HomeLaptops10 Best Laptops for Teachers on a Budget

10 Best Laptops for Teachers on a Budget

Best Laptops for teachers: Check out list of laptops highly recommended for teachers of college, primary school, elementary school, middle school. Each laptop works best for both online and offline teaching and training.

So, let’s get started…

The history of mankind has proven that technology is an important part of the educational process but never in the recent years that the demand for laptops had a sudden increase in demand because of the emergence of work-from-home setup.

During the pandemic, teachers made learning possible with the help of virtual classrooms and other virtual tools to continue providing meaningful learning experiences to students.

Apparently, teachers face the quest of getting a good quality laptop that can be used for teaching. There are some things that must be considered before getting any laptop. For some, it must be budget friendly while for others, the specifications must be good enough to handle and process files and data simultaneously.

Teachers find it imperative to get a laptop, but some may feel a bit overwhelmed especially if there is lack of familiarity in the different specs available. This is the reason why we decided to test and review some of the best laptops in order to come up with a list that you can consider.

We put together the best laptops for teachers to narrow down your choices. Continue reading the buyer’s guide to have a glimpse of the best laptop for online teaching.

Best Laptops for Teachers and Online Teaching

ImageProductPrice
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go4.6

Microsoft Surface Laptop GoGood Choice

  • Intel Core i5, 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM
Check Price
Dell Inspiron 13 53104.0

Dell Inspiron 13 5310Good Choice

  • Intel Core i7-11370H, 512GB SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM
Check Price
HP 15-dy1036nr4.5

HP 15-dy1036nrGood Choice

  • 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1, 256 GB HDD, 8GB RAM
Check Price
Lenovo Flex 144.4

Lenovo Flex 14Good Choice

  • AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, 256GB NVMe SSD, 12GB DDR4 RAM
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Asus VivoBook F5104.2

Asus VivoBook F510Good Choice

  • 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U, 128GB SSD+1TB HDD, 8GB DDR4 RAM
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Acer Aspire 54.6

Acer Aspire 5Good Choice

  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, 128GB SSD, 4GB DDR4 RAM
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HP Spectre x3604.2

HP Spectre x360Good Choice

  • 10gen i7-1065G7, 512GB SSD, 8GB RAM
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Microsoft Surface Pro 74.5

Microsoft Surface Pro 7Good Choice

  • 10th Gen Intel Core i7, 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM
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2020 HP 15 Touch4.5

2020 HP 15 TouchGood Choice

  • 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1, 512GB SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM
Check Price
Dell Inspiron 17 3793 2020 Premium4.3

Dell Inspiron 17 3793 2020 PremiumGood Choice

  • 10th Gen 4-Core Intel Core i5-1035G1, 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD, 16GB RAM
Check Price

1. Best Small Touchscreen Laptop – Microsoft Surface Laptop Go

  • Processor:‎ Intel Core i5
  • Storage: ‎128GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 12.4 inches
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
  • Weight: 2.45 pounds

Owning a laptop is an investment for every teacher, that is the reason why Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is the best laptop for teachers on a budget.

Get things done within the day because the battery of this laptop can last for 13 hours based on usual usage.

Aside from that, the laptop features an Intel Core i5 processor that can keep up with different tasks being done simultaneously.

In terms of portability, this device has a sleek style. Having a 12.4 inch touchscreen and weighs around 2.44 pounds, this is a true portable device that you can keep and bring around without weighing you down. In fact, this is one of the lightest surface laptop available which other consider as the best laptop for teacher training because the teacher can bring and use it anytime and anywhere.

Aside from that, it has an 8 GB LPDDR4 and a storage capacity of 128GB – just enough to meet your teaching needs without any trouble.  Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is the go-to laptop device of every teacher.

Pros

  • Built-in 720 pixels HD camera
  • Secured with Windows Hello feature
  • Fingerprint power button
  • Excellent battery life
  • Portable

Cons

  • Limited connectivity options
  • Storage space could be higher

2. Best Laptop for College Teachers – Dell Inspiron 13 5310

  • Processor:‎ Intel Core i7-11370H
  • Storage: ‎512GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 13.3 inches
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 11.16 hours
  • Weight: 2.78 pounds

Dell Inspiron 13 5310 is thoughtfully designed to keep up with intensive computer-related activities. While it may not be the best laptop for teachers on a budget, spending a little more dollar is definitely worth it because of the specs possessed by this laptop.

It has an ExpressCharge feature that recharges the battery for almost 80% in just an hour and you can enjoy using the device for 11 hours and 16 minutes.

It is integrated with Intel Core i7 11370H central processing unit that can handle your encoding and computing needs. This laptop is designed to deliver highly responsive and smooth processing of documents and other related activities.

Keep yourself on the move with this portable laptop that weighs 2.78 pounds and has a 13.3 inch high-definition display. You can easily slip the laptop in your bag and attend to your classes. This is the reason why it became one of the best laptops for college teachers – lightweight and portable device with sturdy aluminum build.

It also facilitates easy switching from one app to another or among different tabs because of its 16GB DDR4 RAM and the 512GB SSD storage.

Indulge yourself in the stunning world of innovative teaching with Dell Inspiron 13 5310.

Pros

  • Excellent processor
  • Diverse connectivity options
  • Dual fans and heat pipes to keep the laptop cool
  • Dell Migrate technology

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • No optical drive

3. Best Laptop for Primary Teachers – HP 15-dy1036nr

  • Processor:‎ 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1
  • Storage: 256 GB HDD
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 10.15 hours
  • Weight: 3.75 lbs

Accomplish more activities using HP 15-dy1036nr, the best laptop for teaching from home. This device is purposely designed to keep you productive the entire day.

Live a life without limits as you work using this laptop because of its HP fast charge feature that recharges the battery quickly. The battery can keep the device going for at least 10 hours and 15 minutes.

The central processing unit embedded in this laptop is 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 with turbo boost technology to ensure the fast processing of computer-related activities.

The device was designed with style in mind. Weighing around 3.75 pounds and having a 15.6 inch full HD and anti-glare display, this is the best laptop for teaching purpose.

Deal with your busiest days or moments as a teacher with great level of ease because this laptop possesses a 256GB SSD storage with 8GB RAM that loads browsers and apps and transfers files in a matter of seconds.

This HP 15-dy1036nr laptop will surely satisfy your needs as a teacher – create more instructional materials for the learners that will engage them on daily basis.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Sleek design
  • Digital media card reader
  • Integrated numeric keypad
  • Dual array microphone
  • Environmentally conscious laptop

Cons

  • No fingerprint reader
  • Storage space could be higher

4. Best Convertible Laptop – Lenovo Flex 14

  • Processor:‎ AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  • Storage: ‎256GB NVMe SSD
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • RAM: 12GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Weight: 3.52 pounds

Another best convertible laptop for teachers is the Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop, where a world of opportunities of waiting.

It is powered by a battery that can last for 10 hours and recharges up to 80% in s span of 60 minutes.

It runs on a AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor that helps facilitate your creativity and productivity with seamless performance. With these initial specifications, you are sure that you can stay on the loop all day long. You can also run heavy programs simultaneously.

This versatile and functional device sports a 14 inch full HD touchscreen display that approximately weighs 3.52 pounds. While this may be quite heavy for some, this device is surely worth every dollar.

Experience a breakthrough performance with the help of 12GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB NVMe SSD storage. Rest assured that this laptop will give you quality and fast performance whether you are having an online class, uploading learning materials, running multiple tabs or windows or preparing your visual aids.

For the best touch screen laptop for teachers, Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop is the best choice!

Pros

  • Pen included
  • Excellent battery life
  • 2-in-1 convertible laptop
  • Different connectivity options
  • Includes an active pen that can be used to make annotations

Cons

  • Quite heavy for some

5. Best Laptop for Elementary Teachers – Asus VivoBook F510

  • Processor:‎ 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U
  • Storage: ‎128GB SSD+1TB HDD
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 5 hours
  • Weight: 3.7 pounds

The fifth on the list is the best laptop for teachers using google classroom, the ASUS VivoBook Thin and Lightweight FHD WideView Laptop. This is a mid-ranged priced device that guarantees a good level of efficiency, making it a great option.

This laptop lets you enjoy a 5-hour battery life so you can accomplish your teaching tasks or create your visual aids and multimedia presentations without a glitch.

The CPU of this device is powered by 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U processor that offers a compact and reliable performance. Having this processor, you can do video editing for your class presentations without encountering freezing screens or lagging tabs and browsers.

On top of this, it has a portable build, making it easy to carry around anywhere, though it weighs around 3.7 pounds. It offers wider view having a 15.6 inch full HD display. It has the prowess of an everyday go-to laptop.

This is a good option for teachers because of the massive amount of data and files that can be save through the device having a 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage combination plus the 8GB DDR4 RAM. Although HDD is slower compared to SSD, this shouldn’t be a problem if you will not be dealing with video or photo editing all the time.

For a compact and reliable performance, ASUS VivoBook Thin and Lightweight FHD WideView Laptop is the one for you.

Pros

  • Massive storage
  • Excellent processor
  • Thin, light, and compact build
  • Impressive visual optimization technology

Cons

  • Battery life could be better
  • Screen may be quite big for some

6. Best Laptop Under $400 – Acer Aspire 5

  • Processor:‎ AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
  • Storage: ‎128GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • RAM: 4GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 7.5 hours
  • Weight: 3.97 lbs

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop can help you launch your inner creativity as a teacher when creating multimedia presentations or activities for your students. For others, they consider it as the best laptop for middle school teachers.

This amazing device can stay all day for at least 7.5 hours before needing to plug it in an electric socket. The span of time is quite decent to get you through all your tasks for the day, making it the best laptop for zoom teachers as well.

This powerful device runs on AMD Ryzen 3 3200U that is capable of dealing with any job regardless how complex it may seem. Whether you are attending a virtual class or making a presentation in a face-to-face class, this is a device that you can rely on.

In terms of portability, it weighs 3.97 pounds with light design and premium build. It flaunts a 15.6 inch FHD IPS screen that also gives crisp images and videos.

Accomplish more of your day’s job with the help of 4GB DDR4 RAM and the 128GB SSD storage space. These are the reasons why Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is one of our top picks.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Backlit keyboard
  • Extensive connectivity
  • High quality audio powered by Acer’s innovative speaker

Cons

  • Screen might be quite big for others
  • Storage space could have been higher

7. Best Laptop for Online Teaching – HP Spectre x360

  • Processor:‎ 10gen i7-1065G7
  • Storage: ‎512GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 13.3 inches
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
  • Weight: ‎2.87 pounds

HP Spectre x360 is the best laptop to use for teachers because of its convertible feature. Yes, this laptop has a 360-degree design so that teachers can use it in various modes.

This laptop has a long battery life that can last for at least 16 hours. It can sustain an all-day job without a hassle. You may continue to improve your productivity through the help of 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 1.3GHz 8MB Cache processor that goes with this device. This version is more efficient compared to the older versions.

This lightweight device that weighs approximately 2.87 pounds boasts a bright display. Do your job in any position and you will still see bright and clear screen.  It has a 13.3 inch full HD touchscreen display.

The 8GB RAM is coupled with 512GB PCIe/SSD storage space and 32GB Optane memory that ensures quick startups and loads apps in few seconds. Rest assured that the device can facilitate demanding tasks smoothly.

Improve your productivity and indulge yourself in the features of HP Spectre x360 – the best laptop for trainee teachers.

Pros

  • Backlit keyboard
  • Fingerprint reader
  • Impressive battery
  • Ultra-thin and lightweight notebook

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • No optical drive

8. Best Compact Laptop – Microsoft Surface Pro 7

  • Processor:‎ 10th Gen Intel Core i7
  • Storage: ‎1TB SSD
  • Screen Size: 12.3 inches
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 10.5 hours
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds

As a teacher, you need to go from one class to the next every day. Thus, carrying a heavy laptop could be a tiring thing.  With Microsoft Surface Pro 7, you wouldn’t feel tired because of its handy and light build.

This ultra-slim laptop has a battery that can last all-day, at least 10.5 hours and recharges again after an hour. Making it the best laptop for teaching remotely.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is also famous for its 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor that gives a fast and powerful performance.

We recommend this laptop to illustrators and teachers who are always on the go because of its portability. It weighs 1.7 pounds and has a 12.3 inch touchscreen display that is compatible with a surface pen.

This hybrid tablet is also dubbed as the best laptop for distance teaching, it comes in with a kickstand that can be used in different modes at your own convenience.

Expect that this laptop can run apps and software simultaneously with the help of 16GB RAM and save multiple files through 1TB SSD storage space. If you are looking for a perfect 2-in-1 device, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the one designed for you.

Pros

  • 2-in-1 laptop
  • Excellent battery life
  • Massive storage space
  • Windows Hello sign in feature

Cons

  • Quite pricey
  • Screen may be quite small for some

9. Best Laptop for Distance Teaching – 2020 HP 15 Touch

  • Processor:‎ 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1
  • Storage: ‎512GB SSD
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
  • Weight: 3.75 pounds

If you are looking for the best laptop for elementary teachers – 2020 HP 15 15.6 inch HD Touchscreen Premium Laptop is one of the best options that we can offer.

Its battery runs on 41Whr 3-cell lithium-ion which can sustain few hours of teaching activities. Its CPU is 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 that can launch apps instantly and let you do your tasks without hassle.

The laptop is quite heavy at 3.75 pounds and having a 15.6 inch display. Nevertheless, these features are perfect for indoor classes.

The fast boot up of this device is attributed to its 16GB DDR4 RAM and the 512GB SSD storage space.

2020 HP 15 HD Touchscreen Premium Laptop is truly a wise choice.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Touchscreen
  • Excellent processor
  • Comes in with HP camera TrueVision technology
  • Wide range of connectivity options

Cons

  • No optical drive

10. Best Large Screen Laptop – Dell Inspiron 17 3793 2020 Premium

  • Processor:‎ 10th Gen 4-Core Intel Core i5-1035G1
  • Storage: ‎512GB SSD + 1TB HDD
  • Screen Size: 17.3 inches
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
  • Weight: ‎7.68 pounds

Dell Inspiron 17 3793 2020 Premium is the best laptop for piano teachers. Yes, you’ve read it right! Check out the reasons below.

This laptop has a battery life that can last for 7 hours and can be recharged within the span of 49 minutes.  It features an equally fast and powerful processor which is 10th Gen 4-Core Intel Core i5-1035G1 1.0 GHz that lets you accomplish your job quickly.

It has a 17 inch full HD and anti-glare screen and is quite heavy at 7.68 pounds. Looking at this specs, this is perfect for on-site teaching activities to minimize the frequent movement of the laptop since it is a bit big and heavy.

It comes in with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD storage with additional 1TB HDD that gives better performance in general. This is a friendly laptop for everyone.

Pros

  • Massive storage
  • Average battery life
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • HD anti-glare screen

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • A bit expensive
  • Screen is a bit big

How to Choose the Best Laptop for Teacher: Things to Consider

Are you looking for the best laptop for teachers on a budget? Well, owning a laptop is an asset for teachers because it can make your tasks easier and make your hours more productive and efficient as you fulfill your daily teaching tasks.

However, there are certain aspects that you must consider when buying a laptop and these are enumerated below for your reference.

Battery Life

Get a laptop that can let you stay on the loop for at least 6 hours so you won’t have to bring charger all the time as you move from one classroom to the next.

Central Processing Unit

The CPU is like the brain of the laptop, you can opt to buy an Intel Core i5 or a higher version so you can multitask without experience lags.

Portability

Get a laptop that weighs around 4 pounds so you can bring it as you transfer from classroom to another.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

This is one of the most important aspects of a laptop. As a teacher, if you are using demanding apps or programs, higher RAM is suggested. However, if your task is limited to encoding and editing data or documents, then you can buy a laptop with at least 8GB RAM or less.

Storage Space

Another thing that every teacher must check is the storage space of the laptop. If you budget will permit, choose a device that has higher storage capacity. But if you’re on a budget, you can settle with a 256GB storage.

FAQs on Laptops for Teachers

Does Owning a Laptop Useful for Teachers?

Having a reliable laptop can give every teacher a different experience, from communicating to encoding and safe keeping different information up to crafting different visual aids or teaching materials to enhance the learning experiences of students. So yes, owning a laptop is very useful for teachers.

How Much RAM do I Need as a Teacher?

According to experts, 4GB of RAM is quite sufficient for teachers. If you use any high end video calling apps, teaching software then consider buying a laptop with 8GB RAM.

Are Macbooks Good for Teachers?

Yes, Macbooks are built to work efficiently for any kind of educational apps and hence if you have enough budget then MAC computers do wonders for teachers.

Are Chromebooks Good for Teachers?

Chromebooks are gaining more popularity among education professionals due to of its affordable price, compact design, and sturdiness.

Conclusion

After reading the specs of the best laptop for teaching purpose, we sincerely hope that you now have an idea which one to buy. Again, when choosing the best laptop to use for teachers, make sure to check on the top 5 features, namely battery life, CPU, portability, RAM and storage space. These components will help you deal with your teaching tasks seamlessly.

Hardip Koradia
Hardip Koradia
Hardip is a husband, and father of 2 kids. He is founder of the ElectronicsXpert.com, and loves to play around different electronics gadgets and share his real life experiences on the website to help people make the right choice and buying decision.
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