Are you searching for the best laptop for programming or coding? You are at the right place. Having the right laptop is essential to efficiency and productivity for programmers.
The best programming laptops need to have top-notch processing power, ample RAM and storage, vivid displays and robust connectivity to keep up with intensive coding demands. In this definitive guide I will help you to find your ideal coding companion.
Main Considerations for Programmer Laptops
These are the main consideration which you should kind in mind while selecting the best laptop for programming or coding for yourself.
Processing Power
The CPU is the most vital component in a programmer’s laptop. Compiling code and running multiple virtual machines demand faster processors with more cores.
Ideal picks: Intel Core i7/i9 H-series or AMD Ryzen 7/9 CPUs
Memory
With several apps and dozens of browser tabs open, RAM fills up fast. Higher RAM memory helps you in smooth multitasking.
Recommended: 32GB RAM
Minimum: 16GB
Storage
Fast SSD storage ensures quick boot-ups and access times. And enough space for multiple development and projects.
Minimum: 512GB SSD
Display & Graphics
Crisp 1080p or 4K resolution for easy reading and writing code. Unique GPUs help in machine learning coding.
Keyboard & Trackpad
A comfortable keyboard with adequate key travel minimizes typos during long coding sessions. Accurate trackpad/trackpoint gestures boost productivity.
Ports & Wireless
Multiple USB 3.0/C ports, HDMI out, SD card reader for extensive peripheral and device connectivity. Latest Wi-Fi/Bluetooth handles speedy wireless transfers.
Operating System
Windows and Linux are the most popular OS choices for application and web development and macOS is preferred by iOS coders.
Battery Life
Long battery runtime ensures continue coding on-the-go without worrying about charging the laptop.
Budget
Costs span across various segments from $700 baseline models to $3000 professional workstations. Define your needs before setting budget.
Best Laptops for Programming in 2024
Dell XPS 15 (7590)
- Intel Core i7-9750H 6-core CPU
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD
- 15.6-inch 4K touch display
- NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU
- Thunderbolt 3, USB-C ports
- 80Whr battery
- Premium build quality
- Around $2,000 configured
With 9th gen 6-core i7 processor, ample 32GB RAM, fast 1TB SSD and 4K touch display, the Dell XPS 15 7590 has all the hallmarks of a fantastic programmer’s notebook.
Unique GTX 1650 GPU improves graphics and AI workloads. Sleek aluminum/carbon-fiber body, excellent battery life, and a wide selection of ports add to its versatility. Overall the best balance of power, portability and price.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen 4)
- 11th Gen Core i7/i9 CPUs up to 8-cores
- 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD options
- 15.6-inch 4K OLED display
- GeForce RTX 3080 graphics
- MIL-SPEC certified durable build
- Around $2,800 maxed out
ThinkPad X1 Extreme lives up to its name with extreme processing muscle via 11th gen Intel Core i9 octa-core CPU, 64GB RAM, 6TB SSD storage options and RTX 3080 graphics.
The vibrant 4K OLED touchscreen is a coder’s delight. Tested to 12 MIL-STD-810H standards, it will easily withstand the rigors of a programmer’s mobile life. Superior connectivity, keyboard and trackpad accuracy make it a compelling choice.
Apple MacBook Air (M1 2020)
- Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU/GPU)
- 16GB RAM, 2TB SSD
- 13.3-inch 2K Retina display
- Apple macOS
- Fanless design
- Up to 18 hours battery life
- Magic keyboard
- Starts around $1,250
While not the fastest, the MacBook Air M1 offers exceptional marathon battery life up to 18 hours on a single charge—ideal for non-stop coding on the go. Apple’s powerful M1 silicon, 16GB unified memory, 2TB SSD options, 2K panel, and macOS environment make it no slouch in the performance department either.
The fanless chassis enables silent operation. Magic keyboard, Force Touch trackpad, and premium aluminum build give it the look and feel of a luxury laptop.
Best 17-inch Display: LG Gram 17 (2022)
- 12th Gen Core i7 processor
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
- Large 17-inch WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS LCD
- Intel Iris Xe graphics
- 80Wh battery, over 19.5-hour runtime
- Weighs less than 3 lbs.
- Around $1,850
LG Gram 17 is an engineering marvel packing desktop monitor-like 17-inch real estate while weighing around 1.35kg through ingenious use of magnesium alloy. Images and text appear sharp on its 16:10 aspect ratio IPS panel.
Internals include 12th Gen Core i7 CPU, 16GB cutting-edge LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB Gen 4 SSD delivering rapid performance. A giant 80Wh battery keeps it running for over 19.5 hours on a full charge. If you need abundant visual workspace on-the-go, this LG Gram configuration cannot be beaten.
Best Linux Laptop: System76 Lemur Pro
- Choice of Ubuntu or Pop!_OS Linux distributions
- Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors
- Up to 64GB RAM, 6TB storage
- 14-inch 1080p display with privacy filter
- Open-source Coreboot firmware
- Starts around $899
- Fully Linux-compatible
System76 is renowned for its Linux-first laptops. The Lemur Pro is configurable with up to 12-core CPUs, 64GB RAM, 6TB SSD storage and RTX graphics making it a powerhouse for intensive coding workloads. Its firmware is fully open-source allowing extensive tailoring options.
Privacy-conscious coders will appreciate the optional view-angle restrictive privacy filter on its sharp 14-inch full-HD screen. Durable magnesium alloy lid, spill-resistant backlit keyboard, and hot-swappable battery add to its appeal.
FAQs about Programming Laptops
Q: Does more RAM offer any tangible benefits for coding?
A: Absolutely. Higher RAM capacity enables keeping more browser tabs, reference docs, virtual machines open without slowdowns during coding/compilation. 32GB is the best for complex coding environments.
Q: Are gaming laptops suitable for programmers?
A: To an extent yes. Many gaming laptops offer high-end multicore CPUs, ample RAM/storage and fast GPUs useful for graphics programming or ML model training. But shorter battery life and flashy aesthetics may not appeal to some coders.
Q: What screen resolution should programmers look for?
A: 1080p displays strike the ideal sharpness/screen real estate balance for coding. 1440p or 4K resolution panels are great to have but not mandatory. Avoid 1366×768 displays even on cheaper laptops.
Q: Is 16GB RAM enough for programming in 2024?
A: 16GB suffices for lighter coding needs on IDEs, web apps, and mobile development environments. But 32GB gives additional headroom for intensive workloads like running multiple virtual machines and large compiler jobs.
Q: Which laptop operating system do most coders prefer?
A: Windows 10/11, Linux, and macOS have fairly equal market share among programmers today. Comfortable OS familiarity should guide your laptop choice rather than coding language or external statistics.