We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Get your child equipped for school with these top computers

Even if your child has been playing with your smartphone or tablet for a while, we know giving them their own laptop is a big step. But if the time has come and you need to buy a new computer so they can do schoolwork, stay in touch with friends or play games, you’ll want a capable model that’s easy to use, powerful enough for daily tasks and strong enough to survive a bit of rough handling.

For school, we reckon that a computer always comes out on top when compared to an iPad tablet or a smartphone as the large displays provide more space for viewing work and multitasking, the physical keyboard and touchpad are more comfortable to use for hours at a time, and they have lots of ports for connecting extras like printers, power banks, TVs, or headphones. If you want extra portability, get a 2-in-1 – these have foldable touchscreens and can be used as both a tablet and laptop.

Here are our picks for the best laptops for kids in 2022:

The jury is still out on when is the best time to buy your kid a laptop (recent research suggests age 12 is when UK ownership picks up), but whether your kid is making a spreadsheet or playing an hour of Fortnite, you’ll want to enforce strict rules about how to stay safe online and turn on parental controls to filter search engine results, limit screen time, stop private browsing and get sent activity reports.

Yes, finding the right one is no easy feat, but luckily when choosing a laptop for kids you don’t have to splash out on a high-end device with heaps of computing power and an expensive processor – there are loads of options that we love for under £500 – and we’ve selected a range of models and price points in this roundup, plus there’s a buying guide below our list if you need more information before deciding.

We test the best laptops for children based on how they’re used day-to-day. We look at the build quality to make sure the device can withstand bumps and small drops and download software to analyse its speed and performance. We try the keyboard and trackpad to make sure they are responsive and comfortable to use, while ensuring the laptop has enough battery for at least a full day of school from a complete charge. Most importantly, we scour the menus to check what parental controls are available for you. This list is based on hands-on laptop testing and rigorous research.

The name gives it away, but we love Acer’s Spin series because it blurs the line between laptop and tablet – giving your child the best of both worlds. The 513 is the mid-range model of the Chromebook line-up (between the 311 and 713) and shines when used for lighter tasks such as typing, making spreadsheets and web browsing – perfect for homework and research. It has lots of ports, more than enough battery for a full school day’s use, and it’s compact to fit into a backpack with ease.

Like all Chomebooks, it’s simple to use and has loads of built-in parental controls, so you can create a profile for your child and when that’s signed in you can stop them from browsing in private, manage which websites they are allowed to visit and block adult content. You’re limited to apps from the Google Play Store, but it has everything necessary for school, including Google Docs, Sheets and Gmail. The only downside is there’s no HDMI port for connecting it to a TV or school projector.

It’s not the only 2-in-1 on our list (and if ultra-portability is your priority you’ll want to check out the Surface Go 3 below) but it strikes a great balance between specs, price and durability. We love the aluminium build quality that gives it a MacBook-like look, that the Full HD display flips a full 360 degrees, and the fact it’s a touchscreen makes it a top choice if your child already has lots of experience tapping on your phone.

• Display size: 13.3-inches (2-in-1) • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels • Touchscreen: Yes • Operating system: ChromeOS • Battery life: Up to 14 hours • Storage/Memory: 64GB, 4GB • Connectivity: USB-A x1, USB-C x1, 3.5 mm jack • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c • Weight: 1.2 kg

Need a laptop that runs more Microsoft software than ChromeOS? If Word, Excel or PowerPoint are essential, you’ll want to get a Windows computer. The Swift series is one of our favourites, with a comfortable typing experience, large trackpad, long battery life, loads of ports and a clean black/silver colour scheme.

It’s true that Windows is much more open than Chrome OS, mostly because you can download apps anywhere on the internet, but the Swift 1 comes with S-mode, which makes it perform much more like a Chromebook by only letting users install apps from Microsoft’s Store. This helps to make it faster and more secure for your child. As they get older you can turn off S-mode (but be warned, you can’t go back!).

We love that it comes with a free year of Office 365 Personal, so you’ll have access to all the key school software mentioned above, plus lots of extra cloud storage – but do note that if you want to continue using it after the 12 months it’ll cost you £59.99 per year. The downside for kids is that there’s no touchscreen or convertible frame so this is best suited for older children who need a more traditional PC experience, and we do like that you get a built-in fingerprint scanner on the front for some extra security.

• Display size: 14-inches • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels • Touchscreen: No • Operating system: Windows 11 S-mode • Battery life: Up to 16 hours • Storage/Memory: 128GB SSD, 4GB • Connectivity: USB-A x2, USB-C x1, HDMI x1, 3.5 mm jack • Processor: Intel Pentium • Weight: 1.3 kg

This small laptop is designed with durability in mind, and is a great choice as a first model for younger children. It has a rubber casing that covers the top and bottom of the laptop (including all four corners) that Asus says can withstand the “occasional drop” of up to 90 cm. The finish of the device’s casing is resistant to fingerprints and scratches, and the keyboard will survive spills, drops and splashes of liquid up to 66 cc – that’s 66 ml – roughly equivalent to a Robinsons Mini fruit drink.

We love that there’s a rubber bar along the underside of the laptop for extra grip, and Asus claims it’s gone through “military-grade” testing to ensure the hinge won’t break even after tens of thousands of open and closes. The ports are ultra-sturdy and Asus says the laptop can have up to 30 kg on its lid without causing damage.

There are a few downsides: it’s not the most powerful laptop and its display is fairly small (with large borders surrounding it), with a slightly lower resolution than most of the other devices on our list. But that’s about it. For a child, the C202 is simple to use as it’s a Chromebook, so they can access apps via the Google Play Store and you’ll have peace of mind with the robust parental controls. Best of all? It’s affordable, and you can pick up one of these for around £120 – the cheapest option on this roundup.

• Display size: 11.6-inches • Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels • Touchscreen: No • Operating system: ChromeOS • Battery life: Up to 10 hours • Storage/Memory: 32 GB • Connectivity: USB-A x1, USB-C x1, HDMI x1, 3.5 mm jack • Processor: MediaTek MT8173C • Weight: 1 kg

While the C202 above is our pick for young children, we reckon the HP Chromebook is better for slightly older kids who need an affordable all-rounder as it’s got a sleeker design that looks more grown-up and lots of battery life. At more than 15 hours of juice, it’s the second-largest capacity on our list, and we like the white colour scheme. The 11.6-inch display is fairly small (and exactly like the C202, the resolution is lower than Full HD) but we love the portability, and it’s really lightweight.

Connectivity is great for such a small device – and while there’s no HDMI port you do get a microSD slot for sharing documents, files and pictures from other devices, plus a 3.5 mm jack for connecting headphones (you also get Bluetooth too for pairing wireless earbuds too). The storage isn’t the best at just 32 GB (so it may be worth picking up an external hard drive if you want more) but the fact this is a Chromebook means most of your child’s work will be saved via Google’s cloud anyway.

This is the second most affordable laptop on our list. While some older children may need more processing power provided by some of the higher-spec models such as the Aspire 1 – especially if they’re working on larger projects that need multitasking and fast performance – this is a stylish option. It will easily last for a day of school (and even some evening relaxing time) without needing an urgent recharge.

• Display size: 11.6-inches • Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels • Touchscreen: No • Operating system: ChromeOS • Battery life: Up to 15.5 hours • Storage/Memory: 32GB, 4GB • Connectivity: USB-A x1, USB-C x1, 3.5 mm jack, microSD • Processor: MediaTek MT8183 • Weight: 1.07 kg

If you need a convertible Chromebook with more storage space, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ticks all the boxes. With 128GB of storage (double the amount of our top pick), there’s plenty of space for files, documents and photos and it’s only one of two models on our list with a microSD memory card slot for transferring files between devices such as a phone or tablet. This converts from a laptop to a tablet in seconds, and you get a Lenovo stylus in the box so your kid can draw and sketch, too.

Chromebooks are always fairly speedy devices, but the Flex 5i has top performance as it contains a reliable Intel i3 processor. This means it’s able to handle multiple apps and tabs open at once without any major lags or stuttering. We know security will always be important for protecting your child online, and we love that this model has a privacy cover for the webcam so it’s covered up when not in use. Battery life isn’t as good as some of the other laptops on our list (with five hours less than the HP Chromebook 11 above) but you get a solid 10 hours – and that’ll easily last for a school day.

• Display size: 13.3-inches (2-in-1) • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels • Touchscreen: Yes • Operating system: ChromeOS • Battery life: Up to 10 hours • Storage/Memory: 128 GB SSD, 4GB • Connectivity: USB-A x1, USB-C x2, 3.5mm jack • Processor: Intel i3 • Weight: 1.35 kg

The smallest and lightest device on our list (but easily the most expensive) is the Go 3, Microsoft’s impressive 2-in-1 that’s essentially the Windows version of the Apple iPad. Like the Swift 1, it runs the restricted Windows S-mode, so it’s more secure and speedy like a Chromebook, with tighter app install controls for your kid.

It’s a shame it doesn’t come bundled with the keyboard case that we think is needed for it to be a true laptop experience (these usually have an RRP of around £100 but can be found discounted for around £50 online). However, if you have the money to spend, portability is your priority and you want a Windows 11 machine – this is a fantastic option. Likewise, if you prefer iOS, the similarly-sized iPad Air 5 paired with the Apple Magic Keyboard is one of our favourite options for working on-the-go, but the software – while impressive – isn’t quite a full laptop experience.

On test, we loved the sturdy metal build quality and the integrated kickstand is really helpful for propping it up on a desk while typing on the keyboard case. The keys are certainly snug – but work well with small hands – and port selection is surprisingly solid for such a small device, including a 3.5mm jack for headphones alongside a USB-C port and an SD card port. Software is very smooth and responsive, with apps loading very quickly and we encountered no lag with multiple apps open. This isn’t a device for younger kids, but if you’ve got a child approaching their teenage years and can afford to up your budget, we think this Windows machine is a portable powerhouse.

• Display size: 10.5-inches (2-in-1) • Resolution: ‎1920 x 1200 pixels • Touchscreen: Yes • Operating system: Windows 11 • Battery life: Up to 11 hours • Storage/Memory: 64GB, 4GB • Connectivity: USB-C x1 • Processor: Intel ‎Pentium Gold • Weight: 544 g

Fantastic value for money, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is an ultra-portable Chromebook 2-in-1 with the same appeal as the Microsoft Surface Go 3 above but at a much more appealing price point. It’s a laptop-tablet hybrid that’s perfect for using Google apps on-the-go (with the same parental controls as full-blown laptops), and it’s more than light enough to carry in your child’s backpack without causing strain. If you’re on a tight budget (and let’s face it, we are all these days) you’ll be glad to know you don't have to worry about buying the keyboard as an extra – it’s included in the box.

Unlike convertible Chromebooks on our list such as the Spin 513 and the Lenovo Flex 5i, this has a completely detachable keyboard so after school, it can also be used for relaxing while watching streaming services or playing some light games – under your watchful gaze of course. You sacrifice ports by choosing such a small device – there’s one USB-C included here – but it doesn’t matter too much as Google software is mostly cloud-based, meaning it’s constantly saving documents in real-time and your child is unlikely to lose their work as it’s all tied to their own Google account.

You’ll get up to 10 hours of battery on the Duet, which is on the lower end compared to some of the other laptops on our list, but it’s still more than enough for daily use. We reckon this is the best option if you want a user-friendly and portable device.

• Display size: 10.1-inches (2-in-1) • Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels • Touchscreen: Yes • Operating system: ChromeOS • Battery life: Up to 10 hours • Storage/Memory: 64GB SSD, 4GB • Connectivity: USB-C x1 • Processor: ‎MediaTek Helio • Weight: ‎921 g

Having a large screen is great for multi-tasking as your child can view multiple tabs at once. For example, they can research a topic on a web browser on one side of the screen while writing an essay in a word processor on the other, but it’s also a great choice if your kid will also be using the laptop for entertainment, like streaming or gaming. The Pavilion 15 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display – that’s easily the biggest on our list – and we love that it’s also a touchscreen, with small borders.

On test, we found the screen was great for viewing documents and reading websites and we like that there's a number pad on the keyboard (the only model on our list to have this) that’s helpful for spreadsheets and maths homework. The keys are nice to use and feel well-spaced, and the trackpad is large and responsive. Another bonus is that you get a fingerprint sensor on the front that’s perfect for extra security, and it’s helpful that the laptop charges from drained to 50% in under an hour.

The one we tested came with Windows 10 installed, but we checked and it’s eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. As this is a Windows machine, it’s slightly more complex to navigate than Chromebooks. There are still lots of parental controls, but we reckon that this is a model best suited for older and more responsible children as it has the potential to download software from anywhere on the internet. The Pavilion 15 is not the most portable option and the battery is middling at between six and eight hours, but if your child needs a larger-sized laptop for schoolwork, it’s a reliable buy.

• Display size: 15.6-inches • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels • Touchscreen: Yes • Operating system: Windows 10/11 • Battery life: Up to 8 hours • Storage/Memory: 128GB SSD, 4GB • Connectivity: USB-A x2, USB-C x1, HDMI x1, 3.5 mm jack • Processor: AMD Athlon Gold • Weight: 1.75 kg

Screen size and quality: Your child is likely to spend lots of time staring at the screen so we advise aiming for Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) quality, which gives a very clear image and will look great for work and entertainment. Some of the models on our list have a slightly lower resolution but they are generally smaller displays that won’t suffer too much from a drop in pixels – and are usually a bit more affordable. We think that screens between 11 and 14-inches provide a good balance between usability and portability for a school laptop, but you can go up to 15+ inches if you do want more room (just know it may be more awkward to carry in a backpack).

Parental controls: There’s a lot of content on the internet that’s not for children, so it is very important to set clear rules about how and when your kid can use their laptop – while taking full advantage of parental controls on offer. You will usually set up an account for your child, then limit what they have access to on the device or filter out adult websites from search results, set screen time limits, stop them from buying apps or browsing privately, and set up activity reports to see what your child is going on the computer. Here are the controls for Windows, ChromeOS and Mac.

Portability: Will your child be carrying the laptop between your home and school? You want to make sure it’s not too big, and not too heavy. The lightest options are 2-in-1s and Chromebooks, in particular models like the Surface Go 3 and Lenovo IdeaPad Duet that have detachable keyboards and can also be used as tablets. These are usually under 1 kg (roughly a standard bag of granulated sugar), but larger full-body laptops often reach between 1.1 kg and 1.5 kg. The heaviest on our list is 1.75 kg – about the same as a steam iron – but that has a much larger 15.6-inch screen. It’s about as large and heavy as we advise going for lugging it around outside.

Price: How much you want to spend on the laptop is a personal choice, but we advise sticking to a lower budget when buying a device for children. Only one of the models on our list costs more than £400 to buy (the Surface Go 3 due to the keyboard add-on), and we have included plenty of options for under £300 if your budget is tighter.

Build quality: If you’re buying a device for a child there’s a good chance of breakages, spillages or unexpected drops. That means we haven’t recommended any high-end models on our list (but we love the Apple Macbook Air M2 and Dell XPS 13 if you fancy spending big) and have stuck to Windows and ChromeOS. Younger kids are best suited to a cheaper laptop with extra protection, such as the Asus C202 on our list, which has a rubber casing and a spill-resistant keyboard.

Operating system: Here’s an overview of your options: Microsoft’s Windows 11 is a ‘traditional’ PC experience that gives you loads of customisation settings and lets you download software from anywhere on the internet. Windows S-mode is a more limited version that locks downloads to the Microsoft Store. Google’s ChromeOS powers Chromebooks – these are fast, efficient and often affordable as they are built around Google’s cloud services (Docs, Sheets, Gmail etc) that you access via a Google account. Chromebooks, which only let you download from the Play Store, are easy to use and lightweight – and usually our favourite option for younger kids.

Battery life: You’ll want a battery that will last for a full day of use without needing to be recharged. Aim for 10 hours, as that will support the full school day, but how long it lasts is always very dependent on how much the laptop is used. All of the models on our list have decent batteries, although the HP Pavilion 15 has slightly less juice due to its big 15-inch screen size and full Windows operating system. Models that use less power, such as the HP Chromebook, can last more than 15 hours.

Storage: Laptops come with built-in storage that lets you save and keep files, photos and documents on the device – great if your kid needs to save lots of homework projects or essays. The models on our list range from 32GB to 128GB – the bigger the number of GB, or gigabytes, the more room that’s on the laptop. For comparison, 32GB stores roughly 7,000 digital photos and 128GB stores around 30,000, but don’t forget apps, downloads and programs all take up space too, so aim for 64GB of storage if possible. ChromeOS is perfect for school as most of its apps are cloud-based, so your kid’s work is saved in real-time and tied to their Google account – and it can be accessed as long as there’s a wifi connection. If you need extra space, you can buy a portable hard drive.

Connectivity: The laptop has everything your child needs to get started with school, but if they need to add extra gadgets like a Bluetooth mouse, a full-sized keyboard or a pair of wired headphones or wireless earbuds, consider what ports are available. Most laptops have a couple of USB slots (although tablet hybrids may be limited to one!) so you can plug in a phone to charge or add a set of external speakers. Some models have an HDMI port so you can connect monitors, projectors or screens, and others have a specific port for an extra microSD storage card. For video calls, you’ll often have a webcam and microphone built into the device too. Not all laptops have this, but connecting a pair of wired headphones usually requires a 3.5 mm jack.