- Battery lasts around 4 hours
Overall, this laptop is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a powerful device with plenty of features and can play various games including editing work.
Summary: Best Laptop for HomeSchool
Here in this guide, I have shared the personal experience I went through in finding the best laptop for homeschooling my kids. I have provided all the value-for-money laptops so that they suit the needs of every user from a reliability point of view to an affordability point of view.
Further, if you want gaming along with homeschooling I suggest you check this guide so that you can have a good gaming laptop with battery life.
Also, check my other guides for home professionals regarding the best laptop for working from home.
Happy Schooling !!
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FAQ: Best Laptop for HomeSchool
Below are some of the major questions I find people are searching on various websites. So, I decided to provide the appropriate answer so that you don’t have to look further to find the best laptop for homeschooling needs.
Chromebook vs Laptop which is better for Homeschool?
A Chromebook is a device that runs on Google’s Chrome OS and is designed for online use, while a laptop runs on Windows, Mac OS, or Linux. Chromebooks are cheaper, faster, and more secure than laptops, but they have limitations such as less storage space, fewer ports, and compatibility with peripherals. So, finally, the conclusion is a depends on your choice, price, and compatibility.
If you ask me I should choose a Laptop for homeschooling needs that Chromebook.
What is the best setup for a homeschool laptop and WiFi for traveling?
For the best laptop for homeschool with the latest generation Wifi, I highly recommend going with ASUS Vivobook, because it offers a great price-to-performance ratio with a lot of storage space and you can even play games with it.
Is Chromebook a good choice for homeschool?
Yes, Chromebook is a good choice for homeschool if your main priority of having a laptop is for homeschooling with additional benefits of security as well as price. However, if you want to play AAA games or thinking of storing videos or photos I would recommend having a laptop for homeschool.