The Best Laptops for Programming in 2023

The best programming laptops can handle a workload above the norm for a standard personal computer. A laptop with a strong processor and a high-resolution screen may serve as a mobile office.

Gone are the days when programmers were required to sit in front of a massive desktop computer with many high-end displays. The best laptops for the workplace enable coding and programming anytime, wherever.

Purchasing a laptop for programming is distinct from buying one for gaming or general business usage. There is no way around programming being resource-intensive, even though programmers sometimes require a little processing power, particularly in the beginning.

Like with any reason to purchase a laptop, one size does not fit all users. We’ve produced a list of the best Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS laptops for experienced and novice programmers.

List of Top 7 Best Programming Laptops

Choosing the best laptop for programming ensures you’ll have access to a robust central processing unit, a robust graphics-intensive memory processor, and a generous amount of RAM.

1.   Apple MacBook Pro 16 – Best Laptop for Programming Students

The MacBook Pro 16 is one of the best apple laptops for programming and is highly recommended for students in this discipline. Its superior capabilities and features make it the ideal tool for any programming learner.

The mighty M1 and M2 processor series are one of the most noticeable characteristics of the MacBook Pro. These CPUs provide high CPU and GPU performance, remarkable power economy, and battery longevity.

In addition, the MacBook Pro is not hindered by compatibility concerns with older applications, making it the best programming laptop for students who need a dependable and efficient laptop. You can also explore our list of the Best Laptop for Computer Science Students.

Programming students who need a laptop that can manage their tasks should consider purchasing a MacBook Pro, despite its high price. Whether you get the M1 Pro or M1 Max model, the MacBook Pro can be set up to meet your needs, with up to 8TB of SSD storage and 32GB or 64GB of unified memory.

Due to its larger display, we suggest the 16-inch MacBook Pro over the 14-inch model for programming students. The more prominent display’s increased usability and efficiency facilitate working with complicated code.

Programming and other complex jobs are ideal for the MacBook Pro 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and ProMotion variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

The MacBook Pro’s dedication to Thunderbolt connection is notable, which includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI connector, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack.

These technologies allow the connection of additional screens and powerful docking stations, extending the capabilities of the MacBook Pro.

The macOS operating system is best for programming students since it provides a friendly environment for software development. Students may concurrently develop for macOS, Linux, and Windows on a MacBook Pro, making it a good option for targeting many platforms.

Final Views:

The Apple MacBook Pro is the best programming laptop because of its superior features, performance, and usability. Its intense M1 and M2 processor series, colossal screen, Thunderbolt interface, and macOS operating system make it the ideal tool for any programming student seeking a dependable, efficient, and high-performing computer.

 

2. Dell XPS 15 – Best 15-inch Laptop for Programming

If you prefer Windows and are seeking the best 15-inch laptop for programming, the Dell XPS 15 is a fantastic alternative to the MacBook Pro.

This Windows laptop has many characteristics with its Apple version, including a beautiful appearance, superior build quality, and exceptional performance. It is optimal for programmers who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Even though Dell has a 17-inch XPS notebook, the 15-inch XPS is the one to purchase. Due to its thin bezels, it is smaller than conventional 15-inch laptops, with a chassis around the size of 14-inch versions. It weighs about 4.31 pounds (1.96 kilograms), making it lightweight and portable.

Dell offers several customization choices for the XPS 15, and you can increase the specifications as necessary. Even if your initial budget only allows for 16GB of RAM, you may still expand to 32 GB.

Programmers often need a large amount of memory, and the PCIe SSDs included in the XPS 15 may be modified to accommodate their requirements, making it the best laptop for programming.

Beneath the hood, the XPS 15 is a powerhouse. It utilizes Intel’s newest 12th Generation CPUs, ranging from the Core i5 to the 14-core Core i9-12900HK.

In addition to Intel’s integrated graphics, the laptop has NVIDIA graphics choices, such as the RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti. So, the XPS 15 is excellent for GPU-intensive work and gaming.

With three distinct resolution settings – FHD+, 3.5K OLED, and UHD+ – programming on the 15.6-inch display is a pleasure. All three feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, which provides more display area.

In his Dell XPS 15 review, Rich Woods, Editor-in-Chief, said that even the standard FHD+ display is remarkable (9520).

Dell has included Windows Hello biometric security, Thunderbolt 4 connection, USB-C 3.2, and power delivery in its products. The ability to attach an external GPU through Thunderbolt 4 is the XPS 15’s most noteworthy feature. If necessary, this enables customers to add more power to the laptop, like an RTX 3080 Ti.

The Dell XPS 15 is the best dell laptop for programming due to its stylish appearance, many customization options, and powerful technology. It is the ideal MacBook Pro replacement for Windows programmers.

Final Views:

With its robust features, reliable performance, and excellent user experience, the Dell XPS 15 is the best laptop for programming. Its modern look and adaptability make it an excellent buy for novice and experienced programmers.

 

3.   Dell XPS 13 – Best 13-inch Laptop for Programming

The Dell XPS 13 Plus is an outstanding option if you’re looking for the best Dell laptop for programming since it’s commonly considered the best 13-inch laptop for programming enthusiasts who appreciate a small device.

The XPS 13 Plus improves upon the original model, which was the first to fit a 13-inch screen into an 11-inch chassis, by using the newest 12th Generation Intel CPUs and a novel haptic touchpad built into the palm rest. Chief Reviewer Rich Woods compared using the XPS 13 Plus to being “in the future” in a review.

Intel Iris Xe, included in all XPS 13 Plus models, provides more than enough graphics processing capacity for programming, so don’t worry about the lack of a separate graphics card. The XPS 13 Plus has 2TB or more PCIe SSDs.

This Dell laptop has 32GB of RAM for most programming tasks. The XPS 13 Plus’s stunning display is one of its best features. You can have it with anything from a Full High Definition Plus (FHD+) panel to a 3.5K OLED or a UHD+ IPS touchscreen.

Although a screen with perfect colors and a high resolution isn’t strictly necessary for programming, it may make a difference in the user experience. Text on a high-resolution screen is more transparent and easier to see and causes less strain on the eyes from gazing at it for long periods.

Although small, the XPS 13 Plus is present in the connection department. The two Thunderbolt 4 connections let you hook up peripherals like high-resolution monitors or an external graphics processing unit (eGPU) for super-fast processing.

This Dell portable laptop can be converted into a powerful desktop with a suitable dock, making it the ideal and best 2-in-1 programming laptop at home or in the workplace. Finally, if you’re a fan of programming and want a small yet powerful laptop, go no further than the Dell XPS 13 Plus.

Final Views:

The Dell XPS 13 Plus is the best laptop for programming. It delivers the ideal combination of power and portability with its swift performance, stylish appearance, and unique features.

Its bright display and good battery life make it an excellent option for mobile developers that want high-quality computational capability.

 

4.   HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook – Best Core i7 Laptop for Programming

Are you looking for the best Core i7 laptop for programming? Take just the HP Elite Dragonfly ChromeBook into consideration. It is not the most cost-effective option but one of the best.

The influential 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and up to 32 gigabytes of RAM make it ideal for programming. The 512 gigabytes of storage provided by the PCIe SSD are more than sufficient for your work.

One of the most significant characteristics of the HP Elite Dragonfly is its support for the Linux development environment. This closely connected virtual machine delivers a complete Linux installation on top of and integrated with ChromeOS.

As a result, using graphical user interface (GUI) programs, installing dependencies, and running some of the most popular code editors, such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, is incredibly simple. If you are familiar with Linux, you will have no trouble adjusting to the new environment.

Using the HP Elite Dragonfly is an absolute pleasure, thanks to including a haptic touchpad as an added feature. Also, the panel’s aspect ratio of 3:2 makes it an excellent choice for programming.

You will have enough vertical space to look at several lines of code simultaneously, making it much easier to stay organized and productive. You can also check our list of the Best Laptops for Engineering Students.

The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best laptop for programming. It has sturdy specs, a development environment based on Linux, and a display favorable to programmers, ensuring it will please even the most discriminating programmers.

Final Views:

In conclusion, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is the best core i7 laptop for programming. Its strong CPU, quick SSD, and lightweight design make it a fantastic option for mobile developers.

In addition, its long battery life and bright display allow users to operate productively for lengthy periods. With its unique features and speed, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is unquestionably a strong candidate for programmers seeking a new laptop.

 

5.   HP Pavilion Aero 13 – Best HP Laptop for Programming

There is now a market for the best HP laptop for programming. There is no need to go further than the HP Pavilion Aero 13, which offers unmatched performance at an accessible price on the wallet.

This laptop’s AMD processor is one of its most noteworthy features since it has remarkable multi-core performance, making it an excellent choice for programming.

You may select a central processing unit (CPU) from either the Ryzen 5 or the Ryzen 7 5000 series, and it will rapidly complete even the most resource-intensive tasks.

But, the HP Pavilion Aero 13 is more than just a central processing unit (CPU). In addition, it offers up to 16 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM) and up to one terabyte of solid-state drive (SSD) storage, which guarantees that you will have enough space for all of your data and programs. In addition, you can use a 1920×1200 or a 2560×1600 high-resolution display, allowing you to inspect your code in a new level of detail.

Yet, the HP Pavilion Aero 13’s superior build quality sets it apart. Despite its compactness, this laptop is robust and durable due to its magnesium construction. And since it has a profile of just 17 millimeters, it is easy to slip into a bag and bring it wherever you need to work.

In addition, the best laptop for programming must also be well-equipped in portability. The HP Pavilion Aero 13 keeps users from being down with its many ports, including USB-A and USB-C connectors, HDMI 2.0, a headphone socket, and a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello.

The Pavilion Aero 13 is the best laptop for programming on a budget. Because of its powerful central processing unit (CPU), ample storage, high-resolution screen, and sturdy structure, the laptop can keep up with even the most demanding programming tasks.

Final Views:

The best HP laptop for programming is the Pavilion Aero 13. It boasts a robust AMD Processor, a beautiful display, a long-lasting battery, and a lightweight, portable design.

This laptop has everything a learner or professional needs to finish, even the most complex programming jobs. Its excellent performance and affordable price make it a good programming laptop. The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is a solid, powerful laptop for programmers.

 

6.   Apple MacBook Air – Best Apple Laptop for Programming

Various alternatives are available when searching for the best laptop for coding and programming. The MacBook Air, however, stands out as a superb option for individuals seeking the optimal blend of performance, affordability, and mobility.

While it’s not cheap, the MacBook Air’s speedy performance and excellent graphics capabilities are made possible by Apple’s M2 Processor. With an 8-core Processor and an 8-core or 10-core GPU, the MacBook Air performs remarkably well even when running many programs concurrently.

The laptop also has Apple’s 16-core Neural Engine, making machine learning and other complex tasks faster.

No laptop is complete without an excellent display, and the MacBook Air is no exception. The 13.3-inch display’s resolution of 2560×1600 makes it ideal for looking at lines of code all day without causing eye strain.

Yet despite its small size and lightweight, the MacBook Air still carries an impressively long-lasting battery, so you can work on your projects all day without worrying about running out of power.

Although the MacBook Air lacks the storage capacity of several other laptops on the market, it provides excellent alternatives for upgrading storage through external hard drives and other devices.

In addition, the laptop’s Thunderbolt 3/USB 4.0 ports can support the vast majority of instruments and accessories required for coding and programming.

Regarding operating systems, macOS is just as vital as the hardware it runs on. The MacBook Air is the best laptop for anybody interested in programming.

Whether you’re developing iOS or Android apps, Windows software, or websites, the MacBook Air is a flexible and powerful tool that can handle almost any task.

The MacBook Air is one of the best Apple laptops available today for coding and programming. It is the best option for those who want to take their coding and programming job to the next level without breaking the budget due to its strong CPU, fantastic display, and good battery life.

Final Views:

In conclusion, the Apple MacBook Air is the best laptop for programming because of its excellent performance, mobility, and battery life. It is a preferred option for developers and programmers because of its lightweight design, robust hardware, and user-friendly software.

The MacBook Air is ideal for managing demanding tasks, multitasking, and coding without lag or performance difficulties. Its high-resolution screen, excellent keyboard delight programming, and sturdy construction guarantee it can handle the rigors of daily usage.

 

7.   Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Programming

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the best 2-in-1 laptop for programming. This gadget is not your average tablet; it pioneered the category of 2-in-1 devices and continues to set the standard. The Surface Pro 8 was a game-changer, and the Pro 9 ups the ante with its elegant appearance and superb performance.

The Surface Pro 9’s 13-inch, 3:2 aspect ratio display is one of its most notable programming features. This display is ideal for writing code since it provides an excellent vertical area for effective programming.

In addition, the display has a refresh rate of 120Hz for an exceptionally fluid user experience.

The Surface Pro 9 is equipped with up to a 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1265U CPU, up to 32GB of RAM (16GB on the Qualcomm model), and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage. The Intel version also has Thunderbolt technology, connecting you to docks or external graphics processing units for an even more flexible arrangement.

The Qualcomm version has a 5G connection but just Adreno 8CX Gen 3 graphics. It is important to note that there is no keyboard with the Surface Pro 9. Therefore you will need to buy it separately.

The Surface Pro 9 is the best option on the market if you want a very portable and best 2-in-1 device for programming. Serious programmers will find that its performance, display, and mobility make it well worth the price.

Final Views:

Eventually, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a great programming laptop. Due to its powerful performance and lightweight, portable architecture, it’s ideal for mobile programmers. Its convertible form with laptop and tablet modes makes it a versatile programming tool.

The tablet contains a pen, multiple ports, a high-definition screen, and a long battery life. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is an excellent laptop for programmers who need one for business and home.

 

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Programming Laptop: Buying Guide

Purchasing a laptop for programming requires careful consideration of several factors. If this is your first time buying a laptop for programming, it may be challenging to determine what you need.

Thus, here are a few of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a laptop for programming.

RAM and Storage

The quantity of memory or RAM that your laptop has is crucial. It supports the hard drive in your computer and saves some of the critical data your laptop needs to work correctly. In addition to storing the primary operational instructions for your numerous apps, the memory on your laptop is crucial for programming.

There are more reasons to examine the quantity of RAM and accessible memory. For instance, if you have sufficient RAM, you can run many apps concurrently, and your laptop will perform much more smoothly while you multitask.

Programmers should seek a laptop with at least 16 GB of RAM, while 8 GB is plenty.

To begin with, this is yet another alternative you should consider if mobility is a priority. It is exceptionally lightweight, which makes it excellent for working away from the office. Also, it boasts a long battery life and a comfortable keyboard. The machine’s overall strength enables you to work effectively.

CPU

Processor is an additional essential consideration when purchasing a laptop for programming. Consider: you cannot function without your brain. Similarly, a laptop cannot operate without a Processor. It is necessary for the execution of almost every function on a computer.

In addition, it handles a significant volume of data. Therefore you must ensure that your laptop has a powerful Processor. With a decent Processor, your laptop’s fundamental operations will be better.

While searching for the best laptop for programming, you should prioritize locating one with a powerful CPU. If you want the highest level of capability, you should acquire a laptop with an i5 or i7 CPU at least.

Also, you will get a quicker laptop if you consider purchasing a Processor with several cores. You are not confined to Intel since there are alternatives on the market, such as AMD, that are often just as effective.

Keyboard

Programming may take a considerable amount of time. Thus it is reasonable to want to feel comfortable while doing it. It requires the use of a high-quality keyboard. If you use the keyboard for programming, choose one with a numeric keypad. The distance between the keys must be sufficient for easy typing, and you must verify that the keys are solid and of excellent quality. Also, you must ensure that the layout is to your satisfaction.

Screen

While programming, you’ll spend much time staring at a screen and absorbing the information you see. To avoid eye strain, getting a good-quality screen is necessary.

There are many components to a good screen. The first consideration is size. If you are programming, you will need at least a 15-inch screen since this will enable you to view all the data correctly. If you want something more portable, you may find a smaller choice; nevertheless, data management may be more difficult. If you have the additional funds, purchase a second monitor to attach to your laptop to see more information simultaneously.

Also, you should consider the screen’s resolution. Whenever feasible, getting a full HD screen is always advisable so that everything on the screen is crystal clear.

Lastly, choosing a laptop with a matte screen is preferable since it will not reflect much light, allowing you to use it outside in the sun when you don’t want to work indoors!

Hard Drive

While selecting a laptop for programming, you will want to consider the sort of challenging drive it has carefully. In general, a hard disc drive (HDD) will be slower, and as a result, they are a fantastic alternative if you’re on a budget since they tend to be less expensive. On the other side, SSDs provide speedier performance but are prohibitively pricey.

Duration of Battery Life

While programming, you want your laptop to survive as long as possible, right? For many, leaving a laptop connected to the wall all day is sufficient, but it may be necessary to function without being plugged in for others.

In this situation, you must evaluate the laptop’s battery life. At a bare minimum, you should aim for a battery life of around six hours.

It is frequently wise to only accept the claimed battery life today. Instead, it is preferable to read consumer evaluations since they will accurately indicate the laptop’s battery life.

Graphics

When purchasing a laptop for programming, graphics are by no means the most crucial feature to consider. But these are something to consider, mainly whether you’re programming for games or a player.

Consider purchasing a laptop with a capable GPU if you often do tasks that demand a great degree of graphics processing power. It will make it much easier to load graphics. Searching for an NVIDIA or AMD GPU with minimal graphics memory is worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which laptop is best for coding and programming?

Due to its robust hardware, high-resolution display, and extended battery life, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 is usually considered one of the finest laptops for coding and programming.

Is MacBook better for coding?

The MacBook is the best laptop for coding because of its dependable operating system, extended battery life, and high-quality hardware that can easily manage coding software.

In addition, its easy connection with other Apple products and the Unix-based terminal, which offers a robust command-line interface, make it a popular choice among developers.

Can you code with any laptop?

Yes, you may write code on any laptop that has a text editor and a compiler or interpreter for the programming language you are using. Due to their processing power and memory capacity, particular laptops may be more suited for coding than others.

Summary

In conclusion, the best laptop for programming depends on the user’s demands and tastes. Examining your needs and getting a durable, high-quality laptop is essential. Finding the most suitable laptop for programming may be accomplished via research and careful consideration.