If you’re gearing up for the bar exam, one thing’s for sure: the last thing you want is your laptop freezing, dying, or doing something weird when the timer starts. The bar exam is stressful enough — your device should be the least of your worries.
In this guide, we’ll go through the best laptops for the bar exam in 2025 — models that are officially supported by Examplify, have strong battery life, quiet fans, comfortable keyboards, and are built to last through those long study days (and even longer test days).
Also Read: Best Thin and Light Laptops Under $1000
Why Your Laptop Choice Actually Matters
Most U.S. jurisdictions use ExamSoft (Examplify) as their exam software. That means not every laptop is allowed.
✅ Supported: Windows and macOS
❌ Not supported: Chromebooks, Linux laptops, tablets, or anything with outdated OS versions.
You’ll also need a device that can handle:
- Long hours unplugged
- Dozens of typed pages
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned off (as required)
- Power cable connection during testing (some states require it)
So, choosing the right laptop isn’t about having the latest gaming rig — it’s about stability, comfort, and trustworthiness.
✅ Quick Summary — Top Picks at a Glance
| Laptop | Best For | Battery Life | Examplify Support | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💻 MacBook Air M4 (2025) | Overall best choice | 15–18 hrs | ✅ macOS supported | $1,099 |
| 💻 MacBook Pro 14” (M5) | Power + reliability | 12–14 hrs | ✅ macOS supported | $1,599 |
| 💻 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) | Best typing feel | 12–15 hrs | ✅ Windows supported | $1,299 |
| 💻 HP Spectre x360 14 | Convertible + tablet mode | 10–13 hrs | ✅ Windows supported | $1,249 |
| 💻 Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 | Clean Windows experience | 12–16 hrs | ✅ Windows supported | $1,099 |
| 💻 Asus Zenbook S 14 | Lightweight performance | 13–17 hrs | ✅ Windows supported | $999 |
💡 Tip: Always choose 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD if you can. It’s worth it for speed and stability.
Top Laptops for the Bar Exam – Reliable Picks You Can Trust on Test Day
Discover the best laptops for the bar exam — Examplify-ready, reliable, and built for long study days.
🧩 1. MacBook Air (M4, 2025) — The Perfect All-Rounder
If you want a laptop that just works, the MacBook Air M4 is it. It’s fanless (so totally silent), lightweight, and runs macOS Sonoma or later, which Examplify fully supports.
Specs to look for:
- Apple M4 Chip
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- 13″ or 15″ Retina Display
Pros:
✅ Completely silent — no fans, no distractions
✅ Insanely long battery life
✅ Comfortable keyboard for long essays
✅ Excellent trackpad and lightweight build
Cons:
❌ Limited ports (you’ll need a USB-C adapter)
❌ Not upgradable
Best for: Anyone who wants peace of mind and zero technical issues.
⚡ 2. MacBook Pro 14” (M5) — For Power Users
If you multitask like crazy or need a laptop that will last well beyond the bar, go with the MacBook Pro 14”. It’s built for performance with active cooling, a stunning display, and better speakers.
Pros:
✅ Strong sustained performance
✅ Gorgeous screen and great keyboard
✅ More ports than the Air
Cons:
❌ Pricier and slightly heavier
❌ Battery life shorter than the Air
Best for: Students who use demanding apps, manage big note libraries, or want a future-proof laptop.
⌨️ 3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) — Best Keyboard, Period.
Law students love ThinkPads for one reason: the keyboard. It’s tactile, responsive, and perfect for typing long essays. The X1 Carbon is lightweight, durable, and built for professionals.
Pros:
✅ The best keyboard you’ll ever use
✅ Excellent build quality
✅ Long battery life and great service options
Cons:
❌ A bit expensive for high-end configs
❌ Display brightness varies by model
Best for: Bar takers who type fast and want reliability over looks.
✍️ 4. HP Spectre x360 14 — The Convertible Choice
Want to study, read, and annotate in one device? The HP Spectre x360 14 doubles as a tablet, with pen support and a beautiful OLED display.
Pros:
✅ 2-in-1 flexibility (tablet + laptop)
✅ Pen support for notes
✅ Excellent display
Cons:
❌ Slightly heavier than pure laptops
❌ Touchscreen drains battery faster
Best for: Visual learners and note-takers who love highlighting and sketching.
💼 5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 — Minimal, Elegant, Reliable
The Surface Laptop 6 gives you a clean, modern Windows experience. It’s great for law students who prefer Windows over macOS but still want simplicity.
Pros:
✅ Premium build and great keyboard
✅ Long battery life
✅ Crystal-clear display
Cons:
❌ Few ports (you’ll need adapters)
❌ Not user-upgradable
Best for: Windows fans who value design and comfort.
🎒 6. Asus Zenbook S 14 — Light, Powerful, Affordable
This one often flies under the radar, but it’s fantastic. It’s sleek, powerful, and lasts forever on a single charge. Great choice if you’re on a tighter budget but don’t want to compromise.
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and durable
✅ Long battery life
✅ Competitive pricing
Cons:
❌ Some models get warm under load
❌ Keyboard travel slightly shallow
Best for: Anyone who wants great value and portability.
⚙️ Laptop Setup Tips for the Bar Exam
Before you even sit for the test, make sure your laptop is properly configured. Most exam issues happen because of software settings, not hardware.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Run a mock exam on your device | Ensures Examplify works properly |
| 2️⃣ | Update Examplify before the test | Prevents version mismatch errors |
| 3️⃣ | Disable Wi-Fi and antivirus | Required by most jurisdictions |
| 4️⃣ | Plug in your charger | Some states require this |
| 5️⃣ | Free up disk space (min. 50GB) | Avoids storage errors |
| 6️⃣ | Test your webcam/mic (if remote) | For remote-proctored exams |
💡 Minimum System Requirements
These are general Examplify recommendations (always double-check your state bar):
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS | macOS Sonoma / Windows 11 (latest build) |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| CPU | Apple M3/M4 or Intel Core Ultra / Ryzen 7 |
| Battery | 10+ hours |
| Display | 13–15 inches (avoid too small or too large screens) |
🎯 Final Thoughts — Keep It Simple, Keep It Reliable
When it comes to the bar exam, simplicity wins. You don’t need a flashy gaming laptop or a touchscreen spaceship — you just need something that’s fast, stable, and comfortable to use.
If you want my honest advice:
👉 Go with the MacBook Air M4 if you prefer macOS.
👉 Go with the Lenovo X1 Carbon if you prefer Windows.
Both are quiet, lightweight, and built to keep you calm — exactly what you need when everything else feels high-stakes.
FAQs
There’s no single “perfect” laptop for everyone, but the MacBook Air (M4) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon are two of the most trusted choices. They’re reliable, quiet, and officially supported by Examplify. The key is to pick something stable, with at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD — and to make sure it’s tested with your exam software before exam day.
Yes — in almost every U.S. jurisdiction, laptops are allowed and even preferred for the written sections. You’ll use software like Examplify to type your essays. Just be sure your device meets your state bar’s technical requirements and that you’ve completed the mock test to confirm everything works smoothly.
Funny question — and a fair one. Some versions of AI have technically passed certain parts of the bar exam, but that doesn’t mean AI can be a lawyer. The real test is human reasoning, ethics, and judgment — qualities no software can fully replicate. Still, AI tools can be helpful study partners if you use them wisely.
If you’re also working on your thesis, look for a laptop with a comfortable keyboard and long battery life. The MacBook Air, ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and HP Spectre x360 are all excellent for writing, research, and editing. A good writing laptop should feel effortless to type on — that’s what really matters when you’re facing hundreds of pages of work.
How to Choose the Best Laptop for the Bar Exam
Time needed: 8 minutes
Follow these quick steps to pick a laptop that’s Examplify-ready, reliable, and stress-free for the bar exam.
- Check Examplify Compatibility
Before buying, confirm that your laptop supports Examplify.
Avoid Chromebooks, tablets, and outdated Windows or macOS versions.
Only macOS (Sonoma or newer) and Windows 11/12 are officially supported. - Focus on Key Hardware Specs
Choose a model with at least 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a battery that lasts 10+ hours.
Look for a comfortable keyboard and a quiet fan — you’ll be typing essays for hours. - Prepare Your Laptop for Exam Day
Run a mock exam, disable Wi-Fi and antivirus, and keep your charger plugged in during the test.
Free up at least 50GB of space so Examplify runs smoothly without errors.
