Whether you're a hobbyist or a seasoned software engineer, you need a laptop that lets you do your best dev work fast. At PCMag, we’ve been testing laptops for four decades, and we review more than 100 models each year, so we understand the unique demands that programming places on a computer. Our current top pick, MSI’s Prestige 16 AI Evo, delivers strong performance, long battery life, a sharp 4K OLED display, and a lightweight design. But no single laptop fits every workflow, so we’ve rounded up a range of excellent options for various budgets and use cases. Below our top picks, you'll find a detailed buying guide and a spec-by-spec comparison to help you zero in on the perfect programming laptop.
Overview
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![MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo]()
Best Laptop for Programming OverallMSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
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![Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2026, M5 Max)]()
Best Mac for Apple DevelopersApple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2026, M5 Max)
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![HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A]()
Best Workstation Laptop for ProgrammingHP ZBook Power 16 G11 A
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![Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5]()
Best Budget Laptop for ProgrammingLenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition]()
Best Ultraportable for ProgrammingLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
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![MSI Raider 18 HX AI]()
Best Laptop for Game DevelopersMSI Raider 18 HX AI
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![Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition]()
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for ProgrammingLenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition
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![Razer Blade 16 (2025)]()
Best Premium Laptop for ProgrammingRazer Blade 16 (2025)
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714]()
Best Chromebook for ProgrammingAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
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![Asus ProArt PZ13]()
Best Tablet PC for ProgrammingAsus ProArt PZ13
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo]()
Best Laptop for Programming OverallMSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo is an efficient and affordable content-creation laptop well-suited for programming. The Prestige 16 AI Evo has 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 according to our testing.
Who It's For
Code-heavy devs: MSI's Prestige 16 AI Evo is a fit for in-depth coders seeking a high-clarity workspace. The 4K OLED panel allows for easy navigation of complex file trees with minimal eye strain.
AI early adopters: The Intel Core Ultra chip's integrated neural processing unit, or NPU, lets you experiment with local large language models and integrate neural-network-based coding assistants into a mobile workflow.
Commuting power-users: Finalize builds and manage deployments during long-haul travel without the anxiety of locating a functional power outlet, supported by the high-capacity battery, which lasted close to 19 hours on our test.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Business Class Desktop Replacement Dimensions (HWD) 0.75 by 14.1 by 10 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2400 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 155H RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 18:55 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.31 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo Review -
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![Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2026, M5 Max)]()
Best Mac for Apple DevelopersApple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2026, M5 Max)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For the most powerful Apple silicon and macOS, coders who prefer Macs will want the MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2026, M5 Max). The M5 super-core architecture delivers extreme performance for reducing compile times and managing complex local development environments. The 40-core GPU brings significant computational headroom for developers building graphics-intensive applications, Metal-accelerated software, or augmented reality experiences. Thunderbolt 5 connectivity future-proofs the laptop, supporting multiple 6K external displays and high-speed storage arrays. Finally, did we mention the 27-hour battery life?
Who It's For
App developers: Apple built the 16-inch MacBook Pro for app developers seeking significantly faster Xcode compilation for large-scale projects. You can iterate on complex logic and run multiple iOS or macOS simulators simultaneously, without encountering system lag, thanks to the M5 super-core architecture.
Local LLM tinkerers: AI enthusiasts can fine-tune specialized language models and execute high-speed local inference without the latency or costs associated with cloud-based GPU clusters. This Mac can leverage its 40-core GPU and its array of neural accelerators to achieve similar results (if limited in scope).
Digital nomads: Professional programmers who frequently work from airports or brightly lit coworking spaces can eliminate distracting glare and maintain focus on their terminal windows, thanks to the MacBook Pro's optional nano-texture glass. It's also a relatively thin and light laptop for its size.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 4 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Desktop Replacement Class Workstation Dimensions (HWD) 0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches Graphics Processor Apple M5 Max (40-core) Native Display Resolution 3456 by 2234 Operating System Apple macOS Tahoe Panel Technology Mini LED Processor Apple M5 Max (18-core) RAM (as Tested) 128 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16.2 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 27:18 Variable Refresh Support ProMotion Weight 4.7 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 -
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![HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A]()
Best Workstation Laptop for ProgrammingHP ZBook Power 16 G11 A
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you need something more powerful than the average laptop for coding, then the HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A is the mobile workstation to get. Our current top pick combines an AMD Ryzen 9 Pro 8945HS CPU and Nvidia RTX 3000 Ada Generation graphics, with a big 16-inch display for more visual real estate and some of the best battery life we've seen from a workstation. Both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 come standard, and while it has no option for Wi-Fi 7, the laptop has optional 4G mobile broadband. For an entry-level workstation at a competitive price, it's the best around.
Who It’s For
Workstation programmers: HP built the ZBook Power 16 G11 A for high-demand programmers seeking a reliable enterprise-ready development platform. Manage heavy compilation loads and local server environments without performance throttling, thanks to the AMD Ryzen processor.
Security-conscious developers: Integrated enterprise management features allow for the protection of sensitive source code while meeting rigorous corporate IT compliance standards in unsecured environments. This is a smart workstation choice for coders who intimately understand the need for security.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 4 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Workstation Dimensions (HWD) 0.9 by 14.15 by 9.21 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia RTX 3000 Ada Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS Processor Speed 4 RAM (as Tested) 64 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:58 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 4.5 Wireless Networking 802.11ax Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Learn More HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A Review -
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![Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5]()
Best Budget Laptop for ProgrammingLenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
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 of its 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.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious programmers: Lenovo's ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is a shoo-in for cash-strapped software engineers seeking a high-quality typing experience. You can write and debug code for hours without hand fatigue while staying under a strict budget, thanks to the class-leading ThinkPad keyboard.
Thrifty travelers: Thanks to this laptop's impressive battery endurance, you can power through moderately intense work during long commutes or flights without the stress of finding a power source. Lenovo's cheaper ThinkPad is ideal for freelance coders, especially thanks to its relatively low price.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Business Dimensions (HWD) 0.7 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches Graphics Processor Intel Iris Xe Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core i7-1355U RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 11:53 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.11 Wireless Networking 802.11ax Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Learn More Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 Review -
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition]()
Best Ultraportable for ProgrammingLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
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 1800p OLED display for enhanced visual clarity and color coverage, and the excellent keyboard enables more comfortable 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 earned a five-star rating and an Editors’ Choice award!
Who It's For
Ultraportable programmers: Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition works well for programmers seeking a professional-grade development environment that remains exceptionally mobile. You can transition between remote offices and meetings without experiencing shoulder fatigue, thanks to the 2.17-pound chassis.
Desktop dockers: The ThinkPad Carbon's generous array of ports eliminates the need for USB-C dongles, allowing for easy connections to projectors, displays, and legacy hardware in diverse environments. The ThinkPad Carbon is a deeply versatile and expandable laptop for developers.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Business Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 19:49 Variable Refresh Support Manual Weight 2.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 -
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![MSI Raider 18 HX AI]()
Best Laptop for Game DevelopersMSI Raider 18 HX AI
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Game developers need power, both in CPU and graphics. For this specific class of exceptional horsepower, the MSI Raider 18 HX AI features an Intel Core Ultra 9 HX CPU and Nvidia RTX 5080 mobile GPU for desktop-rivaling performance, all paired with a dazzling 18-inch 4K mini-LED display. The system serves up excellent connectivity with Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7, and a 6-hour battery for on-the-go coding sessions despite those power-hungry components. Whether you're crafting a world for your own game or unwinding with one after clocking out, the MSI Raider 18 HX AI is a dominant high-end gaming laptop.
Who It’s For
Game developers: MSI's Raider 18 HX AI is definitely powerful enough for game developers who still need a laptop. With this system, you can compile massive project builds and simulate complex particle effects without performance drops, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX and nearly top-end Nvidia graphics.
Fidelity junkies: The Raider's 18-inch 4K mini-LED screen allows you to evaluate the visual impact of complex lighting rigs and high-resolution textures with professional-grade color coverage. This display and hardware arrangement make this laptop wonderful for working with complex visual assets.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 2 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Desktop Replacement Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 1.26 by 15.9 by 12.1 inches Graphics Memory 16 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 3840 by 2400 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX RAM (as Tested) 64 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 18 Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) 2 Secondary Drive Type SSD Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 5:37 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 7.94 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More MSI Raider 18 HX AI Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition]()
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for ProgrammingLenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition is everything a 2-in-1 laptop should be. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, it has the oomph for productivity and programming, plus an NPU for on-device AI tasks. It features a gorgeous OLED touch screen with dynamic colors, true blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. With almost 22 hours of battery life, you'll get plenty of work done even if you forget the charger at home. Plus, it packs all of these features into an elegant and well-designed 360-degree convertible build, making it our top recommendation for a 2-in-1 laptop for programmers. One downside: This laptop houses a slightly disappointing mechanical touchpad compared with modern haptic models.
Who It's For
Multimode programmers: The Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition is the best laptop for coders who need a versatile development environment. With this system, you can transition from writing back-end logic to performing hands on touch testing for mobile apps without switching devices, thanks to the 360-degree rotating hinge and included stylus.
Interface perfectionists: This Yoga laptop's 1800p OLED display—featuring DisplayHDR True Black 1000—ensures exact color matching and asset validation without needing a professional external screen.
Coffee-shop nomads: Execute moderately intense work and manage remote repository commits throughout the entire day without the anxiety of locating a functional power source, thanks to the 22-hour battery life and efficient Intel Lunar Lake architecture.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.63 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:56 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.91 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition Review -
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![Razer Blade 16 (2025)]()
Best Premium Laptop for ProgrammingRazer Blade 16 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Sure, the Razer Blade 16 (2025) is an elite gaming laptop, but it's also the best high-performance laptop for programmers, especially if you don't want to lug around a bulky, heavy gaming rig. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics chip and an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, this laptop delivers powerful performance without sacrificing battery life. The Razer Blade 16's speedy frame rates and fast processing pair well with its 240Hz, QHD+ (1600p) OLED display, which produces a high-resolution and smooth visual experience. It's ideal for high-intensity workloads and blistering gaming performance for break time, making it the top premium laptop for programmers.
Who It's For
Well-funded developers: Razer's Blade 16 would fit right in with top-tier developers looking for a best-in-class coding environment. Navigate thousands of lines of syntax with perfect fluid motion and extreme visual clarity, thanks to the 240Hz, 1600p OLED display.
Status-conscious travelers: This laptop's svelte metal build provides a high-performance development environment suitable for airport lounges or client sites without the bulk of a workstation and ready to impress.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 2 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Dimensions (HWD) 0.87 by 13.98 by 9.61 inches Graphics Memory 24 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 240 Screen Size 16 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 10:12 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 5.4 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Razer Blade 16 (2025) Review -
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![Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714]()
Best Chromebook for ProgrammingAcer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
You'll find several excellent options if you're a Chrome dev who wants to stick with a Chromebook for making related apps and extensions. 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 comes 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 is optional.
Who It's For
ChromeOS programmers: This Chromebook works well for app makers seeking a capable cloud-based development machine. Acer's laptop can manage local Linux development environments and execute moderately intense compilation tasks without performance stutters, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra processor.
Cloud-native developers: Streamline your development of serverless applications and manage distributed systems via high-performance cloud IDEs, enabled by the Intel Core Ultra processing and 12 months of Gemini Advanced.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Chromebook Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches Graphics Processor Intel Graphics Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 5 115U RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:46 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 3.21 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review -
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![Asus ProArt PZ13]()
Best Tablet PC for ProgrammingAsus ProArt PZ13
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
When you have to code on the go or need a tablet that supports handwriting and drawing, you want a snappy PC with a detachable tablet design. The Asus ProArt PZ13 should top your list. This Snapdragon-powered tablet PC comes with a kickstand cover and above-average detachable keyboard, transforming its 13-inch OLED touch screen into a full-fledged laptop replacement you can use to prototype or present anywhere. You'll have to buy your own stylus, however, since Asus doesn't include one.
Who It’s For
Tablet PC programmers: Asus' ProArt PZ13 makes coding on a tablet PC a cinch with its potent processor, making for a versatile mobile development environment. You can validate touch-first user experiences and mobile web layouts natively on this lightweight slate that converts instantly for terminal work with the included detachable keyboard.
Arm-based software developers: This tablet is an excellent platform for building and optimizing next-generation apps for efficient Arm silicon by utilizing dedicated hardware for local inference tasks, enabled by the Snapdragon X processor and its integrated NPU.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches Graphics Processor Qualcomm Adreno GPU Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13.3 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 17:47 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.87 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Asus ProArt PZ13 Review -
Compare Specs
![Razer Blade 16 (2025) [Review]](https://sm.pcmag.com/t/pcmag_uk/review/r/razer-blad/razer-blade-16-2025_za9d.640.jpg)
Our Pick | |||||||||||||
Rating |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Laptop for Programming Overall | Best Mac for Apple Developers | Best Workstation Laptop for Programming | Best Budget Laptop for Programming | Best Ultraportable for Programming | Best Laptop for Game Developers | Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Programming | Best Premium Laptop for Programming | Best Chromebook for Programming | Best Tablet PC for Programming | Best Laptop for Programming Overall | Best Mac for Apple Developers | Best Workstation Laptop for Programming |
Class | Desktop Replacement, Business | Workstation, Desktop Replacement | Workstation | Business | Business, Ultraportable | Gaming, Desktop Replacement | Convertible 2-in-1 | Gaming | Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1 | Detachable 2-in-1 | Desktop Replacement, Business | Workstation, Desktop Replacement | Workstation |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Apple M5 Max (18-core) | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS | Intel Core i7-1355U | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Intel Core Ultra 5 115U | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Apple M5 Max (18-core) | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS |
Processor Speed | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 32 | 128 | 64 | 16 | 32 | 64 | 32 | 32 | 8 | 16 | 32 | 128 | 64 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 | 4 | 4 | 512 | 512 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 256 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
Secondary Drive Type | SSD | ||||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 2 | ||||||||||||
Optical Drive | |||||||||||||
Screen Size | 16 | 16.2 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 18 | 14 | 16 | 14 | 13.3 | 16 | 16.2 | 16 |
Native Display Resolution | 3840 by 2400 | 3456 by 2234 | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1800 | 3840 by 2400 | 2880 by 1800 | 2560 by 1600 | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1800 | 3840 by 2400 | 3456 by 2234 | 2560 by 1600 |
Touch Screen | |||||||||||||
Panel Technology | OLED | Mini LED | IPS | IPS | OLED | IPS | OLED | OLED | IPS | OLED | OLED | Mini LED | IPS |
Variable Refresh Support | None | ProMotion | None | None | Manual | None | None | None | None | None | None | ProMotion | None |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 | 120 | 120 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 240 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 120 |
Graphics Processor | Intel Arc Graphics | Apple M5 Max (40-core) | Nvidia RTX 3000 Ada | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU | Intel Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Intel Arc Graphics | Apple M5 Max (40-core) | Nvidia RTX 3000 Ada |
Graphics Memory | 8 | 16 | 24 | 8 | |||||||||
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 | 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.75 by 14.1 by 10 inches | 0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches | 0.9 by 14.15 by 9.21 inches | 0.7 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches | 0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches | 1.26 by 15.9 by 12.1 inches | 0.63 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches | 0.87 by 13.98 by 9.61 inches | 0.71 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches | 0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches | 0.75 by 14.1 by 10 inches | 0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches | 0.9 by 14.15 by 9.21 inches |
Weight | 3.31 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 3.11 | 2.17 | 7.94 | 2.91 | 5.4 | 3.21 | 1.87 | 3.31 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS Tahoe | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Chrome OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS Tahoe | Windows 11 Pro |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 18:55 | 27:18 | 15:58 | 11:53 | 19:49 | 5:37 | 21:56 | 10:12 | 14:46 | 17:47 | 18:55 | 27:18 | 15:58 |
Buying Guide: The Best Laptops for Programmers in 2026
A solid programming laptop will have the performance to support the unique demands of software development. That means looking closely at every spec, including processor (CPU), memory (RAM), storage, and graphics (GPU).
(Credit: Brian Westover)Your programming platform, from the design to the operating system (OS), needs to be a good fit for your work. 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 are a must, since 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). The most recent processors also include dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) hardware for on-device AI.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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. Check out our guide on how much memory you need across various use cases for more detailed information, especially in this year of ongoing RAM shortages driven by strong demand from big AI data-centers.
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.
Recommended by Our Editors
Is a Discrete 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 discrete GPU is often the best choice, especially for CUDA-based (Nvidia's term for parallel processing cores) and deep-learning workflows. Nvidia’s RTX 50-series GPUs build on the Blackwell architecture and fifth-generation Tensor cores, and they’re still the most broadly supported option for CUDA software. If you also want a machine that can handle gaming, a GPU-equipped laptop is a practical bonus.
Apple’s M5 laptops are also effective for many dev and on-device AI tasks, even without a discrete GPU. The M5 family adds Neural Accelerators, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and a unified-memory design that gives the GPU access to the same memory pool as the CPU. That makes them excellent for many workloads, though CUDA-dependent machine learning software still favors Nvidia.
What's the Most Important Spec in 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: Joseph Maldonado)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 Best 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: Joseph Maldonado)Aside from those two major players, you may want to do things differently. If you're a Chromebook die-hard, 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 installed instead of Windows. The important thing is to know what sort of work you're going to be doing and the OS that best supports it.