The 7 Best Laptops for Teachers Reviewed
Teachers need a high-quality laptop ready to keep up with their busy schedules. With so much time spent in the classroom – virtually or in person – you don’t want a sluggish computer slowing you down. No matter what you teach or where you teach, the right laptop is out there and ready to make your job more organized and easier.
We found the seven best options to help you track grades, create assignments, communicate with co-workers and students, and keep a calendar for your schedule. With options in several price ranges and specs, every teacher can fill their needs. Take a look and find out which important features you need to consider.
Best Laptops for Teachers
1. ASUS ZenBook 13
If you do not plan on running demanding software and need an affordable laptop, consider the Asus ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop. It offers a unique design with a touchpad that turns into a numeric keypad option on the trackpad. Get a full edge-to-edge keyboard without sacrificing the numbers or the trackpad and gain extra speed, too, with the innovative design.
The 13.3-inch wide-view full HD display includes NanoEdge bezel display, so you get more of what you want to see and less blank space. It includes the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with up to 3.6GHz, 8GB of Ram, and Intel UHD graphics too. All this on a 256 GB SSD drive for speedy access to stored information, although you may need some external or cloud storage at some point.
Next, the laptop is extremely thin at 13.9 mm and lightweight too at 2.45 pounds with a sleek silver finish. It includes WiFi 6 (802.11 ax) for optimal internet access. Like the Apple Air, it can have a battery ready to last for up to an impressive 22 hours and can charge in a little over an hour. A built-in IR camera gives you facial recognition, so you can sign in with Windows Hello.
Last of all, the laptop provides all the standard necessities, including Bluetooth, speakers, webcam, and multiple ports. It’s ready to run Office as it comes with Windows 10 Home installed. Add in an ErgoLift hinge for easier use for your wrists and a backlit screen for use in any lighting. All this inside of military-grade material ready to handle drops and any temperature.
- 13.3 inch wide-view Full HD 4-way NanoEdge bezel display
- Latest 10th generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Core Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.6 GHz) with Intel UHD graphics
- Windows 10 Home
- Fast storage and memory featuring 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
2. Apple MacBook Air
Take the New Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip for a drive around your classroom and find out just how fast the new silicone processor is in real life. The Air is the first Apple computer with a dedicated proprietary 8-core processor ready to make even the i9 Intel processor jealous. The only thing we don’t love about this laptop is it only comes in 13-inch screen size. However, it does come with a Retina TrueTone display for exceptional visibility and no pixelation.
Despite the small package, the Air offers so much value as it doesn’t have or need a fan thanks to the silicon chip, and it’s extremely quiet. Moreover, the new chip allows the battery to work for 18 hours before you need to charge! Get impressive jumps in the GPU and CPU from the previous Intel options, too, with five times faster graphics. It’s perfect for using with all the macOS software like GarageBand, iMovie, and much more.
As for hardware, this laptop provides 8GB of memory, which is actually more than it seems with the M1 chip and a lighting fast SSD. Get a decent amount of storage, too, with 256 or 512GB depending on how much you want to pay. The iCloud is easily available if you decide you need more space and want access from your other Apple devices.
Finally, the laptop includes a camera, built-in mic, backlit keyboard, touch ID sensor, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, stereo speakers. The laptop includes multiple ports and a fast charger too. It’s extremely portable too at just 2.8 pounds and a very slim profile with a thickness of 0.63 inches too.
- All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using way less power.
- Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. That way it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.
- Stunning Display – With a 13.3 inch Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. Text is sharp and clear, and colors are more vibrant.
- Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad E15
The highly-rated 2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15 provides both power and storage to make teaching easier. It comes with a large screen size too, as it’s 15.6 inches and has full HD for fantastic display. As it has fingerprint ID, you don’t have to worry about students sneaking a look at their grades either.
With the ThinkPad, you get a laptop ready to last for years with top of the line hardware. First, it has an Intel i7 processor with 16GB of RAM on a 1TB SSD drive, all designed to work quickly and multi-task. The laptop includes Windows 10 Pro and is ready to work with any software. Do note that the product is an upgraded version of a base model, so it will not come sealed but includes a one year warranty.
Second, the laptop is affordable considering what’s inside, especially compared to higher-end brands. The computer offers protection for privacy and security with a Trusted Platform Module, perfect for those requiring extra security. It can even handle a little water or spilled coffee and withstand extreme temperatures.
Furthermore, it can connect to anything with multiple USB ports, and HDMI, RJ-45, and audio jack. Use it for online classes or meetings thanks to the 720p HD camera with anti-glare and included Bluetooth. The laptop is a little heavy though at 4.30 pounds but still quite portable.
4. HP Spectre x360
While the HP Spectre x360 GEM Cut 13.3″ FHD Touch Laptop has a high price, it offers incredible hardware and sound on a 2-in-1 laptop. It’s lower on the list because it tends to overheat and doesn’t have a fan. While the lack of a fan allows for a smaller profile and better sound, it may not be the best option if you need to use heavy-duty software or massively multi-task. Otherwise, it’s a preferred option read to use for work and play.
The Spectre x360 gives you a 10th Gen quad-core i7 processor with ups to 3.9GHz thanks to turbo boost technology. Get 512GB on the solid-state drive and 16GB of RAM for a fast computer capable of multi-tasking and finding any file quickly. Moreover, the laptop adds new security features, including a webcam kill switch, a mute key for the microphone, and a fingerprint reader to keep prying eyes away.
Next, the laptop provides exceptional colors and clarity on a 13.3 inch full HD display with IPS technology and WLED backlighting on the touchscreen with a low bezel, so you get more screen and less edge. The Spectre also incorporates WiFi 6, Bluetooth, microphone, and webcam. Music lovers will enjoy the Bang & Olufsen premium sound with HP quad speakers and an audio boost for sound you can feel.
Multiple ports allow for easy connectivity, and a stylus allows for easier use while in touchscreen tablet mode. Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit comes installed too ready to work with Office Suite. It’s lightweight too at under three pounds for ultra-portable. Use the computer all day as it allows for up to thirteen hours on a charge.
5. Acer Aspire 5
Budget-minded teachers should check out the 2020 Acer Aspire 3 15.6″ FHD Laptop Computer. The Aspire gives decent specs ready to work for most computing needs and can easily run Microsoft Office software. Also, the laptop includes a full numeric keypad perfect for those who spend a lot of time working with numbers. However, as a budget option, you will sacrifice a little with the battery life as this one can only last 7.5 hours, which is still quite respectable.
The Aspire provides an AMD Ryzen 5 quad-core processor with up to 3.7GHz and 8GB of memory. Also, you can pick between a 256GB solid-state drive if you need a more affordable option or a 512GB option for extra storage space. Cloud and external storage options are always available. Next, the laptop provides a 15.6 inch full HD IPS display and a Vega 8 graphics card ready to deliver crisp graphics, and it has a very thin bezel too.
Lastly, the computer allows for WiFi 5 and includes multiple ports for connectivity. A backlit keyboard allows you to work in any lighting. Also, the laptop includes Acer TrueHarmony for deep base and better volume using innovative speakers. All this in a lightweight aluminum case, and Windows 10 Home is already installed.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad-core processor (Up to 3.7GHz) | 8GB DDR4 Memory | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- 15 6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS display | AMD Radeon Vega 8 mobile graphics
- 1 - USB 3 1 Gen 1 port 2 - USB 2 0 ports & 1 - HDMI port with HDCP support
- 802 11AC Wi-Fi | Backlit keyboard | Up to 7 5 hours battery life
- Windows 10 Home
6. HP Pavilion
The 2020 HP Pavilion 15.6″ HD Laptop Computer is another budget-friendly option with very few frills, but it is a touchscreen, which gives you more options. Although it’s not the fastest option, it’s more than capable of running most software, surfing the web, and other similar tasks. What we love about this option is the excellent resolution of 1366 x 768, which is better than full HD. Also, it comes with anti-glare and energy-efficient LED on a widescreen.
With an Intel 10th gen quad-core i5 processor with an ultra-low-voltage platform, it’s very efficient with power. Next, with 12GB of RAM, the laptop is ready to multi-task with multiple applications or browser windows open. Add in a 256GB solid-state drive for quick access to stored information and files. The laptop can easily handle any work tasks and even some gaming, too, if you are so inclined, as it has an Intel UHD graphics card capable of handling photo editing too.
The Pavilion even gives you a full numeric keyboard along with the standard touchpad. An HP TrueVision HD camera allows for meetings or online classes, as do the microphone and speakers. It’s ready to hook up to multiple items with plenty of ports along with Bluetooth. The Pavilion is lightweight at just under five pounds. However, the laptop only includes Windows 10 S, which you may want to increase rather quickly, and the battery life is rather limited as well.
- 【15.6" FHD IPS touchscreen Display】1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity, Anti-glare Energy-efficient.
- 【 Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7】Intel Core i5-1135G7 (Base 2.4GHz, up to 4.2 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 8 MB L3 cache, 4 cores), Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, two-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go.
- 【12GB DDR4 RAM】Plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games as well as multiple programs. 【256GB PCIe SSD】Save files fast and store more data. With massive amounts of storage and advanced communication power, great for major gaming, multiple servers, backups, and more.
- 【Intel Iris Xe Graphics】with shared video memory provide solid image quality for Internet use, movies, basic photo editing and casual gaming.
- 【 Specifics 】 14.11 x 9.53 x 0.71 in (358.39 x 242.06 x 18.03 mm), 3.75 lbs. Ports: 1 SuperSpeed USB Type C, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type A, 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 Mic/Headphone combo; 1 AC Smart pin; 41 Wh Li-ion, 3-cell (up to 7 hours and 15 minutes, HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera with camera shutter and integrated dual array digital microphones,
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – 13.5″ Touch-Screen sells out quickly, which is why it’s lower on our list along with the price, which is rather high. However, you got a lot for the money spent with incredible hardware ready to impress so long as you don’t mind a smaller screen. Microsoft does provide a touchscreen though perfect for those who need more options.
One feature you will love about this laptop is the 11.5-hour battery ready to help you work all day. The battery also includes standby mode and can charge up to 80 percent in an hour. Pick from four different gorgeous color options and two screen sizes. We recommend the 13.5 inches for portability as teachers often need to take their computer home and to work or like to grade papers while sitting on the couch. At just 2.79 pounds, this laptop is easy to carry and thin too. The screen also includes PixelSense with 2256 x 1504 for sensational display, and it supports a Surface pen.
Furthermore, the laptop has Instant On and uses password-free Windows Hello face sign-in to keep your machine secure. As for hardware, the computer includes an Intel Core i7 with 16GB of memory ready for powerful software and multi-tasking. It also comes with 512GB on a solid-state drive for plenty of storage space and quick access to stored files. Moreover, the laptop includes all the necessities such as Bluetooth, WiFi 6, a microphone, camera, and Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio.
Lastly, the laptop includes Windows 10 home, and as a Microsoft computer, you know it will work perfectly with Microsoft Software with extra security too. The laptop comes with plenty of ports for connectivity and works very well with a docking station, which many teachers use for home or school. Also, the laptop usually includes a year subscription to Office 365 personal and OneDrive too making the price even nicer.
- Clean, Elegant Design: Thin and light, starting at just 2.79 pounds, Surface Laptop 3 is easy to carry
- Choose from rich tone-on-tone color combinations: new Sandstone, plus Matte Black, Cobalt Blue, and Platinum
- Improved speed and performance to do what you want, with the latest processors: Surface Laptop 3 is up to 2 times faster than Surface Laptop 2
- More ways to connect, with USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- All day power on the go, with up to 11.5 hours of battery life, Plus standby time when you’re away, Go from empty to a full battery with fast charging up to 80 percent in about 1 hour
Buying Guide for Laptops for Teachers
Before you purchase a laptop, take a look at some key features to consider to make the best decision possible for your needs.
Usage
The first thing you need to consider is where you will be using the laptop. Some teachers (especially now) teach virtually, while others are in the classroom. If you work from home, you will always be close to power but may need more processing power to handle teaching online. Other teachers need a laptop for school and home use and may find a thinner, smaller computer more useful. Take into consideration what your school allows, too, as they may have guidelines you should know before purchasing a laptop.
Computer Specs
Depending on usage, most teachers can get by with an 8GB processor and 256GB of storage on an SSD with an i5 Intel processor. However, those who use any software other than Office will prefer a more powerful machine with an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512G SSD drive. The good news is unless you are teaching art-centered classes, you don’t need to worry about a dedicated graphics card, which will save you a bundle.
Battery Life
Classrooms aren’t often equipped for easy access to power, which means you need a laptop with longer battery life. If you will be using a laptop in school mostly, definitely consider one of the top three choices as they have the longest battery lives. A laptop with an all-day battery means you only need to worry about charging while you are sleeping.
Questions About Laptops for Teachers
How can I keep my computer secure while in the classroom?
Choose a laptop with a fingerprint or face ID to sign in to make sure your computer is secure. Also, consider getting a cover for the camera as well, so you do decide when you are visible. For laptops with a password sign-in, make sure to make a strong password no one can guess with a variation of letters, numbers, and symbols. Last of all, never leave your laptop unattended.
Will these laptops work for me if I teach virtually?
Absolutely. While you may want to pick one of the options with top specs like an Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. All of the options on the list include a solid-state drive, which makes them faster and more capable of handling an extra workload. Make sure you have exceptional internet speeds as well to make virtual teaching easier.
Can these laptops work for classroom presentations?
Most of the computers have the right ports to connect to a projector or other sources so you can run presentations. If your school has televisions with options for Apple Play, then it’s very easy to run a presentation from the Macbook Air.
Conclusion
Most teachers will do quite well with the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop as its affordable and has a long battery life. While it’s not the fastest option with an i5 processor, it’s cost-effective unless you need to use powerful software for your teaching. Finally, the Zenbook comes with a unique trackpad and a portable design making it indispensable for teachers, especially with the ergonomic design.