Every modern student needs a high-performing laptop that can get things done. It should be powerful enough to run important and academics-related software and programs. At the same time, it should have the right specs that will let you smoothly stream TV series, play games, or do anything that helps you make the most of your downtime.
When it comes to choosing the best laptop for students in the Philippines, the problem isn’t always the budget. It’s the overwhelming sea of choices. But you don’t have to worry about that now, as we’ve already handpicked the units that are perfect for learners.
Read on to learn more.
12 Best Laptops for Students in the Philippines This 2023
This list has a healthy mix of high-end computers and budget-friendly devices. So whether you’re a parent of a high school student looking for a basic laptop with decent features or an engineering student scouting for a powerful machine, you may find your pick here.
Dell XPS 17
🏷️ Price: ₱114,900
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: Up to 12th-Gen Intel Core i9
- Memory: Up to 64GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB
- Graphics: Up to NVIDIA RTX 3060
- Screen: Up to 17-inch UHD+
- Weight 2.53kg
👍 Pros: Large screen, vivid display, long battery life, powerful performance
👎 Cons: Not portable and difficult to carry everywhere, expensive
The most expensive in this list, the Dell XPS 17 is a thing of beauty coupled with powerful specs. It’s an ideal laptop for civil engineering students in the Philippines, thanks to its large 17-inch screen and fantastic battery life that can accommodate heavy tasks, such as AutoCAD and 3D rendering Likewise, graphic designers and video editors who rely on vivid displays and speedy machines can benefit from the XPS 17.
On the surface, this laptop may appear overpriced. But it’s actually not if you consider its high-end specs and powerful performance. So, if you’re willing to spend around ₱100,000, then go for this laptop.
Note: This Dell model is no longer available on the Dell Philippines website. However, you can purchase it from other online and physical stores.
MacBook Air M1
🏷️ Price: Starts at ₱57,990
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: Apple-made M1 chip
- Memory: 8GB to 6GB
- Storage: 256GB to 2TB
- Graphics: 7-core GPU
- Screen: 13.3-inch Retina display
- Weight: 1.29kg
👍 Pros: Lightweight, fast, solid battery life of up to 18 hours, stylish
👎 Cons: Thin and requires utmost care, limited ports, expensive
Much has been said about the beauty and versatility of the MacBook Air. Its earliest iterations are well-received, and it seems that it gets better over time.
Running on Apple’s proprietary M1 chip, the MacBook Air M1 boasts a stunning battery life,[1] which can last all day, depending on how you use it. The Retina display is among the best things about this unit, as it gives you color-accurate and vivid visuals, making your K-drama marathons and YouTube streams truly a joy.
Just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean that it can’t take on heavy tasks. Depending on the configuration of your Air, you can do professional-level video editing and even gaming. If you’re an arts student who occasionally carries out design jobs, this laptop is definitely worth looking at. Nevertheless, the MacBook Air M1 is designed for students who just need a reliable everyday machine.
If you want to up the ante, consider the MacBook Air M2 or the MacBook Pro, which runs on M2, M1 Pro, and M1 Max chips.
ASUS ZenBook 13
🏷️ Price: ₱54,995
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Screen: 13.3-inch FHD OLED
- Weight: Up to 1.14kg
👍 Pros: Compact, lightweight, powerful performance, vivid display, good battery life
👎 Cons: Expensive, lack of ports and SD card reader
If you’re looking for a laptop with a gorgeous display and reliable performance, the ASUS ZenBook 13 might be the one you’re looking for. Its AMD Ryzen 500-series processor makes it possible for you to multitask or seamlessly switch from one app to another. This is a great feature, especially if you put a premium on productivity.
Another plus of the ZenBook 13 is its outstanding battery life. Despite having a phenomenal OLED display, the laptop’s battery doesn’t get drained fast. On average, you get 13 hours of usage. But it can go beyond that, depending on how to use the laptop.
The ZenBook 13 may not be the best laptop for students in the Philippines who listen to music via 3.5-mm headphones. It doesn’t have a headphone jack. Instead, it accommodates only USB-type or Bluetooth-type headsets.
Read more: [Battle of the Brands] AirPods Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM4: Your Side-by-Side Comparison
ASUS VivoBook 15 M513
🏷️ Price: Starts at ₱49,995
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Screen: 15.6-inch OLED FHD
- Weight: 1.80kg
👍 Pros: Nice keyboard, vivid display, good selection of ports, stylish
👎 Cons: Not meant for heavy gaming
Another all-around champ from ASUS is the VivoBook 15. This may be the best laptop for students in the Philippines who regularly use Adobe Photoshop or similar creative programs. Despite that, the VivoBook 15 may not be the best machine for high-resolution video editing and 3D renders. With its pretty powerful processor and decent RAM, you can multitask and get things done.
In between classes, you can play casual and e-sport games. With its OLED display, binge-watching your favorite TV series or vlogs is always a worthwhile experience. Another great thing about the VivoBook 15 is its generosity when it comes to ports. It can accommodate the following hardware: USB 2.0, Type A USB, Type C USB, HDMI, audio jack, and micro SD card.
Dell Inspiron 3511
🏷️ Price: ₱39,995
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: 10th-Gen Intel Core i5
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Screen: 15.6-inch FHD
- Weight: 1.73kg
👍 Pros: Good build, large screen, good selection of ports, powerful performance for everyday tasks
👎 Cons: Average webcam, lack of USB-C port
Dell has a reputation for churning out expensive laptops with high-end specs. But you can also expect some mid-rangers from the brand, such as the Dell Inspiron 3511.
If you’ve already owned an Inspiron device, you’ll know right away that the 3511 has a solid build quality. With its Intel processor and 8GB worth of memory, you’ll already get the powerful performance required for general productivity. You also get a large screen, which is perfect not just for researching or doing homework but also for streaming videos.
Do you usually connect peripherals to your laptop? The Inspiron 3511 has a collection of legacy ports, such as USB 2.0, HDMI, USB A, and an audio jack. It also has an SD card, which makes for easy file transfers.
Acer Aspire 5
🏷️ Price: Starts at ₱38,999
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Graphics: Intel Iris X Graphics
- Screen: 14-inch IPS
- Weight: 1.55kg
👍 Pros: Decent battery life, upgradable hardware, good deal for the price, bright display
👎 Cons: Average webcam, touchpad is quite tricky to use, uninspired body design
Looking for a laptop that won’t surpass your ₱40,000 budget? The Acer Aspire 5 is something you may want to check. For its price, you’ll definitely get more than you pay for. Its specs, such as the 8GB RAM and 512GB storage, are somehow a departure from the usual features of laptops sold at the same price point. Its i5 processor, meanwhile, can smoothly run productivity software, such as Microsoft Office. And with its Iris XE Graphics, the Aspire 5 can take on less taxing games, such as Counter-Strike.
The design of the laptop may be dated, but it’s what makes it sturdy. With that, it may be the best laptop for students in the Philippines who travel a lot. For connectivity, you’ll find three Type A USB ports, a Type C USB port, an HDMI, and a 3.5-mm audio jack.
Huawei MateBook D15
🏷️ Price: Starts at ₱37,999
💻 Product Specs:
- CPU: 11th Generation Intel Core i5
- Memory: 8GB to 16GB
- Storage: 256GB to 512GB
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Screen: 15.6-inch IPS
- Weight: 1.53kg
👍 Pros: Large screen, strong performance, good selection of ports, stylish
👎 Cons: Average webcam, inaccurate colors, average battery life
There are many good things to say about the Huawei MateBook D15. First, it’s reasonably priced yet packed with smart features. Second, it looks good.
With the D15, you already have an 11th-gen Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage space. All these make for a beast that can effortlessly support your daily computing activities, from creating artworks using Adobe PhotoShop to drafting spreadsheets and streaming Netflix.
The MateBook D15 is the best laptop for students in the Philippines who care a lot about their eye health. This is because it features a TÜV Rheinland-certified display that reduces eye-impairing blue light.[2]
Chuwi CoreBook X
🏷️ Price: Starts at ₱37,949
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- Memory: 8GB to 16GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Graphics: Intel
- Screen: 14-inch 2K display
- Weight: 1.5kg
👍 Pros: Large screen, thin, and stylish
👎 Cons: Dated processor, average performance
Chuwi may not be as mainstream as other laptop brands, but this Chinese company comes up with brilliantly engineered machines, such as the CoreBook X. This laptop is effortlessly premium-looking, as seen in its aluminum chassis, a large touchpad, and a backlit keyboard.
The CoreBook X uses a BOE IPS display with a 2K resolution, which produces vivid images. Instead of adopting the usual 16:9 screen, it has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which translates to an increase in the vertical viewing area. So, if you’re writing a paper or creating multimedia content, you literally get the bigger picture. Performance-wise, the Chuwi CoreBook X is pretty decent, thanks to its 8GB memory and Intel Core i5 processor.
MSI Modern 14
🏷️ Price: ₱32,995
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i3
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Screen: 14-inch FHD
- Weight : 1.3kg
👍 Pros: Portable, lightweight, ergonomic keyboard, reliable battery life
👎 Cons: Average speakers, latency with wireless audio
MSI is famed for its advanced gaming laptops, but it also designs productivity notebooks, such as the MSI Modern 14. Equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor, the MSI Modern 14 delivers a reliable performance, which is useful if you have lots of work to do.
It sports an aluminum chassis for an elegant look, making it the best laptop for students in the Philippines who value their image.[3] Its beauty is complemented by military-grade durability, so you won’t have to worry about bringing your laptop anywhere.
When it comes to the screen, the MSI Modern 14 has a decent resolution, making it ideal for basic media consumption. Typing, on the other hand, is comfortable with its optimized 1.5-mm key travel. The keyboard also illuminates, allowing you to type easily even if you’re working in a dimly lit place.
HP Laptop 14S-FQ1100AU
🏷️ Price: ₱25,990
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 5300U
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Screen: 14-inch HD
- Weight: 1.47kg
👍 Pros: Compact, good deal for the price
👎 Cons: Average display, average RAM size, small trackpad
Sometimes, a laptop doesn’t have to be flashy and overcomplicated. It just needs to get things done. If you’re looking for a budget laptop with remarkable specs, the HP Laptop 14S is definitely worth looking into. Outfitted with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 4GB RAM, the 14S gives you decent performance, whether you’re rushing your homework or you’re participating in group meetings via video chat.
While the HP 14S may appear basic, you can actually amplify its computing abilities. You can do that by upgrading the RAM and storage space. Apparently, you can increase its memory up to 16GB and its storage to 1TB. The no-frill features, possibilities for customization, and more make it the best laptop for online classes in the Philippines
Acer Chromebook Spin 311
🏷️ Price: ₱25,116
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: MediaTek MT8183
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Graphics: Integrated Arm Mali-g72 MP3
- Screen: 11.6-inch LCD LED IPS multi-touch touchscreen
- Weight: 1.05 kg
👍 Pros: Affordable, powerful battery, lightweight
👎 Cons: Low storage space, low-resolution screen
A Chromebook, or a laptop running on ChromeOS, is usually inexpensive, which makes it a good choice for parents on a budget. With that, the Acer Spin 311 may be the best laptop for students in the Philippines under 30K. And that’s not just because of its price but also because of its features.
Looks-wise, the Acer Spin 311 is small yet stylish. You can carry it anywhere without needing an extra bag. Lift the lid, and you’ll be treated to a screen protected with Gorilla Glass, making the laptop durable. The screen also has touchscreen capabilities, giving you a tablet experience.
Despite having a touchscreen, the Spins 311’s strongest feature is its responsive keyboard. Battery life is also strong, as the unit can go beyond 10 hours. When it comes to performance, though, the Spin 311’s 4GB memory works efficiently, as expected from a small notebook.
Infinix INBook X1
🏷️ Price: ₱24, 990
💻 Product specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i3
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
- Screen: 14-inch FHD
- Weight: 1.48kg
👍 Pros: Thin, lightweight, long battery life, good selection of ports
👎 Cons: Loud trackpad, average display
The Infinix INBook X1 is one of the best laptops for online classes in the Philippines because of its price and features. Despite its affordable price tag, it’s already equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, giving you smooth and efficient performance. You can browse the web, create documents, and even do some light creative work comfortably with the INBook X1.
The INBook X1 favors students who are always on the go and lead a fast-paced lifestyle. It’s compact and portable, which means you can bring it anywhere. It also has a quick charging feature, thus ensuring the continuity of your work.
Read more: 10 Cool Gift Ideas for the Tech Lovers in Your Life
How to Choose the Best Laptop for Students in the Philippines
When you buy a laptop, a lot of considerations have to be taken into account. Taking the time to examine your options will lead you to a decision that you won’t regret. Below are some of the factors that you need to keep in mind.
☑️ Price
As a general rule, you don’t have to go for the most expensive laptop, especially if its features don’t match your lifestyle and everyday tasks. If your degree regularly requires typewritten documents and basic presentations, a general productivity notebook with a cheaper price tag may make a good choice.
☑️ Size and Weight
Laptops come in various sizes, and you need to pick the one that you can carry anywhere. It’s not practical to carry a heavy laptop all day, every day. Always consider portability, but at the same time, think about the features that you may have to let go of. Remember that more compact laptops usually offer less performance and versatility.
☑️ Memory
Aside from the processor, the RAM dictates the speed of the laptop. The decent size is 4GB, but an 8GB memory can do a lot of things. If your degree regularly requires you to churn out 3D renders or work on video editing and graphic design, it would be wise to have a laptop with 16GB of memory. Just remember that laptops with a bigger RAM are usually expensive.
☑️ Storage
What kind of data do you store? Are you liberal arts student who only keeps light documents? Or are you a multimedia student who works with large files? At the same time, see if you’re the type of laptop owner who hoards lots of files, such as pictures and movies.
☑️ Battery Life
As a student, your laptop will be your constant companion. With that, it needs to be reliable and always ready whenever you need it. Get yourself a laptop with long battery life, so you can power through your day without any hitch.
Where to Buy the Best Laptop for Students in the Philippines?
Just go to your local mall, and you’ll already find shops like Asianic, Octagon, and even your favorite brand’s very own store. The mall’s appliance center also sells laptops.
Online, you can always go to Lazada and Shopee, PoundIt, and PC Express, among others. The best thing about these online shopping platforms is that their laptops tend to be cheaper, and you may also get freebies.
If you’re living within the metro, you may want to visit Gilmore in New Manila to score laptop deals.
Read more: 14 Online Gadget Stores for Your Tech and Gaming Needs
How to Finance a Laptop for Students in the Philippines
Laptops are generally expensive, so it’s either you save up for one or you apply for a personal loan. If you need the device urgently, the latter makes a good financing option.
The Citi Personal Loan lets you borrow up to ₱2 million to finance your tech and educational needs. It has low interest rates and flexible repayment terms of up to five years.
Hurry and apply for a Citi Personal Loan with Moneymax.
Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.
Final Thoughts
In this new normal, a laptop computer is every student’s must-have. Finding the ideal device can be challenging, especially with the abundance of choices out there. Nevertheless, you can do away with this struggle if you stay focused on your needs, your lifestyle, and most importantly, your budget.
Sources:
Back to Blog 
