Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (2024)

Having one of the best laptops for programming can be of major benefit if you're looking to add some extra power to your current set-up, and we're here to give you a hand with your search.

We've found a number of standout laptops that we think tick all the right boxes when it comes to the more heavy lifting tasks programming and coding can present, based on reviews, specs, and features they offer.

Whether you're looking for a brilliant all-rounder in the Apple MacBook Air M1 or if you're on the hunt for the versatility of a convertible laptop with the HP Spectre x360 (2021), we've got you covered right here.

Let's get to it!

Best Laptop For Programming

Best Laptop For Programming - Apple MacBook Air M1

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (1)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (2)

Manufacturer: Apple | Operating System: macOS Big Sur | Processor: Apple M1 | Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD | Screen Size: 13 inches | Memory: 8GB – 16GB RAM

We think that one of the best laptops for programming out there today is the Apple MacBook Air M1, and we'd even go so far as to say it's one of the best laptops around.

With the launch of the M1 chip, Apple brought both the Air and the Pro lines together to be on a level playing field, arguably with the only real difference between the two being a Touch Bar.

The chip itself, with eight cores of CPU and GPU power packed inside looks to be perfect for even the most demanding of tasks, and an LED-backlit panel with 400 nits of brightness ensures colours will be vibrant and pop nicely.

For those who value design too, given that it's a fanless laptop, the Apple MacBook Air M1 appears remarkably thin and also comes in a choice of three colours - Gold, Silver and Space Grey.

As a MacBook, it also runs Apple's macOS which we think is a great OS for programming quite simply because of its intuitive interface that also packs a lot of power and functionality.

Battery life of 11 hours should also give it enough juice to last between one and two working days, allowing you to work without having to charge up for some time.

Best Large Screen Laptop For Programming - LG Gram 17 (2021)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (3)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (4)

Manufacturer: LG | Operating System: Windows 10 | Processor: Intel i7-1165G7 | Storage: 512GB/1TB/2TB/4TB SSD | Screen Size: 17 inches | Memory: 8GB – 16GB RAM

Sometimes having a large amount of screen real estate can be important, and the LG Gram 17 (2021) certainly delivers on that front.

Whilst the Gram line is available in smaller screen sizes, having a 17 inch IPS panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio looks to be great not only for programming but also for general day-to-day tasks, too.

A dual SSD setup with user-expandable storage of up to 4TB total should be plenty for even the most space-hogging of apps and also provide loads of room for any documents and files you need to have to hand.

We also think that having an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 chip will provide a lot of power for day-to-day working and an 80Wh battery again makes a great option for taking on the go.

Best Laptop For Programming And Gaming - Razer Blade 15 (2020)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (5)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (6)

Manufacturer: Razer | Operating System: Windows 10 | Processor: Intel i7-10750H | Storage: 512GB SSD | Screen Size: 15 inches | Memory: 16GB RAM

For those wanting to engage in some gaming as well as programming, the Razer Blade 15 (2021) looks to be an incredible choice.

It features a powerful combo of a QHD display with its 165Hz refresh rate and an Nvidia RTX 3070 discrete GPU that can handle some of the most demanding apps and AAA titles.

With a top-of-the-line 10th Gen i7-10-750H under the hood too, we also think the Blade 15 is a good choice for intensive, multi-threaded tasks such as video editing.

16GB of high-speed DDR4 RAM should also mean you don't have to feel guilty about having a million tabs open either.

Best Chromebook For Programming - Google Pixelbook Go

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (7)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (8)

Manufacturer: Google | Operating System: ChromeOS | Processor: Intel Core M3 8100Y/Intel Core i5-8220Y/Intel Core i7-8500Y | Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Screen Size: 13.3inch FHD/13.3inch 4K panel | Memory: 8GB/16GB RAM |

For programming on a Chromebook, the Google Pixelbook Go seems like a stellar all-rounder, and also makes it as one of our top Chromebook picks, too.

For storage, you've got a choice of 64GB, 128GB and 256GB at the top end which should be plenty for storing files and apps, and RAM options of either 8GB or 16GB should also be good for multi-tasking.

There's also a choice of 8th-gen Intel Core processors which should provide plenty of power for day-to-day working, especially the i7-8500Y at the top end.

You're not being short-changed on the display that the Pixelbook Go utilises either, with a Full HD 13.3" panel offering what looks to be decent brightness and colours. Do note, the top-end model utilises a 4K display though, which may just be worth the extra.

Best 2-In-1 Laptop For Programming - HP Spectre x360 (2021)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (9)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (10)

Manufacturer: HP | Operating System: Windows 10 | Processor: Intel i7-1165G7 | Storage: 256/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches | Memory: 16GB RAM

If you're a fan of versatility then the HP Spectre x360 (2021) may be a great investment.

As a 2-in-1 capable machine, it represents a good choice for both programming and also design work. Being a 2-in-1 means the screen can be folded over and used as a tablet with the additional stylus, but a quick flip back means you don't lose out on its traditional laptop status.

Moreover, with an i7-1165G7, the HP Spectre x360 (2021) it's also rather powerful, and with the option of getting upwards of 2TB of SSD storage with additional Intel Optane Memory means that it should be plenty fast enough to read and write those important files.

The 15.6-inch screen also presents a happy medium of size and portability as you still get a lot to work with, but it's also enough to fold down and sling in a bag when you're finished.

We think the Spectre x360 also delivers on looks too, thanks to a two-tone black and gold accented design.

Best Dual Screen Laptop For Programming - Asus Zenbook Pro Duo (2021)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (11)

Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (12)

Manufacturer: Asus | Operating System: Windows 10 | Processor: Intel i7-10750H | Storage: 256/512GB/1TB SSD | Screen Size: 15.6 inches | Memory: 16GB-32GB RAM

Why have one screen when you can have two? That's certainly the logic behind the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo (2021), and we think it's a prime candidate for being the best laptop for programming.

Whilst a 2-in-1 offers tablet-like functionality, having two screens to work from should help with workflow greatly, especially given both are touchscreens and can also be used for lengthy design work.

However, this particular laptop isn't all about the dual-screen set-up. With a 4K UHD display with oodles of brightness, we think the ZenBook Pro Duo (2021) is also ideal for relaxing and watching movies, too.

It packs an RTX 2060 GPU from Nvidia under the hood too, so if you wanted to use this creative behemoth for gaming, then you absolutely could. Combine this with an Intel Core i7-10750H and you've got one of the more capable ultrabooks for gaming on the market today.

We also think that its Celestial Blue-coloured and fully aluminium shell also makes it look the part and stand out from the crowd of grey available today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Laptops For Programming

How much RAM does a laptop for programming need?

In most cases, this depends on what you're doing with coding. For the less intense tasks, laptops with 8GB of RAM will definitely suffice.

However, if you're delving into the world of virtual machines, you'll of course need to allocate resources from your main clump that the VM can use, so investing in a machine with 16GB and upwards should allow things to be split nicely.

Do I need a discrete graphics card in a laptop for programming?

A lot of the laptops on this list such as the LG Gram 17 (2021) run integrated graphics that come bundled with the processor and these have become a lot more capable over the years.

Having a discrete graphics card though like in the Razer Blade 15 (2021) can provide some extra oomph when needed and give you that little bit more capacity if you do run a virtual machine, for instance.

Do I need a touchscreen in a laptop for programming?

Touchscreen compatible laptops can add some flexibility to your workflow, either when a trackpad isn't as accurate or you just want a change.

You don't strictly need one, but with machines such as the HP Spectre x360 (2021), it just adds another dimension to the way you work, or you could go for two separate screens with the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo (2021) which can provide even more options.

Read More: Best USB-C Monitor 2021: Top Picks To Upgrade Your Setup

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Best Laptop For Programming 2021: Our Top Picks For November (2024)

FAQs

Which laptop is best for coding and programming, HP or Dell? ›

Best Mid-Range Laptop For Programming

The best laptop for developers we've tested in the mid-range tier is the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (2023). It sports a large 16-inch display, so you get plenty of room to see your codes, and since it's a 2-in-1, you can flip the screen around and use it as a tablet.

How do I find the best laptop for coding? ›

Key features that you must consider in your laptop for coding and programming
  1. It is important to invest in a laptop that has the latest generation of the processor. ...
  2. Prefer going for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 processor or AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
Jun 21, 2024

Which laptop is best for coding and programming under $30,000? ›

Top 3 features of the best laptops under ₹30,000:
Best laptops under ₹30,000ProcessorDisplay
ASUS Vivobook 15Intel Celeron N402015.6" HD
Lenovo V15Intel Celeron N450015.6" FHD (1920x1080)
Lenovo IdeaPad 1AMD Ryzen 3 7320U15.6" HD
Acer Aspire LiteAMD Ryzen 3 5300U15.6" Full HD (1920x1080)
3 more rows
Feb 15, 2024

How much RAM do I need for a programming laptop? ›

In conclusion, the optimal RAM requirement for coding depends on the complexity of your projects. Starting with a minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended. However, for resource-intensive tasks, consider upgrading to 16GB or 32GB for an optimal coding experience.

What kind of computer do I need for coding? ›

Intel CPU: Quad core 2GHZ or Higher. AMD CPU: Quad core 3GHZ or Higher. 8 GB RAM minimum recommended.

Which is better, the i5 or the i7 for programming? ›

Generally speaking, an i7 processor is better than an i5 processor when you need more processing threads. Every i7 has more processing threads than the i5 of the same family, and generally double the processing threads.

Which laptop is faster HP or Dell? ›

Whether an HP or Dell laptop is better depends on your specific needs. HP is often praised for its fast charging and reliable performance, while Dell is known for its durability and use of fast processors. Evaluate your priorities like design, performance, use, and customer service to decide.

What is the best HP laptop for coding and programming? ›

Top 3 features of the best laptops for coding
Best laptops for codingScreen SizeRAM/Storage Details
HP Pavilion 1414-inch16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
ASUS Vivobook 15 (EJ741WS)15.6-inch16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
HP Victus Gaming (fa0666TX)15.6-inch16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
ASUS Vivobook 15 (EJ742WS)15.6-inch16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
4 more rows
Apr 8, 2024

Which laptop is best for coding low price? ›

HP Notebook 15

The HP 15-dy1036nr is the best choice on our list of cheapest laptops for programming 2024. This laptop is the budget on the list and doesn't compromise efficiency. It is powered by the latest 10th-generation quad-core Intel Core i5-1035G1 and has 8GB of RAM to support all multitasking processors.

Which brand is best for laptops? ›

1. Which are the best laptop brands in India? Some of the best laptop brands in India include Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and Apple. These brands are known for their excellent performance, build quality and customer support.

How do I know if my laptop is good for coding? ›

Ram-at least 8GB of RAM, but ideally, 16GB or more. Processor-Intel Core i5 or i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processors are good options. Storage-(SSD)Aim for at least 256GB of storage space, but preferably 512GB or more. Battery life-Aim for at least 8 hours of battery life.

What laptop do programmers prefer? ›

The Macbook Pro is our pick for best programming laptop - and the Dell XPS 15, Microsoft Surface 9 Pro, and Macbook Air are all worthy contenders, as are the others in our round-up. We've tested, reviewed, and rated all of these machines to ensure they perform well and deliver what you need.

What is the minimum laptop requirement for coding and programming? ›

Here are my priorities when I am buying a new laptop:
  • At least Full HD screen.
  • At least 16GB of ram but preferably 32GB or more.
  • Latest Intel i5 or higher / equivalent ryzen processor.
  • No dedicated GPU.
  • 14+ inch display.
  • 512 GB SSD.
  • Docking capabilities.
  • At least 6 hrs of battery life.
Mar 5, 2022

How many inches laptop is best for programming? ›

The quality of the screen is important, as is as little strain on the eyes as possible. For that reason, we recommend getting a laptop with a 15-inch screen just for sheer convenience. If you're looking at something portable, then opt for a 13-inch or a 14-inch screen. The screen resolution is also important.

Is Mac better than Windows for programming? ›

MacOS is a Unix-based system, similar to Linux, and this imparts certain advantages for programming over Windows. The Unix-style terminal and shell, which are more advanced and have better scripting capabilities, give a smoother experience doing version control, running scripts, and performing other programming tasks.

Is a laptop or PC better for programming? ›

A desktop PC is typically more powerful and easier to upgrade, which can be beneficial for more complex programming tasks. However, a laptop allows you to work on the go and in different environments, which can be helpful for developers who need to work remotely or collaborate with others.

Which laptop is best for Python coding? ›

Best Laptops for Python Programming 2024
  • Requirements for Python Programming Laptops.
  • Apple MacBook Pro.
  • 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad T490.
  • Dell XPS 15 7590.
  • Google Pixelbook Go.
  • Acer Predator Helios 300.
Jan 31, 2024

Can I use Chromebook for programming? ›

Unlike other laptops and desktops, Chromebook is powered by Chrome OS. So, coding of any sort will require the user to install a Python, Java, C++, or Javascript setup for advanced levels of coding. Coding for kids on a Chromebook can be enabled easily by accessing various websites or by installing many apps.

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