The 10 Best Coding Laptops Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: 2021 Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, Apple M1 Pro) - Silver
The MacBook Pro 16" (2021) is great for creative workflows and programming. This M1 Pro-or M1 Max-powered MacBook Pro takes the MacBook Pro to the next level. It has incredible power and long battery life. The XDR display boasts 1600 nits peak brightness. You will have everything you need, including an SD card slot, an HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt 4 connectors. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K has been designed for powerful productivity and maximized visuals. With a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics, this slim laptop is perfect for multitasking. The backlit keyboard and high quality fingerprint reader allows you to type with ease in dim light or at night. Read Review
3. Best Performance: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop, 14.0" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop is designed for all-day computing. This laptop offers a stunning 14" FHD display with a slim design that's just 1.32 pounds and has up to 7 hours of battery life. With the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, this laptop packs powerful performance and responsive multitasking to keep you productive throughout the day. Read Review
4. Best Powerful: ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 144Hz FHD
Get the power of two laptops in a single chassis with the ASUS TUF Laptop. The durable, lightweight, and comfortable design with tough yet stylish looks is great for streaming, coding, and game anywhere. Tough enough for duty, it features military-grade toughness, lasting cool and enduring power. Read Review
Everyone is searching for the best coding laptops, and it’s not an easy task. Everyone has their own needs – from the budget to factors like a gaming capability, storage, and battery life. No matter how much research you do, there are some things you may not have considered.
That’s why we’ve taken a look at what coding laptop features matter most so that you can get the best value for money when purchasing your next one. Let’s take a look at what we think are the best coding laptops available today.
Our team spent many hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. 2021 Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, Apple M1 Pro) - Silver is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have also compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.
RELATED: We did the research for you. Our research has helped many users find the best 13 in laptops. Compare prices, features, and opinions from the experts.
Our Top Picks
- Up to 8TB of superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
- 16-core Neural Engine for up to 5x faster machine learning performance
- Up to 32-core GPU with up to 4x faster performance for graphics-intensive apps and games
- Up to 10-core CPU delivers up to 2x faster performance to fly through pro workflows quicker than ever
- Longer battery life, up to 21 hours
- Up to 64GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for sharper video calls
- Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers
- Stunning 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with extreme dynamic range and contrast ratio
- Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip for a massive leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Connections: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz featuring MU-MIMO technology; 10 100 1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN; Bluetooth 5.1
- Powerful Productivity: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U delivers desktop-class performance and amazing battery life in a slim notebook. With Precision Boost, get up to 3.5GHz for your high-demand applications
- Internal Specifications: 4GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available); 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media
- Using Alexa on your PC is as easy as asking a question. Just ask and Alexa can check your calendar, create lists, play music, answer questions, read the news and more.
- Ports For All Your Accessories: USB 3.2 Type-C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (1 Power-off Charging), USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support, headphone speaker line-out jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), DC-in for AC adapter
- Acer's Purified.Voice technology, features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel out background noise, improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, which not only makes calls clearer, but makes talking to Alexa easier than before.
- Secure Operating System: Windows 10 Home (S mode) comes with advanced security features built right in, like protections against phishing and malicious software so you don't have to think twice when navigating to a new webpage or downloading an app
- Maximized Visuals: See even more on the stunning 15.6" Full HD display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels
- Backlit Keyboard and Fingerprint Reader: Biometric fingerprint reader and Windows Hello sign-in options help keep your Acer PC secure
- Quieter and cooler with intelligent thermals, plus you can calibrate performance with Q-control, with 3 modes to match your performance needs
- The IdeaPad 3 14-inch laptop has 4-side narrow bezels that let you see more of the FHD (1920 x 1080) screen for wider viewing angles and less clutter
- Protect your webcam lens and guarantee your privacy with the built-in privacy shutter
- WiFi 6 (2x2 802.11 ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, plus USB, USB-C, and HDMI ports
- Powerhouse performance from AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD storage, and AMD Radeon 7 Graphics
- Intel Core i7-11370H processor (12M Cache, up to 4.8GHz)
- 8GB DDR4 RAM | 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard
- 0.8” thin, 4.4 lbs ultraportable form-factor
- Comes with Windows 10 Home and a FREE upgrade to Windows 11 (when available1)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 up to 1585MHz at 60W (75W with Dynamic Boost 2.0)
- 15.6” 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD (1920x1080) display with adaptive sync
- 【Upgraded to 16GB system memory for advanced multitasking】Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
- 【AMD Radeon graphics】Get world-class performance with AMD Radeon graphics, designed to deliver breathtakingly lifelike visuals, new levels of immersion, and must-have features for the ultimate entertainment experience.
- 【Upgraded to 512GB SSD Storage】Boot up in seconds, get to files faster, and have room for loads of files with the lightning-quick solid state drive.
- 【AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Mobile Processor】Create. Play. Work. Educate. Entertain. The possibilities are infinite. Be anywhere, go anywhere. Powers ultrathin notebooks that offer supreme performance, astonishing battery life, and modern features you need on-the-go.
- 【15.6" FHD Anti-glare micro-edge Display】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. The thin and lightweight laptop packs a 6.5 mm micro-edge bezel display to showcase your media in high definition.
- Up to 10-core CPU delivers up to 3.7x faster performance to fly through pro workflows quicker than ever
- 16-core Neural Engine for up to 11x faster machine learning performance
- Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip for a massive leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Up to 8TB of superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
- Up to 64GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
- Longer battery life, up to 17 hours
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for sharper video calls
- Stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with extreme dynamic range and contrast ratio
- Up to 32-core GPU with up to 13x faster performance for graphics-intensive apps and games
- Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers
- Stay connected with integrated 2x2 WiFi 6 (802.11AX), Bluetooth 5, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C with PD to support power charging, HDMI, a 4-in-1 card reader, and an audio jack
- Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics, this portable notebook computer has 16GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB NVMe SSD Storage
- Designed to keep your ideas flowing, anywhere, anytime with the ability to multi-mode, this Windows laptop has a 360⁰ hinge so you can use it in laptop mode for everyday computing, tent mode for sharing, stand mode for binge-watching your favorite streaming shows, or tablet mode for easy interaction
- A physical shutter on the webcam improves your privacy, allowing you to keep out unwanted attention
- Reduce the clutter - The Flex 5 14 touchscreen laptop has a narrow bezel on 4 sides for more viewing area and less clutter on the IPS FHD (1920 x 1080) display
- Comes with Windows 10 in S mode and a FREE upgrade to Windows 11 (when available1)
- Slim and Portable: 0.72” thin and weighs only 3.59 lbs (battery included)
- Efficient Intel Celeron N4020 Processor (4M Cache, up to 2.8 GHz)
- 15.6” FHD (1920x1080) Display
- 128GB eMMC Flash Storage and 4GB DDR4 RAM
- ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY – Stay energy-efficient and sustainable with a laptop that is Energy Star certified (11), EPEAT Silver registered (12), and built with a low halogen display (13)
- WORK ON THE GO – Get work done on the go with a long battery life of up to 8 hours (5) while HP Fast Charge lets you go from 0 to 50% charge in approximately 45 minutes (6)
- INSTANT GRATIFICATION – Experience a laptop with premium performance, so you can spend less time getting more done; it’s like a small PC that’s compact enough to go where you go with a long-lasting battery to power you through your day
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage (4) and experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 16 GB of RAM
- EPIC ENTERTAINMENT – With audio by B&O, a larger screen-to-body ratio, and a 15.6-inch Full HD micro-edged screen to maximize your view, entertainment on your laptop feels like bringing the theater home (1)
- FULL-SIZE KEYBOARD – Work comfortably with a full-sized keyboard, integrated numeric pad, and a Precision Touchpad
- UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE – Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity (3)
- OS AND WARRANTY – Do more with better peace of mind thanks to the HP 1-year limited hardware warranty and the seamlessly integrated Windows 10 Pro operating system (7)
- IMPRESSIVE GRAPHICS – The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you a new level of graphics performance with crisp, stunning visuals, plus the convenience of a thin and light laptop (2)
- EFFORTLESSLY CONNECTED – Enjoy a smoother wireless experience with Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) (8) and Bluetooth 5.0 combo (9), all your connections are solid and up to 3x faster file transfer speeds than Wi-Fi 5 (10)
- Speedy. Simple. Secure: Chrome OS is the speedy, simple and secure operating system that powers Chromebooks. It is designed to feel intuitive and helpful every step of the way. It comes with the Google Assistant which helps you multitask and control smart devices. Plus, with apps from the Google Play Store, you can get work done, watch your favorite shows or play your favorite games.
- A better way to Wi-Fi: Unlock network speeds up to 3x1 faster than previous generation Wi-Fi. Download music, movies and more in seconds backed by Intel’s high-performance wireless hardware.
- Crystal clarity. Vivid color: Experience superior picture quality and fully expansive color, contrast and depth with the 4K AMOLED touchscreen display to take your work and play to the next level.
- Split-second productivity: Boot up in as fast as 6 seconds and hit the ground running. Get ample storage with 256GB SSD and work, play and multitask seamlessly.
- Stroke of genius: Take notes, sketch ideas and edit documents easily and accurately with the built-in pen that fits seamlessly into Galaxy Chromebook’s ultra-slim design.
What to Look For in a best coding laptops?
RAM
For the most part, 8 gigabytes should suffice for Windows users. However upgrading to 16GB will increase your computer's performance and be a requirement for gamers. Before you purchase RAM, make sure it is properly soldered to your motherboard. It is impossible to replace the RAM if it has been soldered.
Battery Life
Hard Drive
If you have the funds, consider an SSD drive. It should be at least 256 gigabytes. SSDs perform faster than older standards like SATA, particularly if you use NVMe. This allows data to be transferred from the drive quickly.
Form Factor
Operating System
Understanding Processor Names (CPUs)
Two companies make laptop processors, Intel and AMD.
Ports
At least one USB-C and at most one USB-A are required, as well as a microphone/headset connector. You should also consider USB-C charging and an SD reader.
Graphics Card
FAQs
Do I Need A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?
To create images on your computer's screen, graphics cards are used in conjunction with the CPU. Many desktops have integrated graphics units (IGU) These units are very simple and will handle basic tasks. They are not sufficient to handle games and other complex computing. Many gamers opt for IGUs with dedicated gaming hardware. It improves performance as well as portability.Which Laptops Last The Longest?
A good laptop should last between three and five years depending on the type of notebook you purchase. An ultrabook or business notebook, as well as a MacBook, will last longer and feel better than an inexpensive laptop under $500 with only a plastic body and basic processing. A laptop you use primarily around your home will last longer than one you take with you on trips. It is easier to add more storage and memory to business laptops and photo editing laptops to prolong their life expectancy. Gaming laptops will be more worn than any other types of laptops, as new 3D gaming apps are becoming increasingly demanding.How Much RAM Do I Need?
For most users, we recommend at least 8GB. This should suffice for most web browsing tasks, spreadsheet editing, occasional photo and video editing, as well as basic web browsing. If you use Adobe Photoshop and Premiere regularly, play 3D drafting or work in app or web development, you might consider upgrading to 16GB. You can not add more memory to laptops after they are purchased. This usually costs $100 to $200.Are Chromebooks Worth It?
They are indeed, but not suitable for all users. Google Chrome OS, which Google launched 10 years ago, has made a lot of progress. Chromebooks are laptops running on Chrome OS that can be used for web browsing or mobile applications. These laptops are simple to use, secure and affordable. They can only run Windows and Mac software natively.What's The Best Laptop For Home, Travel, Or Both?
Many people's work habits were affected by the pandemic. People who used laptops to travel frequently may find that these ultra-portable devices are no longer suitable for home work. You might prefer a larger display and more power to play games than a long-lasting battery.Consider a 15.6 inch laptop or bigger if you plan to use your laptop for work and do not need to move it around much.
Travel with a 13- or 14 inch laptop or two in one is the best option. These laptops are the most lightweight and compact, but they still provide excellent battery life.
Which Laptop Is Best For Gaming Or Creating?
Any laptop can be used to create and play games. However, the component of the laptop will determine the content and speed with which it is played and created.You don't require a gaming laptop to play casual web-based games.
You will need more money to buy discrete graphics such as Nvidia's RTX 30 series GPUs.
Gaming screens should have a 120Hz refresh rate or higher to make games run smoothly. Displays that can display 100% of the sRGB colour space are ideal for content creation.
Which Is Better, MacOS Or Windows?
Personal preference and financial budget will determine which laptop is best for you.There are many software options between them, so you shouldn't have to choose one. A Windows laptop has the advantage of gaming.
MacOS can also be used more easily and safely than Windows. This is especially true for those who need their computer to do the work.
Conclusion
It's challenging to determine the greatest product while deciding what to buy. We wanted to help you narrow things down by offering a list of best coding laptops above so you can make a better-educated decision before purchasing anything that might never work for you.
Would any of these ideas strike a chord with you? If that's the case, keep these in mind before making any purchases! You may also look into 2020 ASUS VivoBook 15 15.6 Inch FHD 1080P Laptop AMD Ryzen 3 3200U to find another option that is a good fit for you.
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