Choosing a laptop for programming starts with the software you need to run and the size of your projects. A capable CPU helps you compile and test code faster, while a comfortable keyboard and a sharp display make long coding sessions more pleasant. Basic coding can work with 8GB of RAM, which is considerably less restrictive in macOS than in Windows for light use, though 16GB gives you more room for multitasking and larger projects. Portability and battery life matter if you'll be working on the go. For a desk setup, check that the laptop has the ports and external display support you need.
Running large language models (LLMs) locally for coding assistance or AI development adds another consideration. You'll need enough memory for the model and the code you want it to process, and a capable graphics processor can improve performance. On laptops with dedicated graphics, consider graphics memory as well as system RAM. Cloud-based AI coding tools run their models remotely, so they don't require the same local hardware.
We've bought and tested over 180 laptops. Below, you'll find our recommendations for the best laptops for coding you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the best workstation laptops, the best laptops for battery life, and the best Windows laptops.
Since 2021, we've tested dozens of laptops every year. We buy our laptops to avoid bias and, following a rigorous methodology, test nearly every part of the laptop so we can deliver results you can rely on. We use a wide range of equipment to perform our tests, including a colorimeter, a Mecmesin MultiTest-i System Test Stand, and various performance benchmarking suites.
Want to know more? Check out our How We Test Laptops article, where we give you a broader overview of our review process, from the moment we purchase the product to the final review.
-
Best Laptop For Programming
Heavy WorkloadSchool & WorkProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:16"Operating System:macOSTouch Screen:NoRefresh Rate:120 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:36 GBThe best laptop for programming we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5, 2026). Its M5 Pro and M5 Max processors can handle demanding development work, including compiling large projects, while its cooling system keeps performance consistent during prolonged workloads. The M5 Pro will suit many developers, but the M5 Max's higher memory bandwidth and support for up to 128GB of RAM are worth considering if you want to run larger AI models locally. Neither the memory nor the storage is user-upgradeable.
The bright, sharp 16-inch display gives you plenty of space for your code, documentation, and other tools. You also get a great keyboard, an exceptionally large touchpad, and three USB-C/Thunderbolt 5 ports alongside an HDMI output. The M5 Max configuration lasts over 16 hours of web browsing, though demanding workloads drain the battery faster. The main drawbacks are its weight and the heat and fan noise under load.
For Windows users, we recommend the Framework Laptop 16 (2026). It's configurable with up to 96GB of replaceable RAM, making it appealing for running virtual machines or working with large projects. Its modular design lets you choose your ports and replace or upgrade most components, and NVIDIA graphics are optional if your software benefits from them. However, it's bulkier, and its display isn't as sharp as the MacBook's.
-
Best Mid-Range Laptop For Programming
Heavy WorkloadSchool & WorkProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:13.6"Operating System:macOSTouch Screen:NoRefresh Rate:60 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:16 GBIf you don't need the processing power or memory capacity of the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5, 2026), consider the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5, 2026). You give up some performance during long, demanding workloads, along with the Pro's larger 120Hz display and wider port selection. However, the Air is much easier to carry, and its M5 processor is fast enough for everyday development, coursework, and smaller projects.
It comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with options for up to 32GB and 4TB, respectively. Get enough memory upfront, as it isn't upgradeable. The sharp display, comfortable keyboard, and responsive touchpad make it pleasant to work on, and its battery lasts over 13 hours of light web browsing. It's also completely silent, thanks to its fanless design. There are only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, so you may need a dock, but it supports two external displays alongside its built-in screen. Apple also offers a 15-inch version if you want more workspace.
A Windows alternative is the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (2025), although its price is more comparable to the larger 15-inch Air than to the smaller 13-inch. It provides a larger 120Hz OLED display, an excellent keyboard and touchpad, and additional USB-A and HDMI ports. Its battery lasts around 15 hours of light use. Like the Air, it tops out at 32GB of soldered RAM, and its display flickers, which may bother sensitive users.
-
Best Budget Laptop For Programming
Heavy WorkloadSchool & WorkProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:13"Operating System:macOSTouch Screen:NoRefresh Rate:60 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:8 GBThe Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 2026) is our budget pick for programming. Compared to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5, 2026), it has a slower processor and only 8GB of non-upgradeable RAM. However, 8GB is much less restrictive in macOS than in Windows for light everyday use, making the Neo a good fit for learning Python, building simple websites, or working on smaller projects. Larger projects, heavy multitasking, virtual machines, and mobile emulators are better suited to the Air. Students should check their course's software requirements before buying.
You still get a sturdy aluminum build, a sharp, bright 13-inch display, a comfortable keyboard, and a responsive touchpad. It's compact, silent, and has enough battery life for a typical day of light use. The keyboard lacks backlighting, though, and you only get two USB-C ports for accessories and charging. Only one supports video output, and the laptop can drive a single external display.
If you need Windows or more memory, consider the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024). It's configurable with up to 32GB of RAM and has a wider port selection, including USB-A, HDMI, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Choose at least 16GB of RAM, as it isn't upgradeable. Still, it's now getting harder to find, and its keyboard feels mushier and can become tiring during long typing sessions, making the Neo a more comfortable choice for lighter coding.
-
Best Cheap Laptop For Programming
Heavy WorkloadSchool & WorkProcessing PerformanceForm Factor:Traditional (Clamshell)Screen Size:14"Operating System:Windows 11Touch Screen:NoRefresh Rate:60 HzSee all our test resultsTested RAM Capacity:8 GBIf you need something cheaper than the Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 2026), consider the HP OmniBook 3 14 (2025). You get a less premium build, a dimmer display, and weaker performance, but it's still usable for introductory coding exercises and small projects. It also runs Windows, which may be necessary for your course's software.
At this price point, we recommend targeting a configuration with an AMD Ryzen 5 40 processor and at least 8GB of RAM. That combination can handle a lightweight code editor and simple programs, but 8GB is a lot more restrictive in Windows than in macOS, so you won't have as much room for multitasking as on the Neo. Get a 16GB configuration if your budget allows, and check whether the memory is upgradeable before buying; our tested 8GB model's memory can't be upgraded, but some models can be.
The keyboard is comfortable, the touchpad is responsive, and our Ryzen 5 40 configuration lasts around 11 hours of light web browsing. You also get USB-A, USB-C with charging and video output, and HDMI, making it easy to connect accessories and an external monitor. Its main everyday compromises are the lack of keyboard backlighting and a screen that's difficult to see in bright settings.
Notable Mentions
-
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5, 2025):
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5, 2025) is an alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5, 2026) if you want a more portable laptop. It retains a sharp 120Hz Mini LED display and plenty of ports, but the 16-inch model provides more room for your code, documentation, and other tools side by side.
See our review -
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) GZ302:
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) GZ302 is an alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5, 2026) if you want Windows and up to 128GB of shared memory for local AI models. However, its detachable keyboard is less comfortable for extended typing, and the MacBook provides a larger, sharper display for multitasking.
See our review -
ASUS Zenbook DUO UX8406 14 (2025):
The ASUS Zenbook DUO UX8406 14 (2025) is an alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5, 2026) if you want two displays for code, documentation, and previews. However, its battery lasts around six hours with both screens active, and its fans get loud. The MacBook is better suited to working on the go.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 20, 2026:
We refreshed the recommendations, updating the top two picks to the latest models: the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5, 2026) and the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5, 2026). We also added the Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 2026) and HP OmniBook 3 14 (2025) as cheaper options for those with basic programming needs.
Dec 01, 2025:
Added the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5, 2025) and the ASUS Zenbook DUO UX8406 14 (2025) as Notable Mentions.
May 01, 2025:
Replaced the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2024) with the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4, 2025) because the M3 model is discontinued. Removed the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (2024) from the Notable Mentions and replaced it with the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (2025) because the Lenovo has a better keyboard, longer battery life, and more ports.
Mar 03, 2025:
Replaced the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) with the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (2024) in the Notable Mentions because the OmniBook is a newer model that's easier to find. Small text changes for conciseness.
Jan 09, 2025:
Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) since the M3 model is discontinued.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best laptops for programming to buy. We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you prefer to make your own decision, here's the list of all of our laptop reviews. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it's best to see the full review for information about other variants.