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I still do some light coding on the side, mostly for Fiverr gigs or small projects that pop up through friends. Nothing crazy, but enough to know what it feels like to deal with slow compiles, laggy terminals, and fans kicking on just because you opened VS Code.
Back when I was finishing school, I’d bounce between Python, some front-end web stuff, and basic scripts for systems support. These days, I work IT full-time, but I still keep up with what’s out there. I’ve helped a few students set up dev machines, and I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube deep dives to see how different laptops hold up under real-world workflows.
You don’t need the most expensive rig to code, but you do need something responsive, with solid battery life, and ideally a keyboard that doesn’t suck. These five laptops are the ones I’d recommend to anyone getting serious about programming — whether it’s for school, freelance, or full-time work.
Best Laptop For Most Programmers
MacBook Pro M4
You’ll see this one everywhere for a reason. The MacBook Pro M4 is fast, runs cool, and handles multiple coding environments without skipping. I’ve seen folks running Docker, Xcode, Python scripts, and even Android Studio on it all at once.
The battery life is insane — I’m talking full workdays without a charger — and the display makes it easier to stare at code for hours. If you’re doing iOS development or working in anything Unix-based, this laptop makes life easy. Even if you're not in the Apple ecosystem, it's still one of the best laptops for coding right now.
Best Windows Laptop For Coding And Dev Tools
Dell XPS 15
The XPS 15 is the one I’ve seen friends and classmates stick with through entire CS degrees. It’s got the screen space for multitasking, enough power to run heavy IDEs, and the build quality to survive four years of being tossed in a backpack.
I watched a YouTube review where they ran VS Code, virtual machines, and even light gaming without any slowdown. If you’re coding in C++, doing web work, or running full-stack projects, this one has the power to keep up. It’s also great for anyone who needs Windows-specific tools or wants to dual boot.
Best Budget Laptop For Coding Students
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
I always bring this one up for students or folks just starting out. The IdeaPad Slim 5i is affordable, but it doesn’t feel like a cheap laptop. You can run Python, HTML, Java, whatever you’re learning, and it holds steady.
A friend of mine used this to get through their intro programming classes. It has a solid keyboard, plenty of ports, and enough RAM to keep Chrome and your IDE open at the same time. It won’t crush big builds, but for everyday coding and schoolwork, it’s a smart pick.
Best Portable Laptop For Freelance Coders
LG Gram 16
If you’re someone who moves around a lot — coffee shops, libraries, shared workspaces — the LG Gram 16 is a real win. It’s got a big screen but stays super light. One of my Fiverr clients uses this for development and design, and they’ve had zero complaints.
It boots fast, compiles fast, and doesn’t weigh you down. You also get a clean keyboard layout, great for typing out long scripts or navigating multiple files. If portability matters but you don’t want to give up screen real estate, this one makes a lot of sense.
Best Touchscreen Laptop For Coding And Note Taking
Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot Plus
I’ve seen this one used in classrooms, dev bootcamps, and even by a few remote workers. It’s clean, fanless, and responsive. The new AI chip makes Windows fly, and for coding in Visual Studio, VS Code, or anything cloud-based, it works without hiccups.
The touchscreen is a nice bonus for those who like to take notes or sketch out ideas. You’re not going to use it for gaming or compiling huge projects, but if your workflow is mostly in the browser or text-based, this one’s a great everyday coding machine.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to break the bank to get a laptop that codes well. But you do need one that doesn’t freeze when you’re running a terminal, compiling, or debugging something at 2AM. These laptops all hit the right mix of performance, comfort, and battery life.
If you’re going all in on coding, start with the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS. If you want something reliable without dropping a ton of cash, the IdeaPad or Surface Laptop keeps things smooth. And if you’re freelancing or coding on the go, the LG Gram gives you freedom without cutting corners.
Every one of these is a laptop I’ve either worked with, helped set up, or seen hold up in the wild. They won’t slow you down — and that’s what matters.
