Buying a laptop for your kid is just as tricky as buying one for work or household use—perhaps more so. Many schools consider laptops essential educational tools and equip their classrooms with them. Some even require parents to purchase one for their kids. (Plus, of course, kids want them—to play games on!) That's where the laptop experts at PCMag come in. We've reviewed thousands of laptops over the decades since our founding. Our analysts rigorously test every model, assessing laptops based on processor and graphics performance, screen quality, design, usability, ruggedness, and value. Our current overall best Windows laptop for kids is Acer's Aspire 3, an affordable 15-inch model with decent performance and battery life. (For a Mac, we recommend the 2026 Apple MacBook Neo, which education buyers can get at a discount.) Beyond those models, we stand behind all our picks, chosen for specific scenarios and budgets. Below, we've gathered reviews of the best kid-friendly laptops on the market, plus our detailed kid-laptop buying advice and a helpful spec comparison.
Overview
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![Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)]()
Best Overall Windows Laptop for KidsAcer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
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![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Apple Laptop for KidsApple MacBook Neo
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Chromebook for Older KidsAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714]()
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook for KidsLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
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![MSI Katana 15 HX]()
Best Gaming Laptop for KidsMSI Katana 15 HX
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![Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)]()
Best Gaming Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)
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![Framework Laptop 12]()
Best Kids' Laptop for Long-Term Savings and UpgradesFramework Laptop 12
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)]()
Best Overall Windows Laptop for KidsAcer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The best value-priced Windows laptop we've found for kids is the Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P). It's not only a killer bargain laptop overall, but it's also a decent performer, thanks to its AMD processing and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Another reason to buy: It has the best battery life among laptops for less than $500, lasting nearly 17 hours in our tests. Simple, effective, and long-lasting—it doesn't get much better than that.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious parents: This is a fine laptop for kids if you're on a restrictive budget as a parent. The Aspire's low starting price makes it a decent value if your family needs a functional laptop without a large investment. Its simplicity makes it an effective introductory machine for younger children.
Elementary school students: Buy this laptop for young elementary-age students at home or in the classroom. It's suited for web browsing, writing documents, and other light school tasks. While it's a little too bulky and heavy to carry from home to school and back if your kid is smaller, this Aspire is a fine fit for staying put at home for homework (or shuttled from room to room).
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Dimensions (HWD) 0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen 3 7320U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 15.6 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 16:46 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.77 Wireless Networking 802.11ax Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Learn More Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) Review -
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![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Apple Laptop for KidsApple MacBook Neo
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Neo normally costs $599, but students can buy one for $499 with Apple's education discount. That makes it the most accessible MacBook for family budgets, but that's not the only reason we picked it. The Neo features an aluminum build that will withstand the daily wear and tear of a child's backpack or classroom, superior display quality (compared with other laptops on this list), and a battery that lasted more than 15 hours in our tests. The A18 Pro iPhone chip supports the full macOS experience, including educational software and creative apps that usually require more expensive hardware. That combination of functionality, affordability, and uncompromising quality makes the Neo the hands-down best Apple laptop for kids.
Who It's For
Students: Got classes? Apple built the MacBook Neo, in part, just for you, serving up a lightweight laptop to survive the bottom of a heavy backpack while you or your child treks across campus or on and off the yellow bus. This laptop is also budget-friendly and software-ready, and it won't get bogged down when doing homework requires opening a bunch of browser tabs.
Mac fans: If your household is already in Apple's ecosystem, the Neo is the most affordable way to bring your child into the fold. The A18 Pro processor gives them a real macOS experience that's deeply compatible with iPhones, Apple Watches, or iPads. And the laptop has a high-end look that can match your kid's individual style, thanks to the Blush, Citrus, and Indigo color options. (Plain old silver is a choice, too.)
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches Graphics Processor Apple A18 Pro (5-core) Native Display Resolution 2408 by 1506 Operating System Apple macOS Panel Technology LED Processor Apple A18 Pro RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:35 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.7 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Apple MacBook Neo Review -
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![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)]()
Best Chromebook for Older KidsAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're shopping for an older kid, you have no reason not to get them our favorite all-around Chromebook, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025). An updated Intel Core i5 processor makes it a brilliant match for older kids who need to get work done. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, the touchpad is pleasant, and the connectivity is first-rate, featuring Wi-Fi 7 and plenty of ports—all without increasing the price. Coming complete with a 1080p touch screen, it's ready for schoolwork or relaxing after homework. Finally, with more than 10 hours of battery life, the CX34 will easily carry a student through a full day of classes, making it our recommendation as the best Chromebook for older kids.
Who It's For
Older kids: If your kid is in middle school or high school, then this is the ideal Chromebook for them. Its potent processor and Chromebook Plus certification make it a fit for older children who need to juggle multiple tabs, web apps, and school assignments. Its enjoyable keyboard and reliable touchpad are well-suited for writing-intensive school work.
Value-focused shoppers: When you're looking to maximize value, this laptop is a smart choice for that. The 2025 CX34 presents one of the most compelling values in budget laptops today, with effective performance in a sturdy, premium-feeling design. This Chromebook challenges many Windows laptops at its list price in terms of features and speed.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Class Chromebook Dimensions (HWD) 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel Iris Xe Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i5-1335U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:51 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 (2025) Review -
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714]()
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For a durable 2-in-1 design that won't bog you down with Windows, we love the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714. Perfect for both homework and Android games, the Spin 714 features a sturdy aluminum chassis that can withstand bumps and bangs. An Intel Core Ultra processor delivers speedy performance, and support for Gemini AI gives your kids the latest technology without the premium price tag. That's all before we even mentioned the near-15-hour battery life.
Who It's For
Middle school and high school students: Buy this 2-in-1 Chromebook for your kids in middle school or high school. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a 2-in-1 design that works well for kids who need to type a paper in one session and use a touch screen for interactive learning or drawing the next.
Tech-savvy families: If your family is already well-versed in technology, then consider this Acer Chromebook for your next laptop purchase. This Chromebook's Intel Core Ultra chip and new on-device AI capabilities make it a cutting-edge companion for your tech-savvy kids who know how to use these bleeding-edge features. Among the most premium Chromebooks available, it also has excellent battery life.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Chromebook Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 5 115U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:46 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.21 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review -
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook for KidsLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're looking for a 2-in-1 bargain, then the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is the one to grab. From its compact design and included accessories to its affordable price, this Chromebook is ideal for kids, young and old, with a versatile design, touch-screen support for Android apps and games, and a comfortable (if slightly cramped) typing experience. The sturdy metal chassis should withstand rough handling, and the included pen allows kids to write, draw, tap, and type. It's our favorite detachable, even if Mom and Dad want to use it, too.
Who It's For
Budget-bound families: If your family is strapped for cash, then this is a fitting device. Lenovo's Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is an effective and affordable option for kids who need a tablet 2-in-1 for basic functions. The combination of a durable build, compact size, and a keyboard suited for smaller hands should make it work well for your children.
Students in classrooms: This tablet is ideal for classrooms, thanks to its low cost and versatile design. This Duet Gen 9 is well-suited for school use, providing simple access to essential online workflows and apps without a high-cost investment. The tablet's hybrid nature enables it to support learning through multiple approaches.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory Class Chromebook Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches Graphics Processor ARM Mali-G57 MC3 Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor MediaTek Kompanio 838 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 10.95 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 6:01 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.12 Wireless Networking 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Wireless Networking Bluetooth Learn More Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![MSI Katana 15 HX]()
Best Gaming Laptop for KidsMSI Katana 15 HX
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For budget gamers seeking a winning recipe, the MSI Katana 15 HX is the leading choice. Equipped with an entry-level Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, the laptop delivers quick game-ready performance at 1080p resolution. Thanks to a robust Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, it will also handle everyday productivity tasks efficiently. With enough punch for schoolwork and other projects, broad connectivity, and long enough battery life, the Katana 15 HX earned our Editors' Choice award among budget gaming laptops.
Who It's For
Kid's first gaming laptop: This is a smart choice for your kid's first mobile gaming PC. The Katana 15 HX is a winning recipe for kids who want potent 60fps 1080p gaming performance with a price that you, the parent, can get behind. Its price and RTX 50-series graphics chip make it a smart starting point for your budding PC gamers.
Middle school and high school students: If your middle-school and/or high-school student needs a primary laptop for homework but can still game, grab this one. It is a quick performer for productivity tasks (read: schoolwork), while also being powerful enough for modern gaming, serving a dual purpose and excelling in both.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1080 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i7-14650HX RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 144 Screen Size 15.6 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 8:11 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 5.29 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More MSI Katana 15 HX Review -
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![Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)]()
Best Gaming Chromebook for KidsAcer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're looking for an even more affordable gaming experience for kids, then the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) stands out as the best. This latest iteration of Acer's gaming-focused Chromebook delivers impressive performance with its upgraded CPU, a vibrant 120Hz IPS display, and a customizable four-zone RGB keyboard featuring anti-ghosting technology for a high-fidelity experience. It's tailor-made for game-streaming and schoolwork, featuring advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet. As a Chromebook Plus, it also features AI enhancements that elevate it above older models. Best of all, it costs hundreds less than traditional budget gaming laptops.
Who It's For
Extremely budget-strapped gamers: Are you on a super-tight budget, looking to give your kids a gaming laptop? Acer built the Chromebook Plus 516 GE purposefully for kids who use online game streaming services, such as Nvidia GeForce Now, with the screen, performance, and connectivity needed for a top-tier experience.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Chromebook Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 0.84 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i5-120U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 9:16 Variable Refresh Support Yes Weight 3.75 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) Review -
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![Framework Laptop 12]()
Best Kids' Laptop for Long-Term Savings and UpgradesFramework Laptop 12
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Framework Laptop 12 is another excellent, modular laptop from Framework Computers, but this new model brings that repairable, upgradable design to a 2-in-1. The primary selling point is Framework's distinctive, easy-open, and swappable-component design, along with a rich ecosystem of available parts for customization and eventual upgrading. From the pick-your-ports feature and the option to replace the motherboard for CPU upgrades, it's an ideal laptop now and in the future. With a MIL-STD-810 durable and rubber-armored design, the laptop will withstand the hazards and bumps of an elementary school classroom, growing with the student through middle school and beyond.
Who It's For
Tech-savvy, eco-conscious families: Do you live in a family that knows a lot about technology and its ecological impact? The Framework Laptop 12's repairable design and optional DIY configurations are perfect for you to save money (and the environment) by handling your own individualized component upgrades and repairs.
Educational fleet buyers: If you're an IT manager of K-12 school systems, then seriously consider this laptop. The Laptop 12 is sturdy, featuring Framework's modular design that makes it a smart choice for schools that require a fleet of laptops that can be easily maintained, repaired, and customized in-house.
Specs & Configurations
Class Convertible 2-in-1 Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.73 by 11.3 by 8.4 inches Graphics Processor Intel UHD Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i5-1334U RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 12.2 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 12:47 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.87 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Framework Laptop 12 Review -
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Best For | Best Overall Windows Laptop for Kids | Best Apple Laptop for Kids | Best Chromebook for Older Kids | Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook for Kids | Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook for Kids | Best Gaming Laptop for Kids | Best Gaming Chromebook for Kids | Best Kids' Laptop for Long-Term Savings and Upgrades | Best Overall Windows Laptop for Kids | Best Apple Laptop for Kids | Best Chromebook for Older Kids |
Class | Budget | Budget, Ultraportable | Chromebook | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1 | Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1 | Gaming | Chromebook, Gaming | Convertible 2-in-1, Ultraportable | Budget | Budget, Ultraportable | Chromebook |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U | Apple A18 Pro | Intel Core i5-1335U | Intel Core Ultra 5 115U | MediaTek Kompanio 838 | Intel Core i7-14650HX | Intel Core i5-120U | Intel Core i5-1334U | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U | Apple A18 Pro | Intel Core i5-1335U |
Processor Speed | |||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 8 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | SSD | eMMC Flash Memory | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | UFS (Universal Flash Storage) | |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 128 | 256 | 128 | 256 | 128 | 512 | 256 | 128 | 256 | 128 | |
Secondary Drive Type | |||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |||||||||||
Optical Drive | |||||||||||
Screen Size | 15.6 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 10.95 | 15.6 | 16 | 12.2 | 15.6 | 13 | 14 |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1080 | 2408 by 1506 | 1920 by 1080 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1200 | 1920 by 1080 | 2408 by 1506 | 1920 by 1080 |
Touch Screen | |||||||||||
Panel Technology | IPS | LED | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS | LED | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 144 | 120 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | Apple A18 Pro (5-core) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Graphics | ARM Mali-G57 MC3 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU | Intel Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Apple A18 Pro (5-core) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Graphics Memory | 8 | ||||||||||
Wireless Networking | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches | 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches | 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches | 0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches | 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches | 1 by 14.1 by 10.3 inches | 0.84 by 14.0 by 9.8 inches | 0.73 by 11.3 by 8.4 inches | 0.75 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches | 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches | 0.74 by 12.9 by 8.4 inches |
Weight | 3.77 | 2.7 | 3.17 | 3.21 | 1.12 | 5.29 | 3.75 | 2.87 | 3.77 | 2.7 | 3.17 |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Windows 11 Home | Chrome OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS | Chrome OS |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 16:46 | 15:35 | 10:51 | 14:46 | 6:01 | 8:11 | 9:16 | 12:47 | 16:46 | 15:35 | 10:51 |
Buying Guide: The Best Laptops for Kids in 2026
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. 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 for a Kid's 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 Microsoft's Windows and Google's ChromeOS. 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 smart compromise.
Apple fans aren't limited solely to premium-priced laptops anymore, so macOS is also a viable choice. Thanks to the Apple MacBook Neo—Apple's most affordable laptop ever— you can set up your older kids with a new MacBook (powered by the same A18 Pro chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro) instead of using Apple hand-me-downs. It even comes in different colors.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Windows 11 has also become more useful for kid-oriented laptops, thanks to S Mode, which Microsoft aims at the education market. Among other security enhancements, it 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 is already decided. If not, you'll want to look closely 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 and best Chromebooks for gaming guides for more on the specifics around this OS.
Features like these 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 Kids
A 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 an entire laptop that's waterproof; the rugged ones that are (models like Panasonic's Toughbook line or Dell's Latitude Rugged Extreme) typically cost several thousand dollars and aren't geared toward kids at all, but rather toward workers in emergency services, outdoorsy professions, or shop-floor jobs. Likewise, it's relatively easy to find reinforced lids or add-on silicone cases for some popular models to help absorb drops from a few feet, but you won't see fully ruggedized machines anywhere near this price range.
(Credit: Brian Westover)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 laptops a decade ago useless if they were away from a power outlet for more than a few hours. Even some of the cheapest laptops now deliver about 10 hours of battery life in 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 any basic-grade Intel Processor (that's what Intel calls its lowest-end CPUs these days), or any Intel Core chip, will do the job; a few budget Chromebook models use AMD or MediaTek mobile processors. These collectively constitute the lowest-performing tier of budget laptops. (The exception to that: AMD's Ryzen C series chips, much peppier AMD processors that are purpose-built for Chromebooks.)
Recommended by Our Editors
The next step up is an Intel Core i3 (or, more recently, Core 3), which you should consider if your kid's teachers regularly have them stream online educational videos. An Intel Core i5 or i7 (or, increasingly, a Core 5 or Core 7) or an Apple M-series chip is best, but you won't find these on a new laptop or Chromebook that costs about $300.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)The familiar Intel Core "i" chips are increasingly being replaced with the Intel Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 naming convention, now in its second and third generation (known as "Lunar Lake" 200V or "Arrow Lake" 200H, 200HX, and 200U). These latest chips have new neural processing units (NPUs) in their core clusters, which crunch on AI tasks exclusively. (They'll see more use in the coming months and years, but they are not a big factor in a kid's PC right now.) AMD has a similar AI-driven growth path in its mobile processors, also in its second generation of such chips. These are known formally as the Ryzen AI 300 series, or by the codename "Strix Point." For most kid-oriented PCs, though, you can safely opt for an older chip: an Intel "Core i" model, or an earlier AMD Ryzen processor from the Ryzen 7000 or 8000 series.
If a big part of getting a new laptop is so that your kid can stream videos, consider a 2-in-1 convertible or detachable laptop. These 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: Joseph Maldonado)A typical minimal configuration for memory and storage is 4GB of RAM and 64GB of flash memory. The memory amount is adequate in a budget Chromebook but not for a Windows machine; 8GB is the best baseline for anything running Windows, and 16GB is better. Just be aware that due to recent supply crunches, RAM prices are going up. (Check out our guide to how much RAM you need across various use cases.)
Consider bumping up the storage capacity to at least 128GB for a Windows system, since Windows system files can take up more than 20GB, leaving your kid with a paltry 40GB or so of built-in storage on a 64GB drive. Really, 256GB should be the minimum for a Windows machine unless it's truly bare-budget cheap, and 512GB for a gaming model.
The exception is if you choose a now-rare laptop with 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 pretty much all new laptops; if you see a hard drive as the boot drive, it's almost certainly a remaindered, refurbished, or used model.) 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. However, getting what you need from the start as internal storage is a much better idea.
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 finishes 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 to understand how long and challenging the trail was, and research fur-trading companies to learn about economic concepts such as monopolies and supply and demand.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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. Relatively new to the laptop market are gaming Chromebooks that run Android games and cloud gaming services.
If your child plans to do more intense gaming, you'll need to increase the power and the spend to a full-fledged gaming laptop (or maybe a desktop instead). Gaming laptops employ a dedicated graphics chip, dubbed GeForce RTX or (much less commonly) Radeon RX.
You won't find current-generation gaming laptops for less than $900. That's the on-ramp for machines with game-worthy dedicated graphics chips, and prices rise rapidly from that point 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.)
Ready to Buy the Right Laptop for Your Kid?
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 the tool isn't harmful. Fortunately, all three major OS makers have incorporated parental control features, and a laptop's size relative to a smartphone makes it easier to monitor activity and set ground rules, such as disallowing computer use until after homework is finished.
We trust our advice has armed you with the rudiments you need to buy with confidence, and we continually update this roundup with the latest models. You can also check out our roundups of our favorite tablets for kids and our top phones for kids.