10 Best Laptops for Grad Students In June 2026 [Portable]

Are you a graduate student looking for the perfect laptop to help power your academic pursuits? With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which laptop is best suited for your needs.

In this blog post, we'll review the best laptops for grad students and provide tips on what to look for when selecting a laptop. We'll also discuss why having the right laptop can make a big difference in studying, research, and other activities.

10 Best Laptops For Grad Students In 2026

This list of the 10 best laptops for graduate students in 2026 ensures you get the best possible machine without breaking the bank.

All these laptops provide great performance, good battery life, and enough power for your studies.

1. Dell XPS 15 9510

Best Overall Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

The Dell XPS 15 9510 is outfitted with an 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H CPU that can Turbo Boost up to a whopping 4.6GHz. It also has 8 cores and 16 threads.

To add to this, the 24MB Cache CPU is capable of delivering excellent gaming and video editing experience.

The graphics are handled by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with a whopping 45W of power. A dedicated memory of 4GB GDDR6 ensures you can multitask without issues.

Build Quality and Design

In terms of build quality and design, the Dell XPS 15 9510 is made with high-quality materials such as magnesium alloy, carbon fiber, and aluminum.

The device is also very slim and weighs only 8.90 pounds. This allows for easy portability without sacrificing quality. The design is nothing short of modern and sleek, with a black color scheme that is sure to turn heads.

Thermals and Battery Life

The Dell XPS 15 9510 stays cool even when under load, and the battery lasts for up to 11 hours on a single charge.

The fan noise is also very minimal unless you are gaming or doing some other intensive task. The throttling is also well-controlled so that you can expect consistent performance.

Memory

The Dell XPS 15 9511 has 16GB DDR4 of RAM owing to the two 8GB sticks that come installed in the system. The dual-channel memory operates at a blazing-fast speed of 3200MHz.

You can check the upgradability options by opening up the bottom panel of the device. Regarding storage, the device is equipped with a 512GB PCIe SSD, which will be more than enough for most users.

Display

From its stunning 15.6" Ultra High Definition (UHD+) display to its incredible speed and power, the Dell XPS 15 9510 is in a class of its own.

With a wide viewing angle (WVA) and 500 nits of brightness, the Dell XPS 15 9510's screen is perfect for any task, whether you're editing photos or watching movies. And with Adobe RGB's 100% color accuracy, you can be sure that your images will look amazing.

Keyboards and Trackpad

The Dell XPS 15 9510 comes with a backlit keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard is comfortable to type on and has good key travel.

The trackpad is large and supports multi-touch gestures. It's also very responsive and has a smooth surface. Most students will find that the Dell XPS 15 9510 is more than adequate for their needs.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

For connectivity, the Dell XPS 15 9510 has Wi-Fi 6 (WiFi 802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, and Realtek ALC3281-CG. It also has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.

For audio, it has High Definition Audio (HDA) with stereo speakers. These speakers are good for general use, but they'll not blow you away.

Size and Weight

The ‎8.9-pound Dell XPS 15 9510 is on the larger and heavier side. However, it's still manageable. The dimensions are 14.06" x 0.71" x 0.45-0.66".

This means that it's not the most portable laptop, but it's still manageable. This is reasonable, considering all the power that it packs.

Camera and Microphone

The camera and microphone are top-notch, making it perfect for video conferencing or streaming. For Dell XPS 15 9510, the RGB IR HD camera with dual array microphones will ensure you look and sound your best.

Digital-array microphones located above the keyboard provide best-in-class far-field voice recognition. So you can be sure to be heard clearly even in a noisy environment.

Pricing and Availability

For pricing, the Dell XPS 15 9510 starts at $1,995.00. It's available now from the Dell website and Amazon. If students wonder if the Dell XPS 15 9510 is worth the price, the answer is a resounding yes.

It's a pretty efficient machine that's more than capable of handling anything a grad student can throw at it.

Upgradability Options

This laptop comes with two SO-DIMM slots for RAM, meaning you can upgrade it to a whopping 64GB of RAM. And if storage is your thing, two M.2 PCIe x4 slots are also available.

So whether you need the power for gaming or video editing, or you want the peace of mind of knowing you can upgrade your laptop down the line, the Dell XPS 15 9510 has you covered.

Our Verdict

The Dell XPS 15 9510 is the most reasonable purchase in this price range. It's a great all-around laptop with a large screen, great battery life, and enough power to handle anything a grad student can throw at it.

And if you need to upgrade it down the line, plenty of options are available. So if you're looking for the best laptop for grad students In 2026, the Dell XPS 15 9520 is the way to go.

2. Apple MacBook Pro

Best Performance Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

The MacBook Pro is one of the most effective laptops on the market, thanks to its Apple M2 chip and 8-core CPU.

Among these, 4 are performance cores, and the other 4 are efficiency cores. The MacBook Pro also has a great graphics processing unit or GPU. This 10-core one will let you enjoy smooth visuals and a top-notch gaming experience.

Build Quality and Design

The MacBook Pro is well-built and has a premium feel to it. It's made out of aluminum, so it's both lightweight and durable.

And the Retina display is absolutely gorgeous. It's one of the best displays on a laptop, period. The only downside to the design is that it doesn't have an Ethernet port. So if you need to connect to the internet via Ethernet, you'll need to buy an adapter.

Thermals and Battery Life

This laptop is always ready when you are and has thermals and battery life that allow up to 20 hours of Apple TV app movie playback and 17 hours of wireless web.

The 58.2Wh lithium-polymer battery provides plenty of juice to keep you going all day long, while the 67W USB-C Power Adapter ensures quick and easy charging events.

Memory

The MacBook Pro comes with 16GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most grad students. However, you can upgrade it to 32GB of RAM if you need more power.

Following this, the MacBook Pro comes with 512GB SSD Storage capable of holding all your important files and documents.

Display

Its stunning Retina display with IPS technology and 2560x1600 native resolution offers plenty of screen real estate for even the most demanding tasks.

At 500 nits brightness, it's easily viewable in any lighting conditions. Plus, your photos and videos will look incredible with support for millions of colors and True Tone technology.

And underneath the beautiful display is a Touch Bar with an integrated Touch ID sensor, so you can quickly and easily unlock your MacBook Pro.

Keyboards and Trackpad

With a backlit Magic Keyboard, Touch ID, and ambient light sensor, this computer is sure to please even the pickiest user. The Force Touch trackpad provides precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities, making it easy to use all of the computer's features.

Although students aren't too aware of this, the keyboard and trackpad are two of the most important aspects of a laptop.

After all, you'll spend a lot of time typing on your laptop as a grad student. So it's important to have a comfortable and responsive keyboard and trackpad.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

This potent laptop is equipped with a range of features that make it ideal for professional use, including two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology.

The MacBook Pro also features stereo speakers with high dynamic range and support for Spatial Audio when playing music or video with Dolby Atmos to enjoy an immersive sound experience.

Whether you're working on a complex project or streaming your favorite show, the MacBook Pro provides the power and performance you need to get the job done.

Size and Weight

With a massive 30.41 cm (11.97 inches) display, the MacBook Pro is great for working on complex projects or watching movies and TV shows.

The computer is also incredibly thin and light, measuring just 1.56 cm (0.61 inches) thick and weighing 5 pounds. This makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go, whether it's to class or the library.

Camera and Microphone

This amazing computer offers a lot, including a 720p FaceTime HD camera, advanced image signal processor, and studio-quality three-mic array.

Your video calls will sound clear and sharp with a high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beamforming. You'll also be able to easily take advantage of the computer's advanced image signal processor to edit photos and videos.

Pricing and Availability

This is where things get really difficult for grad students. The MacBook Pro starts at $1299 and is available in Silver and Space Gray.

Most students will probably need to finance this laptop over the course of their degree, which is something to keep in mind when budgeting for school. Hence the MacBook Pro may not be the best laptop for grad students on a tight budget.

Upgradability Options

The MacBook Pro features a range of upgrade options tailored to your specific needs. Choose from 16GB or 24GB of RAM, and configure the storage capacity to meet your needs with either 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of internal storage. You can also upgrade to a faster processor for an additional cost.

Our Verdict

To sum it up, the MacBook Pro is a great laptop for grad students. It has a beautiful display, an excellent keyboard and trackpad, and powerful internals that make it perfect for demanding tasks. The only downside is the price tag, which may be too much for some students to afford.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1

Best 14-inches Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is a strong and versatile 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor laptop that is perfect for grad students.

It has a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and can Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz with 4 cores and 8 threads. The 8MB Cache is also very helpful for students who need to multitask. This allows performance-intensive applications to run smoothly without any lag.

Build Quality and Design

The ThinkPad X1 is a sturdily constructed laptop starting with the one-bar hinge. It has a carbon-fiber body that is both lightweight and durable, making it perfect for students who are always on the go. The laptop also features a promising look with its black color and red accents.

Thermals and Battery Life

Its dual fan and rear venting offer an improved Intelligent Thermal Solution that keeps your computer running cool and smooth. The battery life on this baby is incredible! You can easily get up to 10 hours of use out of it on a single charge.

Whether you're working on a big project or just browsing the web, the MacBook Pro will keep you going all day long. And for those times when you need a little extra power, the built-in turbo boost feature gives you a nice performance boost.

Memory

The ThinkPad X1 has 16GB of RAM, just like the MacBook Pro. The memory is soldered, which means it is not upgradeable. This may be a drawback for some students who need more than 16GB of RAM, but it is still a very capable computer.

The ThinkPad X1's storage is 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe with a 4 slots NVMe. This is more than enough space for most students' needs.

Display

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is a suitable laptop that is perfect for business or personal use. It features a 14.0" WUXGA display with IPS technology and an anti-glare finish.

This laptop also has low-power consumption for longer battery life. In addition, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 has a 400 nits brightness for clear visibility in any light condition.

Keyboards and Trackpad

One of the best features of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is its backlit keyboard. This makes it easy to work in low-light conditions and keeps you productive even when you're on the go.

The trackpad is also large and responsive, making navigating your way around the screen easy.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

Starting with the Thunderbolt 4 power input, the Lenovo ThinkPad X has a Thunderbolt port, USB-A port, HDMI port, and headphone/mic combo.

With its Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11AX (2x2) & Bluetooth 5.2, you'll be able to stay connected no matter where you are.

And the Dolby Atmos Speaker System ensures that you'll always have great sound quality whether you're working from home or on the go. Almost all the ports you need are available on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1.

Size and Weight

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is an ultraportable laptop weighing in at only ‎‎2.49 pounds. This makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, whether you're headed to class or the library. And at 14" x 0.74" x ‎0.70", it's small enough to fit in most bags and backpacks.

Camera and Microphone

The IR & 720p HD camera with HPD, Dolby Voice, and four 360-degree far-field mics ensures you will be heard loud and clear, even in noisy environments.

Since online classes are becoming more and more common, a good webcam is essential for grad students.

Pricing and Availability

The rate of $1,939.99 might shock a few of you. However, this laptop is definitely worth the investment. You can find it on Lenovo's website or other major retailers like Amazon.

In fact, this exorbitant amount is the reason it's in third place on this best laptop for grad students list. If you're looking for a durable, powerful, and feature-packed laptop, the ThinkPad X11 is the one for you.

Upgradability Options

The best laptops for grad students need to be able to grow with you, and the ThinkPad X1 has a few upgrade options. For starters, you can upgrade to a faster processor if you need more power down the road.

You can also add more memory or storage if you find that you're running out of space. The base model might have 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage, which can be bumped up to 1 TB of storage and 36GB of memory.

Our Verdict

The best laptops for grad students need to be able to handle demanding tasks, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is more than up for the challenge. It's got a durable design, fast performance, great speakers, and a long-lasting battery.

Not to mention, it's also one of the most upgradable laptops on the market. The price can put off some people, but when you compare it to other laptops in its class, the ThinkPad X1 is definitely worth the investment.

4. Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED YD

Best 4k Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

The Gigabyte Aero 15's got a powerful 11th generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor which can reach speeds of up to ‎‎‎‎‎‎4.6GHz from a base speed of ‎‎‎‎‎‎2.3GHz.

The CPU is also paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU with ‎‎‎‎‎‎a dedicated‎‎‎‎‎ memory of 8GB GDDR6. So whether you're editing videos or rendering graphics, the Gigabyte Aero 15 can handle it with ease.

Build Quality and Design

The Gigabyte Aero 15 is made with high-quality materials, and it shows. The aluminum chassis is both lightweight and durable, and the Corning Gorilla Glass NBT display is scratch-resistant. The best part? The laptop appears to have a bezel-less design, giving it a sleek and modern look.

Thermals and Battery Life

The battery life lasts 4 hours and 50 minutes, which is shorter. However, this is to be expected with such a powerful laptop.

The good news is that the Aero 15 has a quick-charge feature so you can charge it up in no time. As for the thermals, they are managed very well. Even when running demanding programs, the Aero 15 stays cool and quiet.

Memory

For a grad student, having a lot of memory is essential. The Gigabyte Aero 15 has 16GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 64GB.

This will come in handy when working on research papers or giving presentations. In fact, with this much memory, you'll be able to have multiple programs open at the same time without any slowdown. The storage is also impressive, with a capacity of ‎‎‎‎‎‎up to ‎‎‎1TB.

Display

With 14 x 9.80 x 0.78 inches (355 x 248 x 19.8mm) dimensions and a 15.60-inch Samsung AMOLED display, the Gigabyte Aero 15 is one of the best laptops for grad students in terms of visuals.

The 3840x2160 4K resolution is absolutely stunning, and you'll be able to see every detail with clarity. Not to mention, the 100% DCI-P35 color gamut and HDR400 certification mean that colors are accurate and vibrant.

Keyboards and Trackpad

The Gigabyte Aero 15 possesses a glowing keyboard that's comfortable to type on. The backlit keys are nice, and the overall key travel is just right. As for the trackpad, it's large and responsive.

It also supports Windows Precision Drivers, so you can use all of the gestures you're accustomed to. A fingerprint reader built into the top-left of the trackpad is a nice security feature.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The Gigabyte Aero 15 has a Thunderbolt port, an HDMI output, three USB Type-A ports, and a UHS-II card reader. It also has Killer LAN E2600, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.

As for the speakers, there are two 2 Watt speakers which work on DTS:X Ultra technology. They provide rich and powerful sound, making them great for watching movies or listening to music.

Size and Weight

With a 14 x 9.8 x 0.78 inches (356 x 250 x 20mm) footprint and a weight of just under five pounds, the Gigabyte Aero 15 is one of the best laptops for grad students in terms of portability.

It's not too bulky or heavy, so you can take it with you wherever you go. But then again, most laptops these days are pretty lightweight.

Camera and Microphone

The webcam on the Gigabyte Aero 15 is good enough for video calls and webinars. The image quality is clear, and the colors are accurate.

The microphone is also decent. It's not the best out there, but it'll suffice for most purposes. Both the webcam and microphone can be found on the top bezel of the laptop.

Pricing and Availability

Beginning at $2,999.00, the Gigabyte Aero 15 is one of the most expensive laptops. However, it's also one of the best laptops for grad students, so it's worth the investment.

The good news is that you can find it for cheaper if you shop around. It's available at most major retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples.

Upgradability Options

Students can upgrade the ports to Thunderbolt 4 and the storage to a larger capacity. You can upgrade to Tiger Lake and HDMI 2.1 as well.

These options make the Gigabyte Aero 15 one of those laptops that will last you for years to come, as it will still be relevant for quite some time.

Our Verdict

The Gigabyte Aero 15 ensures that it has everything a grad student needs. It's got a great design, a beautiful display, and great performance, and it's even upgradeable.

It's not the cheapest laptop on this list, but it's definitely worth the investment. If you're looking for an investment piece, the Gigabyte Aero 15 is a pretty solid option.

5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Best Laptop for Grad Students With 32GB RAM

Performance

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio allows you to multitask thanks to its 11th-generation Intel Core i7-11370H processor. The quad-core CPU can handle demanding tasks such as video editing and rendering.

On top of that, the graphics are handled by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti with 4GB of GDDR6 RAM. This card is more than capable of running games at high settings.

Build Quality and Design

The Surface Laptop Studio has a beautiful design. It's made of aluminum and has a matte black finish that is stylish and fingerprint-resistant.

An attractive laptop makes for a great conversation starter, which is always a plus. The laptop is also lightweight at just under six pounds, so it's easy to carry around.

Thermals and Battery Life

A 58Wh battery keeps the Surface Laptop Studio going for up to 12 hours on a single charge, which is pretty good. And when it comes to thermals, the laptop might make it very obvious that it's working hard, but it never gets too hot to the touch. Students must remember not to overwork themselves; the same goes for their laptops.

Memory

The Surface Laptop Studio comes with 32GB of RAM, which is part of LPDDR4x. This is more than enough for students who need to have a lot of tabs open or run demanding programs.

The unfortunate thing is that the memory is not user-replaceable, so students will have to live with what they have. But storage comes at a generous capacity of 1TB SSD which is removable.

Display

The screen on the Surface Laptop Studio is a 14.4-inch touch display with a resolution of 2400 x 1600 and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The aspect ratio is unusual at ‎‎‎‎‎‎16:10, but it's still a pretty standard size. The screen is plenty bright and has excellent color accuracy. The Surface Pen is also included, which is great for taking notes or drawing diagrams.

Keyboards and Trackpad

The Surface Laptop Studio has a backlit keyboard that is both comfortable and accurate to type on. The trackpad is also large and responsive, making it easy to navigate around the desktop.

The absolute delicateness of the screen means that you have to be extra careful when using it during lectures.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

To start with the I/O, the Surface Laptop Studio has two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt ‎‎‎‎‎‎one on each side. A full-size SD card reader is also great for students who need to transfer files from their cameras.

As for connectivity, the Surface Laptop Studio comes with Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.1, so you can connect to the internet no matter where you are. The speakers on the Surface Laptop Studio are Quad Omnisonic speakers that sound great.

Size and Weight

The dimensions of 12.7 x 9.0 x 0.7 inches (322.6 x 228.6 x 17.8mm) and a weight of 5.92 pounds make the Surface Laptop Studio a bit larger and heavier than other laptops on this list.

But it's still portable enough to take with you to class or the library. It's hardly a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

Camera and Microphone

The 2MP front-facing camera with 1080p FHD video is great for video calls with friends and family.

The microphone is also decent, so your voice will be clear even if you're in a noisy environment. But something to note is that the camera is fixed, so you can't adjust it to get a better angle.

Pricing and Availability

The Surface Laptop Studio is available now and starts at $2,199.99. It's a bit pricey, but it's unrealistic to expect anything else from a laptop with such high-end specifications.

The other versions of the Surface Laptop Studio are also available, with prices ranging from $999.99 to $3499.99.

Upgradability Options

The Surface Laptop Studio is not meant to be upgraded, so there are no options for doing so.

This might be a dealbreaker for some students, but it's something to keep in mind before making your purchase. Often, students will last their entire academic career without needing to upgrade their laptops.

Our Verdict

The Surface Laptop Studio is an excellent laptop for students who need a decisive and portable device. It's got a lavish design, thermals, and battery life, as well as features that will greatly benefit students in their studies.

The only drawback is the lack of upgrade options, which won't be an issue for most students. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line laptop, the Surface Laptop Studio should definitely be at the top of your list.

6. HP ZBook Studio G8

Best i7 Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

The HP ZBook Studio G8 can perform exceptionally well thanks to its 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11850H which has a base clock speed of ‎‎‎‎‎‎2.5GHz.

The 8 Core processor can Turbo Boost up to 5GHz making it more than capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and rendering.

The HP ZBook Studio G8 has two graphics options; the Intel UHD Graphics and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (with 8GB GDDR6). The RTX 3070 is a great option for students who need to do some light gaming or video editing.

Build Quality and Design

The HP ZBook Studio G8 has a sleek and professional design that's perfect for students who need to take their laptops with them to meetings or presentations.

It's also MIL-STD-810H tested, so you know it can withstand some wear and tear. As for the build quality, it's solid and well-built. The only drawback might be the choppy trackpad, but that's a minor issue.

Thermals and Battery Life

Another great feature of the HP ZBook Studio G8 is its thermals and battery life. The cooling is adequate but not over the top thanks to its small form factor. This means you won't have to deal with noisy fans even when pushing the laptop to its limits.

And when it comes to battery life, the HP ZBook Studio G8 can last up to 9 hours on a single charge. So whether you're working on a long flight or streaming movies all day, you can rest assured that your laptop will last as long as you need it to.

Memory

Much like the previous laptop, the HP ZBook Studio G8 comes with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. This single slot of RAM runs at 3200MHz, which is the sweet spot for most laptops.

It's fast enough to handle demanding tasks while still being energy efficient. The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD is also more than enough storage for most students.

Display

The HP ZBook Studio G8 has a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with anti-glare and 72% NTSC. The resolution is 1920 x 1080, and the pixel density is 141 PPI.

The display is bright and clear, and the colors are accurate. It's also touch-enabled, so you can use it as a tablet if you need to.

Keyboards and Trackpad

The backlit keyboard, followed by a glass trackpad, makes the HP ZBook Studio G8 best suited for students and professionals who are always on the go.

The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the trackpad is responsive. However, the trackpad is a bit jerky, which can sometimes be annoying.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The HP ZBook Studio G8 comes with three USB ports, a Thunderbolt port, an HDMI port, and a headphone/mic combo jack.

For connectivity, it has Wi-Fi 64 AX201 and Bluetooth 5.2 802.11ax. The speakers are located at the bottom of the laptop, and Bang and Olufsen's quad stereo speakers provide precise audio.

Size and Weight

The HP ZBook Studio G8 got 3.95 pounds and measures 14.17 x 0.71 x 0.47 inches. It's not the most delicate laptop on this list, but it's still mobile enough to take with you wherever you go. Honestly, there's not much more you could ask for in a laptop of this caliber.

Camera and Microphone

The camera comes with 720p HD with a Temporal Noise Reduction webcam with IR. If you're wondering what that is, it's a feature that helps reduce the amount of noise in your videos.

The HP World Facing Microphone is located at the top of the keyboard and has dual array microphones with advanced noise cancellation.

Pricing and Availability

Unfortunately, the HP ZBook Studio G8 is priced at $2699, which is quite expensive. Since every student's budget is different, we leave it up to you to decide whether the features and performance are worth the price tag. It is available now on HP.com as well as other retailers.

Upgradability Options

The Zbook's memory is not upgradeable as it is soldered down to the motherboard. The same goes for the storage, which is a single M.2 slot that is PCIe NVMe SSD only.

So, if you need more storage or memory, you'll have to purchase a laptop with those specs from the get-go. The other upgradeable component is the CPU, which is a BGA1356.

Our Verdict

Therefore, in sixth place, we have the HP ZBook Studio G8. It's a grand laptop for students and professionals who need a powerful machine that might exhaust other laptops. It's got excellent thermals, a beautiful display, and eminent speakers.

There's even an IR camera for those who need it. The only drawback is the price, but if you can afford it, then we say go for it!

7. MSI Modern 14

Best Lightweight Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

The Intel Core i5-10210U processor with a clock speed of 1.6GHz is one of the best CPUs for daily use. Plus, the Intel UHD Graphics 620 delivers brilliant speed and detail for graphics-intensive tasks.

Build Quality and Design

Aluminum construction gives the MSI Modern 14 a sturdy feel and is also relatively thin and light for a 14-inch laptop.

The bezels around the screen are also very thin, which gives it a modern look. The keyboard is backlit, and there's a fingerprint reader on the power button, so you can easily log in with Windows Hello.

Thermals and Battery Life

With an eight-hour battery life, the MSI Modern 14 will last you through a full day of work or school.

It also has some great thermal management, so it won't overheat even when you're doing intensive tasks. On a side note, the fan is quite loud when it's on, but it's not a dealbreaker.

Memory

The MSI Modern 14 comes with 8GB of RAM, with a single slot DDR4 that runs at 2666MHz. It's not the best laptop for gaming or video editing, but it's more than enough for most students' needs.

And the storage is a 512GB NVMe SSD, which is plenty of space for most people.

Display

The 14-inch IPS display has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a maximum brightness of 300 nits. It's not the best display we've seen, but it's still pretty good.

The colors are exact, and the viewing angles are broad. But grad students need to ensure they get a laptop with a high-quality display for their studies.

Keyboards and Trackpad

The backlit keyboard allows you to work in low-light conditions, and the keys have good travel. There's not a lot of flex, so it's a pretty solid keyboard.

The trackpad is rather small but still responsive and supports multi-touch gestures. Students must take care not to wear it out since it's small and could be easily damaged.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The connectivity is confined to Wi-Fi 802.11 ac and Bluetooth v5. The I/O options are also quite limited, with just two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader.

The two speakers are 2 W Stereo Speakers that are inbuilt, so they're good for listening to music or watching videos.

Size and Weight

Ordinarily, a 14-inch laptop is on the larger side. However, the MSI Modern 14 is only 13.03 x 0.63 x 0.87 inches and weighs just over two pounds.

So, it's actually quite portable for a laptop with this screen size. After much consideration, we've decided that the MSI Modern 14 is one of those designs that are just too good to pass up. It's a great laptop for grad students, and we highly recommend it.

Camera and Microphone

The camera falls a bit short with a 720p resolution. It's not the best quality, but it's still decent. The microphone doesn't make much noise and is best used for Skype calls or something similar. Most grad students will not need anything more than that.

Pricing and Availability

The MSI Modern 14 starts at $709.00 and thus becomes one of the best laptops for grad students in terms of pricing. It's available now from MSI as well as other retailers.

Being the cheapest is not simply enough to make the best laptops for grad students list. The MSI Modern 14 is also one of the best-designed laptops we've seen in a while.

Upgradability Options

The MSI's Modern 14 is not the easiest laptop to upgrade. The good news is that there are only a few parts you might need to upgrade: storage, memory, and battery.

The bad news is that upgrading any of those parts will void your warranty. The RAM can be upgraded from 8GB single-channel up to 32GB single-channel via one SO-DIMM slot.

The storage is a little trickier because it's soldered to the motherboard. So, you'll need to replace the entire motherboard if you want to upgrade the storage.

Our Verdict

The MSI Modern 14 has got it where it counts. It's a prominent laptop for grad students, with a solid design, great performance, and long battery life.

It's also relatively affordable, starting at just $709. So, most grad students should be able to find the MSI Modern 14 within their budget. If you're looking for a new laptop, we highly recommend checking out the MSI Modern 14.

8. Dell Precision 7750 Mobile Workstation

Best 17-inches Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

If you're looking for a powerful and stylish laptop, the MSI Modern 14 is a perfect choice. It's equipped with a fast 11th-generation Intel Core i7-10875H processor and an 8-core CPU.

The processing speed is up to an impressive Turbo Boost of p to 5.1GHz. Whereas the 16MB Cache and 45W TDP make sure that the MSI Modern 14's performance is always consistent.

The NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 graphics card is also one of the best in its class. It has a dedicated 8GB GDDR6 VRAM, which is perfect for running the most demanding applications and games.

Build Quality and Design

The Dell Precision 7750 makes for a resourceful desktop replacement laptop. It's large and in charge, with a 17.3-inch screen and a weight of ‎‎‎six pounds.

The body is made of aluminum and magnesium, so it's both durable and light. The laptop has a black finish with red accents, which gives it a proficient yet modern look.

Thermals and Battery Life

Along with 6-Cell, 95 WHr Battery Lithium Ion Battery (Express Charge Capable) and Dell Adapter - 330W AC, the Precision 7750 has thermal management features to help keep things cool. The laptop uses dual fans and a vapor chamber to dissipate heat.

The result is that the CPU and GPU can run at full speed without throttling. As for battery life, you can expect around five hours of use on a single charge.

Memory

The Precision 7750 has two slots for SO-DIMM memory, with a maximum capacity of 32GB combined. The memory is a DDR4 Non-ECC type, with a speed of up to 3200MHz. 

Whether you're using the Precision 7750 for work or play, the storage options are sure to meet your needs. The base model comes with a 512GB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD. If that's not enough, you can upgrade to a larger capacity or even add a second drive.

Display

A 17.3-inch UHD (3840 x 2160) essentially means that you're getting a full-fledged desktop experience on a laptop. The visuals are incredibly sharp and vibrant, and the screen has a Wide View Angle and Anti-Glare.

Plus, the 60Hz refresh rate is plenty smooth for most tasks. However, if you're looking to do some gaming or video editing on this thing, you might want to consider an alternative with a higher refresh rate.

Then there's the 500-nits 100% Adobe Non-Touch Display, which is great for working with photos and videos.

Keyboards and Trackpad

Only a Standard keyboard is available for the 7750, so gamers and creative professionals might want to look elsewhere.

The keys are backlit, however, which is a nice touch. As for the trackpad, it's amply sized and supports Microsoft Precision Touchpad Drivers. So, you can expect a smooth and accurate experience.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

Beginning with the laptop's left side, you've got two USB Type-A ports (one with PowerShare), a full-size SD card reader, and a headphone jack.

Then on the right, there's another USB Type-A port, a Thunderbolt Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a Mini DisplayPort.

For networking, there's the Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, 2 x 2, 802.11ax with MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.1 to ensure a fast and reliable connection.

As for audio, the Dual integrated high-quality speakers and optional dual integrated noise-canceling microphones deliver clear and crisp sound.

Size and Weight

The Dell Precision 7750 measures 16.49 x 11.18 x 0.98 inches (W x D x H) and ‎‎‎weighs six pounds. So, it's not the most portable laptop out there.

But, considering its large screen size and powerful hardware, it's still relatively light. Although that's just on a relative basis.

Camera and Microphone

So the HD RGB camera, IR camera, and dual array microphone are the best in class. This kind of feature set you'll find on business laptops.

While you cannot do much with the camera in terms of resolution, it is still a great addition to teleconferencing and other business applications. In addition, the integrated microphone ensures clear audio quality for calls and recordings.

Pricing and Availability

With the $2,590.00 starting price, the Dell Precision 7750 is one of the more expensive laptops on the market. Clearly, it's not meant for everyone.

But, if you need a powerful and large laptop for your grad school work, then it's definitely worth considering. The Dell Precision 7750 is available now from the Dell website.

Upgradability Options

Can you upgrade to the Dell Precision 7750? The short answer is: yes, you can upgrade to the Dell Precision 7750. The long answer is a bit more complicated.

While the laptop does have some upgradability options, they are limited. For example, you can upgrade the storage and memory. But you cannot upgrade the processor or graphics card.

Our Verdict

The Dell Precision 7750 is a wonderful addition to the world of laptops. It's large, powerful, and has a great feature set.

However, its high price tag might be a turnoff for some people. Nonetheless, if you need a powerful laptop for your grad school work, the Dell Precision 7750 should definitely be on your radar.

9. ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED

Best High-Performance Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED's got an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX Processor that contains up to 8 cores. Combined with the 16MB cache you can expect great performance from this laptop.

In terms of graphics, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. It's got a 4GB GDDR6 VRAM that'll let you enjoy smooth visuals and gaming.

Build Quality and Design

The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED is a well-built and good-looking laptop. It's made with premium materials, such as aluminum, and has a sleek and elegant design. The laptop is also thin and light, making it easy to carry around with you.

Plus, the OLED touch display is simply gorgeous. What's more, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED comes with a ScreenPad Plus, which is an innovative touchpad that doubles as a second screen.

Thermals and Battery Life

The 96WHrs, 3S2P, 6-cell Li-ion battery gives the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED up to 16 hours of battery life.

So, you can rest assured that you'll be able to use your laptop for long periods of time without having to worry about recharging it. Plus, the laptop's thermal design ensures that it stays cool, even when under heavy load.

Memory

The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which means you'll be able to run demanding applications and easily multitask.

What's more, the laptop's memory is upgradable, so you can add even more RAM if needed. With a storage of 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, you'll have plenty of space to store your important files and documents.

Display

The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED has a 15.6-inch FHD OLED display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The display is also touch-enabled, so you can use it like a tablet.

In addition, the bezels are very thin, giving the laptop a contemporary and smart appearance. There's not more a grad student could ask for in a laptop display.

Keyboards and Trackpad

A laptop's Backlit Chiclet keyboard and trackpad are two of the most important features. After all, you'll spend a lot of time typing on your laptop during grad school.

Fortunately, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED has an excellent trackpad to support its 1.35mm Key-travel backlit keyboard.

The trackpad is large and supports multi-touch gestures. Plus, it's smooth and responsive. As for the keyboard, it's well-spaced and comfortable to type on.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The connectivity of the Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac) (Dual band) 2*2 along with Bluetooth 5 is only the beginning for the I/O of this device.

It also has a Thunderbolt, USB Type-C (USB-C), and USB Type-A port, an HDMI output, and a microSD card reader. The speakers on this device are SonicMaster with the crisp Audio of ICEpower and the Zenbook's Built-in speaker.

Size and Weight

Coming from 35.40 x 23.80 x 1.78 ~ 1.80 cm (WxDxH) and weighing in at only ‎‎17.90 pounds, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED is one of the thinnest and lightest laptops on this list.

It's also very compact, making it easy to carry around with you. But that's not the only requirement for a good laptop for grad students.

Camera and Microphone

In the age of online classes and Zoom meetings, a laptop's webcam and microphone are more important than ever. The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED has a 720p HD camera with an IR function to support Windows Hello.

This essentially means that you can log into your laptop using facial recognition. As for the microphone, the Built-in array microphone, with Cortana and Alexa voice-recognition support, is cooperative for online meetings and studies.

Pricing and Availability

Starting at $1,449.99, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED is available for purchase on the ASUS website. It comes in two colors: Royal Blue and Icicle Silver.

Regardless of the general mistrust of ASUS devices, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED is the best device to keep you ahead of the curve.

Upgradability Options

The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 is a top-of-the-line OLED laptop that offers a free upgrade to Windows 11, 16GB LPDDR4X on board, and total system memory upgradeable to 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4X on board.

The 8GB LPDDR4X on board is plenty for most tasks, and the total system memory is upgradeable to:8GB if you need more power.

The screen is absolutely gorgeous, and the overall design and performance of the ZenBook Pro 15 are simply outstanding.

Our Verdict

The ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED features ninth-generation Intel processors, a stunning OLED display, long battery life, and powerful speakers. It's also one of the thinnest and lightest laptops on this list.

Plus, it comes with a free upgrade to Windows 11. If you're looking for the best laptop for grad students In 2026, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED is the way to go. It's available for purchase on the ASUS website starting at $1449.99.

10. LG Gram

Best Thunderbolt Laptop for Grad Students

Performance

This 11th Generation Intel Quad-Core i7-1165G7 Processor (CPU) with a base speed of 2.8GHz can Turbo Boost up to an impressive speed of up to 4.7GHz.

Not to mention, the massive 12MB Smart Cache, quad-core, and 8 threads work together to make sure that you're getting the best possible performance out of this device. The graphics are also handled by an Intel Iris Xe Graphics card.

Thermals and Battery Life

The LG Gram features a 2-Cell, Lithium Ion, 80Wh battery, which is one of the biggest you'll find in any laptop. According to LG, this results in a great battery life of up to 22 hours on a full charge.

And, with fast-charge technology, you can get 80% of a full charge in just an hour. As for thermals, the Up-Down Air Thermal Solution keeps the laptop cool and quiet, even during intense use.

Memory

The LG Gram features 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM as the final laptop on our list. It's got onboard memory, meaning that it's not upgradeable.

However, the RAM does operate at 4266MHz, which is one of the fastest speeds you'll find. Even the storage is massive with 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD.

Display

The 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display on the LG Gram is plenty sharp and offers good color reproduction. However, it doesn't quite match up to the OLED displays found on other laptops on this list.

Likewise, the DCI-P3 99% (Typical, min 95%) color gamut display adds to the already great colors on this display.

Keyboards and Trackpad

There's a Backlit Keyboard on the LG Gram that's comfortable to type on and offers good key travel. Adding to this is a Precision Touchpad that's large and responsive. Using Windows gestures is a breeze on this trackpad.

Perhaps the best part about the keyboard and trackpad, though, is that they're both spill-resistant. So, if you're a bit of a klutz, you don't have to worry about ruining your laptop.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The LG Gram features a Thunderbolt port, which supports DisplayPort and Power Delivery. This is in addition to the USB Type-C, HDMI, and MicroSD card reader ports.

As for connectivity, the LG Gram uses Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11AX (2 x 2) along with Bluetooth 5.1. The Stereo Speaker 2.0W along with the Max 5W (Smart Amp) offer great sound.

Size and Weight

Weighing in at just 4.19 pounds and 14.01 x 9.58 x 0.66 inches, the LG Gram is one of the lightest and most portable laptops on this list.

This makes it great for carrying around with you, whether you're going to class or traveling. In fact, any of the laptops on this list would be great for travel.

Camera and Microphone

A 720p HD camera and microphone are included on the LG Gram. It's hard to say how well the camera performs, as it's not something we typically test.

However, the microphone seems to work well and is great for video calls and conferences. Students will not have much to worry about in terms of audio quality.

Pricing and Availability

The LG Gram is available now, starting at $1,499.99. At one point, you have to wonder if the price is worth it.

But, when you compare it to some of the other laptops on this list, the LG Gram is actually priced quite competitively. It's a great laptop for students and professionals alike.

Upgradability Options

If you've got to have the best of the best, then you'll want to consider upgrading the LG Gram. The good news is that there are a few options available to you.

You can also add on more RAM, up to 32GB. As for storage, you can upgrade to a 512GB SSD. These options are more than enough to allow the LG Gram its best performance.

Our Verdict

Therefore, the LG Gram is the best laptop for grad students In 2026. It's a great all-around laptop that offers good performance, a great display, long battery life, and more.

It's also one of the lightest laptops on this list, making it perfect for carrying around. If you need a powerful and portable laptop, the LG Gram is the way to go.

Things To Consider When Purchasing The Best Laptops For Grad Students

Students today need a portable and powerful laptop with long battery life. It should be able to handle intense applications and programs, as well as day-to-day tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos. The best laptops for grad students will have the following:

Performance

A grad student needs a laptop that can handle heavy workloads, including running multiple programs simultaneously and demanding applications such as video editing and graphic design.

The best laptops for grad students will have fast processors and plenty of RAM to ensure smooth performance.

Build Quality and Design

Build quality and design are often overlooked when shopping for laptops. A well-built laptop with a sleek, professional design will make a good impression on professors and potential employers.

An attractive laptop is also a bonus when working in public places, such as coffee shops and library tables.

Thermals and Battery Life

Laptops that run hot and have short battery life are a major pain, especially for grad students who are constantly on the go.

The best laptops for grad students will have good thermals to prevent overheating and long battery life so you can work or study uninterrupted.

Display

Similar to build quality and design, the display is an important factor to consider when shopping for laptops.

A high-quality display will make working on your laptop more enjoyable and aid in productivity. The best laptops for grad students will have a large, sharp display with good color reproduction.

Keyboards and Trackpad

For grad students, having a comfortable keyboard and trackpad is a must. You will be spending hours typing papers, so it's important to have a keyboard that is easy to type on.

The best laptops for grad students will also have a large trackpad with smooth tracking and responsive clicks.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

These days, it's important to have a laptop with all the bells and whistles. The best laptops for grad students will have a variety of I/O ports, such as USB Type-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and SD card reader. They should also have good connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi ac and Bluetooth.

The best laptops for grad students will have decent speakers for listening to music and watching videos.

Size and Weight

For grad students, portability is key. The best laptops for grad students will be lightweight and easy to carry around without sacrificing performance. A major bonus is if the laptop has a slim design, as this will make it even easier to transport.

Students will also appreciate a laptop that is not too big or bulky, as it will take up less space in already cramped dorm rooms and apartments.

Camera and Microphone

With Zoom and other video conferencing applications being so popular these days, it's important to have a laptop with a good camera and microphone.

The best laptops for grad students will have clear webcams and microphones that provide good sound quality.

This is especially important for students who need to participate in online classes or give presentations.

Pricing and Availability

Of course, pricing is always a major consideration when shopping for laptops. The best laptops for grad students will strike a balance between being affordable and having the features and performance that students need.

Additionally, it's important to consider availability when choosing a laptop. Some models may be difficult to find in stock, so it's best to choose one that is widely available.

Upgradability Options

Finally, it's important to consider upgrade options when shopping for laptops. The best laptops for grad students will have an easily accessible memory and storage bay, so you can upgrade your laptop as your needs change.

This is especially important for students who may need more storage space or RAM. Further, some laptops may have soldered-on components that cannot be upgraded, so it's best to avoid those models if possible.

Conclusion

Graduating college is an exciting step in life, and to make the transition easy, having the right laptop can help. Thankfully, there are many great laptops available for grad students that offer portability, fast processing power, and plenty of features. To make your search easier, we had rounded up 10 of the best laptops for grad students in 2026.

Whether you're a student of design, engineering, or any other field of study, these laptops can offer the perfect balance of power and value to make sure your studies are taken care of. With our list in hand, you'll be able to pick out the right laptop for you with ease!