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Best laptops for kids in 2024
Get your child equipped for school with these top computers
Even if your child has been playing with your smartphone or tablet for a while, we know giving them their own laptop is a big step.
But if the time has come and you need to buy a new computer so they can do schoolwork, stay in touch with friends or play games, you’ll want a capable model that’s easy to use, powerful enough for daily tasks and strong enough to survive a bit of rough handling.
For school, we reckon that a computer always comes out on top when compared to an iPad tablet or a smartphone as the large displays provide more space for viewing work and multitasking, the physical keyboard and touchpad are more comfortable to use for hours at a time, and they have lots of ports for connecting extras like printers, power banks, TVs, or headphones. If you want extra portability, get a 2-in-1 – these have foldable touchscreens and can be used as both a tablet and laptop.
Best laptops for kids
At what age should a kid get a laptop?
The jury is still out on when is the best time to buy your kid a laptop (research suggests age 12 is when UK ownership picks up), but whether your kid is making a spreadsheet or playing an hour of Minecraft, you’ll want to enforce strict rules about how to stay safe online and turn on parental controls to filter search engine results, limit screen time, stop private browsing and get sent activity reports.
Yes, finding the right one is no easy feat, but luckily when choosing a laptop for kids you don’t have to splash out on a high-end device with heaps of computing power and an expensive processor – there are loads of options that we love for under £500 – and we’ve selected a range of models and price points in this roundup, plus there’s a buying guide below our list if you need more information before deciding.
How the GH tech team tests kids' laptops
We test the best laptops for children based on how they’re used day-to-day. We look at the build quality to make sure the device can withstand bumps and small drops and download software to analyse its speed and performance. We try the keyboard and trackpad to make sure they are responsive and comfortable to use, while ensuring the laptop has enough battery for at least a full day of school from a complete charge. We scour the menus to check what parental controls are available for you. This list is based on hands-on laptop testing and rigorous research.
Acer Chromebook Spin 513
Pros
- Good performance
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited internal storage
The name gives it away, but we love Acer’s Spin series because it blurs the line between laptop and tablet – giving your child the best of both worlds. The 513 is the mid-range model of the Chromebook line-up (between the 311 and 713) and shines when used for lighter tasks such as typing, making spreadsheets and web browsing – perfect for homework and research. It has lots of ports, more than enough battery for a full school day’s use, and it’s compact to fit into a laptop backpack with ease.
Like all Chomebooks, it’s simple to use and has loads of built-in parental controls, so you can create a profile for your child and when that’s signed in you can stop them from browsing in private, manage which websites they are allowed to visit and block adult content. You’re limited to apps from the Google Play Store, but it has everything necessary for school, including Google Docs, Sheets and Gmail. The only downside is there’s no HDMI port for connecting it to a TV or school projector.
It’s not the only 2-in-1 on our list but it strikes a balance between specs, price and durability. We love the aluminium build that gives it a slight MacBook-like look, that the Full HD display flips a full 360 degrees, and the fact it’s a touchscreen makes it a top choice if your child already has lots of experience tapping on your phone.
Key specifications
| Display | 13.3-inches (2-in-1), 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Operating system | ChromeOS |
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours |
| Storage/Memory | 64GB, 8GB |
| Connectivity | USB-A x1, USB-C x1, 3.5mm jack |
| Weight | 1.2kg |
Pros
- Convertible 2-in-1 design
- MicroSD memory card slot
Cons
- Battery limited compared to HP 11
If you need a convertible Chromebook with more storage space, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ticks all the boxes. With 128GB of storage (double the amount of our top pick), there’s plenty of space for files, documents and photos and it’s only one of two models on our list with a microSD memory card slot for transferring files between devices such as a phone or tablet. This converts from a laptop to a tablet in seconds, and you get a Lenovo stylus in the box so your kid can draw and sketch, too.
Chromebooks are always fairly speedy devices, but the Flex 5i has top performance as it contains a reliable Intel i3 processor. This means it’s able to handle multiple apps and tabs open at once without any major lags or stuttering.
We know security will always be important for protecting your child online, and we love that this model has a privacy cover for the webcam so it’s covered up when not in use. Battery life isn’t as good as some of the other laptops on our list (with five hours less than the HP Chromebook 11 above) but easily lasts for a school day.
Key specifications
| Display | 13.3-inches (2-in-1), 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Operating system | ChromeOS |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| Storage/Memory | 128GB SSD, 4GB |
| Connectivity | USB-A x1, USB-C x2, 3.5mm jack |
| Weight | 1.35kg |
Pros
- Very portable
- Stylus and keyboard included
Cons
- Lacks built-in connectivity
Fantastic value for money, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 is an ultra-portable Chromebook 2-in-1 with the same appeal as the Microsoft Surface Go 3 above but at a much more appealing price point. It’s a laptop-tablet hybrid that’s perfect for using Google apps on-the-go (with the same parental controls as full-blown laptops), and it’s more than light enough to carry in your child’s backpack without causing strain. If you’re on a tighter budget you’ll be glad to know you don't have to worry about buying the keyboard or stylus pen as extras – they're included in the box.
Unlike convertible Chromebooks on our list such as the Spin 513 and the Lenovo Flex 5i, this has a completely detachable keyboard so after school, it can also be used for relaxing while watching streaming services or playing some light games – under your watchful gaze of course.
You sacrifice ports by choosing such a small device – one USB-C is included – but it doesn’t matter too much as Google software is mostly cloud-based, meaning it’s constantly saving documents in real-time and your child is unlikely to lose their work as it’s all tied to their own Google account. You’ll get up to 12 hours of battery on the Duet, which is on the lower end compared to some of the other laptops on our list, but it’s still more than enough for daily use. We reckon this is the best option if you want a user-friendly and portable device.
Key specifications
| Display | 10.1-inches (2-in-1), 1920 x 1200 pixels |
|---|---|
| Operating system | ChromeOS |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| Storage/Memory | 128GB SSD, 4GB |
| Connectivity | USB-C x1 |
| Weight | 940g |
HP Pavilion 15
Pros
- Large screen for working
- Touchscreen display
Cons
- Lacks a long battery life
Having a large screen is great for multi-tasking as your child can view multiple tabs at once. For example, they can research a topic on a web browser on one side of the screen while writing an essay in a word processor on the other, but it’s also a great choice if your kid will also be using the laptop for entertainment, like streaming or gaming. The Pavilion 15 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display – that’s easily the biggest on our list – and we love that it’s also a touchscreen, with small borders.
On test, we found the screen was great for viewing documents and reading websites and we like that there's a number pad on the keyboard (the only model on our list to have this) that’s helpful for spreadsheets and maths homework. The keys are nice to use and feel well-spaced, and the trackpad is large and responsive. Another bonus is that you get a fingerprint sensor on the front that’s perfect for extra security, and it’s helpful that the laptop charges from drained to 50% in under an hour.
The one we tested came with Windows 10 installed, but we checked and it’s eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. As this is a Windows machine, it’s slightly more complex to navigate than Chromebooks. There are still lots of parental controls, but we reckon that this is a model best suited for older and more responsible children as it has the potential to download software from anywhere on the internet. The Pavilion 15 is not the most portable option and the battery is middling, but if your child needs a large laptop for schoolwork, it’s a reliable buy.
Key specifications
| Display | 15.6-inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10/11 |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours |
| Storage/Memory | 128GB SSD, 4GB |
| Connectivity | USB-A x2, USB-C x1, HDMI x1, 3.5mm jack |
| Weight | 1.75kg |
How to buy a laptop for kids
Screen size and quality
Your child is likely to spend lots of time staring at the screen so we advise aiming for Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) quality, which gives a very clear image and will look great for work and entertainment. Some of the models on our list have a slightly lower resolution but they are generally smaller displays that won’t suffer too much from a drop in pixels – and are usually a bit more affordable. We think that screens between 11 and 14 inches provide a good balance between usability and portability for a school laptop, but you can go up to 15+ inches if you do want more room (just know it may be more awkward to carry in a backpack).
Parental controls
There’s a lot of content on the internet that’s not for children, so it is very important to set clear rules about how and when your kid can use their laptop – while taking full advantage of parental controls on offer. You will usually set up an account for your child, then limit what they have access to on the device or filter out adult websites from search results, set screen time limits, stop them from buying apps or browsing privately, and set up activity reports to see what your child is going on the computer. Here are the controls for Windows, ChromeOS and Mac.
Portability
Will your child be carrying the laptop between your home and school? You want to make sure it’s not too big, and not too heavy. The lightest options are 2-in-1s and Chromebooks, in particular models like the Surface Go 3 and Lenovo IdeaPad Duet that have detachable keyboards and can also be used as tablets. These are usually under 1kg (roughly a standard bag of granulated sugar), but larger full-body laptops often reach between 1.1kg and 1.5kg. The heaviest on our list is 1.75kg – about the same as a steam iron – but that has a much larger 15.6-inch screen. It’s about as large and heavy as we advise going for lugging it around outside.
Price
How much you want to spend on the laptop is a personal choice, but we advise sticking to a lower budget when buying a device for children. Only one of the models on our list costs more than £400 to buy (the Surface Go 3 due to the keyboard add-on), and we have included plenty of options for under £300 if your budget is tighter.
Build quality
If you’re buying a device for a child there’s a good chance of breakages, spillages or unexpected drops. That means we haven’t recommended any high-end models on our list (but we love the Apple Macbook Air M2 and Dell XPS 13 if you fancy spending big) and have stuck to Windows and ChromeOS. Younger kids are best suited to a cheaper laptop with a study build and case.
Operating system
Here’s an overview of your options: Microsoft’s Windows 11 is a ‘traditional’ PC experience that gives you loads of customisation settings and lets you download software from anywhere on the internet. Windows S-mode is a more limited version that locks downloads to the Microsoft Store. Google’s ChromeOS powers Chromebooks – these are fast, efficient and often affordable as they are built around Google’s cloud services (Docs, Sheets, Gmail etc) that you access via a Google account. Chromebooks, which only let you download from the Play Store, are easy to use and lightweight – and usually our favourite option for younger kids.
Battery life
You’ll want a battery that will last for a full day of use without needing to be recharged. Aim for 10 hours, as that will support the full school day, but how long it lasts is always very dependent on how much the laptop is used. All of the models on our list have decent batteries, although the HP Pavilion 15 has slightly less juice due to its big 15-inch screen size and full Windows operating system. Models that use less power, such as the HP Chromebook, can last more than 15 hours.
Storage
Laptops come with built-in storage that lets you save and keep files, photos and documents on the device – great if your kid needs to save lots of homework projects or essays. The models on our list range from 32GB to 128GB – the bigger the number of GB, or gigabytes, the more room that’s on the laptop. For comparison, 32GB stores roughly 7,000 digital photos and 128GB stores around 30,000, but don’t forget apps, downloads and programs all take up space too, so aim for 64GB of storage if possible. ChromeOS is perfect for school as most of its apps are cloud-based, so your kid’s work is saved in real-time and tied to their Google account – and it can be accessed as long as there’s a wifi connection. If you need extra space, you can buy a portable hard drive.
Connectivity
The laptop has everything your child needs to get started with school, but if they need to add extra gadgets like a Bluetooth mouse, a full-sized keyboard or a pair of wired headphones or wireless earbuds, consider what ports are available. Most laptops have a couple of USB slots (although tablet hybrids may be limited to one!) so you can plug in a phone to charge or add a set of external speakers. Some models have an HDMI port so you can connect monitors, projectors or screens, and others have a specific port for an extra microSD storage card. For video calls, you’ll often have a webcam and microphone built into the device too. Not all laptops have this, but connecting a pair of wired headphones usually requires a 3.5mm jack.
Jason Murdock was Hearst UK’s Deputy Technology Ecommerce Editor, contributing to multiple titles including Good Housekeeping, Esquire and Digital Spy, between 2022 and 2023.
With more than eight years’ experience covering tech at publications including Radio Times, Newsweek and the International Business Times, Jason has extensive knowledge of the latest gear and gadgets – reviewing phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, smart home products and more – and covering the biggest shopping events of the year, including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
He won Digital Writer of the Year at The Drum's Online Media Awards in 2017 for his cybersecurity coverage in the International Business Times. When not writing and testing the latest gadgets, you’ll find Jason playing the guitar or learning how to parent his new baby.
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