If you’re buying a laptop for an older child, then rubber bumpers probably aren’t a priority. Speed, performance, and price are likely your top concerns, and you want to make sure their laptop has the right kind of specs for effective multitasking. For more deals on laptops and other remote learning essentials, make sure to head over to our guide to deals on homeschool supplies. The best laptops for kids will incorporate a powerful processor and a decent amount of memory to facilitate quick app switching and smoother performance when they’re browsing the internet, running complex applications, or attending virtual classes. 

The Chromebook Duet from Lenovo is a 2-in-1 device that does double duty as both a laptop and a tablet. The full keyboard is detachable and the screen is touch-sensitive. A folding kickstand on the back of the device props up the screen when it’s in laptop mode. Like other Chromebooks, the Duet runs Google’s Chrome OS. This is a somewhat limited operating system, but it’s very streamlined to use when you have a Google account and is actually an advantage if you’re shopping for a kid.

Best Overall

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

  • 2-in1 functionality

  • Highly portable

  • Automatic security updates

  • Small screen

  • Only one USB-C port

This device has 4GB of memory, which should be sufficient for both schoolwork and media streaming, and 64GB of onboard storage. That’s not a lot, but Chromebooks tend to have limited storage on the assumption that users are relying on the cloud—the Duet actually comes with a one-year free trial of Google One for just this purpose. The downsides to this device are the same downsides for most 2-in-1 devices: the screen is small for a laptop (10.1 inches) and the port options are very limited. The Duet only has a single USB-C port, but this can be solved with a good USB-C hub.

The Chromebook C214 from Asus was designed as a laptop for schools, making it a great choice for kids doing homework or attending remote classes. The features that make the C214 classroom-friendly—rugged design, an optimized Wi-Fi antenna, and a kid-friendly interface—also make it a great option for kids learning at home. Its most unique feature is its durability. The C214 has reinforced rubber edges, a drop-proof body (up to four feet), a spill-resistant keyboard, and a lay-flat design that helps protect against breakage if young kids push on the 11.6-inch screen.

Best Rugged

ASUS Chromebook Flip C214

  • Durable

  • Kid-friendly keyboard

  • Good port options

  • Spill-resistant

  • Limited onboard storage

It also packs a surprising number of port options including two USB 3.0, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. The keyboard has larger letters and a shorter travel distance to make things easier for beginner typists. Like other Chromebooks, the C214 runs the streamlined Chrome OS and has very limited onboard storage—just 32 GB depending on the configuration. This forces users to rely on cloud storage for their files, which Google’s One and Drive applications will happily facilitate. It’s available with 4GB of RAM, which should be fine for kids’ productivity tasks.

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 was designed with kids and parents in mind. This super-slim device is our pick for most portable because it’s essentially a 10.5-inch tablet with an attachable keyboard. But despite its looks, it actually has several features that are much more like a laptop than a tablet. It runs the full Windows 10 OS rather than a pared-down Chromebook system and has built-in parental control features including screen time limits and content filters. The Surface Go 2 also has specs that surpass the processing power of your typical tablet, making it a versatile and lightweight device that’s great for both homework and play. The Surface Go 2 can be configured with either an Intel Pentium 4425Y or Intel Core M3 processor (the Core M3 is more powerful but also more expensive). It can also be configured with either 4 or 8GB of RAM and either 64 or 128GB of storage. The most expensive model has LTE connectivity for internet access away from Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not include the Type Cover keyboard in the box. This needs to be purchased separately.

Best Portable

Microsoft Surface Go 2

  • Attachable keyboard

  • Lightweight

  • Parental controls

  • Keyboard sold separately

  • Only one USB-C port

If you have an older kid or teenager with more demanding laptop needs (running more complex programs, multitasking, etc.) then the Macbook Air is worth looking into. Unlike some of the pared-down Chromebooks on this list, the Air is a full-featured laptop with syncing features for iPhones and iPads that older children will be able to enjoy. The 13.3-inch display is beautiful and detailed, with a high-definition camera for crisp video calls and an 11-hour battery life to get them through a full school day and beyond. The aluminum body weighs only 2.8 pounds and measures a mere 0.63 inches at its thickest point. The Macbook Air is definitely one of the more expensive options on this list, but it’s also a pretty powerful laptop that can be shared with the whole family. Several configuration options let you choose your processing power (up to an Intel Core i7 with 16GB of memory) and storage capacity (up to 2TB SSD). Only the base model has a sub-$1000 price tag. It’s available in gold, silver, and gray.

Best Battery Life

Apple MacBook Air 13

  • 11-hour battery life

  • Impressive 13.3-inch display

  • Lots of onboard storage

  • Expensive

  • Only USB-C ports

If you’re shopping for an older child who needs more power and multitasking capabilities, a bigger screen and a better processor can go a long way. Most mid- and budget-priced laptops have small displays. But the ASUS VivoBook manages to offer a spacious 14-inch screen while staying in an affordable price range. The secret is super-thin “NanoEdge” bezels that maximize the size of the display without adding unnecessary bulk to the laptop body. A larger screen makes it easier to open multiple windows at once, and the VivoBook S14 supports this kind of multitasking with impressive processing power. It comes with a powerful 11th gen processor from Intel, 8GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD. Also, unlike the many Chromebooks on this list, the VivoBook S14 runs the more full-featured Windows 10 operating system. With fun color options, a plethora of ports, and impressive performance for the price, the VivoBook S14 is an all-around great value and a solid choice if you need a laptop that’s a little more sophisticated.

Best Value

Asus Vivobook S14

  • 14-inch FHD screen

  • Windows 10

  • Lots of SSD storage

  • May be a little large for young kids

About our Trusted Experts

Emmeline Kaser is a former editor for Lifewire’s product round-ups and reviews. She is an experienced product researcher specializing in consumer tech.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a great option for most kids because it combines affordability and easy-to-manage security features with a versatile 2-in-1 design. If you’re shopping for a younger child, we’d recommend the Asus Chromebook Flip for its ultra-durable build and kid-friendly keyboard.