Find the best laptop for developers in 2026
A good laptop for software development would feature several important characteristics:
- RAM - at least 16GB for demanding IDEs, containers and virtual machines
- Powerful CPU - compiling large projects require lots of resources
- High-quality screen and keyboard
Best Laptops under €500 for programming and development
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II ultralight 59-gram wired gaming mouse
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 59-gram ultralight design and IP56 dust/water resistance make it exceptionally durable for its weight class. The 8000 DPI optical sensor and PTFE feet provide precise, smooth tracking for fast-paced gameplay. This mouse is best for right-handed gamers who prioritize a lightweight, resilient tool for long FPS or MOBA sessions.
Lenovo Lenovo 15.6 Full HD Intel Dual Core 2.4GHz 1TB HDD
ASUS ROG Strix Impact III Gaming Mouse
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 12,000 DPI optical sensor with a class-leading 1% deviation and near-zero click latency from a unique mechanical button-tension system deliver exceptional precision. The 59-gram ultralight design, ROG Paracord, and 100% PTFE feet ensure smooth, fatigue-free movement during long sessions. This mouse is best for competitive FPS gamers who prioritize sensor accuracy and customizable, swappable mechanical switches for a personalized feel.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless Gaming Mouse- Ultra Lightweight
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless Gaming Mouse- Ultra Lightweight
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 100-hour battery life and ultra-lightweight 61g design, built with durable 100-million-click switches, make it exceptionally long-lasting and fatigue-resistant. The dual wireless connectivity and precise 26K sensor offer versatile, high-performance tracking for various setups. This mouse is best for students or general users who prioritize marathon battery life and comfortable, all-day use over specialized gaming features.
Lenovo Legion
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 20L capacity and water-resistant PU coating provide robust, tactical protection for a 16-inch laptop and accessories, with a hardcore molded front shield for durability. The backpack excels in organization with 10 pockets, two hidden stash spots, and a customizable main compartment featuring an adjustable divider. It is best for users who need a highly durable, organized, and weather-resistant pack for transporting a 16-inch laptop and gear in demanding, mobile environments.
Best Laptops under €900 for programming and development
HP OmniBook X Flip 14" Meteor Silver 2025
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Lenovo Yoga Tab Series Yoga Tab Plus
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the 12.7-inch 3K display with a sharp 144Hz refresh rate and 900 nits of brightness, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It further differentiates itself with premium Harmon Kardon audio and a versatile, portable design that enhances media consumption. This tablet is best for students and mobile professionals who prioritize a high-quality screen and excellent speakers for note-taking, streaming, and presentations over intensive gaming.
Intel 16" NY-08 2026
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD 1200 1-core CPU and integrated Intel UHD Graphics are fundamentally mismatched for its "gaming" branding, resulting in a very poor 16/100 gaming score. The 16-inch IPS display and 16GB of RAM make it a basic machine for general tasks, supported by a backlit keyboard. This laptop is best for students needing a large-screen device strictly for web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption.
ASUS Vivobook 15 Laptop: 15.6" Full HD
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-core Intel Core 5 120U processor and 16GB of RAM provide solid multitasking power for everyday productivity. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity adds practical value for its class. This laptop is best for students and office workers who need reliable performance for web browsing, document editing, and video calls.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15.6" Full HD Abyss Blue 2022
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen and backlit keyboard provide a practical, modern interface for a budget-friendly laptop. The inclusion of three USB-A ports and WiFi 6 offers strong connectivity for basic office and classroom setups. This laptop is best for students or home users who prioritize a responsive touch display and everyday productivity over high performance.
Acer Spin Touchscreen 14 Convertible 2-in-1
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core Intel Core i3 processor and dedicated GPU provide solid multitasking for a convertible, while its 1.81kg weight and 2-in-1 touchscreen design offer good portability and flexibility. The laptop is best suited for students or office workers who need a versatile device for note-taking, presentations, and general productivity tasks.
ASUS Chromebook 14" Flip CX1 Convertible
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 360-degree convertible design and durable MIL-STD 810H build offer versatile, rugged use in tablet, tent, or laptop modes. The lightweight 3.59 lb chassis and included 3-month Google One AI Premium plan add significant value for cloud-based work. This Chromebook is best for students or business users who need a highly portable, durable device for web apps and basic multitasking.
Lenovo Lenovo Flex 5i 13 Chromebook 2-in-1 Laptop, Intel
Best Laptops under €2,000 for programming and development
Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 14" 2K Seashell 2025
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
ASUS TUF F16 16" 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 16-core Intel 14650HX processor and RTX 5050 graphics provide strong performance for gaming and content creation. The 165Hz display and 90Wh battery offer a smooth, long-lasting experience for its price point. This laptop is best for gamers and creators who prioritize raw processing power and a high refresh rate over extreme portability.
Acer Aspire 14" 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 47-core Intel 256V processor and 16GB of Intel Arc graphics VRAM provide substantial AI acceleration for on-device tasks. The 1.4kg weight and 65Wh battery make it a highly portable option for everyday computing. This laptop is best for students or office workers who need a lightweight, AI-capable machine for productivity and media consumption, not for gaming.
MSI Cyborg 15.6" 2023
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-core Intel 13620H CPU and GeForce RTX 4050 graphics deliver solid 1080p gaming performance on its 144Hz IPS display. The inclusion of a touchscreen and a backlit keyboard adds unexpected versatility for a gaming-focused machine. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers and students who want a capable machine for esports and schoolwork that also offers a touch interface for casual use.
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 8 14.0" Touch Screen Arctic Grey
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-core Intel Core 7 240H processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM deliver strong multitasking performance for a 1.36kg business laptop. The 14-inch touchscreen and Thunderbolt connectivity add practical versatility for on-the-go productivity. This is best for business professionals who need a portable, responsive Windows 11 Pro machine for presentations and office tasks.
Lenovo V 15.6" Series
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme discrete GPU and 40GB of RAM provide uncommon graphics power and multitasking headroom for a business laptop. The Windows 11 Pro OS and WiFi 6 connectivity make it a practical, modern work machine. This is best for students or professionals who need a versatile laptop for both demanding coursework and entry-level gaming sessions.
ASUS Vivobook 18" Quiet Blue
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 18-inch 144Hz display and 32GB of DDR5 RAM provide a spacious, smooth workspace for multitasking creators. The combination of a high-core-count AMD Ryzen CPU and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD offers strong performance for the price. This laptop is best for content creators and developers who need a large screen for multi-window workflows and can sacrifice portability.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" Full HD Arctic Grey 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core AMD 5825U processor and 16GB of RAM provide strong multitasking performance for a budget laptop, while the 15.6-inch IPS touchscreen adds versatility. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard and a full selection of ports, including three USB-A, enhances its practicality for daily use. This device is best for students or home office users who need a responsive, well-equipped laptop for productivity tasks and media consumption.
HP EliteBook 13.3" 6 G1i
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 13-core Intel 235U CPU and integrated Intel Arc Graphics with 16GB VRAM provide substantial processing power for a compact 1.30kg chassis. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt connectivity offers excellent future-proofing for a business laptop. This notebook is best for professionals who need a highly portable and well-connected device for office productivity and video conferencing.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim Series 15.6" IdeaPad Slim 3
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme discrete graphics provides solid performance for a thin-and-light laptop, paired with a capable 8-core processor. The 15.6-inch touchscreen adds versatility for note-taking and presentations, while maintaining a portable 1.6kg build. This is best for students and business users who need reliable multitasking power and a touch interface for everyday productivity tasks.