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Best Laptops For Students In Australia 2026
Finding the best laptop for students in Australia can be tricky when every model looks great on paper. At Phonebot, we’ve tested and refurbished hundreds of devices to discover what truly performs for real student life, from BYOD laptops to powerful university notebooks.
Whether you’re searching for the best laptop for university students, the best budget laptop for students, or a reliable school laptop for kids, we’ve hand-picked models that balance performance, portability, and price.
Best Student Laptops in Australia — 2025 Picks & Prices
Here’s our curated list of top student laptops available at Phonebot, all quality-checked and backed by warranty.
- Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go LTE — Start from A$209
- Microsoft Surface Pro 5 12.3 inch i5 — Start from A$279
- Microsoft Surface Pro 6 i5 — Start from A$29
- Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2019 i5 — Start from A$499
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5-inch i5 — Start from A$449
- Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch 2018 i7 — Start from A$529
- Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2018 i5 — Start from A$599
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch 2020 M1 Chip — Start from A$649
- Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 M1 Max — Start from A$1,899
Each model undergoes our 72-point refurbishment process and comes with a 12-month warranty, offering dependable technology at up to 50% off retail.
Top 6 Student Laptops for Every Budget
Laptop Model | Price | Battery Life | Weight | Processor / RAM | Storage | Best For |
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go LTE | Start from A$209 | ~12 hrs | 1.48 kg | MediaTek / 4GB | 32GB | Kids, budget buyers |
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 12.3-inch (i5) | Start from A$279 | ~10 hrs | 0.77 kg | Intel i5 / 8GB | 256GB | Note-taking, portability |
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (i5) | Start from A$299 | ~13.5 hrs | 0.77 kg | Intel i5 / 8GB | 256GB | All-day classes |
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2019 (i5) | Start from A$499 | ~10 hrs | 1.37 kg | Intel i5 / 8GB | 256GB | Coursework, presentations |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch 2020 (M1) | Start from A$649 | ~15 hrs | 1.29 kg | Apple M1 / 8GB | 256GB | Best balance of power & battery |
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 (M1 Max) | Start from A$1,899 | ~17 hrs | 2.2 kg | Apple M1 Max / 32GB | 1TB | Engineering, design, heavy workloads |
What is the Best Laptop for Students in Australia (2025)?
If we had to choose one, the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch 2020 with M1 chip stands out as the best laptop for students overall. It delivers strong performance, long battery life, and a lightweight design that easily handles a full day of study.
That said, the best laptop for uni students depends on what you study. A media or engineering student will need more power than someone focused on note-taking and essays. That’s why we break recommendations down by brand and study type below.
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![Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go LTE (64GB) [Like New]](https://www.phonebot.com.au/image/cache/catalog/refurbished/samsung/laptop/samsung-galaxy-chromebook-go-silver-200x170.jpg "Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go LTE (64GB) [Like New]")
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Apple Laptops for University Students
Apple laptops are known for long-term reliability, consistent performance, and excellent battery life—making them ideal for university workloads.
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch 2020 (M1) – Ideal for essays, research, multitasking, and long study days without charging.
- Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2019 (i5) – A solid option for presentations, coursework, and everyday university use.
- Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 (M1 Max) – Best suited for engineering, video editing, and students running intensive software.
If you want Apple performance without paying full retail prices, choosing from the best refurbished laptop range makes high-end devices more accessible for students.
Samsung Notebooks for Budget & Starter Students
Samsung laptops are practical and easy to use, especially for younger students or those with lighter workloads.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go LTE – Lightweight, affordable, and simple to manage. It’s a great option for school students, online learning, and everyday browsing.
For students who want reliability at a lower cost, a refurbished Samsung notebook offers solid value without unnecessary complexity.
Microsoft Surface Laptops for IT & Note-Taking Students
Microsoft Surface devices combine portability with productivity, making them popular among IT, business, and science students.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 5 (i5) – Perfect for handwritten notes, portability, and quick tasks between classes.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (i5) – Better battery life and performance for full-day lectures and multitasking.
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5-inch (i5) – A versatile option for students balancing coding, design, and study projects.
Each refurbished Microsoft Surface laptop is tested for performance, battery health, and reliability before sale.
How to Choose the Right Student Laptop
When choosing the best laptop for students, focus on how you’ll actually use it rather than just specs on paper. The comparison table above helps narrow down the right option.
- For daily study and general coursework, the Surface Pro 6 provides portability with enough power to last through lectures.
- For creative or design students, the MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Max handles demanding software smoothly.
- For coding or IT students, the Surface Book 3 offers flexibility and processing power.
- For maximum portability, both the Surface Pro models and MacBook Air M1 stay under 1.5kg.
- For the best all-around value, the MacBook Air M1 balances performance, battery life, and weight better than most student laptops.
All devices listed are verified refurbished laptops, ensuring strong performance and BYOD compatibility across Australian schools and universities.
Final Thoughts
Every student has different needs, and the best laptop for uni students depends on your course and daily workload. Apple delivers long battery life, Microsoft excels in flexibility, and Samsung keeps things affordable for entry-level users.
Each refurbished MacBook, Microsoft Surface laptop, and Samsung notebook is tested, graded, and backed by a 12-month warranty with a 30-day return policy, giving students peace of mind when choosing their next device.
Posted by Liam Harris
Liam Harris
I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.
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