Which is the Best Laptop for Medical Students?
Shako Memon
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Every medical student should own a laptop that can run Windows or MacOS. We’ve run benchmarking tests and compared the specs, size, and screen to round up the top-rated laptops.
We’ve also looked at key features for students in all medical fields, including long battery life, comfortable typing for reports, and stylus support for note-taking.
Which is the Best Laptop for Medical Students?
Here are the best laptops for Medical Students in 2025:
1. Apple MacBook Pro
The Apple MacBook Pro comes in first on our list of the best laptops for medical students. Like the Apple MacBook Air, this isn’t a cheap laptop and should be considered an investment for your medical school education. It’s also a bit of a luxury for yourself.
The MacBook Pro has definitely been upgraded over the years, and the M2 chip can now be upgraded from the M2 Pro to the M2Max. To be honest, unless you’re a gamer or plan on doing extensive work in demanding applications like video editing, the M2 Pro chip alone is more than enough and will save you money.
Overall, the MacBook Pro is significantly more expensive than the MacBook Air. This laptop’s high processing power makes it faster to use multiple apps (including spreadsheets and documents) at the same time.
2. Acer Aspire 7
The Acer ranks right behind the Dell as the best laptop for medical school, as the specs and options are very similar when comparing these two computers. The final decision largely depends on which brand you prefer.
The standard size for laptops is typically 12-13 inches, so depending on how often you travel with your laptop, the Acer Aspire may seem a bit bulky. That said, the larger screen size may make it easier to view large visual slides in class.
This laptop meets all the basic requirements for medical school, and it features a 12th-generation i7 Intel Core processor, giving you the power to run multiple applications without unexpected crashes.
This is one of the best laptops for students on a budget. You get all the performance and features you need in a laptop for a fraction of the price of a new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.
3. Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 is a great choice for students who want decent performance at a reasonable price. This model is not too expensive, but its sleek design gives it a premium feel. Most medical students will find the 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage to be more than enough for multitasking and fast-paced daily tasks.
The Inspiron 5 features a full-size backlit keyboard with numeric keypad, so you can work comfortably even in dark environments. It also comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor (instead of the standard Intel Core processor) and an AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics card, so you can play some light games in your free time.
However, the Inspiron 5 is a bit heavy at around 4.3 pounds, so it’s not the best choice for taking it outdoors. Still, if you just need a budget laptop to use at home for online classes or medical school research, it’s a good choice.
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 stands out as a great choice for students who need a versatile and powerful device to keep up with their busy schedules.
Featuring a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of memory, this laptop handles everything from complex research projects to multitasking between applications without breaking a sweat.
It’s especially useful when you need to run software simulations for your studies or quickly access a vast online library. The most notable feature for any student is the ability to switch from a high-performance laptop to an intuitive tablet in seconds, perfect for taking notes directly on the screen during lectures or brainstorming ideas with a stylus.
What sets the Surface Pro 7 apart is its all-day battery life of up to 10.5 hours, so you can get through classes or study sessions without having to find an outlet.
Weighing just 1.70 pounds, its ultra-slim design means it won’t be noticeable in your backpack as you move around campus or head to the coffee shop for group study.
Plus, it includes both USB-C and USB-A ports, giving you the flexibility to connect your devices without the need for additional adapters. It’s ideal for when presentation day approaches or when you need peripherals like external drives.
Choosing the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 isn’t just about buying another gadget; it’s about investing in a tool that can adapt to every aspect of a student’s life, from drafting essays to collecting data to relaxing with streaming media after an exam.
Its balance of performance, portability, and practicality is unmatched by other options on the market, and it’s clear why it’s our #1 pick. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is ideal for busy medical students who need a versatile, powerful device that can handle both study and play.
With its lightweight design, long battery life, and next-generation processors, this 2-in-1 laptop is perfect for multitasking on the go. Upgrade to Windows 11 for an even better experience!
5. Apple MacBook Air M2
It takes about 4-5 years to get a medical or doctoral degree in the United States. Therefore, it is important to choose a laptop that will last along with the course and help you without any problems whenever you study. Apple is a pioneer in electronics and smart home appliances, including mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.
The new Apple MacBook Air M2 comes with a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. It’s perfect for medical students. Powered by the advanced M2 chip, it also boasts an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This ensures lightning-fast performance. It also offers an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours.
You can choose between 8GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB of SSD storage, depending on your needs.
Weighing just 2.3 pounds, it’s extremely lightweight and portable. This makes it a great choice for medical students. This laptop has a sleek design and powerful features.
The lightweight design and long-lasting battery make it easy to carry around on campus or in clinical settings. The powerful chip ensures smooth performance, whether you’re running medical software or multitasking.
6. Lenovo V15
The Lenovo V15 is a powerful laptop that delivers reliable performance for a variety of tasks. Equipped with the 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, it is a powerful quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of up to 4.2GHz.
This makes it an ideal choice for demanding applications such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming. This laptop is equipped with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which is enough for basic multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously.
However, it may not be enough for memory-intensive applications. It also has a 1TB HDD, which provides ample storage space for documents, photos, and other files.
The Lenovo V15 features a 15.6-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The display is sharp and clear, making it ideal for viewing videos, photos, and other content. It also comes with an integrated Intel UHD graphics card that provides decent graphics performance for casual gaming and multimedia.
This laptop runs on DOS, so you will need to install the operating system separately. This gives you more flexibility in choosing the operating system that best suits your needs.
7. HP Spectre X360
HP has always been one of the best laptop brands in the world. The HP Spectre x360 14 is a top-notch 2-in-1 laptop. It boasts a stunning 14-inch OLED display with a crisp 2.8K resolution.
Choose from a powerful Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. This ensures seamless multitasking, no matter what you’re doing. Whether you’re tackling everyday tasks or enjoying a casual video session, the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or the dedicated Intel Arc A370M are there for you.
At just 2.9 pounds, the Spectre x360 14 is extremely lightweight and portable. So you can take it with you wherever you go. With up to 13 hours of battery life, you can work productively all day without worrying about battery issues.
With storage options ranging from 512GB to 2TB, you’ll have plenty of room for all your files and projects. This means you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.
The high-resolution display makes it easy to view medical images and charts in crisp clarity. The convertible design makes it easy to take notes in tablet mode during lectures. And with multiple configurations available, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
8. Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8
The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 has a stunning 14-inch touchscreen and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It’s perfect for medical students. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7-1280U processor. It comes with 16GB of RAM. So, this laptop can handle all your tasks with ease.
The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 is extremely lightweight. It weighs just 3.09 pounds (1.4kg). Plus, it can last up to 17 hours on a single charge. With storage options of up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, you’ll never run out of space. It’ll give you all the space you need for your files and projects.
It’s perfect for studying medical content and taking notes. It also lets you easily switch between tasks like studying and note-taking. Long-lasting battery life keeps you productive all day long without worrying about running out of power.
9. HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 is one of the best HP laptops for medical students in terms of performance, reliability, and durability. It offers great performance thanks to its impressive processor, making it useful for medical students who are busy with demanding tasks and school assignments.
The HP Pavilion 15 is also not far behind in terms of quality and design. It is sleek, modern, and simple, making the laptop look stylish.
The laptop also doesn’t overheat even after several hours of use. The thermal performance of this HP model is amazing, allowing you to continue working for long hours every day.
The battery life lasts up to 9 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for medical students. The laptop also has enough RAM to handle demanding tasks. Multitasking is easy with the laptop. Switching between applications is easy and there is almost no lag.
10. Razer Blade 14
If you’re a medical student looking for a laptop to handle gaming, you’ll want to be careful about which laptop you buy. For gamers and medical students, there’s no better laptop than the Razer Blade 14.
At less than 4 pounds and with a compact design that’s easy to carry to lectures and labs, the sleek black design looks mature and unassuming. Most people wouldn't even realize that this is a gaming device. It's also incredibly rugged, making it a must-have for busy medical students.
Internally, the Nvidia GPU can handle all the top-tier games at high-quality graphics, while the AMD processor is powerful enough for any medical task.
The bright, high-resolution screen offers quality for medical work and a 240Hz refresh rate for eSports, and the keyboard is quiet and comfortable, making it ideal for typing on during long days.
Connectivity is provided by a pair of full-size USB and USB-C ports, HDMI output, and Wi-Fi 6E, and the Blade has a 1080p webcam with facial recognition.
There are some downsides. The Razer’s battery will barely last you a full day if you’re not careful. Expect 6-7 hours. The Blade doesn’t even have a card reader.
Starting at $1,799, it’s not cheap. But quality comes at a cost, and the Blade has the quality, performance, and versatility to satisfy medical students who want to play games.
11. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58 comes with a 14-inch, 15-inch, or 17-inch display. It features crisp IPS technology with Full HD resolution. With the latest Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, you’ll be able to handle your work without any problems.
With 8GB, 16GB, or a powerful 32GB of RAM, you’ll be able to get your work done without any problems. Weighing just 3.3 pounds, it’s designed to keep you on the go and unplugged for up to 7.5 hours.
This means you’ll always be ready. Keep all your files and applications close at hand with storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB of fast SSD storage.
It’s affordable and performs well. It’s perfect for medical students who are on a budget. There are a variety of screen sizes and resolutions to choose from, so you can choose the one that best suits you. The graphics are also decent enough for basic medical software.
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12. Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is the perfect laptop for medical students! Its powerful 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 CPU delivers all the performance and speed you need with integrated graphics. The flawless 13.4-inch screen is ideal for running various programs and can be viewed from various angles.
Connect to Wi-Fi to get the work done without straining your neck or eyes. The 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD ensures faster boot times, so you can get to work as soon as you turn the laptop on.
Don’t let anything get in the way of your success. The 16GB of DDR4X RAM is more than enough to run even the most demanding applications smoothly.
The laptop’s 4K display delivers vivid colors and stunningly sharp images. Thanks to the bezel-less Infinity screen, you can watch videos with your friends on long flights to school without taking up any extra space on your computer.
Windows 11 runs smoothly on the beautiful OLED touchscreen display, and it boasts an amazing battery life of up to 15 hours on a single charge!
This sleek and lightweight laptop comes in a variety of color combinations and is made of high-quality materials like aluminum and carbon fiber.
The Dell XPS 13 comes with powerful Intel Iris Xe Graphics and a US-made battery. Whether you’re using it in a hospital or classroom, it has a display that can be individually adjusted for brightness to suit your needs.
The Dell XPS 13 is a great choice for medical students who want to catch up on assignments while playing games. Stay productive by using the internet and social media at your leisure, or keep your spreadsheets and presentations open at all times.
A great choice for medical students is the Dell XPS 13 with Thunderbolt 4 and a 3.5mm headphone/mic combo. The laptop’s amazing features and stunning design will help you with your studies.
This laptop is the best choice for medical school or classroom study. With four Thunderbolt ports, you can work more efficiently. Yes, I said that. Four. With four lanes of PCI Express Gen 3, this powerful machine can do everything you need it to do.
We all know how hard classes can be, and how studying can seem like the first priority, but this amazing computer doesn’t.
13. HP Pavilion Aero 13
Premium laptops are great, but they are not very student-friendly when it comes to price. They tend to be out of the budget of most students.
Fortunately, you don’t have to burn a hole in your wallet to buy a great laptop. The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is one of those models that won’t break the bank.
This laptop is the perfect balance of affordability, portability, and performance, making it perfect for medical students on a budget.
The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is small, compact, and lightweight. You can easily carry it around campus on your arm or slip it into your backpack.
The 16:10 aspect ratio allows for a better entertainment experience. Plus, the 1920×1200 resolution makes it easy to feel immersed while watching class video lectures.
14. Dell XPS 17
A large screen can make it easier for medical students to study charts and diagrams and work across multiple apps and windows, and nothing does this better than the Dell XPS 17.
There are two options available, one with a traditional resolution and the other with a more expensive display that goes beyond 4K and has touch functionality, and both offer fantastic quality, accuracy, and brightness.
Inside, the Intel Core i7 and Core i9 processors have the processing power you need for any medical task, and we recommend the latter if you want to really speed through demanding simulations and data analysis workloads.
Nvidia GPUs are also available from Dell, and while they’re of limited use for medical workloads, they’re great for creative work and gaming when you’re not working or studying.
As always, the metal and carbon fiber XPS looks great and has a build quality that’s perfect for busy days. There’s no number pad, but the keyboard is crisp and satisfying, and there are plenty of ports, including an SD card slot and four Thunderbolt 4 connectors. What’s impressive is that the battery lasts all day.
Weighing in at 5.37 pounds, the XPS isn’t lightweight, and starting at $2,449, it’s not cheap either. But for medical students and most other students and users, it’s without a doubt the best big-screen experience.
15. ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
ASUS is a pioneer in providing fast and reliable laptops. The company is known for manufacturing gaming laptops, but it also offers laptops that are suitable for students. An example of such a laptop is the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED.
This laptop is considered one of the best laptops for medical students. You can experience stunning visuals while watching lectures on the vivid 2.8K OLED touchscreen display of the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED. Whether you are watching lectures or multitasking, you will be impressed by the smooth performance of this laptop.
With the latest Intel Core i7-13800H processor and 32GB of RAM, you can handle all your tasks with ease. From multitasking to demanding workloads, this laptop always delivers smooth performance.
Weighing only 3.2 pounds, it is designed for use on the go. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere.
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED’s impressive 15-hour battery life lets you stay plugged in all day. With 1TB SSD storage, you’ll have plenty of room for all your files and applications.
Get outstanding color accuracy and contrast with the high-resolution OLED touchscreen display. It’s perfect for reviewing medical images and diagrams.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry between classes or clinical rotations. Plus, its ample RAM means you’ll enjoy smooth performance when running multiple medical applications simultaneously.
16. ASUS VivoBook S15 S533
The ASUS VivoBook S15 S533 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display. It offers ample space for both studying and playing. Whether you’re working or watching a medical lecture, you’ll love the crisp, vivid visuals.
Powered by powerful Intel processors, including up to the i7-13620H option, this laptop ensures seamless multitasking and handles multiple tasks with ease. Whether you’re managing multiple medical apps or finishing an anatomy project, the ASUS VivoBook S15 S533 can handle it all with ease.
It’s not the lightest laptop around. It weighs around 3.8 pounds. This makes the ASUS VivoBook S15 S533 extremely portable. It has a battery life of up to 7 hours. It has up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. It provides ample space for all your files and apps.
This laptop is great for students on a budget. It has enough graphics power for basic medical software. You can choose from a variety of SSD options depending on how much storage you need. Overall, it’s perfect for general tasks in medical school.
17. ASUS VivoBook 15
For the ultimate laptop experience, ASUS VivoBook is powered by the latest 10th generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor (4M cache, up to 3.4GHz).
The CPU delivers powerful performance and provides a flexible laptop experience. Whatever you do, the powerful performance lets you complete tasks faster and run demanding programs without lag or slowdowns.
ASUS VivoBook 15 is a capable laptop at an affordable price. With 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM, you can multitask easily and enjoy more vivid images in your favorite entertainment programs.
Windows 10, the most popular operating system, still offers a recognizable look and feel. Plus, it has always been more secure than MacOS or Chrome OS.
All of this laptop’s features are designed to give you a reliable machine that you can use regularly. One of the most affordable laptops on the market today, it boasts an incredible 88% screen-to-body ratio and a four-way NanoEdge bezel display.
Its practical design makes it easy to move and carry, but its 5-pound weight might be too much for some. This just-released Asus laptop is mid-sized, lightweight, and affordable.
If you want a device that can sit on your desk and be powerful enough to get work done, this could be it. This 15-inch laptop has all the features you’d find on more expensive devices, but it’s still thin and portable.
If you want an affordable laptop with a fingerprint sensor and an ergonomic backlit keyboard, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is your best option. This laptop is very affordable, has a battery life of up to 12 hours, and is perfect for students and casual users.
The IPS technology on the touchscreen lets you see vivid colors from all angles. The ASUS VivoBook 15 is the ideal laptop for those who want to save money while still using a physical keyboard.
The "Ergolift" design provides improved wrist range and a more comfortable typing position, allowing you to type faster and longer. Featuring uncompromising performance, the VivoBook 15 is perfect for both work-related activities like managing emails or browsing social media, and leisure activities like watching your favorite TV shows or playing games.
18. Dell XPS 13 Plus
The Dell XPS 13 Plus features a 13.4-inch display with up to UHD+ resolution. It’s powered by the latest 13th generation Intel Core processors. It comes with 16GB of RAM. This ensures smooth performance no matter how many tasks or demanding apps you use.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is extremely lightweight, weighing just 2.9 pounds. This makes it perfect for medical students. You can throw it in your bag when you’re attending lectures.
With up to 13 hours of battery life, you can stay productive from morning lectures to late-night study sessions without having to constantly search for a power outlet.
This laptop comes with up to 2TB of storage. There’s plenty of room for all your files and projects. Everything you need—documents, photos, or videos—is stored in one place.
You’ll love the high-resolution display on this device. It displays medical images and diagrams with incredible color accuracy. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry between classes or clinical settings. Plus, with enough RAM, you can seamlessly run multiple medical apps simultaneously.
FAQs
Should a medical student consider a touchscreen?
A touchscreen isn’t necessary for medical students, but it’s incredibly useful. You can use a stylus to take notes and annotate diagrams, and a touchscreen makes it easier to navigate learning and educational apps.
A touchscreen makes it easier to zoom in on complex charts and diagrams, and it speeds up the process when navigating patient records and treatment plans. If a touchscreen is an option, go for it.
How do I choose the best laptop for medical school?
When choosing the best laptop for medical school, consider factors such as portability, performance, battery life, screen quality, and compatibility with medical school software.
Are Chromebooks a Good Option for Medical Students?
Chromebooks can be a good option for medical students who primarily need a device for web browsing, paper writing, and accessing online resources. However, they may not be suitable for running specialized medical software.
What is the best budget 2-in-1 laptop for medical students?
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a great budget 2-in-1 laptop option for medical students, offering both portability and performance at an affordable price point.
What is the best convertible laptop for medical students?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is considered one of the best convertible laptops for medical students due to its high performance, durable construction, and versatility.
What is the best MacBook for medical students?
The MacBook Pro is a popular choice for medical students due to its powerful performance, sleek design, and compatibility with medical software programs.
What are the key features to look for when buying a laptop for medical students?
When buying a laptop for medical students, prioritize features such as a fast processor, ample RAM and storage, long battery life, touchscreen functionality, and compatibility with medical software.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best laptop for medical students will depend on their specific needs and preferences. However, considering factors like durability, performance, battery life, and portability can help you narrow down your choices and find a reliable and effective laptop that will last you through your medical school years.
After reading this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to find the best laptop for medical school. With the above considerations in mind, you can narrow down your search and purchase the right laptop that will make your college experience easier.
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