12 Best Budget Laptops for Coding & Programming (2024)

Coding and programming involve many professions across multiple domains including data science, software development, web development, game development, and even scientific research.

If you are one of those professionals or someone who is getting his feet wet in programming, having the best budget laptop for coding can immensely benefit your work.

In this post, I’ll discuss all the major factors you need to consider before purchasing a coding laptop. Not only that, but I rated and reviewed the 10 best budget laptops for coding & programming available today. You’ll find key specifications, pros, cons, and recommendations to help you find the perfect laptop for your programming needs.

At the end of this post, I listed all major specifications between the best laptops for easy reference.

Let’s get started with a high-level overview.

What is the best budget laptop for coding?

Here are my top picks for the best budget laptops for coding & programming. We’ll cover cheap programming laptops as well as high-budget options.

Best high-budget laptops for coding:

• Best premium laptop for coding: Apple MacBook Pro M3
• Best high-budget laptop for coding: ASUS ZenBook Pro 15
• Best performance Windows laptop for coding: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
• Best value for money programming laptop: Apple MacBook Air M2
• Best classic laptop for coding & programming: Dell XPS 15

Best low-budget laptops for coding:

• Best overall low-budget laptop for coding: HP Pavilion 15
• Best cheap laptop for coding: Acer Aspire 5
• Best value for money budget laptop for coding: Dell Inspiron 14
• Best budget laptop for coding with great performance: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
• Best value for money gaming laptop for coding: HP Victus
• Best portable budget laptop for coding & programming: Acer Swift 3
• Best budget gaming laptop for coding: Acer Nitro 5

1. Apple MacBook Pro M3 (13’’)

Best premium laptop for coding

The new MacBook Pro is powered by M3 chip that delivers the greatest performance for coding and programming. This very model features an M3 Pro chip with a 12-core CPU, an 18-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, which can easily handle heavy data science projects, machine learning, or modeling.

The 3K Liquid Retina XDR display with 600 nits, 1 billion colors, and an impressive 120 Hz refresh rate offers a luxurious working experience. The backlit Magic Keyboard along with the Touch ID works well under late-night coding sessions.

Battery life is amazing with up to 18 hours working time on a single charge. And finally, you get ample connectivity with three Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port, and even an SDXC card slot.

Overall, the MacBook Pro M3 is my top pick for data scientists, web developers, and coding folks.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Apple M3 Pro chip with 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU
• Memory: 16 GB of RAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: Backlit magic keyboard with Touch ID
• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Blazing-fast performance thanks to the M3 pro chip
• Stunning display
• Powerful mac OS

Cons:

• Could have deserved more ergonomics and portability features

2. ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 (15.6”)

Best high-budget laptop for coding

The ASUS ZenBook Pro is the high-end model of the ZenBook series, which are the MacBooks of PCs. It’s clear at first glance that the ASUS ZenBook stands out from Windows laptops. At first, I thought this is my opinion only, but multiple sources confirmed my intuition. If you want a great Windows laptop for coding, look no further.

The ZenBook Pro leaves nothing to chance. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card are at the heart of this laptop computer. Beyond the sheer power, however, this laptop comes with a 4K OLED touch screen, a comfortable keyboard, 1 TB SSD, and amazing battery life, which all make it one of the best laptops for coding.

By simply glancing at this laptop, I’m already attached to it. The only major weakness is that it’s not a Mac. Just kidding.😃 There’re, of course, a few drawbacks listed below but they’re easy to overlook. Otherwise, it’s one of the most powerful laptops you can buy today.

Key specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
• Memory: 16 GB of RAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: ErgoLift hinge and a backlit keyboard with 1.35 mm travel
• Battery life: Up to 17 hours of use (comes with 96WH battery)

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Great performance
• Ergonomic keyboard
• Excellent OLED display with 3840 x 2160 resolution

Cons:

• 60Hz display
• Could be lighter
• 720 p camera

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (14’’)

Best performance Windows laptop for coding

The Lenovo ThinkPad X is one of the best high-budget laptops for coding and productivity. It comes with an Intel Core i7-1280P processor, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, a touchscreen, award-winning keyboards, and a full HD camera.

You not only will have a future-proof programming laptop, but the ThinkPad X1 can accommodate your creative endeavors, too. The only major drawback is its price and the not-so-elite battery life & display for that price.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1280P (12th generation)
• Memory: 32 GB of RAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: Spill-resistant, backlit keyboard with air intake design (6 rows)
• Battery life: Up to 13 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Good performance
• Great connectivity with plenty of ports
• Full HD camera
• Excellent portability, lightweight

Cons:

• Battery could last longer for this high-end model
• Could have deserved a superior display

4. Apple MacBook Air M2 (15.3’’)

Best value for money programming laptop

The new MacBook Air M2 outcompetes the Intel-based MacBook Pros in almost all specs. It’s a great value-for-money laptop computer.

Some people criticize the new design, but I can’t praise it enough. I don’t miss the tapered shape, the midnight blue color looks amazing (although it collects fingerprints like the FBI from day one), the MacBook label disappeared from the screen, and I can now open my laptop with one hand—thank you, Apple.

The screen is a bit larger and significantly better than previous retina screens. The keyboard is also larger than it used to be, and the lighting is superior. I don’t want to write a thesis on the M2 chip, you probably know that it performs quite well.

Altogether, the new MacBook Air M2 is a perfect all-rounder for your coding projects and beyond.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
• Memory: 16 GB of RAM
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Keyboard: Backlit magic keyboard with Touch ID
• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Excellent performance
• Superior design & screen
• Improved keyboard
• Long battery life
• Powerful mac OS

Cons:

• Limited connectivity (requires a MacBook dongle)

5. Dell XPS 15 (15.6”)

Best classic laptop for coding & programming

Dell XPS 15 is a good laptop computer from a long-established manufacturer with a massive setup and good performance thanks to the 14-core Intel Core i7 processor.

Except for the old-school 720 p webcam and the boring 1920×1200 screen resolution, it’s hard to get a grip on this laptop. It comes with 32 GB memory, 1 TB SSD storage space, and dedicated graphics, which are not only more than enough for coding and programming but will also support your creative endeavors such as video editing, gaming, or running special software.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H, 14 cores, up to 5 GHz (13th gen)
• Memory: 32 GB of RAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.3 mm travel
• Battery life: Up to 13 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Solid performance & massive setup
• Generous configuration
• Highly reliable

Cons:

• Compromised portability (bit heavy, medium battery life)
• Moderate display
• 720 p camera

6. HP Pavilion 15 (15.6″)

Best overall low-budget laptop for coding

The HP Pavilion 15 is a real budget laptop for coding and programming. If you want an affordable laptop from a great manufacturer, without compromising processing power, HP Pavilion is a great deal.

This HP laptop has everything you need and nothing you don’t. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor coupled with 16 GB of memory and 1 TB SSD storage, plus a 15-inch full HD display and an array of ports should suffice for all kinds of coding and programming projects across different locations.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7, 4 cores, 2.40GHz, up to 4.20GHz
• Memory: 16 GB of RAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: Full-sized backlit keyboard
• Battery life: Up to 9 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Generous configuration for a small budget
• Superior connectivity
• Massive design
• Large storage space

Cons:

• Below-average battery life

7. Acer Aspire 5 (15.6″)

Best cheap laptop for coding

The Acer Aspire 5 is a great deal for anyone who wants a solid yet affordable budget laptop for coding. It’s hard to find a major weakness for this price: nothing fancy here, just a decent coding laptop.

Acer Aspire is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processor, which is built for maximum performance. Coupled with 8 GB memory, 256 GB storage space, 11 hours of battery life, and a screen size of 15-inch, you can get your hands on a solid budget laptop for programming.

Key specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 6 cores, up to 4.0 GHz
• Memory: 8 GB of RAM
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Keyboard: Full-sized backlit keyboard
• Battery life: Up to 11 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Great processor
• Affordable price
• Superior connectivity

Cons:

• Average battery life
• Not-so-ample memory

8. Dell Inspiron 14 (14’’)

Best value for money budget laptop for coding

If you’re on a tight budget, the Dell Inspiron 14 laptop offers an excellent configuration at a modest price. Packed with an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor, 16 GB of memory, lots of storage space, and a 14-inch full HD screen, it’s a real budget laptop for coding.

The full HD camera is rare in this category, which elevates Dell from the competition. The fingerprint sensor makes it easy to log in and secure your computer.

Key specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with 8 cores
• Memory: 16 GB of RAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: Full-sized backlit keyboard
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Excellent performance
• Great connectivity
• FHD camera

Cons:

• Medium battery life

9. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (14”)

Best budget laptop for coding with great performance

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a relatively cheap laptop for coding despite its solid configuration. It comes with an Intel Core i7 series quad-core processor, 20 GB of memory, and plenty of storage space.

It’s hard to point to a major weakness in this price range and the IdeaPad looks pretty solid. Lenovo is known for manufacturing great keyboards, but there’s one caveat here: the keyboard has no backlight. If you’re coding at night, probably this laptop isn’t your best option.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7, 4 cores, up to 4.7GHz
• Memory (RAM): 20 GB
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: 6-row non-backlit keyboard
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Solid performance
• Great connectivity
• Lots of storage space

Cons:

• Non-backlit keyboard (it’s a big one)
• Medium battery life

10. HP Victus (15.6‘’)

Best value for money gaming laptop for coding

HP Victus 15 is an affordable yet great gaming laptop, which at the same time makes it a perfect budget laptop for coding.

It comes with an Intel Core i5-12450H quad-core processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 16 GB of memory, 1 TB SSD, plenty of ports, and a 15.6-inch Full HD screen with 144 Hz refresh rate.

On the low side, there is the heaviness and the average battery life, but given that it’s a gaming laptop, you can live with that.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H
• Memory: 16 GB of RAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Keyboard: Backlit keyboard with integrated numeric pad
• Battery life: Around 10 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Affordable price for a generous configuration
• Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics card
• Screen with 144 Hz refresh rate
• Plenty of ports for maximum connectivity

Cons:

• Average battery life
• Bit heavy (but hey, it’s a gaming laptop)

11. Acer Swift 3 (14″)

Best portable budget laptop for coding & programming

The Acer Swift 3 is an award-winning ultra-portable budget laptop for coding and productivity. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU and 8 GB of memory. While the 256 GB SSD storage might not seem like a lot, you’ll likely use a remote server or some cloud service for your coding projects and file uploads.

This laptop comes with a backlit keyboard to support late-night coding sessions. The fingerprint reader enables a quick and secure login without a password. The Wi-Fi 6 provides a fast wireless connection, while the USB ports and the HDMI port allow you to connect your new laptop to an external monitor or projector.

Screenwise, you get a 14-inch FHD panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 100% sRGB color gamut.

Overall, the Acer Swift 3 is a highly portable yet powerful budget laptop for coding and programming.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12 MB cache, up to 4.7 GHz
• Memory: 8 GB of RAM (DDR4)
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Keyboard: Backlit keyboard with fingerprint reader
• Battery life: Up to 16 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Lightweight and ultra-portable
• Long battery life
• Good processor
• Fingerprint reader

Cons:

• Lacks a dedicated graphics card
• Could have deserved more memory (and DDR5)

12. Acer Nitro 5 (15.6″)

Best budget gaming laptop for coding

The Acer Nitro 5 is a popular budget gaming laptop with lots of cool things under the hood. It’s powered by a 12-core Intel Core i5-12500H CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 4 GB video memory. Combined with 16 GB of memory, this laptop is a great choice for coding and programming, including machine learning.

One of the major selling points is the screen, which features a 144 Hz refresh rate. The dual-fan cooling system, the Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet Controller, and a Killer Wi-Fi 6 provide not only a great gaming experience but also they will support extended coding sessions.

Speaking of a gaming laptop, you must live without a fingerprint reader and an all-day-long battery life. Otherwise, the Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best budget laptops for coding if you want to get your feet wet in gaming too.

Key specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-12500H with 12 cores and up to 4.5 GHz turbo
• Memory: 16 GB of RAM (DDR4)
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• Keyboard: Red backlit keyboard
• Battery life: Up to 7 hours

Csaba’s Rating:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
• Portability: ⭐⭐⭐

Pros:

• Great performance
• Ample connectivity
• 144-Hz screen
• Cool performance-boosting features

Cons:

• No fingerprint reader
• Short battery life

What is the best budget laptop for coding, anyway?

Finding the best laptop for coding depends on the industry you’re working in, your coding framework, your mobility, and whether you’re using a remote server for your computing-heavy tasks.

Here’re a few things to consider:

• Operating system: This is the first thing you must decide on that will determine your choices. Generally, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS are the operating systems that most programmers use, and compatibility is of utmost importance. You can purchase a Windows laptop and run Ubuntu on it or go with a Mac. Chromebooks are not-so-great choices because Chrome OS often lacks compatibility with standalone software.
• Performance: The processor as well as the available memory and space will largely determine your laptop’s performance. In the Q&A section, you’ll find general recommendations on all those variables.
• Portability: Again, a lot depends on how much remote work you do. Make sure you choose wisely the weight, size, available ports, and battery life of your coding laptop. To me, the most important factor is battery life. I recommend you look for a minimum of 10 hours of working time. Also note that coding projects as well as everyday work and multitasking may drain your batteries earlier than the labels suggest.
• Keyboard: Coders are notoriously known for being night owls. That’s why getting a comfortable backlit keyboard is essential. Unfortunately, there’re still some models that don’t support keyboard lighting, so watch the labels carefully. Beyond backlight, you can look for travel times, ergonomics, size, spacing, function keys, and more.
• Screen: The default screen is still the good old full HD IPS display, which can be enough for coding and programming. If you want to use your laptop for different purposes (which is likely you will), I recommend upgrading to a higher-resolution screen. OLED displays and Apple’s Retina and Liquid Retina displays are great choices if you have the budget. If you’re looking for the best cheap laptops, FHD displays will suffice. Regarding screen size, a 13-inch screen is highly portable yet visible, but I recommend you invest in a higher screen size if you are not on a tight budget.
• Complementarity: You can upgrade hardware on some laptops models, while others are more cemented. Check the labels and think of your future coding projects before you purchase a new laptop. It’s always a good idea to future-proof your computer with more power.

Let’s dive into the FAQ section below to find out what you should watch for when you’re purchasing a new coding laptop.

Best budget laptops for coding: FAQ

1. What are the key specifications of the best budget laptop for coding?

I’d opt for an Intel Core i5 or i7 series processor or an AMD Ryzen alternative and at least 8 GB (but preferably 16 GB) of memory. Storage space is not essential provided that you’re working with data in the cloud. Generally, you don’t even need a powerhouse because most data scientists work on remote servers. Machine learning and game development projects can benefit from a dedicated graphics card, otherwise, it’s not essential. As a coding laptop, aim for at least 8-10 hours of battery life, a full HD screen, low weight, and genuine connectivity with HDMI and USB ports. Pick a Linux, Mac, or Windows laptop, depending on your preferences, frameworks, programming languages, and data science projects.

2. Which operating system is best for coding?

Mac OS, Windows, and Linux are the most popular operating systems for programming. While developers like Linux because of its security, stability, and customization options, Mac OS and Windows are still great choices. Coders like Mac OS for its robust terminal and command-line interface, while others prefer Windows for its affordability, popularity, and compatibility. Also, you can use virtual machines to cross the boundary between different operating systems. Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, which is generally less suitable for coding and programming.

3. Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for a coding laptop?

As a rule of thumb, you won’t need a dedicated graphics card for coding. Having a powerful processor and sufficient memory are more important. Dedicated graphics cards can serve you well in machine learning and graphics-intensive projects.

4. Can I use a budget laptop for coding, or do I need to invest in a more expensive computer?

People often think that coding requires a powerhouse. While certain projects will benefit from a more expensive laptop computer, you can enjoy your work on a budget laptop most of the time. Check the system requirements of your coding environment before you purchase a new budget laptop for coding. It’s a good idea to look for the long term and choose a laptop that can receive hardware updates or invest in a more powerful machine upfront. The more time you spend coding (and by your computer), the more important is to invest in a good one.

5. Are there any specific keyboard features to look for in a coding laptop?

Coding happens at the keyboard. Often at night or in poor light conditions. Therefore, it’s a must to get a backlit keyboard. (I’m still surprised how big laptop brands still save money on that.) A lot depends on your preferences, but having a full-sized, comfortable keyboard with a good typing angle can be highly beneficial for coding. Function keys and programmable keys also serve well in coding projects.

6. How much RAM do I need for coding?

You’ll need a minimum of 8 GB of RAM for basic coding projects but upgrading to 16 GB is a great choice for multitasking, working with big data, running resource-intensive tasks, and future-proofing your coding laptop. Machine learning projects may benefit from more available memory. Some laptops won’t support upgrading your memory on the go.

7. What is the ideal screen size and resolution for coding?

If you often work from home, a 13-inch display will suffice. You can connect your coding laptop to an external display or two and enjoy the screen real estate. If you are more mobile and don’t want to invest in a monitor, I’d recommend larger screens. Most Windows laptops come with a full HD screen, which is enough for coding. If you’re using your coding laptop for everyday work and consuming multimedia, upgrading to a higher-resolution OLED screen will be great. A bigger screen may increase the weight of your computer and could increase the price tag. See the comparison table below for further reference.

8. Are there any particular brands or models known for their reliability and performance in coding and programming tasks?

Coders like MacBooks for their reliability, performance, and robust terminal. Apple’s Magic Keyboard with the Touch ID offers a comfortable typing experience and great security. Others like the HP Pavilion and Dell XPS series for their reliability and high processing power. Gaming laptops are also popular among coding folks who like gaming.

9. Is battery life a crucial factor for coding?

Speaking of laptops, I always bring my attention to battery life. If you are working from home most of the time and you don’t mind plugged in for longer periods, then probably you don’t need a great battery capacity. Most coders, I think, like the freedom their new laptop can bring to them. That’s why I recommend you go for at least 6-8 hours of predicted battery life, which will sometimes translate into half the time, depending on your work, setup, and much more. You may want to see 10+ hours of battery life on a benchmark test (and on the labels) to rest assured that your laptop can bring you long and uninterrupted coding sessions.

Now, I want to leave you with a dedicated buying guide.

10. How important is portability for a coding laptop?

Well, speaking of laptops, portability is always an important aspect. However, if you will mostly use your coding laptop at home or at the office, you don’t need a super-light laptop. The best budget laptops for coding come with moderate weight, anyway. Besides the scale, battery life and the size of your programming laptop also determine portability. As a rule of thumb, a 14 or 15-inch laptop with some 6-10 hours of battery life is a great target.

11. How important is durability, longevity, and build quality?

If you look for longevity, it’s a good idea to future-proof your coding laptop with sufficient RAM, storage space, a great processor, and preferably a higher resolution screen. Build quality becomes important when you work a lot on your laptop and carry it all around with you. There are laptop models with military graded design and/or durable chassis. If you often work outside, then a rugged laptop might be a good fit.

Best budget laptops for coding: a buying guide

Although coding and programming usually don’t require a powerhouse, buying a future-proof laptop is always a good idea.

Below, I provided the minimum and the recommended specifications for a coding laptop. You can find more information in the Q&A section of this post.

To read more about the best laptops for increasing your productivity, check out my other guides:

• 10 Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing
• 10 Best Laptops for Website Design: Top Picks in 2024
• 10 Best Laptops for College Computer Science (2023)

Best budget laptops for coding compared

Cover photo by Danial Igdery on Unsplash