Note: Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.
Welcome to our list of 10 best laptops for programming and here you’ll learn what kind of laptops are best for programmers. Programming encompasses a diverse field with much potential still left to be unlocked.
To date, numerous tech geeks have made a career out of this dynamic field bubbling with possibilities. But bookish knowledge will not do much good unless the programmers get to harness their skills in practical scenarios.
The excellency of a programmer requires the wings of a superb laptop to run intricate coding language which is beyond human understanding. Coders can surely do a lot with a little help from laptops which come with a killer combo of power, performance, and execution.
The best laptops for computer programming are great laptops for coding too. Coding and programming are probably the most important things when it comes to creating new software. Good laptops for coding are hard to find with such a large pool of laptops to choose from, making it all the more important to find the very best laptop for software development for your needs and budget.
See Also: 10 Best Lightweight Laptops
Laptops that are meant to solve coding worries need to fulfill some basic requirements to make it to our list. These specifications include – a minimum of 8 GB RAM, a capacity of 256 GB SSD or 1 TB HDD, a dedicated graphic card, IPS panels running over TN Boards, long battery life, and a modern processor in line with Intel Core i5 or better. Only when the laptop meets all of the above requirements is it considered by us the best coding laptop for 2020.
These laptops can be equally fruitful for both college-goers studying the coding language or office experts. Equipped with these developer’s laptop, coders and programmers can surely cough up masterpieces of a lifetime.
It’s not impossible for developers to turn every laptop into a programming den. But it surely is a tough job. Development and programming software surely do come with a heavy load, thus a normal laptop that can serve some cool MS Excel tricks might crash under the programming pressure.
Ample variations of laptops are available in the market sphere. Although they will serve the basic coding purpose, they might not always be the perfect fit for your need. It becomes more difficult when programmers have a tight budget to adhere to.
Numerous laptops have been launched since the beginning of 2020. These laptops continue the trend of consuming less power but providing more computing power.
If you are on the lookout for your ideal companion then, congratulations, you have reached the exact spot. We have already done the research job to make life easier for you. Bank on our knowledge as we show you the best options which will surely turn your frustration into satisfaction.
Today we shall discuss the 10 best laptops for programming people to make them fall in love with their work all over again. So give your tired fingers some rest and put on your reading glasses as we guide you through this enriching journey into a world coded with best programming laptops.
We have dived into the laptop’s features and pinpointed the most important specifications that simply can’t go unnoticed. We hope this article helps you on your quest to find good laptops for programming, enjoy!
You Can Check Also: 5 Best Laptop for Engineering Students
If you’re on the market for the best laptop for programming then this is something you need to look at. Built to compete with the super-slim MacBook, Microsoft surface and Microsoft surface pro the ZenBook Pro has a 9th generation Intel Core i7 and extendable memory slot.
What makes the Intel Core i7 superior to the much loved Intel Core i5 processor? Well, for starters it has a much faster base clock speed making it more responsive than the Core i5 processor. Its high-speed processing power makes it a brilliant gaming laptop too.
Its 6 core chip is great for intricate tasks like video rendering as well as daily computing work. With turbo boost, the CPU cores run at a blazing 4.5 GHz.
If you’re familiar with the MacBook touch bar, the ZenBook’s ScreenPad will blow you away. It provides many options for controlling applications using touch or the provided stylus. Programmers who also do graphical design will love it.
Touch screen laptops are all the rage these days, their versatility and tablet-like feel make them a very versatile laptop for both work and for personal use. This laptop is brilliant for slotting in your bag and taking it from place to place without being too heavy or bulky.
The 15.6 inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen is amazing. This beautiful display is driven by the equally impressive NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. This laptop has no issues with graphics rendering for programming or gaming purposes. In fact, its integrated graphics are quite frankly brilliant. You could even try the AMD Radeon software to boost the graphics and enhance your gaming experience.
This laptop isn’t cheap, but the features are amazing. If you need a high-end laptop for software development work, this is a great choice.
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See Also: 5 Best Laptops For Teachers
The MacBook Pro 15″ Retina laptop with its amazing 2880 by 1800 Retina panel, sets a high standard high standards for other manufacturers to follow.
Retina display screens are all-round much more pleasant to use as they have a higher pixel density, making them more comfortable for your eyes when used for long periods of time. The MacBook Pro is a far better choice than the MacBook Air when it comes to computer programming.
The MacBook Air has only recently gotten a retina display and is a more lightweight laptop in terms of its multitasking and heavy-duty features, so regardless of the Air’s universal popularity, stick to the MacBook pro for programming and coding.
The MacBook Pro’s sleek unibody design molded from the finest quality aluminum results in a beautiful and durable product. The MacBook Pro is relatively lightweight at 4 pounds and has trimmed down edges and zeroed on a thin lid by ditching the light-up Apple logo and going for a similar shaped tinted mirror. The laptop is available in a silver or space gray color. Personally, I think the space gray color with MacOS in dark mode is a great combination.
In the connectivity department, the laptop provides four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The large multi-touch touchpad leaves plenty of room for one’s fingers.
The touchpad can stimulate response throughout its width and the pressure-sensitive Force Touch technology is a delight to use while watching videos and peeking at Launchpad apps. The uber-cool Butterfly 2 keyboard with tightly packed keys, conclave molding, and grippy texture functions provides good feedback when typing.
This model has 16 GB RAM along with a six-core Core i7 processor. You can adjust the memory, processor and storage options to meet your needs or lower the price of the laptop.
For those of you that are unsure how much RAM you are going to need, 16 GB of RAM is plenty for gamers, programmers, coders, and general web development. 8 GB of RAM is only really enough RAM for computers that are used for pleasure and not for serious coding.
The speakers and built-in microphone bring along exceptional clarity. However, the webcam doesn’t impress much in backlit scenarios.
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The newest Dell offering sums up the best in class combo of connectivity using Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C support, Intel Core i7 performance, QHD+ touchscreen, and a premium build making it one of the best laptops for programming.
This ultraportable laptop scores all the right goals to make its owner proud. It emerges as a clear winner with its perfect balance between comfort, design, battery life and performance. It is constructed from firmly machined aluminum with silver-clad top lid and carbon fiber palm rest.
Its infinity display surely stands out as its USP and with some help from 3200 by 1800 resolution, viewers are sure to get stunned with its 5.7 million pixel infused graphics. The next to invisible bezels create an illusion of the display screen floating above the chiclet styled keypad.
The backlit keys add up to the premium feel of the laptop. Its connectivity ports include two USB 3.0 ports, a headset jack, and an SD card reader. Both Bluetooth 4.1 and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi are available in the connectivity front.
With an internal memory of 8 GB and 256 GB solid-state drive, this Dell soldier has plenty of room for users who prefer to stream videos and music. The XPS 13 is perfect for performing day-to-day tasks and with the new 60-watt battery, the laptop promises a longer running time. As you can see, the Dell XPS9360-4841SLV is quite an all-rounder!
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The Aspire laptop running on 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor is the result of a skillful merger in between smart design, impressive 13-hour battery life, ultra-high-resolution, and nice True Harmony stereo sound system.
The 12GB of RAM and 512GB SSD should be sufficient for most programming tasks. If you need higher specifications, like more RAM, this model is available with a wide range of memory, storage, and CPU options. Of course, the price may be higher or lower depending on the options you choose.
The latest 802.11 ac wireless having MU-MIMO technology fastens wireless speed by 3 times. The reversible USB 3.1 Type-C port can speed up both data transfer and device charging. This laptop comes with an 8x DVD RW drive, which is somewhat rare. It’s a great feature if you need it.
The Full HD Display with wide viewing angles makes content sharing or mobile pair programming easier. The HD Webcam helps in superior video and audio quality even when the same is shared over the internet.
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This notebook excels its peers in terms of being slimmer, lighter, and faster. If you want to go for a unique combination of all-day portability and unmatched power then this latest Asus offering should be your pick.
Based on smartphone technology, the precision touchpad having extensive sensitivity provides impeccable accuracy. An advanced fingerprint sensor in the touchpad fosters smart and secure login. Be it large programs or web browser, the laptop having 256GB SSD, 8GB internal memory, and Intel Core i5-7200U Processor works just as smoothly.
The USB 3.1 Type C and 3 built-in USB 3.0 ports adds to the speed inertia. The wide anti-glare display spread across 13.3 inches can help you enjoy wonderful HD videos whether you are sitting in an outdoor café or a brightly lit room.
178 degrees of wide viewing angle also makes screen sharing easier. The full-size ergonomic keyboard having a rubberish palm rest and 1.5 mm key travel guarantees end to end-user satisfaction who also get to choose from the pre-set sound profiles thanks to its SonicMaster feature.
Audiophiles can alter parameters to create their personal sound profile on the go. An optimum battery life of 12 hours ensure longer running with lesser interruption. All in all, with such amazing features it is certainly the best choice for programmers looking for a reliable laptop.
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The ultra-slim. yet high performing. ASUS VivoBook is powered by the recent 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor. This is a great processor for demanding programming tasks.
Whether you are creating graphical content, watching movies or gaming on-the-go, the VivoBook with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB graphics card delivers unmatched visuals. Built with high-quality aluminum, this sleek beauty weighing 4.3 lbs can be your regular travel partner due to its easy portability.
The splendid display technology and Full HD panel can cook up richer graphics for all forms of content. Even when the user engages in a gaming marathon or multitasking, the robust cooling system ensures smooth running performance.
The dual-fan design having eight auto adjustable speed levels make minimum noise but deliver maximum cooling efficiency. Powerful speakers of the VivoBook equipped with smart amplifier technology and 8cc chambers produces crystal-clear sound.
The front-mounted dual coil stereo speakers help in delivering 320% clear and loud audio in comparison to its peers along with getting brownie points in the treble and bass department. Its backlit keyboard helps while working in low light settings.
The single-piece sturdy ergonomic keyboard fosters comfortable typing. Its USB 3.1 Gen 1 port having USB Type-C connector speeds up data transfer.
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The ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501 strikes the right chord of harmony between slim portability and gaming power. This laptop is powered up by the 8th Generation Intel Core i7 six-core processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. It’s very thin (0.7″) and scores highly in the portability, durability, and premium feel segment.
The sleek body and colorful keyboard result in a real head-turner of a laptop. The colored backlit keys having 1.8mm of key travel also helps out in comfortable usage. The 512 GB SSD speeds uploading time and software performance even when heavy programs are running in the backend.
The accurate and vivid color display on the 15.6 inch Full HD screen can help in flawless viewing even in less ideal locations. The 144 Hz refresh rate results in smooth animation with less blur and screen tearing. Maximum screen resolution is 1920 by 1080 pixels and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 results in stunning graphics on a screen.
The laptop includes the latest ports, including HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.1 Type C. For wireless connectivity, the Gigabit Wave 2 WiFi provides data rates up to 1.7Gbps.
The machine is relatively portable at under 5 pounds and comes with pre-installed Windows 10. This is one of our favorites for programming activities with the bonus of being a very capable gaming machine when you want to take a break from coding.
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The HP Pavilion notebook with 15.6-inch display and 1366b by 768-pixel resolution has been selling like a hotcake among those old school buyers having a soft spot for a considerably large laptop with no-frills.
This highly powerful 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7500U dual-core processor provides unmatched performance. One USB 2.0, two USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet network port, full-size HDMI, headphone/microphone socket and SD card reader makes this laptop a frontrunner in the connectivity department.
With laptops ditching the optical disc drives off late, the HP Pavilion’s DVD/RW drive comes as a breather to many. Two 8 GB internal RAM and 1 TB hard drive provides ample support to those heavy coding files.
A full-sized keyboard comes as a perk of its large size. The trackpad with its smooth gliding surface also works pretty decently. The speakers don’t impress much but the overall show is saved by the headphone jack.
This laptop however wins hands down in the performance specter. In spite of having multiple programs running in the background and web browser tabs open, the functioning of this hardy PC does not flinch even a bit. With approximately 9 hours of battery life, this laptop is the perfect answer for those running on a tight budget.
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This practical yet stylish notebook with 6th Generation Intel Core i3-6100U Processor and handy multimedia tools, groundbreaking performance and seamless connectivity makes daily activities like communicating, web browsing, and digital enjoyment seem like a cakewalk.
So whether you are connecting wirelessly for accessing and downloading files or multitasking, you surely won’t find any room to complain. With Input-output (I/O) ports placed on both the sides it becomes easier to establish connections with peripherals.
The USB 3.0 port speeds up connectivity by three times compared to the standard USB 2.0. The Build Your Own Cloud feature of Acer allows users to build cloud storage without crossing the security barrier.
The Precision Touchpad of Acer Aspire ES 15 helps in intuitive navigation through webpages, galleries, and much more. High-quality microphone and webcam which comes in-built with the system helps in easy sharing of pictures and conducting video chats. Its 802.11ac connection works beautifully even across increased distance.
The latest Bluetooth 4.0 and wireless technologies keep its users connected at all times. Weighing just over five pounds, this 1-inch thin notebook is also a visual masterpiece with its unique pattern and elegant curvature.
The 15.6-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit LCD display having 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio ensures complete viewing experience and we highly recommend it to programmers looking for the best laptop.
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This 11.6-inch wonder packs all the essentials into an elegant frame. The superfast wireless connectivity promises to never let you down and riding on the wings of its long-lasting 3220 mAh battery of 9 hours, you can serve all your favorite apps and run those tricky programs without your machine running out of juice.
The nano-imprint patterning technology of the Chromebook 11 creates a textured yet subtle look. The ultra-slim third-generation Chromebook having an 11.6-inch frame adds to its portability.
The fanless designs on the keyboard aids in easy typing and perks up its efficiency. The HD IPS anti-glare display running over 11.6 inches works with equal ease even in outdoor conditions.
High speed gets a sexy makeover with its wireless 802.11ac connection which can bring a larger range within its loop. Its Intel Celeron processor leads to a ten-second boot time. Some other remarkable functionalities include multitasking, crisp video playback, and quick loading of content-rich webpages.
The Chromebook with its auto-update features also makes work easier for its users. Its USB 3.0 port fosters easy sharing. Add to these features its moderate price tag and you surely have a winner here.
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The interesting subject matter of programming can turn into a frustration hotpot if the budding minds don’t get proper assistance from a blazing machine. It is not mandatory to spend bulk income on buying a programming laptop.
As you may have noticed we have listed some moderately priced laptops for programming which are just as good. In these sensitive and uncertain times, we certainly need to watch every dollar we spend. That can be a more difficult task than it sounds, hence why we tried our best to find programming appropriate laptops for a great price.
And instead of spending a fortune behind a high-end laptop which is not always mandatory for programmers it is better to go for a comfortable working table with the balance saving so that you don’t need to make those weekly doctor visits thanks to excruciating neck pain.
So these are our recommendations for the best laptop for programming and if you have any doubts then feel free to get in touch with us.
Laptops For Programming Buying Guide
When investing in a product it is best practice to follow a buying guide to ensure the product you are thinking of purchasing ticks all the boxes and more importantly meets all of your expectations. Amidst the excitement and the thrill of getting a brand spanking new laptop, you must stay focused on getting the best features for your money.
Use the following buying guide to help you find the perfect programming laptop for you;
You will most likely need an SSD storage hard drive regardless of the laptop you choose to get. SSD hard drives are much more superior than standard hard drives and are essential for computer programming.
Go for a minimum of 256 GB SSD, this should be plenty for those of you that are involved in moderate programming. For complex programming and coding, you should look into getting a higher SSD.
2. RAM
A computer that has less than 8 GB RAM is a big no-no for computer programmers. Ideally, you should go for a computer with about 16 GB RAM to ensure your computer is as speedy as you need it to be.
3. Screen Resolution
Do not settle for a screen resolution that is less than 1920 x 1080. Screen resolution is often forgotten about when it comes to programming and coding, but do not make this mistake. A poor screen resolution will make it incredibly difficult for you to read and write code which is why you are getting the laptop in the first place, right?
4. Price
As we touched upon earlier, price is always nagging at the back of our minds when we are shopping around for something. It is very easy to go overboard and spend more than you wanted when it comes to purchasing electronic goods.
The thing is, there are so many great options about, that with a little bit of digging you will find a laptop that does exactly what you want it to do at a lower price. The above laptops are great examples of this!
5. Operating Systems
A programming and coding laptop should not be running on anything older than Windows 10. Older Windows systems are not going to be complex enough for the type of programming and coding that is executed these days.
6. Processing Power
Intel Core i5 or i7 are ideal for programmers needs. Intel even has a new AMD processor that is even faster and more powerful than the i5 and i7. However, if you do not need your laptop to have superpowers the i5 or i7 are perfect for programming.
Remember, the greater the number of cores, the faster and more efficient your laptop is going to be. Quite an important feature don’t you think?
7. Battery Life
There is nothing worse than having a laptop with poor battery performance. Programming and coding use up a lot of energy and therefore drain your battery life very quickly.
What is the point in having a laptop if you have to be attached to the socket every time you use it? Look out for a laptop that has 8-10 hours of battery life so that you can be confident in taking your laptop out and about without it running out of juice.
8. Weight and Size
Do yourself a favor and get a laptop that is lightweight so that you can carry it to and from the office without getting backache. The average weight for a 15-inch laptop is roughly 5 pounds which is very manageable indeed.
Laptops that weigh 7 pounds are unlikely to be used anywhere outside the home. If you know you need to take your laptop to meetings, do not get one that is going to be heavy for you to carry.
The size is really up to you. 13 and 14-inch laptops are very compact, 15 to 16-inch laptops are standard size and 17 inches and above are considered large. Think about the screen size you will be comfortable with, how much desk space you have and how much room you have in your briefcase before you decide your ideal size.
Best Programming Laptops FAQ’s
Let’s clear up some misunderstandings when it comes to laptops that are used for programming. Many of you probably still have some unanswered questions or things you would like cleared up before you bite the bullet and finalize your purchase.
You may still be uncertain about some things if you are new to computer programming and still trying to get your head around it. Or maybe you are an experienced programmer that is trying to get their head around all of the latest technologies available. Regardless of whether you are a newbie or the latter, the following frequently asked questions should give you a helping hand.
Here are the most common questions that we get asked about programming laptops. We hope that this FAQ section helps you and clears up some of those question marks.
Q: How much RAM is required in laptops meant for programming?
A: 8 GB of RAM is the very minimum you should have in your laptop if you intend on using it for programming. 16 GB RAM is more ideal and will serve programmers better in the long run.
Q: What kind of processor is best for programming laptops?
A: A minimum of i5 processor is required for programming. Ideally, a higher number of cores would be better so if you are doing some serious programming look for an i7 processor or above.
Q: Does one need expensive laptops for programming?
A: You do not need to spend lots of money on a laptop even if you are going to use it for programming. There are so many laptops on the market that are brilliant and high tech enough for programming and coding that there is no need to go over budget on a laptop.
The laptops you can see in this review are just as good as most of the $5000 laptops available today but at a fraction of the price. Buying a laptop doesn’t have to hurt your wallet!
Q: Is AMD or Intel better programming laptops?
A: AMD is the ultimate processor for programming as it has the highest number of cores and has phenomenal onboard graphics. For programmers on a budget, the AMD might be a little pricey for simple programming needs. In this case, Intel i5 and i7 are more than enough.
Q: Do you need a powerful laptop for coding?
A: Normal coding such as website coding and developing apps does not need a lot of power at all. If you are programming more complicated content such as games, you will need a laptop that packs a bit of punch.
Q: Is a graphics card necessary for programming?
A: integrated graphics cards are better for programming purposes than dedicated or discrete graphics cards.
Q: Is a 13-inch laptop too small for programming?
A: The problem with 13-inch laptops for programming is that the codes on the screen could be difficult to see and cause a massive strain on your eyes. Saying that, a full High Definition screen will take the edge off and could be comfortable enough for you to work with.
Q: Can I use any laptop for programming?
A: Yes, you can use almost any laptop for programming, but, you may be limited to what you do and how much you can program. That is why people that program a lot should purchase a laptop that is adequate and meets their needs.
Resources
10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $600 – 2021
HP Pavilion 17 A10 Review – A 2021 Deep Dive
The ASUS Vivobook F510UA Review – A 2021 Deep Dive
ASUS F555LA- AB31 15.6” Laptop Review – A 2021 Deep Dive
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Best Rechargeable Wireless Keyboard For 2021 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]