No matter if you’re a programming hobbyist or a seasoned software engineer, you need a laptop that enables you to do your best development work fast. PCMag has been testing laptops for four decades, so we understand the unique demands that programming places on a computer. We review more than 100 laptops annually, giving our editors and analysts the expertise to cherry-pick the best laptops for programmers. MSI’s Prestige 16 AI Evo is our current favorite, striking a perfect balance between power and affordability with a gorgeous 4K OLED display, impressive battery life, and a surprisingly light design. But different developers have different needs, so we’ve selected a range of other options for every programming budget and workflow. In this article, you’ll find a detailed buying guide and spec-by-spec breakdown that’ll help you find the best laptop for programming for you.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
April 8, 2025: We replaced Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 with its newer ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition as Best Ultraportable for Programming. Also, Dell’s XPS 16 (9640) replaces the company’s XPS 17 (9730), now as Best Premium Laptop for Programming. We tested and evaluated 33 new laptops for inclusion in this roundup for this update.
Best Laptop for Programming Overall
MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
- Surprisingly affordable and surprisingly light
- Handsome 4K OLED display
- Epic battery life
- Ethernet port and SD card slot
- Only one USB-A port
- Stiff keyboard
- Perfectly fine rather than professional workstation or gaming performance
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo is an efficient and affordable content-creation laptop well suited for programming. The Prestige 16 AI Evo offers a stunning 4K OLED screen and a potent Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, making for a powerful big-screen laptop prepared for the incoming AI wave. Its display is easy to read, its keyboard is comfortable for extended use, and its battery life is impressive. Top it off with a built-in Ethernet jack and an SD card slot, and the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo is currently the best laptop for most programmers.
We recommend the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo for most programmers thanks to its comfortable big-screen design, peppy performance, and relative affordability. However, it relies on the Core Ultra 7’s integrated graphics rather than a discrete graphics processing unit, making it less capable for gaming, CGI rendering, and local AI workloads that need a GPU instead of an NPU-equipped processor.
Class
Desktop Replacement, Business
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.1 by 10 inches
Weight
3.31 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:55
Learn More
MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo Review
Best Mac for Apple Developers
Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2024, M4 Pro)
- Dominant content creation performance
- More than 24 hours of battery life
- Game-changing nano-texture display option
- Thunderbolt 5 support
- Helpful Center Stage webcam upgrade
- Only a minor performance boost over M3 MacBooks
- Strangely priced configuration
- Nano-texture display is an optional extra
If you need a mobile workstation laptop with macOS and more powerful Apple silicon, you want the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro. Outfitted with the power of the 14-core M4 Pro chip, a 20-core GPU, and an impressive 48GB of memory, this is a speedy and powerful platform for developers. It keeps the familiar design of the MacBook Pro, dresses it up in a new Space Black color, and revs the engine with enough power for the most demanding projects while adding Thunderbolt 5.
Programmers needing an Apple laptop that can handle big datasets and the most daunting workloads will crave the power of the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro. The recently revised MacBook Pro design delivers best-in-class performance and more than 25 hours of battery life, making it the cream of the Apple crop and the best choice for coders who need real power.
Class
Workstation, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Apple M4 Pro (14-core)
RAM (as Tested)
48 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
16.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
3456 by 2234
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
ProMotion
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M4 Pro (20-core)
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
4.7 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS Sequoia
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
25:52
Learn More
Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2024, M4 Pro) Review
Best Workstation Laptop for Programming
Dell Precision 5690
- Stunning 4K OLED touch screen
- Blazing performance for its size
- Elegant build with snappy keyboard
- Not quite as fast or expandable as heavier rivals
- No USB-A ports or webcam shutter
- Mega expensive, as most mobile workstations are
When you need extra horsepower in a laptop, you need a workstation like the Dell Precision 5690. Our current category favorite combines an AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra processor and Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada professional graphics with a stunning 4K OLED touch screen. It’s not the lightest, but it is surprisingly portable for a workstation with ISV certifications and blazing performance. The Precision 5690 is our pick for the most demanding programming applications.
If you’re in the deep end of development and need massive processing and multitasking resources, the Dell Precision 5690 is the workstation we recommend. The only downside? This high-end solution comes at a steep price.
Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.87 by 13.9 by 9.5 inches
Weight
4.46 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:11
Learn More
Dell Precision 5690 Review
Best Budget Laptop for Programming
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
- Reasonably priced
- Long battery life
- Gold standard ThinkPad keyboard
- Thunderbolt 4 uncommon for the price
- Just $50 for touch-screen upgrade
- Three-year warranty as tested
- Middling performance, even with Core i7
- Screen needs more color
- Tinny speakers
As budget systems go, the enterprise-ready Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is a cut above, earning its place on your desk with Lenovo’s gold-standard keyboard and a sturdy clamshell design. A few features are unexpectedly premium, like the Thunderbolt 4 port and the 1080p webcam. Regarding creature comforts, the design is strictly business, with a straightforward clamshell chassis and an optional touch screen. Still, basic isn’t bad when it comes with remarkable durability and long battery life. If you want an office-ready laptop for coding, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is hard to beat.
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is an ideal balance of penny-pinching efficiency and project-ready capability. It’s ideal for a company dev team or solo programmer who needs to look professional on a shoestring without sacrificing the ability to produce quality work.
Class
Business
Processor
Intel Core i7-1355U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches
Weight
3.11 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:53
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 Review
Best Ultraportable for Programming
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
- A nearly perfect portable PC
- Remarkably light
- Gorgeous 2.8K OLED display
- Fine keyboard
- Generous array of ports for its size and profile
- No SD or microSD card slot
- WWAN option not available yet
Lenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 is, far and away, the best ultraportable for programming, especially for coding on the go. It weighs just 2.17 pounds, making it one of the lightest options available. The laptop features a gorgeous 2.8K OLED display for enhanced visual clarity and color coverage, and the excellent keyboard enables comfier long coding sessions. The X1 Carbon’s generous port selection enhances its versatility, and its impressive durability—passing MIL-STD 810H tests—ensures it can withstand many common travel hazards while coding in transit. No wonder it got a 5-star rating and an Editors’ Choice award!
Whether you’re a programmer needing a lightweight laptop for coding on the go or a developer requiring a comfortable keyboard and high-resolution display for detailed work, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is an excellent choice for software developers.
Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.17 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:49
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition Review
Best Laptop for Game Developers
Alienware m18 R2
- Blistering processing and gaming performance
- Relatively approachable starting price
- QHD+ 165Hz display with FHD+ 480Hz option
- Optional mechanical Cherry MX keyboard
- Expensive as tested
- Heavy, even for its size
- Screen could be brighter
Game devs need more than just a powerful CPU; they need graphics to match. The Alienware m18 R2 is our top pick for programmers working in gaming, thanks to its formidable 14th Generation Intel HX processor choices and top-tier Nvidia GeForce graphics for exceptional gaming and development performance. But it also has a large 18-inch screen providing ample space for development work and a durable, high-quality keyboard and touchpad that lend themselves to gaming, both as off-hours playtime and as serious work.
The Alienware m18 R2 is ideal for professionals who need a powerful machine for everything from programming and rendering to lengthy gaming (OK, game-testing) sessions. This flagship desktop replacement is the workhorse you want to make your imagined worlds a reality.
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i9-14900HX
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.05 by 16.2 by 12.6 inches
Weight
8.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:45
Learn More
Alienware m18 R2 Review
Best Chromebook for Programming
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
- New AI features supercharge ChromeOS
- 12 months free Google One with Gemini Advanced
- Versatile, durable 2-in-1 design
- Intel Core Ultra processing and on-device AI
- Excellent battery life
- Clear, colorful touch screen
- Pen not included
- ChromeOS still has quirks
You’ll find several excellent options if you’re a Chrome dev who wants to stick with a Chromebook for making apps and extensions. But our favorite of them all is Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 714. This 2-in-1 design is remarkably flexible, but the real treat is the hardware inside, with an Intel Core Ultra 5 giving class-leading performance. Paired with a speedy SSD and a collection of Google’s latest AI tools (a 12-month subscription is included with purchase), it’s a super-useful tool for all kinds of creation, programming included. Our only real issue with it is that the stylus pen isn’t included.
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the best Chromebook we’ve seen to date, making it easy to name as our ChromeOS choice for programming. Its productive capability and advanced features make the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 an unbeatable pick.
Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.21 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:46
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Programming
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 (2024)
- Striking OLED touch screen
- Snappy performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Svelte design with remarkable soundbar hinge
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Slightly pricey
- No HDMI port or SD/microSD card slot
- No mobile broadband option
- Can’t cap the stylus pen
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 is the apex of 2-in-1 laptops, leveling up the previous award-winning model with Intel’s latest AI-enhanced Core Ultra silicon and enough RAM to make programming fast and smooth. But the real treat here is the superb OLED touch screen and elegant convertible design, which gives you a laptop when needed and a valuable tablet for testing your touch-screen apps. The Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 ticks all the right boxes for performance and capability, adds lengthy battery life, and is one of the best designs you can get.
For the productivity-minded programmer, the Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 provides a reliable, high-performance laptop, with the added benefit of touch and tablet functionality, all in a highly portable package. To be sure, it’s also for buyers with decently deep pockets.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.64 by 12.4 by 8.6 inches
Weight
2.98 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:52
Learn More
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 (2024) Review
Best Tablet PC for Programming
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
- Impressive performance and battery life
- Outstanding cameras
- Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
- Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
- User-upgradable storage
- Essential accessories still not included
- No more headphone jack
- 5G only available with SQ3 processor
- High starting price
Yes, newer Surface models are available, but for programmers who need x86 support, you still can’t top Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9. The tablet has some of the snappiest performance we’ve seen, and the keyboard cover and pen support remain among the best in the tablet business. The slate comes in Microsoft’s signature svelte design with a stylus-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio touch screen and well-performing cameras front and back. You’ll also find a helpful pair of USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and user-upgradable storage, making the Surface Pro 9 the only Windows tablet to get when you need to code.
Most programmers prefer laptops, but if you want true laptop power in a slim and light tablet, then the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) is easily the one we recommend. If you want the whole Windows experience with Intel x86 support, choose this classic over the newer Windows-on-Arm models.
Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i7-1255U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1920
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches
Weight
1.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:12
Learn More
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) Review
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The Best Laptops for Programmers in 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Laptops for Programmers in 2025
A decent programming laptop will have the performance to support the unique demands of software development. That means looking closely at every aspect of the laptop: its processor (CPU), memory (RAM), storage, and graphics (GPU).
(Credit: Joe Osborne; Joseph Maldonado)
Your programming platform needs to be a good fit for your work, from the design to the operating system (OS). Here are some of the specifics to consider when shopping for your next laptop for coding and development.
Which CPU Type Is Best for Programming?
While all of the advice in our guide to choosing the right processor still applies, there are a few elements coders should focus on. Core counts and multi-thread processing, along with power ratings, are good places to start.
Multi-core CPUs with multiple processing threads are a must, as they let you manage multiple tasks at once. These CPUs also handle complex tools, like virtual machines and compilers, in addition to simple tasks, such as an integrated development environment (IDE).
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Power ratings are another decent indicator of overall performance. While the devil (or at least some nuance) is in the details, a good rule of thumb is that the higher the wattage—presented as thermal design power (TDP) or “base power” for the latest Intel processors—the better the relative performance. Lower-wattage CPUs may not offer the same muscle, but they have the benefit of being more battery-efficient. Knowing which you prioritize more between power and efficiency will help you find a good match.
The other question is the manufacturer. Intel is the biggest name in processors, but AMD chips offer fast, affordable alternatives, and MacBook buyers will be getting Apple Silicon by default.
Is 16GB RAM Enough for Programming Today?
The rule of thumb for RAM is always the same: More is better. This is especially true for programmers because they’ll need enough to support memory-intensive tasks such as running a virtual machine or emulators.
Ask yourself: How much data are you loading into memory? In a professional environment, we recommend a minimum of 16GB, but if you’re working on memory-intensive applications, running virtual machines, or multitasking, you’ll benefit from 32GB or more RAM.
Which Storage Type Is Best for Programming?
For most users, we recommend solid-state drives (SSDs) over old-fashioned hard drives simply for their snappier performance. But for programming, where you may be calling up several files at once or storing a huge number of support files and programming tools, speed is essential. An SSD is a must—a traditional spinning hard drive will only slow you down.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Capacity is another question. When you need to store a lot of data locally, more storage is also a plus. While budget machines may offer 256GB or 512GB SSDs, you’ll probably need more than that, so we recommend a minimum of 1TB.
Is a GPU Necessary for Programming?
Trying to decide between a laptop with integrated graphics or one with a discrete graphics processor? It’s a common enough question for the average computer shopper, but programmers have a different set of needs.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If you need to leverage machine learning for your projects, a GPU-equipped system is a must. Nvidia’s GPUs contain dozens of its proprietary CUDA and Tensor cores, which can be harnessed for all sorts of extra processing. Plus, if you’re like most programmers, you love computers and want to use yours for play as much as work. In other words, you’ll want a laptop that can play games when you’re done debugging.
The integrated graphics hardware of Apple’s M-series processors is also a great option for machine learning without a discrete GPU, especially with the Apple M4 models. The machine-learning capability built into the latest Mac CPUs is surprisingly powerful, thanks in large part to a unified memory approach allowing its GPUs access to more memory than even some high-end discrete GPUs.
What Is the Most Important Part of a Computer for Programming?
Speedy performance may give you a boost in productivity, shaving off time when you’re compiling code, but those minutes saved will only help you out over weeks and months. A great display, on the other hand, will impact your comfort and capability immediately.
A larger screen will let you see more information at once, while a brighter, more vivid panel will give you better readability as you parse lines and lines of code. Similarly, a taller screen with a 16:10 or 3:2 aspect ratio will be helpful because it will provide more vertical space to work with than the 16:9 panels of older notebooks.
(Credit: Brian Westover)
Other features to watch for include anti-glare panels, blue-light mitigation, and touch screens. Touch capability may not be a must for every programmer, but if you’re developing apps for touch-screen devices, you’ll want to be able to test the touch input when needed.
The keyboard is another biggie. While no laptop keyboard will provide the comfort and durability of one of the best desktop mechanical keyboards, you’ll still benefit greatly from a good set of keys. Reading reviews or trying a laptop in person are important for making this assessment.
The same goes for the touchpad. A pad may not beat navigation with a mouse, but you want to maximize both capability and comfort, so check out the relevant portions of our in-depth reviews.
Which OS Is Better for Programming?
Finally, deciding which OS you need will sort out your system choices quickly. Our guide to operating systems provides a great overview of features and interface differences, but for programmers, the decision is paramount. If you’re developing software for iPhone and iPad, then it’s a safe bet that you’ll want to work on macOS, and that means buying a MacBook Pro. Conversely, if you need Windows, you’ll want to stick to laptops running Windows 11.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Aside from those two major players, a few programmers may want to do things differently. If you’re a Chromebook diehard, you can still work with Microsoft Visual Studio code, Python, and any number of web-based applications. You can also work in Linux on a Chromebook, or buy some of the laptops on our list with Linux instead of Windows. The important thing is to know what sort of work you’re going to be doing and what OS is needed to support it.
Ready to Buy the Right Laptop for Programming for You?
We’ve selected our top candidates among the more than 200 laptops we’ve tested and reviewed over the last couple of years. Have you already checked out our detailed summaries of each laptop review? Return to the spec comparison chart for many more specifics and to make an informed buying decision.