Home TechnologyWindows Best laptop for programming in 2021: top picks for coders, developers and sysadmins

Best laptop for programming in 2021: top picks for coders, developers and sysadmins

Best laptop for programming in 2021: top picks for coders, developers and sysadmins

One-Netbook A1 micro laptop – $599.99 at Banggood
(£470.66/AU$849.51)
The A1 from One-Netbook is almost the perfect ultra portable laptop for developers, thanks to a few unique feature. It doesn’t run on Linux or have a touchpad, but you’d be hard pressed to find something as powerful and compact with a touchscreen.  View Deal

Consider more than just raw power when looking at the best laptop for programming. Storage, speed, and a comfortable keyboard are just as vital if you’re coding on a laptop. Look past the clock speeds, cores, and threads, when searching for the right laptop for you.

It’s true that you’ll need one of the best processors for the best programming and coding laptop, but a speedy machine also means speedy memory and storage, like one of the best SSDs. When you’re coding and testing, the last thing you want are any potential bottlenecks. And, a swift laptop will save time when loading and running your projects. That not only means time saved but a streamlined workflow.

Also, they might not be the first things that come to mind but make sure the laptop has a great screen and comes with the best keyboard you can find. You don’t want the display to strain your eyes after hours of use. And, you don’t want to deal with an uncomfortable keyboard when you’ve been typing for long periods of time.

Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot to keep track of. We’ve collected our favorites for the best laptop for programming to help you get the right one for you. Whether you’re looking for a Windows 10 machine, a macOS, or even some of the best Chromebooks, we’ve got you covered.

Best laptops for programming – at a glance

  1. HP Spectre x360
  2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme laptop
  3. HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 2-in-1
  4. MacBook Air (2020)
  5. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
  6. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
  7. Google Pixelbook
  8. Asus Chromebook Flip C436F/C436FA
  9. Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)
  10. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)

HP Spectre x360 (2020)

(Image credit: HP)

1. HP Spectre x360

The best laptop for programming in 2021

Specifications

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7

Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics

RAM: 8GB – 16GB

Screen: 13.3″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch – 13.3″ diagonal 4K (3840 x 2160) UWVA BrightView micro-edge AMOLED multitouch

Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Stylish and high-quality finish+Great all-around performance

Reasons to avoid

Battery life takes a hitCan run hot at times

The HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop had a big refresh for 2021, and the boost in specs, with 10th-generation Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Plus graphics, along with the impeccable 2-in-1 design and pristine gem-cut chassis, means that this version is at the top of our best laptops for programmers list.

The HP Spectre line has always consisted of stunning devices. So, when we say that the Spectre x360 takes things to another level, that should mean something. Not only is this one of the most beautiful laptops on the market right now – with its gem cut design and sleek profile, but it’s tough on the inside. HP fitted this with impressively long battery life, which means that you’re getting one of the best laptops on the market, hands down. As such, it’s also the best laptop for programming right now.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 (2020) 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme

Image credit: Lenovo (Image credit: Lenovo)

2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme laptop

Great power, massive price tag

Specifications

CPU: up to 8th-generation Intel Core i7

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti with Max-Q design

RAM: up to 64GB

Screen: 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) – 15.6” 4K UHD HDR (3840 x 2160) multi-touch

Storage: up to 1TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+So much power+Glorious 4K screen+Great user experience

Reasons to avoid

HeavyExpensive

If you have the funds for an unstoppable workhorse, then Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is the best laptop for programming for you. This gets our vote as one of the best Lenovo laptops for many reasons. It has several configurations on hand, depending on your needs and budget, but at its most basic, it’s already pretty powerful, packed with a solid graphics card in a robust carbon-fiber and aluminum package that will survive any office or field.

Read the full review: ThinkPad X1 Extreme Mobile Workstation

HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 2-in-1

Image credit: TechRadar (Image credit: Future)

3. HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 2-in-1

The best business laptop just got better

Specifications

CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

RAM: 8GB – 32GB

Screen: 14-inch diagonal BrightView LED FHD (1920×1080) – UHD (3840×2160)

Storage: 128GB – 2TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Nifty design and stylus+Great performance+Plenty of ports

Reasons to avoid

Battery life disappointingExpensiveUneven anti-glare display

The EliteBook x360 1040 G5 is, without a doubt, the “apex predator of the business world.” It’s not the perfect machine, but it’s got plenty of features that make up for its flaws. It boasts many excellent features in its handsome-looking chassis, as well as plenty of ports, a port that works wonders and impressively audio. Simply put, it’s fit for the professional who demands seamlessness and power at work, making it the best laptop for programming.

Read the full review: HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5

MacBook Air (2020)

(Image credit: Apple)

4. MacBook Air (2020)

New and improved

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core i3 – i7

Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics

RAM: 8GB – 16GB

Storage: 256GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD

Dimensions: 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.61 cm

Reasons to buy

+Lower price of entry+New 10th generation processors+Improved keyboard

Reasons to avoid

Screen colors a little mutedBattery life only OKWebcam still just 720p

Apple’s thinnest and lightest MacBook came back last year with a vengeance. Not only did it fix a lot of the complaints with its predecessors – namely, that problematic keyboard, replaced by a drastically improved keyboard. Thanks to improved hardware for better performance and an affordable price, the MacBook Air is a brilliant laptop for programming on. It keeps that same light and slim design which means it’s easy to sling into a bag and carry around with you, but it also has enough oomph to make programming on it a joy.

Read the full review: MacBook Air (2020) 

MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

(Image credit: Apple)

5. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

An incredibly powerful workstation

Specifications

CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9

Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M

RAM: 16GB – 64GB

Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone

Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Stunning 16-inch screen+New and improved keyboard

Reasons to avoid

ExpensiveLimited to four Thunderbolt 3 ports

When you’re looking for the best laptop for programming, especially if you’re developing software for macOS, you’re eventually going to find yourself looking at the MacBook Pro. And, the new MacBook Pro, with its powerful processor and heaps of RAM, is the fastest MacBook that the Cupertino tech behemoth has ever birthed. As thin, light and sleek as ever, this doesn’t feel like a 16-inch behemoth. If you’re worried that this was going to be bulky and awkward to use, don’t be. Yet, despite its svelte frame, you’re still getting that extra real estate on that stunning display, as well as the latest and greatest components behind it. Apple then rounds those out with amazing (and loud) speakers and a much, much better keyboard. This is truly the best MacBook for content creators, designers and other creative professionals.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

(Image credit: Microsoft)

6. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

A great tablet for programmers

Specifications

CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i3 – i7

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics – Iris Plus Graphics

RAM: 4GB – 16GB

Screen: 12.3” PixelSense Display

Storage: 128GB – 1TB

Connectivity: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 (2 x 2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5

Camera: 8MP rear-facing, auto-focus camera (1080p HD); 5MP front-facing, 1080p HD camera

Weight: 1.7 pounds (771g)

Size: 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292 x 201 x 8.5mm; W x D x H)

Reasons to buy

+USB-C finally+Now with Wi-Fi 6

Reasons to avoid

Overall loss in battery lifeUSB-C isn’t Thunderbolt 3

The seventh iteration of Microsoft’s award-winning product may not be the generational leap many Microsoft tablets have been waiting for, but it offers some improvements from its predecessor. This 2-in-1 tablet aimed at pros has received impressive gains in power, making it more capable than ever as a laptop alternative. Also, it now boasts a USB-C port and Wifi 6 connectivity. With its quad-core processors and plenty of RAM, you’ll be able to compile code quickly and efficiently, even when you’re on the move. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay extra for the Type Cover – you’re not going to want to get any coding done on a touch screen, trust us.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Google Pixelbook

Image Credit: TechRadar

7. Google Pixelbook

The best Chromebook for Programming

Specifications

CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i5-i7

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615

RAM: 8-16GB

Screen: 12.3″ LCD 2400×1600 (235 ppi)

Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD

Reasons to buy

+ Beautiful design + Awesome keyboard 

Reasons to avoid

 Chrome OS not as refined as other operating systems 

Yes, a Chromebook (or two) has made our best laptop for programming list. That’s because Google Pixelbook is powerful (and beautiful) enough to contend with the Surfaces and MacBooks of the world. Admittedly, the ChromeOS is not as good a place to program as Windows or macOS. However, the Pixelbook’s support of Android makes it a must-own laptop for any Android developer. The fact that this laptop succeeds the now discontinued Google Chromebook Pixel, which was designed by and for Google’s own developers, should give it some street cred in the eyes of coders.

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook 

  • This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Surface Pro. 

Asus Chromebook Flip C436F

(Image credit: Asus)

8. Asus Chromebook Flip C436F/C436FA

A whole lotta hits

Specifications

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i3 – i5

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

RAM: 8GB – 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3

Screen: 14” LED-backlit Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 display

Storage: 512GB / 256GB / 128GB PCIe® NVMe 3.0x 2 M.2 SSD

Reasons to buy

+Superb performance+Premium build and features+Impressive keyboard

Reasons to avoid

Subpar speakersErratic touchpadTouch display not accurate enough

Premium Chromebooks occupy their own space in the laptop market, bridging that gap between powerful traditional laptops and super lightweight Chromebooks. And, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F is perhaps one of the very few examples of these out there, with its combination of superb power, terrific feature set, premium build and a price tag that’s cheaper than its rivals. That makes this portable perfect for web developers who need a powerful machine.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip C436F

Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

Image Credit: Microsoft

9. Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

The most powerful 2-in-1 laptop in the world

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050

RAM: 8GB – 16GB

Screen: 13.5-inch 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense Display with touchscreen

Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe SSD

Reasons to buy

+Very good battery life+Powerful

Reasons to avoid

PriceyNo Surface Pen included

The Surface Book 2 is an excellent choice for any coders out there, as Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops on the planet. After all, it boasts components powerful enough to handle pretty much everything you could throw at it – including some light gaming in your down time. If you’re looking for a larger display, there’s a 15-inch model, which also features beefier components – albeit at a higher price tag.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)

(Image credit: Apple)

10. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)

Worth the upgrade at the highest configuration

Specifications

CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – 10th-generation Intel Core i7

Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645

RAM: up to 32GB

Screen: 13-inch Retina display with True Tone

Storage: 256GB – 4TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+Improved specs (on some models)+Larger capacity SSD for starting model+New keyboard is great

Reasons to avoid

Entry-level model still has 8th gen Intel CPUYou still only get Thunderbolt 3 ports

The MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)’s entry-level model may miss out on some of the lineup’s new toys. However, going for the higher-end configurations will get you new (and powerful) Intel processors and improved RAM speeds for better performance, all packed in the 13-inch incredibly svelte body. Apple rounds it all out with that incredible Magic Keyboard from the new 16-inch, finally getting rid of that problematic keyboard, making it a worthy and comfortable to use adversary in the best laptop for programming category. Even if you don’t go for the 10th-generation Intel Core configurations, you might still appreciate the fact that all models come with more storage capacity for the same price as their predecessors.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020)

Michelle Rae Uy also contributed to this article.

Check out our laptop buying guide video below.

This article is auto-generated by Algorithm Source: www.techradar.com

Related Posts

0

Ad Blocker Detected!

Refresh