Top Picks: 15 Best Computers and Laptops For Homeschooling Life 2023 (According To Parents)

What's The Best Computer For Homeschooling?

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In today's digital age, access to technology, including computers, has become increasingly important for homeschooling families. Homeschooling, which involves parents taking on the responsibility of educating their children at home, can benefit greatly from incorporating computers into the educational process. Computers offer a wide range of resources, tools, and opportunities that can enhance homeschooling, providing valuable educational experiences and helping students thrive in a modern, technology-driven world.

As homeschooling continues to gain popularity as an alternative to traditional education, having the right tools for effective learning at home becomes crucial. A reliable computer or laptop is a must-have for homeschooling students, providing them with the necessary resources to access educational content, engage in online lessons, and complete assignments. With so many options available in the market, finding the best computer or laptop for homeschooling can be overwhelming. But fear not! We've researched and compiled a list of the top picks for the best computers and laptops for homeschooling, taking into consideration factors such as performance, durability, affordability, and versatility.

What are the Main Features You Should Look For In A Laptop?

When looking for a laptop for homeschooling or any other purpose, there are several key features to consider. Here are some main features to look for in a laptop:

1. Performance: A laptop with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and sufficient storage is essential for smooth multitasking, running educational software, and handling multimedia content. Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB or more of RAM, and 256GB or larger SSD storage for optimal performance.

2. Display: The display is crucial for an immersive learning experience. Look for laptops with at least a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution display, although higher resolutions such as QHD (2560x1440) or even 4K (3840x2160) can provide sharper visuals. Consider the size of the display as well, ranging from 13 to 17 inches, based on your preference and portability needs.

3. Battery Life: Since homeschooling students may need to use laptops for extended periods, a long battery life is essential. Look for laptops that offer at least 8-10 hours of battery life on a single charge, so students can work without interruptions.

4. Portability: Portability is important for students who may need to carry their laptops around the house or take them on the go. Look for laptops that are lightweight and thin, with a durable build for easy transport. 2-in-1 laptops with convertible or detachable designs can provide added versatility for different learning activities.

5. Operating System: The operating system (OS) determines the software and applications that can be used on the laptop. Common OS options include Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Consider the compatibility with educational software and resources, as well as the user-friendliness for homeschooling purposes.

6. Connectivity: Ensure that the laptop has ample connectivity options, such as USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 or higher for faster data transfer), HDMI, SD card slots, and Wi-Fi. These can be useful for connecting to external devices, transferring files, and accessing online resources.

7. Durability: Since laptops may be used by students, durability is important to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Look for laptops with sturdy build quality, reinforced hinges, and spill-resistant keyboards to ensure longevity.

8. Budget: Lastly, consider your budget when looking for a laptop. Laptops come in a wide range of prices, so determine your budget and prioritise features that are most important for your own family's homeschooling needs.

What Are The Best Chromebooks

Chances are that you have heard of Chromebooks. Chromebooks are a popular choice for homeschooling due to their affordability, ease of use, and compatibility with Google Suite for Education, which offers a wide range of educational tools and resources. Indeed, my own younger children use these for their homeschooling. There are many advantages of using Chromebooks when homeschooling:

1. Affordability: Chromebooks are generally more affordable than traditional laptops, making them a cost-effective option for families on a budget.

2. Easy-to-use interface: Chromebooks are designed with a simple and intuitive interface, making them easy for kids to use, even if they are not tech-savvy.

3. Google ecosystem integration: Chromebooks are integrated with Google's suite of apps, such as Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Classroom, which are widely used in educational settings. This makes it easy for kids to collaborate on school assignments and projects.

4. Lightweight and portable: Chromebooks are typically lightweight and portable, making them easy for kids to carry around and use in various settings, including at home, school, or on the go.

5. Fast boot-up and updates: Chromebooks have fast boot-up times and receive automatic updates, ensuring that kids have access to the latest features and security patches without any manual effort.

6. Parental controls: Chromebooks offer built-in parental control features, allowing parents to set up content filters, manage app permissions, and monitor their child's online activities, helping to ensure a safe and controlled online experience.

7. Long battery life: Chromebooks generally have long battery life, which is beneficial for kids who need to use the device for extended periods without needing to constantly recharge.

8. Robust security: Chromebooks are known for their robust security features, including built-in virus protection and regular automatic updates, which help protect kids from online threats.

9. Cloud-based storage: Chromebooks typically offer cloud-based storage, allowing kids to save their work and access it from any device with internet connectivity, making it convenient for school assignments and projects.

10. Education-focused apps and tools: Chromebooks offer a wide range of educational apps and tools available through the Google Play Store and the Chrome Web Store, providing kids with a wealth of educational resources to enhance their learning experience.

Now that we've looked at the advantages, let's have a closer look at the the Chromebook options on the market. One trusted source you can go to, to check out the latest tech products is Digital Trends. Here are some of the best Chromebooks for homeschoolers:

1. Google Pixelbook Go: The Google Pixelbook Go is a premium Chromebook with a sleek design, powerful performance, and excellent battery life. It features a 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen display, an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of SSD storage. It also has a backlit keyboard and a large trackpad for comfortable typing and navigation.

2. Acer Chromebook Spin 713: The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a versatile 2-in-1 Chromebook with a 13.5-inch VertiView display that has a taller 3:2 aspect ratio for more vertical screen space. It features an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage. It also has a durable build with a MIL-STD 810H rating, making it resistant to drops and spills.

3. Lenovo Chromebook Duet: The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a budget-friendly 2-in-1 Chromebook with a detachable design, making it highly portable and suitable for younger students. It features a 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen display, a MediaTek Helio P60T processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. It also comes with a detachable keyboard and kickstand cover, making it easy to switch between laptop and tablet modes.

4. HP Chromebook x360 14c: The HP Chromebook x360 14c is a premium 2-in-1 Chromebook with a larger 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display, making it suitable for students who require a larger screen for productivity. It features an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage. It also has a convertible design with a 360-degree hinge, allowing for versatile use in different modes.

5. ASUS Chromebook Flip C436: The ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 is a high-end 2-in-1 Chromebook with a premium build quality and powerful specifications. It features a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display, an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of SSD storage. It also has a sleek design with a thin and light profile, making it easy to carry around.

6. Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1: The Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1 is a durable and affordable Chromebook designed for education. It features an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen display, an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and 16GB or 32GB of eMMC storage. It also has a spill-resistant keyboard, rubberised edges, and a drop-resistant design, making it suitable for younger students.

These are some of the best Chromebooks for homeschoolers, offering a range of features, performance, and price points to suit different needs and budgets. Consider your specific requirements and budget to choose the one that best fits your homeschooling setup and provides an optimal learning experience for your student. However, It's understandable that you maybe seeking an alternative option to Chromebooks. Perhaps your applications are not compatible with a Chromebook. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing an alternative laptop. 

The Best Alternative Laptops

1. Apple MacBook Air M1: The Apple MacBook Air M1 is a powerhouse for homeschooling students. Powered by Apple's M1 chip, this laptop delivers blazing-fast performance with its 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, making it perfect for multitasking, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks. It also boasts a stunning Retina display with True Tone technology, providing crisp visuals and accurate colours for an immersive learning experience. With up to 20 hours of battery life, the MacBook Air M1 ensures that students can stay productive throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.

Pros: 

• Powerful performance: The Apple MacBook Air M1 is powered by Apple's M1 chip, which offers impressive performance and efficiency compared to traditional Intel-based processors. It delivers fast and smooth performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, word processing, multimedia consumption, and light photo or video editing.

• Long battery life: The MacBook Air M1 boasts excellent battery life, with Apple claiming up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. This makes it ideal for homeschooling families, as it can last throughout the day without needing frequent recharging, allowing for uninterrupted learning and productivity.

• Sleek design and build quality: The MacBook Air M1 features a slim and lightweight design, measuring only 2.8 pounds and just 0.63 inches thick. It is made of high-quality materials, including aluminum, which gives it a premium and durable feel.

• Retina display: The MacBook Air M1 features a high-resolution Retina display with excellent color accuracy and sharpness, making it great for viewing educational content, reading, and multimedia consumption. The display also supports Apple's True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature based on the ambient lighting for a more comfortable viewing experience.

• macOS ecosystem: The MacBook Air M1 runs on macOS, Apple's operating system, which offers a user-friendly interface, seamless integration with other Apple devices and services, and a vast range of educational apps available in the Mac App Store. The macOS ecosystem provides a consistent and cohesive experience for homeschooling families already using other Apple products.

Cons: 

• Limited port selection: The MacBook Air M1 has a limited number of ports, including only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack. This may require users to rely on dongles or adapters for connecting peripherals, which could be inconvenient for some users.

• Non-upgradeable RAM: The MacBook Air M1 comes with fixed RAM that cannot be upgraded, as it is soldered onto the motherboard. This means that users need to choose the amount of RAM they need at the time of purchase and cannot upgrade it later, which may be a consideration for those who require extensive multitasking or resource-intensive tasks.

• Limited storage options: The MacBook Air M1 offers a range of storage options, but the maximum available storage is 2TB, which may not be sufficient for users with extensive multimedia or large data storage needs. Additional storage may require the use of external drives or cloud storage, which could incur additional costs.

• Not ideal for demanding tasks: While the MacBook Air M1 offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, it may not be the best choice for demanding tasks such as heavy video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming, which may require more powerful hardware configurations.

• Higher price point: The MacBook Air M1 is positioned as a premium device and comes with a higher price point compared to some other laptops in the market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious homeschooling families.

  Parent Review: "The MacBook Air is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and work from anywhere in our homeschooling environment. It's perfect for on-the-go learning or taking to different rooms or locations within our home."

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 8:The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that offers the convenience of a tablet and the power of a laptop. It features a high-resolution PixelSense display with touch and pen support, making it ideal for taking notes, drawing, and annotating on digital textbooks. The Surface Pro 7 is powered by Intel Core processors, providing ample performance for everyday tasks and educational applications. Its lightweight and portable design make it easy to carry around, making it suitable for on-the-go homeschooling students.

Pros:

• Versatile form factor: The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 features a versatile 2-in-1 design that combines the portability of a tablet with the productivity of a laptop. It can be used as a tablet for taking notes, drawing, and media consumption, or as a laptop with the attachable keyboard for typing and productivity tasks.

• High-resolution display: The Surface Pro 8 comes with a high-resolution PixelSense display, offering crisp and vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy. It's great for viewing educational content, reading, and multimedia consumption, providing an immersive visual experience.

• Powerful performance: The Surface Pro 8 is powered by Intel's latest 11th generation processors, offering excellent performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption. It's suitable for multitasking and light to moderate photo or video editing tasks.

• Excellent pen support: The Surface Pro 8 supports the Surface Pen, which offers a high level of precision and responsiveness, making it ideal for taking notes, drawing, and creative tasks. The Surface Pen attaches magnetically to the device, providing a convenient way to store and charge it.

• Windows operating system: The Surface Pro 8 runs on Windows 11 or Windows 10, providing access to a wide range of software and apps, including educational apps, productivity tools, and creative software. The Windows operating system also offers a familiar interface and integration with other Windows devices and services. 

Cons: 

• Limited port selection: The Surface Pro 8 has a limited number of ports, including a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD card slot. This may require users to rely on dongles or adapters for connecting peripherals, which could be inconvenient for some users.

• Additional accessories may be needed: While the Surface Pro 8 comes with a built-in kickstand, a separate keyboard and Surface Pen may be needed for optimal productivity, which are sold separately. This could add to the overall cost of the device.

• Battery life: While the Surface Pro 8 offers decent battery life, it may not be as long-lasting as some other laptops or tablets, especially during intensive tasks or extended use. Users may need to ensure they have access to charging options during extended periods of use.

• Limited storage options: The Surface Pro 8 offers a range of storage options, but the maximum available storage is 1TB, which may not be sufficient for users with extensive multimedia or large data storage needs. Additional storage may require the use of external drives or cloud storage, which could incur additional costs.

• Price point: The Surface Pro 8 is positioned as a premium device and comes with a higher price point compared to some other laptops or tablets in the market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious homeschooling families.

  Parent Review: "The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a versatile device that can be used as a tablet or a laptop, making it suitable for different types of homeschooling tasks. The detachable keyboard and the Surface Pen provide options for typing or writing, depending on the learning activity."

  3. Dell XPS 13: The Dell XPS 13 is a premium laptop that delivers top-notch performance for homeschooling students. It features a stunning InfinityEdge display with ultra-thin bezels, providing a larger screen in a compact form factor. The XPS 13 is powered by Intel Core processors and offers ample storage options, making it suitable for storing large files and multimedia content. It also boasts a long battery life, allowing students to work for extended periods without needing to charge.

Pros:

• High-quality build: The Dell XPS 13 features a premium build quality with a sleek and stylish design. It's crafted from premium materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber, which gives it a premium and durable feel.

• Stunning display: The XPS 13 boasts a stunning display with a virtually borderless InfinityEdge design, providing an immersive viewing experience. It comes with various display options, including Full HD and Ultra HD (4K) resolutions, with excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for multimedia consumption, creative tasks, and content creation.

• Powerful performance: The Dell XPS 13 is powered by Intel's latest 11th generation processors, offering excellent performance for demanding tasks such as multitasking, photo and video editing, and content creation. It also comes with ample RAM and storage options, providing smooth and efficient performance.

• Excellent keyboard and touchpad: The XPS 13 features a well-designed keyboard with a comfortable typing experience and a precise touchpad for smooth navigation. This makes it suitable for long typing sessions, note-taking, and productivity tasks.

• Portable and lightweight: The XPS 13 is one of the most compact and lightweight laptops in its class, making it highly portable and convenient for homeschooling families who may need to carry it around frequently. It's also thin and easy to slip into a backpack or bag.

Cons:

• Limited port selection: The Dell XPS 13 has a limited number of ports, including a couple of Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. This may require users to rely on dongles or adapters for connecting peripherals, which could be inconvenient for some users.

• Battery life: While the XPS 13 offers decent battery life, it may not be as long-lasting as some other laptops, especially during intensive tasks or extended use. Users may need to ensure they have access to charging options during extended periods of use.

• Price point: The Dell XPS 13 is positioned as a premium device and comes with a higher price point compared to some other laptops in the market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious homeschooling families.

• Webcam placement: The XPS 13 features a unique webcam placement at the bottom of the display, which may not be the most ideal for video conferencing or online classes, as it can result in unflattering angles during video calls.

• Limited upgradeability: The XPS 13 has limited upgrade options, with components such as RAM and storage often soldered to the motherboard, which may limit future upgradeability. Users may need to carefully consider their desired configuration at the time of purchase.

  Parent Review: "The Dell XPS 13 has good battery life, lasting for hours on a single charge, which allows my child to use it for homeschooling tasks without frequent interruptions for charging."

4. HP Pavilion 15: The HP Pavilion 15 is a budget-friendly laptop that offers decent performance for homeschooling students. It features a large 15.6-inch display with vivid colours and sharp visuals, making it suitable for multimedia content and online lessons. The Pavilion 15 is powered by Intel Core processors and offers ample storage options, making it suitable for storing educational resources and assignments. It also comes with a variety of ports and connectivity options, allowing students to connect to different peripherals and accessories.

• External Monitor: An external monitor can provide a larger display for better visibility, especially when working on tasks that require detailed viewing or multitasking. It can also help reduce eye strain and improve productivity. Look for a monitor with a high resolution and adjustable stand for optimal viewing comfort.
• External Keyboard and Mouse: An external keyboard and mouse can provide a more ergonomic typing experience and precise cursor control compared to the built-in laptop keyboard and touchpad. This can be especially beneficial for students who spend long hours typing or navigating through online resources.
• Laptop Stand: A laptop stand can elevate the laptop to a more comfortable viewing height, promoting better posture and reducing neck and back strain. Look for a sturdy and adjustable laptop stand that can be easily adjusted to different heights and angles.
• Headphones or Earbuds: Headphones or earbuds can be essential for homeschooling, especially when attending online classes or participating in virtual learning activities. Look for headphones or earbuds with good sound quality, comfort, and durability to enhance the audio experience during virtual lessons or multimedia content consumption.
• Webcam: A good-quality external webcam can improve the video quality for online classes or virtual meetings. Look for webcams with high resolution, autofocus, and low-light performance for clear and sharp video calls.
• External Storage External storage devices, such as USB flash drives or external hard drives, can provide additional storage space for students to save and backup their files, documents, and multimedia content. This can be useful for organising and managing digital resources for homeschooling.
• Surge Protector: A surge protector can help protect laptops and other electronic devices from power surges or electrical spikes, which can potentially damage the devices. Look for a surge protector with multiple outlets and surge protection features to safeguard your laptop and other devices.
• Laptop Bag or Backpack: A laptop bag or backpack can provide a safe and convenient way to transport the laptop and its accessories. Look for a bag or backpack with padded compartments, sturdy construction, and comfortable shoulder straps for easy carrying and protection against bumps and scratches.