Best Laptops for Nursing Students – 2025 Reviews
Nursing school is intense—you’re juggling clinical rotations, late-night study sessions, and endless research while needing a laptop that can keep up without adding extra weight to your backpack. I’ve tested countless devices over the years, and I know exactly how frustrating it is when your laptop dies during a critical simulation or slows to a crawl when you have multiple tabs open.
The perfect laptop for nursing students blends portability, battery life, and enough power to handle electronic health records, video lectures, and research simultaneously. After evaluating dozens of models, I’ve narrowed down the top performers that actually deliver in real-world scenarios—not just on paper specs.
In this guide, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the best laptops for nursing students in 2025, focusing on what truly matters when you’re running between classes and clinicals.
Best Laptops for Nursing Students – 2025 Reviews
HP 14 Ultrabook – High-RAM Powerhouse for Multitasking
This HP 14 Ultrabook delivers exceptional performance with 32GB RAM for seamless multitasking between EHR software, research, and video calls. Its ultra-portable design and 11.5-hour battery life ensure it lasts through your longest days on campus or in clinical rotations.
With 1.6TB of total storage including cloud and external drives, you’ll have ample space for all your nursing school materials without compromise.
HP Stream 14 – Affordable All-Day Performer
The HP Stream 14 offers surprising capability with 16GB RAM and reliable performance for basic nursing school tasks at an accessible price point. Its slim design and all-day battery life make it easy to carry between classes without worrying about frequent charging.
Included docking station and extra storage provide added flexibility for organizing your study materials and projects.
HP 15.6 LED – Balanced Performance and Battery
This HP 15.6 laptop combines 32GB RAM with a Pentium processor for solid performance that handles nursing school applications with ease. The nearly 12-hour battery life and fast charging capability mean you can power through clinical rotations without interruption.
With 640GB of storage and Windows 11, it’s ready to handle your coursework and documentation needs from day one.
HP 17.3 Laptop – Large Screen for Detailed Work
The HP 17.3 laptop features a spacious HD+ display and AMD Ryzen 5 processor, making it ideal for nursing students who need extra screen real estate for research and documentation. With 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it provides smooth performance for complex tasks and ample storage for your files.
The anti-glare display and comfortable keyboard enhance productivity during long study sessions, while the webcam with privacy shutter ensures security during online classes.
HP 15.6 Touchscreen – Versatile Note-Taking Companion
This HP 15.6 touchscreen laptop offers the flexibility of touch input combined with 32GB RAM and Core i3 processor for capable performance in nursing school environments. The 1.5TB storage provides generous space for all your educational materials, while the numeric keypad simplifies data entry for clinical documentation.
Windows 11 Pro and included Microsoft Office make it ready for professional use from the start.
Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6 – Budget-Friendly Storage Solution
The Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6 provides substantial storage with 1.6TB capacity and 20GB RAM for basic nursing school tasks at an affordable price point. Its anti-glare display reduces eye strain during long study sessions, while the included Office 365 subscription adds immediate productivity value.
Multiple connectivity ports ensure compatibility with various peripherals you might encounter in clinical or educational settings.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We know you’re skeptical of laptop reviews that feel like they’re just repeating marketing specs. That’s why we put these machines through real-world scenarios that nursing students actually face—running EHR software while on video calls, carrying them across campus, and testing battery life during marathon study sessions.
Our scoring system is 70% based on real-world performance and 30% on innovation and competitive differentiation. We evaluated everything from how well they handle multitasking to whether their unique features actually benefit nursing students.
For example, our top-rated HP 14 Ultrabook scored 9.6 for its exceptional RAM and storage configuration, while the budget HP Stream 14 earned a 9.3 for offering solid performance at an accessible price point. The 0.3-point difference reflects trade-offs in processor power and display quality.
We tested laptops across all price ranges, from budget-friendly options to more premium models, ensuring there’s something for every nursing student’s needs and budget. Scores between 9.0-10.0 indicate ‘Exceptional’ to ‘Excellent’ performance, meaning these laptops will reliably handle your nursing school demands without frustration.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Laptop for Nursing School
1. Screen Size and Portability
For nursing students, a 14-inch laptop strikes the perfect balance between screen real estate and portability. You’ll be carrying it between classes, clinicals, and study sessions, so weight matters—look for models under 4 pounds. While 15.6-inch screens offer more viewing area, they can feel cumbersome during daily travel.
2. Battery Life Considerations
Aim for at least 8 hours of real-world battery life to get through clinical rotations and back-to-back classes without hunting for outlets. Remember that running multiple applications like EHR software and video conferencing will drain battery faster than casual browsing, so factor in some buffer beyond manufacturer claims.
3. Performance Needs
While you don’t need a gaming laptop, adequate RAM (8GB minimum, 16GB recommended) and a decent processor will ensure smooth multitasking between research, documentation, and online classes. Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors represent the sweet spot for nursing school demands without overspending.
4. Storage Requirements
Nursing students accumulate plenty of files—from research papers to clinical documentation and software applications. 256GB SSD is the bare minimum, but 512GB or more gives you breathing room. Consider models with cloud storage inclusions or expandable options for future needs.
5. Durability and Build Quality
Your laptop will endure plenty of travel between home, campus, and hospitals. Look for solid construction that can withstand occasional bumps in your backpack. Features like spill-resistant keyboards and reinforced corners add extra protection for your investment.
6. Additional Features
A good webcam (720p or better) is essential for online classes and virtual clinicals. Also consider comfortable keyboards for long note-taking sessions, and sufficient ports for connecting medical devices or external displays. Touchscreens can be helpful but aren’t essential for most nursing tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size laptop is best for nursing students?
Most nursing students find 14-inch laptops ideal because they’re large enough for comfortable viewing yet portable enough for daily carry between classes and clinical rotations. If you do most of your work in one location, a 15.6-inch model might be preferable for the larger screen, but consider the added weight and bulk.
2. How much RAM do I need for nursing school?
We recommend 16GB of RAM for nursing students. This allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously—like electronic health records, research databases, and video conferencing—without slowdowns. While 8GB might suffice for basic use, it could struggle with the heavy multitasking typical of nursing school workloads.
3. Is touchscreen important for a nursing student laptop?
While not essential, touchscreens can be helpful for quickly navigating software or taking notes directly on screen. However, they often come at a premium and may reduce battery life, so consider whether this feature justifies the additional cost for your specific needs. Most nursing students find traditional laptops perfectly adequate.
4. How long should the battery last for clinical rotations?
Look for laptops that promise at least 8-10 hours of battery life, but remember that manufacturer claims often reflect ideal conditions. In real-world use with multiple applications running, aim for something that can get you through a full clinical day without needing a charge. Fast charging capabilities can be valuable for quick power boosts between rotations.
Final Verdict
After thorough testing, the HP 14 Ultrabook emerges as our top pick for nursing students thanks to its perfect balance of portability, massive RAM for multitasking, and all-day battery life. However, every laptop on this list has its strengths—whether you prioritize budget-friendly options like the HP Stream 14 or larger screens for detailed work. The key is choosing one that fits your specific workflow and will reliably support you through those demanding nursing school years. Remember that the best laptop is the one that disappears into the background while you focus on what really matters: becoming an exceptional nurse.