Tired of seeing expensive laptops peddled as the best laptops for biology majors? For college students it is difficult to find a good laptop within budget, but not anymore.
We researched a lot to come up with the best and most efficient laptops. In our view, Apple MacBook Air is beating all other laptops in its features by far. It has a fast M1 Chip, along with a retina display. The 8GB RAM with 256GB storage is spacious for storing all the notes without a problem.
In addition to this, we have chosen the best laptop for biology majors in different categories which cater to different feature choices. Let’s dig in!
- Fast Octa-core Processor
- Retina Display
- 8GB RAM
- Lightweight
- Nano Edge Display
- Fingerprint sensor
- Backlit Keyboard
- Ergonomic Design
- Touchscreen
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7
- 512GB SSD
- Good Graphics Card
Quick Comparison – Best Laptop for Biology Majors
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |
| 9.9 | View on Amazon |
Best for Productivity |
| 9.8 | View on Amazon |
Best on Budget |
| 9.7 | View on Amazon |
Premium Option  |
| 9.6 | View on Amazon |
Best Speed  |
| 9.6 | View on Amazon |
The Powerhouse  |
| 9.6 | View on Amazon |
Runner-Up  |
| 9.5 | View on Amazon |
Best Display  |
| 9.4 | View on Amazon |
Best Design  |
| 9.3 | View on Amazon |
Best for Travel  |
| 9.2 | View on Amazon |
How Did We Test?
We are a team of experienced and qualified professionals i.e. Anthony Mark, Micheal Hall, Ryan Miles, and James Ridge. We ran different tests and software for a week to choose the best laptop for biology majors. We focused on:
Display
We tested the display features on physical measures such as narrow bezel, wide angle, LED/LCD backlight, and resolution by the feel of laptops. Apart from this we also tested the color gamut and color tone along with brightness in nits through benchmark tests.
Memory
We compared the reported and available storage and RAM speed by downloading and running a few biology software e.g. PyMol. The download speed was measured by internet tests.
Battery
Each one of us used one or two laptops for our daily workload on a single full charge. We kept tabs on the battery life in real-time and compared it with the reported ones.
Processing Speed
The CPU is the main player in a laptop’s performance. So, we tested the booting time and average clock rate of processors with Cinebench 5.4 Pro and PCMark10 benchmark tests.
1. Apple MacBook Air
- Screen Size: 13.3-Inch
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Color: Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Midnight
MacBook Air has a Touch ID feature that can unlock the iPhone connected to the laptop with a single finger tap. It saves the hassle of going back and forth between the phone and the laptop during a study session.
This MacBook Air is the best laptop for biology majors because it has all the features to help through the coursework. It has a sleek design and is lightweight so it can easily fit in a backpack or even an oversized jacket. The 13.3 inches retina display has vibrant colors and optimized True Tone technology.
The Apple M1 chip with an octa-core CPU works 3.5x faster in performance than previous versions. It is best to run gene or protein databases and load different sequences within microseconds. Moreover, its 256GB storage memory is more than enough to store all class notes and important biology software like PyMol.
Also, MacBook Air is compatible with Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Google Drive to keep steady access to all the important data. This laptop is a perfect blend of efficiency and style and you can take it anywhere as it weighs only 2.8 pounds.
Besides being a workhorse, it can also be used for entertainment purposes. The wireless connections are good and it can connect to any app on your iPhone or iPad. Also, it has a backlit keyboard to help you through all-nighters with a 20% force-touch trackpad for smooth working. And yes! It has a battery life of over 18 hours so it can last long on a single charge.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.3-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 256 GB |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs |
| Colors | Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Midnight |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 0.16 x 11.97 x 8.36 |
- Long Battery Life
- Retina Display
- Lightweight
- Powerful M1 CPU
- Limited Hardware Upgrade
2. ASUS VivoBook 15
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 3.75 lbs
- Colors: Transparent Silver, Slate Grey, Peacock Blue
Asus Vivobook 15 has an ergonomic backlit keyboard with a fingerprint sensor. This sensor acts as an additional layer of security and also gives easy access to the authorized person.
This is one of the finest laptops to come across on a budget that checks all the boxes. It has a 15.6 inches wide four-way NanoEdge display. The 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect to see all the diagrams and text vividly with an immersive performance.
The Asus Vivobook also has an exclusive ergo lift design for improved typing positions. It is best for biology majors as taking notes in class has never been easier. This laptop can also adjust to different surfaces. It also has an HD camera for zoom lectures or video chatting with friends and family.
In addition to that, it has the 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU with a base clock rate of 3.4GHz. It is supported by 8GB DDR4 RAM so multitasking is not a problem. The 128GB SSD is also impressive as it can download any biological software at a lightning speed.
To top it off, it has a high-speed internet connection with a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and multiple connectivity ports. The WiFi works at an impressive speed of 867 MBps. Moreover, it is easy to connect different devices with the laptop with a reversible USB-C port. It also has a USB 2.0 port, USB 3.1 HDMI output, and a micro SD card reader.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 128 GB |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs |
| Colors | Transparent Silver, Slate Grey, Peacock Blue |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.78 inches |
- Backlit Keyboard
- Fingerprint Reader
- Durable Build
- Excellent Port Selection
- Weak Audio System
3. HP Envy X360
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Colors: Silver, Natural Silver, Dark Ash Silver, Mineral Silver, Platinum Gold
- Weight: 4.52 lbs
It has a 360-degree hinge that can convert this laptop into a tablet and vice versa. It is easy to use and can save space during meetings or on the go. It is a good substitute for a graphics tablet if simple biology diagrams are the goal.
It is competitive to be in college and sometimes it gets messy to take notes. So, HP Envy X360 is the best laptop for biology majors who want to draw, write and type at the same time. It has a 15.6 inches full HD IPS display with a touchscreen that is compatible with both stylus and fingers.
Moreover, its quad-core processor, the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-10510U, can handle different workloads with ease. It has a turbo speed of up to 4.1 GHz which can handle even the heaviest programs in biology.
A big part of taking a biology class is exploring various databases such as NCBI. So it has the latest WiFi 802.11ac for fast connectivity. Moreover, it has a massive 32GB RAM which keeps the laptop from lagging and improves work efficiency.
This laptop is the best to write research papers or reports because its 512GB SSD storage has plenty of space to store all the source data in one place. Moreover, it has Intel UHD Graphics GPU which comes in handy for editing animations in Adobe Premiere or using protein structure folding software like NovaFold, etc.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 4.52 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Natural Silver, Dark Ash Silver, Mineral Silver, Platinum Gold |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches |
- Speedy Performance
- Expandable RAM and M.2 Storage
- Bright Display
- Stylus Included
- Heavy
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- Screen Size: 12.3 Inch
- Resolution: 2736 x 1824
- Weight: 1.70 lbs
- Colors: Platinum, Matte Black
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has a long battery life of 10.5 hours and even longer standby time. Also, it has a fast charging feature that enables the laptop to be 80% charged within an hour.
Another versatile option for a touchscreen laptop for biology majors can be the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. Unlike HP Envy X360, it has a bit small display of 12.3 inches but it has equally the best features. Also, it is super light and portable so carrying it to any lecture will be a breeze.
This laptop can connect to multiple monitors as well with the help of a dock or an adapter. It has both USB-C and USB-A ports so it can connect easily to external devices like projectors, adapters, monitors, etc. Moreover, the Instant On feature makes the laptop boot faster so the waiting time to restart the laptop is minimum.
It has an upgraded WiFi 6 (802.11ax) along with Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology for fast connections. Speed is your friend when it comes to 16GB RAM which helps handle multiple programs at the same time.
The 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor runs any task at hand smoothly. Often loading new molecular or biological databases take time but a speedy internet with a fast CPU cut that time short. What’s more? This laptop comes with a 1-year hardware warranty.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 12.3 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 2736 x 1824 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 1.70 lbs |
| Colors | Platinum, Matte Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 7.9 x 0.33 x 11.5 inches |
- Premium Metal Chassis
- WiFi 6 Support
- Long Battery Life
- USB-C and USB-A Ports
- No Thunderbolt 3 Support
5. Dell Inspiron 15 3511
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 3.82 lbs
- Colors: Carbon Black, Platinum Silver
It has an expandable memory of up to 32GB RAM and up to 2TB SSD. It is convenient to upgrade the storage space without the hassle of buying a new laptop. Also, the data transfer and RAM speed are appreciable.
One of the best things about Dell laptops is that they are budget-friendly and packed with productivity features. For a biology major, there are assignments, exams, and scientific research, and things add up quickly. This is why Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has high-speed 16GB RAM that can run smoothly multiple apps and tabs at the same time.
Moreover, it also has a spacious 512GB SSD to store all the data. This spacious storage also helps in fast bootup and data transfer. In addition to that, it has a quad-core processor i.e. Intel Core i5-1035G1 which performs remarkably under pressure.
Like everything else, a good display can make a difference in the overall user experience. This laptop has a 15.6-inches full HD display with a touchscreen. Also, it is anti-glare so feel free to use it in the classroom or outdoors without having to squint your eyes.
And another thing, it has the latest Windows 11 interface with all the recent updates. It is great to update from Windows 10 because it can store and run all the old files just fine. The overall laptop structure is durable and lightweight.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 3.82 lbs |
| Colors | Carbon Black, Platinum Silver |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 0.74 x 14.11 x 9.27 inches |
- Narrow Broader WVA Display
- Sustainable Design
- Wide Range Legacy Ports
- Stereo Speakers
- No VGA Port
6. Acer Swift 3
- Screen Size: 14 Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 2.65 lbs
- Colors: Silver, Blue, Gold
It has an Alexa built-in feature that can be connected to Amazon Echo. You can also browse the internet on the laptop with verbal commands or perform other functions. It can also help in taking verbal notes with accuracy.
It has a stunning battery life of almost 12 hours which makes it a perfect laptop for biology majors. The battery life is stunning because the laptop itself is super-thin and quite portable yet it manages to provide long battery life for the best efficiency.
The all-metal case makes Acer Swift 3 durable and it looks stylish as well. It has an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U octa-core processor. It is one of the fast CPUs out there for school or college use. Apart from this, it has AMD Radeon graphics GPU which is best for editing pictures and videos.
Another good thing about this laptop is its ultra-thin bezels. It gives an immersive 82.73% screen-to-body ratio or in other words 16:10 aspect ratio. Although the screen is only 14-inches, the full HD IPS display gives a vivid and colorful experience.
Moreover, it offers clear communication with an HD webcam for crisp images and Acer Purified voice with two built-in microphones to filter out white noise. It is a great pick if you often attend lectures and seminars online. Also, the embedded fingerprint reader keeps the data safe and let’s the authorized person log in without entering a password.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 2.65 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Gold |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 12.73 x 8.62 x 0.63 inches |
- Decent Performance
- Long Battery Life
- Quiet Keyboard
- Covers 98% sRGB
- Small Touchpad
7. CHUWI CoreBook X
- Screen Size: 14 Inch
- Resolution: 2160 x 1440
- Weight: 3.31 lbs
- Colors: Silver, Dark Grey
Chuwi Corebook X offers awesome graphics with an 80% sRGB gamut. It is great for viewing and editing intricate biological images with great clarity and vividness.
It is rare to find a 2K resolution display in laptops in this range but Chuwi Corebook X surpasses all expectations. It is a package deal with a fast processor, amazing display, latest connectivity tools, free warranty, and long battery life. All these features make it a top choice as the best laptop for biology majors.
First off, it has a 3:2 aspect ratio (14-inch) IPS wide-angle display with stunning colors and a crisp image. Most biology majors have to spend a lot of time reading or researching behind the screen, so this laptop is designed to relieve eye strain and visual fatigue. Chuwi Corebook X has Flicker-free and low blue light certifications to make it a vision-friendly laptop.
Moreover, it has the latest Intel Core i3-1011U processor with a maximum speed of 4.1GHz which is quite impressive. It also has a WiFI 6 which is 5 times faster than WiFi 5 and offers more stable and fast connections. This wireless network can run up to 867Mbps and the data transmission rate is +100% as compared to Bluetooth 4.2.
What’s more? This laptop has an energy-efficient WLED backlit keyboard with decent travel. It will help you type comfortably even if there is no light source around. It also has a full-function USB-C interface, which supports audio, video, and data transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1440 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 3.31 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Dark Grey |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 14.33 x 13.39 x 2.56 inches |
- Bright and Vivid Colors
- Good Battery Life
- Large Storage Capacity
- Easy Upgrade
- USB-C Port does not support Power-Delivery
8. HP Pavilion x360
- Screen Size: 14 Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 3.50 lbs
- Colors: Cloud Blue, Pale Gold, Natural Silver
HP Pavilion x360 has a BIOS recovery and protection system which checks the laptop's health regularly and makes essential software repairs when needed. It also keeps tabs and protects against unauthorized access, secures local storage, and recovers from boot-up issues on its own.
It is the best laptop for biology majors if you are looking for large storage in 14-inch laptops. HP Pavillion X360 has a 14 inches full HD display with a touchscreen. The best thing is that it is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that can be used as a laptop and as a tablet. It has versatile modes and the tent position is best for note-taking and drawing.
The 10th Generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1035G1 CPU is well-suited for running various programs and biological databases seamlessly. The processor speed can go up to 3.6GHz in Turbo Boost mode when the workload is heavy. Also, its 8GB DDR4 RAM has a higher bandwidth to get tasks done with efficiency in minimum time.
This laptop comes with the latest WiFi 6 connection to keep you connected for any professional task. The HP wide-vision HD webcam and a dual-array microphone make it a good choice for remote learning. The keyboard is also backlit for better typing in low-lit conditions.
Moreover, HP Pavilion X360 has an impeccable battery life of around 9 hours and 45 minutes. However, during heavy use, the average battery life was noted to be around 7 hours. In addition, the laptop can charge from 0 to 50% in 45 minutes due to HP’s fast charge technology.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 3.50 lbs |
| Colors | Cloud Blue, Pale Gold, Natural Silver |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 12.76 x 8.78 x 0.81 inches |
- Strong Performance
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Touchscreen
- Aesthetic Design
- Battery life is rather short
9. Lenovo ThinkPad E595
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 3.00 lbs
- Colors: Black, Silver
Lenovo ThinkPad E595 comes with a one-year warranty and can be returned or replaced if there is a genuine problem. Also, the hardware material is military-grade certified and has a security lock slot for better security.
First of all, the Lenovo ThinkPad is a beast when it comes to productivity. The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U is a quad-core processor that can take on any workload with ease. It has a clock rate of up to 3.70GHz which ensures fast bootup which means a minimum wait to start applications.
Next, the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 GPU offers the best color and image quality. For instance, rendering or editing any biological phenomenon in animation is so much easier due to integrated graphics. The color gamut is also good with a 58.2% sRGB benchmark test.
This laptop comes with 8GB RAM that covers all the multitasking without hogging down the system. It also has 256GB SSD storage which is enough for common biology software like Ubuntu, AMPHORA or AutoDock, etc.
It has multiple ports for connectivity including a USB-C port, 3 USB-A, an HDMI, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader. In addition to this, it also has ethernet, Bluetooth, and WiFi 5 options to connect to wireless devices without a problem. The keyboard has a clicky feel along with premium security features.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 256 GB |
| Weight | 3.00 lbs |
| Colors | Black, Silver |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 9.9 x 0.8 inches |
- Fast CPU Performance
- Rich Contrast IPS Display
- Incredible Keyboard
- Doesn’t use PVM to adjust brightness
- No dedicated graphics card
10. BMAX Y13
- Screen Size: 13.3 Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 2.80 lbs
- Colors: Space Grey
It has a 2-level adjustable keyboard backlight which can be turned on or off. Moreover, the backlight’s brightness can be adjusted given to the environment simply by pressing the F2 key.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a college laptop without compromising the quality then BMAX Y13 is the answer. As a biology major, having a convertible laptop with a touchscreen is a plus. So, this laptop has a 13.3 inches full HD display with a touchscreen. It is almost like the HP Pavilion x360 but in a more affordable range.
It has the latest upgraded Intel N4120 processor with a clock rate of up to 2.6GHz. Although the CPU speed is a little less compared to other laptops on this list, it gets tasks done smoothly. The quad-core processor along with the 8GB DDR4 RAM makes the best duo for smooth workflow and enhanced productivity.
Unlike other laptops, it has 2 dedicated USB Type-C ports to connect multiple devices at the same time. Apart from this it also has a built-in fast charging port, micro SDcard reader, audio jack, and SSD expansion slot. It has base storage of 256GB SSD which can be expanded with an external hard drive or a hardware upgrade.
The touchscreen is the real star as it comes in handy to make notes, read research papers with handwritten additions, and much more. A stylus pen is recommended to use but it can also be operated without any stylus. Overall, it is a high-functioning laptop that can work as a tablet as well.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.3 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 256 GB |
| Weight | 2.80 lbs |
| Colors | Space Grey |
| Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 12.1 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches |
- Fast Memory
- Color Accurate Display
- Value for Money
- Portable
- Low Battery Life
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Laptop for Biology Majors
If you are a biology major you can go through the following checklist before buying a laptop. We have compiled this to help you choose the best laptop that caters to all your needs.
Portability
For college students, laptop portability is of prime importance. No one wants to fatigue their shoulders, so pick a lightweight laptop ideally between 2 to 3 pounds. Also, see if it can fit in a backpack or not. Also, if it is a 2-in-1 laptop then it is a plus.
Memory
If a laptop has more RAM it can multitask better and the overall speed is also fast. Although biology majors don’t come across heavy use like that in programming, a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM is recommended. If you can upgrade it to 16GB it can be even better, especially when running power-intensive software.
Battery Life
There is hardly any time to charge a laptop again and again in college. This is why we recommend a laptop with an average battery life of 8 to 10 hours so you can get through all your classes without a problem.
Keyboard
It is important to have a backlit keyboard with crisp typing and decent key travel. A backlit keyboard can make a big difference in a low-lit environment. Also, look for security features like a fingerprint reader as a plus.
Software Support
Several biology software are Linux based and do not operate in other software systems. So, pick a laptop that supports all the related software you are going to use, especially in biostatistics and molecular biology. So go for Windows or Mac software, and stay clear of Chromebooks.
Conclusion
All in all, we tried to cover all aspects you may come across while choosing the best laptop for biology majors. Apple MacBook Air and Asus VivoBook 15 are our top choices in every aspect. If you are interested in a 2-in-1 convertible laptop then HP Envy X360, Microsoft Surface Pro 7, and HP Pavilion X360 are great options. The touchscreen option is best for drawing images or illustrations with the help of a stylus.
Other laptops with powerful display, memory, storage, and battery life are Dell Inspiron 15 3511, Acer Swift 3, and Chuwi Corebook X. Apart from this, Lenovo ThinkPad E595 and BMAX Y13 are good portables and budget options for the best laptop for biology majors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which laptop is best for research students?
Any laptop with a powerful CPU, fast RAM, long battery life, and spacious storage can be a good option. We recommend Apple MacBook Air as the best laptop for research students as it covers all the important features and gives the best performance.
What is the most popular laptop among college students?
Apple and HP are the most popular laptops among college students. It is followed by Dell which also has amazing specs and a price range to be a staple for students of various majors.
