The 10 Best Laptops for Programming Right Now in 2024

If you’re a programmer, you know how crucial it is to have a laptop that’s reliable, powerful, and efficient. It’s more than just a tool—it’s where your ideas come to life, where code turns into something amazing, and where you tackle those pesky bugs.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the 10 best laptops for programming in 2024. We’ve put together a list that includes options for different budgets and needs.

Each laptop on this list was picked for its strong performance, durability, and ability to handle the tough demands of coding. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose the perfect laptop to support your programming journey.

11. Apple MacBook Pro (M3, 2024)

22. Dell XPS 15

33. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

44. Dell XPS 16 9640

55. Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1

66. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2024)

77. Macbook Pro M1 2020

88. Dell Latitude 9440

99. HP Elitebook 820 G4

10Frequently Asked Questions

11Conclusion

12References

13Recommendations

Let’s see the best laptops you can get for your programming job in 2024.

1. Apple MacBook Pro (M3, 2024)

For programming, the Apple MacBook Pro has long been a favorite, and the 2024 version with the M3 chip pushes it even further.

The M3 chip brings remarkable speed and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for developers who need top-notch performance.

Its Retina display offers sharp and clear visuals, which is especially useful when working with complex coding setups or graphic-heavy applications.

2. Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is widely known as one of the best all-around laptops for programming, and the 2024 model continues that tradition. With its 12th Gen Intel Core processors and up to 64GB of RAM, this laptop is built to tackle even the most challenging coding tasks.

Why it stands out?

The 15.6-inch Infinity edge screen offers stunning 4K resolution, perfect for developers who need sharp, detailed visuals.
The backlit keyboard is designed with great key travel, making long coding sessions easier on your fingers.
While you’re managing multiple virtual machines or compiling large amounts of code, the XPS 15 delivers the power you need to get the job done efficiently.

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3. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

The 2022 MacBook Air with the M2 chip is an excellent choice for software engineers. Its performance is impressive, offering both speed and efficiency, which makes it easy to compile code, run virtual machines, and switch between demanding applications without a hitch.

With 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it’s more than capable of handling the challenges of modern software development. The stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display provides crystal-clear visuals, making coding and content creation enjoyable.

This screen is larger and brighter, with a peak brightness of 500 nits, ensuring everything looks sharp and vibrant. Aside from its strong performance and beautiful display, the MacBook Air M2 is also highly portable.

The slim aluminum body, now available in stylish colors like Starlight and Midnight, is incredibly thin and light.

4. Dell XPS 16 9640

The new Dell XPS 16 9640 is the latest upgrade from the previous 15-inch model, featuring top-of-the-line specs like the Intel Ultra 7 155H CPU and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.

It also boasts a stunning 4K OLED display. However, it comes with a hefty price tag, which could even surpass the cost of the most powerful MacBook Pro, depending on the configuration you choose.

This laptop is incredibly powerful and not just good for programming but can handle just about any task you throw at it, because of its advanced GPU.

However, before you splurge, think carefully if you really need all that power and if it’s worth the high price.

5. Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 1 is still a top choice for programmers and engineers, even with newer models on the market. This high-performance laptop for coding is built for heavy-duty tasks like 3D design, video editing, and data analysis.

Although it’s on the bulkier side and comes with a higher price tag, it shines with its impressive upgrade options and powerful features, including the latest processors, advanced graphics, and error-correcting memory.

One of the standout features of the ThinkPad P16s Gen 1 is its bright and accurate X-Rite Pantone calibrated display, perfect for professionals who need precise color representation.

With plenty of storage available, this laptop is a strong option for those who demand peak performance without compromise.

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6. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (2024)

For developers who need more screen space to keep their workflow smooth, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 offers a one-of-a-kind solution.

This laptop comes with a main 4K OLED display and a second 4K ScreenPad Plus, making multitasking easier than ever.

The following reasons are why you shouldn’t skip getting this laptop for your programming jobs:

The extra screen is ideal for expanding your workspace, running additional apps, or keeping reference materials close while you code.
With an Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU, it can handle demanding tasks like AI and machine learning with ease.
Even with the dual screens, the laptop is still quite portable and tailored for professional use.

7. Macbook Pro M1 2020

While the 16-inch MacBook Pro is a powerful tool for programming, its smaller 13-inch version is also a great choice, especially for coders who prioritize portability.

Weighing just 1.4kg, this lightweight laptop for developers is easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in your bag. Powered by Apple’s M1 chip with eight cores, it has enough power to handle most coding tasks.

Plus, with a battery life of up to 15 hours, you can work through your entire day with no need to recharge.

8. Dell Latitude 9440

The Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 is a top-tier laptop designed for coding, with a starting price of $971. It’s powered by a robust 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, backed by 16GB of RAM, making it a strong contender for developers.

This convertible laptop for developers isn’t just about looks; it’s packed with smart features like multi-network connectivity that allows for smooth switching between networks and a mini-LED backlit keyboard that not only saves battery but also enhances brightness.

Despite having a large screen, the Latitude 9440 is surprisingly compact; smaller even than some standard 14-inch laptops.

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9. HP Elitebook 820 G4

The HP EliteBook 820 G3 strikes a great balance between portability and performance. Its spill-resistant keyboard, which has a back light, makes typing comfortable even in low light.

Its 12.5-inch Full HD screen offers impressive brightness and clarity, setting it apart from other HP business laptops. Inside, the laptop is powered by a strong ULV processor that handles everyday tasks smoothly.

There’s also a more affordable option with a Core i5 processor. The quick SSD ensures that the laptop remains speedy, with fast application loading and quick boot-up times for Windows.

10. Alienware m17 R5 AMD Advantage

For a programming laptop with a large screen, the Alienware m17 R5 AMD Advantage is hard to beat. It’s a strikingly well-built machine, with a tough chassis and just the right amount of RGB lighting.

The design includes smart features like efficient cooling paths and well-placed ports. The keyboard is comfortable to use, though some might miss having a number pad.

However, it’s important to note a couple of drawbacks. The m17 is quite heavy, which is expected for a laptop with a 17-inch display and solid construction. Additionally, its battery life isn’t the best, so it’s more about performance than portability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a laptop for programming?

When choosing a laptop for programming, prioritize a fast processor (like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7), ample RAM (at least 16GB), and a solid-state drive (SSD) for quick file access. A high-resolution display can also enhance your coding experience by reducing eye strain.

Are MacBooks good for programming?

Yes, MacBooks are highly regarded for programming, particularly for software development on macOS or iOS. The latest MacBook Pro models with M3 chips offer impressive performance and battery life.

Is getting a laptop with a 17-inch screen for programming worth it?

A 17-inch screen, like on the Alienware m17 R5, offers a larger workspace, which can be advantageous for coding and multitasking. However, it comes with added weight and reduced portability. If you prioritize having a spacious display and don’t mind the extra bulk, a 17-inch laptop can be a great choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right laptop for programming is crucial to your success as a developer. From a machine that can handle high-end applications or something more portable and budget-friendly, there’s a laptop on this list that will meet your needs.

Keep in mind that a great laptop for coding is all about finding the perfect mix of performance, portability, and dependability.

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