TOP-15 rating of laptops for programming in 2022: pros and cons of models, tips on how to choose

Laptop for programming - review and rating of models. Specifications, advantages and disadvantages. What features should a laptop have for programming.

The work of a programmer involves the use of a fairly powerful and high-quality tool, which often becomes notebook.

How to choose a suitable laptop for programming, which model to give preference to beginners and professionals, we will consider in this article.

If you are in a hurry and want to know right away the best offers in each rating category from different online storesyou can look at the table and see actual prices on the Yandex.Market service by clicking on the button in the table "find out the price" opposite the model.

Rating of the TOP 15 best laptops for programming

Place	Model	Price
TOP 5 best laptops for programming in terms of price and quality
#1	Xiaomi RedmiBook 16? Ryzen Edition
#2	Xiaomi RedmiBook 14?
#3	ASUS M509
#4	ASUS VivoBook S15 M533IA
#5	HONOR MagicBook 15
TOP 5 best models for programming with high performance
#1	Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro 15.6? 2020
#2	ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325JA
#3	Apple MacBook Pro 13 Retina display with True Tone Mid 2020
#4	Apple MacBook Pro 16 with Retina display and Touch Bar Late 2019
#5	HP ProBook 450 G7
TOP 5 best cheap laptops for programming
#1	ASUS VivoBook 15 X512
#2	ASUS Zenbook 14 UX431
#3	HUAWEI MateBook D 14?
#4	Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15
#5	HP 250 G7

What are the minimum specifications for a programming laptop?

Note! Novice programmers usually have difficulty with the following characteristics:

Dimensions and weight.
The width and length of the device are related to the size of the display.
Mini laptop with small screen and light weight is convenient to carry.
Large-sized devices, as a rule, are powerful and heavy; it is more comfortable to work behind a large screen.
Autonomy.
The longer the equipment works without recharging, the better.
A good battery can help out at a crucial moment.
CPU.
The key component responsible for performance.
The more modern the CPU, the more cores it contains, the better.
The minimum level is four cores.
RAM.
Budget models have 2-4 GB of RAM, but this may not be enough even for an entry-level code.
Keyboard.
Programming involves intensive typing of code.
For this reason, the keyboard should be comfortable, full-sized, with a number pad.

What are the optimal characteristics of a laptop for programming?

Note! A professional programming device should be powerful enough and as convenient as possible:

Keyboard.
Continuous coding requires backlighting and large keys.
Atypical layouts should be avoided.
Operating system.
Apple products are suitable for programming in iOS.
MacBooks are also suitable for developing Linux servers (macOS is based on the Unix kernel) and web development.
Windows laptops are more versatile.
Processor and RAM.
The power of the CPU is related to the speed of compiling the code, the processor must provide high performance in Turbo Boost mode (short-term increase in frequencies).
The optimal size of the RAM is 8-16 GB.
Screen.
The best option for its diagonal is 16-17 inches.
The higher the resolution of the display, the more comfortable it will be to work with it.
HDD.
For a programmer, first of all, speed is important, not volume.
The condition is fully met by laptops with a 256-1000 GB SSD.

TOP 5 best laptops for programming in terms of price and quality

Rating of the TOP-5 best models in terms of price and quality ratio.

Xiaomi RedmiBook 16? Ryzen Edition

Equipped with high performance hardware, this versatile medium format device is a great choice for beginners and advanced programmers alike.

The model is equipped with a thin bezel 16.1-inch display with an anti-reflective matte finish.

The screen stands out with an expanded color gamut, a stylish and durable aluminum case - less than 18 mm thick.

The laptop has good autonomy, support for fast charging technology and, importantly, a pleasant price / quality ratio.

Main parameters:

CPU model - AMD Ryzen 5/7;
RAM capacity - 8-16 GB;
display characteristics - 16.1 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU - Radeon Graphics/RX Vega 7/Vega 6;
storage devices - SSD, 512 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 3090 mAh;
features — metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 367.2 × 232.85 × 17.55 mm;
weight - 1.8 kg.

Advantages

the highest build quality;
metal case;
excellent color rendering;
fast SSD.

Flaws

there is no camera;
noisy cooling cooler;
average level of autonomy.

Xiaomi RedmiBook 14?

This compact medium format laptop will appeal to programmers who often work in the field.

The device is distinguished not only by the modest overall dimensions of the aluminum case, but also by a decent level of computing performance, autonomy up to 11 hours of continuous operation on a single charge, and support for fast charging technology.

An important feature of this model is the favorable ratio of high quality and affordable cost.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i3/i5/i7;
RAM capacity - 4-16 GB;
display characteristics - 14 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU - Intel UHD Graphics 620/GeForce MX250/MX350;
storage devices - SSD, 256-1000 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 3200 mAh;
features — metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 323 × 228 × 17.95 mm;
weight - 1.5 kg.

Advantages

quality of materials;
performance;
fast and capacious disk;
affordable price.

Flaws

there is no camera;
there is no backlighting of the keys;
display with slight backlight.

ASUS M509

Due to the stability of carefully selected hardware components and the comfort of use, a powerful laptop from ASUS will become an indispensable device for working with code for amateurs and professionals.

The highest stability and usability of the laptop is achieved by using high-quality hardware.

The screen with a matte finish is distinguished by the absence of glare, a clean and clear image.

The hardware part is represented by an AMD processor and a Radeon graphics card.

The RAM module has a capacity of 4 to 8 GB, depending on the configuration.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Ryzen 3/5;
RAM capacity - 4-8 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS / TN matrix;
GPU - Radeon Graphics/Vega 3/Vega 8/GeForce MX230;
storage devices - HDD / HDD + SSD / SSD, 128-1256 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 4050-4212 mAh;
features — camera, security lock slot;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 360.2 × 234.9 × 22.9 mm;
weight - 1.69–1.9 kg.

Advantages

balanced hardware;
good build;
stylish appearance;
quiet work.

Flaws

quiet sound of built-in acoustics;
not the best screen (in the version with TN);
noticeable heating under load;
weak battery.

ASUS VivoBook S15 M533IA

The presented mobile device can become a powerful tool in the hands of a programmer, the high performance of the device allows you to work at an unprecedented speed.

The laptop is made in a thin body with a thickness of 16.1 mm, the Nano Edge display has an incredibly thin frame.

Full HD matrix boasts excellent color reproduction and comfortable viewing angles.

The device is equipped with a modern processor, a large-capacity RAM module, a high-speed solid-state drive operating in PCIe mode.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Ryzen 5;
RAM capacity - 8 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU - Radeon Graphics;
storage devices - SSD, 256-512 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 3650-4210 mAh;
features - camera, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 359.8 × 233.8 × 16.1 mm;
weight - 1.8 kg.

Advantages

beautiful modern design;
powerful processor;
good sounding built-in speakers;
carrying bag included.

Flaws

badly distinguishable characters on the keyboard;;
insufficiently bright screen;
low touchpad sensitivity.

HONOR MagicBook 15

The presented device in a gray metal case of a classic format is the best suited for full-fledged work with code and entertainment in moments of relaxation.

High-speed operation is provided by AMD processor, Radeon Vega graphics card, 8 GB of RAM.

A solid state drive is responsible for storing files and programs.

Additionally, the model is equipped with a webcam and microphone. The Wi-Fi module provides an over-the-air connection to the Internet.

The privacy of the user's personal data is supported by the fingerprint scanning module.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Ryzen 5;
RAM capacity - 8 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU - Radeon Vega 6/Vega 8;
storage devices - SSD, 256-512 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 3665-7330 mAh;
features - camera, fingerprint scanner, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 357.8 × 229.9 × 16.9 mm;
weight - 1.53 kg.

Advantages

light weight;
bright saturated screen;
modern design;
convenience of the keyboard;
good autonomy.

Flaws

no keyboard backlight;
noisy cooling coolers;
no Ethernet port.

TOP 5 best models for programming with high performance

Experienced programmers require a more powerful device with a powerful processor and an impressive amount of RAM. Review of the best models with good performance according to customer reviews and ratings.

Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro 15.6? 2020

Xiaomi's high-performance universal medium format mobile platform is a powerful business-class laptop for experienced programmers.

The model is equipped with a high-quality thin-frame 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with extended color gamut and comfortable viewing angles.

Under the stylish aluminum case with a thickness of less than 17 mm, an impressive filling from the bundle is hidden - tenth generation Intel Core CPU + 8-16 GB DDR4 RAM + high-speed NVMe SSD drive.

The GeForce graphics card is capable of providing a base level of 3D performance.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i5 / i7;
RAM capacity - 8-16 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU - GeForce MX350;
storage devices - SSD, 512-1000 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 7900 mAh;
features — metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 360.7 × 243.6 × 16.9 mm;
weight - 2 kg.

Advantages

high-quality assembly and materials;
minimalistic design;
ergonomics at a decent level;
high performance;
great autonomy.

Flaws

there is heating of the power supply;
high price.

ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325JA

Light and thin premium ultrabook thanks to its compact size and a fairly powerful battery will allow you to work on a trip, travel, at home and in the office.

The device is equipped with a thin-bezel 13.3-inch Full HD IPS-matrix display with excellent color reproduction and comfortable viewing angles.

Also, the laptop stands out with an interesting design of aluminum housing and impressive autonomy with 22 hours of operation in economy mode.

A high-speed SSD M.2 drive is responsible for the speed of loading the OS and applications.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i3/i5/i7;
RAM capacity - 8-16 GB;
display characteristics - 13.3 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU - Intel Iris Plus Graphics/UHD Graphics;
storage devices - SSD, 256-1024 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3;
battery - 4220 mAh;
features - camera, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 304 × 203 × 14 mm;
weight - 1.11–1.19 kg.

Advantages

compact slim body;
stylish design;
anti-reflective matte screen;
the keyboard is comfortable for typing;
quick turn on, instant exit from sleep mode;
fast battery charging.

Flaws

average autonomy;
easily soiled case;
There is no 3.5 mm mini-jack port for headphones.

Apple MacBook Pro 13 Retina display with True Tone Mid 2020

This device is a stylish 13.3-inch laptop with top performance and premium usability.

The device is equipped with a built-in TouchBar, TouchID support, a powerful Intel Core CPU and a high-speed SSD solid state drive.

The MacBook Pro 13 features a premium design with a glossy Retina display.

The device is ideal for everyday work with code, documents and other tasks.

Balanced iron and high-capacity battery ensure its operation up to 10 hours on a single charge.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i5;
RAM capacity - 8-32 GB;
display characteristics - 13.3 ?, 2560 × 1600, IPS matrix;
GPU - Intel Iris Plus Graphics/Iris Plus Graphics 645;
storage devices - SSD, 256-4000 GB;
external ports - Thunderbolt 3, USB, DVI, DisplayPort, VGA, audio;
battery - 4700 mAh;
features - camera, fingerprint scanner, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 304.1 × 212.4 × 15.6 mm;
weight - 1.4 kg.

Advantages

the best picture quality;
powerful battery;
perfect sound quality;
light weight, compact size.

Flaws

no slot for a memory card;
high price tag.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 with Retina display and Touch Bar Late 2019

The device below is one of Apple's most powerful laptops, designed for people who are changing the world and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

One of the best Retina displays, powerful processor, powerful graphics card, long battery life, innovative Magic Keyboard and massive storage make this laptop one of the best solutions for professional programmers.

The MacBook Pro is one of the most hack-resistant devices thanks to the second-generation Apple T2 Security Chip system.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i7 / i9;
RAM capacity - 16-64 GB;
display characteristics - 16?, 3072?1920, IPS matrix;
GPU - Radeon Pro 5300M/Pro 5500M;
storage devices - SSD, 512-8000 GB;
external ports - audio, Thunderbolt 3;
battery - 8790 mAh;
features - subwoofer, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 357.9 × 245.9 × 16.2 mm;
weight - 2 kg.

Advantages

large screen with a clear picture;
convenient touchbar;
work speed;
comfortable keyboard;
noiseless operation.

Flaws

heating at full load;
high price.

HP ProBook 450 G7

A productive and reliable medium-format mobile device that is a godsend for experienced programmers, the laptop is ideal for solving complex professional tasks.

The equipment is equipped with a high-quality 15.6-inch IPS-matrix screen.

The shock-resistant metal-plastic case is equipped with a waterproof keyboard with a NUM-block and a capacious Li-Pol battery that can provide up to 13.5 hours of battery life.

The TPM 2.0 hardware module is responsible for cryptographic information protection and reliable network authentication in a corporate environment.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i3/i5/i7;
RAM capacity - 4-16 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6?, 1366x768/1920x1080, IPS/TN matrix;
GPU - Intel HD Graphics/UHD Graphics/UHD Graphics 620/GeForce MX130/MX250;
storage devices - HDD / HDD + SSD / SSD, 128-1512 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio, Ethernet;
battery - 3920 mAh;
features - camera, security lock slot, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 364.9 × 256.9 × 19 mm;
weight - 2 kg.

Advantages

powerful hardware;
good autonomy;
the highest build quality;
tactilely pleasant keyboard.

Flaws

not the best display;
quiet built-in speakers;
heating under heavy load.

TOP 5 best cheap laptops for programming

Inexpensive models suitable for programming, not distinguished by advanced characteristics, however, they can easily cope with basic tasks.

ASUS VivoBook 15 X512

A versatile laptop from ASUS is suitable for novice programmers for writing code and solving other problems at home, in the office, business trips, and tourist trips.

The configuration of this model is represented by an Intel or AMD CPU (depending on the configuration), 4–12 GB of RAM, and a modern graphics controller.

Also, the mobile computer is equipped with a comfortable full-size keyboard.

The latter, in turn, is equipped with an Ergo Lift hinge for optimal hand positioning while typing.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i3/i5/i7/Pentium/Ryzen 3/5/7;
RAM capacity - 4-12 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6?, 1366x768/1920x1080, IPS/TN matrix;
GPU - Radeon 540X/RX Vega 10/Vega 10/3/8/Intel HD Graphics 520/620/UHD Graphics 610/620/GeForce MX110/MX130/MX230/MX250/MX330;
storage devices - HDD/HDD+Optane/HDD+SSD/SSD, 128-1256 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 3650-4050 mAh;
features - camera;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 357.2 × 230 × 19 mm;
weight - 1.6–1.95 kg.

Advantages

compact dimensions;
comfortable keyboard for typing;
fast processor and RAM;
a wide range of configurations for every taste and budget.

Flaws

not the best TN + film matrix;
there is throttling under load;
no keyboard backlight.

ASUS Zenbook 14 UX431

This compact laptop with good autonomy easily fits into a small case or backpack and will work all day on battery power without recharging.

The thickness of the body of the device is only 16 mm, while it hides a powerful processor from Intel, up to 16 GB of RAM, a fast and capacious SSD drive.

The powerful cooling system works efficiently and silently to bring the temperature down to a safe level.

The IPS screen guarantees true-to-life color and comfortable viewing angles.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i3/i5/i7;
RAM capacity - 4-16 GB;
display characteristics - 14 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU - Intel UHD Graphics/UHD Graphics 620/GeForce MX250;
storage devices - SSD, 256-1024 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 3700-6000 mAh;
features - camera, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 324 × 211 × 16 mm;
weight - 1.39–1.49 kg.

Advantages

decent speed;
anti-glare matte display;
good sound system;
high build quality.

Flaws

few USB ports;
no wired internet connection.

HUAWEI MateBook D 14?

This is an affordable, reliable portable computer with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, ideal for novice programmers.

The model is distinguished by a durable metal case, a comfortable typing keyboard with a classic design and built-in backlighting of the keys, a 14-inch high-resolution IPS screen.

High pixel density (157.4 ppi) reduces eye strain, allowing you to work long and productively.

Matte screen finish minimizes glare in bright light.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i5/i7/Ryzen 5/7;
RAM capacity - 8-16 GB;
display characteristics - 14 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS matrix;
GPU — Radeon Vega 10/Vega 8/Intel UHD Graphics 620/GeForce MX250;
storage devices - SSD, 256-512 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery - 7565 mAh;
features - camera, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 323 × 214.8 × 15.9 mm;
weight - 1.38–1.47 kg.

Advantages

reliable metal case;
narrow-frame screen design;
easy-to-use backlit keyboard;
level performance;
long battery life.

Flaws

buttons down / up are not full-sized;
noisy cooling fans;
few ports for peripherals.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15

Lenovo's compact multi-purpose entry-level medium format mobile device features a high-quality 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display.

The hardware configuration is represented by a powerful processor, integrated graphics and high-speed storage.

The laptop has a modest overall dimensions and a durable metal-plastic case with a thickness of only 18 mm.

The convenience of typing a code is provided by a full-size chiclet keyboard with a NUM block.

Additionally, the device is equipped with a webcam with a mechanical shutter covering the lens.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Core i3/i5/i7;
RAM capacity - 8-16 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6 ?, 1920 × 1080, IPS / WVA matrix;
GPU - Radeon Graphics/Intel Iris Plus Graphics/UHD Graphics;
storage devices - SSD, 256-1024 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio, Mini DisplayPort;
battery - 3840 mAh;
features - camera, metal case;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 356.67? 211? 18 mm;
weight - 1.39–1.85 kg.

Advantages

good autonomy;
lack of heating during operation;
anti-reflective screen coating;
a set of actual ports for external devices;
Wi-Fi module 6th version;
number block on the keyboard + additional keys.

Flaws

low resolution webcam;
poor sound quality from the built-in speakers.

HP 250 G7

Lightweight and practical, this entry-level notebook features a 15.6-inch high-quality matrix screen with improved viewing angles for a comfortable viewing experience.

The model is distinguished by good autonomy and solid hardware with a base from the Intel central processor, a sufficient amount of pre-installed RAM with the possibility of expanding it up to 16 GB, and a powerful graphics subsystem.

The laptop is suitable as a programming tool for entry-level professionals.

Main parameters:

CPU model - Celeron/Core i3/i5/i7/Pentium;
RAM capacity - 4-16 GB;
display characteristics - 15.6?, 1366x768/1920x1080, SVA/TN matrix;
GPU - Intel HD Graphics 610/620/Iris Plus Graphics/UHD Graphics/UHD Graphics 600/605/620/GeForce MX110;
storage devices - HDD / HDD + SSD / SSD, 128-1128 GB;
external ports - USB, HDMI, audio, Ethernet;
battery - 3600 mAh;
features — camera, security lock slot;
dimensions (L? W? T) - 376 × 246 × 22.5 mm;
weight - 1.78 kg.

Advantages

light weight;
average performance;
comfortable keyboard;
loud speaker sound.

Flaws

screen - low viewing angles, not the best color reproduction;
lack of USB 3.0 color designation;
uncomfortable touchpad.

Reviews

Customer Reviews

{{ reviewsOverall }} / 5 Grade (5 total valued)

Overall score

Total reviews:

Checked

{{{ review.rating_title}}}

{{{review.rating_comment | nl2br}}}

Review responses ({{review.rating_replies.length}})

This review has no replies yet.

Conclusion

A laptop for programming is a fairly productive tool. with modern hardware.
Minimum Requirements such a device correspond to many universal models.
The best tool for programming is a laptop with a powerful processor and a large amount of RAM.
When choosing a laptop for programming, special attention should be paid to the convenience of the keyboard and the quality of the screen matrix.

Useful video

From this video you will learn how to choose a computer for programming:

Reviews Ratings