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The best laptops for programming, whether you're a beginner or an expert
Why you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.
What to Consider
Design
Performance
Storage and RAM
Purpose
Value
You don't need a laptop with staggering specs to write code. The best laptops for programming maximize functionality in a few key areas that matter most.
The factors to look out for are RAM, CPU threads, screen resolution if you don't intend to have external monitors, and battery life if you want to code on the go. A solid keyboard is also a plus if you don't want to purchase an external keyboard.
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is kind of like the short-term memory of your laptop. The more RAM you have, the more programs you'll be able to run at once without experiencing lagging.
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, processes and executes instructions. You don't need the most powerful CPU to write code, but having more threads/cores is always helpful.
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The screen resolution, battery life, keyboard, and weight of the laptop you choose come after the RAM and CPU in importance. If you plan to use the laptop for video editing or design work, you could prioritize the graphics card as well; if you have to attend video calls, a good webcam and mic are essential.
Here are the best laptops for programming.
MacBook Pro
Best laptop overall
Tech specs: RAM: Up to 96 GB with M2 Max chip | CPU: Up to 12 cores | Battery life: Up to 22 hours
On Jan. 17, Apple announced its new MacBook Pro with top-notch processing power that expands the capabilities of previous models. It also includes 8K display support for the first time. The new Apple M2 Pro chip has up to 32 GB of unified memory, up to 12-core CPU, and up to 19-core GPU. The new Apple M2 Max chip has up to 96 GB unified memory, up to 12-core CPU, and up to 38-core GPU. Apple markets the M2 Pro and M2 Max as "the most powerful and efficient chip ever in a pro laptop" with a battery life of up to 22 hours. The new Pro is available beginning Jan. 24 and it starts at $1,999.
The MacBook Pro has always been a dependable choice for everyone from coding novices to programming experts. Even if you go with an older model with 16 GB RAM or fewer CPU cores, you'll still be in good shape.
Microsoft Surface Pro X
Best tablet/laptop hybrid
Tech specs: RAM: Up to 16 GB | CPU: 8 cores | Battery life: Up to 15 hours
The Microsoft Surface Pro is completely mobile and ready to go with you. It runs on Windows 11 and features an all-day battery life of up to 15 hours. It has a touchscreen that could work in your favor if you're a student interested in taking notes with the included Surface Slim Pen 2 or if you like that added functionality. With a 13-inch screen and a detachable keyboard, it's a tablet-laptop hybrid. It weighs less than two pounds, making it extra portable and functional -- but you won't lose out on programming power. One aspect of the Surface Pro that I like is that even though it's a small laptop, it still has four ports, including a dedicated charging port, so you can connect to external monitors instantly, charge your phone, charge the laptop, and use a USB drive all at once.
LG gram
Best large-screen laptop
Tech specs: RAM: 32 GB | CPU: 12th-Gen core i7 | Battery life: Up to 17 hours
This is the laptop for programmers who want a large display on the go. The LG gram 17Z90Q has a sizable 17-inch screen with an AntiGlare 2560x1600 display -- but it still manages to be under three pounds in weight. This ultra-lightweight slim laptop packs in power with 32 GB of RAM, 2 TB of storage, and a 12-generation Intel core i7 processor with Intel Xe Graphics. The graphics card works for casual gamers, but it's not the best if you like to play games regularly. The LG gram comes with Windows 11 Home.
Dell XPS 13 Plus
Best touchscreen laptop
Tech specs: RAM: 32 GB | CPU: 12th-Gen core i7 | Battery life: Up to 7 hours
The Dell XPS 13 Plus has an OLED antireflective touchscreen, 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and Windows 11. It is ultralight, weighing 2.77 pounds, and ultraslim, with a thickness of 0.6 inches. The CPU is an Intel 12th-generation core i7 Evo processor, which has high performance. The RAM is very high at 32 GB, which means it can support the programming needs of engineers, researchers, and other professionals. The downsides to this laptop are its lack of ports (only two Thunderbolt ports), battery life, and graphics card.
Asus Vivobook Pro Notebook
Best programming laptop for gamers
Tech specs: RAM: 32 GB | CPU: 12th-Gen core i7 | Battery life: Up to 11 hours
The standout feature of the Vivobook Pro is the graphics card. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti is a high-end graphics card that allows for gaming at max settings. For programmers, the high system memory of 32 GB, the powerful Intel 12th-Generation Core i7 processor, and the large 16-inch screen all set the stage with substantial capabilities. The screen is ideal for coding, gaming, movies, video editing, and design so you can easily balance work and play on one device. I like the ports on this laptop -- you get an HDMI port, a USB Gen 1 Type-A port, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, an audio jack, and a micro SD card reader. If you're into both programming and gaming, this is the laptop for you.
What is the best laptop for programming?
The best laptop for programming is the MacBook Pro because of its customizable range, impressive RAM, powerful CPU, and high battery life. The other options on this list are equally impressive in different ways. Here's how each option on this list stacks up.
Laptop | Price | RAM | CPU | Battery Life |
MacBook Pro | Starts at $1,999 | Up to 96 GB with M2 Max chip | Up to 12 cores | Up to 22 hours |
Microsoft Surface Pro X | Starts at $899 | 16 GB | 8 cores | Up to 15 hours |
LG gram | Starts at $1,799 | 32 GB | 12th-Gen core i7 | Up to 17 hours |
Dell XPS 13 Plus | Starts at $2,099 | 32 GB | 12th-Gen core i7 | Up to 7 hours |
Asus Vivobook Pro Notebook | Starts at $1,499 | 32 GB | 12th-Gen core i7 | Up to 11 hours |
Which is the right laptop for you?
The right laptop for you depends on which functions you prioritize over others. Here are the use cases of each laptop.
Choose this laptop… | If you want… |
MacBook Pro | Dependable programming power with high capabilities |
Microsoft Surface Pro X | Portability and a versatile tablet-laptop |
LG gram | A large screen and an ultralight feel |
Dell XPS 13 Plus | An OLED touchscreen and the Intel core i7 eco platform |
Asus Vivobook Pro Notebook | A creator's laptop with a high-end graphics card and a large screen |
How did we choose these best laptops?
You don't need the best computer ever made to write code. The main essential capabilities needed to code are a strong processor, storage, battery life, keyboard, and screen. Those last two components can be modified with an external monitor and keyboard, so they weren't top of mind when I selected these laptops. A powerful graphics card, a high refresh rate, a touch screen, and other extras were just that -- extras that could be nice to have but weren't essential. I focused on the experience of sitting down to code, and how I would want a solid battery life to take my work with me, a solid processor so that the laptop would be able to keep up with me, and as much RAM as possible so that I could run multiple applications at once.
What laptop do most programmers use?
The answer to this question depends on the setting. College programmers are more likely to use a MacBook with great battery life and portability while programmers who receive laptops through work may use a PC. Budget-conscious programmers could also veer towards the PC route, as MacBooks are more limited in price and on the higher end of the spectrum. At the end of the day, it comes down to preference and budget.
How much RAM do programmers need?
The laptops on this list go up to 32 GB of RAM, although you might need less. Remember that RAM, or Random Access Memory, stores the data of the apps that you're currently using so that you can access them quickly. It's kind of like short-term memory: it fills up quickly, has a limited bandwidth, and is focused on the immediate tasks at hand. If you have limited RAM, say 8 GB or less, your computer is going to run more slowly, especially if you have tons of applications running or even a lot of memory-draining tabs open. Different applications, such as those used for video or photo editing, can have different RAM requirements.
Why is a MacBook best for programming?
MacBooks top this list for their quality and versatility. MacBooks generally have high-quality screens that make them comfortable to work on for extended periods of time. They are also thin and light, while packing a punch of power, so you can travel lightly but still effectively. On Jan. 17, Apple announced its new MacBook Pro with top-notch processing power and 8K display support. The Apple M2 Pro chip has up to 32 GB of unified memory, up to 12-core CPU, and up to 19-core GPU. The Apple M2 Max chip has up to 96 GB unified memory, up to 12-core CPU, and up to 38-core GPU. Apple markets the M2 Pro and M2 Max as "the most powerful and efficient chip ever in a pro laptop." Battery life is up to 22 hours. The new Pro is available beginning Jan. 24 and it starts at $1,999.
Are there alternative laptops for programming worth considering?
Yes, there are. The following alternatives are used widely and offer competitive specs.