Our team of reviewers put the best laptops for programming to the test – for writing, running, and testing code in style.
In our experience, the best laptops for programming blend outstanding performance and power with ergonomic keyboards and high-resolution screens for all-day comfort. They’re fast, reliable, and slim enough to carry on the commute or around campus.
But which programming laptop is best? We wanted to find out. Our team of reviewers have tested hundreds of the best laptops and best business laptops, so we know what to look for – and what you need to avoid.
As part of our process, we compared specs, benchmarked real-world performances, and conducted battery life tests to find the top-rated models. We’ve also evaluated portability, stand-out features, and overall value for money across a range of Windows, Apple, and Chromebook laptops for computer programmers.
Quick list
1. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023)
Powered by the M2 chip, the Apple MacBook Pro 14in is a high-performance machine with easily the best screen on a laptop right now. Ideal for complex workloads.
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The Dell XPS 15 “delivers laptop perfection” – that was our verdict after testing