Summary of The best laptops for programming in 2022
This 2022 guide curates top laptops for programmers, emphasizing portability and power for hybrid work. Key selection criteria include multi-core processors for faster compilation, at least 16GB of RAM, comfortable keyboards for long typing sessions, and screens with a 16:10 aspect ratio to display more code without scrolling. The article highlights options suitable for various budgets while noting that reviews are based on performance testing or customer reputation.
Parts used in the Best Laptops for Programming:
- Multi-core processor
- At least 16GB of RAM
- Screen with 16:10 aspect ratio
- Comfortable keyboard
Welcome to our pick of the best laptops for programming in 2022. If you’re a coder looking for a new device that lets you work pretty much anywhere, then the laptops on this page can help.

Buying a great laptop to program on is more important than ever, as many of us are working from both home and the office, and these thin and light notebooks are ideal, offering you the flexibility of working where you want that desktop PCs just can’t compete with.
The good news is that modern laptops are more powerful than ever, which means they aren’t just portable, but can keep up with even the most complex projects.
Many of us don’t have much money to spare these days with the cost of living crisis, but there are some brilliant budget laptops for programming out there as well, and we’ve highlighted the best here, so you don’t have to spend too much to get a great new laptop for coding on.
So, what makes a great laptop for programming on? A multi-core processor is important, allowing you to compile your code and test it out more quickly – the faster you can run and test code, the faster your project can be completed, and the more work you can take on. We also recommend at least 16GB of RAM.
Screen size is also important. While you don’t want anything too large if you want to carry the laptop around with you, you also want something that offers a large enough screen to work on comfortably for long periods of time.
A screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which an increasing number of laptops now come with, can also make a difference, as it’s taller than the standard widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, which means you can see more of your code on screen without needing to scroll up and down.
Keyboard quality is also of the utmost importance, as you’re going to be typing away for hours on end, so you’ll want something that’s comfortable.
Where we can, we’ve reviewed all the laptops in this guide to give you our honest opinions on how they perform, based on the criteria above. In the few cases we haven’t tried them out, we’ve based our findings on consistency of customer reviews, reputation and industry insights. You can also find out more about how we test laptops.
Also, it’s a good idea to complement your laptop with some top accessories too. Check out our guides to the best monitors for programming, and the best keyboard and best mouse.
Source: The best laptops for programming in 2022
- Why is a multi-core processor important for programming?
A multi-core processor allows you to compile and test code more quickly, speeding up project completion. - What is the recommended amount of RAM for a programming laptop?
The article recommends having at least 16GB of RAM. - How does a 16:10 screen aspect ratio benefit coders?
A 16:10 aspect ratio is taller than standard 16:9 screens, allowing you to see more code without scrolling up and down. - Why is keyboard quality considered crucial for programming laptops?
Keyboard quality is vital because programmers type for hours on end and need something comfortable. - Can budget laptops be effective for programming?
Yes, there are brilliant budget laptops available that do not require spending too much to get a great device for coding. - What factors determine if a laptop is good for programming according to this guide?
Criteria include processor speed, RAM capacity, screen size and aspect ratio, and keyboard comfort. - How were laptops selected when they could not be tested directly?
Findings were based on consistency of customer reviews, reputation, and industry insights.
