The Best Laptop Deals for Kids This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Like with smartphones, buying your kid a laptop is fraught with concerns, except for one crucial difference: Many elementary and middle schools consider them essential educational tools and equip classrooms with machines for their students. Other schools require parents to purchase laptops, offering a selection of recommended models. Your kid will likely need to use a laptop at school and home, whether you like it or not, especially in the wake of the pandemic, in which remote learning came to the fore. Regardless, kids will almost certainly want to use that computer at home, too, for fun (messaging friends, watching videos, playing Fortnite) and homework (looking up information, typing book reports).Kids being kids, the list of factors to consider doesn’t end there. Don’t forget about parental controls, durable plastic, and water-resistant keyboards. At least you won’t have to worry about the cost. Buying a kid-friendly laptop does not need to be a budget-crusher—some of our recommendations are under $500—and the even better news is that just because they’re inexpensive doesn’t mean they are necessarily slow or poorly made. You can even find a (relatively) affordable Apple MacBook these days.Below is a breakout of the best laptops for kids that we’ve tested for 2024, carefully picked with several specific subcategories in mind to cover every kid’s digital learning needs. Following that is a buying guide that further details your shopping concerns.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
Best Overall Windows Laptop for Kids
Bottom Line:
The Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) undercuts the competition with decent performance in its base configuration. It’s basic as bricks, though, and the higher-end configuration just isn’t as competitive.
PROS
Smooth everyday operation
Extensive battery life
Current Wi-Fi connectivity
Competitive starting price
CONS
Limited performance headroom
Dated, somewhat flimsy design
Lackluster display
Top configuration is outclassed
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Budget
Processor
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
Processor Speed
2.4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
3.77 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
16:46
Learn More
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) Review
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020)
Best Apple Laptop for Kids
Bottom Line:
Now often discounted, the 2020 M1-equipped MacBook Air packs better performance than its predecessors, rivaling at times the M1-based MacBook Pro. It’s a good value for students.
PROS
Good value, especially for a MacBook
Much-improved performance, thanks to Apple’s new M1 processor
Exceptional battery life
Sleek, portable metal design
High-quality keyboard, touchpad, and display
Multiple color options
CONS
Port selection limited to two USB Type-C connections
Still no touch-screen option
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Apple M1
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M1
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 11.97 by 8.36 inches
Weight
2.8 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
29:01
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) Review
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Best Budget Chromebook for Kids
Bottom Line:
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 proves that budget-friendly Chromebooks have more to offer than ever before, with more performance and even better features.
PROS
Affordable price even with improved specs
Leading performance in every test
High-quality FHD display
Decent port array, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2
Durable MIL-SPEC-certified design and antimicrobial coating
CONS
Average battery life
No touch capability (at this price)
Limited UFS storage is just adequate
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Budget
Processor
Intel Core i3-1215U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
UFS (Universal Flash Storage)
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.73 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches
Weight
3.17 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
12:46
Learn More
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 Review
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook for Kids
Bottom Line:
The Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a highly affordable 2-in-1 with a charming design, a responsive touch screen, and a helpful array of ports.
PROS
Responsive 12.2-inch touchscreen
Low price
Compact and lightweight
Decent port selection
Flexible 2-in-1 design
CONS
Middling Intel N100 processor
Storage limited to 64GB eMMC
Lagging battery life
Plastic construction with unwanted chassis flex
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel N100
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
12.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 11.18 by 8.27 inches
Weight
2.76 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:38
Learn More
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook Review
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-Inch (2022)
Best Budget Windows Laptop for Kids
Bottom Line:
The panel and battery could use some tweaks, but Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-inch is a solid-value budget convertible laptop with a nice keyboard and decent performance for the money.
PROS
Sturdy as a tablet or laptop
Includes both HDMI and USB-C ports
Responsive, bright touch screen
Decent performance for the price
CONS
Display’s color coverage is lacking
Battery life is shorter than average
Active pen not included
Proprietary power port instead of USB-C charging
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i5-1235U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth, 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Dimensions (HWD)
0.69 by 12.3 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.31 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:36
Learn More
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-Inch (2022) Review
Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT)
Best Gaming Laptop for Kids
Bottom Line:
The Acer Nitro V 15 won’t top any charts, but it’s a fine value in a budget gaming laptop, driving more-than-60fps performance for well under $1,000 while dodging any major design potholes.
PROS
Attractive price
Suffices for 1080p gaming
Wide selection of ports
Lengthy battery life
CONS
Lagging processor performance
Limited 512GB SSD
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-13420H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.06 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
4.66 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:51
Learn More
Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) Review
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Best Gaming Chromebook for Kids
Bottom Line:
Acer’s rousing Chromebook 516 GE is among the first Chromebooks designed specially for cloud-based gaming. If this machine is any indication, we may be seeing the birth of a promising new class of laptop.
PROS
Superb performance in gaming (and everything else)
Powerful hardware for a Chromebook, from processing to storage
Rich port selection
RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting tech
Gorgeous 120Hz display
CONS
No touch screen
USB-C ports aren’t Thunderbolt 4
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1240P
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.75 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:41
Learn More
Acer Chromebook 516 GE Review
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Best Kids Laptop for Long-Term Savings and Upgrades
Bottom Line:
With its new 13th Gen Intel mainboard, the latest Framework Laptop 13 is a smarter buy than ever. Its sustainable, upgradable design promises that upgrading it down the line will cost a fraction of buying new.
PROS
Repairable, upgradable, and user-friendly design
Lightweight and portable, with 11-hour battery life
Swappable ports enable extreme customization
Expanded ecosystem of parts and accessories
Highly customizable before checkout
CONS
Expansion cards cost extra
Pre-built system comes at a premium
No touch-screen or OLED options (yet)
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i7-1360P
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2256 by 1504
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches
Weight
2.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:12
Learn More
Framework Laptop 13 (2023) Review
Buying Guide: The Best Laptops for Kids in 2024
First and foremost as a preface to our advice: Our focus here is on younger kids. If your child is at the university level, check out our roundup of the best laptops for college students. And you’ll find even more choices in our overall roundup of the best budget laptops. Also check our top picks for the best Chromebooks for kids for more on ChromeOS concerns and education aspects, especially for the lower grades.If your child is also of the age that they may be looking to play PC games on the same machine they’ll use for schoolwork, that is a whole other set of considerations. We’ll address that in a section near the end of this article, but know that gaming machines cost more than our other picks here.Which Operating System Is Best in a Kid PC?Before you begin to evaluate features, you’ll start with the essential question that has plagued PC shoppers for decades: Which operating system should I choose?Most parents will choose between Windows and ChromeOS, the operating system from Google. In addition to running web apps within the Chrome browser, ChromeOS can run apps from the Google Play store designed for Android smartphones and tablets, including Microsoft Office. If you’ve decided against buying a smartphone for your kids but they talk your ear off about wanting to play mobile games, buying a Chromebook might be a good compromise.Apple fans aren’t limited solely to expensive premium laptops anymore, so macOS is also a viable choice. Thanks to a partnership between Apple and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy, the 2020 MacBook Air is more affordable than ever, so you can set your older kids up with a new MacBook (with older hardware) instead of using Apple hand-me-downs.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have also become more useful for kid-oriented laptops, thanks to S Mode, which is aimed at the education market and, among other security enhancements, prevents apps from being installed unless they’re available on the Microsoft Store. This means you can block games and apps based on their content ratings (something you can also do with Google Play apps). When your son or daughter gets older and more responsible, you can easily upgrade to the full version of Windows to remove these limitations.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If your child’s school has specific software that runs only on Windows, your operating system choice will be decided for you. If not, you’ll want to take a close look at ChromeOS, since a few Chromebooks include decidedly kid-friendly features (such as easy-grip coatings, or display lids that double as whiteboards). Again, check out our Chromebooks-for-kids guide and best Chromebooks for gaming for more on the specifics around this OS.Features like these are what transform an ordinary cheap laptop into a school-friendly machine that kids won’t outgrow or wreck in a few months. Arguably the most important, though, is how rugged the case is.Built for Backpacks: Rugged Laptops for KidsA few Chromebooks and inexpensive Windows laptops have spill-resistant keyboards, meaning they should survive splashing with an ounce or so of water unscathed. It’s much rarer to find entire laptops that are waterproof; the rugged ones that are (models like Panasonic’s Toughbook line or Dell’s Latitude Rugged Extremes) typically cost several thousand dollars and aren’t geared toward kids at all, but rather workers in emergency-services, outdoorsy, or shop-floor professions. Likewise, it’s relatively easy to find reinforced lids or cases bolstered with rubber to help absorb drops from a few feet, but you won’t see fully ruggedized machines anywhere close to this price range.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Portability is another critical concern, especially for middle- and high-schoolers who walk to school with backpacks laden with heavy textbooks. Most laptops in this category with screen sizes from 11 to 13 inches weigh about 2.5 pounds. Go above 3 pounds, and you’re putting a real burden on your child’s shoulders. Battery life is important, too, but it’s no longer the limiting factor that rendered the laptops of a decade ago useless if they spent more than a few hours away from a power outlet. Even some of the cheapest laptops now deliver times of about 10 hours on PCMag’s battery rundown test, thanks (mostly) to power-sipping Intel processors.What Specs Should My Child’s Laptop Have?The final consideration is how your kids will use the laptop, which in turn determines the processor, storage, and memory configurations you should select. Tasks such as taking notes, writing papers, or making PowerPoint slides require little more than the bare minimum, which means that an Intel Celeron or Pentium processor will suffice; a few budget Chromebook models now also use AMD or MediaTek mobile processors. These collectively are the lowest performance tier in budget laptops. (The exception to that: AMD’s Ryzen C series chips, much peppier AMD processors that are purpose-built for Chromebooks.)The next step up is an Intel Core i3, which you should consider if your kid’s teachers regularly have them stream online educational videos. An Intel Core i5 or i7 or an Apple M-series chip is best, but they’re all but impossible to find on a laptop or Chromebook that costs about $300. Suppose you opt for a more powerful processor so your kids can stream videos. In that case, consider a 2-in-1 convertible or detachable laptop, which can double as a tablet thanks to a hinge that rotates 360 degrees, or a screen that detaches entirely from the keyboard base. Most hybrids and convertibles are more expensive than the price range we’ve discussed, but you can find a few high-quality models for less than $500 (especially in the Chromebook crowd). These are best for middle-school-age children or older since these machines are naturally less durable than a conventional laptop.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
As for memory and storage, a typical minimal configuration is 4GB of RAM and 64GB of flash memory. The former (memory) amount is adequate in a budget Chromebook but not a Windows machine; 8GB is the best baseline for anything running Windows. Consider bumping up the storage capacity to 128GB, since the operating system files on a Windows PC can take up more than 20GB, leaving your kid with a paltry 40GB or so of built-in storage. The exception is if you choose a laptop that has a roomier but slower (and more easily breakable) spinning hard drive or one with a built-in SD card reader. (Hard drives have disappeared from Chromebooks, and mostly from budget laptops, too, barring some older models.) In the latter case, you could stick with the base configuration and ask your kids to store their bulkier files on SD cards if needed, which you can buy in 32GB capacities for about $20 each.Time for Fun: What About Graphics and Games?Just because you’re selecting from relatively slow processors and limited memory capacities doesn’t mean gaming is out of the question when your kid is done with their schoolwork. Some games are, of course, even educational. For instance, Microsoft has an educational version of its immensely popular open-world construction game Minecraft. Students can use it to explore real-world history like the Oregon Trail, solve math problems as they understand how long and challenging the trail was, and research fur-trading companies to learn about the economic concepts of monopolies and supply and demand, among other activities.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
Minecraft and similar games will run on Core i3 systems with as little as 4GB of RAM—it’ll even run on some Chromebooks—but if your kid is looking forward to playing them, you’ll make the experience much more enjoyable by selecting a laptop with 8GB. And new to the laptop market: gaming Chromebooks, which are built to take advantage of Android games and cloud gaming services.If your child plans to do more intense gaming, you’ll need to increase the power and the price to a full-fledged gaming laptop or desktop. These are laptops with a dedicated graphics chip, dubbed GeForce GTX, GeForce RTX, or Radeon RX. You won’t find current-generation gaming laptops for less than $700. However, $800 is the on-ramp for machines with game-worthy GeForce or Radeon dedicated graphics chips, and prices rise rapidly from there as you add features and power. Most kids will be satisfied with a budget model under $1,000, however. (See our guide to budget gaming machines.)So, Which Laptop Should I Buy for My Child?Giving your son or daughter a laptop endows them with a portal into the mighty internet, even if the laptop itself may not be the most potent you can buy. It’s up to you (and your kids’ teachers) to ensure that tool isn’t harmful. Fortunately, both Chromebooks and Windows laptops have parental control features, and a laptop’s size relative to a smartphone makes it easier to monitor activity and set ground rules like disallowing computer use after homework is finished.Check out our top picks for laptops designed for school-age kids below. You can also check out our roundup of our favorite tablets for kids, as well as our top phones for kids.
