Choosing the right laptop is important when learning to code. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 10 Best Laptops for Programming, along with our top 3 choices, so you can pick the best one for you.
- Best Overall
Huawei MateBook 13
- Overall best laptop for programming in 2023.
- Good Choice
HP Spectre x360
- Best for design and overall performance in 2023.
- Don’t Miss
MacBook Air
- It is best for those who are searching for lower price Macbook in 2023.
When you’re looking for the best laptops for programming the one thing that comes to mind is that a low price matters for a high price. A programmer writes a bunch of lines of code to execute his program even though sometimes there are a lot of deep learning data for the use of programmers.
With the best choice of laptop, programming can be an easy process to satisfy your needs or your client’s needs. Having an amazing laptop is a supreme need for college-going students or professional programmers. This needs lead to creating top laptops for Coding, Development, Developers, and sysadmins.
Related: Best Programming Software in 2023
What Are The Best Laptops For Programming In 2023?
Our recommendations are carefully curated through rigorous research and testing to guarantee that only the top products reach you. Learn more about how we test everything.
| 1. | Huawei Matebook 13 – Overall best programming laptops |
| 2. | HP Spectre x360 |
| 3. | MacBook Air |
| 4. | Dell Inspiron 145000 |
| 5. | Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 |
| 6. | ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 |
| 7. | MacBook Pro 16-inch |
| 8. | Google PixelBook Go |
| 9. | ASUS Zenbook 14 |
| 10. | Dell Precision M5510 |
1. Huawei MateBook 13
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX150 (2GB GDDR5) | RAM: 8GB DDR3 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Weight: 1.3Kg | Screen: 13-inches | Camera: HD (0.9MP)
Huawei MateBook 13 is one of the best portability, performance, and overall all-rounder of best programming laptops. Huawei beat the market with its excellent coding SPECS and it looks like an Apple laptop with its specifications.
It works with a core-i7 high-end processor with 8GB DDR3 RAM and for high speed, SSD storage takes it apart. The pros of this developer laptop are that it is affordable and lightweight. It is portable and weighs about 2.87 pounds. It will remain end at 1080p video playback for up to 8 hours of battery life.
Why do you recommend Huawei MateBook 13 for programming?
There are three main reasons to buy this best developer laptop. <1> This laptop can do a little bit of everything. <2> It is the ideal laptop for the who is a frequent traveler because of its thinness. <3> It has MacBook features.
Why not buy it?
If you’re a guy who wants to change every part of his laptop then it is not for you. Also, it is not made for high-level gaming.
2. HP Spectre x360
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Weight: 1.3Kg | Screen: 13.3 inches | Camera: HP Truevision 1080p
HP Spectre x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop with a good-looking design and fast overall performance. It comes with two touchscreen options with a 1080p or 4K screen.
It works with a core-i7-1065G7 high accelerated processor with 16GB DDR4 RAM and for high speed, SSD storage takes apart. Spectre x360 (2020) graphics performance benchmarks relatively beat the Dell XPS (2019). The pros of this laptop are accelerated performance, a monster battery, with a comfortable keyboard which is an essential need for coders.
The main reason to buy this laptop?
There are three main reasons to buy this one. <1> Buy if you want lightweight convertible performance. <2> Buy if you want flexibility. <3> There are many builds in security options. But if you want enhanced security features.
Why not buy the HP Spectre x360?
If you’re on a budget then this laptop is not fit for you. Because of its high tag price.
3. MacBook Air
CPU: Intel Core i3-1000NG4 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 8GB DDR4X | Storage: 256GB SSD | Weight: 1.2Kg | Screen: 13.3 inches | Camera: 720p HD
This new Macbook Air has faster 10th-generation Intel chips and a totally new keyboard. Now, in 2020 Apple lowered the price, starting the model starts at $999 with an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. According to Apple, MacBook It’s storage can be configurable up to 2TB and RAM can be configurable 16GB. Air battery life has an 11-hour battery life, but in reality, there’s a bit below.
Why buy a MacBook Air laptop?
MacBook Air is the cheapest laptop among other Macbook laptops. If you’re a student and searching for a low-price Macbook then Air is for you.
Why not buy this laptop?
If you don’t like Macs and if you want the most powerful MacBook.
4. Dell Inspiron 14 5000
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX130 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB SSD | Weight: 1.7Kg | Screen: 14-inches | Camera: HD
The Dell Inspiron 14 5000 is an excellent laptop for developers to fulfill their needs. It is guaranteed to provide you with the best performance and doesn’t lag during multitasking.
It works with a Core-i7-8565U high accelerated processor with 8GB DDR4 configurable RAM and for high speed, SSD storage takes apart. The main pros of this programming laptop are an excellent screen, a comfortable keyboard, and a modern-gen processor.
Why buy a Dell Inspiron 14 5000 laptop?
The Dell Inspiron 14 5000 is a great all-around laptop for programming.
Why not buy this laptop?
The color resolution is not good.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB DDR3 | Storage: 256GB SSD | Weight: 1.2Kg | Screen: 13.5 inches | Camera: HD
The piece of aluminum Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 has a gorgeous design and has all SPECS to prove its power. It doesn’t include any Type USB-C port, you only have a USB 3.0 port.
It works with an Intel Core i5-8250U high accelerated processor with 8GB DDR3 configurable RAM and for high speed, SSD storage takes apart. Comparing performance last year model doesn’t feel high but now its performance cut all edges. The main pros are an excellent battery, speedy performance, and a comfortable keyboard.
Why buy this laptop?
This laptop provides you the fab value of performance, monster battery, and sleek design.
Why not buy this laptop?
If you want a portable laptop then it’s not for you, Microsoft Surface Book 13 is fit for you a portable powerhouse.
6. ASUS Chromebook Flip C434
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-8500Y | Graphics: Intel UHD 615 | RAM: 4/8GB DDR3 | Storage: 128GB eMMC | Weight: 1.4Kg | Screen: 14-inches | Camera: HD
The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is the successor to the highly popular. Just like the Windows 10 Chromebook flip C434 is getting the crowd with 2-in-1 devices. We can’t think another laptop is cheaper than Flip C434.
It works with an Intel Core i7-8500Y high accelerated processor with 4GB DDR3 configurable RAM and for high speed, eMMC storage takes it apart. The main pros are reliable performance, excellent battery, and the best cheap programming laptop.
Why buy this laptop?
If you want a 2-in-1 Chromebook to work all day long with solid performance then it is recommended.
Why not buy this laptop?
If you want to display a friendly laptop then this laptop has an Unimpressive display.
7. MacBook Pro 16-inch
CPU: Intel Core i9 | Graphics: AMD Randeon Pro 4GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Weight: 2Kg | Screen: 16-inches | Camera: 720p HD
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is incredibly powerful and the best laptop that Apple ever made. You may be surprised to hear that most of the programmers recommended MacBook laptops and most of the programmers like it. It is the most expensive MacBook laptop than others.
It works with an Intel Core™ i9 high gen accelerated processor with 16GB DDR4 configurable up to 64GB RAM and for high speed, SSD storage takes apart. The main pro is a new excellent keyboard, incredible speedy performance, and excellent speakers.
Why buy this laptop?
If you want the most powerful MacBook ever, if you want a high workstation, or if you want long-run battery life then it’s fit for you.
Why not buy this laptop?
The first ignoring point is if you are on a tight budget then many other affordable laptops are present in the market.
8. Google PixelBook Go
CPU: Intel Core i5-8220Y | Graphics: Intel UHD 615 | RAM: 8GB DDR3 | Storage: 128GB eMMC | Weight: 1.04Kg | Screen: 13.3 inches | Camera: 1080p HD (2MP, 60fps)
The Pixelbook Go is a handsome design 13.3 inches (3840 x 2160) laptop with a simple and clear design. The Pixelbook Go runs on Chrome OS and its current version is 77 on the unit. After when you use the Chrome OS you will believe it is the best OS for me and my work.
It works with an Intel Core i5-8220Y high gen accelerated processor with 8GB DDR3 configurable RAM and for high speed, eMMC storage takes a part. The main pros are battery life, excellent design, and smooth performance.
Why buy this laptop?
It offers a bright display and good performance. It’s one of the best things its battery, the battery will remain standing for over 12 hours. Lastly, if you are looking Super thin and light laptop the Pixelbook Go is for you.
Why not buy this laptop?
If you do not like Chromebooks and if you need a performance powerhouse laptop then look for something else.
9. ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | Graphics: Intel UHD 620 | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Weight: 1.19Kg | Screen: 14-inches | Camera: 3D IR HD camera
ASUS Zenbook 14 is the best laptop for programming with its proven SPECS. It has a compact and durable design with a gorgeous aluminum chassis. The Zenbook 14 has thin bezels with a 1080p display, but the 1080p display doesn’t get very bright.
It works with an Intel Core i7-8565U high gen accelerated processor with 8GB DDR4 configurable RAM and for high speed, SSD storage takes a part. More than 12 hours of battery timing which is best for some time. The main pros are well-built quality and good performance.
Why buy this laptop?
It has a good processor to provide you with smooth performance, a smooth keyboard, and good battery life.
Why not buy this laptop?
If you’re thinking of playing games on Zenbook 14 then it’s not for you.
10. Dell Precision M5510
CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1505M | Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro M1000M | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 513GB SSD | Weight: 2.08Kg | Screen: 15.6-inches | Camera: 720p
Actually, this laptop got the 10th position in our programming laptops list because of some improvements and hardware. It works with an Intel Xeon E3-1505M high gen accelerated processor with 8 configurable up to 16GB RAM and for high speed, SSD storage takes a part.
The display of this laptop is sleek and smooth and really impressive. The battery life is not impressive it ends last 6 hours. The main pros are a gorgeous design with a bright display, a fast SSD, and discrete graphics.
Why buy this laptop?
Dell Precision M5510 is a premium design laptop, it offers powerful performance, a bright screen, and an attractive design.
Why not buy this laptop?
Dell Precision M5510 has modest battery life and is very expensive.
Things That Matter When Buying a Laptop
Graphics Card
You hear that graphics card is important for video editing or gaming but it surprises you that graphics card are very useful for ‘deep learning. Then unless you’re focused on this very specific area of programming you won’t find much use for them.
What is a graphics card?
A Graphics card is a piece of computer hardware that produces an image you see on the monitor. It controls the visual output of your computer.
What are the top brands to buy graphics cards from it?
1: ASUS | 2: MSI | 3: Gigabyte | 4: ZOTAC | 5: EVGA
RAM
Simply the more RAM you have the more programs you can run at the same time without experiencing a slowdown. Most of the programmers do not require that much RAM with a few notable exceptions. If you’re running a lightweight editor and willing to close programs running in the background then you would be fine with 8GB RAM.
What is a good amount of RAM for software engineering?
Up to 8GB | But depending on usage RAM may be decreased or increased.
Processor
Running your code or programs is not require a very intensive processor at all. In fact, most services run on the incredibly weak processor but they may be scaled up if high-demand programs or services run.
Which is the world’s fastest gaming processor?
Intel’s flagship Core i9-13900K processor is the world’s fastest gaming processor.
Storage
The code itself takes up almost no space at all since it’s only the text. Every programmer stores their code in a ‘version control system like GitHub has free private repositories. There’s no reason not to upload everything on GitHub.
Which is best SSD vs HDD?
Without any further details, SSD is best than HDD. SSD is a flash memory that offers read & write speeds up to three to four times faster than HDD. But HDD is much cheaper than SSD.
Operating System
So the primary three operating systems are Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. Mac OS and Linux are part of the UNIX family of operating systems. They both share a shell and are very portable between one. Mac OS no doubt has a great interface and user experience all-around Mac OS is pretty strong.
Which is the best operating system for programmers?
Most programmers think Mac OS is the best operating system for Developers. At Amazon, and AWS conferences 98% of people like Mac OS.
Further Reading on HABytes: Check out Best Laptops Under $1,000 and Laptop Buying Guide.
This article was originally published on Nov. 29, 2021
Images Credit: Google Search/HA Bytes
