best computer for children's homework

The best laptop for kids in 2024: our favorite kid-friendly picks

These are our best laptop for kids picks on the market right now

One of the best laptop for kids picks against a techradar background

How we test

The best laptop for kids needs to fulfill a few important criteria. It should be easy to use, with a solid battery life, good portability, and tough enough to stand up to a few hard knocks here and there. In addition, the best laptops need to offer decent performance when it comes to web browsing, homework, and media streaming.

For a great overall performance, we recommend the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. As with many other best Chromebooks , this is a 2-in-1 model that can be used in laptop or tablet modes, making it versatile and adaptable to your child’s way of working. It’s compact, portable, and sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of the daily school or college commute.

Elsewhere, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is an ideal laptop for kids, if you happen to be shopping with a smaller budget. It may not win any prizes in the style stakes, but it has a solid performance, a decent battery life, and a robust build quality. Plus, it also offers 2-in-1 functionality.

Of course, the practical applications aren’t the only factors to consider with the best laptops for kids. As with the best student laptops , they represent more than just a work tool. For younger kids, they can be a means to stay in contact with friends and family (under supervision, of course), a gaming device, or a way to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies.

We’ve sifted through the best laptop models that fit the needs of kids, and our list below has been carefully curated to cover every base, so you can make an informed choice from these reliable options.

The best laptops for kids: our top picks

The best laptops for kids in 2024.

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 opts for an AMD APU, which utilizes the well-known Radeon graphics technology for better 3D capabilities - if you have time out of your studies to play some games from the Google Play Store! The dual-core AMD processor does offer Intel -Celeron-beating abilities, by a little at least, and so Chrome OS is going to remain more responsive.

More importantly, the Acer Spin 311 feels durable and well-made, meaning it can handle being dropped in a school backpack or thrown onto the back seat of your car. It’s highly portable and, although the screen disappoints a little by being a touch dull, perfectly usable. At just over eight hours the battery is good though not spectacular for a Chromebook, but balancing that against the great price makes this a strong choice.

Read our full Acer Chromebook Spin 311 review

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 in tent mode on a glass desk.

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook

If you're on the hunt for something super-affordable, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Flex Chromebook is an excellent choice. You can pick this model up for a little over $200 in the US now, and it's similarly cheap in most other territories. Even at its original launch price of $339, we still gave it four stars.

No, it's not going to measure up to more expensive laptops when it comes to performance, but the sturdy chassis, long battery life, and touchscreen with a 360-degree hinge for swapping into tablet mode make this the perfect first laptop for a younger child. It should survive whatever your kid throws at it - and thanks to Chrome OS's parent mode, you can rest assured that your child's digital safety is secure.

Read the full Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 review

Find the best deals on Lenovo products with our Lenovo coupon codes .

Google Pixelbook Go on a wooden desk with a glass of water.

3. Google Pixelbook Go

Google might've sadly shuttered its own laptop division so we won't be getting a new model, but you can still pick up a Pixelbook Go for a reasonable price - and it's basically the best Chromebook ever made.

When we tested it, we marveled at the super-long battery life and excellent 'Hush' keyboard, with the entire construction of the laptop feeling sturdy yet sleek. It's got a sharp 1080p webcam - perfect for virtual classes or video calls with friends - and naturally runs Chrome OS smooth as butter; the perfect union of Google's hardware and software.

Bear in mind that it's at the premium end when it comes to Chromebook pricing, so if you're on a budget, you might be better served elsewhere. That's just about our only real criticism, though: you get a lot for your money here, and Google is committed to ensuring Chrome OS remains a stable, secure, and child-friendly virtual environment for years to come.

Read our full Google Pixelbook Go review

4. Acer Aspire 5 (2022)

Chromebooks can be super-cheap, but the downside of Chrome OS is that it lacks the versatility and widespread support of Windows. If you're looking for a more conventional laptop without a high price tag, the Acer Aspire 5 is the way to go.

The Intel Core i5 processor will smoke the majority of Chromebooks around the same price point, even if it's nothing particularly impressive for a Windows laptop. With the Aspire 5's aggressive pricing though, it's great value - and you're getting plenty more, too.

The battery life is solid, and the full HD display is good for both homework and watching videos after school. There's a 720p webcam for video calls and distance learning too, and the whole design is pleasingly robust without being incredibly heavy. There aren't quite as many ports as we'd like (only one USB-C is a shame) but at this price point, it's honestly hard to argue.

Read our full Acer Aspire 5 review

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE open on a desk with a gaming mouse.

5. Acer Chromebook 516 GE

If your kid wants a machine for both schoolwork and gaming, you may want to consider a gaming Chromebook. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is our current favorite of this rare breed of laptops, providing great performance in a sleek and sturdy chassis with a truly excellent screen. You'll pay a bit more than some of the cheapest laptops on this list, but the build quality justifies the price tag - this is a machine for a slightly older kid.

Bear in mind that these 'gaming Chromebooks' still use Chrome OS, so they can't directly run games from platforms such as Steam or the Epic Games Store. Instead, you can download and play games from the Google Play Store, and use cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. These require a subscription and a good internet connection, but grant you access to a wide library of games to stream on-demand - great for indecisive kids who are always looking to play something new!

Read our full Acer Chromebook 516 GE review

MacBook Air (M1, 2020) open on a marble worksurface.

6. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Although it might've been replaced by the faster, sleeker M2 MacBook Air (2022) , the 2020 model - equipped with Apple's first-generation M1 chip - is still no slouch. A powerhouse productivity machine, the M1 MacBook Air is perfect for students no matter what level of education they're at.

Not only is it still capable of going toe-to-toe with many newer laptops in terms of performance, but the M1 model offers phenomenal battery life and the passive cooling design means that you'll never have to listen to noisy laptop fans. Back when we reviewed it, we praised the speedy performance, bright display, and comfortable keyboard - all things that hold true to this day. Oh, and it's quite a bit cheaper than the newer M2 model, too!

Read our full MacBook Air (M1, 2020) review

HP Pavilion 15 sitting atop a folder on a coffee table.

7. HP Pavilion 15

It's hardly the most exciting laptop around, but the HP Pavilion 15 is a reliable workhorse - and that's what makes it one of the best laptops for kids. It touts impressive specs (the kind you might expect from a pricier laptop) and an optional touchscreen display model, potentially a boon for kids who prefer a more tactile laptop experience.

HP Fast Charge is also a nifty inclusion, and a valuable one since in our review we did note that the battery life was a bit unimpressive. There wasn't much else to complain about though, and there's a variety of configurations available to suit your budget, though, so you won't have to spend the world to pick one of these up.

Read our full HP Pavilion 15 review

Get your next laptop for less with our HP coupon codes .

Asus TUF Dash F15 (2022) being used by a gamer at a desk.

8. Asus TUF Dash F15 (2022)

If your kid is a die-hard gamer but also needs a laptop for work as well as play, the Asus TUF Dash F15 is a sound pick. Unlike many gaming laptops, the Dash F15 doesn't bring with it an ostentatious design covered in gaudy LED lighting; just solid performance, good battery life (for a gaming laptop, anyway - it's not going to beat a MacBook), and a robust, straightforward chassis.

We only found minor niggles with it in our review, noting that the bundled Asus software was a bit finicky and that some of the ports were awkwardly positioned. It's surprisingly lightweight as gaming laptops go, not the huge powerhouse clunkers we've become accustomed to. It's also relatively affordable for the performance you're getting - though if you're hunting for something extra-cheap, you could check out the 2021 Asus TUF Dash F15 too.

To save money on Asus products, check out our Asus promo codes .

Read our full Asus TUF Dash F15 (2022) review

The best laptop for kids: FAQs

What is a good first laptop for kids.

There’s a wealth of choices when it comes to laptops for kids, with some great options from manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer. And although there’s no definitive answer here, we were impressed by the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 .

This 2-in-1 Chromebook is versatile, lightweight, portable, and has a reasonable battery life. It’s not too expensive and is powerful enough to comfortably cover any kind of junior homework assignment. Plus, if the worst comes to the worst and it gets unceremoniously dropped, it’s durable enough that it shouldn’t cause any lasting damage.

What is a good laptop for an 8-year-old?

As with the above, a suitable laptop for an eight-year-old should cover the same bases, while offering reliable security measures to protect your child while they’re web browsing.

Before buying, it’s worth checking whether your child needs access to certain software for their school work, as this will determine what type of laptop might be suitable (e.g. some software that runs on Windows won’t be supported by a laptop that runs on Chrome OS).

Beyond this, it’s a good idea to stick to more household brands that you know can be trusted, and pick a laptop capable of providing what your child needs it to do.

Should I get a Chromebook for my kid?

Chromebooks are great - they run on the super-lightweight operating system Chrome OS, which isn't as demanding on your hardware and can be set up in child safety mode to give you more control over your kid's browsing, perfect for younger users.

Chrome OS supports Android apps from the Google Play Store too, which means that if you get a Chromebook with a touchscreen it can be effectively used like a large phone or tablet.

However, it's important to note that Chromebooks aren't really for gaming (unless you get a game-streaming subscription) and Chrome OS doesn't support a lot of software that runs on Windows - of particular note here is that if your kid needs to use specific software for school, it's vital to check what operating systems it can run on.

How we test the best laptops for kids

Here at TechRadar, we believe in rigorously testing every piece of hardware that passes through our hands. If it fails to impress during testing, we'll always let you know; we won't recommend you buy any product that falls short of the performance median for its price range.

Our testing process varies from product to product, but we're always sure to run the most appropriate tests considering the target purpose of whatever we're reviewing. This means we're always sure to run plenty of gaming tests on a gaming laptop, or editing benchmarks for a desktop workstation PC. We also always examine the build quality of a product to see whether it aligns with the attached price tag.

If you want to know more about how we test and rate the computers in this guide, check out our explainer on how we test laptops and desktops to learn more.

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Christian is TechRadar’s UK-based Computing Editor. He came to us from Maximum PC magazine, where he fell in love with computer hardware and building PCs. He was a regular fixture amongst our freelance review team before making the jump to TechRadar, and can usually be found drooling over the latest high-end graphics card or gaming laptop before looking at his bank account balance and crying.

Christian is a keen campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights and the owner of a charming rescue dog named Lucy, having adopted her after he beat cancer in 2021. She keeps him fit and healthy through a combination of face-licking and long walks, and only occasionally barks at him to demand treats when he’s trying to work from home.

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The best laptops for kids: Best overall, best battery life, and more

In the market for a new laptop for your kid? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at all the options out there. You might even be asking yourself what makes for a good kid-friendly laptop? If so, don’t worry, we’re here to help.

While parents want productivity power, kids want enjoyment from their laptops. So it’s important to find a laptop with features that strike a balance between schoolwork and fun. Other important things to look out for are ease-of-use, durability, and cost. Laptops are increasingly becoming must-have tools for school and homework assignments. That’s why we’ve curated a list of affordable, well-made machines that are great for children. From Chromebooks to Windows laptops, these are the best picks for kids.

If none of these options catch your eye, you can check out our other best pick articles for more options. If you’re a fan of Google’s Chrome OS, check out the best Chromebooks , or if your kid is a gamer, see our roundup of the best gaming laptops under $1,000 .

Also, it’s back to school season so be sure to keep an eye on our roundups of the best back to school deals and best laptop deals , which are updated daily to help you score a great discount.

Updated 07/28/2023: To include the Acer Aspire 3 as our new choice for best overall. Read our summary below to learn more about this excellent affordable new pick that’s perfect for kids.

Acer Aspire 3 – Best overall

Spacious keyboard with number pad
Solid video playback performance
Decent business app performance
Workday-long battery life
Poor gaming graphics performance
Basic 1080p display
Small 128GB storage drive

The Acer Aspire 3 is a good option for most kids, as it ticks a lot of boxes. It’s robust, inexpensive, and performance is fast enough for everyday tasks like writing assignments and browsing the web. The full-size keyboard has a spacious layout as well, which is perfect for longer typing sessions. While that’s all well and good, the internal components are really what makes this laptop a good buy.

Under the hood this laptop is packing an Ryzen 3 7320U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of PCIe SSD storage. The processor has four cores and eight threads. A CPU with multiple cores generally means more reliable performance. Granted, aesthetically it’s a bit boring. But this laptop clearly favors function over attractive aesthetics—it’s one of the sturdiest budget laptops we’ve ever tested. All in all, we feel as though the pros far outweigh the cons. The Aspire 3 should suit the needs of your kid perfectly and it’s worth every penny.

Acer Swift 3 SF316-51 – Best display

Solid chassis and build quality
Large, attractive 16-inch 1080p screen
Enjoyable keyboard and touchpad
USB-C with charging and DisplayPort
Webcam, microphone, and speakers don’t impress
Intel processor falls behind AMD alternatives
Disappointing battery life
Lots of bloatware

If you’re looking for a huge screen at an affordable price point, the Acer Swift 3 is well worth considering. According to our reviewer, the 16-inch 1080p display offers “rich, lifelike color.” Will your kid care about the vibrant picture? Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, a big screen is useful for productivity tasks like writing papers and scrolling through documents. While the screen is the main headliner, the specs are surprisingly impressive for the price.

The Swift features an Intel Core i7-11370H processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of PCIe SSD storage. This is a good value for a sub-$800 Windows laptop. The keyboard is also enjoyable to use and the chassis feels durable. Despite the large screen, the Swift is rather slim, making it a good laptop for travel. That said, battery life is mediocre and there’s lots of bloatware. If you can live with those flaws, then this is a lovely laptop with solid specs.

Acer Chromebook Spin 713 – Best battery life

Strong performance
Good build quality
Nice selection of ports
Beautiful display
Solid battery life
No privacy shutter on the webcam
Boring design
Fan noise is a bit loud

If you’re looking for phenomenal battery life, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a fantastic option. When we ran our battery benchmark, which cycles through videos and various tasks, the laptop lasted 14 hours on a single charge. In other words, your child doesn’t need to worry about plugging in during the school day. The Spin is also a convertible, which makes it really versatile. You can prop it up like a painter’s easel for watching videos or swing the screen around and use it like a tablet. The build is rather robust as well. There was hardly any flex in the keyboard tray.

Thanks to the internal components, the Spin delivers relatively zippy performance. It’s rocking an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of PCIe SSD storage. The port selection isn’t too shabby, either. You’re getting USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. There are a few trade-offs to be aware of, though. Fan noise can be loud under heavier loads and there’s no physical privacy shutter on the webcam. However, those issues are relatively minor. Overall, the Spin is a decent laptop that performs well and offers outstanding battery life.

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 – Best keyboard

Attractive design
Punchy audio
Excellent keyboard
Mediocre performance
Subpar battery life

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 has a lot to offer, but its standout feature is its keyboard. Our tester liked the “crisp and taught” feel of the keys. There’s even a decent amount of space around the palm rests, which makes for a more comfortable typing experience. The port selection is a solid combination of old and new. It has two USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, a 3.5mm combo jack, and a microSD card reader. There’s zero need for an adapter, which is always a plus.

Performance is somewhat mediocre, though. The Flex 5 comes equipped with an Intel Pentium Gold 7505 processor, 4GB of DDR4 RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage. While the processor is fine, the RAM and storage are on the lighter side. Our tester noticed a slowdown in performance when he opened up multiple tabs. However, as long as you’re using the cloud and aren’t running anything too intensive or demanding, the Flex 5 is a decent choice.

How we tested

The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop beyond its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests. It wouldn’t be fair or possible to run the same kinds of tests on a Chromebook because they’re Chrome OS-based machines. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each test and the reasons why we run them.

Windows laptops

PCMark 10 : The PCMark 10 benchmark is how we determine how well the laptop handles general use tasks like web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, streaming, and so on. It’s a way to simulate everyday use.
HandBrake : HandBrake is more intensive than PCMark 10. It measures how long a laptop’s CPU takes to encode a beefy 30GB file.
Cinebench : Cinebench is a brief stress test of the CPU cores. It renders a 2D scene over a short period of time.
3DMark : 3DMark checks if 3D performance remains consistent over time by running graphic-intensive clips. This is how we test our array of gaming laptops.
Video rundown test : To gauge battery life, we loop a 4K video using Windows 10’s Movies & TV app until the laptop dies. If you’re a regular traveler, you’ll want a battery that can last longer than a full school day.

Chromebooks

CrXPRT 2 : The CrXPRT 2 benchmark tests a Chromebook’s battery life.
Speedometer 2.0 : This test determines a Chromebook’s web browser performance. It simulates this by adding, completing, and removing a to-do list.
Basemark Web 3.0 : This benchmark gauges how well a Chromebook can handle web-based applications.
Kraken 1.1 : Kraken 1.1 is a JavaScript performance benchmark.
Jetstream 2 : Jetstream 2 is a combination of WebAssembly and JavaScript benchmarks. This is how we gauge how well a Chromebook runs advanced workloads.

What sort of specs should I go for?

Finding the right laptop for your kid can be a daunting task. If your child is younger or tends to be more accident-prone, do you go for something cheap? What about security concerns? If you’re not sure where to start, don’t sweat it. We’ve put together a couple of quick tips for worried parents. Check out the info below.

If you plan on getting a Windows laptop for school, all you really need are the basics. An Intel Core i3 processor is fine for general-use tasks like surfing the web, writing papers, making presentations, and so on. A discrete graphics card isn’t totally necessary unless your kid likes to play Minecraft or some such. If you’ve got a budding gamer on your hands, we recommend an Nvidia RTX 3060 or 3050 Ti, as they’re relatively affordable.

For RAM, 8GB will keep things nice and zippy. As for storage options, 256GB is a good minimum, especially if your child doesn’t have a ton of stored photos. Go for an SSD (solid state drive) if you can, as they’re faster and quieter than hard drives.

If you’re in the market for a Chromebook, shoot for a mid-range one if you can. Within the $400 to $600 range you’re likely to find Intel Pentium processors, which deliver better browser performance and are capable of running more intensive gaming apps. We’d suggest at least 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. You don’t need a ton of storage space, as you’ll be storing most of your work in the cloud.

What about battery life?

If you’re buying a laptop for school, battery life is absolutely vital, as your kid is going to be taking this thing from class to class. A laptop that lasts anywhere from 10 to 12 hours on a single charge is a good baseline. That’s a good deal more than a full school day. Chromebooks in particular are known for having fantastic battery life, as they’re low-powered machines.

Should I spring for a Chromebook or a Windows laptop?

A Chromebook is a great fit for most kids , especially if you have any security concerns. They’re durable, affordable, and largely virus-free. The downside is that they exclusively run Chrome OS. If you have an older child, a Windows laptop might be a better option. Windows can run just about any app or browser. However, that kind of flexibility comes at a price. Windows laptops tend to be more expensive than Chromebooks (but not always!).

What is the difference between a budget laptop and a tablet?

The line between laptop and tablet blurs more and more as companies integrate the features of both into their devices. As of now there are still a few key distinctions between the two. Laptops are larger, have more storage, and generally pack better performance and productivity features. Tablets on the other hand are smaller and more portable, tend to have longer battery life, and are typically cheaper.

You should first ask yourself what the primary use of the device will be when choosing between a budget laptop and a tablet. Is productivity and storage the most important to you? Then a laptop—even a budget model—will be your best bet. Or do you need something that is portable and has a long battery life? Then a tablet is the way to go.

Electronics

Which Computer Should You Buy for Your Kid?

By Kimber Streams

Kimber Streams is a writer who has been covering laptops and other tech at Wirecutter for more than a decade. They once built a fort out of keyboards.

Shopping for a computer for your kid is stressful. If you have a student at home who needs access to a computer of their own—for fun or because their school doesn't provide one, or both—it can be tough to figure out which option best fits your budget.

We’ve rounded up all our advice on how to find a computer for your child that doesn’t suck—and doesn’t cost a fortune. In addition to recommendations for the best laptops, we also have advice on an array of alternatives, such as how to refresh an old computer, how to buy a used one, and how to shop for a desktop instead of a laptop.

Reuse what you already have

The cheapest (and fastest) option for your kid is to refresh an old computer you’re not using anymore. The newer the computer you’re trying to revive, the easier it will be to reuse that machine, but even eight- or nine-year-old computers can still be useful for basic tasks. Check out our guide for instructions on how to revive an old Windows computer or turn it into a Chromebook, and how to reset an old Mac or iPad.

Buy a used computer

You can also save money by shopping for a used laptop or desktop that can do most of the same stuff a new one can. Computers don’t improve as quickly as they did a decade or so ago, and for the things kids need a computer for—web browsing, schoolwork, Zoom video calls, and basic games like Minecraft —a used PC from a few years ago won’t feel that different from a brand-new one. But you have to make sure you’re buying a decent laptop or desktop, in good condition, from a reliable seller. And we have all the advice to help you do that.

Choose a new laptop

If you’re shopping for a laptop for a grade-school or middle-school student, you should get a Chromebook, a cheap Windows laptop, or even an iPad with a keyboard. We explain the upsides and downsides of all those options (and have recommendations for each category) in our guide to the best laptops under $500.

High-school and college students likely need a more powerful, more portable laptop to complete their coursework, but budget remains a concern for students and parents alike. We round up the best Windows ultrabooks and MacBooks—and explain how they stack up against cheaper Chromebooks, Windows laptops, and iPads—in our guide to the best laptops for college students.

If your kid needs something more specific that we haven’t covered here—maybe you need a laptop that can play more demanding games, for instance, or one for a photography or film student—head over to our guide to the best laptops.

Consider a desktop

Instead of buying another laptop, one Wirecutter writer bought her 9-year-old son a cheap desktop . It has already inspired him to learn more about computers—if only to make his Minecraft experience better.

If you have the space , a desktop is worth considering. You’ll need a monitor and a webcam to go with it, but an entry-level desktop PC is inexpensive, fast enough for the things most people do on a computer, and easier to repair and upgrade than most laptops. To learn what to look for in a desktop PC—whether you need one just for schoolwork or for games too—check out our guide on how to shop for an inexpensive desktop .

Meet your guide

Kimber Streams

Kimber Streams is a senior staff writer and has been covering laptops, gaming gear, keyboards, storage, and more for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time they’ve tested hundreds of laptops and thousands of peripherals, and built way too many mechanical keyboards for their personal collection.

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The best laptops for kids, tested and selected by experts

A woman and her kids using the Acer Chromebook 317 while sitting at a desk.

We live in a world in which some sort of computing device is necessary for nearly everyone, including kids. It can be particularly difficult to nail down the best laptops for kids, as the best laptops in general can seem like overkill but you still want to ensure you’re getting a laptop that helps your kids learn, share, play, and grow. This is why we’ve rounded up some of the best laptops for kids. Reading onward you’ll find selections that include laptops for kids that prefer a touchscreen and for kids that prefer a MacBook, as well as our favorite laptop for kids if you’re shopping on a budget.

The best laptops for kids

Best laptop for kids overall —
Best Chromebook for kids —
Best 2-in-1 laptop for kids —
Best Apple laptop for kids —
Best budget laptop for kids —

How to choose a laptop for kids

Nailing down the right laptop for kids might be a little easier than you think. Kids don’t necessarily have varying needs when it comes to a laptop, whereas adults often have specific hardware components necessary for specific use cases. Kids, however, mostly need something they can interact with that also holds up well during a drop or toss here and there. Things like durability and form factor are the most important things to think about when shopping for the best laptop for kids.

It’s no secret kids can have a tendency to play a little rough with tech. It’s a little more difficult to find rugged cases for a laptop like you can find for phones and tablets, so you’ll want to be sure to get a laptop with some decent build quality.

Price point

Price point may not be the most important thing to every shopper, but it should be a consideration when shopping for a laptop for kids. Remember kids do have a tendency to break things, and while you can find a laptop with good build quality and stick it in a protective case, there will always be some likelihood you’ll have to replace it.

Additionally, tech can outgrow itself as quickly as kids outgrow their clothes, with new generations of processors and other hardware always around the corner. So if you don’t plan on splurging on a well-spec’d laptop that has some future-proofing to it, it’s okay to dial down the budget and get something more affordable you plan to replace in a few years.

Form factor

Kids will be using a laptop for all sorts of things, from gaming to education to playing on social media. Something to consider here is what size laptop will be best. The touchscreen of a 2-in-1 tablet may be best for when your kids want to do something creative, while a smaller Chromebook may be good if they’re needing to lug it around school all day long.

How we chose these laptops for kids

After years of writing about, talking about, and researching tech, we’ve learned our way around the laptop aisle. We’ve taken that expertise and applied it to the things we think are most important when considering the best laptop for kids. There are virtually unlimited laptop options when it comes to performance, size, brands, and budget. But in this case the point of a laptop is to facilitate the digital day of a child. We’ve narrowed down the options with that in mind, and with a general effort to make things easy on parents’ wallets.

Acer Aspire 3

Best laptop for kids overall.


Great value	Large body
Windows 11 pre-installed
Full HD display
Slim and light

The Acer Aspire 3 is the best laptop for kids simply because it offers great across the board value. It comes in at a price point that competes with many of the best budget laptops yet still has some decent baseline specs. These include 8GB of RAM that will support all of your kids’ favorite apps, and 128GB of solid state storage that will store them. It comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, as well as a 15.6-inch Full HD display. This is a laptop that’s good for doing homework, watching movies, and even playing some games. It does have a wide body to house the display, but it’s also slim and lightweight, so it should remain easy to carry around in a backpack.

OS	Windows 11
RAM	8GB, 16GB
Internal storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB solid state

Dell Chromebook 11

Best chromebook for kids.


Tough and durable	Low resolution display
Super affordable
Long battery life

If you’re looking for simplicity, a Chromebook may just be the best laptop for your kids. A Chromebook intentionally brings some limitations to the table so you won’t have to pay for hardware and software you don’t necessarily need. This can come in handy when shopping for the best laptop for kids.

The Dell Chromebook 11 isn’t just the best Chromebook for kids, it’s also a Chromebook made with kids specifically in mind. It’s tough, durable, and incredibly affordable. It has minimal specs, but enough to power your kids through games, movies, and homework. And where it saves on specs it benefits in battery life, reaching up to 14 hours on a single charge. This alone makes the Dell Chromebook 11 a good companion when traveling or on boring summer days.

OS	Chrome OS
Display	11.6-inch HD 720p
Battery life	Up to 14 hours

Lenovo Yoga 6

Best 2-in-1 laptop for kids.


2-in-1 functionality	Average battery life
Touchscreen display	No stylus included
Ultimate portability

If you have a kid in the house who likes to get creative on the computer, a 2-in-1 laptop may be the best option for them. A 2-in-1 laptop offers the touchscreen functionality of a tablet, yet it can still take the form of a laptop for more traditional use. Lenovo is almost always considered one of the best laptop brands , and its Yoga lineup is one of the reasons why. The Lenovo Yoga 6 is our choice for the best 2-in-1laptop for kids because it comes in at a good size in 13-inches, offers all the performance capability a kid could need, and still manages a decent price point. You’ll get Windows 11 pre-installed with this 2-in-1 laptop, and a thin, light frame that makes the Yoga 6 super portable and easy to take anywhere.

OS	Windows 11 Home 64
Display	13.3-inch Full HD 1080p touchscreen

Apple MacBook Air M1

Best apple laptop for kids.


Access to Apple software	Aging design
Super powerful
Impressive battery life

There are newer MacBooks out there, including the Apple MacBook Air M2 , but it may be difficult to send a kid out into the world with a laptop at its price point. But if your kid enjoys the Apple brand or makes good use of Apple’s fun and intuitive software, the Apple MacBook Air M1 is the laptop for them. It’s been around for a few years now, which works both against and for it. Its age brings its price down quite a bit, but it also has an aging design. The internals of the MacBook Air M1 will be plenty for any kid, however. It’s powered by Apple’s M1 processor, which still holds up well with today’s software. It also has a fanless design, and with fewer moving parts it can withstand some of the bumps that will come from a kid carrying it around.

OS	Mac OS
Display	13.3-inch Retina
Battery life	Up to 18 hours

HP 14-inch Chromebook

Best budget laptop for kids.


14-inch display	Limited performance
HD webcam	Limited storage
Super affordable

The most affordable laptop in our selections for the best laptops for kids is the HP 14-inch Chromebook. Like all of the best Chromebooks , it holds back a little when it comes to hardware and software so you don’t have to pay for anything you aren’t going to use. This can be especially beneficial if you’re looking to land a laptop for a younger child.

The base processor and RAM selections aren’t much to brag about, but they’ll get things done for most kids. Where the HP 14-inch Chromebook sets itself apart from other budget options is its display. It comes in at 14 inches, which is on the larger end for a Chromebook. It also has an HD webcam kids can use to chat with their friends. Storage is in short supply with this laptop, coming in at just 32GB. The operating system is going to eat up a little bit of that, so be sure your kid won’t need to load the HP 14-inch Chromebook up with apps if you decide to go the budget route.

OS	Chrome OS
Display	14-inch HD 720p
Internal storage	32GB eMMC

This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.

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Mark has been a geek since MS-DOS gave way to Windows and the PalmPilot was a thing. He’s translated his love for technology into a marketing, consulting, and freelance writing career aimed at helping people use technology to enhance their lives. At Digital Trends, he reviews laptops and desktops, including the latest from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and more, and writes news and easy to understand how-to articles about the computing industry as a whole.

When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading and watching science fiction, taking photos with his family, and obsessing over Indiana University basketball.

Laptop Reviews

Best Budget Laptops Best 2-in-1 Laptops Best Business Laptops Best Laptops Under $1,000

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 combines the best of Chromebook deals and 2-in-1 laptop deals in a powerful device that will help boost the productivity of students. It's an excellent choice if you're looking to equip your child for the new school year, especially since it's on sale from Best Buy with a $150 discount that brings its price down to $550 from its original price of $700. There's no telling when the offer expires or until how long stocks will last though, so if you want to take advantage of this bargain, you need to complete your purchase right now.

Why you should buy the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is powered by Google's Chrome OS, which is what gives Chromebooks their name. It's essentially a reworked version of the Google Chrome browser that functions as an operating system, which heavily depends on web-based apps. This results is low overhead, enabling quick startups and snappy performance even with low-end hardware. However, that's not the case with the Acer Chromebook Spin 714, as it's powered by the 13th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 8GB of RAM. The Chromebook also comes with a 256GB SSD for ample storage space for all of the files that will be accumulated over the school year.

HP has a truly massive variety of laptops that you can pick up, and since it's one of the best laptop brands on the market, you can find some excellent options if you're thinking of going with HP. So, if you're looking to snag anything from gaming laptops to larger 17-inch laptops for the big screen, you can probably find a laptop in HP's collection. Even better, HP is constantly running a lot of deals, so while things like gaming laptops tend to be expensive, we've gone out and found some of the best deals we could across the board. And if you're looking more specifically for a general-use laptop, then you may want to check out our roundup of the best HP Envy deals.

Alternatively, if you can't find quite what you're looking for below, be sure to check out these other great laptop deals and gaming laptop deals as well. HP Laptop 17z -- $250, was $520

For one of the best value laptop deals around, take a look at what Dell has to offer. Right now, you can buy a Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 laptop for $480 meaning you’re saving $250 off the regular price of $730. It's a great system for anyone who can't decide between buying a tablet or a laptop, as you get the benefits of both. One of the better 2-in-1 laptop deals around for students heading back to class, we’re here to tell you all about it before you commit to the buy button. Grab a seat, preferably a comfy one, take a seat, and let's get started.

Why you should buy the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 laptop Dell is one of the best laptop brands for pretty much everyone. It makes powerful high-end laptops along with more budget-friendly models for students like the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1. With this particular model, you get an AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS processor, 8GB of memory, and 512GB of SSD storage. The memory is a little on the low side but it’s fine for most students’ needs.

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The Best Laptops For Kids That Promote Education And Entertainment

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Figuring out the best laptops for kids is a tricky task with needs ranging from schoolwork to gaming. It’s not just how a laptop will be used either. Is a laptop or tablet a better form factor for a child? Despite the evolution that computing form factors have taken over the years, I think it’s hard to beat a hardware keyboard attached to a screen.

The best laptops for kids can be used for school work, gaming and more.

I talked to elementary school principal Ray DeVore in Chula Vista, California about how laptops have remained important for kids in school. “We have utilized laptops for all students in grades transitional Kindergarten through 6 for the past four years at my site for online research, document and presentation creation and sharing, accessing Microsoft 365 or Google Classroom accounts and technology accelerators, virtual meetings and collaborative student activities,” says DeVore. “Laptops have supported all these uses seamlessly.”

Despite the helpful nature of a hardware keyboard, DeVore did point out the benefit of a laptop including a touchscreen too, especially for younger kids. “This allows students to navigate through app selection and the sign-in process as if it were a tablet, especially as they are in the process of learning how to use the touchpad mouse.”

From selling computers in a retail store nearly 20 years ago to covering technology for top publications for the last decade, I’ve seen a radical boost in capabilities for laptops, but by in large the devices have remained very familiar over time. The same things that are important to adults are generally important to kids too. Quick operation of common tasks, responsive input methods and battery life that lasts as long as possible. I tried to keep all those things in mind for these picks below while choosing the best laptops for kids. If you’re prepping for back to school, you may also want to check out the best headphones for kids and the best backpacks for kids .

Best Laptop For Kids Overall : Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook
Best Value Laptop For Kids : Asus Vivobook 14
Best Chromebook Laptop For Kids : Acer Chromebook 314
Best Mac Laptop For Kids : MacBook Air With M1
Best Convertible 2-In-1 Laptop For Kids : Lenovo Yoga 6
Best Windows Laptop For Kids : Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Best Gaming Laptop For Kids : Asus ROG Zephyrus (15.6-Inch)

Best Laptop For Kids Overall

A flexible laptop for now and later, lenovo ideapad duet 3 chromebook.

I’m a writer and parent from Southern California who is an early adopter for all kinds of consumer electrics. I began writing professionally in 2013 for Fast Company and have contributed extensively to Newsweek, PCMag, Wired, HowToGeek and many more over the years. Outside of writing, I took up running daily during the 2020 lockdowns and haven’t been able to quit since.

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The best operating system for a kids’ laptop may be up for debate, but most kids will be familiar with Google’s Chrome OS in one form or another. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook satisfies a lot of needs but also a lot of real-world uses that kids put their computers through.

This laptop has a detachable keyboard so it can be used in tablet mode while watching videos or doing a video call. Its kickstand also functions as protection on the backside of the unit. This laptop is also one of the lighter models available (just over a pound) and should get plenty of battery life to keep going.

I think that for the $379 price I’ve seen this laptop sell for, it’s a solid value and should work for a wide variety of needs. Even if it does outgrow its usefulness at school after a few years it may have an even longer life as a Netflix streaming tablet.

Best Value Laptop For Kids

More power at a lower cost, asus vivobook 14.

The Asus Vivobook 14 laptop is made extra affordable when on sale, coming in under $300, which makes it a great value for a laptop for kids. It doesn’t have a touchscreen or a convertible form factor, but those trade-offs are balanced with a little bit better power than you tend to find at a low price. The 14-inch Vivobook has an Intel Core 11th Gen i3 processor that should be able to handle basic programming and creative programs, such as sound and image editing. Its 8GB of ram and 128GB of storage are also decent starting points.

This laptop stretches the screen to be a little bigger than 13 inches but remains more portable than a 15-inch model. It’s a great option for kids who are interested in trying out some more tasks that can require more power, like programming and photo or audio editing, but aren’t sure they want to commit to a more expensive device quite yet.

Best Chromebook Laptop For Kids

An all-around solid chromebook, acer chromebook 314.

There are plenty of Chromebook options on the market and frankly, a lot of them work great. Although no brand is without its faults or lemon, I have generally found Acer laptops with Chrome OS installed to have a good feel and function to them.

Google’s Chrome operating system doesn’t prioritize local apps or storage so nearly everything runs in a (Chrome) browser window. This is why a lot of Chromebooks have low amounts of hard drive storage space. The OS is also much lighter weight than Windows or macOS so it performs faster with less ram, including quick start-up times.

The Acer Chromebook 314 includes a touchscreen and plenty of ports that can either be used for charging or connecting storage drives for moving or backing up data. Best of all, it should have a long battery life for plenty of usage throughout the day.

Best Mac Laptop For Kids

Get durability and longevity from a macbook, macbook air with m1 chip.

Since Apple’s MacBooks tend to come with a higher cost, most students avoid them until college. There are some benefits to kids using an Apple laptop sooner, however. Kids interested in developing iPhone and iPad apps need to do so with programs on a Mac.

Additionally, with all M-series processors, iPad and iPhone apps can run directly on Macs. That means the educational apps used on those devices can also potentially be used natively on a Mac laptop as well. Of course, there’s also the hardware durability factor as well. Apple’s computers tend to have longer lifespans because of the metal enclosures and well-regarded quality of the components used—the benefit side of their higher prices.

Apple does offer student discounts directly through its educational store which could help ease the cost of a laptop, even if just slightly.

Best Convertible 2-In-1 Laptop For Kids

Bend it and spin it around, lenovo yoga 6.

Lenovo was one of the first laptop manufacturers to dive into the convertible space with its line of Yoga computers. The term convertible generally refers to a laptop screen being able to fold completely flat and act as a tablet when you don’t need its keyboard. The Lenovo Yoga 6 is able to fold in different directions to serve multiple purposes at various times of the day.

For example, after schoolwork is done, a child may want to use the laptop to stream a show. The Yoga 6 laptop can be angled so only the screen is shown and everything else is out of the way.

While the Yoga 6 laptop is on the pricier side, it does have specs that gravitate toward the midrange more than the entry-level. Plus, I have seen it dip pretty low when on sale, including down to $500 earlier this year.

Best Windows Laptop For Kids

Microsoft makes a great windows laptop, microsoft surface laptop go 2.

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the company that created the Windows operating system also makes a great laptop for it to run on. The Surface Laptop Go 2 is largely aimed at the education market and to appease people shopping at a more entry-level price point.

The Surface Laptop Go 2 still has a host of competitive features and things that make it worth considering like a powerful Intel i5 processor with a portable 12.4-inch touchscreen.

Laptops regularly overstate their battery life so the Surface Laptop Go 2’s advertised span of up to 13.5 hours is under extremely ideal conditions. It should still get hours and hours of usage time before you need to find an electrical outlet. Plus, when you do need to charge the computer it can go from 0 to 80% by plugging it in for just over an hour. There’s a fingerprint sensor for logging in and a full-sized keyboard for easier typing.

Best Gaming Laptop For Kids

Power to play games, asus rog zephyrus (15.6-inch).

Gaming laptops don’t come cheap, but the Asus ROG Zephyrus (specific model: GA503RM-G15.R93060) is a good compromise between price and performance. Most notably, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics processor is capable of running games at peak settings. The AMD Ryzen 9 6000 Series (6900HS) system processor isn’t a slouch either.

It’s not just the raw specs of this computer that make it great for gaming, it’s the nuances of those specs. For example, the 16GB of ram is split into two 8GB dual-channel 4800MHz DDR5 modules. This keeps tasks moving quickly between destinations. Wireless connectivity is Wi-Fi 6E, the USB-C ports are 3.2 Gen 2 and a gigabit ethernet port, among other things.

The laptop comes with a 90WHrs, 4-cell Li-ion battery, but Asus doesn’t quote a specific battery life estimate. That’s likely because gaming at full power could drain the battery incredibly quick. ASUS does provide software that can temper the laptop’s power for more balanced battery efficiency. The quoted battery life spec above is based on customer reviews answering how long their battery life could be. As with all gaming laptops, expect to be near an outlet when playing.

The Best Headphones For Kids Of All Ages To Keep Little Ears Safe

The best gps trackers for kids to give you peace of mind, why trust forbes vetted.

I’ve written about technology and consumer products professionally for over a decade. Not only have I spent a number of years personally reviewing and evaluating products, but I’ve also worked at tech companies and in the retail space, and understand the intricacies that go into decisions behind the scenes. Being a parent for as long as I’ve been a professional writer has deeply informed my work curating the best and safest products for kids.

Forbes Vetted also has deep experience testing and reviewing both tech and baby and kids gear, from TVs to crib mattresses . We drew on the expertise of our editors in these categories as well as our overall experience with the brands and organizations in these arenas to produce this story.

How We Chose The Best Laptops For Kids

For this guide, I leaned on my excessive knowledge of the personal computing market to reach these product recommendations as well as talked to local parents and teachers to hear real-world anecdotal information. I also reached out to several elementary school employees to hear about their experiences with laptops for kids.

Since most name-brand laptops are sold with decent features and specifications, the most important consideration for younger kids is probably price. After cost, I considered a screen’s size and speed that will come into play while actually creating presentations or writing documents. While a 15.6-inch screen provides a little more space it also makes the laptop bigger and heavier and that might not be the best for smaller hands.

What's The Best Laptop For A Kid?

The best laptop for a child will be one they can use do to the activities they need to do. If the laptop is for schoolwork, you’ll want to make sure the applications required are compatible with the laptop’s operating system. All of the laptops listed above will be able to handle video calls and create text documents, but if they are programming or editing content, you’ll want to focus on computers that are suited to those tasks.

Of course, Carlo Gucilatar, a computer support tech at an elementary school district in San Diego confirmed that, “students aren’t very careful with devices and so spending a ton of money for a student laptop isn’t ideal.”

What Should A Kid’s Laptop Have?

I’ve heard from plenty of people within elementary-aged education that touchscreens are a worthy feature to consider, even if touching the screen isn’t planned. Sometimes kids born into the touchscreen era just need to reach out and tap a button, rather than using the trackpad.

Should I Get My 7-Year-Old A Laptop?

A lot of schools issue students laptops or tablets to do their digital work. If a child doesn’t need to do work on a computer beyond school-related tasks, then there’s no reason to purchase a personal laptop for them. Modern laptops with Windows, macOS or Chrome OS do offer at least basic built-in parental controls, but you’ll still likely want to monitor their personal usage for digital safety.

What Is A Good Starter Laptop For A 10-Year-Old?

By 10 years old, a lot of kids have had years of access to laptops at school. Beyond price, you’ll really want to ask them what they want to use a laptop for. Gaming and editing videos will require more powerful devices to keep up with those tasks. If they will be using a laptop for more casual things, then nearly any name-brand laptop will serve as a good starter option.

Best laptops for kids in 2022

Start your kids' laptop life off right with one of these great options

The best laptop for kids may seem ridiculous at first. Does a kid need a laptop? Won't a hand-me-down tablet or smartphone be good enough for their digital needs? The reality is that computers are part of the curriculum for virtually every age group and familiarity with a laptop can be a real advantage.

The best laptop for kids presents some unique challenges due to their potentially less careful handling of the laptop. That caused us to weigh durability a little more heavily than for most and ideally, it won't be too expensive in case anything happens to it. For slightly older children or those that are abundantly careful, those are less relevant, so we aren't eliminating all laptops that don't fit those criteria.

Regardless of your child's needs after hours of researching and reviewing these laptops, we are sure that one will be the right fit — after you make one big choice.

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That one big decision is the operating system (OS) and, in most cases, you should probably go with Chrome OS . Google’s OS is easy to use, secure, and the most popular choice in schools today, so it should be familiar to kids and will help them to further excel in class. Modern Chromebooks , including those we have selected here also support Android apps and feature touchscreens, expanding the capabilities of these laptops and making them easier for kids to use.

There are certainly some limitations to Chrome OS, for example, high-end gaming and video production are two categories that aren’t well served, still, a Chromebook is a great fit for most kids.

If you have a gamer on your hands or your child is interested in some more intensive tasks that require specific software, like videography, game development, music creation, or things along these lines, then Windows 11 or macOS laptops are going to be the better fit. For younger kids, these operating systems will typically be more than they need, but for older kids or teenagers who have started to explore these topics in school already, it can be worth it. In virtually all cases, we would recommend Windows 11 over macOS at this stage as there simply aren’t any truly affordable macOS laptops. And with the exception of app development for iOS or macOS, there is nothing that cannot be achieved on either OS.

Once you have determined which OS is right for your child the hard work is over. Here are the best laptops for kids based on our reviews — each of these is an excellent option for your child.

More: How to Set Screen Time for Kids on a Windows 10

1. Acer Chromebook C933T

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Acer is the top seller of Chromebooks worldwide and that includes both high-end and more affordable models like the Chromebook C933T. While its boxy design may not stand out; the affordable price, solid display and excellent performance in this class will.

The speakers are sufficient for listening to classroom videos, but a headphone jack is available if they need a more immersive audio experience or Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless headphones . Other ports include two USB-Type-C and two USB 3.1 Type-A. The Acer Chromebook C933T managed 10 hours and 10 minutes in our continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi battery testing, which is a couple of hours beyond the category average.

The one disappointment with the Acer Chromebook C933T is that it lacks a touchscreen, this makes it less suited for younger students that may benefit from the tactile experience and support for Android apps. Those students should look to one of our other options including the slightly pricier Acer Chromebook Spin 713 .

See our full Acer Chromebook C933T-P8SM review .

2. Asus Chromebook Flip C434

The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 may at first seem expensive for a Chromebook, at over $500, but it is one of the best Chromebooks on the market. The advantage of this laptop is that it should easily stay with your kid through years of use as they will not outgrow its capabilities. The 14-inch touchscreen looks phenomenal and is an excellent match both for engrossing younger kids who are viewing more content while for older kids it allows for easy multitasking.

Support for Android apps is present and, with the more powerful Intel processor found in the Asus Chromebook Flip C434, there is no Android app or game that it won’t be able to handle. Unless your child needs some specific Windows 10 or macOS software, there simply isn’t a need to look beyond the Asus Chromebook Flip C434.

See our full Asus Chromebook Flip C434 review .

3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

If you are trying to make up your mind between getting your child a tablet or a laptop, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an excellent middle ground choice with its detachable 10.1-inch touchscreen that will be easy for small hands to use. And, in a moment, the keyboard can be reattached to return back to laptop mode.

While the other Chromebooks can fold flat, they are obviously still bulky in that position due to the keyboard. With Android app support on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, you are really getting two devices in one with a solid Android tablet and Chromebook experience. And while adults or teenagers may find the keyboard a bit cramped, elementary school kids in particular are going to find the keyboard to be exactly the right size for them.

Another bonus with the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is that, due to its tablet form factor, it features an 8MP rear camera, not something you are going to find on any other laptop. Kids love being able to snap photos and take little videos and this laptop will be miles better for those tasks than the webcam found on most notebooks. Finally, the battery life on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is second to none at roughly 13 hours in our testing.

See our full Lenovo Chromebook Duet review .

4. Google Pixelbook Go

The Google Pixelbook Go is one of the most premium Chromebooks on the market and while it's overkill for most kids, it's a great option for older children who don't need Windows or macOS. This laptop is thin and light enough to take anywhere and delivers fast performance that makes it an excellent laptop for years to come.

The battery life is similarly solid with 11 hours and 29 minutes in our testing, which should be enough to get most kids through at least a couple of days of use. The magnesium-alloy build and textured bottom of the laptop make it durable and easy to carry around.

The 13.3-inch 1080p touchscreen display on the Pixelbook Go is bright and colorful, particularly when compared to most other Chromebooks on the market. Our reviewer was disappointed with the speakers, but the headphone jack allows user to plug in when they need a better audio experience. See our full Google Pixelbook Go review .

5. HP Envy x360 13 (2020)

While the HP Envy x360 (2020) is on the pricier side when compared to most of the laptops on this list (with the exception of the MacBook Air), it would be a mistake not to include it. For older kids, this is just a flat-out exceptional laptop and a great value. That’s why you will also find it among our best 13-inch laptops and best college laptops .

The AMD 4000-series processor will run circles around any of the other laptops here, including the more expensive MacBook Air. If your kid is looking to do some light gaming or heavier content creation, like video editing on their laptop, this is going to serve them well.

Battery life is excellent at 11 hours and 52 minutes in our testing and the 13.3-inch touchscreen is bright, vivid and offers a crisp 1080p resolution. While it might not be durable enough for young kids, the aluminum construction should hold up well to the kind of occasional bumps that will still happen with older kids.

See our full HP Envy x360 13 (2020) review

6. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

If your kid has to have a MacBook due to either software needs or strong preference, then the MacBook Air is really the only logical choice. The hardware reliability with the keyboard is back up to Apple’s old standards with the move to the Magic keyboard , and the aluminum construction is as solid as ever.

While the $899 (with the education discount) starting price is outside of what we consider reasonable for a kid's laptop, with the new Apple M1 chip this laptop is worth it if you feel that macOS is the way you want to go. It outperforms most everything in its class and delivers endless battery life (14 hours and 41 minutes in our testing) which is nice for a kid that may not always remember to plug it in.

The webcam on the MacBook Air still isn't amazing, but it's a significant improvement over previous years and more important the mic and speakers are excellent so they'll be able to hear everything and be heard. See our full MacBook Air (M1, 2020) review .

Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 laying on a chair

7. Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3

The Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3 cloaks itself in the guise of a tweed-bound journal. However, lift the cover and you’ve unlocked a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that happens to include a stylus in case you did want to do some journaling.

Its small 10.5-inch detachable form factor makes it an excellent choice for students as it is equally at home as a tablet or as a laptop. This hybrid build, much like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, also means it gets a superior back camera that is ideal for capturing images for homework assignments or scanning in documents without having to use a second device.

Despite the small size, the touchscreen is bright and vibrant, making it perfect for watching content as well. Performance is the weak spot for the Chromebook Detachable CM3, but it's equal to the kind of tasks that a student will encounter running dozens of browser tabs without issue. As a consequence, the battery life is spectacular at 11 hours and 41 minutes in our testing, which should easily power a kid through days without having to worry about charging up.

See our full Acer Chromebook Detachable CM3 review

8. Acer Chromebook 715

The Acer Chromebook 715 is a premium Chromebook that offers a durable aluminum chassis packed with great performance and over 10 hours of battery life. At its original price of over $700 it was a tough sell, but now you'll find it for under $450.

Its Intel Core i5-8350U processor helped it dramatically outperform most of the Chromebooks that we test ensuring that the laptop isn't slowing your child down. Its integrated number pad is an excellent feature for kids too that may struggle with reaching for the numbers at the top of the keyboard. Though its 15.6-inch display is a little dull, it's sharp, at 1920 x 1080 and the expansive display makes it ideal for almost any task.

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Sean Riley has been covering tech professionally for over a decade now. Most of that time was as a freelancer covering varied topics including phones, wearables, tablets, smart home devices, laptops, AR, VR, mobile payments, fintech, and more. Sean is the resident mobile expert at Laptop Mag, specializing in phones and wearables, you'll find plenty of news, reviews, how-to, and opinion pieces on these subjects from him here. But Laptop Mag has also proven a perfect fit for that broad range of interests with reviews and news on the latest laptops, VR games, and computer accessories along with coverage on everything from NFTs to cybersecurity and more.

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Best laptop for kids 2023: The top child-friendly notebooks

Christian Hopewell

Whether it’s for online learning and homework or video streaming and games at the weekend, these are the best laptops for kids

Ensuring your child has one of the best laptops for kids has become increasingly important over the past couple of years.

What were once luxury items are now essential educational tools that can double up as multimedia devices capable of entertaining children of all ages.

Demand for kid-friendly laptops designed for home learning surged to an all-time high during the various national lockdowns and it remains prudent to invest in the best laptop for kids your budget allows for.

Letting your child use your device to do their homework isn’t practical for most people, so in the long run, the smart choice is to buy them their own machine. Selecting the best laptop for kids can be a tricky task, however, as you’ll want to weigh up the price against features, usability and durability.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find a buying guide detailing the key things to consider when buying a laptop for your child, followed by a list of bitesize reviews of what we deem the best laptops for kids, all of which have been tested extensively by our experts.

How to choose the best laptop for your kids

Which laptop processor is best for children?

Given your child is unlikely to be performing too many demanding tasks on their laptop, having the fastest processor (CPU) isn’t strictly necessary.

Intel’s low-powered Atom and Celeron processors will do the job just fine, but if you have the budget for an Intel Core i3 or i5 device, you’ll get improved performance. AMD’s Ryzen processors are a great alternative and are generally cheaper than their Intel counterparts.

How much RAM and storage does a laptop for kids need?

In terms of RAM, 4GB will typically suffice for most kids, though 8GB is recommended if your child plans to do a spot of gaming once the school day is done.

As far as storage is concerned, it’s important to look at both the type of storage as well as the amount on offer. It’s also really worth stretching to a laptop with a proper solid-state drive (SSD). Mechanical hard disks are much slower and their performance deteriorates over time, while eMMC flash storage is also sluggish.

Although a child’s storage needs aren’t likely to be particularly high, you should ensure your new machine has at the very least a 64GB drive, with 128GB proving a nice sweet spot in terms of space and price. That’s assuming you’re looking at Windows 10-based machines. Windows 10’s minimum installation requirement is 32GB. Other operating systems – Chrome OS, for example – have lower storage requirements.

Which laptop operating system is best for kids?

A significant proportion of laptops run Windows 10. It’s the most popular operating system around and is simple to navigate and intuitive to use, making it a good choice for children.

Some cheaper laptops run a special version of Windows called Windows 10 in S mode. This offers the familiar Windows experience but only allows you to download applications from the Microsoft Store, while web browsing must be done via Microsoft Edge. The benefits are improved security – they’re less likely to become infected with malware – and performance, since you can’t run legacy software on them. You can disable S mode at any time if you need to run non-Windows Store software but, once it’s disabled, you won’t be able to reactivate it.

Apple’s macOS is a popular choice for professionals, and the company’s range of MacBooks are among some of the best laptops around. They don’t come cheap, though, and for that reason, we wouldn’t recommend them for children unless you’re really willing to splash out. The company’s range of iPads, which run iPadOS, are a far better choice for those with budgetary constraints, particularly if your kid has an iPhone and is familiar with iOS.

Perhaps the most prudent choice of operating system for a child-friendly laptop is Google’s Chrome OS, which comes pre-installed on all Chromebooks. Chrome OS stores data and applications in the cloud rather than on your machine itself, meaning devices running it don’t require the hard drive space a Windows laptop would. Chrome OS itself has lower hardware requirements too, so you can get away with as little as 16GB, although most come with more.

The OS plays well with online applications such as Google Sheets and Google Docs, so your child will have easy access to the tools they’ll need to complete work tasks effectively. If they plan on using their laptop for play as well as work, the Google Play Store allows the installation of Android apps. It’s also possible to install Linux on a Chromebook for those more adventurous children who are interested in getting into coding. Along with ease of use, the big advantage of Chrome OS laptops is their price – they’re typically a lot cheaper than their Windows or Mac rivals.

What is the best size of laptop for kids?

If your child is going to be transporting their laptop around with them, you don’t want the device to be too heavy. Generally, laptops with larger screens will be heavier, so avoid 15.6in and 17in devices unless having more screen real estate is something your kid is desperate for. A 13in or 14in device is ideal for most children, though younger kids may be better suited to a tablet or 2-in-1 with a 10.5in display.

How we test laptops for kids

Testing a laptop that’s great for kids isn’t much different from testing a regular laptop. The main consideration here is value for money, as you’re probably not going to want to pay top dollar for a machine that’s only going to be used for email and basic homework assignments.

That means there’s a mix of both Chromebooks and regular laptops on this page and we test those in slightly different ways. Still, the aims and core focuses of these tests are the same as for all laptops.

We use every machine to assess ergonomics and usability and we also benchmark each machine so we have data for objective comparison across different models.

For MacOS and Windows laptops we test performance using a selection of different software tools, both in-house and third party. For Chromebooks, we run a selection of browser based tests.

For both types of machines, we test storage speed, recording sequential transfer speeds, we measure a laptop’s display capabilities using an X-Rite colorimeter and we benchmark battery life, too, setting the screen brightness to a predetermined level and putting the laptop in flight mode.

READ NEXT: The best laptop deals available online this month

The best laptop for kids you can buy in 2023

1. lenovo ideapad duet: a child and wallet-friendly 2-in-1 chromebook.

Versatile, compact and affordable, this Chromebook from Lenovo is just about everything you could want from a kid-friendly laptop. It’s a hybrid 2-in-1; a 10.1in tablet that can be transformed into a laptop with the addition of the detachable keyboard included in the price. Said keyboard is rather small for adults but ideally sized for little fingers to type away on, while the Full HD display is superb by budget Chromebook standards. It’s perfect for basic tasks, browsing the interest, playing games and watching movies – basically all of the things your child is likely to use it for.

The MediaTek processor powering it is a little slow when handling some web-based apps, but that’s to be expected at this kind of price, and outstanding battery life more than makes up for the lack of supreme performance.

Read our full Lenovo IdeaPad Duet review for more details

Key specs – Processor: MediaTek P60T; RAM: 4GB; Storage: 64GB eMCP; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 10.1in; Weight: 0.92kg

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook 10.1 Inch FHD 2-in-1 Laptop - (MediaTek P60T, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMCP, Chrome OS)

2. microsoft surface laptop go 2: best budget microsoft laptop.

The original Microsoft Surface Laptop Go occupied this slot for two years, but now there’s a new option for kids who need a bit more processing power: the Go 2. It isn’t a gigantic update, but Microsoft has made just enough tweaks to make it the best budget Microsoft laptop.

First, it’s a beautiful piece of kit: the lid and keyboard are crafted from hardy, matte-finish aluminium and it weighs just 1.1kg. Open the smooth hinge and you’ll see a keyboard that’s supremely satisfying to use and a 12.4in, 1,536 x 1,024 touchscreen display that’s crisp and accurate.

Inside, you’re getting more than enough performance grunt for everyday school tasks and streaming. It won’t conk out halfway through the school day, either, with a battery life of 9hrs 36mins in our test. That’s over two hours longer than its predecessor.

In short, there’s very little not to like about the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. Yes, it could have more ports (you’re only getting one USB-C and USB-A), but this is a beautifully made and affordable main machine for your kids that won’t let them down.

Read our Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review for more details

Key specs – Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7; RAM: 8GB; Storage: 256GB; Screen resolution: 1,536 x 1,024; Screen size: 12.5in; Weight: 1.1kg

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 Ultra-Thin 12.4” Touchscreen Laptop - Ice Blue - Intel Core i5 - 8GB RAM - 128GB SSD - Windows 11 Home - 2022 model

3. apple ipad 10.2 (2021): best laptop alternative.

In our opinion, one of the best laptops for kids is actually a tablet. Apple continually expands the capabilities of its iPads and, at this point, they truly are a viable alternative to the traditional laptop. The 10.2in variant is the cheapest in the range and is slim and lightweight, which makes it easy to take out and about, and its 12-hour plus battery life means your kids won’t constantly need to recharge it.

The model received an update in late 2021 and, although not that much changed, it’s better than ever. The A12 Bionic processor has been upgraded to the A13, the front-facing FaceTime HD camera has been improved significantly and the device now supports Apple’s True Tone colour-matching technology. Better still, it’s cheaper than the 2020 model.

With access to Apple’s extensive ecosystem of applications for work and play, downloadable TV shows and movies, as well as ebooks, the 10.2in iPad pretty much does it all. However, if you want your child to be able to use it as a real laptop replacement, you’re going to have to fork out extra for a keyboard. Apple’s own Smart Keyboard cover costs £169; alternatively, Logitech’s Slim Folio will set you back an extra £110.

Read our full Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) review for more details

Key specs – Processor: Six-core A13 Bionic; RAM: 2GB; Storage: 32GB SSD; Screen resolution: 2,160 x 1,620; Screen size: 10.2in; Weight: 0.49kg

2021 Apple iPad (10.2-inch iPad, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Silver (9th Generation)

4. microsoft surface go 2: a portable windows 10 companion.

If you like the tablet form factor but and are after a Windows system, look no further. Microsoft’s own Surface Go 2 is a fully-fledged Windows 10 laptop, with access to desktop apps and Windows’ parental controls. It comes pre-supplied in S mode, which means you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store – adding an extra layer of security. But it’s easy to switch to Windows 10 Home should you want to.

For video playback it features a bright, 10.5in display, which is slightly bigger than its 10in predecessor, two side-mounted speakers, and a rear kickstand, which lets you view the display at any angle you wish. For working, the Microsoft Surface Go Typecover keyboard is a particular highlight, with decently sized back-lit keys and a large, responsive touchpad. Unfortunately, like the Apple iPad on our list, the keyboard doesn’t come as standard.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Go 2 review for more details.

Key specs – Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y or Intel Core m3-8100Y; RAM: 4GB or 8GB; Storage: 64GB or 128GB eMMC; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 10.5in; Weight: 540g

Microsoft Surface GO 2 10 Inch Tablet PC - (Silver) (Intel Core M3 - WiFi, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, Windows 10 Home in S Mode, 2020 Model)

5. microsoft surface laptop se: best laptop for schools.

The Microsoft Surface SE is a cracking budget laptop that’s well designed and a joy to use. Its 11.6in display is good enough to give far more expensive laptops a run for their money thanks to punchy contrast, matte-finish and anti-glare coating. Its dual-core, 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4020 CPU isn’t the fastest but it’s perfect for basic classroom tasks, and its comfortable keyboard confirms that.

The great shame is that, although it would make a perfect match for anyone with modest computing needs, it’s only available for purchase to those in the education sector and, even if you were to get hold of one, it requires an IT admin to install programmes and apps on it. We can still absolutely recommend this laptop to schools, however.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Laptop SE review for more details

Key specs – Processor: Dual-core, 1.1GHz Intel Celeron N4020; RAM: 4GB; Storage: 64GB of eMMC; Screen Resolution: 10.1 Full HD (1,366 x 768); Screen Size: 11.6in; Weight: 1.1 kg

Find out more at Microsoft

6. Huawei MateBook D 15 (2020): Best large-screen laptop for kids

Price when reviewed: £420 | Check price at Amazon

The 2020 iteration of the Huawei MateBook D 15 is a great choice for older kids that require a bit more screen real estate or the benefits that come from a more powerful processor. The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U CPU is very nippy, which makes performing the everyday tasks kids require a laptop for a breeze. It’s even capable of playing games at the laptop’s native 1080p resolution, though it will struggle if you try to play anything too strenuous on it. The matte 15.6in FHD display provides a large amount of screen for the money, and although colour accuracy is rather disappointing from a technical standpoint, kids are unlikely to worry too much.

At 1.53kg, the MateBook D 15 isn’t as lightweight as some of the options on this list, but the additional power it offers more than makes up for less impressive portability. Such power is very rare at such a reasonable price, making the Huawei MateBook D 15 an excellent Windows 10 laptop for tech-savvy youngsters ready for a slightly more robust device.

Read our full Huawei MateBook D 15 (2020) review for more details

Key specs – Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U; RAM: 8GB; Storage: 256GB SSD; Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen size: 15.6in; Weight: 1.53kg

Image of HUAWEI MateBook D 15 - 15.6 Inch Laptop, 1080P FHD FullView Ultrabook PC (Intel Core i3-10110U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Multi-screen Collaboration, Windows 10 Home, FREE Upgrade to Windows 11), Grey

HUAWEI MateBook D 15 - 15.6 Inch Laptop, 1080P FHD FullView Ultrabook PC (Intel Core i3-10110U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Multi-screen Collaboration, Windows 10 Home, FREE Upgrade to Windows 11), Grey

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The best laptops for kids in 2024

By Andrew Waite

Updated on Sep 19, 2023 5:20 PM EDT

10 minute read

Best for grade-schoolers

The Lenovo Convertible Chromebook C340 is the best laptop for kids.

Lenovo Chromebook C340

Best gaming laptop.

Acer Nitro 5

Best for kids on the go.

Google Pixelbook Go

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

While notebooks and pens used to top the back-to-school shopping list, now it’s arguably notebook laptops with stylus writing instruments. That’s especially true after the pandemic made remote learning a way of life. But deciding on the best laptop for kids on your shopping list can require a lot of processing. How do you know if one computer will be faster than another? Or if one will be better for watching movies and playing games (not that kids would dare think of doing so during the school day)? This guide will help parents sort through all the different options, whether you’re looking for a Microsoft Surface Go 3 or leaning toward a Google Pixelbook Go. Here’s what you need to know to find the best laptop for kids in your life.

Best for grade-schoolers: Lenovo Chromebook C340 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
Best for high school students: Microsoft Surface Go 3
Best gaming laptop: Acer Nitro 5
Best laptop for kids on the go: Google Pixelbook Go
Best budget: HP Chromebook 11A G8 Education Edition

The best laptops for kids: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re shopping for an elementary student or a young person soon headed off to college, here are the best laptops for kids, depending on their age or interests.

A Textbook Chromebook

Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Weight: 4.37 pounds
Two-in-one functionality
Large screen
All-day battery life
Heavier than some models
Some users report screen freezing

The C340 convertible Chromebook has everything elementary students need when it comes to the best laptop for school. At just over 4 pounds, the 15.6-inch screen should into any backpack. And elementary students should find it just as easy to use thanks to speedy bootup, instant integration into a Google account, 4.2 Bluetooth connectivity, and several ports—including two USB-A and two USB-C ports. The Intel Celeron N40000 processor and 4GB of memory can handily support multiple functions at once—but that’s no excuse for browsing the internet while you’re taking notes! Plus, the Chromebook has 64GB of storage, meaning you can still save some files, even when you’re offline. The HD touchscreen has a resolution of 1920×1080 and the laptop’s battery should last the entire school day. At just under $400, it’s the right price point for a device that’ll be handled daily by a grade schooler.

Best for high school students: Microsoft Surface Go 3

Screen Size: 10.5 inches
Weight: 1.18 pounds
Lightweight
Provides plenty of storage
10-hour battery life
Small screen
Some users say it’s slow

High school students have a lot going on. So, they need the best laptop that’ll work just as well for class assignments as it will for after-school multimedia projects. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is portable at just 1.2 pounds, and it’s plenty powerful, with a sufficiently fast Intel Premium Gold Processor. The 220 PPI resolution on the 10.5-inch touchscreen, supported by the Intel UHD Graphics 615 system, makes for a clear picture. And the 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage make for a whole bunch of room for those Microsoft 365 files. (Microsoft OneDrive offers additional space in the cloud). Meanwhile, up to 10 hours of battery life means the Microsoft Surface Go 3 will last from morning swim practice through after-school play rehearsal.

Weight: 5.1 pounds
Can do work and have fun with one laptop
Features powerful processor
Backlit keyboard
Some users had issue with sound quality

Featuring an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor and up to a GeForce RTX 30 Series graphic processing unit, the Acer Nitro 5 is built for game speed, making it one of the best cheap gaming laptops you can buy. Gamers can decide between full high-definition visuals at up to 144Hz1 or quad high-definition at 165Hz1, and audio comes in loud and clear through dual 2W speakers. Even with all that firepower, this gaming laptop stays cool thanks to speedy fans and quad exhaust. Don’t worry, parents; this is also one of the best laptops for gaming and school, as it’s complete with a Microsoft Windows 10 Home operating system.

Here, There, and Everywhere

Screen Size: 13.3 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Full HD display
Long battery life
Some users had issues with build quality
May be difficult to download Chrome

With a responsive 8th-Gen Intel Core Processor and nearly instant bootup that offers immediate access to your Google apps, the Google Pixelbook Go keeps you connected. At just 2 pounds and 13mm thin, and featuring a grippable rubber underside, the Chromebook is made for you to take everywhere. The battery can last up to 12 hours, and you can plug in for just 20 minutes to get two hours of life. Meanwhile, the 13.3-inch touchscreen offers a stunning 4K display, perfect for unwinding with a Netflix show once homework is done. The Google Pixelbook Go is designed to save most of your work on the cloud, but you can also find Go models with up to 256GB of storage.

Makes the Grade

Screen Size: 11.6 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Smaller screen
Less memory

Considering young people are still developing their sense of responsibility when it comes to owning devices, the best laptops for kids may very well be the most affordable laptops. Available for less than $100, this HP Chromebook is certainly inexpensive, but it’s also much more. It features an AMD A4-Series APU processor that’s ready to stream content and access online course material, as well as a clear 11.6-inch HD display. The 4GB of memory is adequate, especially for a Chromebook, but the 32GB of storage means you’ll be doing most of your savings on the cloud. At more than three pounds, the HP Chromebook is bulkier than many of the other best laptops for kids, but it’s also durable—it was tested to survive a splash of water and falling off a desk.

Features to consider when shopping for the best laptops for kids

From processors to pixels, storage space to battery life, there’s much to consider when shopping for the best laptop for kids. Here are some of the most important elements.

Processing power

The processor is the brain of the laptop, meaning it’s central to how well a device functions. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop or you like to take on many tasks at once, a processor with multiple “cores” will be helpful. You can also determine a processor’s speed by looking at its millions of instructions per second (MIPS) count. Intel makes leading processors, but other manufacturers are plenty sufficient. Read user reviews about the speed of a computer, especially when running multiple programs at once, to help determine how well a laptop’s processor actually works in the real world.

Some of the best laptops for kids offer stunningly clear 4K displays. Others, not so much. The resolution of the picture matters most if you plan to use the device to shoot and/or watch the video or handle a lot of graphics-heavy work or photo editing. If you’re strictly business, you can likely save money by buying a laptop with a lower screen resolution. The size of the display is also important because the screen size ultimately determines the laptop’s size. Bigger may be better for viewing, but it also means less portability.

Many laptops, and Chromebooks in particular, rely heavily on cloud storage over hard drive space . In an increasingly connected world, that model works fine for many people in many places. But if you want to save work and files while offline, you should look for more storage space. For reference, 32GB is on the low end, while more than 250GB is fairly ample, holding roughly 30,000 photos or songs. Note that storage is different from memory. Memory, or random access memory (RAM), is essentially your laptop’s short-term memory. RAM, which, like storage, is also expressed in GBs, tells you how well your computer can handle complex or multiple programs. A device with 8GB should run smoothly, but 4GB may be all you need.

Connectivity

By now, WiFi connectivity is standard on all of the best laptops for kids, but other types of connections are still gaining traction. Or, on the flip side, some are becoming obsolete. Laptops with Bluetooth connectivity will be able to sync to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as your phone. Meanwhile, on the soon-to-be-outdated end, an Ethernet port gives you the option of plugging into cabled internet. HDMI and USB-A ports also create options for connecting more—possibly older—devices to your laptop, as many of the best laptops for kids have already done away with all ports except USB-C .

How long can it last?

If you’re looking for the best laptop for school, long battery life is essential. You can certainly find batteries that’ll last from the first bell to the last bell on a single charge, while other devices are equipped with fast charging that provides a power boost of a couple of hours in just a few minutes.

The best laptop to buy for a 10-year-old is one that is durable, portable, and not too expensive. We chose the Lenovo Chromebook C340 Convertible Laptop for its versatility at an affordable price point. The reasonable Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is another good option for grade schoolers.

If you’re wondering whether to get your child a laptop or tablet, consider a two-in-one laptop. Such devices give you the option of typing on a keyboard when helpful, or hiding that keyboard (by folding it behind or detaching it completely) when you just want a tablet.

The best laptop for kids in college is one that is portable enough to use for notetaking in class, but well-equipped enough to handle a variety of assignments. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 could be a go-to option, much like it is for high school students. A MacBook Air would be another great choice—albeit an expensive one—as a MacBook for college is great for students who want to create detailed reports, videos, and other graphics-heavy content.

Final thoughts on the best laptops for kids

Back to school comes every year whether the kids, or parents, are ready or not. And after the pandemic-altered school years they endured, they deserve a reason to be a little extra excited this fall. Finding the best laptop for kids in your life could be just the thing. Plus, remote learning during the pandemic made a laptop essential, meaning the device you may have once considered more of a fun toy has now transformed into a critical back-to-school tool. Ultimately, a cheap Chromebook is our top pick, but we’ve given additional options for those who want to splurge.

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Best laptops for kids and teenagers 2023, tried and tested

Whether they plan to study, stream or play, these are the best and safest child-friendly laptops to buy, article bookmarked.

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We were on the hunt for durable, affordable and portable devices with a battery that wouldn’t run out of juice during the school day

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It’s officially back to school season, and if your kid’s old laptop isn’t ready to tackle another term it might be time to upgrade to something new.

Whether it’s for homework, remote lessons, online learning or just watching YouTube videos, the best laptops for kids are ones that combine security , affordability, durability and performance.

While everybody’s circumstances and needs are different, price is usually the major factor when choosing a laptop for children. Essential schoolwork doesn’t require a very powerful device, and brands like Lenovo and Acer make great entry-level laptops at affordable prices .

But for older kids and those with an interest in developing their digital creativity skills, it might be worth investing in a premium laptop, one that can handle more demanding software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Serato and Blender.

More powerful laptops will also last a lot longer before becoming obsolete, so they’ll support young students beyond graduation and into whatever they choose to do next.

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How we tested

We’ve curated a list of the best laptops for kids in 2023. These are all laptops we’ve tested extensively, taking into account the specific requirements many students have as well their affordability, accessibility, portability and durability.

The best laptops for kids for 2023 are:

Best cheap student laptop – Lenovo Ideapad 3i: £300, Amazon.co.uk
Best Apple laptop – MacBook Air M2: £1,059.97, Amazon.co.uk
Best kids laptop under £300 – Acer Aspire 1: £199, Currys.co.uk
Best Chromebook for students – Lenovo Ideapad Duet: £299, Amazon.co.uk

Lenovo ideapad 3i

Best : Cheap student laptop
CPU : Intel Celeron
Graphics : Integrated
Display : 14in, Full HD
Storage : 128GB
Top value for money
Runs on the latest Windows 11 OS
Comes with one year of Office 365
Relatively underpowered

Laptops don’t get much more affordable than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i. Perfect for churning through written homework, watching the odd YouTube video and firing off emails, this Windows 11 laptop keeps things simple with a cheap and cheerful Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM. That means you won’t be playing Call of Duty on this thing – which could be a positive, depending on your perspective – but the slim design and 1.4kg weight make the Lenovo IdeapPad 3i perfect for chucking in a backpack.

Apple MacBook air M3

Best : Apple laptop
CPU : Apple M3 chip
Graphics : Integrated M3 GPU
RAM : 8GB to 16GB
Screen : 13.6in, 2,560 x 1,664px
Storage : 256GB to 512GB
Great display
Lightweight and thin design
Fast M3 performance
Limited number of ports

Apple’s thinnest, lightest MacBook transcended the tech world to become an instantly recognisable design icon, the profile of which many rival laptops have since followed. If you’ve ever held one of these machines, you’ll understand why it’s such an alluring device: the MacBook air is an elegant piece of engineering, weighing just 1.24kg and measuring 1.13cm thin. The 2024 model is powered by Apple’s latest M3 processor, an ARM-based chip that unlocks notable performance boosts and better battery efficiency over the older Intel CPU seen in previous generations.

Read our full MacBook air M3 review

Acer Aspire 1

Best : Under £300
CPU : Intel Celeron N4500
Display : 14in, 1080p
Lightweight
Comes with a year of Microsoft 365
Not powerful enough for gamin

The Acer Aspire 1 is a no-frills laptop for less than £200. It runs on a basic Intel Celeron processor, which is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks like note-taking, writing and researching, and it has plenty of storage in its 128GB solid state hard drive. Compact at 14in and weighing just 1.4kg, it’s ideal for carrying to and from school without any bother. The eight hour battery life will fuel a full day of work without needing to be plugged in, while the 1080p screen is great for watching videos in your spare time.

Lenovo ideapad duet Chromebook

Best : Chromebook for students
CPU : MediaTek Helio P60T
Display : 10.1in, 1,920 x 1,200px
Storage : 64GB
Sharp, vibrant screen
Magnetic keyboard included
Doubles as a tablet
You’re limited to web apps and ChromeOS software

An affordable two-in-one from Lenovo, the IdeaPad Duet is a zippy little Chromebook-tablet that doubles as a laptop, thanks to its included magnetic keyboard cover and stand. Because it’s a Chromebook, it runs on ChromeOS software, meaning you can’t install Windows or MacOS applications on here. That’s fine for everyday use – word processors, spreadsheets, even photo editing can all be done in a browser window – but it could be an issue if there are any specific Windows applications you need to install as part of your work or study.

The crisp 1,920px x 1,200px resolution screen is pretty much unheard of at this price, and is excellent for getting some work done while on the go or watching Netflix shows in your downtime. We chose the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet as our best buy in our list of the best Lenovo laptops , where our reviewer described it as “a quick, sleek and versatile piece of kit.”

Acer Swift 3

Best : Everyday student laptop
CPU : Intel Core i5
Storage : 512GB
Great value for money
Long battery life
Lots of ports
Average performance

The Acer Swift 3 is a lighter and more portable alternative to the Acer Aspire , but still manages to pack in all of the features you might need in a Windows 11 laptop. Weighing just 1.2kg and measuring 16mm thin, it’s straightforward to pop into and out of a bag when you’re working on the go. The Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of memory keeps performance fast, even while you’re juggling dozens of open Chrome tabs.

The mid-range processor isn’t the latest chip on the market, but it’s fast enough for this price range and more than capable of handling everyday tasks. The all-day battery life, the option to upgrade to a generous 512GB of SSD space and the plentiful array of connectivity options makes the Acer Swift 3 a versatile piece of kit.

Acer Chromebook Spin 514

Best : 2-in-1 Chromebook
CPU : Intel Core i3
Versatile 2-in-1 design
Bright 1080p screen
Decent webcam quality for the price
Limited to Chrome OS softwar

Chromebooks are more secure than traditional laptops, and come with parental control options to let you choose which sites and apps your child can access. Just keep in mind that Chromebooks can only run apps downloaded from the Google Play store, so if there are specific Windows apps you or your kid needs, they won’t be compatible here.

This Acer Chromebook combines the performance of a mid-range laptop with the flexibility of a touchscreen tablet. It has a sleek and modern design, weighs just shy of 1.4kg and has a tough chassis that should be able to withstand a few bumps. The 1080p display is also bright and vibrant, and the keyboard is comfortable. Battery life is excellent too, lasting around 10 hours with rigorous use.

Dell XPS 13, 2022

Best : Student laptop overall
CPU : Intel Core i5 (12th gen)
Graphics : Intel Iris XE
Screen : 13.4in, 1,920 x 1,200px
Storage : 256GB SSD
Incredibly fast
Stylish design
Poor quality webcam

The 13in variant of Dell’s flagship laptop is a showcase of everything the manufacturer can pack into a single device. The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best Windows laptops you can buy, and pairs a minimalist, no-fuss design with top-level functionality and performance. The bright, crisp touchscreen is one of the best displays on any laptop, while, under the hood, the 12th-generation Intel processor packs more performance than the average desktop computer.

In our review of the 15in model, we said “if you’re in the market for a high-performance and productivity-focused Windows laptop with a spectacular next-generation display, the new Dell XPS 15 is the best you’ll find. This is about as close to perfect as laptops get.”

Kids laptops FAQs

Which laptops have built-in cyber security software.

Every new Windows and Apple laptop comes with strong antivirus and anti-malware measures already built in, so it’s usually not necessary to splash out on any additional antivirus software. Out of the box, you’re actively protected from most online threats.

Your best defence against online threats is to teach your kid how to safely navigate the internet. For example, Be Internet Awesome (a Google initiative) offers a free and interactive course designed to help children and their families stay safe online.

How can I set up parental controls?

Setting up parental controls on a laptop depends on the type of laptop you have.

Windows – Parental controls can be set up in an app called Microsoft Family Safety . This app lets you set screen time limits and content filters, sends you daily activity summaries, and can let your kid share their location with you at any time. It works across Windows laptops, Android phones, and the Xbox games console.
MacOS – For parental controls on a MacBook, it’s easiest to set your kid up with their own child account on the device. Then, from your own account, set up Family Sharing to give you control of their account settings. From there the Screen Time settings menu lets you limit which apps are available and when, as well as restrict access to certain kinds of online content.
Chromebook – On a Chromebook you can set up parental controls using Family Link . This lets you limit screen time, block apps and inappropriate content, manage their privacy settings, share a live location, and get notifications when your kid arrives or leaves a location.

When is the best age to give a child a laptop?

According to YouGov , most children in the UK use a family PC or a shared laptop until the age of 12. Kids under the age of 10 generally won’t need their own computer, but as they get older and start to enter secondary school, a laptop can be an important tool to support their education and help them develop digital skills they’ll need later in life.

The verdict: Laptops for kids

If you’re set on getting your kid a MacBook, your choice is straightforward: the MacBook Air is the best student laptop Apple makes. Suitable for all ages, it will remain an important and powerful tool in their education for years to come.

But you’ve got excellent options on the Windows side too. The Lenovo Ideapad 3i strikes the ideal balance between affordability and quality, and offers all the performance a young student might need.

Shopping for yourself? Check out our list of the best laptops of 2023 for every budget

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6 Best Laptops for Kids Ideal for Work, Play, and Everything in Between

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Most of us grew up carrying heavy textbooks, but today’s kids can lug around a library’s worth of information with a device that’s smaller than a notebook. If your child needs digital access to school materials and online resources, maybe it’s time you purchased them a laptop of their own.

Research is mixed as to whether or not handwritten notes are better for information retention than ones typed on a laptop keyboard, but students with laptops can conduct research, create documents, graphics, and presentations, collaborate with their classmates, and learn to use apps that they'll likely encounter later in life. Best of all, laptops are cheaper than ever before.

The Best Laptops for Kids

Lenovo Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

Acer Acer Aspire 5

Lenovo Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Most kids don't need an expensive laptop with the most powerful processors, graphics cards, or maxed-out specs, like a large hard drive or several gigabytes of RAM. What they really need is something portable, sturdy, and a long-lasting battery.

But there are hundreds of laptops for kids to choose from, and sifting through them is about as difficult as helping your child with their math homework. So, shop our picks for the best kid-friendly laptops that are reliable, easy to use, and perfect for back to school.

What to Consider

We know that reading the specifications of a laptop can seem intimidating, hard to understand, and downright boring. But we assure you — a laptop’s specs are the most important things to pay attention to when shopping for a new computer — whether it’s for you or your child.

Understanding what processor it's equipped with, its display type, how much memory it has, and its connectivity options are the key to choosing the best laptop for your child. But don't let these specs overwhelm you — we've provided a quick breakdown to explain exactly what you should look for.

Processor: As you'd expect, the newer the processor (CPU), the more power and better performance it'll likely offer. Our two tech editors suggest opting for a laptop that's powered by an Intel Core series chip because they're more capable than the entry-level Celeron series. The latter works well for basic tasks, like general web browsing, streaming video, or typing word documents.
Display: Since your child will likely be using the computer for both work and play, you'll want it to have a sharp screen with a good resolution. Opt for a model that has a Full HD resolution, that's 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The bigger these numbers, the more detailed the picture on the screen will be.
Memory: There are two types of memory to look out for: RAM, which is essentially short-term memory, and a hard drive, which is your computer's long-term memory. It stores the stuff you want to open and access throughout the lifetime of the PC. SSDs or solid-state drives are much faster and are more reliable than eMMC storage. As far as RAM is concerned, 4GB is the base amount that laptops for kids typically come with, but 8GB is ideal since you can more easily run multiple programs simultaneously.
Connectivity: Be sure to look for a laptop for kids that support the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless standards. These features are important because they futureproof your laptop and ensure they will seamlessly pair to the latest earbuds , speakers , and will support the latest Wi-Fi standards so you can get the fastest, most reliable download speeds. Translation? Connectivity features substantially increase the lifespan of a laptop, which is a major selling point for this investment.

Besides the above, you'll want to pay attention to the laptop's operating system. Chromebooks, which are oftentimes the most inexpensive laptops, run the ChromeOS operating system. These use the Chrome web browser (which you might actually be reading this page on) as the laptop's main interface. If you buy a Chromebook, your child will use web-based apps like Google Docs to create their work, which is then stored online. Chrome laptops can also download select Android apps, but they oftentimes have smaller amounts of onboard storage — hence their lower price points.

Other kids' laptops ship with Windows 10 in S Mode, meaning you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store. However, you can upgrade to a full Windows 10 build for free. That way, you can download a wider range of apps. Lastly, Apple laptops run OS X, which is a clean and easy-to-use operating system that's excellent for creative types. However, it comes at a much steeper price point. If you want a touchscreen laptop that plays double-duty as a tablet, you'll have to opt for a Chromebook or Windows laptop since MacBooks do not have touchscreens.

Whether you're looking for a unique 2-in-1 convertible laptop, a MacBook, or a Chromebook for your kiddo for when they start elementary school, we'll help you find the perfect laptop for your little one and your budget constraints.

Best Overall

Chip	10th-generation Intel Core i3 (dual-core)
Display	13-inch Full HD touchscreen
Memory	4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMC
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, two USB-C ports, USB-A port
Battery Life	10 hours

Lenovo's Chromebook Flex 5 is our favorite laptop for kids. It oftentimes reaches prices just hovering above $300 but still offers users a sleek design, a sharp-looking 360-degree touchscreen, and a backlit keyboard for late-night homework sessions. The laptop offers plenty of power for the price, plus it's incredibly portable and weighs less than 3 pounds. It's equipped with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot.

Its webcam has an integrated privacy shutter that offers some peace of mind. There's a fingerprint sensor for quickly logging in. The touchscreen is compatible with a nifty stylus , which definitely will come in handy for some notetaking. Google's Chrome OS platform supports Android apps, making the Flex 5 equally good for schoolwork, as well as for staying entertained after.

This is the laptop that the son of our parenting editor, Cat Bowen , uses. It has taken him through the pandemic and will follow him to high school next year. While he wishes it had better “gaming power,” overall, he’s pleased with its performance.

Best Windows Laptop for Kids

Chip	Wi-Fi 6, two USB-C ports, USB-A port
Display	15.6-inch Full HD IPS display
Memory	4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, USB-C port, three USB-A ports, HDMI, Ethernet port
Battery Life	8.5 hours

For those in search of a versatile Windows laptop that's more affordable than the competition — without sacrificing build quality — the Acer Aspire 5 is worth your consideration. It provides a good design, up-to-date hardware specs, and reliable performance, given its price. Buyers have the option of spending a bit more for a more powerful variant that features a better processor, increased memory, and a convenient fingerprint sensor, but we think you can't go wrong with either model.

The Acer Aspire 5 delivers outstanding battery life that's plenty reliable enough to make it through the school day — plus, it has an aluminum cover and a backlit keyboard. Since the laptop runs Windows 10 , it features a wider app ecosystem compared to similarly priced Chromebooks.

Parents love that this model is particularly easy to set up and easy to use, but note that if your kids are hard on chargers, this model might not be the best fit, or you should consider buying extra chargers.

A Chromebook on the Cheap

Chip	MediaTek Helio P60T Processor (octa-core)
Display	10.1-inch Full HD IPS display
Memory	4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMc
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5, USB-C port, five-point pogo pins
Battery Life	10 hours

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is not only a wonderful computer for kids — it's also the best cheap Chromebook that you can buy. This two-in-one computer has a detachable keyboard, meaning you can use it as a tablet or a laptop. It sports a unique adjustable back fabric cover that will protect it from drops. The cover even features a kickstand, which makes it easy to prop the Duet up to watch YouTube or have video calls.

The Chromebook Duet's 10.1-inch touchscreen is sharp and bright. Plus, its included keyboard will come in handy for writing papers for class. Although the computer doesn't feature one of the most powerful or up-to-date processors, it's still plenty fast enough for web browsing, using social media, responding to email, or doing light photo editing.

For parents looking for a cheap Chromebook that's less like a tablet and more like a laptop, consider shopping for the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 instead.

Reviewers love that this inexpensive computer is just the right size for kids, and because it is so user-friendly, it allows young children to feel independent. It's fairly durable, but a cover is always a good idea when kids are involved.

Best Chromebook for Kids

Acer acer chromebook spin 713.

Chip	10th-generation Intel Core i3 (dual-core)
Display	13.5-inch 2K IPS display
Memory	8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, HDMI
Battery Life	10 hours

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a convertible 2-in-1 laptop that's jam-packed with fast components, a large battery, and a stunning and spacious 3:2 LCD display. It's a laptop that stretches your dollar further than other options, thanks to its high-end specs, excellent build quality, and incredible pricing.

The base model includes Intel's latest Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of NVMe solid-state storage, together making it significantly more powerful than other laptops for kids. In fact, this Chromebook delivers similar performance to competing laptops that cost $800. It offers a generous selection of ports, too.

There are dual USB-C ports, a USB-A jack, a headphone jack, a MicroSD slot, and even an HDMI jack, which has become a rarity for slim laptops these days. Whether your child is in middle school, high school, or is about to start college, this Chromebook will have their back no matter what their workload entails.

Best for Older Kids

Microsoft microsoft surface go 2.

Chip	Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor (dual-core)
Display	10.5 -inch PixelSense touchscreen with 1,920 x 1,280 pixels
Memory	4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMC storage
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, Surface Connect Port, microSD card slot
Battery Life	10 hours

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an ultra-compact, 10.5-inch tablet that's a capable Windows 10 PC. A budget of just $400 will get you the entry-level Surface Go with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, but you'll have to pick up the trackpad and keyboard separately.

During our test with the Surface Go 2, we found that it was powerful enough to handle a steady stream of apps without slowing down. Microsoft claims that the Surface Go 2 is capable of delivering up to 10 hours of video playback between charges.

The Surface Go 2 is a wonderful video chat companion, too. It features dual 5MP front- and rear-facing cameras that are even clearer than the $1,700 Dell XPS 13's webcam we most tested. Not only that, this computer has twin microphones that help increase clarity and reduce background noise.

Overall, this PC is a compact and versatile option that's perfect for work or play. If you're looking for a practical, affordable, and stylish, you won't be disappointed. Parents do say that the keys can get damaged if your children are too carefree with their computer behavior, but that's pretty universal for laptops.

Best MacBook for Kids

Apple apple macbook air laptop.

Chip	Apple M1 chip
Display	13.3-inch Retina display (2,560 by 1,600 pixels)
Memory	8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 compatibility
Battery Life	18 hours

It wouldn't be a laptop list without a MacBook on it. The latest MacBook Air features vastly improved hardware specs, including a boost in processing and graphics power, a redesigned keyboard, and a more vibrant display. And although it's certainly one of the best laptops for kids out there, it comes at a steep price.

The laptop is powered by Apple's own M1 chip, which delivers jaw-dropping performance increases and up to 18 hours of battery life. The laptop's 13-inch screen is sharp, colorful, and provides more detailed images than the competition. Its bezels aren't as thin as those found on some Windows laptops, but you'll love its larger trackpad and smaller footprint.

If you're a Mac family, you'll probably go with this one, and parents and kids do really like this model and appreciate how seamlessly programs run once they're installed.

As you'd expect from an Apple laptop, the new MacBook Air offers a premium build quality — and surprisingly enough, the computer is made of 100% recycled aluminum. It would make an excellent laptop for a creative student who does lots of video and photo editing or for those who travel frequently. The MacBook Air is such a great laptop, you'll want to use it, too.

Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle , Romper , and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.

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Best laptops for kids in 2024

Get your child equipped for school with these top computers

But if the time has come and you need to buy a new computer so they can do schoolwork, stay in touch with friends or play games, you’ll want a capable model that’s easy to use, powerful enough for daily tasks and strong enough to survive a bit of rough handling.

For school, we reckon that a computer always comes out on top when compared to an iPad tablet or a smartphone as the large displays provide more space for viewing work and multitasking, the physical keyboard and touchpad are more comfortable to use for hours at a time, and they have lots of ports for connecting extras like printers , power banks , TVs , or headphones . If you want extra portability, get a 2-in-1 – these have foldable touchscreens and can be used as both a tablet and laptop.

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Best laptops for kids

Best laptop for kids overall

Acer chromebook spin 513.

Best affordable all-rounder kids laptop

Hp chromebook 11a.

Best Chromebook laptop for kids

Lenovo ideapad flex 5i.

Best 2-in-1 Chromebook for kids

Lenovo ideapad duet 3.

Best kids laptop for larger screen

Hp pavilion 15, at what age should a kid get a laptop.

The jury is still out on when is the best time to buy your kid a laptop ( recent research suggests age 12 is when UK ownership picks up), but whether your kid is making a spreadsheet or playing an hour of Minecraft , you’ll want to enforce strict rules about how to stay safe online and turn on parental controls to filter search engine results, limit screen time, stop private browsing and get sent activity reports.

Yes, finding the right one is no easy feat, but luckily when choosing a laptop for kids you don’t have to splash out on a high-end device with heaps of computing power and an expensive processor – there are loads of options that we love for under £500 – and we’ve selected a range of models and price points in this roundup, plus there’s a buying guide below our list if you need more information before deciding.

How the GH tech team tests kids' laptops

We test the best laptops for children based on how they’re used day-to-day. We look at the build quality to make sure the device can withstand bumps and small drops and download software to analyse its speed and performance. We try the keyboard and trackpad to make sure they are responsive and comfortable to use, while ensuring the laptop has enough battery for at least a full day of school from a complete charge. We scour the menus to check what parental controls are available for you. This list is based on hands-on laptop testing and rigorous research.

The name gives it away, but we love Acer’s Spin series because it blurs the line between laptop and tablet – giving your child the best of both worlds. The 513 is the mid-range model of the Chromebook line-up (between the 311 and 713) and shines when used for lighter tasks such as typing, making spreadsheets and web browsing – perfect for homework and research. It has lots of ports, more than enough battery for a full school day’s use, and it’s compact to fit into a backpack with ease.

Like all Chomebooks, it’s simple to use and has loads of built-in parental controls , so you can create a profile for your child and when that’s signed in you can stop them from browsing in private, manage which websites they are allowed to visit and block adult content. You’re limited to apps from the Google Play Store, but it has everything necessary for school, including Google Docs, Sheets and Gmail. The only downside is there’s no HDMI port for connecting it to a TV or school projector.

It’s not the only 2-in-1 on our list but it strikes a balance between specs, price and durability. We love the aluminium build that gives it a slight MacBook-like look, that the Full HD display flips a full 360 degrees, and the fact it’s a touchscreen makes it a top choice if your child already has lots of experience tapping on your phone.

Key specifications

Display	13.3-inches (2-in-1), 1920 x 1080 pixels
Operating system	ChromeOS
Battery life	Up to 13 hours
Storage/Memory	64GB, 8GB
Connectivity	USB-A x1, USB-C x1, 3.5mm jack
Weight	1.2kg

The HP 11a is our pick for slightly older kids who need an affordable all-rounder as it’s got a sleeker design that looks more grown-up and lots of battery. With more than a dozen hours of juice, it’s one of the longest on our list, and we like the more grown-up look. The 11.6-inch display is small (and the resolution is lower than Full HD) but we love the portability, and it’s fairly lightweight.

Connectivity is great for such a small device – and while there’s no HDMI port you do get a microSD slot for sharing documents, files and pictures from other devices, plus a 3.5mm jack for connecting headphones (you also get Bluetooth too for pairing wireless earbuds too). The internal storage isn’t the best at just 64GB (so it may be worth picking up an external hard drive if you want more space) but the fact this is a Chromebook means most of your child’s work will be saved via Google’s cloud anyway.

While some older children may need more processing power from the higher-spec models such as the Aspire 1 – especially if they’re working on projects that need multitasking and performance – this is a stylish option. It easily lasts for a day of school (and even some evening relaxing time) without needing an urgent recharge.

Display	11.6-inches, 1366 x 768 pixels
Operating system	ChromeOS
Battery life	Up to 15 hours
Storage/Memory	64GB, 4GB
Connectivity	USB-A x1, USB-C x1, 3.5mm jack, microSD
Weight	1.07kg

If you need a convertible Chromebook with more storage space, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ticks all the boxes. With 128GB of storage (double the amount of our top pick), there’s plenty of space for files, documents and photos and it’s only one of two models on our list with a microSD memory card slot for transferring files between devices such as a phone or tablet. This converts from a laptop to a tablet in seconds, and you get a Lenovo stylus in the box so your kid can draw and sketch, too.

Chromebooks are always fairly speedy devices, but the Flex 5i has top performance as it contains a reliable Intel i3 processor. This means it’s able to handle multiple apps and tabs open at once without any major lags or stuttering.

We know security will always be important for protecting your child online, and we love that this model has a privacy cover for the webcam so it’s covered up when not in use. Battery life isn’t as good as some of the other laptops on our list (with five hours less than the HP Chromebook 11 above) but easily lasts for a school day.

Display	13.3-inches (2-in-1), 1920 x 1080 pixels
Operating system	ChromeOS
Battery life	Up to 10 hours
Storage/Memory	128GB SSD, 4GB
Connectivity	USB-A x1, USB-C x2, 3.5mm jack
Weight	1.35kg

Fantastic value for money, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 is an ultra-portable Chromebook 2-in-1 with the same appeal as the Microsoft Surface Go 3 above but at a much more appealing price point. It’s a laptop-tablet hybrid that’s perfect for using Google apps on-the-go (with the same parental controls as full-blown laptops), and it’s more than light enough to carry in your child’s backpack without causing strain. If you’re on a tighter budget you’ll be glad to know you don't have to worry about buying the keyboard or stylus pen as extras – they're included in the box.

Unlike convertible Chromebooks on our list such as the Spin 513 and the Lenovo Flex 5i, this has a completely detachable keyboard so after school, it can also be used for relaxing while watching streaming services or playing some light games – under your watchful gaze of course.

You sacrifice ports by choosing such a small device – one USB-C is included – but it doesn’t matter too much as Google software is mostly cloud-based, meaning it’s constantly saving documents in real-time and your child is unlikely to lose their work as it’s all tied to their own Google account. You’ll get up to 12 hours of battery on the Duet, which is on the lower end compared to some of the other laptops on our list, but it’s still more than enough for daily use. We reckon this is the best option if you want a user-friendly and portable device.

Display	10.1-inches (2-in-1), 1920 x 1200 pixels
Operating system	ChromeOS
Battery life	Up to 12 hours
Storage/Memory	128GB SSD, 4GB
Connectivity	USB-C x1
Weight	940g

Having a large screen is great for multi-tasking as your child can view multiple tabs at once. For example, they can research a topic on a web browser on one side of the screen while writing an essay in a word processor on the other, but it’s also a great choice if your kid will also be using the laptop for entertainment, like streaming or gaming. The Pavilion 15 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display – that’s easily the biggest on our list – and we love that it’s also a touchscreen, with small borders.

On test, we found the screen was great for viewing documents and reading websites and we like that there's a number pad on the keyboard (the only model on our list to have this) that’s helpful for spreadsheets and maths homework. The keys are nice to use and feel well-spaced, and the trackpad is large and responsive. Another bonus is that you get a fingerprint sensor on the front that’s perfect for extra security, and it’s helpful that the laptop charges from drained to 50% in under an hour.

The one we tested came with Windows 10 installed, but we checked and it’s eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. As this is a Windows machine, it’s slightly more complex to navigate than Chromebooks. There are still lots of parental controls , but we reckon that this is a model best suited for older and more responsible children as it has the potential to download software from anywhere on the internet. The Pavilion 15 is not the most portable option and the battery is middling, but if your child needs a large laptop for schoolwork, it’s a reliable buy.

Display	15.6-inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Operating system	Windows 10/11
Battery life	Up to 8 hours
Storage/Memory	128GB SSD, 4GB
Connectivity	USB-A x2, USB-C x1, HDMI x1, 3.5mm jack
Weight	1.75kg

How to buy a laptop for kids

Screen size and quality

Your child is likely to spend lots of time staring at the screen so we advise aiming for Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) quality, which gives a very clear image and will look great for work and entertainment. Some of the models on our list have a slightly lower resolution but they are generally smaller displays that won’t suffer too much from a drop in pixels – and are usually a bit more affordable. We think that screens between 11 and 14 inches provide a good balance between usability and portability for a school laptop, but you can go up to 15+ inches if you do want more room (just know it may be more awkward to carry in a backpack).

Parental controls

There’s a lot of content on the internet that’s not for children, so it is very important to set clear rules about how and when your kid can use their laptop – while taking full advantage of parental controls on offer. You will usually set up an account for your child, then limit what they have access to on the device or filter out adult websites from search results, set screen time limits, stop them from buying apps or browsing privately, and set up activity reports to see what your child is going on the computer. Here are the controls for Windows , ChromeOS and Mac .

Portability

Will your child be carrying the laptop between your home and school? You want to make sure it’s not too big, and not too heavy. The lightest options are 2-in-1s and Chromebooks, in particular models like the Surface Go 3 and Lenovo IdeaPad Duet that have detachable keyboards and can also be used as tablets. These are usually under 1kg (roughly a standard bag of granulated sugar), but larger full-body laptops often reach between 1.1kg and 1.5kg. The heaviest on our list is 1.75kg – about the same as a steam iron – but that has a much larger 15.6-inch screen. It’s about as large and heavy as we advise going for lugging it around outside.

How much you want to spend on the laptop is a personal choice, but we advise sticking to a lower budget when buying a device for children. Only one of the models on our list costs more than £400 to buy (the Surface Go 3 due to the keyboard add-on), and we have included plenty of options for under £300 if your budget is tighter.

Build quality

If you’re buying a device for a child there’s a good chance of breakages, spillages or unexpected drops. That means we haven’t recommended any high-end models on our list (but we love the Apple Macbook Air M2 and Dell XPS 13 if you fancy spending big) and have stuck to Windows and ChromeOS. Younger kids are best suited to a cheaper laptop with a study build and case.

Operating system

Here’s an overview of your options: Microsoft’s Windows 11 is a ‘traditional’ PC experience that gives you loads of customisation settings and lets you download software from anywhere on the internet. Windows S-mode is a more limited version that locks downloads to the Microsoft Store. Google’s ChromeOS powers Chromebooks – these are fast, efficient and often affordable as they are built around Google’s cloud services (Docs, Sheets, Gmail etc) that you access via a Google account. Chromebooks, which only let you download from the Play Store, are easy to use and lightweight – and usually our favourite option for younger kids.

Battery life

You’ll want a battery that will last for a full day of use without needing to be recharged. Aim for 10 hours, as that will support the full school day, but how long it lasts is always very dependent on how much the laptop is used. All of the models on our list have decent batteries, although the HP Pavilion 15 has slightly less juice due to its big 15-inch screen size and full Windows operating system. Models that use less power, such as the HP Chromebook, can last more than 15 hours.

Laptops come with built-in storage that lets you save and keep files, photos and documents on the device – great if your kid needs to save lots of homework projects or essays. The models on our list range from 32GB to 128GB – the bigger the number of GB, or gigabytes, the more room that’s on the laptop. For comparison, 32GB stores roughly 7,000 digital photos and 128GB stores around 30,000, but don’t forget apps, downloads and programs all take up space too, so aim for 64GB of storage if possible. ChromeOS is perfect for school as most of its apps are cloud-based, so your kid’s work is saved in real-time and tied to their Google account – and it can be accessed as long as there’s a wifi connection. If you need extra space, you can buy a portable hard drive .

Connectivity

The laptop has everything your child needs to get started with school, but if they need to add extra gadgets like a Bluetooth mouse , a full-sized keyboard or a pair of wired headphones or wireless earbuds, consider what ports are available. Most laptops have a couple of USB slots (although tablet hybrids may be limited to one!) so you can plug in a phone to charge or add a set of external speakers. Some models have an HDMI port so you can connect monitors, projectors or screens, and others have a specific port for an extra microSD storage card . For video calls, you’ll often have a webcam and microphone built into the device too. Not all laptops have this, but connecting a pair of wired headphones usually requires a 3.5mm jack.

Jason Murdock was Hearst UK’s Deputy Technology Ecommerce Editor, contributing to multiple titles including Good Housekeeping , Esquire and Digital Spy , between 2022 and 2023.

With more than eight years’ experience covering tech at publications including Radio Times , Newsweek and the International Business Times , Jason has extensive knowledge of the latest gear and gadgets – reviewing phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, smart home products and more – and covering the biggest shopping events of the year, including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.

He won Digital Writer of the Year at The Drum's Online Media Awards in 2017 for his cybersecurity coverage in the International Business Times. When not writing and testing the latest gadgets, you’ll find Jason playing the guitar or learning how to parent his new baby.

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How to Buy the Best Laptop for Your Kid

Chromebook, Mac, or PC? And how much memory and storage should you get? These tips from experts can help you decide.

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Whether you’re buying the first laptop for your fifth-grader or a graduation gift for your 18-year-old, deciding which model to get can feel like homework. Beyond the basics—Chromebook, Mac, Windows?—it’s easy to get bogged down in laptop specs, from the screen resolution to the processor to how much memory and storage space your kid will truly need. What works well for a budding videographer might be overkill for a kid writing history papers.

If you’re lucky, your child’s school can provide a laptop for education needs. During the pandemic, many districts invested in Chromebooks and tablets for distance learning.

But your child may want to own a computer for entertainment, such as playing Minecraft or watching Disney+, which often isn’t allowed on school devices, or for personal projects, from producing podcasts to creating anime. And buying a laptop for your kid frees you up from having to share yours, too.

Below, we’ll walk you through the major factors to consider before you buy a laptop for your child: What’s the right age to get one? What do you need to know about school-issued laptops? And what are the essential laptop features to look for based on your kid’s grade level?

In addition to answering these questions, we’ll point out a few ways you can save money on your child’s laptop.

At What Age Do You Buy Your Child a Laptop?

The first thing to ask is whether your child is truly ready for a laptop.

“Some schools still discourage screen use before fourth grade,” says Jenifer Joy Madden, a certified digital wellness educator and author of parenting book “How to Be a Durable Human.” “Children need to establish certain basic skills, such as how to hold a writing instrument, work cooperatively with other kids in the classroom, and know how to read on paper, before technology is introduced.”

Children also should demonstrate a measure of responsibility before being bestowed a device, she says. Every child is different—and so is every parent. Some people might be comfortable giving an inexpensive Chromebook to a precocious 8-year-old, while others prefer to have their teens share a family desktop computer.

Questions to ask yourself include: Can your kid handle expensive equipment without breaking it? Are they likely to follow your rules about how to use the laptop and practice online safety ? Do they even need a laptop?

And, of course, your budget matters a lot, too.

If your kid doesn’t need a laptop for schoolwork, you might be better off buying an inexpensive tablet. The Amazon Fire Kids Edition , $100, doesn’t win any awards for fast performance or screen sharpness, but it comes with robust parental controls. It’s also housed in a rugged case for those inevitable drops.

You might also consider a desktop computer if your kid doesn’t need to carry the device around. That’s easier to upgrade and repair than a laptop, can be placed in a central location for better monitoring, and is not likely to be pushed off a couch.

But for mobility—from doing homework at the dining table to watching YouTube Kids in the den—a laptop can’t be beat. Once your kid has earned the right to a little independence, go ahead and purchase one if you can afford it. Your best option? That depends on your budget, and on how the device will be used.

Check With Your Child’s School

Some school districts supply students with laptops they can take home—usually Chromebooks , because they work well with Google Classroom and many are inexpensive. If your child is getting a computer from school, be sure to read the technology use policy. It might forbid students from using the laptop for nonschool purposes.

Note that school-issued devices may also monitor kids’ computer activity and collect sensitive data, as the Center for Democracy and Technology reports . This parent toolkit offers tips and advice to protect your child’s online privacy when using a computer from school—or any computer, for that matter.

If you decide to buy a laptop for your child, check to see which operating system the school uses. It makes sense to use the same thing for your kid’s home computer because it will be familiar—whether it’s a Mac, a Chromebook, or a Windows PC.

Laptops for Elementary School Students

It doesn’t make sense to buy a high-end laptop for children who really need only basic-level computing. For that reason, many parents turn to Chromebooks, which tend to be kid-friendly, less expensive, and easier to use than their Mac and Windows counterparts.

Chris Holtzem, a teacher and technology manager at Aspen Academy, an independent school in Colorado, recommends a Chromebook because he says they excel at both safety monitoring and durability. “You can set this up as a ‘child device’ and you (as the parent) can control the settings, as well as what is accessible and what is not.”

Mac and Windows computers also have family settings. But Holtzem says that with a Chromebook, “the computer is set up this way from the get-go, which makes it difficult for children to find ways around it.”

However, Chromebooks do have some disadvantages. They might struggle with some demanding tasks that are common in remote schooling. “As more video calls have multiple attendees who might all have their cameras on, it’s better to have a faster processor that can keep up with the demand,” says Antonette Asedillo, who leads laptop testing at CR. “You might also have other programs or multiple browser tabs open—some Chromebooks have slower processors that might struggle with that level of multitasking.” Two of my friends who have children in different school districts told me that the school-issued Chromebooks they received were so slow they had to buy their kids Windows laptops to handle things like virtual classes.

So whether to get a Mac or Windows laptop or a Chromebook will depend on what your child will be doing on it. If it’s just simple web browsing and general homework that doesn’t require demanding software, an inexpensive Chromebook could suffice and save you some money. You can get a well-rated Chromebook for as little as $250.

And because Chrome OS can run Android apps, kids can play simple mobile games like Lego Star Wars and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp on the Chromebook if you’ve decided to wait on buying them a smartphone.

If your kid has already started doing things like photo editing or programming, a more powerful Windows laptop may be necessary.

Windows 10 and 11 have an S Mode that makes Windows run a lot like Chrome OS: It allows apps to be installed only from the Windows Store, uses Microsoft Edge for safer browsing, and saves files to the cloud. These security and performance features may tip your decision to buy a Windows laptop for your child, because you can later permanently take the laptop out of S Mode when your kid needs to run an app that isn’t available in the Microsoft Store.

What about macOS? MacBooks would work, too, but the cheapest MacBook Air is $999, which is probably too much to spend for a young child when some very good Windows laptops cost less than $600 .

When it comes to features, a touchscreen can be handy for children who might not have the dexterity for typing or using a touchpad. And a convertible computer—a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used like a tablet—might be helpful for kids trying to focus on an educational video.

These extras aren’t essential, though. Ample storage space may be more important when kids have to store a lot of schoolwork on them over the years. When my daughter was in elementary school, her digital artwork, animations, and saved game files easily pushed a small drive to its limits.

On Chromebooks, most work would be done in the cloud, so storage becomes less important. But if your kid needs to download schoolwork for offline use, 64 gigabytes for a Chromebook would be a good place to start.

For memory, 8GB is generally better, especially for Windows laptops, but 4GB should be fine for elementary school kids.

When looking at our laptop and Chromebook ratings —available to CR members—also check the models’ predicted reliability and customer satisfaction ratings. Based on surveys of CR’s members, these scores can point you toward brands that produce models that are not only durable but also likely to please you.

Laptops for Middle School and High School Students

The same advice about checking with your child’s school applies for older students, but now buying a laptop can be trickier. A teenager may need a more powerful laptop—say, one with a midrange Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor that can do more multitasking and handle demanding tasks like video production and photo editing.

If your child is at an age where college is just a few years away, you’d want to factor that in, too, and get a laptop that can work for their undergraduate studies. According to CR’s most recent survey on laptops and Chromebooks, CR members keep a laptop for a median of about five years.

Note that colleges may have laptop guidelines for some fields of study. For example, Cornell recommends that its architecture students get a Windows laptop with an Intel i7 or i9 processor and a dedicated video card. For art majors, the university recommends a MacBook Pro. So if your kid is close to deciding or has already decided on a field of study and perhaps a college, they should check with the school.

For middle school, high school, and college students, portability and battery life will be important if they’ll be schlepping the laptop around campus along with heavy books. They will probably be happiest with laptops that have 14-inch or smaller screens, weigh less than 3 pounds, and have enough battery life to last at least a whole school day. (If needed, you can buy a 24-inch external monitor to leave on a dorm-room desk for under $200.)

Other ergonomic considerations include a comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad. We recommend shopping for a laptop with your kid in a store so that they can get a feel for it.

Macs may be a more appropriate option for this age group, too. And if your child has friends who play games or messaging apps that can run only on Mac or on Windows, that might factor into your decision, as well.

CR’s guide to the best laptops of the year —available for members—offers some top picks for both Mac and Windows laptops.

Save Money on Your Child’s Laptop

When shopping for a new laptop for your kid, take advantage of laptop deals —particularly during back-to-school season and the runup to the holidays—and education discounts.

For example, Microsoft offers an education discount for K-12 and higher-education students, teachers, and parents. That includes a 10 percent discount on select laptops. Lenovo has a similar program.

Apple’s student discount varies depending on the MacBook model and is available to current or newly accepted college students or their parents. Samsung , similarly, offers discounts on select products when you verify your college student eligibility.

Your kid probably doesn’t need a brand-new laptop, so consider buying a refurbished one to save a couple hundred bucks. Apple has a great refurbished program that includes a 1-year warranty, part replacement (if necessary), and a brand-new box with all accessories and cables.

If you’re not buying directly from the manufacturer, check whether a reseller is “ certified ,” which indicates the laptop has been inspected and may have been upgraded with new parts to make sure it’s in good condition. You’ll also want to check whether the laptop comes with a warranty and a money-back guarantee. Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart give buyers a 90-day warranty.

Another option? Buy yourself a new laptop and give your child your hand-me-down.

Melanie Pinola

Melanie Pinola covered smartphones, home office products, and a wide range of other technology topics for Consumer Reports. A seasoned service journalist, her work has appeared in the New York Times, Popular Mechanics, Laptop Magazine, PCWorld, and other publications. Follow Melanie on X, formerly known as Twitter @melaniepinola .

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Written by Britt Lynn

Buying a laptop for a kid can be a tricky thing…

Yes, of course, there are numerous laptops for kids in the market but therein lies the challenging aspect of choosing the best laptop for your child. With so many choices, it can be a challenge for parents and children to make sense of the technical specs, the brand’s reputation, and the value for money.

There’s also the matter of age suitability…

The best laptop for kids in primary school isn’t necessarily the best for those in middle school and high school! And we’re not just talking about appearances either but of hardware and software specifications.

Today’s youngest generations are “naturals” when it comes to technology. Many kids live in cyberspace for a great deal of their life, for better or worse. Do they need a gaming laptop? Or just a web browsing laptop? Understanding potential secondary uses is key to picking the best laptop.

Quick LOOK AT our Top Laptops For Kids

Get your money’s worth…

A tricky element is the longevity of your choice. Some brands of computers are known for just working for a few years, while others can last the better part of a decade. Sometimes the best laptop for kids is the most durable laptop.

We’ve considered performance, durability, cost and other elements listed below when constructing our ranking. And have tried to err on the side of presenting a varied display of some of the “best” laptops for kids. After all, the laptop that will be best for your kid will depend a great deal on their interests, their age, and what they’ll be using the laptop for.

Learn about our Methodology

Check out our “Things to Consider” Section !

1. Dell Inspiron 11.6″ HD Chromebook

Dell Inspiron 11.6" HD Chromebook Chrome OS Laptop

This Dell Chromebook comes in as one of the most affordable offerings in this ranking. It provides a great deal of computing power and access to more typical computer programs.

While Chromebooks don’t have access to the full suite of programs available to Windows or iOS laptops as they use Chrome OS, they are known for being pretty “fool” (or child-)proof – and one of the reasons for its status as the best laptop for younger kids and primary school students.

While kids will be able to download certain gaming apps or play games based on an internet browser, parental controls are easy to set up, and the amount that kids can download to “mess up” the computer is limited.

Two additional features include the durability of the frame, as well as the HD screen for video use. For kids who don’t need more extreme gaming or media creation, this Chromebook is a great budget option for nearly all other computing tasks. Chrome OS also leads to outstanding battery life for all day use.

What We Love:

One of the most affordable laptops surveyed
HD Screen for Video Watching
Hard to customize or inadvertently “mess up” the computer
Easy to use parental controls
Well known brand
Great for basic tasks

Cost Score: 99/100 Durability Score: 99/100 Design Score: 90/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 93/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 98/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 95.8/100

The Dell Inspiron 11.6″ HD Chromebook is for sale on Amazon!

2. Acer Spin 11 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook

Acer Spin 11 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook Chrome OS Laptop

Offering versatility at its best, the Acer Spin 11 Convertible Chromebook is perfect for your kid’s schoolwork. It easily transforms into laptop, presentation, tabletop, and tablet modes with its 360-degree flip-and-fold design.

When doing school-related homework and productivity tasks, your kids will enjoy this laptop’s 11.6″ CineCrystal screen with a 10-point multi-touch design. Such versatility is among the reasons for its inclusion in the list of the best laptop for elementary students – they have a personal device that serves multiple functions, from schoolwork to recreational gaming.

Now more than ever, the stunning color display will make school work enjoyable, and yet another reason for its status as one of the best laptops for elementary students; children are more likely to be productive when their attention remains focused on one task, and stunning graphics definitely help in this area.

Who says your Chromebook needs to be heavy to perform excellently? The Acer Spin 11 is an ultrathin and ultralight device that your kids can easily take with them anywhere, weighing only 3 .09 lbs. and measuring 0.8 inches.

Portable flip-and-fold design: a 360-degree screen that adjusts to your kid’s preference
Glossy screen technology for the most vivid images and videos
High memory and capacity for multitasking
Compact form, high performance

Cost Score: 96/100 Durability Score: 95/100 Design Score: 98/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 96/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 95/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 97.5/100

“Spin” on over to Amazon for great deals on the Acer Chromebook Spin 11 !

3. ASUS 11.6″ Chromebook

ASUS knows your child’s laptop should be tough! The ASUS 11.6″ Chromebook comes with a ruggedized and spill-resistant design to keep you worry-free. This is also the best computer for kids who can’t seem to stay still due to its rugged construction – it can take drops of up to 3.9 feet!

When doing school work on the ASUS Chromebook, your child can easily adjust the screen with its 180-degree hinge. The anti-glare screen feature will make completing homework easy for your little ones, too. This Chromebook’s 10-hour battery life is the icing on the cake.

Spill-resistant, making it perfect for kids
Designed with rubber guards and handles that are easy to grip
Ruggedized for excellent durability
180-degree hinge that your kid can adjust for maximum viewing
Anti-glare screen display

Cost Score: 94/100 Durability Score: 98/100 Design Score: 96/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 97/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 97/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 97.3/100

The Asus 11.6″ Chromebook is just a few clicks away on Amazon!

4. Lenovo 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook

Laptops for Kids Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook Chrome OS Laptop

An education laptop that your kid will love, the Lenovo 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook truly ticks all the right boxes. It is style, security, and quality rolled into one to promptly address your kid’s schoolwork needs.

A lightweight but powerful machine, this Lenovo Chromebook measures less than an inch and weighs less than 2 lbs. Connectivity and speed are superb on the Lenovo Chromebook – and these features are a must on the best laptop for young students due to their research-heavy coursework -so finishing assignments on time won’t be a problem for your kid!

The 11.6-inch screen displays excellent graphics and video, making schoolwork and multimedia use both easy and enjoyable.

Stylish and highly functional
Lightweight and portable
Maximum speed and connectivity
Value for money

Cost Score: 97/100 Durability Score: 97/100 Design Score: 96/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 96/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 96/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 97/100

Get the Lenovo 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook on Amazon!

5. Samsung Chromebook 4

Whether for your kid’s education or adventure, the Samsung Chromebook 4 is an excellent laptop choice! With a 13.3″ screen, this Chromebook impresses with its speed, booting up and powering off really fast!

A standout laptop, it meets military-grade standards for durability, with built-in protection from high temperature, shocks, humidity, pressure changes, or transit drop. Such long-lasting durability makes it the best-for-the-money laptop for school kids where value-conscious parents are concerned.

Your kid can use it for longer, too, with up to 12 battery hours.

Slim and compact design
Super fast connectivity
Long battery life
Durability of military standards

Cost Score: 96/100 Durability Score: 97/100 Design Score: 96/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 95/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 95/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 96.5/100

Discover the Chromebook 4 from Samsung. Get yours on Amazon!

6. Google Pixelbook

The first of its kind with a built-in Google Assistant, the Google Pixelbook runs on i7 processor. Its lightweight aluminum body weighs only 2.45 lbs and measures a thin 10.3mm.

The Google Pixelbook’s touchscreen measures 12.3″ and is impressively versatile with a 360-degree display. It is a lightning-fast device that doesn’t compromise on quality, so your kids can finish their schoolwork fast and easily!

We also consider it an exceptional laptop for elementary students because of its 4-in-1 design. Parents don’t have to buy separate gadgets because it can be easily transformed from a conventional laptop to a tent, a tablet and an entertainment device.

Google Assistant is integrated into the system
Fast operating speed
Sleek and stylish
360-degree display mode options

Cost Score: 92/100 Durability Score: 97/100 Design Score: 96/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 95/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 95/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 96.3/100

The Google Pixelbook can be yours today! Get it on Amazon.

7. HP Chromebook 14″

Simple and straightforward, the HP Chromebook offers top value for your money and it may well be the best laptop for elementary school with its sturdy construction, easy setup, and quick response times.

Featuring a 14-inch diagonal HD screen with anti-glare properties, this laptop is ideal for your kid’s schoolwork and beyond! It runs on AMD Radeon R4 Graphics that deliver clear and crisp images and videos. This dual-core laptop is lightweight and easy to carry.

Its great battery life also makes it a perfect education tool for your child. With the HP 14″, you get a top-performing Chromebook for your kid’s schoolwork for less! But it’s also the best laptop for middle school because it can be upgraded according to changing school needs.

Outstanding graphics with anti-glare features
Compact and lightweight design
Great battery life of up to 11 hours
Fast connectivity

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 96/100

Own an HP Chromebook! Purchase yours on Amazon now!

8. Apple MacBook Pro

Let’s face it – you get what you pay for! So, if you’re looking for the best laptops for middle school students, you have to be willing to pay the price – and the Apple MacBook Pro is certainly pricier than many a suitable laptop for middle school students.

The latest MacBook Pro is a sturdy but thin and lightweight “do-it-all notebook” that suits the needs of school-age kids. This laptop features a 13.3-inch display and weighs only 3 lbs. Light as a feather, indeed, but it is packed with technical features that don’t fall short of user expectations.

When using their laptops, kids are all about colors, graphics, and mechanisms. The new MacBook Pro delivers in all aspects! Image brilliance and clarity are the name of the game. It features a high-resolution Retina display infused with True-Tone technology.

Other top-of-the-line features include the latest keyboard technology with improved comfort and mechanism. It wins in the battery life department, too, lasting for up to 17-20 hours, and one of the reasons why it’s the best laptop for homeschool students.

Whether for school or leisure, the newest MacBook Pro has features that can’t be beat. Your young kids and middle schoolers will love it, and will most likely use it until they reach college!

Strong media creation and gaming specs when compared to other “kid’s” laptops
The “greenest Mac ever” made from 100% recycled aluminum
Apple computers generally last longer than PC’s
Apple computers are generally secure if you perform regular recommended updates
Good looking
Comes in 256GB or 512GB storage, depending on your needs

Cost Score: 92/100 Durability Score: 99/100 Design Score: 99/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 97/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 98/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 95.5/100

Check out this latest Apple MacBook Pro laptop on Amazon!

9. Tanoshi Scholar Kids Computer

Tanoshi Scholar Kids Computer Android Laptop

This relative newcomer to the market of laptops is Tanoshi, but it’s building a solid reputation as among the best laptops for elementary school students.

On the opposite end of the spectrum as a MacBook Pro, the Tanoshi Scholar Kids Computer runs on the Android operating system, meaning that most kids won’t be able to inadvertently “mess up” their computer by error or customization. Built-in parental controls allow parents to control what the child is seeing from their phone area particularly a unique offering for this laptop.

With a price point that’s one of the lowest we surveyed, you will get your money’s worth. We recommend this as a first laptop or for kids who are 6 to 12 years old.

Only laptop surveyed with built-in parental controls accessible from the parent’s phone.
Low price point
A detachable screen turns into a tablet
Kid-friendly Android operating system
Access to many apps though not very customizable

Cost Score: 96/100 Durability Score: 94/100 Design Score: 98/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 93/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 99/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 95.4/100

The Tanoshi Scholar Kids Computer is available in blue and purple on Amazon!

10. Microsoft Surface Go

The Surface Go is the slightly more portable and less powerful version of the 2-in-1 Surface Pro that many businesses love.

Some of the top-selling points of this model for kids is that it’s lightweight, it can transform into a tablet, it is a Windows laptop, an operating system most parents know, it’s plenty of computing power for most routine school, life, and entertainment purposes, and it’s built by a well-known brand. It’s also on the lower end of the price spectrum of laptops surveyed.

Some areas in which the Surface Go is lacking include a relatively small hard drive, which over the years can present an issue, as well as no built-in parental controls other than what comes with the Microsoft OS (which is a pretty decent solution).

If you need an all-purpose laptop with access to almost all of the most common programs, but without heavy gaming or media creation capabilities, this could be a great fit. Another way to think of this device is that it’s just slightly more of a “full computer” than an iPad, thus, it could be considered as the best computer for school purposes.

A “2-in-1” that can turn into a tablet
Solid computing power for most routine tasks
One of the more affordable options surveyed
Well-known brand

Cost Score: 93/100 Durability Score: 95/100 Design Score: 98/100 Gaming and Media Creation Score: 96/100 Security and Parental Control Score: 95/100

Best Kids Stuff Total Score: 95/100

Interested in the awesome Surface Go? No problem! Find it on Amazon!

Our Methodology

Our Methodology in choosing the best laptops for kids included the following elements:

Cost (1/5): While this will certainly depend on the options you choose, we’ve ranked all the laptops we’ve considered by their current best price for the specs we specify in our write-up.
Durability (1/5): You can always get a protection plan. But what we’re looking for here is the general sturdiness of the build, features that support sturdiness, as well as reviews regarding how sturdy the laptop is.
Design (1/5): We’re talking about both looks and functionality here. 2-in-1 devices that can become tablets, as well as particularly sleek or stylized laptops scored higher in this metric.
Gaming and Media Creation (1/5): We looked at both raw computing power, graphics abilities, sound, and screen size as well as limitations that may come with having a given operating system.
Security and Parental Controls (1/5): We looked at built-in functionality that supports parental controls, the range of ways in which a kid could mistakenly “mess up” a computer, as well as operating systems that are generally more or less secure. This may well be the most important part of choosing the best kid’s laptop considering the digital dangers on the Internet.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

At what age should a child receive a laptop computer.

laptops for kids - parent with child on laptop

Depending on your child’s developmental skills, he or she may be ready for their first computer as early as age two or three.

But it’s important to choose a laptop based on age and educational level so that children will appreciate its features and functions.

For example, the best children’s laptop age 7 typically has simple and straightforward features suitable for a primary school student. But the best computer for homeschooling middle school and high school students has more advanced technical specifications to accommodate the larger files, among others.

Of course, adult supervision is required at this age to learn how to turn it on, work the mouse, and navigate as needed. As the child grows, additional activities can be introduced, such as the proficient use of the keyboard, playing learning games, and searching for age-appropriate applications.

Should the type of laptop I buy for my child be based on their interests?

laptops for kids - happy kid with laptop

Typically, there are many factors related to how many laptops you will buy for your child between the ages of two and when you get them off to college. For example, laptops and programming may become obsolete, viruses tend to make them run slow, and it goes without saying, there will be accidents, such as dropping them on the pavement or a sticky juice box landing on the keyboard.

However, there is another factor that is relevant to purchasing a new laptop… and that is your child’s interest. At two to three years old, child-appropriate learning games are key. As they move on to the elementary through high school age, a laptop that performs well for doing homework assignments is imperative.

In addition, your child may be interested in coding, movie editing, video games, or graphic design, in which the proper laptop will be needed. If they attend college or online classes, another final laptop that keeps up with the standards may be needed as well. The operating system will be a key component in this decision as some applications will need a Windows laptop or Apple laptop to run software or games, so make sure you have a clear picture of this when purchasing.

Is a laptop or a tablet the best to purchase for my child?

Depending on your desired use, you may wonder if a tablet is best for your child or should you invest in a laptop. If you need portability, a tablet will suffice; however, laptops provide the powerful hardware and software needed to be productive.

If you would like for your child to get the feel for a keyboard, as well as learn the components of a computer, a laptop is your best bet. The most important factor when choosing between the two is to consider convenience and your child’s intended use although a computer for school work can also be used for entertainment purposes.

The best laptop for homeschool, for example, can also be used for social media interactions, videogaming activities and video editing. Regardless of the type of gadget chosen, parents should be well aware of their responsibilities in teaching and modeling safe, responsible and productive use of gadgets to their children.

Related Electronic “stuff”

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The best laptops for kids 2024: top tech for schoolwork, gaming and videos

Here's our guide to the best laptops for kids, whether it's for homework, gaming or fun, as recommended by parents.

By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Aug 28, 2024

From homework to gaming, buying a laptop to suit your child’s needs requires careful consideration. Not only is online safety of paramount importance in today’s increasingly digital world, but with the cost of living crisis shrinking family budgets, many parents are looking to spend less where they can. Researching the best laptops for kids in your price range will ultimately ensure you get the most bang for your buck, whether you're looking to splash the cash for a birthday or Christmas or simply looking to upgrade an older device. From Chromebooks and 2-in-1 tablets to traditional laptops, there are plenty of child-friendly devices on the market, all offering a fast and reliable user experience. While the best laptops for kids may not necessarily need all the latest features, it should handle the tasks your child will use it for, be that homework, online tutoring , video streaming or gaming.

How we choose our recommendations

We scoured the Mumsnet Talk boards for recommendations from the UK's largest online network of parents. We also consulted tech experts and trusted tech publications, and analysed hundreds of customer reviews in our mission to find the best laptops for kids - from those ideal for younger kids to the best models with portability, good graphics, storage and battery life which make a great choice for older kids. Every single device on our list has been authenticated, checked and rechecked to ensure all our top picks live up to their hype.

If you're looking for more honest tech recommendations from real parents, check out our guides to the best tablets for kids , best phone for kids , best kids' cameras , best school bags and best games consoles for kids .

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" 2-in-1 Chromebook

Popular brand among Mumsnet parents

2-in-1 tablet and laptop

Lightweight and portable

Good battery life

Touchscreen

Keyboard may be too small for older children

Better suited for basic tasks like browsing the internet, gaming and watching videos

Lenovo is a brand whose products are trusted for their reliability and Mumsnet users agree that Lenovo's IdeaPad Duet is one of the best laptops for kids in terms of quality. Experts agree too, with Tech Radar calling the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet "one of the best Chromebooks we've ever used."

A tablet and laptop in one, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is versatile, lightweight and very affordable, making it a great all-round option for children. Your child can easily switch the device from laptop to tablet by removing the detachable magnetic keyboard, transforming the Chromebook into a 10.1-inch tablet with a full HD screen.

It comes with decent storage capacity and weighs less than 1kg, so it’s ideal for popping in your child’s school bag . Reviewers claim the battery life lasts over 10 hours - the longest on our best buy list - which is certainly enough to get a full day at school or long car journey in a single charge. The operating system Chrome OS gives you access to apps like Google Docs and Gmail, which is great for basic tasks like online classes, checking emails and browsing the internet, as well as watching movies and gaming .

Read next : Check out our guide to the best dumb phone for kids

Read next: Discover their next best read with our guide to the best books for eight-year-olds .

ASUS Laptop Vivobook L410MA 14" HD

12-hour battery life

Excellent HD screen

Has an inbuilt number pad

Slimline design can feel a little flimsy

Less storage than on the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet

If you’re looking for one of the best laptops for kids to use at school without breaking the bank, the ASUS Vivobook has been designed with a lightweight, stylish look, has an impressive 12-hour battery life and comes with a year's subscription to Microsoft Office.

Weighing just 1.3kg, this laptop has a 14" screen with excellent HD quality and is super slimline to easily slot into your child's schoolbag. It has a lay-flat hinge ideal for sharing content and an inbuilt numberpad to make maths homework that little bit easier.

Unlike the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet , it doesn’t have a touchscreen and the storage is quite a bit lower too, and because it's so lightweight, some users reported it felt a little flimsy.

Read next: The best kids’ headphones for learning, screen time and more.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook 14 inch

2-in-1 laptop and tablet

Full HD touchscreen

10 hours battery life

Decent storage

Not as lightweight as similar devices

Like the IdeaPad Duet , the IdeaPad 5i is really versatile. A 2-in-1 device, it has a full HD touchscreen that can be flipped round 360 degrees, making it one of the best laptops for kids looking to switch between laptop and tablet mode. The IdeaPad also includes a USB Gen 1 Type A port as well as two USB Gen 1 Type-C ports for faster data transfer - great if they're wanting to upload images or files from their other devices.

Like other Chrome OS laptops, it has all the usual apps installed and your child can also add more, including Microsoft Word or Excel. It’s a bit heavier than the likes of the IdeaPad Duet but it has an ample 128GB-worth of storage for storing files photos and schoolwork (and a MicroSD card reader for extra storage capability), and the battery life is pretty good at 10 hours too.

Read next: The best online tutoring resources for kids

Microsoft 12.4" Surface Laptop Go 3

Comes with Windows 11

Full-size keyboard

HD front and rear cameras

High-quality audio

Portable for taking to school

All-day battery life

Could do with more ports

Some reviewers found the cooling fans noisy

A sleek, super lightweight and stylish laptop with plenty of features for young students, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is one of the best laptops for kids on the go. Unlike other popular devices like the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet , it has a full-size keyboard for comfort while doing long school projects or typing essays, and it comes with Windows 11 and Microsoft Teams which some schools require for homework. At 1.1kg, it’s relatively lightweight and portable enough to pack in their backpack too.

The brand states the battery can last up to 19 hours, which is very impressive, with other handy features including a HD camera, touchscreen display and One Touch sign-in. It is pricier than other kids' laptops on our list, but you get a good all-rounder that will be suitable for the likes of schoolwork and gaming.

Read next: Best iPad for kids, tried and tested by parents

Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)

Lightweight and slimline

Easy for children to navigate

Access to Apple’s huge range of apps

Can be used with a keyboard and digital pen

Good value for money

Screen isn’t as big as on a traditional laptop

May not be suitable for bigger school projects

If you’re looking for a tablet that can also double as one of the best laptops for kids when needed, then you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Apple iPad . A reliable device that can be easily navigated by children, there’s also the option to add a keyboard when it’s time to do homework. You’ll have to pay extra for the keyboard of course, which may be pricey, but there’s lots of reasons why iPads are really useful for children. They are super slim and lightweight for easy carrying, with around 10 hours of battery time which is plenty for long car journeys or full days at school.

The 10.2-inch screen is smaller than all the laptops on our best buy list so probably won’t be ideal for students working on bigger projects, but it supports Apple’s True Tone colour-matching technology which adjusts the colour and intensity to make images appear more natural.

iPads are fast even with multiple browsers open and give access to Apple’s huge range of apps, so children can play games, watch films and TV series, read books, take photos and video call using the front and back wide cameras. Choose from 64GB or 256GB of storage for storing their creations and favourite apps.

Related: Find the best kids' camera as rated by Mumsnet families.

Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Thin and lightweight

Powerful processor

Very impressive battery power

Good mic and speakers

Clear, vibrant display

Fast performance

Some of the best laptops for kids (some of the best laptops full stop) are made by Apple so if you don’t mind the eye-watering price tag that comes with the MacBook Air , you’ll get a high-spec device with lots of brilliant features. To start, the Air looks super stylish - a sleek, lightweight laptop that any child would be proud to work on. The 13.3-inch Retina display is sharp, clear and vibrant, whether your child is watching - or editing - videos or designing on PowerPoint.

Powered by Apple’s M1 Chip, it’s three times faster than the previous model, with an impressive 18-hour battery life. It has 8GB of memory - bigger than the likes of the ASUS C202 Chromebook - so programmes run effortlessly, and your child can browse multiple tabs and work off different apps and files quickly and easily. It’s compatible with apps like Microsoft 365 and Google Drive, with loads more to download from the App store.

Compared to the likes of the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet and retailing at almost £1k, it’s a hefty investment, but this laptop is packed with useful features, has an impressive battery life and will cater for a variety of needs for years to come - making it one of the best laptops for kids in terms of long-term investment.

Read next: The best phones for kids and the top-ranking kids' smartwatch .

Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Fun flip design

Robust and durable

Decent size touchscreen

Battery life could be better

Screen can be dull at times

Compact keyboard size

This affordable and hardwearing Chromebook comes well rated among Mumsnet parents and industry experts. With a reinforced 11.6-inch touchscreen display, it’s robust enough to cope with the school commute, whilst being one of the best laptops for kids to use for email, Netflix, or FaceTiming their friends.

The Acer Spin 311 Chromebook laptop uses Google’s Chrome operating system which means your child can access all their favourite apps via the Google Play Store. With 4GB RAM, it can keep up with even the most extensive of school tasks, coping with a significant number of tabs open without causing lag or delay.

With around eight hours of runtime after a full charge, the battery life could be better, but given the more budget-friendly price tag, we feel it’s a small sacrifice to make.

Related : Keep little hands busy this summer with our pick of the best fidget toys .

ASUS Zenbook Duo 2

Dual screen enhances productivity

Four USB-C ports

17-hour battery life

Improved airflow to prevent overheating

Includes leatherette sleeve and stylus

Impressive storage capacity

The location of the trackpad and the keyboard without wrist support takes some getting used to

For complete freedom and flexibility, the unique ASUS Zenbook Duo 2 laptop has an innovative secondary display that can help improve your teen’s efficiency and productivity - whether they are studying, revising, streaming TV shows or a combination of all three.

A lightweight and portable laptop with substantial storage capacity, this laptop is ideal for both work and play, with an impressive battery life that can last up to 17 hours without charging.

While the location of the trackpad and lack of wrist supports on the keyboard can take a bit of getting used to, we love the included stylus and touchscreen - ideal for creative digital art projects. The tilted secondary screen also boasts improved airflow, keeping this laptop cool and comfortable without the risk of overheating.

Read next : If you need some gift-giving inspiration, don't miss our guides to the best board games and best LEGO sets , as well as our bespoke toy guides: the best toys for four-year-olds , five-year-olds , six-year-olds , seven-year-olds , eight-year-olds , nine-year-olds and 10-year-olds .

Acer Swift 3 14" Laptop

Fingerprint reader security

Decent-sized screen

Large storage

Good for gaming and schoolwork

Some schools may require students to have Windows laptops and the Acer Swift 3 comes with apps like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams preinstalled, making it one of the best laptops for kids using Windows. Lightweight and slimline, the Swift 3 is also ideal for a full day at school. The Intel Core i5 processor, large 8GB of RAM (there’s also a 16GB available should your child need more) and 512GB of storage ensures the laptop will perform well when browsing on multiple tabs and streaming a movie.

It has a large 14-inch full HD screen and the battery life is impressive, lasting well over a day at school, with a quick 30-minute charge allowing your child an extra four hours of work time. It also wakes up in less than a second too, so students can get straight to work without having to wait for it to warm up. We also like that it has an embedded fingerprint reader for helping them login to Windows quickly and securely.

Related : Looking for a kids' tablet to boost learning as well as keep kids occupied this summer? Read our Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids and Kids Pro Review

How do I choose a laptop for my child?

When selecting the best laptops for kids, here are some things to bear in mind:

Durability: Children aren’t always as careful as we’d like them to be, so the ideal laptop for kids should be robust and hardwearing for use at home and at school.

Ease of use: It should be easy to navigate, with simple instructions, an intuitive interface or touchscreen capabilities.

Battery life: How long does the battery life last? Is this long enough to last a whole day at school without access to a charger? Most decent kids’ laptops have a battery life of at least 10 hours.

RAM: Does the laptop have enough RAM and storage to manage multiple school projects and uninterrupted streaming and browsing? In terms of RAM, 4GB should suffice for most kids, though 8GB would be better if your child plans to use it for gaming too.

Storage capacity: Your child probably won’t need to store lots on their laptop but look for one that has at least 64GB of storage if it comes with Windows 11 (others don’t need as much storage).

Operating system: Windows 11 is a useful operating system for child-friendly laptops, thanks to the S Mode function which prevents apps from being installed unless they’re available on the Microsoft store. This means you can block apps or games based on their safety score and ratings. It’s also simple to use, making it a good option for children.

Safety: Look for laptops with built-in parental controls and safety features such as anti-virus protection.

Laptop or Chromebook?: Apple makes some of the best laptops around, but they don’t come cheap so may not be the best option for children, however iPads are smaller and easy to navigate. As far as Chromebooks go, they’ve come a long way since their launch in 2011. Most are pre-installed with the ChromeOS operating system, which is cheaper to run than Windows and has lower hardware requirements so you can get away with as little as 16GB of storage. Chromebooks sync well with Google apps such as Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Sheets and Google Assistant, plus they’re compatible with Android apps and ChromeOS games and have parental control features.

Extras: Other features you may want to consider are a wide keyboard and backlighting.

Internet Matters suggests doing the following before buying your child’s laptop:

First consider how the laptop will be used. For instance, does your child need to sit and type for long periods or is the laptop more for research purposes and watching videos?

Talk to your child about what they’d like to do on it.

Have a discussion with your child’s teacher about what your child needs to support their learning.

Is a 2-in-1 laptop good for kids?

A 2-in-1 laptop, also known as a hybrid laptop, is essentially a notebook (which is a lighter laptop) and a tablet in one. If you think your child currently needs a tablet and a laptop or might need both in future, a 2-in-1 may save you money in the long-run. We think the best 2-in-1 laptop for kids is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i .

However, if a tablet is not an essential for your child, a more powerful standard notebook or heavy-duty laptop will be a better alternative.

Here are some features of a 2-in-1 laptop to keep in mind:

Some have detachable keyboards or ones that fold around the device.

Most have touchpads.

They’re lightweight, sleek and portable.

Some aren’t as powerful as regular laptops.

What is a good starter laptop for a 10-year-old?

It depends on your budget - if you're looking for one of the best laptops for kids coming in at around £200, the ASUS C202 11.6" Chromebook is our top budget pick. It's lightweight, has ChromeOS which provides access to Google Drive and Gmail - a good, robust option for schoolwork. If you're looking for something a little fancier, we also like the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet and Flex 5i for 2-in-1 versatility.

How much should I spend on a kids’ laptop?

A laptop is a good investment for your child’s education, but since children mainly use laptops for online learning and schoolwork, as well as some entertainment (think gaming, watching movies and accessing approved social media), you don’t need to spend a lot of money on one. If you’re a Mac fan, expect to spend upwards of £1,000 on a laptop. All laptops on our list fall within the range of £200 to £900.

How can I make sure my child is safe online?

The internet can feel like a scary place to let your child explore, but there are steps you can take to ensure they remain as safe as possible online.

Set boundaries and rules as a family, such as keeping laptops in a family space and allowing access to all devices.

Talk to your child regularly about online safety and connecting with friends online.

Ask what they do online and check out the websites and games they use so you understand what they are seeing.

Show your child how to report abuse and how to block people on the websites they use.

Check their privacy settings. Adjust parental controls to suit your child’s age and maturity and supervise young children when using the internet. There are tools and apps you can use to monitor their usage and access, such as a VPN which restricts what they can do online.

What is the best laptop to buy for a kid?

A tablet and laptop in one, the affordable Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" 2-in-1 Chromebook is versatile, lightweight and one of the best laptops for kids. With a small keyboard and a full HD touchscreen, it can be used for browsing the internet, watching videos, accessing online classes and playing games - all the basic requirements for a good child-friendly laptop.

Read next : Amazon Fire 7 Kids vs Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids: Which is the best kids' tablet?

Is a Chromebook good for a child?

Sometimes the best laptops for kids aren't technically laptops at all: if your child just needs a laptop for basic word processing and internet access, you can't go wrong with a good Chromebook . However, if your child is looking for something they can use for gaming or more advanced school work they might be better off with a laptop.

Is too much screen time dangerous for kids?

When buying a laptop for your child, you may want to consider the amount of screen time that is appropriate for their age, including their use of other devices such as tablets and TV.

Too much screen time can have negative impacts on your child’s cognitive development, concentration levels, mental health, communication and self-esteem. When used in moderation, however, a laptop can support your child’s overall learning and education. For more guidance and support, check out Mumsnet users tips on how to manage your child’s screen time .

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real parents.

In our search for the best products to recommend to you, we always start by asking our Mumsnet users which one they love the most. Our forums have over 7 million users each month so we know that each product they suggest has been able to withstand the needs of a family, whilst also catering for a range of different needs, budgets and lifestyles.

Expert advice

Whatever the category, we want to end up with a list of tried-and-tested products that will cater for a range of different situations, so our trusted and experienced parenting journalists research each category thoroughly. This means checking with the experts to make sure that each one stands up to scrutiny.

We use a variety of sources when researching, including independent review sites, such as Which?, to help ensure we are bringing you the best products on the market right now.

Consumer feedback

Online reviews are so important when purchasing any product as it helps us work out which ones stand the test of family life, so we make sure to scour the internet to see which ones are well-rated when used by the consumer at home. We consult reviews on websites such as John Lewis, Amazon and Argos, to make sure the products are worth your hard-earned cash.

We don’t just look for positive feedback, the negative reviews are so important too for helping us work out which products perform well across the board.

Celebrated best products

Finally, we look out for any products that have received industry awards to help us recommend a variety of laptops for kids that will cater for a range of budgets and needs.

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.

A Macbook Pro user, Lucy shifted from her Windows laptop around two years ago and hasnt looked back since, however a tech fan, she knows the features to look out for when looking for an efficient and high performing laptop.

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

10 Best laptops for kids: top options for security, speed and battery life

From streaming to school work and game play, we've rounded up some of the top laptops for kids, including models from ASUS, HP and Lenovo

Whether it's for work, school or play these are the top models to consider

12:43, 25 May 2020
Updated 15:02, 11 Aug 2021

As your children grow older, the way they use their laptops will also change. In addition to watching their favourite shows online, homework assignments become increasingly important, as does the ability to play their favourite games with friends.

It's essential, then, that you buy a laptop that is up to the task.

Not only will it need to be powerful enough to cope with the demands of modern-day multi-tasking, it will also needs to easy to use, affordable and have great battery life.

But with so many to choose from, where do you start? Fear not, because we've listed some of the best laptops for kids that tick all of the right boxes.

What are the best laptops for kids?

1. hp chromebook 11a-nb0000na 11.6" chromebook, best budget laptop for kids.

This is a really nifty little computer for the price point. It's light and portable, boasts 13 hours of battery life, and an anti-glare screen for good viewing at any angle.

It's speedy and the camera and microphone are ideal for all streaming and socialising needs. There's all the ports you need, and a decent 4GB memory and 32GB storage, but you can always boost the laptop's storage (for all those movies and photos) by inserting a Micro SD card.

A reliable investment that won't break the bank, but will still provide your child enough speed to do all of their school tasks.

2. Microsoft Surface Go 2

Best touchscreen laptop for kids.

An excellent and affordable option from Microsoft, this is officially a tablet but can easily be paired with a type cover to create a versatile and portable laptop.

It's sleek, stylish and ideal for your little one to use at home after school (with a bumper case of course), or for an older child to take with them to university. It runs full Windows so is perfect for homework, has 4GB memory, and can be used as a tablet for playing games and watching movies on-the-go or at home.

It’s not quite as powerful as an iPad but, at this price, it’s a brilliant buy with lots of cool features to ensure your child learns and has fun at the same time.

3. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Best 2-in-1 laptop for kids.

This laptop for kids is like a good old friend - solid, durable and reliable.

It’s perfect for when children need to start writing up work for school, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s a great affordable mix for work and play, offering basic applications for school work and then flipping into a tablet for games, films or checking in on TikTok.

It’s ultra-resistant with a shock-absorbent bumper and can survive drops from 122cm, as well as small spillages (up to 330ml) on the keyboard. A great all-rounder with a 10-hour battery life.

4. GeoBook 110 11.6in HD Dual Core Laptop

Best laptop under £200 for kids.

It's not a brand that immediately jumps out as a household name, but for parents on a budget, the GeoBook 110 is desirably priced at under £200.

Powered by an Intel Celeron processor with 4GB RAM, kids can easily multi-task between programmes effectively, the GeoBook 110 is perfect for work, study and casual computing on the move. The HD IPS display brings high-resolution, wide-angle visuals so you can work efficiently.

There's also Office 365 Personal with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more ideal for the kids to swiftly complete homework

5. Lenovo 11IGL05 IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook - Onyx Black

Best chromebook under £200 for kids.

Lenovo is always a good idea if you're looking for affordable options.

Whether they'll be playing games online, scrolling through social media or completing their school work, this model has 10 hours of battery life, so you won't have to worry about constantly charging.

You get one year of online storage with Google One too, meaning you can save anything and access it again whenever you have an internet connection. There's a built-in antivirus for round the clock protection and access to millions of apps to suit their needs.

6. ASUS C223 11.6 Inch Celeron Chromebook

Best compact laptop for kids.

Smaller than a sheet of A4 paper, this compact and lightweight laptop was designed with kids in mind.

It has one of the thinnest profiles of any Chromebook, has 4GB of RAM, a battery life of up to 10 hours so would last all day at school without charging, and high-definition display for good movie-watching afterwards.

With access to Google Play Store, it has everything your mini me needs to enjoy the day.

7. Acer Aspire 1 Intel Celeron 14" HD Laptop

Best laptop for bluetooth for kids.

The Acer Aspire 1 is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, boasting 4GB RAM and a very impressive 64GB of storage space, perfect for homework, project or gaming downloads.

To further assist with school work, included in the package is a one year subscription for Microsoft 365 Personal and the added option to include Norton 360 to protect your device.

To easily connect to the internet and other devices like headphones or speakers, the laptop also has integrated bluetooth.

8. Google Pixelbook Go

Best chromebook for kids.

One of the best mainstream Chromebooks, with 16GB and i5 Intel Core, this laptop for kids is lightweight and easy to carry around, offers a good battery life of 12 hours, and has a high-resolution camera for great-quality movie-watching and video chatting.

So, whether they’re collaborating on a Google Doc in a cafe or FaceTiming someone from home, this laptop offers a sleek look and user experience.

9. ASUS VivoBook F515JA 15.6" Laptop

Best gaming laptop for kids.

With a 15.6" screen, this VivoBook from ASUS is ideal for game play or streaming all of their favourite shows.

The laptop has a NanoEdge display, perfect for enjoying a big screen without a massive laptop, that then becomes too clunky to carry. There's a sophisticated 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor, meaning you'll be able to work on your spreadsheets or enjoy binging TV with a smooth and swift system performance.

What's more, we love the sleek design of this laptop that can easily be transported in standard sized rucksacks.

10. Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)

Best apple laptop for kids.

Like the Porsche of the computer world, the MacBook Air is the crème de la crème of laptops for kids.

Although it's a lot of money to shell out, the applications, operating system, features, design, battery life, and user experience are second-to-none. Longevity is also excellent, and this may even last older kids through A-levels and university. But be warned: once used, they might not want to return from the Mac.

As Macs are slowly becoming the industry standard, it's a great brand to introduce your child to early on, helping to give them an advantage when they go off to study further and eventually work.

How do I choose the right laptop?

Picking the right laptop can be tricky at the best of times, especially if you're not tech savvy. However, fear not If you don't know your gigabytes from your gigahertz - there are some basic things you can still keep an eye out for, including:

While it can be tempting to buy the least expensive laptop, cross your fingers and hope for the best, what goes on under the hood is the first thing you should be looking at.

Well, there's nothing worse than buying a laptop only to discover that it constantly freezes, slows down or makes more noise than a jet engine as it struggles to perform seemingly basic tasks.

We've all been there, and it's the sign of an underpowered laptop that isn't fit for purpose.

As schools take more of their learning online in the form of virtual classrooms, it's important to look for a laptop that is equipped for the job.

You'll need, at a minimum, a Dual Core processor with a clock speed of at least 2Ghz and 4Gb RAM - the more Ghz and RAM, the better.

You'll get what you pay for at the end of the day, so it's a case of balancing your requirements with your budget. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of affordable laptops that strike this balance perfectly.

Not only is the size of the screen important, but also the finish. Laptop screens can be matt or gloss, each with their own unique advantages.

While matt screens are easier to view in bright light and help reduce eye strain, glossy screens are better for watching movies and films as the colours are much more vivid.

Smaller screens are perfect for kids as they strike the right balance between portability. While a standard laptop screen size is around 13.5", compact laptops have screens between 11-14".

Laptops with larger screens are only worthwhile if it will be used while sitting at a desk or table. While they are great for gaming and watching videos, the trade-off is that they can be difficult to carry around.

If your child uses their laptop for everything from work to play, then a longer battery life will almost certainly be useful.

Laptops with 9 or more hours of battery should see them through an entire day of use, which comes in handy for when the charger is inevitably left at home.

This is especially important if they're a bit older and therefore more likely to be multi-tasking and zipping between multiple open programmes.

Operating System

Most laptops these days are powered by one of three operating systems, each with their own unique pros and cons. These are:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows, or Windows, is one of the oldest operating systems around and, when it comes to versatility and all-round ease-of-use, Windows is hard to beat:

Familiar: Found on computers and laptops up and down the country in every school, home and office.
Software: Huge software library that includes MS Office - perfect for for midweek homework assignments
Security: Keep everyone safe online by setting up parental controls and child user accounts
Affordable: Windows computers come in all shapes and sizes and cover every available price point
Virus attacks: While Windows computers are more vulnerable to infection, a good antivirus will help protect your computer

Exclusive to Apple computers , macOS is known for its ease-of-use, user-friendly design and cross-device compatibility.

Peace of mind: Less likely to get a malware or virus infection, so no need for an antivirus
Best of both worlds : Run Windows on your Mac using a built-in feature called 'Boot Camp'

Cross-device compatibility: Transfer files, make and receive phone calls and send text messages from your Mac

Built for speed: No pre-installed promotional software, known as bloatware, that will slow down your computer

Pricey: A MacBook can set you back hundred, or thousands, of pounds - even pre-owned ones

Chrome OS powers Chromebooks and is a web-forward operating system with plenty going for it:

Battery life: Spend up to 9.5 hours unplugged

Secure: No need for an antivirus and the ability to set up parental controls and child user accounts

Storage: With little to no built-in storage, everything is done online via the cloud

Budget-friendly: Chromebooks are less expensive than Windows and Apple computers as they lack expensive hardware and software

Performance: Not as powerful as Windows or Apple computers, which makes them ill-suited for gaming and all but the most basic tasks such as homework and watching videos online
Software: Everything from word processing to creating presentations must be done online via Google Docs, a cloud-based suite of tools similar to MS Office..

If you've been looking around for a while but still aren't quite sure on the best laptop for you - try browsing top tech retailers like Amazon , Currys PC World or Argos first.

MORE ON Mirror Best Computers Shopping advice Microsoft Surface MacBook Mirror Choice

Best Chromebooks for kids in 2024: our top picks

Whether they're going back to school or back to the couch, these are the best Chromebooks for kids

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook open on desk showing home screen

Best overall
Best gaming
How to choose
Battery testing results

How we test

The best Chromebooks for kids are quality computers that won't break your budget, which is why we've collected the top Chromebooks across multiple price ranges. Chromebooks are a natural fit for students and classrooms, as they've long been heralded for their kid-friendliness and simplicity.

But don't let the simplified interface fool you: The best Chromebooks can offer your child a full computing experience, with optional Linux integration as well as Android apps.

All Chromebooks are not the same, so we've collected a variety of favorites below. Some are more rugged, while others convert from laptops to tablets. They don't all have touchscreens, either. Port selection for plugging in peripherals (like an additional keyboard and mouse) varies as well.

These are the best Chromebooks for kids we've reviewed so far, based on our own hands-on testing and usage!

The quick list

In a hurry? Here's a brief overview of the laptops on this list, along with quick links that let you jump down the page directly to a review of whichever laptop catches your eye.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is technically a Chrome tablet, but it's so sturdy and such a good deal we recommend it as the best Chromebook for most kids. The bright screen is great for watching YouTube or browsing the web, and the included keyboard cover is good enough for emails or homework.

The best Chromebooks for kids you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The best overall

1. Lenovo Duet 3

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

We often recommend Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 3 to folks shopping for a Chromebook for kids because even though it's technically a tablet, it packs a lot of value and utility in for under $400.

The Duet 3 comes with a detachable keyboard, for starters, and while it's not great for writing papers it's more than serviceable for typing chat messages or writing emails. The touchscreen is nice and bright, and plenty responsive so it's easy to browse the web or type using the on-screen keyboard.

This is an ideal Chromebook for kids that like it because its smaller and lighter than a full clamshell laptop, and the tablet design makes it easy to cradle while watching videos. And with 10+ hours of (tested) battery life you can rely on it during long car trips.

Check out our full Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 review .

The best for gaming

2. Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Advancements in ChromeOS and cloud gaming services have made the idea of a "gaming Chromebook" that can play the latest and greatest games a viable option, and the Acer Chromebook 516 GE was one of the first to hit the market.

With a starting price of $649, a big 16-inch (2,500 x 1,600 pixels) display and a surprisingly low (for a 16-inch gaming laptop) weight of 3.9 pounds, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a solid big-screen Chromebook for not a lot of money.

Admittedly, the 12th Gen Intel CPU, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD in our review unit didn't give it a lot of horsepower or space to run games, but since you're meant to mostly play games via cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna, GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass you just need a rock-solid Internet connection. And since it sports an Ethernet jack (a rarity on Chromebooks) you can count on being able to plug into wired Internet for optimal gaming.

Read our full Acer Chromebook 516 GE review .

The best value

3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet

As you might have guessed, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a cheaper, less capable version of our top recommendation, the Duet 3.

This is basically the same kind of Chrome tablet, but the Duet is cheaper than the Duet 3 and also slower and smaller. Plus, it offers fewer ports and a dimmer screen. But if you're on a tight budget, these are easy trade-offs to make in return for the Duet's core value: a light, durable Chrome tablet with good battery life and a decent detachable keyboard.

Smaller hands may find the Chromebook Duet's keyboard a little on the tight side, but at this price, any keyboard is a surprise and a steal.

Read our full Lenovo Chromebook Duet review .

How to choose the best Chromebook

How to choose the best chromebook for your kid.

Kids don't need all the bells and whistles of a premium Chromebook. They need something functional enough to check them into class and help facilitate participation. Chromebooks running lesser-known processors such as the MediaTek Helio P60T and the Intel Celeron N4000 are undoubtedly able, but they're not workhorses akin to the Intel Core M3 and Core i5 processors. For something more powerful and capable of flying through several Chrome tabs at a time, plus Android apps where applicable, 8GB of memory is a minimum requirement. At the very least, you won't have to worry about discrepancies in battery life between the models mentioned here because education-focused Chromebooks run on the least-taxing specifications.

For a child who is mostly stuck at the desk doing schoolwork, a traditional laptop-type Chromebook will suffice, though you'll want to choose an exterior that's easy to wipe down when messes occur. If your child prefers a mouse to navigate, select one with a standard USB input. It simplifies the process of connecting a mouse, and you don't have to worry about buying a compatible USB-C dock. For squirmier tykes, a 2-in-1 Chromebook tablet has the same functionality as a desk-bound Chromebook, but with the flexibility of doing schoolwork in a beanbag chair or another extremely comfortable situation.

When it comes to screen size, an 11-inch display is ample enough for younger kids. Older kids and middle-schoolers will benefit more from a larger display, or anything 13-inches and over. If you don't like the display of the Chromebook--perhaps it's a bit washed out, or you realize it's uncomfortable for your child--you can always invest in the USB hub mentioned above to tack on HDMI and connect to an external monitor.

Lastly, since Chromebook models aren’t typically refreshed annually, be keen on whether or not the Chromebook model you choose will receive software and security updates down the line. Most of the Chromebooks featured here are set for updates until 2026. (Google offers a helpful support page if you want to look up a specific model.) This ensures compatibility with software and that your child’s laptop isn’t exposed to any major security vulnerabilities. You may have to perform some manual parenting maintenance to ensure the device stays up to date.

Battery test results compared

Battery life is one of the key things you should look at when deciding which Chromebook to buy a child, which is why we run every laptop we review through a series of battery tests to see how long it lasts on a full charge.

These tests do not reflect real-world use patterns since we have to set every laptop to the same settings in order to do fair comparisons. Thus, while the times listed here are accurate and useful as a comparison point, your own experience with a laptop's battery life will likely vary.

This is because when we run our battery test we set the laptop's display to 150 nits of brightness and have it endlessly browse the web via Wi-Fi until it dies. However, when you use your laptop you're likely adjusting brightness on the fly, doing all sorts of different tasks while perhaps listening to music or watching a video at the same time, and generally putting the machine through more of a workout than it gets in our test.

So while I stand by our testing and the battery life results we compare in the chart below, I want to be clear that your own experience will vary!


Lenovo Chromebook Duet	12:47
Acer Chromebook Spin 713	11:52
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3	10:30
Acer Chromebook 516 GE	7:40
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition	8:07

How we test the best Chromebooks for kids

To find the best Chromebook for kids we run every machine we review through a rigorous suite of benchmarks and real-world tests to gauge how it will perform during everyday use.

We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter. For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include JetStream 2 (a Web-based benchmarking suite that runs over five dozen tests designed to measure how well systems handle the kind of applications they’re most likely to encounter on the Internet) and a custom battery test that tasks the machine with browsing the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

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Florence Ion has worked for Ars Technica, PC World, and Android Central, before freelancing for several tech publications, including Tom's Guide. She's currently a staff writer at Gizmodo, and you can watch her as the host of All About Android on the This Week in Tech network.

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The best laptop for kids in 2024: our favorite kid-friendly picks

The best laptops for kids: our top picks

1. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Specifications

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook

3. Google Pixelbook Go

4. Acer Aspire 5 (2022)

5. Acer Chromebook 516 GE

6. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

7. HP Pavilion 15

8. Asus TUF Dash F15 (2022)

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