12 Best Laptops for Teachers

Our list will help teachers check out the best laptops they can get to maximize productivity at the workplace.

Digital education is booming at a really fast pace. Even the famous education-centered company, Kaplan, recognizes its benefits. This trend prompts teachers to be prepared for its requirements.

If you find putting ink to paper easier than tapping a few buttons on a screen, it may be time for you to adapt to the new age and start getting familiar with a laptop. In order to help you with this endeavor, this article lists down the best laptops for teachers that you can buy right now. These selections were made with the different teaching tasks in mind, so you can be sure that you’re making a smart decision.

The Best Laptop For Teachers: Our Top Picks

Apple MacBook Pro

Our top choice for the best performing laptop for teachers this 2021.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology
Processor: System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores; 8-core GPU; 16-core Neural Engine
Ram: 16GB Memory configurable to 16GB
GPU: Apple 8-core GPU
Storage: 256GB SSD
Wireless: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking; IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compatible; Bluetooth® 5.0
Weight: 6.15 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 4 / 5
Speed: 4 / 5
Portability: 4 / 5

It should come as a no-brainer as to why Apple was able to land the first place for being 2021’s Best Laptops for Teachers. Being one of the top tech-innovators in the world, Apple was able to mesmerize the tech community with their Apple MacBook Pro.

Be it for daily research needs or strenuous software editing, Apple MacBook Pro has proven to be the perfect workhorse for that. Powered by the new Apple M1 processor, the very first Apple-designed processor, together with an 16GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage an overall improvement in the device’s computing performance, graphics output, and battery life can be experienced.

Weighing at approximately 3.1 lbs, Apple remains true to its sleek and stylish design that has been well loved by its users. It still features its brilliant 13.3” Retina display with a resolution landing somewhere between full HD and 4k perfect for long exposure without restraining the eyes.

The function keys are now replaced by a secondary Touch Bar that can be used as additional controls for different apps. It also boasts of its new Magic keyboard with two-part switches. There is now a noticeable rubber dome beneath its key caps for a more comfortable typing experience for its users.

On top of its screen is its usual 780p webcam which could have used an upgrade given that we have entered the zoom era. Although its M1 processor was helpful in improving the image and video processing of the entire device which is a slight upgrade to its usual output.

Moreover, Apple MacBook Pro clocks in at about 22 hours of battery life! This proves that the MacBook Pro is a very solid choice to be used inside and outside the classroom set-up for all the academic professionals out there.

Samsung Galaxy Book ION

Best ultraportable laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 13.3” FHD QLED Display
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7
Ram: 8GB
GPU: Intel® UHD Graphics
Storage: 512GB SSD
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6 (Gigi+), 802.11 ax; Bluetooth® 5.0
Weight: 2.14 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 3.5 / 5
Speed: 3.5 / 5
Portability: 4.5 / 5

Samsung Galaxy Book Ion is easily Samsung’s most ambitious and unique laptop release to date. Featuring a very impressive compact and portable design, the Galaxy Book Ion together with its relative device the Galaxy Book Flex, are among the first laptop models to provide a QLED display technology.

The Samsung Galaxy Book Ion is powered by Intel® Core™ i7 with 8GB memory and 512GB SSD storage which is powerful enough to get you through all your teaching needs without any compromises. But it doesn’t stop there, this laptop also comes with added RAM slots that encourages its users to upgrade rather than to buy a new device for performance boost. Instead of having to purchase a new laptop in the future, you can just simply upgrade it and save a lot of money!

Another mesmerizing feature of the Samsung Galaxy Book Ion is its Qi-equipped Touchpad. The Qi-equipped Touchpad can turn into a wireless charging component for any device that is equipped with Qi wireless capabilities.

Perhaps its most stunning feature is its battery power. This device can last up to more than 10 hours of continuous use. This is the perfect device for teachers with long hours of work without having to go through the hassle of plugging it in every now and then.

If you’re a teacher with a budget to stretch, this laptop might appeal to you. Aside from its ultraportable built, dependable performance, and long battery life, some of its unique features might be helpful for unwinding when the call of duty is not around.

Dell XPS 17

The best large screen laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 17” InfinityEdge Display
Processor: 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-10875H (16MB Cache, up to 5.1 GHz, 8 cores)
RAM: 32GB DDR4-2933MHz, 2x16G
GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060 6GB GDDR6 with Max-Q
Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
Wireless: Killer™ Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5.1
Weight: 4.65 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 5 / 5
Speed: 5 / 5
Portability: 3 / 5

The Dell XPS 17 is the laptop embodiment of the saying bigger is better. The perfect combination of power, beauty, and endurance, the Dell XPS 17 can handle everything you throw at it. But just like everything else, with great power comes a greater price.

Despite being a huge machine, this laptop is impressively light for its size. Weighing at a surprising 4.65 pounds, this power machine comes with the Intel Core i7, 32GB of memory and 1TB storage that’s built to maximize productivity. So if your work as a teacher goes beyond presentation making to heavy video editing, you should seriously consider getting the Dell XPS 17.

Although you have to forget about portability when carrying a 17” laptop around, you wouldn’t regret parading this stylish laptop to your peers and students. The casing of the Dell XPS 17 is a mixture of CNC-milled aluminum, Corning Gorilla glass, and carbon fiber especially made to ensure the device’s durability.

Boasting of a 17” almost bezel-less screen, the real stunner of the device is its screen resolution which can be changed from a Full HD to a 4K resolution which creative professionals would love.

One downside of this magnificent device would be its camera with a resolution of 720p only. Sure, it can take decent pictures, but imagine the power that it is capable of having if it can upgrade its camera to a full 1080p.

If you’re someone who’s teaching is more inclined with arts and creatives, the Dell XPS 17 is a no-brainer for your next purchase.

Huawei Matebook X Pro

A MacBook Pro alternative for teachers on a budget.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 13.9-inch 3:2 (3,000 x 2,000) LTPS
Processor: 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-10510U Processor, 1.8 GHz 4 cores, Turbo up to 4.9 GHz
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR3 2,133 MHz
GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce® MX250 Intel® UHD Graphics
Storage: 512GB SSD, LPDDR3
Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5, NFC
Weight: 2.9 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Speed: 4.5 / 5
Portability: 4 / 5

Step aside because Huawei finally released one of its high-end premium laptops, the Matebook X Pro.

At first glance, the Huawei Matebook X Pro looks like a hybrid of a MacBook and a Surface laptop. It has a very sleek keyboard designed with two long speaker vents, a huge touchpad, and a power button that acts as a power button on top.

This laptop sports an almost bezel-less screen to the point that there is no camera in the screen itself. The webcam of the Matebook X pro is integrated in one of the keys of its keyboard that you have to press to see.

At 2.9 pounds, this laptop is remarkably thin and portable which is quite rare for an almost 14” device. It’s disappointing to see that there are very few ports in this device. It features two USB Type-C ports and an audio jack on one side and one USB Type-A port on the other.

Within the Huawei Matebook X Pro lies the power that it holds. Featuring an Intel Core i7 with 16GB of Ram, this device will be able to handle tough tasks without any issues.

The high-end laptop can last for more than 10 hours of continuous use without charging which is a pretty decent battery life. If you are looking for a MacBook-like device without having to shell out that much money, the Huawei Matebook X Pro is the device of your choice.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14” Convertible Laptop

Best Ryzen laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 14” LED Display
Processor: Quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Mobile Processor
RAM: 12GB DDR4
GPU: AMD Integrated Graphics
Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
Wireless: Wi-Fi 2×2 AC; Bluetooth® 4.2
Weight: 3.6 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 4 / 5
Speed: 4 / 5
Portability: 3.5 / 5

Being an academic professional is no easy feat which means you would want to get the best value of your money for any purchase. Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5 offers extraordinary performance at the right price.

Thanks to its processor, the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U with 12GB DDR4 and 245GB NVMe SSD, this 2-in-1 laptop packs the performance power and battery life that any teacher would be needing. If you find this power not enough, you can even have it configured to an eight-core Ryzen 7 4700U.

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5 14” LED display could use an upgrade when it comes to quality and brightness but it is decent enough for comfortable indoor viewing. There might be a bit of difficulty using it in outdoor spaces with natural lighting because of its reflective glossy display. This is a minor issue that can be easily stepped aside because of the other amazing features and overall power that this laptop holds.

Although a convertible laptop is not something very new to its users, Lenovo was still able to provide a considerably good upgrade regarding this 2-in-1 device. It comes with a hinge mechanism that lets its users position its angle any way they want to. It can be used as a normal laptop, in tent mode, or as a full-blown tablet.

The Lenovo Flex 5 also provides good quality audio, a reliable fingerprint scanner, and comfortable keyboard and trackpad that seals its place as one of the best affordable laptops for teachers this 2021.

HP Spectre X360

Best 2-in-1 laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 13.3″ AMOLED Display
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 (1.3 GHz, up to 3.9 GHz, 8 MB cache, 4 cores)+ Intel® Iris® Plus Graphics+16 GB Memory (onboard)
RAM: 16GB
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti (Max-Q)
Storage: 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 (2×2); Bluetooth® 5
Weight: 2.88 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Speed: 4.5 / 5
Portability: 4 / 5

Now, if you’re looking for a slightly smaller and more compact laptop with a very reliable quality, then the HP Spectre X360 might be the one for you.

The HP Spectre X360 might seem relatively small compared to its competitors but it can definitely stand toe-to-toe with them in terms of performance. Aside from having a well-built Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 processor with the Iris Plus Integrated Graphics, it is also integrated with not just one but a double RAM which the Spectre line has been known for. This is going to make grade checking and presentations smooth and easy.

This 13.3” device also comes with an AMOLED display built in an aluminum chassis with beveled edges. This piece of hardware is not just a power tool but is a stunner that can put its competitor to shame. It is magnificently thin and compact which makes it easier to carry around especially if you have to move from one room to another for your next teaching class.

It also has a decent battery life of 10 hours which is enough to last you a full day’s work. If you need more time to use your laptop. The HP Spectre X360 supports fast charging thanks to its USB-C connector which will relatively reduce charging time compared from 2 hours to just a little over an hour.

Google Pixelbook Go

Best Chromebook laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 13.3” Full HD Display
Processor: Intel® Core™ i5
RAM: 16GB
GPU: Intel™ UHD 615 GPU.
Storage: 128GB
Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2×2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz); Bluetooth® 4.2
Weight: 2.3 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Speed: 4.5 / 5
Portability: 4.5 / 5

If you’re an academic practitioner who is looking to enter Google’s line of products without burning a hole in your pocket, the Google Pixelbook Go might be able to scratch your itch.

The previous Google Pixelbooks are known to exhibit premium prices that makes it hard for users to give this product line a go. Thanks to Google’s Pixelbook Go, this entry price has now made it possible for more people to navigate the new and unique features that Google has to offer when it comes to their laptop devices.

For starters, The Google Pixelbook Go is perfect for teachers teaching in online classes via zoom or Google meet because of its fascinating 1080p webcam resolution. Finally, a laptop that was able to keep up with distance learning needs of everyone.

The Google Pixelbook Go is a well-designed and well-performing Chromebook with a sleek and stylish design than most Chromebooks in the market. It is packed with Intel® Core™ i5, 16Gb of memory and 128 GB of storage which is a very powerful upgrade to the usual Chromebooks that we’ve seen before.

For those who are not familiar, a Chromebook is a laptop that uses Chrome OS as its operating system. This is perfect for teachers who maximize the use of the different Google software tools for their teaching.

Admittedly, the Google Pixelbook Go is still a bit steep for its price especially for a Chromebook but the Pixelbook Go is undeniably unmatched when it comes to its premium quality and the features and benefits that it offers. Taking into consideration the amount of money you will be able to save from the Google products and software that are incorporated into this Chromebook makes it all worth it.

Acer Chromebook 314

Best Chromebook with great battery life for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 14” LCD Display
Processor: Intel Celeron N4000 1.1GHz dual-core processor with 2.6Ghz speed burst
RAM: 4GB DDR4 RAM
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
Storage: 32GB eMMC storage
Wireless: Wireless IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 5.0
Weight: 3.75 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 3 / 5
Speed: 3 / 5
Portability: 3.5 / 5

If you’re looking for a laptop that is simple, affordable, and reliable, the Acer Chromebook 314 has all three!

Acer Chromebook as stated earlier is what a Chromebook should be. It has a simple and portable design perfect for carrying with you wherever you go, powerful and reliable performance enough to get you through all your computing needs, and an affordable price which matches your budget.

If you’re a typical teacher that performs basic teaching functions, you might find the Acer Chromebook 314 more than enough for you.

The appeal of the Acer Chromebook 314 mainly comes from its price. With a low-end price tag attached to what seems like a mid-range laptop, there is no saying no to this Chromebook.

The Acer Chromebook 314 features an Intel Celeron N4000 with 4GB of memory and 32GB eMMC storage. The Chromebook 314 is well aware that it is not a powerhouse that’s why it was able to balance and manage its functions.

It boasts of a 14” LCD display with a very crisp resolution perfect for teachers who love working extended hours. It also has a surprisingly long battery life of up to 12 hours of continuous work. It also has a decent selection of ports compared to most laptops that are trying to demolish most port types. There are two USB-C ports and another two USB-A ports.

One of the USB-C connectors is used for charging the Chromebook. There are also no ports for external display which means you’ll only be able to project your screen through the use of an adapter.

The Acer Chromebook 314 is definitely an everyday buddy for the teachers who are trying to stay within this budget range.

Noteworthy Mentions: Runner-Up Laptops For Teachers

HP Pavilion 15

Best gaming laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 15.6″ diagonal FHD IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080)
Processor: 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor
RAM: 12 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (1 x 4 GB, 1 x 8 GB)
GPU: Integrated: Intel® UHD Graphics
Storage: 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
Wireless: Intel® Wireless-AC 9560 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2×2) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 5 Combo (Supporting Gigabit file transfer speeds)
Weight: 4.08 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 4 / 5
Speed: 4 / 5
Portability: 3.5 / 5

The HP Pavilion series is known by its consumers for being the company’s mid range laptop line with one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the market.

The HP Pavilion 15 is a high-spec device that packs a solid performance with its Intel® Core™ i5 processor paired with 12 GB of memory and 512GB storage. Its benchmark scores, although not as high as the lofty marks set by top end ones, are considerably competitive. It can go about with the day-to-day teaching tasks from creating modular presentations to light photo and video editing.

Aside from the quality of the work that can be done with this monster device, it also comes with a handsome plastic casing with the HP logo in the center of its lid. The HP Pavilion 15’s screen is a lot thinner compared to its predecessor, slightly made thicker by the protective black rim around its edges.

It also has good connectivity options because of its good port selection. On the left side of the device, you can find an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a USB 3.1 Type-A port with device charging, a USB 3.1 Type-C port and an SD card slot. On the other side of the laptop are two more USB 3.1 Type-C ports, the audio jack, and the coat-pocket AC adapter connector.

Now presenting and projecting from the laptop to an external source doesn’t have to be complicated. Given the price and features of this midrange laptop, it is definitely one of the best buy laptops for teachers this 2021.

LG Gram

Best productivity laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 14” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS LCD Screen
Processor: 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1165G7 CPU
RAM: 16GB DDR4 2400MHz – 8 GB x 1 (On Board) – 8 GB x 1
GPU: Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
Storage: 512GB NVMe™ SSD
Wireless: 802.11 A/C (2X2); Bluetooth 5.0
Weight: 5.2 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Speed: 4.5 / 5
Portability: 2 / 5

The LG Gram is LG’s laptop game changer housed in a magnesium alloy chassis with a matte dark grey finish. Despite the 14” size of its screen, this device only weighs 2.5 pounds! Now this is what we call light and compact. The casing of this laptop went through seven military-grade durability tests that also accounted for shock and vibration so you can make sure that you have one heavy-duty laptop. This is perfect for all teacher’s long days and nights of creating presentations and grading their students.

Inside the LG Gram 14 is the 11th gen Intel Core i7 paired with 16GB of memory and a stunning 512GB NVMe memory. This mobile processor is created to minimize the heating of the device and increase performance which is a fine choice for work and entertainment purposes.

The processor was also able to contribute to an extended battery life of the device. The LG Gram 14 can last up to 16 hours of solid duty without charging. This is an extremely good battery life perfect for everyone without an easily accessible charging station with them.

The LG Gram 14 also has one of the best port selections among all the other laptops in the market right now. It boasts of two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot, and an HDMI output. It also comes with an Ethernet adaptor and a fingerprint reader that has been integrated with its power button.

In conclusion, the LG Gram 14 is a light and portable laptop perfect for teachers who are always on-the-go. However, it also contains all the necessary docks and ports to make it one powerful desktop when need be.

Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Most versatile Chromebook for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 11.6” HD IPS
Processor: AMD A4-9120C processor Dual-core 1.60 GHz
RAM: 4 GB, DDR4 SDRAM
GPU: AMD Radeon R4 Graphics
Storage: 32GB Flash Memory
Wireless: Wireless IEEE 802.11ac; Bluetooth 4.1
Weight: 3.3 pounds

Ratings:
Performance: 3 / 5
Speed: 3 / 5
Portability: 4 / 5

As a teacher, versatility can be one of the major requirements when purchasing a laptop. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is the winner when it comes to that department.

Under the hood, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 comes with an AMD A4 processor together with a 4GB of Ram and 32 GB of memory is quite impressive for a Chromebook. It provides a very satisfying performance and usability for its users.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 also has a high-end feel to its sleek and subtle design which is hard to come by for a Chromebook. Whether you’re just at home chilling or planning to bring your Chromebook to a lecture, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 brings a touch of class for its affordable price which is quite impressive for a Chromebook with 11.6” screen.

Speaking of the screen, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has an 11.6” HD IPS display with a 1366 by 768 resolution protected by a Gorilla glass. The screen of this Chromebook feels a little bit small for its size because of the wide bezels around the screen and it can also use a bit of an upgrade to enhance the brightness and display of this Chromebook.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is far from being an actual laptop replacement. But if you’re a teacher looking for an inexpensive device that can survive occasional bashes, then this device is definitely worth considering.

Asus Zenbook 15

The do-it-all laptop for teachers.

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Technical Specifications:
Display: 15.6 inch FHD NanoEdge bezel touch display
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-8565U processor
RAM: 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 onboard
GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 Max-Q
Storage: 512GB PCIe® 3.0 x2 SSD
Wireless: Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac); Bluetooth 5.o (Dual band) 2*2 – Gigabit WiFi
Weight: 4.41

Ratings:
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Speed: 4.5 / 5
Portability: 3 / 5

If there’s one thing that Asus always gets right, it is the ability to be able to create beautiful laptop designs. The Asus Zenbook 15 is housed in an alluring blue chassis that is as durable as it is captivating. The keyboard of this device also screams class covered in a bewitching blue tone with gold lettering.

But don’t let this beautiful device fool you. Aside from having a stunning design, this is also one of the most powerful do-it-all notebooks present in the market. This brilliant machine is packed with Intel Core i7 and comes with 16GB of memory and 512GB storage that makes it a great laptop for work, productivity, and entertainment.

The main screen is one of the most notable features of Asus Zenbook 15 with a stunning 4k resolution that fits perfectly into the 15” screen of this laptop. It provides for a crisp and vivid display that will allow you to look at it for hours. Now checking the paper works your students submitted will be enjoyable without being eye-restraining.

It also has a good number of ports that can accommodate a variety of peripherals needed. On the right side is a USB 3.1 Type-A port, a USB 3.1 Type-C port, an HDMI connector, an SD card reader and the power jack. Along its left side is another USB 3.1 Type-A port and the audio jack.

Another feature of the Asus Zenbook 15 that can’t be missed is its ScreenPad 2.0. Asus decided to give their Screenpad an upgrade by making it bigger and adding more functionalities to increase productivity during work. The LCD touchpad packs a 2160 x 1080 resolution with a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

Given all the amazing features and functionality that Asus Zenbook 15 can provide, this laptop falls a little bit short when it comes to battery life. Although more than 8 hours of battery life is not bad for a laptop that can do so much, an extended amount of time for productivity would never hurt anyone especially if you’re in the middle of a lecture.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Laptop for Teachers

It’s easy to pick a laptop that can do all the things a teacher needs, but it’s also easy to overspend on something and get features you don’t need.

That’s why we came up with this buying guide, so you can make the right choice. We’ll also explain technical terms as we go to help you understand what they mean.

CPU
As of this writing, both AMD and Intel have released yet another series of mobile processors (Ryzen’s 4th Generation and Intel’s 10th Generation CPUs) that have made choosing a processor more confusing than it already is.

It’s not that the generation and model numbers make it hard to tell, but it’s about figuring out which processor is most appropriate for your workload based on the technical specifications.

To make it simple, here are the things you should keep in mind when choosing a CPU for your laptop.

• Don’t get an Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 processor unless they’re affordable. Realistically speaking, they’re great, but they’re unnecessarily powerful for teaching-related tasks unless you like playing games during breaks– which explains why we included a few Intel Core i7 processors in our roundup.
• Don’t get an AMD A-series processor or an Intel Celeron if you can afford any of our recommended laptops. We only included an Intel Celeron to cater to readers looking for a decent but affordable option.
• Only get a laptop if it has a processor with a Ryzen name or a 7, 8, or 10 number after the Intel generation processor (i.e: Intel Core i5-x). This ensures you’re buying among the latest in the market, which guarantees performance and capability for real-world use.

If you’re a teacher of engineering or programming running heavy rendering software, these three rules won’t apply.

Note: The reason why we didn’t talk much about core counts, threads, and clock frequencies is that all modern processors have enough cores and threads to handle teaching tasks without breaking a sweat.

RAM
Most processors can handle all the teaching tasks you throw at it, including emails, presentations, class management, research, and paperwork, which is why you’ll want to move your focus on RAM.

The performance of the laptop depends heavily on how much RAM the laptop has. In most cases, laptops tend to slow down when you open multiple files, folders, or browser tabs (I’m looking at you, Chrome).

So, if you’re here due to lack of RAM, you might save yourself from buying a new laptop by getting more RAM instead (highly recommended if you’re still using a laptop with 4 GB of RAM).

The real question is, how much RAM is enough for teaching?

You’ll be fine with 4 GB of RAM if you don’t usually open more than three tabs of non-web-based applications. You’ll also be fine with 4 GB if you’re running Windows S, Apple, or ChromeOS since these don’t eat as much RAM.

You’ll want to get 8 GB of RAM if you don’t want any compromises in performance. If you’re using Windows 10 OS, anything less than 8 GB of RAM will significantly affect your laptop’s performance. It is the sweet spot for teachers looking for a laptop.

What about 16 GB of RAM? It’s totally unnecessary solely for teaching. On top of that, laptop manufacturers don’t sell laptops with 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM unless it is intended for gaming or content creation.

Storage
Unlike RAM, storage is not as necessary as long as you’re using the laptop solely for teaching.

You see, files, presentations, documents, and other programs may sound like a lot if you visualize all the books and paperwork you do in real life. But even if you account for the thousands of files, they still won’t take more than a GB of storage space.

So, how much storage is ideal for teachers?

Here’s a small calculation to give you insights:

• Fresh Install of Operating System (OS) – 15 GB + 1 GB for default apps and games
• Microsoft Office – 2 GB to 5 GB (depending on the number and type of features you install)
• School Files + E-books – 1 GB (can go up to 5 GB, if video files are an essential part of the module)
• Other Software / Personal Files – 10 GB more or less

If we do the math, you’ll consume roughly 30% of a 1 TB storage device. That means you can sacrifice storage size for a faster type of storage device.

Ultimately, the laptop should have at least 128 GB of storage capacity. But if you’re going to be using plenty of video files for presentation purposes, you’ll want more just to be safe.

If a laptop only has 128 GB of onboard storage, you’ll want to expand the storage by getting a separate drive installed. If you need more, we recommend checking our recommended apps, software, and tools for teachers to get free storage that you can access anywhere.

Should You Get an SSD or HDD?

Generally, there are two types of storage devices: SSD (Solid-State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The latter is the traditional mechanical storage device that can hold large amounts of data but tends to process tasks slower. SSD is the newer technology that can perform significantly faster than HDDs (up to 17x faster), but can only hold so much data.

While it’s true that you can buy SSDs with higher storage capacity, they tend to be significantly more expensive than HDDs. If 128 GB of storage space is sufficient for you, you might as well go for an SSD.

Keyboard
Since teachers do a lot of typing, having a decent keyboard can really make your work less tedious. A comfortable and ergonomic keyboard ensures an excellent typing experience for smooth workflow.

It’s hard to tell which keyboard is perfect for you since it all boils down to personal preference. If you can visit a physical store to check how each keyboard feels, we highly recommend you do so.

Display
The bigger the screen without compromising portability, the better. Since portability means a lot, you don’t want a display that’s too big to carry around. Aim for a 15”-17” display, as most laptops this size support FHD (Full-HD) or 1080p resolution.

A 1080p resolution display ensures you’ll have enough space to multitask and get work done fast. Video calling apps for online classes also work a lot better with 1080p as well since you can split the apps for more productive work.

[VIDEO GUIDE] How To Find The Right Laptop For Online Teaching

Here’s a YouTube video to help you choose the right laptop for your needs:

Best Apps, Software, And Tools For Teachers

Most teachers know the importance of being organized, but it can still be hard to keep track of things. It can be really chaotic, especially if you account for all the paperwork, planning, meetings, and more.

That is why we included five of the top productivity apps that can help you stay organized. These will help you manage both your time and productivity across multiple platforms.

Google Drive
We mentioned in our buying guide that storage isn’t something essential for a laptop, and that’s very true since you can store all your school files and records on Google Drive. It allows you to access your files anywhere and on any platform.

FocusMe
Social media can be a hindrance to a teacher’s productivity. Fortunately, FocusMe helps you concentrate by restricting or blocking distracting apps, such as social media and video streaming websites.

Trello
Keeping organized has never been easier with Trello. This app gives you and your students or your co-teachers a systematic view of projects, assignments, and other tasks. It is very popular in the business world, and it can undoubtedly help teachers, too.

Remind
Teachers are so busy that they almost need secretaries to keep their schedules in check.

If you’re one of these struggling teachers, Remind is here to help. It’s a real-time messaging app for your teaching needs. You can use it with co-teachers, parents, or students for effective communication of scheduled events.

For instance, you can send important school-related updates to parents or alert students about their homework.

Evernote Scannable
Lastly, we have Evernote Scannable. This app captures paper and transforms it into a high-quality scan quality that you can either save or share with co-teachers and students.

What Laptops Do Teachers Actually Use?

We’ve asked teachers what laptops they are currently using and what features do they like most about this laptop for teaching. Here are their inputs.

Daniel Morris
ourkiwihomeschool.com

 

 

This is the best laptop for teaching!

I’m an online tutor in marketing and am regularly meeting up with students online.

I use the HP Envy X360 convertible laptop for all my work as it has a number of great features that make it good for teaching.

Here are 3 great features which make the HP Envy X360 one of the best laptops for teachers:

1. Full HD multitouch screen – find the touchscreen easier to use while I’m talking. It takes less thought to reach out and touch something rather than to use my mouse.
2. Flips 360° – This laptop turns into a large tablet by flipping the screen around. This helps me when teaching as it brings me closer to my students – I don’t have the keyboard between us. Seems silly but I prefer it!
3. Large screen -The screen is also larger than most standard laptops at 15.6 inches. The bigger the better when using the laptop for teaching..

Besides these 3 excellent features, this laptop is powerful and fast while looking and feeling great with its Nightfall black aluminum casing. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a laptop for teaching.

Anne-Marie Emanuelli
Creative Director
MindfulFrontiers.net

 

 

2017 MacBook Air 13” monitor with 8G memory and 260G storage: light weight, long battery life, excellent video resolution and sound for virtual classroom functionality.

This MacBook Air cost me about $700 used from a local computer reseller. I’d love to have the newest MacBook Air model if my teacher salary could afford it.

I have several devices that I’ve used and this is by far the most effective and practical. I have found that the video and sound quality are superb to the other devices I have and also the responsiveness of the keyboard and processor is superior. (I also use a wireless mouse).

The other devices I have available to me are: iPhone 7+; two different Samsung tablets; and Asus Chromebook issued by my school.

As a recently semi-retired teacher, now an online tutor and mindful meditation instructor, I am on my computer upwards of 10 hours/day. I have been an online teacher for almost 9 years at a local charter school that offers both live and online curriculum and instruction. When the pandemic caused school closures, we were in a really good position to continue our educational model at a completely virtual level. Currently, 95% of instruction is online and virtual.

I have owned Macs for over 30 years and they are my go-to computer for all that I do, from teaching to graphic design and marketing of my new venture, Mindful Frontiers.

My teenage daughter who is enrolled in pandemic-dictated virtual high school courses (at a traditional brick and mortar public high school) as well as my husband who is a high school athletics coach, all use MacBook Air laptops of varying ages.

Torie Adams
Science Educator and how-to blogger
http://mamaadventure.com

 

 

I use a MacBook Pro 13 inch i5. My favorite feature is the ultra-glossy retina screen. It’s an ultra high-resolution screen which means I have the visual clarity to design stunning and beautiful graphics, diagrams and infographics for my science articles and for my students. Eye-catching diagrams and infographics are the best way to learn and convey big scientific concepts, so the high price tag was an investment. I also like being able to hold down any key on my keyboard to get all the special characters associated with that letter, which makes writing in other languages a lot easier than with my old laptop!

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) When Buying The Best Laptops For Teachers

1. How much RAM do I need as a teacher?
As a teacher, you will need a minimum of 4GB RAM. But, if you want a smoother performance, it is recommended that you go for 8GB of RAM for your laptop or desktop. These don’t apply if you’re in engineering, architecture, or coding. For these situations, you may go for 8GB of RAM, at least and 16GB of RAM for a smoother performance.

2. What laptop should a teacher have?
A teacher should have a laptop that has the following minimum requirements: 4GB of RAM, an Intel Core i5 processor or its equivalent, the latest operating systems for macOS or Windows, a WiFi-enabled technology, and 128GB worth of storage or more. A dedicated graphics card isn’t necessary.

This won’t apply if you’re in the field of engineering, architecture, or programming. In these situations, you must have at least 8GB of RAM, Intel Core i5 or its equivalent, the latest operating systems for Windows or macOS, WiFi-enabled technology, and 1TB of storage space. A dedicated graphics card with 2GB of memory (or higher) is recommended as well.

3. Is 4GB enough for online teaching?
For online teaching, 4GB of RAM is not enough. It is recommended that you get at least 8GB of RAM because you will be opening multiple applications while teaching your students online. This is important for a lag-free and smooth experience while teaching online.

4. What laptop should I buy for online teaching?
Online teaching will require opening multiple applications all at once while educating your students through Zoom or similar apps. As such, you will need a computer with an Intel Core i5 processor (or its equivalent), 8GB of RAM, the latest operating systems, WiFi-enabled technology, an RJ45 (Ethernet) port, and at least 256GB worth of storage. A dedicated graphics card isn’t necessary, but will help you with a smoother experience when recording classes if you want to do so.

5. Do teachers need a laptop?
With the current trend, teachers need laptops to help both themselves and their students. They can use different software such as Microsoft Office for creating lessons. Spreadsheets can be used to calculate grades. In addition, laptops can be used to educate students through presentations and modules.

6. How do computers and laptops help teachers?
Computers and laptops can help teachers offer collaborative and engaging lessons to their students. In addition, it can help calculate grades, especially when you’re dealing with a large number of students.

Apart from that, computers can help teachers dig deeper into their lessons through research. Plus, it helps them use a myriad of available software for productivity, time management, document creation, and more.

Recap: The 12 Best Laptops For Teachers

Our Top Picks:
1. Apple MacBook Pro – Top Choice For The Best Performing Laptop For Teachers
2. Samsung Galaxy Book ION – Best Ultra-Portable Laptop For Teachers
3. Dell XPS 17 – Best Large Screen Laptop For Teacherse
4. Huawei Matebook X Pro – Best Alternative To MacBook Pro For Teachers On A Budget
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14” Convertible Laptop – Best Ryzen Laptop For Teachers
6. HP Spectre X360 – Top 2-In-1 Laptop For Teachers
7. Google Pixelbook Go – Best ChromeBook Laptop For Teachers
8. Acer Chromebook 314 – Best ChromeBook With Amazing Battery Life

Noteworthy Mentions:
9. HP Pavilion 15 – Best Gaming Laptop For Teachers
10. LG Gram – Best Productivity Laptop For Teachers
11. Acer Chromebook Spin 311 – Most Versatile Laptop
12. Asus Zenbook 15 – The Do-It-All Laptop For Teachers