10 Best Laptops for Programming and Coding (Expert’s Choice)

Here, we have recommended best laptops for programming and coding you can buy on Amazon. All the recommendations are based on our personal experience with each laptop.

So let’s check out best programming laptops one by one…

Anyway, for the record, you must consider the processor and RAM when looking for the best budget laptop for programming. You can’t just buy any brand and say it’s good when it doesn’t equal the value of your money.

Remember that the best laptop for programming must allow you to compile, create, and even test your codes without hassle. This is the basic rule of the thumb.

Our list doesn’t contain laptops for programming students only, but the range of laptops that can cater to various tasks of professional and newbie programmers – a web developer, web designer, or even a software developer.

List of Best Laptops for Programming

1. High Performance Laptop – 2021 Apple MacBook Pro

This ultra-fast 2021 Apple MacBook Pro  is the best laptop for computer programming that you will ever own.

It has  a fabulous 16-inch liquid retina XDR display with 3456 x 2234 pixels maximum display resolution that features a ProMotion technology. This laptop will definitely change the way you do your coding job in an efficient and enjoyable manner.

With its SoC Apple M1 Pro chip and 10-core CPU processor, it will let you do your work quicker than you used to do.

Hold up your hands because there’s still more to that! It has a 16-core GPU and 16GB RAM which facilitates the fast rendering of tasks, an incredible performance that might have never experienced before. Storage is literally massive because it ranges from 512 GB to 1 TB! Something you cannot ignore if you are a programmer.

If you want to connect additional devices, it is not a problem at all because the 2021 Apple MacBook Pro has three thunderbolt ports, perfect for your programming activities.

Further, the battery of this laptop is breath takingly superb! Yes, it can last up to 21 hours – imagine, for nearly 2 days you won’t need to plug your laptop which is great for those who are always on the go. Plus, the item’s weight is only 4.7 pounds, ideal for those who travel a lot because of the nature of their work.

This is the best laptop for python programming and other sorts of programming activities. Choose Mac, choose the best!

2. Best Budget Laptop – HP Pavilion 15

Are you a programming student who is looking for a responsive and high-performance laptop? A laptop that is not only the best laptop for coding but overall the best laptop for computer programming is no other than HP Pavilion 15.

This device has a solid 15.6 inch screen size with 1920 x 1080 pixels maximum screen resolution.

The ‎4.7 GHz intel core i7 1165g7 processor permits the quick loading of software or files that you will run on the device. ‎As to the RAM, it has 16 GB DDR4 which is enough to boost the performance of the device to enable multitasking.  It also comes with graphics coprocessor – ‎Intel Iris Xe Graphics that offers a new level of crisp and fantastic visuals.

It consists of three USB 3.0 ports should you wish to connect multiple devices while working. This thin and light laptop only weighs 3.86 pounds and you may conveniently use it for approximately 8 hours.

If you are looking for the best laptop for IT engineering student, get this HP Pavilion 15 and experience using a laptop with premium and quality performance.

3. Best Touchscreen Laptop – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is considered to be one of the best laptop for developers, in fact, it’s one of the favorites of both students and professionals. It has a 14 inch screen size and 1920 x 1200 pixels maximum screen resolution.

What’s great about this laptop is that it has a 4.7 GHz core i7 family processor which is further supported by a graphics coprocessor – Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics where you can enjoy vivid and sharp visuals whenever you are using the device.

The 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB storage of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is something that can’t afford to let go – a competent machine for programmers.

It has a substantial supply of USB ports that can serve various connectivity purposes. Its weight is around 2.49 pounds, a lightweight item that has high-quality hardware. Its improved battery life can last up to 16.7 hours, a true must-have for programmers like you.

Keep your job going by owning this Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon – your best buddy in programming.

4. Best Thin Laptop – ASUS VivoBook S15 S533

Owning ASUS VivoBook S15 S533 is tantamount to owning the spotlight because the device itself stands out for its 15 inch screen size with maximum screen resolution of 1920×1080 pixels that promotes an impressive screentime experience.

Plus, with its unique color, diamond-cut edges as well as textured metal chassis – this is a one-of-a-kind laptop that displays wide-viewing angles and vivid visuals.

The Processor 4.2 GHz apple ci5 can run the programming IDE’s without a glitch. You can write codes, gather as well as simulate them without experiencing unwanted lags in between, thanks to its 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB storage. For your quality visual or graphics, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics will take care of that.

The laptop is lightweight at 3.97 pounds and has USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports which means sufficient provision for other forms of connectivity.

With several built-in mechanisms that can manage the power consumption, the battery can last for almost 15 hours.

For the best laptop for coding and programming, ASUS VivoBook S15 S533 is one of the best options available in the market today. ASUS VivoBook S15 S533, the perennial favorite of programmers like you.

5. Best Laptop for Students – Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-73AP

Fire up your coding work with this Acer Aspire 5 with its 15.6″ screen size and a maximum screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels – that can break boundaries because of its amazing performance. Let yourself experience real-life colors, sharp details and crisp images.

For an awesome programming experience, you can definitely have a reliable speed brought by 4.7 apple ci7 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics as graphics coprocessor and 16 GB DDR4 RAM. You will have a lot of storage to store your tasks because it has a 512 GB capacity.

These specs are ideal for those looking for the best laptop for computer programming. It also great for photo editing and video editing.

For connectivity, it has one USB 2.0 port and three USB 3.0 ports. This all-metal and ultra-thin device only weighs 3.63 pounds, light enough to be brought anywhere and anytime.

The battery is decent enough to last for at least 8.5 hours.

Feel the success in every click with this Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-73AP – the best budget laptop for programming.

6. Best Lightweight Laptop – Google Pixelbook Go

Pixelbook Go is a 13.3 inch touchschreen Chromebook with 1920 x 1080 pixels maximum screen resolution that is specifically designed for users who are always on the go.

This is the finest brand you can have for your money at the moment – it is simply the best laptop for programming student having a core i7 8500y processor, 16 GB RAM, and ‎ Intel UHD Graphics.

Wait, there’s another one that would you consider this brand as your partner for programming activities – its 256 GB storage capacity.

It is barely 3 pounds in weight and with this laptop, you can stay unplugged from electric socket for up to 12 hours.

Google Pixelbook Go is a great for computer programming students, they can pop their laptops wherever they are because of its compact design, light weight built and good battery life.

While it does not use Windows, Chrome is its operating system which is not an issue for developers and programmers. You have another option though – install Linux making it a versatile device for programming.

If you are searching for the best Linux laptop for developers, this one is right for you!

7. Best HP Laptop Under $1000 – HP 15-cs3019nr Pavilion

Are you up for a powerful laptop that can boost your programming activities? Are you trying to find the best laptop for programmers?

This 15.6 inch laptop offers a 1080 pixels maximum screen resolution that will make you enjoy the ideal visual experience through high-definition images.

It operates on ‎1.3 GHz core i7 1065g7 processor and 16 GB SDRAM which makes work convenient and smooth-flowing. It has Intel UHD graphics and 512 GB storage.

These features allow users to navigate multiple tabs and handle different tasks without lag or glitch. It is capable of handling various programs compared to its rivals.

It has a quite impressive battery life that can last up to 10 hours and weighs around 4.08 pounds. The HP 15-cs3019nr Pavilion has two USB 3.0 ports – enough for you to connect additional devices.

Get this HP 15-cs3019nr Pavilion and experience its awesome features.

8. Best Slim Laptop – ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim

Don’t limit your creative vision for programming, get this ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim and unleash your inner creativity and style.

This laptop has a 15.6 inches screen size with maximum screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, it was designed to give you the best screen size in a compact form.

If you want maximum productivity, you need to know also that it has a 5.56” ScreenPad that you can instantly access – an upgrade to your conventional laptop experience.

Upgrade the performance of your old laptop by having this ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim with ‎‎4.9 GHz core i7 10510u processor and ‎‎‎16 GB LPDDR3 RAM.

The ‎NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics coprocessor can give you a desktop-level type of performance that allows you to handle creative tasks such as architects or digital painters. The 1TB  storage capacity is more than enough to house your files, codes and programs.

The ultraportable design and chassis of this laptop make it weigh around 3.60 pounds and it is equipped with three USB 3.0 ports and its battery can last up to 8 hours.

9. Best Asus Laptop – ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021)

This new innovation from ASUS brand has a 15.6 inch screen size and 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution.

ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) Ultra Slim has a blazing fast display which is perfect for streaming, programming or even gaming – with its display size and resolution, it can improve your viewing experience and eradicate the possibility of visual tearing.

Another extremely important thing that you need to know about this laptop is its 4.8 GHz core i7 processor and 8 GB DDR4 RAM which is great for everyday work.

The ‎‎NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050 Ti is proven to deliver high and excellent frame rates. With 512 GB storage capacity, you will never run out of storage instantly.

If you feel that the storage capacity is not enough, you can add another external hard drive or connect other relevant devices because it has four USB 3.0 ports – with this laptop, you will never have limited opportunities.

Considering its design, you wouldn’t believe that it only weighs 1.79 pounds and its battery can last up to 16.6 hours.

Make this laptop your only choice if you are looking for the best laptop for python programming or best budget laptop for coding.

10. Best Laptop for Multitaskig – ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581

ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is one of the laptops that possess remarkable features, outstanding power, and superior build at an affordable price.

The 15.6 inch screen size with 3840X2160 pixels screen resolution delivers clear and vivid images. The ScreenPad plus feature is great for programmers because it lets them extend their window for possible coding and other related tasks.

This laptop is perfect for multi-tasking like what programmers do because of its 5 GHz corei7 10750h processor and 8 GB DDR4 RAM.

Further, it is undeniable that it provides realistic and detailed visuals because of NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2060 graphics processor. The 1 TB storage is something that can lure anyone to purchase this item.

In terms of connectivity, it has two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports which are excellent to connect other devices as you perform your programming tasks. It is quite heavy at 5.5 pounds and the laptop runs on one lithium-ion battery.

If battery life isn’t one of your considerations and your budget can afford it considering its high-end specs, then ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 can go a long way as your programming buddy.

How to Choose Best Laptop for Programming: Complete Buyer’s Guide

ElectronicsXpert team have written a detailed guideline about how to choose best laptop for programming, and also reviewed some of the best recommended laptops and showed you the specs and some features that you may find useful.

At the same time by doing this in depth review we’re hoping we’re able to help you in making the right decision before going out there and completing the purchase.

Check out this buyer guide that will help you to pick the good laptop for programming.

1. Preferred Operating System – Windows, Linux or Mac

One of the first things to consider is what type of OS is required? – will the software or coding language you’ll be using work with a Windows based laptop, Mac or Linux, ?

Most software and hardware are compatible with these three popular OS – Mac, Linux and Windows.

When it comes to pricing, the Mac laptop could be bit pricey than its Windows/Linux based counterpart, although tech experts recommend Windows based laptop for coding because of its efficiency and reliability.

Unlike the Mac, most Windows based laptop has higher hardware specs; this means it always has an advantage when it comes to computing power.

2. Preferred Hardware Requirement

Most latest Intel and AMD processor from core i7 to Ryzen will work seamlessly, coupled with the latest video chipset, it will be able to handle most of the work you can throw at it.

A good graphic chipset will make any demanding programming language work as smooth and as efficiently just like the C, Java, Python, C++, C#, Visual Basic, JavaScript, and PHP.

3. Recommended RAM for Programming Laptop

The usual 16gb DDR4 RAM is more than enough, but a CPU with minimum 8gb will still do fine and perform smoothly, it will not cause any lagging unless of course your internet service provider is slow and has latency issue.

4. Budget

You can spend around $1500 – $3200 on a high end laptop model, although models with the “AMD” processor can cost a lot less than the ones that use the Intel processor.

Tech gurus say the Intel processor has longer lifecycle than its AMD competitor, because the Intel processor can work better even if it’s being used in hot weather condition.

If you’re on a tight budget, a good tip is to buy a refurbished one, it will cost you less money but you can still be assured of its quality since most retail stores still issue a warranty for a certain period of time.

FAQs on Coding Laptops

Conclusion

Programming and coding is a very demanding job, but having the right equipment can help you do your work efficiently and reliably. Choosing the best Laptop in this case should be more focused on flexibility, powerful CPUs, large storage and RAM.

Price range should never be an issue when getting the best laptop for coders with most features as it will give you the peace of mind when executing and finishing your job right on time.