Best Laptops for Computer Science Students | Top 12 Best Picks

If you are a college student pursuing a Computer Science major or degree, a good laptop is essential. Although most CS and IT students’ primary criteria would be coding, learning programming languages, and concepts, submitted in assignments on time, doing projects, etc., you might also want to take some extracurricular breathers such as occasional gaming.

Finding the best computer science laptop can seem easy at first. There is no shortage of options in the computer market. That is exactly what makes it a little difficult. To find the one that’s in your price range and tailored to your needs among the hundreds of options.

The global market size for laptops is expected to reach $108.91 billion in 2025. Thanks to their numerous benefits, including portability, laptops have become the PC format of choice for consumers worldwide best laptops for computer science students.

While laptops have been used in all kinds of settings, these machines are especially vital for the learning of computer science. Computer science students live on their laptops. They need these machines for taking notes, submitting assignments, communicating with their professors, and of course, cranking out code.

Of course, not all laptops are made equal, and it’s up to you to choose the best laptop for computer science. The right laptop can make your studies easier while the wrong one will be a constant source of headaches. It may not be essential to have the best possible graphics card if you are only using the laptop to do your assignments, but if you participate in extracurricular activities such as gaming, a powerful graphics card is essential. If you are looking for a good graphics card, then you should think about getting a dedicated graphics card. A lightweight laptop with long battery life and a display is always in demand; above that, if it is a budget laptop that allows multiple browser tabs simultaneously then it is a cherry on top.

But with all the laptop options available on the market, how can you tell for sure which one is best suited for computer science? To help take the guesswork out of the way, we’ve prepared a list of the five best laptops for computer science at the moment.

Read on to learn more.

Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

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1. Lenovo Yoga C930

Lenovo has, for a long time, been reputed as a manufacturer of highly durable laptops. It’s one of the most recognizable brands worldwide, and you can count on the efficiency of its laptops.

The Lenovo Yoga C930 has an array of technical features that make it the best laptop for computer science students. The first thing you’ll notice about this laptop is its sturdy and sleek design.

The laptop features an i7 core processor, which makes the machine more powerful than previous versions. The Lenovo Yoga C930 has Intel HD graphics 620 that can support high programming applications. Whether the applications are based on Advanced C++ programming, Angular Java, or some other code, this laptop supports them with ease. additionally, this computer comes with one USB type C port which means it will be easier than ever to plug-in peripherals such as flash drives or charging cables into your laptop computer. This laptop comes with two USB Type-A, one USB Type C, and an HDMI port in terms of ports.

The Yoga C930’s Intel Turbo Boost technology features a 12 DDR4 2400 MHz memory. This RAM configuration can swiftly run and operate heavy applications, which is perfect for programmers. Its powerful lithium polymer battery means that the machine has impressive battery life. You’ll get more battery life out of integrated GPUs.Still, most computer science majors probably understand that it’s difficult to pack good batteries in such a thin and sleek design

The laptop also features an HD sound system, which makes listening to audio a joy.

Perhaps the only setback of this laptop is its relatively high price. However, its ton of useful features makes the machine worth the investment.

2. Dell 9310 XPS

When it comes to desktop or laptop computers, Dell has consistently been one of the best brands. They provide goods that are incredibly inventive and offer excellent performance for the cost. Incoming computer science students should think about purchasing the Dell 9310 XPS.

The Dell 9310 XPS is the ideal choice if you want to concentrate on coding and programming. But because the laptop is also incredibly powerful, it can do more than that. High-quality gaming and simple video and photo editing are among the capabilities. Over the rall, for a laptop in its price range, the Dell 9310 XPS offers a fantastic experience that’s hard to match. It’s a durable laptop that offers excellent value for the money.

The Dell 9310 XPS display is an XPS4-inch UHD screen. Dell’s InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective technology is included. This results in a display that appears to be almost seamless. The anti-reflective technology also enables you to use the laptop in bright environments or rooms with bright lighting. One of the nicest laptop displays they have recently seen, according to experts.

The 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor in the Dell 9310 XPS ensures that it performs admirably. This ensures that your laptop will function effectively when performing a variety of tasks. Along with quicker loading times, this also translates to better battery life and an overall more streamlined computing experience.

3. The HP Pavilion 15

Under $650, the HP Pavilion 15-EH1103AU offers several high-several turns. It’s one of the finest laptops for computer science students on a budget thanks to the powerful Ryzen 5-5500U CPU, 16 GB of Dual-channel DDR4 RAM, and a sharp 15.6-inch display. With twice as much SSD storage, a 15.6-inch IPS display with a broader color gamut, andcolorutiful spruce blue casing color that goes colorist grey headphones and external hard drives, this Pavilion model significantly outperforms our previous IdeaPad.

No of the workload, whether it be java software development, concurrency testing, or code compilation, the AMD Ryzen 5 -5500U will have no trouble tearing through it. The CPU and 16GB of RAM on this laptop enable you to run numerous virtual machines simultaneously. It’s good to know that your HP Pavilion will perform similarly to early i7 processors if you prefer to play a few games in between study sessions. For instance, when you run GTA V on high settings, you may anticipate drawing 90 FPS on drawing, which is nothing short of astounding.

Two 8GB, 3200 MHz sticks totaling 16GB of Dual Channel DDR4 RAM are included with the HP Pavilion 15-EH1103AU. You’re looking at one of the best laptops for computer science students on a budget when you pair the latter with a Ryzen 5-5500U CPU.

It’s important to remember that running a single virtual machine requires at least 6GB of memory, leaving up to 10 GB free for handling common tasks like running MS Office, using Discord, and opening many tabs quickly. With 512 GB of SSD space, this Pavilion laptop surpasses the Lenovo IdeaPad in terms of storage. Running local virtual machines or developing and compiling in Java is sped up by this extremely efficient SSD.

More data is often stored by CompSci students than by the average laptop user. Your SSD will aid you in completing time-consuming tasks like downloading huge frameworks and inserting megabytes of data into your apps.

4. HP Envy 6JU52UA

The HP Envy features a 13.3 diagonal Ultra HD bright touch screen. There are many reasons why this device is one of the best laptops for programmers you can find at the moment.

The laptop features the 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor. Its RAM is 8 GB DDR42400. These features make the HP Envy highly effective in running diverse technical applications. Best laptops for computer science students are very useful. Graphics Card Graphics is a good thing to consider if you want the best possible performance in your computer science laptop

Programmers also love the Intel Turbo Boost technology with L3 cache that the HP Envy features. This machine can run heavy applications with no disturbance at all.

There’s a 512 GB hard drive to run the software smoothly. The laptop also features multiple ports, which is perfect for connecting pen drives when you need to best laptops for computer science students. There’s a wide vision camera that’s integrated with a dual array microphone. You’ll get more battery life out of integrated GPUs.Still, most computer science majors probably understand that it’s difficult to pack good batteries in such a thin and sleek design. additionally, this computer comes with one USB type C port which means it will be easier than ever to plug-in peripherals such as flash drives or charging cables into your laptop computer.

The HP Envy’s 53 WH lithium-ion polymer battery means that the machine can run for hours before you need to recharge it. So, the best laptops for computer science students should be able to make it through an entire day without having to a plugin. Here are the best laptops for computer science students. It is a perfect option for a computer science major students who want to do more than just programming and coding.

The main drawback of this laptop is that it’s a bit heavier than most other HP models.

5. The Acer Predator Helios

When you know you’ll be running high-resolution applications, you need a driver-integrated laptop that has a graphic card reader. As a computer science student, some of the projects you’ll need to do are related to creating applications with moderate to high graphics levels.

Look for a laptop with at least 16 GB of additional memory in its motherboard If you are a student studying for your computer science major, The Acer Helios fits this specification perfectly. The laptop has a 6GGB VRAM that perfectly runs graphics-based applications, plus an additional 16 GB RAM in its motherboard. It is a perfect option for a computer science major students who want to do more than just programming and coding. additionally, this computer comes with one USB type C port which means it will be easier than ever to plug-in peripherals such as flash drives or charging cables into your laptop computer.

The Helios’ dual memory channel ensures that you have a seamless user interface even when running more than one best laptop for computer science students’ applicatstudents’ltaneously. You’ll get more battery life out of integrated GPUs.You can spend long hours sitting in front of its screen because it offers decent battery life.

Another impressive feature is the Helios’ powerful 10th generation i7 10750H 6-Core Processor. This processor, coupled with the laptop’s 5.0Hz Turbo Boost Technology, means that you can run heavy applications without a glitch. This laptop comes with two USB Type-A, one USB Type C, and an HDMI port in terms of ports.

6. ASUS VivoBook 15.6

The ASUS VivoBook, one of the most popular series, provides everything a student of computer science needs. It is a member of ASUS’ mid-range lineup and combines strong performance with excellent portability and lovely aesthetics. The Ryzen 5 3500u is one of the most dependable and quick processors on the market, and the laptop’s 8GB DDR4 RAM will work just fine in most situations even though it can be increased to 16GB.

Additionally, the CPU’s integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics will not only handle the majority of the applications you’ll use as a programmer but will also satisfy the specifications needed to play games like Fortnite and League of Legends at medium graphics settings. The VivoBook 15 delivers a stylish 15,6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with NanoEdge bezels that can be your “companion” for many hours without wearing you out. A computer student also requires a large, high-quality display for multitasking.

A 512GB SSD, which is more than most laptops in this price range offer and will prove to be more than adequate for you, is also included by Asus. The VivoBook’s size and weight are also good points. It prides itself on being one of the smallest (just 0.7 inches) and lightest (3.53 lbs) laptops available, making it perfect for carrying around all the time. Vivobook offers a smooth, trouble-free environment that won’t interfere with your needs as a computer science student, making it the all-arounder of the group. However, if you are a student who spends a lot of time playing expensive games like PUBg or Witcher III, it will not be the best choice for you.

7. HP 14 inch

As the most affordable option on the list, the HP 14-inch may also be able to accommodate your needs as a student of computer science. While HP 14’s hardware configuration of an AMD Athlon 3050U processor, 16GB of RAM, and AMD Radeon graphics may not be as swift as the other laptops, it will still be adequate for a computer science student’s essential demands. Some models will have touchscreens, which will be quite useful for people who are taking notes.

You won’t have any trouble multitasking thanks to the 16GB of RAM, and the 256GB SSD is adequate for the price range and might be later increased with an external hard drive. The visual quality is affected by the fact that the display is 720p rather than 1080p, but even so, the display is not horrible and the 14-inch screen proves to be large enough. The HP 14 is extremely portable and lightweight, measuring 12.8 x 8.9 x 0.8 and weighing 3.24 lbs. Overall, if you’re a computer science student looking for a laptop that is affordable laptop home cases surpasses) the basic hardware requirements for your college, the HP 14 is a wonderful option.

8. Acer Aspire 5

The brand-new 2020 Acer Aspire 5 may perhaps be able to accommodate your requirements as a student of computer science. When it was first released, Acer produced a laptop with strong performance, excellent battery life, and high portability for less than 600 dollars.

The dual-core Ryzen 3 is a reliable dual-core workhorse that can easily manage the applications you need for school. The fact that it has 16GB of RAM, which is very uncommon in this price range, ensures that performance won’t suffer if you run too many programs simultprogramsThe Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics core will support your typical computing applications and online activities like Netflix and YouTube, but you might struggle to handle something more difficult like graphically intensive PC gaming.

Performance is always accelerated by solid-state drives, and the 512GB capacity won’t run out rapidly. The laptop’s 15.6-inch, full-HD (1080p) screen and usage of an IPS (in-plane switching) panel for broader viewing angles are also positive aspects. This is unusual in laptops in this price range. The Aspire 5 is quite portable because it weighs 3.97 lbs. and is 14.3x 9.7x 0.7 inches in size. Unlike earlier variants I’ve tested, the keyboard functions flawlessly.

In conclusion, the Acer Aspire 5 justifies its offering at the price it is offered at and is capable of running any computing program, includprogramn, Java, Octave, etc. It might not be the most powerful laptop on the list, but it has a very decent display, making it the best option for someone who wants to spend time online viewing videos and movies but isn’t a serious gamer.

9. ASUS Zenbook 15

The Asus ZenBook is the epitome of a gorgeous, portable laptop, and as far as performance is concerned, it has nothing to be ashamed of. Given that it can handle artificial intelligence, software development, and computer graphics, it may tilt toward the more expensive end of the spectrum, but for good reasons. mining data, creating bots and creating web pages. One way to describe the Asus ZenBook is as a “pocket-size performance beast.”

The ZenBook is equipped with an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, which can easily handle anything you can think of for many years. When combined with the 16GB RAM, the ZenBook can handle anything you can throw at it. The quick 512GB SSD will also be more than adequate for both your personal needs and those of your college. Wide viewing angles and vibrant colors on the discoursive the picture a fantastic appearance. Even though the 13inch screen is smaller than the 15.6inch panels, it still fulfills the recomfulfillsdisplay size for computer science students and won’t make multitasking difficult for you.

However, the sole drawback of the ZenBook is gaming. Although Netflix and browsing won’t be a problem when using Intel integrated graphics, it is not the ideal option for gamers because you can play Overwatch and CS: GO without any issues, but PUBG will be difficult to play. As a student studying computer science, the i7-8565U processor, 16GB SDRAM, and 512GB SSD will easily manage your demanding performance needs. This makes it the most expensive option on the list, but it is also the most effective one if you are not a gamer.

10. The ASUS TUF Gaming FX505

There’s no doubt that the ASUS TUF is the Best Laptop among the top i7 laptop to buy today If you are a student studying for your computer science major, additionally, this computer comes with one USB type C port which means it will be easier than ever to plug-in peripherals such as flash drives or charging cables into your laptop computer. Gaming laptops provide great performance, as gaming laptops have high specifications so they can handle pretty much anything

This laptop is especially ideal for computer science tasks that demand making gaming program applications for your practical projects. The FX505 model features the ultra-gaming capability needed for running all 4K gaming applications. Users can smoothly run advanced programming applications, as well as clip, video, and audio editing software. So, the best laptops for computer science students should be able to make it through an entire day without having to a plugin.

The ASUS TUF has an ultra-wide display. The laptop also comes with 512GB NVMe SSD support. For those who prefer using the Windows 10 operating system, this laptop supports it. All other operating systems should run fast with whatever RAM they come with is a perfect option for computer science major students who want to do more than just programming and coding. You’ll get more battery life out of integrated GPUs.Still, most computer science majors probably understand that it’s difficult to pack good batteries in such a thin and sleek design.

Another feature that makes this machine one of the best laptops for computer science is its Nano Edge display system. Using this screen, you can effectively test program software that you’ve been assigned as a project t. Laptopschamp provides the best laptops for computer science students.

11. DELL XPS 9570

For computer science students learning online programming, coding basics, Java, or advanced C++, the DELL XPS 9570 is an ideal choice. Best laptops for computer science students this dell laptop features the 8th generation intel iCore7 8750 H and has a 2.20 GHz processor with a 9MB cache. You’ll get more battery life out of integrated GPUs. It has a 15.6-inch 4K scre15.6-inchmeal accurate colors and works well in a lit classroom, an absolute killer for all of you computer science majors.  It may not be essential to have the best possible graphics card if you are only using the laptop to do your assignments, but if you participate in extracurricular activities such as gaming, a powerful graphics card is essential. If you are looking for a good graphics card, then you should think about getting a dedicated graphics card. This laptop has plenty of ports for students who need to do more than work on their computer science projects, like watch a movie or connect it to an external monitor with HDMI.

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For users concerned about RAM specifications, the DELL XPS 9570 commands attention. Its RAM of 32GB DDR4 is more than enough for storing countless essential applications. What’s more impressive is that your application files will never get a glitch while you’re running them best laptops for computer science students. So, the best laptops for computer science students should be able to make it through an entire day without having to a plugin.

With its 4GB inbuilt graphics memory in its motherboard, the DELL XPS 9570 can swiftly run python, C++, and Java software applications. The laptop also lets you adjust the 15.6 infinity edge screen display to your preferences.

12. Apple MacBook Pro

The Apple MacBook Pro is an excellent computer for computer science majors. If you’re looking for a computer with the fastest processor, then this computer might be right for you.

The speaker quality is also very good, and you’ll be able to hear your computer’s audio even in a noisy environment. The only downside to this computer is that it doesn’t have a lot of ports. If you need to connect your computer to other devices, then you might want to consider another laptop. This laptop comes equipped with an apple M-series chip, which is an 8-core processor. And the computer also has a powerful 8-core GPU that will be able to handle any gaming or graphic design tasks you might need it for. The battery life on this computer is up to 10 hours, which means you’ll be able to work on long projects without having to worry about running out of power, and the computer only weighs 4 pounds, which makes it perfect for carrying around campus. However, the Apple MacBook Pro takes the win with its 0.59 inches thickness and takes advantage of the powerful hardware of color-accurate display, you can utilize it for productivity tasks, such as photo editing, video editing, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, AutoCAD, etc

the Apple MacBook Pro is an excellent computer for computer science majors. It comes with everything that you need to complete your coursework, including a powerful processor and plenty of storage space.

Get the Best Laptop for Computer Science

Computer science students have many different needs when it comes to laptops. While a computer science student might need an expensive laptop with all the bells and whistles, another computer science student may just be fine using a netbook. Along with longer battery life, optimal CPU speed, upgradeability, and build quality, you could also consider optional things such as note-taking where 2 in 1 laptop shines.

Use this guide to figure out what you need from your next computer so that it won’t break the bank. The best laptops for computer science students are those that offer plenty of power and performance without breaking the bank.

This list should help computer science students choose the perfect computer for their needs and wants. If you are looking for a laptop that is easy to use, affordable, and powerful enough to run most applications while also being comfortable to type on, then Acer Swift would be an excellent choice.

As a computer science student, your laptop is one of the most important resources for learning. That’s why it’s essential to choose the ideal one for you. By learning about what’s available in the market at the moment, you can make an informed decision on the best laptops for computer science students.

Are you interested in buying a top-quality laptop for your studies or other applications? Please, contact us today.