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10 Best Laptops For Programming 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop, 15.6" Business & Student Laptop Computer, Windows 11 Pro Laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, Intel i5-1155G7 Processor, Full HD IPS Display, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, Carbon Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,213
Display
Keyboard

Most important from
684 reviews

Display
The touchscreen and 15.6-inch screen enhance usability and user experience.
Keyboard
The lack of a backlit keyboard can be challenging in low-light conditions.

The Dell Inspiron Touchscreen Laptop offers several features that make it a solid choice for programming. Starting with the processor, it comes equipped with an Intel Quad-Core i5-1155G7, which should handle most programming tasks with ease thanks to its 4 cores and 8 threads, along with a boost clock up to 4.5GHz. This ensures smooth performance whether you're compiling code or running simulations.

The 32GB of RAM is a significant plus, providing ample memory for running multiple development environments and applications simultaneously without lag. The 1TB SSD offers extensive storage space, ensuring you have plenty of room for projects, source codes, and other data, while also delivering fast read and write speeds for quick boot times and file access.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,213
Display
Keyboard

Most important from
684 reviews

Display
The touchscreen and 15.6-inch screen enhance usability and user experience.
Keyboard
The lack of a backlit keyboard can be challenging in low-light conditions.
#2

HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Home, Silver

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Display
Keyboard

Most important from
1391 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop's speed is impressive, enabling users to start projects they've been postponing due to performance limitations.
Display
The touch screen functionality and screen size receive positive feedback, adding to the overall user experience.
Keyboard
While the keyboard's silver color can make the keys hard to see, the laptop is still considered a great value for its price.
Battery Life
Battery life could be better, but the laptop's performance and features make it a solid choice for the money.

The HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop has several strong points for programmers. Its Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, with up to 4.1 GHz speed, and 16GB of RAM offer sufficient power and multitasking capabilities for most programming tasks. The 1TB SSD storage is excellent, providing ample space and quick read/write speeds, which is beneficial for software development and data access.

The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home, which is compatible with a wide range of development tools and environments, making it a good choice for various programming needs. Battery life of up to 11 hours is quite beneficial for long coding sessions away from a power source.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The 15.6" display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels is relatively low for modern standards, which might not be ideal for developers who prefer high resolution for better clarity and more screen real estate. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics may also limit performance for graphics-intensive development tasks or some visual simulations. At 3.74 pounds, the laptop is fairly portable for those who need to work on the go. This HP Pavilion model is a well-rounded option for programmers, offering solid performance, ample storage, and portability, though the lower display resolution and integrated graphics are points to consider based on your specific needs.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Display
Keyboard

Most important from
1391 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop's speed is impressive, enabling users to start projects they've been postponing due to performance limitations.
Display
The touch screen functionality and screen size receive positive feedback, adding to the overall user experience.
Keyboard
While the keyboard's silver color can make the keys hard to see, the laptop is still considered a great value for its price.
Battery Life
Battery life could be better, but the laptop's performance and features make it a solid choice for the money.
#3

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 3520 Business Laptop Computer[Windows 11 Pro], 15.6'' FHD Touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI, Black

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Keyboard

Most important from
494 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Having used several Dell computers, this model stands out for its speed and size, though the lack of backlit keys is a drawback.
Keyboard
Choosing the new model over refurbished ones was worth it—no issues or problems, and the keyboard lights up.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a solid choice for programming with its 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which offers reliable performance for coding and multitasking. The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth operation even when running multiple applications or virtual machines, which is ideal for a programmer's workflow. The 1TB PCIe SSD provides ample and fast storage, reducing load times for large projects and data sets.

The 15.6'' Full HD touchscreen with IPS technology delivers clear and vibrant visuals, making it easier to work on detailed code or designs. The backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad is a useful feature for programming, though some may find the key travel a bit short for extended typing sessions. Battery life is average at around 6.5 hours, but the express charge capability is a great plus, allowing quick recharges.

Running on Windows 11 Pro, it offers enhanced security and productivity features, which are beneficial for professional developers. However, the integrated graphics might not be sufficient for more intensive graphical tasks or gaming, and the laptop's weight of 3.8 pounds makes it slightly less portable. The absence of an optical drive is not a significant drawback for most users today. This laptop is well-suited for programmers looking for a reliable and efficient machine for daily programming tasks.

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Keyboard

Most important from
494 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Having used several Dell computers, this model stands out for its speed and size, though the lack of backlit keys is a drawback.
Keyboard
Choosing the new model over refurbished ones was worth it—no issues or problems, and the keyboard lights up.

Buying Guide for the Best Laptops For Programming

Choosing the right laptop for programming is crucial as it can significantly impact your productivity and overall experience. When selecting a laptop for programming, you need to consider several key specifications that will ensure the machine can handle the demands of coding, compiling, and running various development tools. Here are the most important specs to consider and how to choose the best fit for your needs.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop and is responsible for executing instructions from your programs. For programming, a powerful CPU is important because it can handle multiple tasks simultaneously and compile code faster. Processors are typically divided into entry-level (e.g., Intel i3, AMD Ryzen 3), mid-range (e.g., Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5), and high-end (e.g., Intel i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9). If you are working on simple coding tasks or learning to program, an entry-level processor might suffice. However, for more intensive tasks like game development, data analysis, or running virtual machines, a mid-range or high-end processor is recommended.
Memory (RAM)RAM (Random Access Memory) is where your laptop stores data that is actively being used or processed. More RAM allows your laptop to handle larger projects and run multiple applications smoothly. For programming, having enough RAM is crucial to avoid slowdowns. Laptops typically come with 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or more RAM. For basic programming tasks, 8GB of RAM is usually sufficient. However, if you are working with large datasets, running virtual machines, or using memory-intensive applications, 16GB or more is recommended.
StorageStorage refers to where your laptop saves all your files, programs, and operating system. There are two main types of storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, which means quicker boot times and faster access to your files. For programming, an SSD is highly recommended. Storage capacity is also important; common sizes include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. If you work with large files or need to store many applications, opt for at least 512GB. For lighter use, 256GB might be sufficient.
DisplayThe display is where you will be viewing your code, so having a good screen is important for reducing eye strain and improving productivity. Key factors to consider include screen size and resolution. Common screen sizes range from 13 inches to 17 inches. A larger screen can be beneficial for multitasking and viewing multiple windows side by side. Resolution affects the clarity of the display; Full HD (1920x1080) is a good standard, but higher resolutions like 4K can provide even sharper images. Choose a screen size and resolution that you find comfortable for long coding sessions.
KeyboardAs a programmer, you will be spending a lot of time typing, so a comfortable and responsive keyboard is essential. Look for a laptop with a well-spaced, backlit keyboard that has good key travel and tactile feedback. Some programmers prefer mechanical keyboards for their durability and feel, but these are less common on laptops. If possible, try typing on the keyboard before purchasing to ensure it feels right for you.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to work on the go or in places where you might not have easy access to a power outlet. A laptop with good battery life allows you to work longer without needing to recharge. Battery life can vary widely, with some laptops offering as little as 4-5 hours and others providing 10 hours or more. Consider your typical work environment and choose a laptop with a battery life that matches your needs.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that manages your laptop's hardware and software resources. The most common operating systems for programming are Windows, macOS, and Linux. Windows is versatile and supports a wide range of development tools. macOS is popular among developers working on iOS applications and offers a Unix-based environment. Linux is highly customizable and preferred by many developers for its open-source nature. Choose an OS that aligns with your development needs and personal preferences.

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