Nursing students don’t need the same type of power as engineering students, but their laptops still need to be reliable, portable, and efficient. Whether you’re taking notes during clinicals, organizing research, or working on presentations, the right laptop can make your nursing school experience a lot smoother. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the best laptops for nursing students in 2025.
1. Microsoft Surface Laptop — Best For Portability
If you’re constantly moving from classes to clinicals to study sessions, the Microsoft Surface Laptop offers an ultra-portable experience with solid performance. Priced around $1,048, this device offers an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a sleek, lightweight build that makes it easy to slip into your bag and go. The high-resolution touchscreen is perfect for those who prefer handwriting notes or navigating quickly between applications. Plus, the all-day battery life means you won’t be glued to an outlet during long lectures.
2. MacBook Air M4 — Best Battery Life
For nursing students who prefer the macOS experience, the MacBook Air M4 is a strong contender. Priced at around $949 for the 13-inch model, this laptop packs Apple’s M4 chip, which delivers impressive performance without sacrificing battery life. It’s incredibly portable, weighing just over 2 pounds, which makes it easy to bring along to classes, libraries, or study groups. The Retina display provides sharp visuals for reading textbooks or reviewing clinical materials, and the long-lasting battery ensures you can power through marathon study sessions.
3. Dell XPS 13 — Best For Performance
When you need a reliable and powerful device, the Dell XPS 13 delivers. This high-end laptop, priced at around $1,549, offers a premium build with a 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display that makes everything look crisp and clear. With an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and a lightweight design, it’s perfect for those who need a powerhouse in a sleek, portable package. It’s also a great choice for nursing students who want a laptop that can double as their primary machine for both school and personal use.
4. ASUS Vivobook S 15 — Best For Productivity
If you’re trying to keep costs down but still want a reliable laptop, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 is a great option. Priced around $849, this laptop offers an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough for note-taking, research, and streaming lectures. It’s also got a decent display size at 15.6 inches, which makes it easier to view multiple documents or split screens for multitasking. The battery life is decent, but you might want to keep your charger handy during longer study sessions.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 — Best For Multitasking
For those who need something that can handle a heavy workload, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is a solid choice. Priced around $1,659, this laptop offers top-tier performance with an Intel Core i7 processor and up to 32GB of RAM. The 14-inch display is clear and vibrant, and the keyboard is one of the best out there, which is a blessing when you’re typing up reports or creating presentations. Its durable build quality means it can withstand the daily hustle and bustle of nursing school without missing a beat.
6. Acer Aspire 3 — Best Affordable Option
When you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard to beat the Acer Aspire 3. Coming in at around $299, this laptop offers a basic setup with an Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM. It’s not a powerhouse by any means, but if you need something to handle everyday tasks like note-taking, web browsing, and streaming, it’s a solid budget option. Just don’t expect it to handle anything more demanding than basic productivity tasks.
7. Lenovo Yoga 7i — Best 2-In-1 Option
The Lenovo Yoga 7i is a 2-in-1 laptop that offers great versatility for nursing students. Priced at around $689, it comes with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, providing reliable performance for most tasks. The touchscreen and 360-degree hinge are especially useful if you prefer taking notes directly on the screen or using the device as a tablet. Plus, the battery life is solid enough to get you through most of the day without needing a recharge.
Final Thoughts
Finding the Perfect Laptop Choosing the best laptop for nursing students comes down to your personal needs and how you plan to use it. If you need something reliable with long battery life, the MacBook Air M4 is a strong choice. If budget is your biggest concern, the Acer Aspire 3 will get the job done for everyday tasks. And if you’re looking for something versatile, the Lenovo Yoga 7i offers a little bit of everything. Whatever you choose, make sure it can keep up with your workload and support you through your nursing school journey.