1. ASUS VivoBook 17

The Best Laptop For Teachers

  Intel 5 120U 

  16GB RAM DDR4

  Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs

  1TB SSD

  17.3” Full HD IPS

  4.63lbs

  5 hours

  WiFi 6 802.11AX

  1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), 1x USB 2.0; 1x HDMI v1.4; 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack

This is the latest 17-inch ASUS VivoBook, and yeah, it’s still ticking all the boxes for a teaching laptop, just like last year’s model. Oh, and it’s still only around $550.

Compared to other 17-inch laptops with similar specs (usually going for over $650), this one’s a steal. If that’s still too much, don’t worry—I’ll hit you with a cheaper option later. For now, let’s see what makes this VivoBook worth it.

What makes the ASUS VivoBook awesome?

The display.
It’s a 17.3-inch FHD IPS panel with an Anti-Glare coating and thin bezels. In 2025, finding a 17-inch laptop under $550 isn’t too rare, but getting one with both Anti-Glare and those slick thin bezels? That’s still pretty sweet. The Anti-Glare feature is clutch if you’re working in a bright room or near windows, and the thin bezels give it that modern, premium vibe.

Would QHD resolution be better? Duh. But at this price point? Keep dreaming. QHD 17-inch laptops are still in the $650+ range. Save your wallet.

Core i5-1230U:

This VivoBook packs a 10-core Intel Core i5-1230U. No, it’s not the latest chip, but honestly, who cares? It’s more than fast enough for any teaching tasks you throw at it.

Unless you’re editing videos or running super demanding software (which you’re probably not if you’re here), you’ll barely notice the difference between this and a newer chip. It’s still got all the speed you need for multitasking, presentations, and lesson planning.

1TB SSD:

Okay, storage nerds, here’s the good part: 1TB of SSD storage. Most laptops at this price range tap out at 512GB, or worse, 256GB. That’s fine if you’re a light user, but let’s be real—if you’re storing lecture recordings, media files, or anything else bulky, 1TB feels like a breath of fresh air. You’ll have space to spare.

16GB RAM:

16GB of RAM might sound like overkill for a teaching laptop, but hear me out: it’s awesome. Sure, 8GB gets the job done for most people, but if you’re a tab hoarder (looking at you, 50+ Chrome tabs) or juggling multiple programs at once, this laptop will breeze through it all without lagging.

Why not get a Core i7 or Ryzen 7?

Honestly, unless you’re doing video editing, rendering, or something wild, you don’t need it. Core i7 or Ryzen 7 might sound cool, but they’re total overkill for the stuff you’ll be doing. A good Core i5 (like this one) or even a recent Core i3 will handle teaching tasks like a champ without blowing your budget.

Any downsides?

Yeah, the display brightness caps at 250 nits. If you’re working outside or right next to a sunlit window, you might struggle to see the screen. If that’s a dealbreaker, you could grab a matte screen cover to cut down on glare. But if you’re indoors most of the time or can move away from direct light, it’s not a huge issue.

TL;DR: It’s a big-screen workhorse for teachers who need performance without bleeding cash. GG.

2. ASUS VivoBook 15”

Best Budget Laptop For Teachers

  Intel i3-1215U

  8GB RAM DDR4

   Intel UHD

   128GB SSD

  15” full HD TN

  5.57 lbs

  7 hours

   WiFi 5 802.11 AC

  Reader Multi-format card reader (SD/SDHC/SDXC) Networking  1 x COMBO audio jack 1 x Type-C USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) 1 x USB 3.0 port(s) Type A 2 x USB 2.0 port(s) Type A 1 x HDMI 1 x micro SD card

This is another ASUS VivoBook, and it’s basically the budget-friendly little sibling of the VivoBook 17. Same clean design, same decent keyboard, but the price? Just $350—that’s $200 cheaper than the VivoBook 17.So, what’s the catch? Yeah, there are trade-offs, but honestly? They’re not dealbreakers. Let’s get into it.

3. LG GRAM 17

Laptop For Teachers – Lightweight & Large Display

  Intel Ultra 7 155H

  16GB LPDDR5

  ‎Intel ARC Graphics

  1TB SSD

  17″ WQXGA IPS

  2.98 lbs

  10-12 hours

    WiFi 6E

  10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port),  HD Webcam (1280 x 720), 1 – USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port, 2 – USB 2.0 Ports, 1 – HDMI Port with HDCP support

Hands down, the absolute best laptop for teachers. It’s got EVERYTHING, absolutely EVERYTHING you’d want from a laptop. From the latest Wi-Fi 6E, outstanding 12-hour battery life, to the best high-resolution and spacious display.Since it’s on the pricier side and not everyone might spring for it, I’ll break down why this laptop stands head and shoulders above everything else you’ll find online.

Display

The number one reason you should consider this laptop over all others is its display.WQXGA Resolution: This 17-inch beauty boasts WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600 pixels). That’s nearly double the number of pixels compared to standard FHD displays. It’s a game-changer for productivity.Screen Space: The extra pixels mean a massive boost in screen real estate. You can easily fit three to four windows side-by-side and still read every word clearly. Picture this: grading essays in one window, running plagiarism checks in another, and browsing lesson plans in a third—all on the same screen without constantly toggling between windows. No ALT + TAB necessary.Thin Bezels + Anti-Glare: The thin bezels make the screen feel even larger, while the anti-glare coating ensures you won’t be battling reflections from classroom lights or nearby windows. It’s perfect for teachers who work in bright environments.

Weight & Design

The second biggest reason to choose this laptop is its thin and lightweight design. Despite packing some seriously impressive hardware and a large battery, it weighs just 2.98 lbs. That’s insanely light for a 17-inch laptop—basically tablet territory.This ultra-lightweight design is what makes the LG Gram line so iconic. It’s a perfect blend of portability and power.

CPU & Battery

The 13th-gen Intel Ultra 7 155H CPU is an absolute powerhouse, with 16 cores (6 Performance-Cores and 8 Efficient-Cores) that manage power intelligently. When performance isn’t needed, the Efficient-Cores take over, saving power and ensuring the laptop stays cool and quiet.The 77Whr battery works beautifully with this CPU, giving you an incredible 10-12 hours of battery life. Whether you’re teaching all day, grading assignments, or preparing lesson plans, this laptop will last without needing to hug an outlet.

Why is this laptop so good for teachers?

1. The Display: With WQXGA resolution, anti-glare coating, and thin bezels, it’s perfect for multitasking without squinting or struggling with reflections.
2. The Portability: At just under 3 lbs, it’s ridiculously lightweight for its size. You can carry it between classrooms or from school to home without feeling like you’re lugging around a brick.
3. The Performance: The Intel Ultra 7 CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD ensure it’s powerful enough for anything you throw at it—whether that’s lesson prep, video conferencing, or running multiple apps at once.
4. Battery Life: 12 hours of battery life means you can leave the charger at home most days. Enough said.

Caveats?

The display brightness tops out at 350 nits, which is great for indoor use but might struggle if you’re working outside or in direct sunlight. However, this isn’t likely to be a dealbreaker for most teachers who work in classrooms or home offices.

4. MacBook M4 Pro Chip

Best MacBook For Teachers

  M4 14 Core CPU

  18GB Unified Memory

  20 Core GPU

  512GB SSD

  16.2” Liquid Retina  2234×3456

  4.7lb

  13 hours

Got an iPhone or iPad? Then yeah, it makes total sense you’re thinking about getting a MacBook. And honestly, if you’re teaching, freelancing, or just want something reliable, it’s a solid move.

The problem? They’re expensive as hell.

Good news, though: You don’t have to blow $2k on a MacBook. Refurbished models are a great way to snag that Apple experience for less. But if you’ve got the cash, the 2025 MacBook Pro M4 Pro is the latest and greatest—hands down.

Why Pay That Much—or Go Refurbished?

First, let’s clear this up: Refurbished ≠ “used.” Refurbished MacBooks are basically rebuilt to work like new and come with warranties (90 days on Amazon, for example).

But if your budget’s big enough for the M4 Pro, it’s 100% worth it. Apple didn’t just tweak a few things—they went all out with this one.

Why the MacBook Pro is Always a Good Idea

1. Portable AF: The M4 Pro is insanely lightweight, even for a MacBook.
2. Battery Life that Doesn’t Quit: The M4 Pro takes it up a notch—20+ hours of battery life.
3. Blazing Fast: The M4 chip crushes everything, from massive Excel files to hardcore multitasking.
4. Retina XDR Display (Beyond QHD): The display is pure eye candy—sharp, vibrant, and perfect for teaching presentations or content creation.
5. Trackpad Goals: Still the best in the game. A MacBook trackpad >>> any Windows laptop trackpad.
6. Keyboard Perfection: Quiet, responsive, and built for long typing sessions. You’ll actually enjoy using it.

Software Compatibility: macOS & Teaching Tools

Let’s talk software. All the big names—Microsoft Office, Zoom, Google Suite—run flawlessly on macOS. No worries there.

The only potential snag? Some niche teaching software from your school might not be macOS-friendly. But even then:

• Older MacBooks (pre-M1/M2/M3/M4): Use Bootcamp to run Windows natively.
• Newer MacBooks (M1/M2/M3/M4): Use Parallels to run a Windows virtual machine. Works like a charm.

Is the MacBook Pro M4 Pro Overkill?

Honestly? For most teaching tasks, yeah, it’s probably overkill. The M4 Pro is built for power users—think video editors, programmers, or anyone running heavy-duty apps all day.

If you’re just teaching or handling light work, here’s what to consider:

• A refurbished M1 or M2 MacBook Pro/Air will do everything you need for way less cash.
• The M3 Pro (2024) is still a killer option if you want something newer but don’t need the absolute cutting edge.

How To Buy The Best Laptop For Teachers

I’ll explain a bit of hardware specs for those that are not acquianted and also talk about why should choose the following specs. I’ll give you a few tips on how to find the most difficult features on a laptop too. 

We’ll go in order of priority, starting with the most important one:

1) RAM (Memory)

RAM basically means memory. The more RAM you have the more ‘programs’ and ‘data’ you can have running in the background.

That’s of course if you have a CPU and SSD but most CPUs are fast anyways and most laptops have an SSD so RAM becomes  the single most important hardware spec.

If you get enough RAM , everything will be fast and you won’t have to worry about closing or opening programs for your computer to keep running fast and keep you productive.

4GB:   This is way too low and you’ll find on very few laptops mostly those under 300 dollars and old MacBooks. It works well if you are not running Windows 11 (or any of the full versions of Windows). What I mean is if a laptop has 4GB RAM and it’s running OSX (Apple) or Chrome OS (ChromeBook) or Windows in S mode (nerfed version of Windows), it will be fine.

8GB: This is the BARE bone minimum and in fact if you’re all running everyday tasks and web browsing. It’s going to be extremely rare for you to run out of memory, you’ll always be productive.

16GB: This is the limit and this is as much as you’re going to need. It may not be that helpful because you are unlikely to run a number of programs that will deplete 8GB RAM but nonetheless it’s still nice to have. You can have 100 web tabs open with all the teahcing software in the background (as if that ever happens) and your computer will still be fast.

It’s not wise to buy a laptop with 16GB RAM on-board (unless it’s cheap) so most of the time (because laptops with 16GB RAM on-board are usually expensive) doing the upgrade from 8GB — > 16GB is the way to go. The steps are easy , as shown here, and if you can’t do it, just take it to the school computer guy.

2) Display

The more space you have the easier it is to multitask and the more stuff you can see at once too. 

A) Display Size

The first way to do this is by choosing a big display. You must avoid 11 and 13” displays UNLESS you need something portable.

11” and below:

Obviously have to be avoided.

It’s not just the size of the screen that takes a toll but also the size of the keyboard which makes it super hard to type. These may be good if you’re something like a PE teacher because they’re very portable and you can take them outside for which case you should really consider a Surface Pro or an iPad. 

13”: This size OKAY but not ideal, you want to choose this one IF you MUST get something portable (~3lb or less). If you get a 13” display with FHD resolution (we’ll talk about that later) you’ll offset the lack of screen space.

15-17”:  15” is the sweet spot. 17” is pushing it but if you’re a guy and can afford to carry a heavy and big laptop on your suitcase. More power to you, if this is mostly staying at home, then even better. 17” is the way to go. 

B) Resolution 

High resolution means high number of pixels. The more pixels you have, the higher the number of objects your computer can render on the screen. This means being able to reduce the size of objects (toolbars, buttons, fonts) while still making them distinguishible.

TL;DR: High resolution gives you more pixels which means more screen space.

If you add a 15” or 17” on top of a high resolution display, you’ll get an insane amount of screen space that will closely resemble the space you have available on a desktop monitor (23”). 

What’s high resolution? QHD (1440p or 2560×1660) or FHD ( 1920 x 1080p).
What’s low resolution? Anything below FHD. For example HD (720p) or HD+ (900p)

C) Bezels

Bezels are the material surrounding a laptop’s display. It’s usually thick but some laptops have THIN bezels and very few laptops have VERY THIN BEZELS. Obviously, that means you can see MORE of the display. Thus a 17” display with thin bezels will feel like an 18” display.

A 15” display will feel like a 16” display if it has thin bezels.

D) Extra

Brightness leves (nits): They’re somewhat useful if your laptop is sititng somewhere near a Windows or a place where there’s strong sunligiht coming in. High brightness can still make the display contents visible despite the bright background.

For this to happen, you need at least 300-350 nits. Most laptops have 250-300 and some premium laptops can have up to 500 nits.

Finish (Matte vs Glossy displays)

Most laptops now have IPS panels (as opposed to TN) and within IPS panels there are two types of finish: matte and glossy.

Glossy have more vibrant colors and are really good for watching movies.

Matte finish are more useful for a professional settings:

• Reduces the intensity of the light
• Prevents glares
• Makes it easier to use in bright background (less reflections)
• Since it reduces the amount of what’s reflectedon the screen, there’s a lower chance for you to get distracted too.

3) Keyboard

Since you’re going to be typing your eyes out on this thing, you need a GOOD keyboard to keep a fast workflow. Just like most modern laptops have decent CPUs, most have decent keyboards but very few have outstanding keyboards. Follow this tips and you’ll increase your chances of finding a good keyboard without having to test it out yourself:

• MacBooks have the best keyboards. Can’t afford the new ones? Trying buying refurbished or an older model.
• Can’t use OSX due to software compatibility? No problem.
  • Great keyboards are common on 15” and 17” laptops.
  • Premium ultrabooks prioritize on designing a good on-board keyboard ( ASUS ZenBook, Dell XPS, HP Envy, Surface Devices, etc).
• If spending less than 600 bucks, the thicker the laptop the higher the chances the keyboard has good travel and thus it’s very responsive.

To be sure , read the reviews written by users on the website you’re buying a laptop from. If there aren’t reviews for the laptop you want to buy on a particular site, then try typing the model’s name on the amazon search bar and read reviews.

4) CPU

There are basically two companies monopolizing the laptop market for CPUs so your choices are down to two: either Intel or AMD.

Either works fine as long as you avoid:

• Obsolete CPUs (released several years ago).
• CPUs that are too expensive.
• CPUs that are unnecessarily powerful.
• CPUs that are too weak (designed mostly for tablets but still used on laptops).
  

Follow the next guideline and you’ll be alrigiht:

• First, only choose CPUs that have the letter U, G, P, E at the end.  (Designed for light tasks – teaching)
• Avoid CPUs that have the letter H anywhere even if it says HX HS. (These are designed for very heavy apps).
• Avoid Ryzen 7 or Core i7 CPUs unless they’re cheap (Theyre too fast and expensive)
• Avoid any CPU that doesn’t have the word Ryzen or Intel Core. Ex: Intel Celeron, Pentium, etc.
• Avoid old generations. For example, anything before the 8th generation for Intel is too slow. Ex: Core i5 7110U. For Ryzen CPUs , anything that doesn’t say Ryzen is old.

For example all of these are good:

STEM Teachers:  If you’re a STEM teacher who has to run 3D software for simulations and so on, you can benefit a lot from Ryzen 7 and Core i7 CPUs especially (though not required) those with dedicated graphics. 

5) WiFi Card & Protocol

Obviously all laptops have a Wifi Card.

Since people tend to overlook anything outside the CPU & RAM, manufacturers try to sneak in slightly older WiFi Cards which are not bad by themselves but you could get better reception with the modern ones.

The latest WiFi Protocol found on laptops is WiFi 6. The one before that is WiFi AC (or WiFi 5), let’s talk about each:

WiFi AC or 802.11 AC (WiFi 5):
Still somewhat common on budget machines in 2025, though it’s no longer the standard. WiFi 5 works just fine if you’re using your own WiFi or a connection with relatively few users. However, in crowded environments, like schools or shared offices, you might notice slower speeds compared to newer protocols.

WiFi 6 or 802.11 AX:
A significant upgrade over WiFi 5, WiFi 6 shines when you’re sharing a network with a lot of people (think hundreds). It offers better reception, increased bandwidth, and reduced latency, making it perfect for crowded environments like classrooms, libraries, or coworking spaces.

WiFi 7 or 802.11 BE:
The newest kid on the block in 2025, WiFi 7 takes everything WiFi 6 does well and cranks it up a notch. With faster speeds, lower latency, and improved multi-user performance, WiFi 7 is ideal for high-bandwidth tasks like video conferencing, streaming 4K+ videos, or even real-time collaborative editing. While it’s mostly found on premium laptops and routers right now, it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for the most future-proof option.

If you’re teaching from home, you can pick any and still be fine.

6) Storage

Type: SSD vs HDD

SSDs (Solid State Drives ) are several times faster than HDDs and they make the whole system start up in seconds. That is, it will take literally seconds, to get your laptop ready to go from the moment you turn it on.

It also speeds up opening/closing files/programs. Virtually all laptops released within the past 5 years have an SSD now. You don’t have to watch out for HDDs unless you’re buying old refurbished laptops.

Capacity

Unless you’re an avid gamer too you aren’t likely to worry about storage capacity.

Let’s run some numbers:

Windows 10 Home (not S mode) :64GB
Any MS Office (latest or not they all take up the same space) :5GB
Video + Photo Editor :Adobe Premiere (8GB) + Photoshop (16GB)
Zoom/Discord/Video players and other teaching software:10-15GB
1000 Books:20 GB
Videos/lectures: 1GB per 1h video. 100 videos = 100 GB.

In the worst case scenario, you’ll need ~ 200GB. Most laptops have 256GB (those with Windows 11).

What if you store a lot videos? or Play STEAM games?:

Assuming you’ve got 300 zoom videos of 1h each. You’ll need an extra 300GB…thus you’ll need 512GB.

If you play games on top of that, you’ll need:

• Size of the average AAA Game like FortNite/WoW/MC ~50GB. 150GB for 3 games.

If you listen to lots of music:

• x1000 mp3 songs (3.5MB each) ~ 3.5Gigs

Making a total of ~700GB.

In the most extreme scenario, you’ll need 1TB of storage. 

Upgrading storage

If you buy a laptop with 256GB or 512GB and you feel you need more space, you can always upgrade storage. It is an easy but long process. I have written a guide on how to do it here.  You don’t have to do it right after buying laptop you can just wait and see if you need more space.

7) Operating System

OSX(Mac) vs Windows

Remote desktop apps, Office and the usual stuff are all available on both Windows and Macs.

OSX is only going to be a problem if you’re using software made by your institution and said software only runs on Windows. 

Chrome/Windows 10 S mode:

You can “MAKE DO” with these Operating systems provided you only use the basic stuff and most commonly used software on the full version of Windows since such software have a version that runs on these. For example, excel & zoom are all there.

However, LMS software, information delivery & collection software & classroom management software aren’t likely to have a version that runs on these.

8) Ports

You don’t have to check every laptop to see if they have ports for projectors or external displays. All modern laptops have at least TWO USB ports (worst case scenario one) , a USB-3 ( thunderbolt port ) , an HDMI port (to attach external monitors & projectors) .

Projectors:most have an HDMI some have a VGA port if that’s the case then you’ll have to buy an adaptor because virtually all modern laptops lack a VGA port.

Comments?

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