10 Best Laptops For Programming 2024

Programmers create software and programs using code lines, thus having an excellent laptop is a prerequisite for such tasks. With the right laptop, the process of programming can be made easier and comfortable. 
 
When looking for the best laptops for programming, you need to look past just raw power. A comfortable keyboard, extra storage, and fast processor are just as crucial if you mean to do some serious coding on a laptop
 
Sub-par laptops usually start to lag when loaded with programs, which is why you will need a swift laptop. A better laptop will not only save you time but also help you in avoiding bottlenecks. Programmers need to keep their eyes on the screen and their fingers on the keyboard for most of the time they work. Hence, a display that doesn’t strain your eyesight is an essential factor.
 

Choosing a good affordable laptop is a tiring process and that’s where we help you; we have prepared a list of the 10 best laptops for programming for you. Lets check out.

  1. HP 17.3″ HD+ Flagship
  2. HP Stream 11.6-inch HD Laptop
  3. ASUS VivoBook 2024
  4. Lenovo ThinkPad E Series 2020
  5. Apple MacBook Air 2020
  6. Dell Inspiron 3583 15” Laptop
  7. CHUWI Herobook Pro
  8. Newest HP Stream 2024
  9. ASUS L210 Laptop
  10. Acer Aspire 5

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U APU

Screen Size: 14’’

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 256 GB SSD

Lenovo flex 5 14” is a 2 in 1 laptop which offers a smooth and sleek design. It is lightweight and portable; it can be turned into a tablet and back in a matter of seconds due to its 360⁰ pivot. Whether you use it for work or programming, it will offer excellent performance with amazing graphics. 

Display and Design

It offers a 14 inches of 1920 x 1080p display and integrated AMD graphics and a touch screen as an interface input. The display viewing angles are adequate and it has a decent sRGB value of 75%. The display screen packs 250 nits of brightness. The images formed are quite sharp.

Processor

It possesses the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U APU with 2.1 GHz CPU speed which offers excellent computing capacity and power. Along with the 16GB RAM and the SSD, this processor makes the laptop appropriately fast and responsive.
 
It boasts 16GB of DDR4-3200 MHz of dual-channel RAM. This amount of RAM is a great help in increasing computing power. Any programmer would be frustrated with low RAM. A 256 GB SK Hynix NVMe SSD is present in this beast which makes the laptop highly fast and less prone to malfunction. It is compact, lightweight, and offers high speed.

Other Features

This laptop comes with privacy options like a shutter for its 720p camera. It has up to 10 hours of battery timing and a quick charge option, with a 65W fast charger. Actual battery timings may vary depending on usage time, software, and settings for power management. The connectivity options like 4.2 Bluetooth, an HDMI port, a C-type USB C-type port, and 2 A-type USB ports are also present in it.
Pros
  • Durable and soft body
  • Touch screen
  • A privacy shutter for the webcam
  • Vigorous computing capacity
Cons
  •   A dimmer 250-nit display

Processor: Intel i7 1065G7

Screen Size: 15.6

RAM: 32GB

Storage: 1TB SSD

The Dell Inspiron 15-3593 would not seem empathic at a glance with its large bezels around its screen and a plastic shell. The features that make it a trustworthy laptop lie inside its brain: the 10th generation Intel i-7 quad-core processor with ice lake technology and the NVIDIA GeForce MX-230

Display and Design

This laptop is most definitely not the most advanced technology when it comes to manufacturing design. The plastic body always reminds you to be careful while handling. The display includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen with 1366 x 768p resolution. The LED screen is anti-glare and energy-efficient. The images produced on this display are sharp and adequate in this price range, making it the right choice.

Processor

Moreover, it houses a 10th generation quad-core Intel i-7 1065G7 processor with a low voltage platform. This beast offers 1.30 GHz of core speed as its base frequency and can be further increased by the turbo.
 
The combination of 32 GB RAM and SSD with the ice lake technology makes it the perfect laptop for programming. Additionally, the 1 TB SSD offers incredible processing speeds increasing the overall performance.

Other Features

This laptop weighs about 2.2kg and 22.7 mm thick. The optical drive is missing, which is quite disappointing, but you get an SD media card reader. The keyboard has 10 numeric keys, which allows accurate and comfortable typing. The system operates on S mode windows 10 and the body includes an array of 3 Type-A USB ports along with an HDMI port.
Pros
  • Durable and soft body
  • Touch screen
  • A privacy shutter for the webcam
  • Vigorous computing capacity
Cons
  • A dimmer 250-nit display

Processor: Intel i7-1165G7

Screen Size: 15.6’’

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 512 GB M.2 SSD

This laptop offers the performance that enables you to enjoy your mind-blowing entertainment. It is lightweight, a bit smaller, and full HD. The micro-edge display combined with the B&O audio system gives us enjoyment at the theater level, making it robust and authentic. The integrated intel iris graphic card provides us adequate performance when programming, gaming, or taking classes.

Display and Design

The HP Pavilion houses a 1920 x 1080p full HD 15.6-inch display with slimm bezels powered by Iris Xe graphic cards. The slim bezels make the display to panel ratio extremely small and you end up with a complete display screen. The presence of a graphics card ensures the sharpness of images and better quality graphics.

Processor

The Pavilion 15 boasts an 11th generation intel i7-1165G7 quad-core central processing unit responsible for quick responses and adequate performance. It offers up to fifteen times faster processing speed than its market competitors owing to the 512 Gb of M.2 SSD storage drive
 
This increased speed has attracted the attention of a lot of programmers and gamers. The 16 GB of dual-channel RAM present and this storage drive makes the laptop an apple of the eye.

Other Features

The battery ensures up to 8 hours of working life and fast charging option. The construction design is sleek and seamless. The full-sized keyboard is an excellent help in comfortable typing. There is an array of 1 USB Type-C port, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port. Also, it comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Pros
  • Decent battery life
  • Wi-Fi 6
  • Eco friendly
Cons
  • No thunderbolt-3 port
  • A Max-Q GPU

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U

Screen Size: 15.6’’

RAM: 32GB

Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD

This laptop can be deemed one of the first to support the 4th generation Ryzen U-series processor of AMD. The Envy offers adequate performance along with a thin, compact, and stylish construction design. The automatic privacy filter for the webcam protects you, and the comfortable keyboard makes the typing process a delight.

Display and Design

The 2 in 1 laptop can be used as a tablet depending upon the user’s desires. But this flexibility comes with a thicker and bulkier body. The HP Envy X360 packs a  full HD 1920 x 1080p 15.6-inch IPS touchscreen display. It is supported by the intel Iris plus graphic card for enhanced performance. The images produced on this screen are sharp and do not cause eye strain.

Processor

The 4th-generation AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-core processor unit offers 2.0-4.1 GHz of core speed. It offers 1 Tb of PCIe SSD storage drive which enhances the laptop’s processing speed. When combined with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, it is an absolute delight.

Other Features

The X360 gives us a choice amongst Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, or 7. The AMD Radeon graphic card supports the performance and gives a better graphical output. Also, the Envy X360 offers bluetooth 4.2, three USB ports, and a standard HDMI.
Pros
  • Light, sleek, and compact looking design
  • Wi-fi 6
  • Performance above average
Cons
  • Confined touchpad
  • No optical drive

Processor: Intel i7-10510U

Screen Size: 15.6’’

RAM: 32GB

Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD

The Lenovo Thinkpad X1 is the most durable laptop on our list. It offers wi-fi six technology, so connectivity is still up to the mark. Just like its predecessors, it is entirely secure and private conscience. 

The 720p webcam is covered under a ThinkShutter, and the fingerprint reader makes logging in fast and secure. 

Display and Design

This laptop offers a 1920 x 1080p 14-inch Full HD 400-nits display which helps you code or write a program without any problem. It comes with eye care technology which reduces any kind of eye strain. Also, the privacy guard makes your work personal, and anyone trying to take a peek will only see a black screen.

Processor

The Lenovo think pad has an upgradable 10th generation intel i7, quad-core processor with an eight MB cache. The core speed can be increased from 1.80 to 4.90 GHz by turbo boost. Additionally, it houses 1 TB of PCIe SSD storage. This brief storage drive combined with 16 GB of GDDR3 RAM makes the laptop run faster.

Other Features

Being certified by intel for performance and equipped with a 10-generation intel i7, it can deliver the best power and performance. The battery life rated by mobile mark 2014 offers some serious juice, and the fast charging adapter is a plus; it can charge up to 80% in under an hour. 
 
It offers 4 far-field microphones, a Dolby Atmos® sound system, and a ThinkShutter for privacy. The Bluetooth 5.0, Optional NFC, 2x Type-C USB thunderbolt, 2x generation1 USB 3.1, HDMI v1.4, and an MCR (MicroSD card reader) are also included.
Pros
  • Lightweight and flawless design
  • Amazing keyboard texture
  • Massive array of ports
Cons
  • Expensive 
  • High surface temperatures when under load

Processor: Intel i5-1035G

Screen Size: 17.3’’

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 512 GB SSD

Display and Design

Dell Inspiron 17 offers a 17.3″ FHD display with LED backlight anti-glare technology. The 1920 x 1080p non-touch display produces an eight-bit array rather than six bits like some other budget panels. 

Processor

The quad-core intel i5-1035G processor packed inside the laptop is in no way inferior to its competitors. When it combines with the SSD storage and the 16GB RAM, the laptop jumps to a whole new level of speed and responsiveness.
 
It drives an upgraded hard drive with 512 GB SSD which offers faster data processing speed and more outstanding performance. All programmers need something like this that executes their commands without any delay and responds fast.

Other Features

The Dell Inspiron has a built-in HD web camera. The 720p web camera is not something to brag about and can stand its ground against various other expensive laptop cameras. An array of input device ports, including 1 USB port, 1 USB 3.1 ports, 1 USB Type-C, and 1 HDMI are also there for better user experience. All these features make your work a lot easier and faster.
 
You might miss the backlighting in the keyboard, but it is comfortable with a quiet, tappy feeling. The bottom-mounted speakers are relatively audible. All in all, this option can be considered economical, and the Dell Inspiron 17 can be used as an economical choice for programming.
Pros
  • An onboard DVD burner
  • A large 720p display
  • Ample performance
Cons
  • Plastic construction
  • No keyboard backlight

Processor: Intel Core i5

Screen Size: 12.3’’

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128 GB SSD

The Microsoft Surface pro 6 is a classy laptop with the versatility of a tablet that houses a generation 8 intel processor. As far as the webcam is concerned, it offers an 8MP camera on the back and a 5MP webcam on the front. The typing cover has an improved design that offers more comfortable typing.

Display and Design

It comes with a 12.3-inch display with 2736 x 1824-pixel resolution and a touch screen. This laptop was built mainly for students’. It offers a compact design and detailed surface.

Processor

It packs an 8th generation intel core i5 processor which makes the computing speed dependable and faster. The 128GB storage makes this laptop run like a morning breeze. Also, it is upgradeable to 1TB. The SSD storage along with 8GB RAM makes it a decent choice within this price range.

Other Features

It is mainly a tablet, hence accommodating sensors like a gyroscope, light sensor, and accelerometer. It also offers a USB 3.0, a MicroSD card reader, windows hello face technology, and an integrated Intel Ultra HD Graphics 620
Pros
  • A bright and HD display
  • A comfortable typing keyboard 
  • Smooth pen input
Cons
  • No thunderbolt ports
  • No optical drive

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U

Screen Size: 15.6’’

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 512 GB SSD

The Asus X512DA is a compact laptop that engrosses you in whatever you decide to do. Whether you’re at work or doing programming, this laptop will not disappoint you.

Display and Design

It boasts a 1920x1080p screen with 5.7 mm bezel and a four-sided nano edge display, providing an 88% screen ratio. The ergo lift hinge equipped in this laptop allows us to adjust the keyboard by tilting it to a more comfortable position. The 15.6-inch full HD display is supported by an AMD Radeon Vega 8 card that makes the graphics even more pleasing. 

Processor

It is powered by the ultra fast AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor. It comes with 512 GB PCle SSD storage. The flash-based SSD has no moving parts, making the whole experience even more palatable by improving the computing speed. Along with an 8GB DDR2 SDRAM, the laptop outputs quickly.

Other Features

The Asus X512DA also houses a Chiclet keyboard which makes the typing experience better than ever. ASUS sonic master sound technology, a Backlit display, and AMD Radeon Vega 8 dedicated chipset helps this laptop stand out in the market.
Pros
  • Sleek design
  • Good battery life 
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Complete plastic built
  • Low contrast ratio and viewing angles

Processor: Intel core i3-1005G1

Screen Size: 15.6’’

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128 GB SSD

Like some other low-priced counterparts, the ASUS Vivo book 15 has managed to deliver a befitting premium look. Given the lower price, the lightweight, and the 15.6” screen, this laptop is a pleasing surprise. 

Unfortunately, the panorama falls apart due to the shorter battery life. The performance is adequate for everyday work, but is not suited for heavy load. The keyboard is adequately comfortable, and the presence of a numeric pad is a plus for programmers.

Display and Design

The ASUS designing team has certainly done a fine job giving the illusion of a premium metallic body. The 15.6” 1920×1080 pixels display can produce sharp images.

Processor

It has 128 GB of PCle NVMe SSD storage and 8GB DDR4 RAM which further enhances the responsiveness making it the best choice for programmers. The intel core i3, when paired with only 8GB of RAM, may not sound good, but the performance is not half bad. The laptop holds its ground in everyday web work.

Other Features

The ASUS Vivo book 15 also houses Bluetooth 4.1, 1 Type-A USB port, 1 Type-C port, a 720 pixels HD webcam. The Windows 10 S mode and integrated intel Ultra HD graphics card both combine to make the user experience better than ever.
Pros
  • Premium looking design
  • Nano edge bezels
  • Solid port selection
Cons
  • Low battery performance
  • Dim and whitewash display
  • Slow Processor

Processor: Intel core i7-31065G7

Screen Size: 13.5’’

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 512 GB SSD

The Acer spin 5 is a fresh addition to the 2 in 1 laptop series and it’s quite pleasing. The rechargeable stylus pen is quite helpful in operating the device when in tablet mode. 

Display and Design

While it may not be the most power-oriented 2 in 1 laptop out there, it can still pump some serious juice despite its slim smart design. The graphics are supported by the Vertiview 2K IPS LED-backlit Display with a touchscreen. The integrated intel iris plus graphics card is a massive plus to the display performance. The 2256 x 1504 pixels display with a 360-degree hinge essentially makes this laptop a notebook. This laptop is a highly versatile option for students.

Processor

It is housed with the latest ice lake technology of 10th generation Intel core i7-1065G7 with a core frequency of 3.9 GHz. It has 512 GB of flash SSD storage which is further enhanced by 16 GB LPDDR4 RAM. This whole setup makes this laptop a decent choice for programmers. 

Other Features

The Acer Spin 5 houses an array of 2 Type-C USB ports, HDMI, 1 USB port, a Fingerprint sensor, and a 720-pixel HD web camera.
Pros
  • Amazing battery life
  • 3:2 Display
  • Rechargeable stylus pen
Cons
  • Poor sound quality
  • The display isn’t best for 16:9 media

Best Laptops For Programmers - Buyer's Guide

Choosing a laptop is a quite tedious task and finding one with the right combination is essential for optimum performance and ease of use. Raw power is not enough to make a computer appropriate; we need a good display, storage space, graphics, and RAM. To assist you in your search, we have created a checklist of things you should consider before choosing the laptop that will accompany you in your life.

Portability

Laptops may be created while keeping portability in mind, but there are various levels available. You need to make sure that the computer you choose is portable according to your needs. It has to have a good battery life, so you don’t have to recharge it frequently. In the worst case, you might end up attaching yourself to a wall with a charging socket.

Display

The display is one of the first things you will lay your eyes on when you open the lid. An optimum display should have a good aspect ratio and the right size adequate for multitasking. If we cannot see object details clearly, we get frustrated, so we avoid such laptops.

Processor

The CPU is a pillar of performance in your laptop, and choosing a computer with a cheaper processor will make you work hard. The specification of a professor will decide the number of processes you can efficiently run on your system. Always pay attention to the base frequency, the number of threads, and the processor’s thermal design.

Storage and RAM

Solid-state drives are always prioritized over the older HDD ones. The SSD storages lack any moving parts, which makes them fast and optimum for responsive laptops. Older HDD storages drag down the speed of the whole device, making it difficult to multitask quickly. 

In the case of RAM, any computer with RAM less than 4 GB should be avoided. At least 8 GB of RAM is a must for a responsive laptop. Dual-channel RAMs are on the go these days as they offer enhanced processing speed. Most power-oriented laptops have at least 16 GB of RAM to offer. 

Keyboard

Everything aside, if you are a programmer, the most important thing you need to consider is the keyboard. This is the part of the laptop you will be using the most, and if you are not comfortable or don’t feel right, you might end up hating your choice later on. A lot of choices available in keyboards out there, but the correct choice is the one that suits you the best.  

A numeric pad is often thought to be a great addition to a keyboard. Smaller keyboards might have keys mushed together, and the ones that are too large may have distantly placed keys. The keys must have a counter uplift that will help your fingers move from key to key. If you mostly work in a dim light environment, a backlit keyboard can be a huge help.

Battery Life

Battery life is an essential factor in deciding on a laptop. As good as it may be, any laptop may frustrate you if the battery performance is not good. Subpar battery performance means you have to always plug it in for charging, which reduces your laptop’s portability, which quite frankly is the whole purpose of a computer.

Graphics

Graphics aren’t the most crucial thing when looking for a laptop for programming, but we recommend that you buy one with a dedicated graphics card. This way, you can redirect the money towards a more extensive SSD storage or a better processing unit, ultimately making your laptop a better device.

FAQ’s

What laptop should I buy for programming?

There are many options out there with different specifications, but if your interest is programming-oriented, you should check our list for the best laptops for programming. This list includes detailed specs along with the pros and cons of some exciting and recommended laptops.

Do I need a powerful laptop for programming?

Pure raw power is not absolute for a laptop to be good for the programming. You need an optimized device with a balance between power and functionality. Ability is undoubtedly essential but is of no use if the machine has no way of expressing it.

What are the best cheap laptops for a programmer?

There are not a lot of devices that fit this category. A laptop can either be cheap or expensive, but some exceptions have been given below:

  • The Lenovo Flex 5
  • The Dell Inspiron 17 3793
  • The Dell Inspiron 15 3593
  • The HP Pavilion 15
  • The HP Envy X360
  • The Lenovo ThinkPad X1
  • The Microsoft Surface Pro 6
  • The Asus X512DA-BTS2020RL
  • The ASUS VivoBook 15
  • The Acer Spin 5

Which is best for programming desktop or laptop?

A desktop can offer many things that might make you favorable towards them. They lack something that is a must in this day and age, portability. It is the strongest suit for laptops.

You can just pick up a laptop and go someplace you can relax to continue your work. A desktop does not enjoy this privilege. Battery support is another plus for laptops; you don’t have to worry about a stable power connection when working on a computer.

Categories  Laptops