Top 8 Best Laptops for Coding in 2023

by Sohaib Arif

Updated 1 years ago

If you’re a programmer or plan to become one, you’re going to need a good laptop. When it comes to coding, you need a powerful and portable laptop. For anyone who doesn’t know what coding is, it’s writing computer programs or functions using a variety of languages like Python or Java.

Coding is revolutionizing the way we work and communicate. It’s also changing the world by making it more accessible to people with disabilities, promoting sustainable development through open-source software, and improving our understanding of science.

The best laptops for coding have at least 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD or more storage space, and a quad-core i7 processor. These requirements will remain valid for the most part, no matter what type of coding is being done. Some exceptions to this rule for specific software like Adobe’s Creative Suite, which requires less processing power than others.

The laptop should also have an operating system that can support programming languages such as Python or Java to run the programs adequately without any lag time in their performance. Many people who do not code may think they need a pricey Macbook Pro for this task, but there are plenty of other options in terms of brands and price.

If you’re looking for a laptop that will help you code more efficiently, then check out this list of some great laptops for coding.

At A Glance:

Best pick

MacBook Pro 16-inch

✓ Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display

✓ Exceptional battery life

✓ Great speakers

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Staff Pick

Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K

✓ Slim, relatively light design

✓ A good IPS display

✓ Comfortable backlit keyboard

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Budget Pick

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 14.0

✓ A crystal-clear 1080p display

✓ Lightweight and durable

✓ Affordably priced

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Our Recommendations

Award	Modal	Retailer
MacBook Pro 16-inch	MacBook Pro 16-inch	View on amazon
Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K	Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K	View on amazon
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 14.0	Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 14.0	View on amazon
Google Pixelbook Go	Google Pixelbook Go	View on amazon
ASUS VivoBook F512	ASUS VivoBook F512	View on amazon
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo	ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo	View on amazon
Microsoft Surface Book	Microsoft Surface Book	View on amazon
Asus Chromebook Flip C436	Asus Chromebook Flip C436	View on amazon

MacBook Pro 16-inch

Best pick

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The new MacBook Pro 16-inch is perfect for coding. Featuring a ninth-generation 8-core Intel Core i9 processor, a stunning 16-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, and AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics with GDDR6 memory, this laptop is perfect for any coding enthusiast.

Plus, with Touch Bar and Touch ID, you’ll have easy access to all your essential tools. Its ultra fast SSD and Intel UHD Graphics 630 will make sure your code runs smoothly, while its six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers gives you an immersive audio experience. Plus, it comes in a new space gray color that’s sure to turn heads.

This laptop is designed for coders who need maximum performance and portability with four Thunderbolt 3 ports and up to 11 hours of battery life. Plus, its 802.11ac Wi-Fi will keep you connected no matter where you go.

The Pros

✓ Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display

✓ Exceptional battery life

✓ Great speakers

The Cons

✗ Expensive

✗ The display is not 4K.

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Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K

Staff Pick

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Looking for a powerful and slim laptop that can handle your coding needs? Look no further than the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K. With its AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor, you’ll be able to work on your projects with ease, and with its 15.6” Full HD display, you’ll be able to see every detail. Plus, its backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader makes it easy and secure to sign in.

With 4GB of DDR4 memory and a 128GB NVMe solid-state drive, this computer can handle anything you throw at it. And with Acer’s Purified Voice technology, you’ll be able to talk to Alexa without any background noise getting in the way. And with USB 3.2 Type-C and HDMI 2.0 ports, you can easily connect all of your peripherals without having to sacrifice any of your precious workspaces.

The 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz allow you to stay connected even when multiple devices are using the internet. Additionally, the 10 100 1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN provides a stable connection for your important projects.

The Pros

✓ Slim, relatively light design

✓ A good IPS display

✓ Comfortable backlit keyboard

The Cons

✗ Off-center touchpad

✗ 4GB of RAM is a mediocre amount.

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Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 14.0

Budget Pick

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This system is ideal for anyone who wants a lightweight and portable machine that still delivers powerful performance. With its built-in dual stereo speakers and Dolby Audio, you can enjoy the clear, crisp sound without having to sacrifice space or portability. Plus, at under 1 inch thick and just over 3 lbs, this laptop is easy to take with you wherever you go.

Powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM, this laptop can handle anything you throw at it. Plus, the 64 GB M.2 PCIe SSD storage ensures that your files will be safe and accessible no matter where you are. And with its 14” HD display panel and narrow bezels, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear visuals and an immersive viewing experience.

With its WiFi 802.11 ac and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, you’ll be able to stay connected no matter where you are. And with its 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 12 (Type-A) ports, microSD Card Reader, HDMI port, and Microphone / Earphone Combo jack, you’ll have everything you need to get the job done.

The Pros

✓ A crystal-clear 1080p display

✓ Lightweight and durable

✓ Affordably priced

The Cons

✗ There are no USB-C ports

✗ It uses a relatively slow AMD Athlon Silver processor.

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Google Pixelbook Go

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Brand: Google | Series: Pixelbook Go | Color: Just Black | Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wi-Fi | Item Weight: 1056 Grams

If you’re looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry laptop that’s perfect for coding, the Google Pixelbook Go is just what you need. This Chromebook laptop is barely 2 pounds and 13 millimeters thin, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It also has a grip-able design so it won’t slip out of your hands easily.

It is equipped with an 8th Gen Intel Core Processor, making it quick and responsive, and a backlit keyboard for easy typing in low light conditions. Plus, the HD touchscreen display and dual stereo speakers provide an incredible picture and sound quality.

Thanks to the Titan C security chip and built-in antivirus software, your data will be well-protected. Plus, Chrome OS updates automatically to give you the latest features and security enhancements. And with up to 12 hours of battery life, you can stay unplugged all day long.

The Pros

✓ Thin, elegant design

✓ Rare 1080p webcam

✓ Comfortable, responsive ‘Hush’ keyboard

The Cons

✗ No biometric login

✗ It's expensive for a Chromebook.

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ASUS VivoBook F512

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Are you in the market for a high-performance laptop perfect for coding? Look no further than the ASUS VivoBook F512. Featuring a 15.6-inch FHD display and an AMD Quad-Core Ryzen 5 3500U Processor, this laptop is more than capable of handling all of your coding needs.

Additionally, it comes equipped with AMD Radeon Vega 8 discrete graphics and Windows 10 Home so you can get the most out of your software. And if that’s not enough, the VivoBook F512 also includes 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for plenty of storage space.

This powerful device is equipped with an ergonomic backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, and comprehensive connections so you can stay productive while on the go. Plus, its exclusive ErgoLift design helps improve your typing position for added comfort. It features ASUS Sonicmaster Technology, which gives you an immersive audio experience while you work. It comes in four unique finishes to suit your style.

The Pros

✓ Premium design

✓ Eight-hour battery life

✓ A good array of ports, including USB-C and microSD

The Cons

✗ The display is mediocre.

✗ CPU performance is below average.

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ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo

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Looking for a laptop that’s perfect for coding? Then check out the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581GV. This powerful machine comes with a 4K secondary touchscreen that works seamlessly with the main 15.6 inches 4K UHD OLED touchscreen, making it easy to optimize and personalize your workflow. Plus, a series of handy built-in apps help boost your productivity.

Quick Key allows one-tap automation of complex keyboard sequences, and Handwriting lets you input text intuitively. This powerful machine comes with the main display and a Screen Pad Plus, perfect for creative work. Plus, the quick controls make it easy to interact with both screens simultaneously.

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo is powered by up to a 9th Generation Intel Core i9 eight-core processor, the latest gaming-grade NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, and fast storage.

With its ultra powerful performance and versatile design, it ensures that you can take on even the most demanding tasks with ease. Plus, its USB 3.0, 3.1 (Gen 1 and 2), and Type-C ports provide lightning-fast transfer speeds, so you can get your work done quickly and efficiently.

The Pros

✓ Two stunning 4K touch OLED displays

✓ A stylus and a wrist rest included

✓ Outstanding performance in gaming and overall

The Cons

✗ Poor audio quality

✗ Battery life is limited.

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Microsoft Surface Book

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The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is the perfect laptop for coding. With its 7th generation Intel Dual Core i5 Processor and 8 GB of RAM, this laptop is more than capable of handling even the most intensive coding tasks. Plus, with up to 17 hours of battery life, you can work all day and then some without having to worry about running out of power.

The Surface Book 2 also includes a 256 GB SSD if you need more storage space. It’s got twice the power of previous versions and a beautiful PixelSense Display that’s now available with an improved 13.5” touchscreen. Plus, it comes with four versatile modes of use and a new USB C port. So whatever your coding needs may be, the Surface Book 2 is sure to deliver.

The Pros

✓ A stylish convertible design

✓ Exceptional battery life

✓ Dedicated Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics

The Cons

✗ Maximum RAM is 16GB

✗ The cost of adding SSD storage is high.

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Asus Chromebook Flip C436

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The Asus Chromebook Flip C436 is perfect for coders. With a 14-inch touchscreen Full HD display, this laptop is ideal for viewing code examples and typing in long lines of code. The 4-sided frameless NanoEdge Display allows the screen to fit in the body of a 13-inch laptop footprint, while the durable 360-degree hinge lets you use the touchscreen display in a tent, stand, and tablet mode.

Powered by the Intel Core i5-10210U Processor, this laptop can handle even the most strenuous tasks with ease. The 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD ensures that your data will be stored securely and quickly, while the 16GB RAM lets you run multiple applications at once without any slowdown. And thanks to its 2x USB Type-C ports, it’s easy to connect to other devices or accessories.

Plus, with its illuminated chiclet keyboard, you’ll be able to work comfortably in any environment. This laptop is lightweight (only 2.58 lbs) and has a beautiful magnesium-alloy chassis body that will last long and never go out of style. Plus, it comes with a built-in stylus so you can take notes or sketch ideas on the go.

The Pros

✓ Sleek design

✓ Fingerprint reader

✓ Fast SSD storage instead of eMMC storage

The Cons

✗ The price is high for a Chromebook

✗ There is no HDMI port or an option for LTE broadband.

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Factors to Consider Before Buying Best Laptop for Coding

When looking for the best laptop for coding, there are a few factors you need to consider:

Processor

The processor is the most important component of a laptop for coding. A faster processor enables you to run multiple applications and processes. When looking for a laptop for coding, you should look for a powerful processor, such as an Intel Core i7 or an AMD Ryzen 7.

Memory

Coding can require a lot of memory, so you’ll want to ensure your laptop has enough memory to handle your projects. The best laptops for coding must have 8GB or 16GB of RAM.

Storage

You’ll also need plenty of storage space for your codes and other project-related files. A laptop with a 256GB solid-state drive can hold plenty of code, but you can opt for a higher capacity to store other files as well.

Graphics Card

The graphics card provides visual effects in specific applications, including 3D modeling or video editing programs. If you plan to use any of these types of applications, you’ll need a laptop with a powerful graphics card. Look for a laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics card.

Operating System

The best laptop for coding will run on the latest version of Windows or macOS. If you’re unsure which operating system, your code projects require, consult with the application’s developer or your IT department.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can begin to look for laptops that fit your needs.

Summary

Award	Modal	Retailer
MacBook Pro 16-inch	MacBook Pro 16-inch	View on amazon
Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K	Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K	View on amazon
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 14.0	Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 14.0	View on amazon
Google Pixelbook Go	Google Pixelbook Go	View on amazon
ASUS VivoBook F512	ASUS VivoBook F512	View on amazon
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo	ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo	View on amazon
Microsoft Surface Book	Microsoft Surface Book	View on amazon
Asus Chromebook Flip C436	Asus Chromebook Flip C436	View on amazon

Conclusion

Your laptop is one of the essential tools you have when it comes to coding. It’s worth investing in a quality model that will last for years and offers features tailored toward your needs. It is imperative to consider a number of factors when choosing the best laptop for coding.

The first step is considering what kind of programming language(s) you want to work with, as this will determine which components (processor, RAM, etc.) you need to run those programs smoothly. Next, it’s crucial to know how much money you want or can spend on a laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 13-inch screen too small for programming?

Laptops with screens 13 inches or smaller have been falling out of favor with programmers recently. Some believe that the small screen size makes it challenging to work on code, while others find that the portability of these laptops is a better fit for their needs.

How much RAM should I have for coding?

Most people suggest at least 8GB of RAM, but this depends on the type of programming languages you are writing or editing. For example, if you write an app with Python, something that doesn't use many resources, 4GB might be enough. If it is more intensive like if your program needs to process video or sound files, 16GB would be better because it will allow faster processing times.

Is i7 better than Ryzen 5 for coding?

Some people might say that i7 is better than Ryzen 5 for coding, but it depends on the type of work. For example, if you are working with video encoding or 3D rendering, an i7 would be much more beneficial to your workflow because it has 8 cores and 16 threads. However, if you're not using those programs, then a Ryzen 5 will do just as well.