The best laptops for programming

Three laptops from Apple, Razer and LG on a red background
(Image credit: Apple/Razer/LG)

Looking for the best laptops for programming? Then you'll want a lightweight machine that still packs enough punch to handle demanding workloads, even when you're on the move.

That narrows things down somewhat, but there's a seemingly endless see of laptops to choose from; that's why we've hand-picked the models below based on our expert testing and reviews to help you choose the right model for you. We've tested each of these laptops, considering factors like performance, power, display quality and battery life to ensure only the best laptops for programming are included.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceCostly, but decent value for its performance.★★★★
DesignStylish while maintaining robustness.★★★★★
PerformanceGreat for still images, poorer GPU performance.★★★★
Battery lifeFantastic, allowing for long coding sprints.★★★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceVery tempting, especially in the USA.★★★★½
DesignSleek, subtle finish, great display.★★★★½
PerformanceVery impressive, though you are restricted to ChromeOS.★★★★½
Battery lifeSolid stuff compared to gaming laptops.★★★★½
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceVery pricey, but understandably given its power.★★★½
DesignSlim and light, with a good-looking screen, but feels flimsy.★★★½
PerformanceNow we're talking. A performance powerhouse. ★★★★★
Battery lifeAbout average for a creative laptop.★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceIt's expensive, but not unreasonably so.★★★★
DesignIncredibly lightweight and compact – how did they do it?!★★★★★
PerformanceFor its size, it's very powerful, though it uses integrated graphics.★★★★½
Battery lifeSolid without being spectacular.★★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePremium price for innovative design★★★★
DesignUnique dual-screen configuration★★★★★
PerformanceStrong CPU, integrated GPU★★★★★
Battery life12+ hours with a single screen, less with both★★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePremium price belies its power.★★★½
DesignAbsolutely sublime 2-in-1 engineering.★★★★★
PerformanceGood enough for programming needs, but struggles multitasking.★★★½
Battery lifeFalls woefully short of marketed claims.★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceNot cheap, but comes with a raft of accessories.★★★★½
DesignSlick and beautiful, with a brilliant display.★★★★½
PerformanceDecent, but not as fast as we expected★★★½
Battery lifeTruly fantastic. More than 20 hours in our test.★★★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceVery expensive despite its flaws.★★★½
DesignBeautiful, but limited by form factor.★★★½
PerformancePerforms well when docked, otherwise spotty.★★★★
Battery lifeA definite weak point. ★★★
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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceHigh, but justified by the performance.★★★★
DesignSleek, durable, and visually stunning★★★★★
PerformanceHandles even the most demanding software★★★★★
Battery lifeOutstanding, great for long coding sessions.★★★★★
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is a fantastic ultra-portable laptop for programming on. In fact, the MacBook Air M2 now comes in a 15-inch size, giving you even more space for programming, and its battery life is hugely impressive.
Read our 4.5-star review

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 If you're a programmer working on Windows 10 apps in particular, then the Surface Laptop 5 could be a good choice. As it's made by Microsoft it showcases Windows 11 brilliantly, so you can ensure your Windows apps run perfectly. Though we do feel it's overpriced, even in its most basic configurations.
Read our 4-star review

Dell Precision 5470

Dell Precision 5470 The definition of small but mighty, the Dell Precision 5470 is unassuming to look at, but its compact design, excellent battery life and incredible power make it a fantastic mobile workstation. In our testing we found it offered comparable performance to a 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro.
Read our 4.5-star review

ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED

ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED
If you also need a real creative powerhouse for art and design, this is a must-have. During our testing we loved its power and performance, and its glorious, glasses-free 3D screen. It can handle demanding creative software with ease, meaning speedy rendering times and no lag.
Read our 4.5-star review.

MSI Creator Z17 HX Studio

MSI Creator Z17 HX Studio Another option that's great for creatives, this clamshell is particularly good for artists thanks to its 16:10 display supporting a stylus. During our testing, we found it was great for multitasking even while running creative apps, though we'd have liked to see better battery life.
Read our 4-star review

Erlingur Einarsson
Tech Reviews Editor

Erlingur is the Tech Reviews Editor on Creative Bloq. Having worked on magazines devoted to Photoshop, films, history, and science for over 15 years, as well as working on Digital Camera World and Top Ten Reviews in more recent times, Erlingur has developed a passion for finding tech that helps people do their job, whatever it may be. He loves putting things to the test and seeing if they're all hyped up to be, to make sure people are getting what they're promised. Still can't get his wifi-only printer to connect to his computer. 

With contributions from