As a student, finding the right laptop that balances performance, price, and portability can be a tough task. New devices often come with hefty price tags, which can be out of reach for most students. However, refurbished laptops provide an excellent alternative, offering great performance and value for money without the high costs associated with buying new. In 2025, the market for refurbished laptops has become even more diverse, making it easier than ever to find a laptop that meets your academic and personal needs.
This blog will explore the best refurbished laptops for students in 2025, focusing on a variety of options for different budgets and requirements. Whether you’re a student who needs a reliable laptop for note-taking or one who requires more power for coding or design work, there’s something here for everyone.
- Why Should Students Consider Refurbished Laptops?
- Top 5 Best Refurbished Laptops for Students in 2025
- 1. Lenovo Thinkpad ThinkBook 14-IML i3-10110U – Best for Budget-Conscious Students
- 2. DELL Latitude 7390 i5-7300U – Best for Students Who Need More Power
- 3. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 i5-8265U – Best for Students Who Want a Touchscreen Experience
- 4. HP 840 G6 i5-8365U – Best for Students Seeking a Durable and Affordable Laptop
- How to Choose the Right Refurbished Laptop for Your Needs
- Conclusion
- FAQ's
Why Should Students Consider Refurbished Laptops?
Before we dive into the list of best refurbished laptops for students in 2025, let’s first discuss why refurbished laptops are an excellent option for students. Refurbished devices are often returned or open-box products that have been professionally repaired and restored to like-new condition. These laptops undergo thorough testing and often come with warranties, ensuring high quality and reliability.
One of the primary reasons students opt for refurbished laptops is the significant cost savings. As a student, you’re likely working with a limited budget, and refurbished laptops provide the same performance as new models at a fraction of the price. Additionally, refurbished laptops can help you access higher-end specifications and features that might otherwise be unaffordable.
Another great advantage is that buying refurbished helps reduce e-waste, making it a more eco-friendly option than purchasing new laptops.
Top 5 Best Refurbished Laptops for Students in 2025
Here’s a curated list of some of the best refurbished laptops for students in 2025. Each model has been selected for its performance, build quality, and price, ensuring that students can get the most value for their money.
1. Lenovo Thinkpad ThinkBook 14-IML i3-10110U – Best for Budget-Conscious Students
The Lenovo ThinkPad ThinkBook 14-IML is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable laptop. Powered by an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, this laptop offers solid performance for everyday tasks like browsing, writing, and light multitasking. The 8GB RAM and 1TB storage provide plenty of space for documents, media, and applications.
- Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD display
- Intel Core i3-10110U processor
- 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD storage
- Windows 11 Pro
- Built-in fingerprint reader and camera
- WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity
With its large storage capacity and affordable price, this refurbished Lenovo ThinkBook is a fantastic option for students who need a dependable machine for their studies without breaking the bank.

2. DELL Latitude 7390 i5-7300U – Best for Students Who Need More Power
If you’re a student who needs a bit more power for your work but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a new device, the DELL Latitude 7390 is a fantastic option. This laptop comes with an Intel Core i5-7300U processor, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB NVMe SSD, making it fast and responsive for multitasking, running academic software, and handling more demanding applications. The 13.3-inch FHD display offers excellent clarity for presentations, watching videos, or working on projects.
- Key Features:
- 13.3-inch FHD display
- Intel Core i5-7300U processor
- 16GB RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD
- Windows 10 Pro
- Single-point touchpad and camera
- WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity
With its powerful specifications and portable design, the DELL Latitude 7390 is perfect for students who need a versatile laptop that can handle both work and play.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad T490 i5-8265U – Best for Students Who Want a Touchscreen Experience
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is a standout choice for students who want a laptop with high performance and the added benefit of a touchscreen. Powered by an Intel Core i5-8265U processor, 24GB RAM, and 256GB NVMe SSD storage, the T490 provides more than enough power for handling multiple apps, heavy spreadsheets, or coding projects. Its 14-inch FHD touchscreen is responsive and ideal for students who enjoy using touch-enabled features for drawing, note-taking, or browsing.
- Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD touchscreen display
- Intel Core i5-8265U processor
- 24GB RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
- Built-in fingerprint reader and camera
- WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity
With its robust specs and touchscreen functionality, the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is a great option for students in fields like design, engineering, or business who need a more versatile device.
4. HP 840 G6 i5-8365U – Best for Students Seeking a Durable and Affordable Laptop
The HP 840 G6 is an excellent all-rounder that offers solid performance and durability at an affordable price. This refurbished laptop comes with an Intel Core i5-8365U processor, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB NVMe SSD, providing the power needed for day-to-day tasks like document editing, web browsing, and online learning. Its 14-inch FHD display offers crisp visuals, and with its rugged design, it can handle the wear and tear of daily student life.
- Key Features:
- 14-inch FHD display
- Intel Core i5-8365U processor
- 16GB RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
- Built-in fingerprint reader and camera
- WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity
For students who need a reliable laptop that can withstand heavy use while offering excellent performance, the HP 840 G6 is a fantastic choice.

How to Choose the Right Refurbished Laptop for Your Needs
When selecting a refurbished laptop, here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Budget: Refurbished laptops offer excellent savings compared to new devices, but prices can still vary depending on specifications and brand. Determine your budget and look for laptops that offer the best performance within that range.
- Performance Requirements: The type of work you do will dictate the performance specifications you need. For general tasks like writing papers and browsing the internet, 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor are enough. However, for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, opt for more RAM and a better GPU.
- Battery Life: Since students often need their laptops to last through long days, consider a laptop with long battery life. Look for laptops that provide 8-12 hours of battery life on a single charge.
- Portability: A lightweight design is essential for students who need to carry their laptops between classes, libraries, and study sessions. Choose a model that’s thin and easy to transport.
Conclusion
Refurbished laptops are a smart and cost-effective choice for students in 2025. The best refurbished laptops for students in 2025 offer great value, reliability, and performance at a fraction of the price of new devices. Whether you’re on a tight budget or need a more powerful laptop for your studies, the refurbished models we’ve highlighted here can meet a wide range of academic needs. Remember to consider your specific requirements and preferences before making a purchase, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect laptop for your student life.
Read more How to Fix Common iPhone Issues?
FAQ’s
How long do refurbished laptops last?
With proper care, refurbished laptops can last 3-5 years, similar to new devices, depending on the model and usage.
Can I upgrade a refurbished laptop?
Yes, many refurbished laptops allow for upgrades, such as adding more RAM or swapping the hard drive for SSD.