The best laptops for coding are fast, comfortable to type on, and easy to carry around. When you’re writing, testing, and running code, you want to make sure your laptop can handle everything smoothly. That’s why a good programming laptop needs a fast processor, lots of storage space, and memory that doesn’t slow you down.
As an expert, I’ve tested lots of laptops, from ones meant for business to ones made for writing, to find the best laptops for coding and programming. I’ve looked at how well they perform and how long their batteries last. I’ve compared their features, and how fast they are, and even connected some to great monitors for programming, in case you require more screen space.
Looking for the best laptops for coding and programming under $300, $500, and $1000? Consider tech-friendly laptops like those tailored for software engineering. Need more power? Opt for a developer laptop, perfect for coding and gaming.
Now I’m here with the top seven laptops for coding that I mentioned below.
Content
Top 7 Best Laptops for Coding In 2024
Looking for the BEST laptops for coding or non-gaming tasks? These laptops offer top-notch performance and reliability, catering to both coding enthusiasts and non-gamers alike. You can also use these laptops for digital marketing.
With powerful processors and ample RAM, they ensure smooth multitasking and efficient workflow, regardless of your computing needs.
- Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023
- Dell XPS 15 (2022)
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G
- Alienware m17 R5 AMD Advantage
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
- Acer Swift 3
- Apple MacBook Air 2022
1. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023
The MacBook Pro 14-inch shines for creative tasks and programming. Powered by M2 Pro or M2 Max, it offers impressive performance, long battery life, and a vivid XDR display. It includes an SD card slot, HDMI, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports for connectivity.
With great battery life and a stunning display, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) is a complete workstation.
The MacBook Pro 1 raises the bar with its improved specs, setting a new standard for laptop performance. Notably, Apple once again leads in display technology, making the 14-inch MacBook Pro screen unmatched in the market.
Nevertheless, for many users, the MacBook Pro 14-inch may offer more power than necessary. If your tasks don’t demand intense processing, the MacBook Air (M1 or M2) remains the optimal choice for a laptop.
Key Specs
Processor: Apple M2 Pro (10-core) – M2 Max (12-core)
Graphics: Integrated 16-core – 30-core GPU
RAM: Up to 96 GB
Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen
Storage: Up to 8 TB
Pros
- New M2 Pro and M2 Max chips
- Nearly 20-hour battery life
- Best laptop screen
Cons
- A bit Pricey
2. Dell XPS 15
The 2022 Dell XPS 15 is another best laptop for coding.
It impressed me with its sleek design and solid build. It’s made of brushed CNC aluminum and has comfortable carbon fiber palm rests. Performance is great with 12th-gen Intel chips and up to RTX 3050 Ti graphics.
The battery life is surprisingly long, considering the Intel Alder Lake chip.
However, it lacks connectivity, with only three USB Type-C ports. You might need a separate docking station for more devices. The 2023 model is an option, but it didn’t live up to its predecessor.
Key Specs
- Processor: : Intel Core i7-12700H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Mobile
- RAM: 16 GB DDR5
- Display: 15.6-inch 3.5K (3,456 × 2,160p), 60Hz, OLED, 400 nits, non-touch
- Storage: 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Comfortable typing on
- Powerful performance
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Not suitable for gaming
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G
The Surface Pro 9 5G from Microsoft builds on the changes made to the Surface Pro 8, making it even better for both power and portability.
It uses 5G, so you can stay connected at home or when you’re out without needing Wi-Fi. This makes it the best laptop for coding and for those who work from different places, like freelancers or people who move between offices.
Plus, It also comes with Windows 11 already installed, and its webcam is one of the best on any laptop.
But because it’s based on ARM, it can’t run apps like Adobe Creative Cloud. Still, it works well for programming tasks because of its CPU and RAM.
With a bigger screen, a slim pencil, and a battery that lasts all day. The Surface Pro 9 5G pushes the Surface line forward, even though the ARM chip has some issues.
Key Specs
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i5 or Microsoft SQ 3
- Graphics: Intel Xe Graphics or Microsoft SQ 3 Adreno 8CX Gen 3
- RAM: 8 GB to 32 GB
- Display: 13-inch with 2880 × 1920 PixelSense Flow Display
- Storage: Removable SSD ranging from 128 GB to 1 TB
Pros
- Large and responsive screen
- Includes built-in 5G option
- Faster processors
Cons
- Some compatibility and stability issues with the ARM system
4. Alienware m17 R5 AMD Advantage
The Alienware m17 R5 AMD Advantage is a great choice if you need the best laptop for coding with a big screen. It’s also super powerful for gaming.
When I tried the Alienware m17 R5, I found it to be a powerful laptop for gamers. It has all the top specs you require for coding without any problems. In my tests, it handled everything I threw at it with ease, and its screen looks amazing.
The design is stunning. The laptop is tough and has just the right amount of colorful lights. It’s got clever cooling and well-placed ports.
The keyboard feels nice, but it doesn’t have a number pad, which might bother some people. You can also upgrade it, but only to a certain point.
In my opinion, it’s heavy because it’s built solidly and has a large 17-inch screen. Additionally, the battery doesn’t last very long.
So, it’s not the most portable choice, but it’s all about performance. If you prefer an Intel-based 17-inch laptop for coding, the Dell XPS 17 is a good alternative.
Key Specs
- Processor: Octa-core AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX running at 3.3GHz (can boost up to 4.9GHz), with 16 threads
- Graphics: 12GB AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (dedicated graphics), and AMD Radeon 680M (integrated graphics)
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 operating at 4800MHz
- Display: 17.3-inch screen with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, with refresh rate of 120Hz and a response time of 3ms
- Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Pros
- Sharp design with an effective cooling system
- Outstanding performance
- Large, high-quality screen
Cons
- The laptop is heavy and bulky
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
If you can afford a powerful laptop, Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is the best laptop for coding and programming.
This laptop is one of Lenovo’s best for many reasons. It comes in different setups to match what you need and how much you can spend. Even the basic version is strong, with a good graphics card in a tough carbon-fiber and aluminum case that can handle any workspace.
Remember it’s not cheap. This laptop is for professionals who need serious power for work. But it’s worth the cost because of its abilities.
Excitingly, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme now offers new versions (Gen 4 / Gen 5) with improved processors and specifications.
Key Specs
- Processor: Can go up to 8th-generation Intel Core i7
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti with Max-Q design
- RAM: up to 64 GB
- Display: 14” inches, either FHD (1920 × 1080) or 4K UHD HDR (3840 × 2160) multitouch
- Storage: up to 1 TB SSD
Pros
- Very powerful for working on the go
- Comes in different setups to choose from
- Tough carbon-fiber and aluminum build
Cons
- More power than what some people might need
6. Acer Swift 3
Now let’s talk about my 6th pick. Yes! Acer Swift 3 is one of the best laptops for coding.
This 14-inch laptop is easy to carry and lasts almost 14 hours with light use. It has an Intel 11th Gen Core i7 CPU, 8 GB of memory, and 512 GB of storage.
Also, You can pay more for up to 16 GB of RAM, but you can’t upgrade it yourself.
The screen is clear and good for basic tasks, but not very bright, so it’s not great for bright rooms or outside. The keyboard is a bit small but fine to type on, and the touchpad works well. It has two USB-A ports, one USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 port, a full-size HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
Now, I can easily recommend it as the best budget laptop for coding and programming.
Key Specs
- Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920 × 1080) IPS display
- Processor: Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor or AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- RAM: Up to 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Storage: Up to 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Graphics: Up to Intel Iris Xe Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce MX550
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Powerful performance
- Long battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- No touchscreen option
7. Apple MacBook Air 2022
If you want a programming laptop that’s easy to carry, consider the lightweight MacBook Air from Apple. I think it’s the best MacBook for coding.
The MacBook Air has a special M2 chip that makes it work well and last a long time on battery power when you’re out and about.
When I use it, it performs almost as well as the MacBook Pro 13-inch. Plus, it has a bigger, brighter screen in a sleek new design.
Think of it like a better version of the MacBook Pro 13-inch. It’s thin, light, and doesn’t make any noise when you use it, except when you’re doing really hard work like editing 8K videos.
It’s not the cheapest laptop for programming, but the MacBook Air costs more because it’s good at what it does and looks great, too. There are newer models, but we still like the M2 2022 model the best.
Key Specs
- Processor: Apple M2 (8-core)
- RAM: 16 GB Unified LPDDR5
- Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
- Display: 13.6-inch, 2,560 × 1,664 Liquid Retina display (backlit LED, IPS, 500 nits brightness, wide color P3 gamut)
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
Pros
- Great new design
- Long battery life
- Larger screen
Cons
- Much more expensive than the previous model
Finding the Perfect Coding Laptop: Budget-Friendly
Looking for the best laptops for coding? Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a coding powerhouse, there are options under 30,000, 40,000, or 60,000. Check Reddit for recommendations. Consider coding requirements, gaming needs, or graphic design work. Find your perfect coding workstation or programmer’s laptop today.
When it comes to choosing the best laptops for coding, and the best laptops for virtual assistants, both share similarities in needing high performance and multitasking capabilities. Both demand efficient processing power and ample storage for smooth operation.
When selecting a laptop, consider both functionality and entertainment. The best laptops for coding ensure smooth programming experiences, while the best laptops for Netflix deliver stunning visuals for binge-watching. Both prioritize performance and user experience.
Tips for Picking the Right Coding Laptop
- Think About Where You’ll Use It: If you’ll mostly use your laptop at a desk, you don’t need to worry too much about its size or keyboard. But if you take it out a lot, make sure it’s tough and not too heavy.
- Get a Laptop with a Long Battery Life: Look for one that can last a long time without needing to be plugged in. Some MacBooks and Windows laptops can do this.
- Consider Storage Space: If you work with big files, get a laptop with lots of storage. It’s also a good idea to use cloud storage for extra safety.
- Check the Ports and Security Features: Make sure your laptop has enough ports for connecting other devices. Also, look into its security features and how much it costs.
- Make Sure It Can Connect to Other Devices: If you want to attach things like special keyboards or extra monitors, check if your laptop has the right connections. You might need a portable docking station for this.
- Think About How Portable It Is: If you’ll be carrying your laptop around a lot, pay attention to its keyboard, screen, trackpad, and storage. Also, decide if you want a Windows, macOS, or Chromebook laptop—they each have their features.
Considering these things will help you choose the best laptop coding, whether you’re sitting at a desk or on the move.
FAQs
What’s a Programming Laptop?
It’s a laptop for testing code. It has fast processors and RAM. Not only that, but it should be easy to use with a good keyboard and a comfortable display. If you travel a lot, you might want a thin and light laptop like an Ultrabook.
Do you need a Powerful Laptop for Coding and Programming?
You don’t always need a powerful one, but it helps. If you’re working on big projects or don’t want to wait, a powerful laptop is better.
Which Laptop Processor is Best for Programming?
The MacBook Pro is great, but others like the Dell XPS 15, Microsoft Surface 9 Pro, and MacBook Air are also good.
What Laptop Screen Size is Best for Coding?
It depends on what you like. Some people prefer smaller screens for portability. 11 to 14 inches is good for working on the go. Bigger screens give more workspace but can be bulky.
How Much RAM Does the Best Laptops for Coding Need?
For simple work, 4 GB RAM is okay. But for bigger projects, 8 to 16 GB RAM or more is better.
Final Verdict
The best laptops for coding can be expensive. That’s why I review laptops with the best performance that provides good value for money. I understand that buying the best laptops for coding can be tough, but with this guide, you’ll be able to choose the best one for you.
