Wired has published its 2026 guide to the best laptops for college students, aiming to help buyers find affordable, portable machines with strong battery life and enough performance for everyday coursework. The list is based on the reviewer's decade of testing hundreds of laptops, and has been refreshed for July 2026 with new picks and the removal of models that have become too expensive after recent price rises.

Top picks include Apple's MacBook Neo as the best overall choice, a lightweight 2.7-pound laptop starting at $699, though its 8GB memory limit and single external display support are noted drawbacks. The Dell 14 Plus is recommended as the best Windows alternative for under $1,000, offering a sharp display and good build quality, while the newer, pricier Dell 14S is listed as an honourable mention. Other categories covered include a featherlight option (Asus Zenbook A14), budget picks under $500, and powerful machines suited to STEM students.