10 Best Programming Laptops of 2024
For programmers, one of the key factors to consider in a laptop is its performance. This necessitates a laptop equipped with a robust processor and ample RAM capacity. Moreover, a laptop with sufficient storage, ideally featuring an SSD, is crucial. Since you'll be spending a significant amount of time typing, it's essential to opt for a laptop with a comfortable keyboard and high-quality screen.
Before we delve into our list of the 10 best laptops for programming, it's essential to also evaluate the laptop's battery life. Rest assured, all the laptops featured in this list have undergone thorough reviews and testing, earning them the distinction of being the best laptops for programming this year.
Do I Need a Powerful Laptop for Programming?
In the realm of programming, having an ample amount of RAM on your laptop is indispensable for running local servers, compilers, code editors, and web browsers simultaneously. We recommend a minimum of 8GB of RAM for programming tasks. However, if you're engaged in game development or graphics programming, you should consider laptops with 12 or 16GB of RAM. Furthermore, a powerful processor and adequate storage are equally important.
1.Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 Laptop
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Storage: 512GB SSD
The Toshiba Portege Z30-C-138 stands out as one of the premier laptops for programming. It boasts remarkable processing power, ample memory, extended battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and a high-quality monitor. It is well-equipped to manage multiple monitors efficiently. Additionally, it offers reliable post-sale support, ensuring you stay productive regardless of your location. With a swift processor, substantial SSD storage, and 16GB of RAM, it excels in programming tasks. Furthermore, it provides an impressive 11 hours of battery life and includes a 4G/LTE modem. While this laptop offers everything a programming laptop should have, it's important to note that it comes at a premium price and may have some shortcomings in its input peripherals.
Reasons to Buy:
Exceptional connectivity
Up to 11 hours of battery life
Reasons to Avoid:
Not the best input peripherals
2. Lenovo ThinkPad E470 Laptop
CPU: 2.7GHz Intel Core i7-7500U
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Storage: 256GB SSD
The Lenovo ThinkPad E470 laptop features a splendid 14-inch anti-glare display, powered by a discrete Nvidia GeForce 940MX GPU, a spill-resistant keyboard, and Lenovo's signature TrackPoint. The E470 provides an array of ports and expansion options to satisfy the average user for years to come. This laptop is a stellar choice for programming, offering outstanding value for money and a discrete graphics card. It may, however, lack a high-capacity battery option and a DisplayPort.
Reasons to Buy:
Outstanding value for money
Discrete graphics card
Reasons to Avoid:
No high-capacity battery option
No DisplayPort
CPU: AMD A6-7310
Graphics: AMD Radeon R4
RAM: 4GB
Screen: 15.6-inch, 1366 x 768 pixels
Storage: 1TB HDD
If you're seeking an affordable programming laptop, the HP 255 G5 is an excellent choice. While it has a modest amount of RAM, it can be upgraded later, making it an ideal laptop for coding. HP is renowned for manufacturing reliable and budget-friendly laptops, and the HP 255 G5 is no exception. It provides good storage capacity and represents an affordable yet dependable option. If you prefer an Intel processor, HP also offers the HP 250 G5 with similar features.
Reasons to Buy:
Affordable
Good storage capacity
Reasons to Avoid:
Limited RAM memory
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core i5
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617
RAM: 8GB - 16GB
Screen: 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 Retina display
Storage: 128GB - 1.5TB PCIe 3.0 SSD
For those who prefer Mac over Windows for programming, the new MacBook Air 13" is a compelling choice. It combines a sleek, lightweight design with a Retina display for the first time. Equipped with improved hardware, including 8th-generation processors, increased RAM, and faster SSDs, the MacBook Air excels in programming tasks. Its compact design allows for easy portability, and the improved screen quality enhances your work experience. While it may be slightly underpowered compared to other options, its outstanding features make it one of the top laptops for programming.
Reasons to Buy:
Small, lightweight design
Beautiful Retina display
Reasons to Avoid:
Slightly underpowered
5. MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid-2018)
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CPU: 6-core Intel Core i7 - i9
Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 540X - 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630
RAM: 16 - 32GB
Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display
Storage: 512GB - 4TB SSD
Another excellent choice for Mac enthusiasts is the MacBook Pro, particularly if you are developing software for macOS. The new MacBook Pro features a Hexa-core processor and ample RAM, making it one of the most powerful MacBook models for programming. Whether you're dealing with heavy workloads or diverse development tasks, the 15-inch MacBook Pro can handle it. It's an ideal choice for software developers, especially those working within the Apple ecosystem, provided you can accommodate its higher price tag.
Reasons to Buy:
Powerful 6-core processor
Abundant memory
Reasons to Avoid:
Expensive
CPU: 5th-Generation Intel Core i5-i7
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
RAM: 8-16GB
Screen: 12.3-inch, 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense display
Storage: 128GB-1TB SSD
Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.1
Camera: 8MP rear-facing, 5MP front-facing
Weight: 1.73 pounds
Size: 11.5 x 7.93 x 0.33 inches
For programmers who prefer a highly portable solution, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is an ideal choice. Its quad-core processors and ample RAM enable efficient code compilation even while on the move. Moreover, it is one of the most powerful laptops produced by Microsoft. Featuring a quad-core processor and ample RAM, this laptop is well-suited for compiling code swiftly and efficiently. However, it lacks USB-C connectivity.
Reasons to Buy:
Quad-core processor
Incredibly portable
Reasons to Avoid:
No USB-C connectivity
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615
RAM: 8-16GB
Screen: 12.3" LCD 2400x1600 (235 PPI)
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD
The Google Pixelbook, Google's own programming laptop, is a compelling choice for developers, particularly those focused on Android development. While ChromeOS may not offer the same robust programming tools as Windows or macOS, the Pixelbook's Android support makes it an essential laptop for Android developers. It boasts a beautiful design and an impressive keyboard. However, Chrome OS may not be as refined as other operating systems.
Reasons to Buy:
Beautiful design
Outstanding keyboard
Reasons to Avoid:
Chrome OS may lack refinement compared to other operating systems
CPU: Intel Pentium 4405Y - Intel Core m3-6Y30
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515
RAM: 4GB
Screen: 12.5-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED-backlit anti-glare
Storage: 32GB - 64GB eMMC
The Asus Chromebook Flip, powered by Chrome OS, offers a premium build, a responsive touchscreen, and reasonably capable components. While Chrome OS may not feature an extensive selection of programming tools, the Asus Chromebook Flip is a solid choice for web development enthusiasts.
Reasons to Buy:
Affordable
Great touchscreen
Reasons to Avoid:
Limited programming tools
9. Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)
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CPU: Intel Core i5-7300U - Intel Core i7-8650U 1.9GHz
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620; Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB GDDR5 VRAM)
RAM: 8GB - 16GB
Screen: 3,000 x 2,000 (267 ppi) PixelSense display, 3:2 aspect ratio
Storage: 256GB - 1TB SSD
The Surface Book 2 stands as an excellent choice for coders. Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops in the form of the Surface Book 2. It boasts components capable of handling a wide range of tasks, including light gaming. While it comes at a premium price, it provides an outstanding battery life and powerful performance.
Reasons to Buy:
Impressive battery life
Powerful performance
Reasons to Avoid:
Premium price tag
Surface Pen not included
10. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018)
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CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 - i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
Screen: 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 pixels
Storage: 128GB - 2TB SSD
For Mac enthusiasts seeking a fast and portable macOS device, the MacBook Pro 13-inch is an exceptional choice. It ranks among the best laptops for programmers and offers great performance. With quad-core processors and up to 16GB of RAM, you can expect swift coding on the go. Its slim and lightweight design ensures convenience while working. This laptop is particularly recommended for Mac programmers and software developers.
Reasons to Buy:
Impressive battery life
Ample processing power
Reasons to Avoid:
Non-touch bar model not been updated
Is Mac or Windows Better for Programming?
Programmers and coders often prefer Mac OS over Windows for several reasons. Mac OS X provides better cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to run multiple operating systems, which is advantageous for learning programming. Additionally, if you plan to develop iOS or macOS software, owning a Mac is a prerequisite, which is not the case for Windows.
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