The best programming notebooks must offer a powerful processor, lots of storage space, as well as a comfortable keyboard.
Ideally, the best laptop for programming should be equipped with one of the best processors, as well as the best RAM and SSD on the market. The latter will save you a lot of time when loading and rendering your projects, which leads to increased productivity.
Other components to consider are keyboard and display: a screen with a higher resolution allows you to view more information, while a more comfortable keyboard… well, it doesn’t hurt.
If the idea of checking all these aspects causes you a headache, do not worry, we have already thought of it. We’ve compiled a guide to the best laptops for programming, from the best Windows and macOS notebooks to some of the best Chromebooks.
Table of Contents
Best laptops for programming:
| Name | Check Price |
|---|---|
| HP Specter x360 | Buy from Amazon |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme | Buy from Amazon |
| HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 2-in-1 | Buy from Amazon |
| MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | Buy from Amazon |
| MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) | Buy from Amazon |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 7 | Buy from Amazon |
| Google Pixelbook | Buy from Amazon |
| Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch) | Buy from Amazon |
| MacBook Pro 13 (M1, 2020) | Buy from Amazon |
1. HP Specter x360
CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core
GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Display: LCD, 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass NBT, anti-glare, 400 nits, 100% sRGB
Storage: SSD from 256GB to 2TB
The HP Specter x360 2-in-1 (2020) features 10th Gen Intel Core processors and next-generation integrated graphics, as well as a flawless 2-in-1 design with gem cuts. The predecessor was a good notebook, but this version jumped straight to the top of our list of the best laptops for programmers.
The HP Specter line has always been made up of extraordinary devices, so when we write that the Specter x360 is in another category, we’re not joking at all! Not only is this one of the best-looking laptops on the market, it also boasts premium build quality. The device features a 60 Whr battery, which isn’t bad for a compact model, plus it supports 65W fast charging.
2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti
RAM: up to 64GB
Screen: LCD / OLED, 15.6 inches, Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) or 4K / HDR (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution, multi-touch technology
Storage: SSD up to 1TB
If you want a reliable product, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Mobile Workstation is a more than recommended programming laptop; We also consider it one of the best Lenovo notebooks for many reasons. It is highly customizable (but the base model is no joke), it is equipped with a dedicated GPU and a fantastic frame in very resistant carbon fiber and aluminum.
3. HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 2-in-1
CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
RAM: 8GB – 32GB
Screen: LCD, 14 inches, Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) – UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Storage: 128GB – 2TB SSD
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 is arguably one of the best business notebooks on the market. It’s not a perfect device, but it has many features that make up for its shortcomings. For example, it boasts an ultra-thin (1.68cm) and lightweight (1.35kg) chassis, numerous I / O ports, and impressive audio. In short, it is a little gem recommended for professionals.
4. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
CPU: Apple M1
GPU: Integrated 8 or 7 core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Storage: SSD from 256GB to 2TB
Dimensions: 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61 cm
The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is undoubtedly one of the most notable Apple laptops of recent years. The M1 chip represents a real game changer and the ability to run iOS apps, in addition to classic or new ones optimized for M1, is a pretty good advantage. Furthermore, according to our tests, the runtime is noteworthy.
5. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
CPU: 9th Gen Intel Core
GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M
RAM: 16GB – 64GB
Screen: LCD, 16-inch, True Tone technology, native resolution of 3072 x 1920 pixels
Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD
Among the best laptops for programming, the MacBook Pro could not be missing, especially if you are an Apple developer. The MacBook Pro (2019) has a great processor and lots of RAM, ideal for programming. As thin, light, and sleek as ever, it doesn’t feel like a 16-inch model. Despite the compact chassis, the product features a stunning 3072 x 1920 pixel display in 16:10 format (useful for productivity). The device also features amazing (and powerful) speakers and a very comfortable keyboard. If the model (2020) does not interest you, this PC will not disappoint you.
6. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
CPU: Intel Ice Lake processors
GPU: Iris Plus Graphics
RAM: 4GB – 16GB
Screen: 12.3-inch PixelSense display
Storage: 128GB – 1TB
Connectivity: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 (2 x 2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5
Webcam: 8 MP rear, auto-focus camera (1080p HD); 5 MP front, 1080p HD camera
Weight: 771 grams
Dimensions: 292 x 201 x 8.5 mm
The seventh iteration of Microsoft’s award-winning tablet may not be the generational leap that many have been waiting for, but it still makes progress over its predecessor. This 2-in-1 tablet is made for professionals and delivers incredible performance over the competition. Compared to the predecessor, Pro 7 boasts a USB-C port and supports Wi-Fi 6. Thanks to the 10th generation Intel Core processors and the ability to insert up to 16 GB of RAM, the product will allow you to compile codes quickly and efficient even when you are traveling. Unfortunately, the Type Cover (keyboard + cover) is not included in the package.
7. Google Pixelbook
CPU: 7th Generation Intel Core
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 615
RAM: 8GB -16GB
Screen: 12.3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2400 x 1600 pixels (235 ppi)
Storage: SSD from 128GB to 512GB
Yes, we’ve put a Chromebook (or two) in our guide to the best laptops for programming – the Google Pixelbook is powerful enough (and beautiful) to rival the Surface and MacBooks. Of course, ChromeOS is not an ideal operating system for coding, however the support for Android makes it an indispensable product for those who develop on this platform. It is the successor to the (now discontinued) Google Chromebook Pixel, which was designed by and for Google developers.
8. Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)
CPU: 7th and 8th generation Intel Core
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 620 – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 13.5 inches, 3,000 x 2,000 pixels, touchscreen
Storage: SSD from 256GB to 1TB
Surface Book 2 is an excellent choice for programmers, as well as one of the most powerful 2-in-1s on the planet; it has components fast enough to handle most applications, including some arcade games. If you want a laptop with a larger display, you might want to check out the new 15.6-inch Surface Book 3, which features next-generation chips.
9. MacBook Pro 13 (M1, 2020)
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8 core CPU
GPU: Integrated 8-core GPU
RAM: 8 – 16 GB of unified memory
Screen: 13.3 “2560 x 1600 Retina display with LED backlight
Storage: SSD from 256GB to 2TB
The MacBook Pro 13 (M1, 2020) is probably the most interesting laptop among those produced by Apple in recent years. The new M1 chip guarantees exceptional autonomy and, in our tests, the performance turned out to be excellent. Too bad for the slightly dated design.
Final Words:
The above given 9 best laptops shared according to the need of programmers. I am sure these laptops will be well enough for those who are involve in programming work. So, if you are a programmer then, choose your favorite laptop from the above list and also share your experience as well.
