Top 6 laptops for programming in 2025

As a programmer, it can be tricky to decide which laptop to buy. You need a good workstation, especially if you are working from home. But the best laptop for programming needs to offer more than just power alone. You also need to account for things like speed, storage, and ergonomics.

Yes, you do need a laptop with a good processor, but fast memory and speedy storage is equally important. And, since you are typing for hours on end, you also need a laptop with a top-notch keyboard.

To make your life easier, we’ve compiled our top picks for the best laptop for programming in 2021 for a variety of needs and wants. Below, we discuss their pros, cons, price, and reasons for making the list.

Our list at a glance:

• Things to consider as a buyer
• 1. HP Spectre x360
• 2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
• 3. MacBook Pro (2020)
• 4. Asus Chromebook Flip C436F/C436FA
• 5. Dell XPS 15
• 6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Advance your career in 2021.

Stay ahead of the curve with Educative Unlimited. 75% of developers learn new tech skills at least once a year.

Unlock Educative Unlimited

Things to consider as a buyer#

Intel vPro or AMD Pro (Processors)#

Many laptops for programming have Intel vPro and AMD technology for running programs smoothly. Intel based laptops are generally better at handling larger tasks and are recommended for developers and programmers.

Battery life#

You want to ensure that your laptop can hold more than 9 hours of charge. Battery life will deplete over time, so make sure you are starting strong.

Speed#

Most programmers can get the job done with a laptop that offers Core i5 CPU and the built-in graphics processor. If you are working with advanced visuals, such as 3D Modeling or big data, you may want to consider a quad-focus Core i5 or Core i7 CPU.

Screen size#

You’ll want a computer with at least 1920 x 1080 resolution or higher. Anything less than that will make your life hard and eyes tired.

Hard drive#

Hard drives are useful for people who rely on speed to get their work done. A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended for developers over a mechanical hard drive for their boot up times and ability to perform multiple tasks at once.

Keyboard#

A good keyboard is the difference between productivity and wasted time. You’ll want to make sure that the keyboard is comfortable for your hands and allows for quick typing and hot keys.

VRAM#

Data scientists need lots of VRAM for tasks like cleaning large data sets or running deep learning networks. While the standard 8-16GB of VRAM will be find for most programmers, data scientists often need more than 64GB.

1. HP Spectre x360#

The HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop is a great option for programmers looking for a new laptop. This version comes with 10th generation Intel Core processors and powerful Intel Iris Plus graphics. This model of the HP Spectre line takes the HP computer to the next level, especially in terms of battery life and sleek design.

Specifications#

• CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7
• Graphics: Intel Iris Plus
• RAM: 8GB – 16GB
• Screen: 13.3 inches FHD, 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme#

This laptop is on the pricier end, the Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Extreme is one of the best laptops for programming, especially for those who like Lenovo. One perk of this laptop is that it’s far more configurable than most. It’s a solid laptop with a robust carbon-fiber and aluminum package.

Specification#

• CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti with Max-Q
• RAM: 64GB
• Screen: 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080 resolution)
• Storage: 1TB SSD

3. MacBook Pro (2020)#

This is the best of the macOS options out there. The MacBook Pro offers an all-round powerful processor, tons RAM, and a speed not comparable to most laptops on the market. Coming in at 16-inches, the computer still feels light and portable.

This laptop is known for its top-notch display, powerful speakers, and speedy keyboard. This is a great laptop for all kinds of uses, including programming, design, art, and student life.

Specifications#

• CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M
• RAM: 16GB – 64GB
• Screen: 16-inch Retina display
• Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD