Buying the best laptop for programming depends on your projects; simpler tasks can be done on less powerful machines, but bigger projects need more power. The size of the laptop screen is a matter of personal preference, but smaller screens are more portable. As for RAM, basic programming can be done with 4GB, but for bigger projects, it's better to have 8GB or more.

The best laptops for programming blend outstanding performance and power with ergonomic keyboards and high-resolution screens for all-day comfort. They're fast, reliable, and slim enough to carry on the commute or around campus. 

Fore buying a laptop for programming consider these factors thoroughly to make a best choice as per your needs.

• Specifications
• Benchmarked real-world performances, 
• Battery life 
• Portability, 
• Stand-out features 
• Value for money 

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch

Specifications

• CPU: Apple M2 Pro 10-core – M2 Max 12-core
• Graphics: Integrated 16-core – 30-core GPU
• RAM: Up to 96GB
• Screen: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Storage: Up to 8TB

The MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) is great laptop for creative tasks and programming. It's super powerful with an M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, long battery life, and a bright XDR display. It has useful ports like an SD card slot, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4. With its amazing screen, speakers, and microphone, you won't need extra accessories. It's a top-notch laptop, especially for its display. However, it might be too much for some people. If you don't need intense performance, the MacBook Air (M1 or M2) is still a great choice.

Dell XPS 15 (2022)

Specifications

• CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Mobile
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Screen: 15.6-inch 3.5K (3,456 x 2,160p)
• Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD

The 2022 Dell XPS 15 is one another laptop for programmers. It is often referred to as "laptop perfection" for its sleek design and solid build. It's made of brushed aluminum and has comfortable palm rests. It runs on fast Intel chips and has good graphics. The battery lasts all day, which is impressive for such a powerful laptop. However, it lacks connectivity with only three USB Type-C ports, so you might need a docking station for more devices. You could consider the 2023 model, but in our tests, it didn't live up to the perfection of the 2022 version.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G

Specifications

• CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i5 – Microsoft SQ 3
• Graphics: Intel Xe Graphics – Microsoft SQ 3 Adreno 8CX Gen 3
• RAM: 8GB - 32GB
• Screen: 13-inch 2880 x 1920 PixelSense Flow Display
• Storage: 128GB – 1TB removable SSD

Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 5G improves upon the changes made in the Surface Pro 8 to offer a more powerful and portable experience. It has 5G connectivity, meaning you can stay connected without Wi-Fi, which is great for programmers who are always on the move, like freelancers or those working in different places. It comes with Windows 11 and a top-notch webcam. However, because it's ARM-based, it can't run apps like Adobe Creative Cloud. But it performs well for programming tasks with its good CPU and RAM. It has a bigger screen, a slim pencil, and long battery life, which is great. Overall, it's a step forward for the Surface line, but the ARM chip may cause some issues.

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

Specifications

• CPU: Apple M2 (8-core)
• Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
• RAM: 16GB Unified LPDDR5
• Screen: 13.6-inch, 2,560 x 1,664 Liquid Retina display 
• Storage: 1TB SSD

If you prioritize portability when choosing a programming laptop, you should consider Apple's Macbook Air. We think it's the best overall Macbook. It has a powerful M2 chip that gives great performance and long battery life for when you're on the move. It performs similarly to the MacBook Pro 13-inch. Plus, it has a new design with a bigger, brighter screen than the previous 13-inch model. It's like an upgrade to the MacBook Pro 13-inch. We found the laptop to be thin, light, and quiet during normal use, although the fans might kick in during heavy tasks like 8K video editing. It's not the cheapest programming laptop, but its price matches its great performance, portability, and Apple's sleek design. There are newer models available, but we think the M2 2022 model is the best.

Alienware m17 R5 AMD

Specifications

• CPU: Octa-core AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX 3.3GHz (4.9GHz boost)
• Graphics: 12GB AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (discrete), AMD Radeon 680M (integrated)
• RAM: 32GB DDR5 @ 4800MHz
• Screen: 17.3” 3840 x 2160, 120Hz, 3ms refresh
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD

If you want a big-screen laptop for programming, the Alienware m17 R5 AMD Advantage is a top choice. It's originally made for gamers, but it's also great for coding because it has high-end specs that handle coding tasks smoothly. It can handle everything you throw at it. The laptop itself is well-built, with cool design features like RGB lighting and smart cooling paths. The keyboard feels good, although it doesn't have a numpad. It's also upgradeable, to a certain extent. However, it's heavy because of its size and the battery life isn't great. So, if you prioritize performance over portability, this is a good pick. Alternatively, if you prefer an Intel-based 17-inch laptop, the Dell XPS 17 is a great option.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme

Specifications

• CPU: Up to 8th-generation Intel Core i7
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti with Max-Q design
• RAM: up to 64GB
• Screen: 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) 
• Storage: up to 1TB SSD

If you're looking for a powerful laptop for programming and you can afford it, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is a great choice. It comes in different configurations but even the basic one is powerful, with a good graphics card and a strong build that can handle any environment. The downside is that it's expensive, aimed at professionals who need top performance. However, you get what you pay for, and this laptop matches its high price with high performance.

HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

Specifications

• CPU: Intel Core i5-1245U with vPro
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
• RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x-4266
• Screen: 13.5-inch QHD+ display
• Storage: 128–512GB

The top Chromebook for business right now is the HP Elite Dragonfly. It has great performance, a nice design, and decent battery life. It also has Intel vPro security features, which are better than what you usually find in Chromebooks. Even the basic version has good security, making it great for programmers. Because of its power, it's an excellent laptop for programming. Plus, it can connect to 5G/LTE networks, which is useful for programmers on the move. The keyboard is comfortable for long hours of use. Overall, HP's Chromebook is fantastic for business with its security, performance, and connectivity. But it's also the most expensive, starting at over a thousand dollars.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a programming laptop, consider where you'll use it most. If mostly at a desk, prioritize accessories over screen size and keyboard quality. For portability, opt for sturdy laptops or Ultrabooks.

Battery life matters, especially if you're on the move. Long battery life is essential for frequent travelers, but less crucial for stationary users.

Storage space is important, especially for large files. Choose a laptop with high storage or utilize cloud storage for extra security.

Check ports, security features, display, and price. Focus on internal specs like processor, RAM, and storage if using extra accessories.