Which Computer Should You Buy for Your Kid?

We’ve rounded up all our advice on how to find a computer for your child that doesn’t suck—and doesn’t cost a fortune. In addition to recommendations for the best laptops, we also have advice on an array of alternatives, such as how to refresh an old computer, how to buy a used one, and how to shop for a desktop instead of a laptop.

Reuse what you already have

The cheapest (and fastest) option for your kid is to refresh an old computer you’re not using anymore. The newer the computer you’re trying to revive, the easier it will be to reuse that machine, but even eight- or nine-year-old computers can still be useful for basic tasks. 

Check out Wirecutter's guide on how to restore an old Windows computer or turn it into a Chromebook, and how to reset an old Mac or iPad.

Buy a used computer

You can also save money by shopping for a used laptop or desktop that can do most of the same stuff a new one can. Computers don’t improve as quickly as they did a decade or so ago, and for the things kids need a computer for—web browsing, schoolwork, Zoom video calls, and basic games like Minecraft—a used PC from a few years ago won’t feel that different from a brand-new one. But you have to make sure you’re buying a decent laptop or desktop, in good condition, from a reliable seller. And we have all the advice to help you do that.

Choose a new laptop

If you’re shopping for a laptop for a grade-school or middle-school student, you should get a Chromebook, a cheap Windows laptop, or even an iPad with a keyboard.

• Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 Convertible Laptop $439.99 $409.00

Convertible Ease: The slim and convertible Aspire 3 Spin 14 is made for all around productivity. With its ultra-responsive 14" IPS touchscreen and AES Pen support, it easily flips, stands, folds, and spins to the way you work.

• ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Laptop with Google AI $595.04 $554.99

More power, so you can do more: Double the speed. Double the memory. Double the storage with the new ASUS Chromebook Plus.

• Apple iPad (10th Generation) $349.00 $324.00

WHY IPAD — Colorfully reimagined and more versatile than ever, iPad is great for the things you do every day. With an all-screen design, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A14 Bionic chip, superfast Wi-Fi, and four gorgeous colors, iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.

High-school and college students likely need a more powerful, more portable laptop to complete their coursework, but budget remains a concern for students and parents alike.

• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop with M3 chip $1,599.00 $1,449.00

SUPERCHARGED BY M3 — With an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the Apple M3 chip can help you blaze through everyday multitasking and take on pro projects like editing thousands of photos or 4K video.

• Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip $1099.00 $999.00

LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — The blazing-fast MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.

• Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2) $799.00 $749.00

WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air is powerful, versatile, and comes in a choice of two sizes. Featuring a stunning Liquid Retina display and the amazing performance of the M2 chip, along with Touch ID, advanced cameras, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and a USB-C connector.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS and next-generation Apple Pencil Pro experience.*