Best Overall Budget Option
Acer Aspire Go 15
This laptop offers great value for under $500, making it an excellent choice for students on a tight budget. Key features include:
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Comfortable keyboard
- Over 10 hours of battery life
- Windows 11 operating system
The main downsides are mediocre speakers and webcam quality.
Best Budget Chromebook
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023)
For students who primarily need web browsing and basic productivity, this Chromebook is a great affordable option. Highlights include:
- Core i3 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB storage
- FHD touchscreen display
- Often on sale for $400-$500
Best MacBook Option
Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)
While not as cheap as Windows laptops, this older MacBook Air model offers excellent value for Apple fans:
- M1 chip provides great performance
- 15+ hours of battery life
- Available for $699 at some retailers (originally $999)
- Ideal for students who prefer macOS
Best Windows Option Under $1000
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED
This laptop packs premium features into a relatively affordable package:
- Gorgeous OLED display
- Nearly 16 hours of battery life
- Powerful Intel Core Ultra CPU
- Often priced around $800-$900
Best 2-in-1 Option
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
For students who want tablet functionality, this versatile Chromebook is a great choice:
- 2-in-1 convertible design
- Nearly 10 hours of battery life
- Excellent keyboard
- Often priced under $500
When choosing a laptop for online classes, focus on battery life, performance for basic tasks, and a comfortable keyboard for taking notes. Any of these options should serve students well for remote learning in 2024 without breaking the bank.