Top 5 Best Laptops for Programming in 2025

The ideal laptop for programming should have an ergonomic keyboard for on-the-go coding, a responsive screen, and an eye-pleasing display. These are our top choices after testing more than 1800 laptops.

In general, I think the best laptop for programming is the Apple MacBook Pro. It has the best screen available on any laptop, and the M4 chips are incredibly powerful, resulting in seamless performance for a variety of tasks. Even more amazing is the ability to boot up both macOS and Windows, giving programmers far more options than a Windows-only device, particularly when developing cross-platform applications.

For a comprehensive list of the top laptops available today for programmers, see our in-depth reviews below. With top recommendations for all budgets and programming tasks, the team has thoroughly tested and benchmarked each model.

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Last update on 2025-03-16 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Laptops for Programming in 2025

1.Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4)

Last update on 2025-03-16 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch, our choice for the best laptop for programming, is capable of handling software engineering and coding tasks. After all, this is a device that can edit photos and videos at a professional level. Even better, you have a little more flexibility because you can boot it in Windows.

With its M4 Pro processor, the most recent model provided amazing performance compared to similar laptops. Geekbench 6.3’s test results easily outperformed our MacBook Air M3’s. Image editing was easy, but when we switched to 4K 120fps video clips from the iPhone 16 Pro Max, we noticed frame-rate drops even though the laptop could edit four 4K 30fps videos at once.

Alright, the design is the same as the last version, but why break what’s not broken? Overall, we found the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch delivers breathtaking power, portability, and an XDR display with 1600 nits peak brightness. Port selection is good, including an SD card slot, an HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. We also found battery life to be exceptional, lasting over 18 hours on a single charge in our battery tests. Whether you need a machine with this sort of power will depend on the complexity of your workloads, but it’s a beautiful device with outstanding performance across the board. For cheaper programmer laptops, the M1 and M2 MacBook Pro laptops still get our seal of approval.

The MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 from Apple is the complete package, offering an almost ideal balance of cost, functionality, and performance. The M4 is the entry-level model of the latest and most potent generation of Apple silicon, the same chip that powers the 13-inch iPad Pro. Despite this, it is still packed with power and can handle most of the tasks you would expect from a professional-level portable computer, from editing raw photos and 4K video to serving as a stand-in gaming console.

The MacBook Pro design has always appealed to me, especially after Apple improved it by eliminating the Touch Bar, a clever addition that never quite lived up to its full potential. My M4 Pro review unit, which was provided by Apple, is a stylish Space Black that is incredibly useful. I still think the Magic Keyboard is a great keyboard because of its large trackpad and plenty of room for my hands to rest. Additionally, the keyboard’s stereo speakers produce strong, clear, and sharp sound that, in an emergency, could serve as the party’s soundtrack.

The list of reasons why you should purchase an M4 14-inch Mac Pro instead of the less expensive M3-running MacBook Air isn’t as long as it was when I last compared the Pro and Air models, but there are a few noteworthy features that make the MacBook Pro 14 M4 (2024) an almost ideal option.

I’ve grown to be an open admirer of Apple’s increasingly recognizable laptop design over the past few years. Apple meticulously removed everything that wasn’t essential, leaving a MacBook Pro that feels and looks like it was carved from a few pieces of 100% recycled black aluminum. This is in contrast to competitors who frequently experiment with unique and occasionally strange design flourishes. Nothing functions or feels as if it was left up to chance. When you place your finger beneath the display’s lip and open the clamshell to reveal the screen and keyboard, that impression begins. With the ideal balance of tension and smooth motion, that hinge is as secure as it gets.

At 3.4lbs / 1.55kg. the MacBook Pro 14 M4 is not the lightest laptop or even the lightest MacBook. The excellent MacBook Air holds that distinction, and if you prize portability over power you might be reading the wrong review. On the other hand, the MacBook Pro 14 is by no means heavy (the 16-inch MacBook Pro, by contrast, weighs nearly 5lbs / 2.27kg). Folded close, the MacBook Pro 14 is just 0.61 inches tall, 12.3 inches wide, and 8.71 inches deep. It slips into my backpack and, even though I’m used to carrying the M3 MacBook Air, I mostly forget it’s there.

2.Acer Aspire 5

Last update on 2025-03-16 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Considering how inexpensive it is, the Acer Aspire 5 is a powerful little device. Under benchmarking, performance was outstanding, and the sturdy design gives the impression that it can withstand some bumps.

With an Intel Core i7 (i5 is also an option) and up to 32GB of RAM, it’s a powerful computer that can handle everyday computing duties with ease. Thus, you shouldn’t experience any problems when using programming applications.

However, there’s a reason it’s a budget choice, and we saw some compromises. The battery life, which only lasted 6.5 hours in the TechRadar battery tests, was the main source of our disappointment. We would have preferred to spend a few more hours there. Workloads that are extremely complex will also be difficult for the Aspire 5 to handle. However, considering the cost and specifications, this laptop is incredibly powerful.

You might assume, based on Acer’s website, that the Acer Aspire 5 is a high-end, pricey laptop with a powerful GeForce graphics card and a 12th generation i7 processor. However, as we’ve discovered with Acer in the past, the company’s website frequently only highlights its most expensive models.

In this case, it turns out that the Aspire 5 comes in a variety of models and specifications. In fact, Acer’s US website lists over 60 different configurations, including 17.3-inch and 15.6-inch screens, with both AMD and Intel processors. Additionally, the entry-level 14-inch Aspire 5 that we review here, which is built on an older 11th generation i5 processor, might be available if you search far enough.

On its own merits, the Aspire 5 is unquestionably one of the greatest low-cost laptops for everyday web browsing and productivity tasks, but it is obviously not the powerful laptop “for accelerated photo and video editing performance” that Acer claims.

At this price point, you won’t find cutting-edge design, and the Aspire 5 has a rather traditional clamshell design with chunky, somewhat outdated borders around the screen’s edge. Uncertain as ever, Acer’s website states that it comes in a range of colors, but the models it sells appear to be limited to black or silver.

With a robust chassis that should be able to handle a few bumps in a backpack or bag while you’re traveling, it gets the fundamentals right. Even though the Aspire 5 isn’t an ultrabook, it’s incredibly portable when needed because it only weighs 1.7 kg and is 18 mm thick.

The trackpad has a fingerprint sensor for security, and the keyboard is comfortable and firm to type on. The laptop’s thin L-shaped power connector, which protrudes from the side and appears somewhat exposed, is its only real weakness.

Despite only having a 1920×1080 resolution, the 14-inch screen is clear, bright, and has good viewing angles. Its matte finish, which lessens glare and reflection, is another feature that we like. Although the 720p webcam is a little basic, the image quality was better than we had anticipated; in low light, it becomes a little grainy, but in good daylight, it produces a sharp enough image for video calls.

3.Lenovo ThinkPad T16

Last update on 2025-03-16 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

In our opinion, the ThinkPad T16 is the full package in terms of programming. The large 16-inch, 16:10 display is bright, clear, and easy on the eyes for a business laptop. With up to 32GB of RAM and an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processor, it can handle nearly any coding task with ease. During testing, our review unit undoubtedly didn’t lag at all.

The T16 is rated MIL-STD 810G and has a sturdy design. However, it is a bit heavy to hold. As anticipated, performance was outstanding for typical workloads. The num-pad and keyboard on this programming laptop are what really make it unique.

The latest model in Lenovo’s ThinkPad T series, the T16 boasts a stunning display, a pleasant overall feel, and a stylish design. Compared to displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the T16’s 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio gives the content on the screen more vertical space, making it appear much larger. We enjoyed using this laptop as our daily driver for a few weeks and were generally quite happy with its performance.

The ThinkPad T16 felt a little heavy right out of the box, but not in a negative way. Without worrying about becoming too weak for a day’s work, this laptop could be carried around and used extensively.Additionally, we observed that the ThinkPad T16’s materials provided some additional rigidity in addition to being smooth plastic. The laptop is constructed from sturdy materials, regardless of whether you choose Storm Grey or Thunder Black as the color. What’s interesting is that the materials vary slightly in hue. While Thunder Black adds carbon fiber and glass fiber to the bottom cover, Storm Grey has an aluminum top and a polyphenylene sulfide bottom cover. Lenovo informed us that the ThinkPad T16 undergoes more than 20 processes to obtain its badge (MIL-STD 810G) and is tested in accordance with 12 military-grade certifications.

The ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 employs ThinkShield, a security protocol that combines hardware and software to establish a safe working environment. Security features for the latter include a fingerprint scanner and an integrated camera shutter. The Thinkpad T16’s software includes Self-Healing BIOS and Windows Hello for facial recognition.

An additional noteworthy aspect of the laptop’s design is its full-size keyboard and numeric pad. The majority of laptops we see come without a numpad by default. However, Lenovo had the width to include it because of the large 16″ screen that is included. As a result, you can easily navigate the entry using the standard numpad if you are working with data, spreadsheets, or anything that involves a lot of numbers.

Overall, the ThinkPad T16 was a fairly decent size for use. Although this one stands out, we would only occasionally choose 16-inch laptops when searching for a lightweight and portable device. There is a thin line separating large-screen real estate from portability, and if we were using this laptop on a daily commute, we might prefer a smaller model. But, in terms of size, this laptop is a fantastic option for people who commute by bus to an office or workspace or who work from home. Even smaller content can be easily seen on the larger screen, and the overall weight and footprint can be easily balanced.

4.Razer Blade 14

Last update on 2025-03-16 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Our choice for people who want to work hard and play hard is the Razer Blade 14, which is ideal for programming and gaming.

This is a thin, light, workstation-style device that can easily manage demanding tasks, such as triple-A games and video editing. Expect excellent coding performance as a result.

With its upgraded AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and the option of Nvidia RTX 4070 or 4060 GPUs, the Blade 14 boasts more powerful performance than before. With the help of a cooling system that, despite its noise, efficiently controls heat even during prolonged use, this configuration easily manages everything from demanding creative workloads to intense gaming sessions.

Another highlight is the display, which has a 240Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560×1600. It is a pleasure for both gaming and multimedia consumption because it produces vivid colors and fluid visuals. It does, however, lag behind some rivals in terms of brightness and HDR compatibility.

Excellent keyboard and trackpad functionality allows for precise control and comfortable typing. Razer Synapse software is still a helpful tool for adjusting performance parameters and customizing RGB lighting to improve functionality and appearance.

With roughly 10 hours of light use and much less during gaming or high-performance tasks, the battery life is respectable for a gaming laptop. Although there is a sufficient selection of ports, some users may find the absence of an Ethernet port annoying.

All things considered, the Razer Blade 14 (2024) is a great, albeit pricey, option for people who require a strong, portable laptop that can manage nearly anything.

Its chassis, which is made of a single block of aluminum, has a dependable, sturdy feel and a manageable weight. The design may lead some people to underestimate its gaming capabilities because it resembles the sleek, professional style of contemporary ultrabooks.

With Calman verification, the display, a fast 240Hz QHD+ IPS panel, can display up to 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant, fluid-looking images. Its 3ms response time ensures that the display is as responsive as possible without using tiny LED or OLED panels.

Although the Blade 14’s body is very similar to that of the MacBook Pro 14-inch, it has two intake fans to help keep its components cool. Fans, of course, make noise, and this laptop can get pretty noisy when it’s loaded. Razer’s Synapse software does give you some control over this, though.

5.Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Last update on 2025-03-16 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12’s elegant, robust design, incredibly comfortable keyboard, and high price make it the greatest programming laptop for business professionals.

The machine easily completed a variety of tasks during our own review, including creating content like video editing and using simple office applications. Therefore, using this laptop to code won’t be a problem for you.

Like nearly all ThinkPads, the X1 Carbon Gen 12’s keyboard is comfortable enough to use for extended periods of time, which is crucial for programmers. Indeed, there has been a minor redesign of the keyboard and trackpad, making them feel more roomy and comfortable for prolonged writing.

Elsewhere, the laptop is incredibly slim and lightweight. We love the physical camera cover, which is perfect for business users. The screen isn’t as bright as we’d like, but will be fine indoors and can be upgraded. Overall, a robust laptop for coding comfortably in professional settings.

For many years, Lenovo has been a popular option for business laptops. Businesses favor their ThinkPad and ThinkBook series because of their portability and performance. Lenovo has a number of laptop models, but the ThinkPad Carbon series is particularly good. Nearly a year ago, I had the chance to review the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11, and it was an amazing business laptop.

The brand-new ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 has now been made available by the company. Is this one of the greatest Lenovo ThinkPad laptops available? Then I tested it.The X1 Carbon Gen 12’s matte black carbon fiber chassis preserves the traditional ThinkPad design. The sturdy construction satisfies MIL-STD 810H durability requirements. Compared to the Gen 11 model, the touchpad is now larger for better usability, and the keyboard has been redesigned for better tactile feedback.

The device is lightweight and feels sturdy, making it ideal for people who travel frequently, work in a hybrid environment, or move around a lot and don’t spend hours at a desk. Its thin and light design makes it ideal for carrying alone, stacking with other items you need to carry from one place to another, or quickly tossing in a bag.

On the left side of the laptop are the USB-A, HDMI, and two Thunderbolt ports. Another USB-A port, a power button, and a headphone/mic combo jack are located on the computer’s right side. The fingerprint reader is located in the keyboard, which is also where the Co-Pilot button is located on the majority of the latest Lenovo laptop models. This button functions as a fingerprint reader quickly and efficiently, but it is hard and unresponsive like a regular keyboard button.

The matte finish on the laptop feels excellent. Products typically have a smoother finish, but the X1 Carbon Gen 12 demonstrates that matte can also be high-end.

Do you need a powerful laptop for programming?

One of those jobs that doesn’t require powerful equipment is programming. On the other hand, a powerful computer can be very helpful to a programmer. Therefore, a simple yes/no response is insufficient to answer this question. Medium- to slower-speed devices can be programmed; loading and editing projects are the issues. Therefore, we recommend a more powerful laptop if you have complex or large programs running or if you don’t have the time to sit and wait for your computer to finish your projects.

Choosing more power will enable you to test your projects live much more quickly and run your workflow more efficiently.

Which laptop processor is best for programming?

Our choice for the best laptop for programming is the Apple MacBook Pro. We’ve tested, examined, and rated each of these devices to make sure they work well and meet your needs; you can read our complete reviews above.

In general, programmers will always perform well on the newest and best laptops. Any processor that is an 8th-generation Intel processor or later should work for you, though, if you want to spend a little less. If you are an Apple fan, you should know that both Apple and Intel silicon are excellent for programming.

For additional choices, we’ve examined the top MacBook Pro and Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, both of which have more than enough power for programming.

What laptop screen size is best for programming?

As mentioned above, this question is hard to answer without knowing more details. Essentially, it is up to personal preference. We have individuals on our team that swear by different-size screens for many reasons. This also can change based on whether you use an external monitor as your main display. The portable route would be to pick up something with an 11 – 14 inch display. This keeps the device maneuverable on a train, in a coffee shop, or on the go while still giving enough screen real estate to get work done. A 15-inch screen or larger becomes quite cumbersome, but at the same time, it grants significantly more space to see your work.

How much RAM does the best laptop for programming need?

Depending on the level of programming you are doing, different levels of RAM will be needed. For basic programming, 4GB of RAM is manageable. As file sizes get more complex or even larger, this laptop with only 4GB RAM may take longer to process. However, it can still get the job done in most basic jobs.

As the jobs get more complex in emulators and virtual machines and simply massive projects, it’s usually best to choose a laptop with upwards of 8 – 16GB of RAM or more.