Are you looking for the best laptop for programming but have no idea where to find one? Well, this is the perfect place for you. These days, programming students and even professionals have problems with choosing the right laptop for themselves. There are millions of options available in the market and various criteria to consider. So, which laptop will suit you and your needs?
Every developer has specific requirements. For example, a web developer may require minimum specs such as a good display and a comfortable keyboard. However, a game developer needs a dedicated graphics solution, a smooth processor, and enough storage to run game development tools.
A professional may be familiar with all the factors involved with buying a laptop, but beginners may feel a little confused. Nowadays, it is not all about the design and the price, although these are necessary components. Other factors include raw processing power, display, mobility, storage capacity, a modern SSD, battery life, and graphics. This article will explain all these in detail and help you choose the best laptop for your programming needs!
Buying Guide
Processing Power: No developer wishes to cut back on this if they aim to obtain an impressive output. It is fundamental to the art of programming. A laptop should have at least a four-core processor. Cache size, thermal design power, and frequency (above 3GHz) should be optimal as well. An Intel Core i5 or i7 processor satisfies most people.
Display: Sharp text and high resolutions are a must when you’re staring at the screen for a long time. Size also matters. If you’re carrying your laptop around, a large screen isn’t optimal. However, larger screens make it easier to observe and provide better viewing angles. Meanwhile, the higher resolution allows greater detail and a comfortable reading experience. Always buy a laptop with at least a 1980 x 1080 (1080p) resolution.
Mobility: If you’re a budding developer, you will be carrying your laptop around everywhere. For this, the ideal weight is between 1.2-2 kg. If you’re a professional with a set workspace, then this will not be an issue.
Storage Capacity: Programming requires a lot of device space. You should have RAM of a minimum of 8 GB. However, 16 or 32 GB is the best option when it comes to RAM. Large, demanding projects take up space. Therefore, storage is one of the most important things for a developer.
A Modern SSD: It is essential for simple tasks such as booting up the system, launching apps, and compiling code. It’s optimum to invest in an SSD as it has several performance improvements compared to a standard hard drive. Invest in an SSD with at least 256 GB of space. However, the requirements vary for different types of programming. If you need more storage, it would be better to invest in a 512 GB or 1TB SSD. The hard drive can store external, personal media.
Battery Life: You can’t afford to have your laptop run out of charge when you’re in the middle of compiling code. For developers who love to code on the go, it’s crucial to buy a laptop with 8-10 hours of battery life. Always opt for a laptop with more battery life!
Graphics: Graphics aren’t imperative to coding purposes unless you have specifications such as game development. So, buy a laptop with Integrated Graphics, save money, and instead invest in a better processor or an SSD.
Keyboard: This is something that a majority of people overlook while buying laptops. But when you’re going to code for hours on end, you need to make sure the keyboard is of good quality, backlit for low light conditions, and comfortable to type on. Ideally, you should test it out before buying the laptop.
In conclusion, these are the minimum and recommended system requirements:
Minimum System Requirements:
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Display: 13.3-inch FHD (1920×1080)
Battery: Up to 5 hours
Recommended System Requirements:
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7 or better
RAM: 16 or 32GB
Storage: 512GB/ 1TB SSD
Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920×1080)
Battery: 8-10 hours
Best Laptops for Programming in India
Programming is a fascinating way to learn how computers work: to speak in their language and to write, test, and run your code on them. It’s a creative craft through which you can instruct computers to perform various tasks, run according to your choice and discover your inner developer.
Whether you’re a veteran who’s been coding for years or a newly sculpted computer science student, mastering this art is a struggle. But a suitable laptop puts you on the correct path and solves the bulk of your problems!
Now that you understand the characteristics of your perfect coding partner, the following is a comprehensive list of your best options. It contains the pros, cons, prices, and reviews. It’s the ultimate guide to the best programming laptops available at your budget!
List of Best Programming Laptops of 2024:
Image | Product | Feature | Price |
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Top Pick
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Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip
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Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life |
Check On Amazon |
Apple MacBook Pro with 9th Gen Intel Core i7
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Ninth-generation 6-core Intel Core i7 processor Stunning 16-inch Retina display with True Tone technology Touch Bar and Touch ID |
Check On Amazon |
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ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim Compact Laptop
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15.6-Inch IPS-level Full-HD 4-sided frameless nano-edge display bezel that brings up to 92% screen to body ratio for immersive visuals | Check On Amazon |
The Best Laptops for Coding in India
Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip
Launched in Nov 2024, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro is a perfect combination of durability and power. The design is almost identical to its previously released Intel counterpart. These similarities have made buyers question the need to buy a more expensive laptop. The answer is that under the hood, these laptops are vastly different. The notable reforms are in the Chipset, storage, memory, and battery life.
However, Apple’s efforts to improve the Webcam haven’t satisfied customers. It continues to be in 720p resolution, while other companies offer HD. The image quality has improved, and background noise has reduced. But, the M1 MacBook Pro still cannot be compared to the ZenBook or Dell Models. It is relatively more expensive than the similar Intel Model. This fact makes buyers question the need to buy it, and this article is the answer.
The new M1 chip is Apple’s first attempt at replacing the 9th generation Intel core. The fanless design throttles performances and satisfies all customers who complained about overheating in previous models. The Mac OS Big Sur operating system elevates it to a new level. It now includes a Control Center to access WiFi, Bluetooth, Display, Sound, and Music all from one place.
With dimensions of 30.41 cm x 21.24 cm x 1.56 cm, the 1.4 kg M1 MacBook Pro is one of the lightest, thinnest, and mobile Apple Laptops. This design allows higher mobility and gives you the ability to code on the go! This feature doesn’t affect endurance at all. This laptop can endure launching multiple apps at once, switching between them continuously, and compiles code at 1.5x-2x speed.
The Magic Keyboard has made a reappearance in this model. According to users, it is infinitely more comfortable than the previous Butterfly Switch Model. The best characteristic of this laptop, which sets it apart from the 16-inch Intel MacBook Pro, is the battery life. It can now last up to 18-20 hours, which is remarkably impressive for a laptop. All in all, if you’re looking for the best laptop for programming, you needn’t look very far!
PROS | CONS |
❖ Amazing Battery Life | ❖ Low-resolution Webcam |
❖ The perfect combination of durability and power | ❖ Third-party apps need updates to be compatible with M1 Chip |
❖ Light and Thin Design | ❖ Expensive with limited design changes for radical thinkers |
❖ Comfortable Magic Keyboard | ❖ Storage and Memory is limited |
Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch with Intel Core i7 processor
The 16-inch Inch Apple MacBook Pro launched in November 2019, just six months after its 15-inch predecessor. It’s less expensive than the M1 MacBook Pro. But, there are many differences to be considered.
Let’s first look at the advantages. Firstly, it’s one of the lightest and thinnest Apple models. The mobility is exceptional. Secondly, you can configure it with up to 64 GB of RAM (compared to 16 GB in the 13-inch M1 Macbook Pro) and an 8 TB SSD (compared to 2 TB). Thus, it’s an ideal mix of raw power and innovative design.
The graphics are outstanding as well. Updates such as the 7nm AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series graphics cards make it perfectly suitable for graphic-intensive tasks such as video editing. It includes the Magic Keyboard instead of the flawed Butterfly Switch, which was a relief for the customers. In conclusion, it has several features at the same price as the 15-inch model and lesser than the M1 model. It is a value for money.
However, there are some drawbacks. The quality of the Webcam isn’t satisfactory. In the age of video calls and meetings, the Apple MacBooks lag behind ASUS and Dell. Secondly, the battery life is way less than the Intel MacBook’s M1 Competitor. However, since the price is lower as well, some disadvantages are to be expected. All in all, it’s a choice between more compatibility, memory, and storage (Intel) and battery life, speed, and thermals (M1).
PROS | CONS |
❖ Price is the same as the 15-inch model with new features, less than 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Chip | ❖ Low-resolution Webcam |
❖ One can configure it with up to 64 GB RAM and 8 TB SSD | ❖ Lesser Battery Life |
❖ Updated Graphics | ❖ Comparatively Slower |
❖ Third-party apps do not need updates, are compatible with Intel Chip | |
❖ Comfortable Magic keyboard |
ASUS ZenBook 15 Ultra-Slim Compact Laptop
Not an Apple fan? Want to be a part of the Windows ecosystem? The ASUS ZenBook 15 UX533 is the programming laptop for you! It packs efficiency, speed, storage, and power into a slim and compact design. It’s 15% smaller than the previous model (ZenBook 15 UX530). Moreover, this 1.55 kg laptop is one of the lightest models for 15.6 Inch Display, dimensions: 354 x 220 x 17.9 mm.
The innovative Ergo Lift makes a reappearance in this model. That is, the keyboard tilts at 3 degrees for comfortable typing. The backlit keyboard’s short travel distance is also a notable advantage. However, the keys are flat, and fingers do not land in the center initially. Tiny numeric keys are also a characteristic that requires familiarisation.
However, its thin aluminum build creates some drawbacks. The laptop can get fingerprints on the surface often and is prone to bending. Furthermore, it may develop an overheating problem, and the fans start to make noise under pressure. It also lacks Thunderbolt support. But, ASUS has attempted to fix previous issues. This model has a headphone/mic jack and a precise touch experience. Windows Hello- the facial recognition software is included and also provides extra security.
What sets it apart from Apple laptops is its aesthetic 4 Sided Nano Edge Design with slim bezels, which provides better eye comfort and an immersive experience. Furthermore, it has unprecedented performance power from the IntelCore i7-8565U model. The cooling situation is improving from model to model as well.
In conclusion, the four-core processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, dedicated graphics card, Nano Edge Design, Matte IPS Screen, backlit keyboard, weight, and excellent battery life make it our top pick for the best programming laptop.
PROS | CONS |
❖ Compact bezels, beautiful look, and design | ❖ CPU and GPU have an overheating problem with demanding apps |
❖ Keyboard suitable for fast typers | ❖ Poor exhaust design |
❖ Quieter than previous generations | ❖ Lacks Thunderbolt Support |
❖ Solid performance experience from the IntelCore i7-8565U Model | ❖ Prone to fingerprint stains and bending |
The Best Laptop for Programming and Gaming
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GXR-HG113T
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701GXR-HG113T proves that slim and sleek can battle large and bulky gaming laptops. Complete with the maximum GPU and RAM, there is also an extra slot for another SSD if 1 TB NVMe SSD isn’t enough.
The color accuracy, incredibly narrow bezels, 17.3-inch display, stunning visuals, and excellent speakers provide a delightful gaming experience. You genuinely feel like you’re inside the game, and the view is breathtaking.
Meanwhile, for programming, one can configure it with more RAM as well. The keyboard has RGB lighting and large but shallow keys. However, this is a small price to pay for the thinness of the laptop. The battery life isn’t optimum and drains faster when put under the pressure of demanding games.
In conclusion, this laptop isn’t a desktop replacement. However, the gaming experience is impressive. The price is high like other Zephyrus Models. However, for programming enthusiasts with deep pockets and a wish to play Minecraft and COD whenever and wherever this is a perfect choice!
PROS | CONS |
❖ 17.6-inch display with narrow bezels | ❖ Low battery life |
❖ Excellent speakers with room-filling audio | ❖ High Price |
❖ Perfect for playing on the move | ❖ Noisy under pressure |
❖ Good performance experience with 32 GB RAM, 8 GB GPU, and 1 NVMe SSD | ❖ Overheating problem on the bottom side
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Best Budget Laptop for Programming
ASUS VivoBook S14 S433
A power-packed performance packed into a slim design, all within your budget! The Asus VivoBook S14 S433 is a well-rounded device- perfect for all students, budding developers, and even professionals. The comparatively low price makes it the best choice for beginners as well.
The 1.4 kg laptop with dimensions of 1.59cm x 32.49cm x 21.35cm is light, slim and strong. It can withstand the wear and tear associated with programming on the move. With precise color accuracy, a webcam with HD resolution, thin bezels, and a bold color scheme- this laptop impresses its target audience.
But this design doesn’t compromise on raw power and memory which can be increased to 1TB. Compilation of code, launching and switching between apps, and multitasking is a dream on this laptop. The comfortable keyboard with large keys and high battery life add to the list of advantages!
However, you cannot expand the memory on this laptop as 8 GB RAM is the maximum. Also, ASUS doesn’t allow charging with the Type-C port; you’ll have to carry the charger everywhere.
PROS | CONS |
❖ Power-packed performance and beautiful design | ❖ It’s not possible to charge with Type-C Port |
❖ High battery Life | ❖ RAM is un-upgradable |
❖ Affordable price | |
❖ Comfortable Keyboard |
Best Laptop for Programming and Graphic Design
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo
A unique design, dual-screen, trackpad, DCI-P3 Color Gamut Range, good build quality, Discrete Nvidia graphics, a comfortable keyboard, and incredible performance power make it the most suitable laptop for graphic designers and developers!
The main touchscreen is a 15-inch OLED with 4K UHD(3,840 x 2,160) resolution. The colors are sharp and beautiful, which makes video editing and graphic designing an absolute pleasure. The second screen has a 4K resolution. Developers may use it to run two or three apps side by side- a feature that is beneficial while designing and editing.
However, this remarkable display doesn’t compromise performance. This laptop is compatible with the Intel i9 Core-one of the most powerful mobile chips to date. It’s speedy- launches and opens apps quickly. The advanced SSD makes it easy to run any software in this system as well.
However, this is more of a practical, bulky laptop than a typical ASUS thin and slim one. It weighs a hefty 2.5 kg. So, it can’t be carried around or kept on the lap for a long time. It’s 24 mm thick, so the keyboard is raised. This characteristic isn’t good for wrist health. The touchpad is positioned for right-handers, which may be problematic for lefties. The high-resolution screens and multitasking ability do a number on battery life as well.
So, it does have its faults but is a perfect desktop laptop for daily use. The incredible display, powerful performance, and dual-screen make it the ideal device for professional graphic designing and programming!
PROS | CONS |
❖ Performance power is ideal for professional graphic designing | ❖ Large and bulky |
❖ Strong build quality | ❖ Touchpad Position |
❖ Remarkable Display with Dual Screen | ❖ Low Battery Life |
❖ Suitable keyboard |
Best Laptops According To Your Budget
Price is one of the most important criteria while searching for a laptop. Of course, priorities are different for every one of us. Whether you are a beginner, student, or professional- it is necessary to decide on a budget. Otherwise, you will explore laptops for hours, then realize that most of them are out of your price range. Create a price bracket and then go through this list of the best programming laptops- according to your budget!
Best Laptop Under 1 Lakh For Coding In India
Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip
The sleek, slim, and familiar all-metal MacBook design made a reappearance with the 13-inch MacBook Air. Launched in October 2018, the 1.56 cm x 30.41 cm x 21.24 cm laptop, weighing just 1.25 kg, truly lives up to its name.
Apple aimed to distance itself from Intel by using the self-designed M1 chip. It has 16 cores- divided into groups to focus on various tasks. The synergy between raw speed, brilliant physical design, operating system, and processing power is a programmer’s fantasy.
However, there are still only two USB Type-C Ports. This long complained about feature is a point of contention for most buyers. But Apple has made an effort to fix other problems. The flawed Butterfly Switch has been replaced with the Magic Keyboard. There is no Touch Bar, unlike other models. And of course, as mentioned, it’s reasonably priced- especially for a MacBook.
PROS | CONS |
❖ Slim, All-Metal MacBook Design | ❖ Only two USB Type-C Ports |
❖ Excellent performance experience with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD | ❖ No Touch Screen |
❖ Premium Portability and Battery Life | ❖ 720p Webcam |
❖ Reasonable Price |
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Also Read: Best C++ IDE Software For Programming
Best Laptop For Programming Under 60000 In India
MSI Modern 14 A10M-652IN
This laptop is a two-in-one bonus package. It’s a combo of fair price with high-class performance, brilliant boosting equipment, a well-calibrated 14-inch display, and powerful processors coupled with 8GB RAM and 512 NVMe SSD. All in one, it’s an excellent value for money.
However, this laptop is not suited for demanding apps and heavy tasks. It has a poor cooling mechanism and overheats quickly. This is one sacrifice made to keep the computer slim and sleek. This device is exceptionally travel-friendly and perfect for students who carry their laptops from one place to another.
The premium build is unique for this price range. It’s a durable laptop, and it can withstand wear and tear. It has disadvantages like every laptop in this price range, but the clear advantages make it worthy of buying.
PROS | CONS |
❖ Slim, Travel-Friendly Design with a durable build | ❖ Poor Cooling Mechanism, not suited for heavy tasks |
❖ Excellent performance experience for regular usage with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB NVMe SSD | ❖ Average Sound System |
❖ Good Battery Life | |
❖ Fair Price |
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Best Laptop For Programming Under 50000 In India
ASUS VivoBook 14 Ryzen 5 Hexa Core 4500U
The ASUS VivoBook 14 Ryzen 5 4500U surpasses all expectations for any laptop in its price range. Developing, programming and coding are a pleasure on this laptop. The powerful 6-Core AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor provides it with high-quality performance and raw speed.
This laptop is the perfect option for anyone who wants to amplify their productivity. Multitasking, booting up the system, code compilation, and launching and switching between apps- all tasks are done with efficiency and speed, without lag. The backlit keyboard is exceptionally comfortable to work on, the build is slim and light, and battery life is high- fit for long hours.
PROS | CONS |
❖ Slim, Travel-Friendly Design with a durable build | ❖ The display is a point of contention |
❖ High-speed performance with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB NVMe SSD | ❖ RAM isn’t upgradable |
❖ Good Battery Life for this price | |
❖ Inexpensive |
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Best Laptop For Programming Under 40000 In India
MI Notebook 14
Xiaomi, the Chinese giant, has done an exceptional job with making the MI Notebook Pro- an affordable laptop with raw computing power, style, and good construction quality. You can easily slip it into a backpack and carry it around with you everywhere.
The keyboard is relatively comfortable. However, stiff keys take some time to get used to. This laptop can’t be used for too long while performing heavy tasks and does overheat. The RAM cannot be upgraded. But the original device is more than enough for day-to-day coding and programming. In conclusion, the MI Notebook 14 is well-balanced and an excellent value for money.
PROS | CONS |
❖ Stylish and travel-friendly | ❖ Gets overheated |
❖ Good construction quality | ❖ RAM isn’t upgradable |
❖ Excellent overall performance | ❖ The keyboard isn’t backlit |
❖ Affordable |
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Best Laptop For Programming Under 30000 In India
Lenovo Ideapad 3 Ryzen 3 Dual Core 3250U
The Lenovo Ideapad 2 3250U is one of the most economical laptops on the market today. However, the price doesn’t compromise the storage and memory. 1 TB SSD allows you to install several heavy applications and compile more code. 4GB RAM will enable one to multitask efficiently. The 1.85 kg laptop is also easy to transport, and you can program for hours with it on your lap.
The Anti-Glare screen and comfortable keyboard are also achievements for the working experience! You get more than what you pay for, but there are some disadvantages. It’s a dual-core system, so it’s slower than the four, six, or eight-core competitors. Also, it comes with the Basic Windows OS, which is less efficient than the Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate variants.
Best Programming Laptop Price List (August 2024)
Laptop | Processor | Price |
---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | M1 chip with an 8-core GPU | Rs. 199900 |
ASUS ZenBook 15 | 8th generation Intel Core i7 | Rs. 185500 |
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S | 9th generation Intel Core i7 | Rs. 280990 |
ASUS VivoBook S14 | 10th Generation Intel Core i7 | Rs. 74990 |
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo | 9th generation Intel Core i7-9 | Rs. 207990 |
Apple MacBook Air | M1 chip with 8‑core CPU | Rs. 92900 |
MSI Modern 14 | 10th generation Intel Core i5 | Rs. 54990 |
ASUS VivoBook 14 | Ryzen 5 Hexa Core | Rs. 50991 |
MI Notebook 14 | 10thgeneration Intel Core i3 | Rs. 37999 |
Lenovo Ideapad 3 | AMD Ryzen 3 Dual Core | Rs. 29990 |
The Conclusion:
There are several options for programming laptops on the market today. Make this choice wisely. Research appropriately. Make a list of your requirements, priorities, and budget. Look at all parameters, not just one. In the end, a good combo is what gives you the ability to program swiftly, freely, and proficiently. Find the device which enables you to be the best developer that you can be. Find the best programming laptop for YOU.