As a coder, your laptop is your most valuable tool. You spend countless hours developing, testing, and debugging software, so you need a reliable and powerful machine to carry out these tasks. However, with so many options available, choosing the best laptop for you may be difficult, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
As a result, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the most affordable laptops for programmers in 2023. These laptops have been tested and studied to ensure that they are both affordable and suitable for the needs of programmers. Here are a few of our personal favorites:
What to Look for in a Budget Programming Laptop?
Before we get into the best budget laptops for programmers, let’s look at some key features to consider when purchasing a programming laptop:
Processor: A powerful processor is required for programming software to run smoothly. Look for a laptop that has a minimum of an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
RAM: The more RAM your laptop has, the better it will perform when running multiple programs at the same time. Choose a laptop that has at least 8 GB of RAM.
Storage: Because programming requires working with large files, you’ll need a laptop with adequate storage. Look for a laptop with a minimum of 256 GB of SSD storage.
Display: A good display is essential for reducing eye strain and viewing code clearly. Look for a laptop with a 14-inch or larger display and a minimum resolution of 1377 x 768 pixels.
Battery Life: Because programmers frequently work for long periods of time, a laptop with a long battery life is essential. Look for a laptop with at least an 8-hour battery life.
Top Budget Laptop Picks for Programmers
1.Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is an excellent choice for programmers on a tight budget. It is equipped with a 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5 processor. These specifications are more than adequate for the vast majority of programming jobs, such as web and software development. The 15.6-inch screen provides ample space for multitasking and programming, and the backlit keyboard makes it easy to code in low light.
Because it is sturdy and dependable, you can expect the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 to last for many years. Anyone looking for a low-cost laptop capable of programming should strongly consider it.
2. ThinkPad 3 by IBM
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent low-cost laptop for programmers. It is equipped with a 256GB SSD, an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and 8GB of RAM. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor can handle the majority of programming tasks, including web and software development. Because of the anti-glare coating on the 15.6-inch display, code can be seen clearly in any lighting situation.
The spill-resistant keyboard is an excellent feature for programmers who may unintentionally spill a drink on their laptop. Anyone on a budget will appreciate the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which is a dependable and durable laptop.
3. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent low-cost programming laptop. It is equipped with a 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and an AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Because its specifications are comparable to those of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, this device is a good choice for programming activities. The 15.6-inch Full HD display provides a sharp and clear image for coding.
Because the keyboard has backlighting, you can code in low-light environments without straining your eyes. Anyone looking for a low-cost laptop capable of handling programming tasks should consider the Acer Aspire 5. It is a dependable and cost-effective solution.
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
Programmers will appreciate the ASUS VivoBook 15, which is an excellent value for money. It is equipped with a 256GB SSD, an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and 8GB of RAM. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor is capable of handling the majority of programming tasks, including web and software development. The 15.6-inch full HD display provides sharp and clear coding visuals. The keyboard also has a backlight, making it easy to use in low-light situations.
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a laptop that looks as good as it performs, thanks to its sleek design. It is also thin and lightweight, making it easy to transport. Overall, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-cost programming laptop.
5. Surface Go 2 by Microsoft
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an excellent budget laptop for programmers who prefer a more portable device. It has a 128GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and a Pentium Gold processor from Intel. These specifications, while not as powerful as those of some of the other laptops on this list, are more than adequate for most programming tasks.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is also extremely lightweight, weighing only 1.2 pounds. Its 10.5-inch screen and dual functionality as a tablet and laptop make it an appealing option for programmers. Even if the keyboard is sold separately, it’s still a great option for anyone looking for a cheap portable laptop.
6. HP Stream 14
Because it is one of the most affordable laptops on this list, the HP Stream 14 is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. It includes a 64GB eMMC, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Celeron processor. These specifications, while not as powerful as those of some of the other laptops on this list, are more than adequate for most programming tasks.
Furthermore, the HP Stream 14 is lightweight and easy to transport. The keyboard is comfortable to type on for long periods of time, and the 14-inch display provides ample screen space for programming. Overall, the HP Stream 14 is an excellent budget laptop for programmers looking for a dependable and cost-effective solution.
7. Dell Inspiron 14 5000
With an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, the Dell Inspiron 14 5000 is an excellent budget laptop for programmers. These specifications are adequate for most programming tasks, and the laptop also includes a 14-inch full HD display and a comfortable keyboard.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5000’s durability is one of its main selling points. It has a strong design that can withstand wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for anyone who requires a laptop that can be carried around frequently. The laptop is also slim and lightweight, making it easy to transport.
8. HP Pavilion 15
An economical and dependable laptop for programming, the HP Pavilion 15 comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. A backlit keyboard and a 15.6-inch full HD display are also included.
The HP Pavilion 15’s cost is one of its key selling features. Programmers on a limited budget should consider it because it is one of the most affordable laptops on this list. The laptop’s small and light design makes it convenient to carry about.
9. ASUS ZenBook 13
A programming laptop featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is the ASUS ZenBook 13. It also boasts a backlit keyboard and a 13.3-inch full HD display.
The design of the ASUS ZenBook 13 is one of its key selling factors. Its body is compact and light, making it a fantastic choice for programmers who must work while on the move. Also, you may work all day without having to recharge thanks to the device’s outstanding 22-hour battery life.
10. Lenovo ThinkPad T480
A programming laptop featuring an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is the Lenovo ThinkPad T480. Moreover, it offers a backlit keyboard and a 14-inch full HD display.
Durability is one of the Lenovo ThinkPad T480’s key selling qualities. For more than 200 quality tests and 12 military-grade criteria, it has been put to the test to make sure it can resist harsh conditions. This makes it a perfect choice for programmers who operate in demanding conditions like outdoor or construction sites. The laptop’s battery life is also long, lasting up to 14.5 hours on a single charge.
11. Dell XPS 13
A high-end programming laptop featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of Memory, and a 512GB SSD is the Dell XPS 13. It also boasts a backlit keyboard and a 13.3-inch 4K UHD display.
High-end specifications are one of the Dell XPS 13’s primary selling factors. It is a fantastic alternative for programmers who need to work with big datasets or sophisticated algorithms because it boasts one of the most powerful CPUs and a lot of RAM. The laptop is also thin, light, and has a borderless display to optimize the amount of screen real estate.
12. HP 14-dk1025wm
An affordable programming laptop featuring an AMD Athlon Silver 3050U processor, 4GB of Memory, and a 128GB SSD is the HP 14-dk1025wm. Moreover, it offers a backlit keyboard and a 14-inch full HD display.
The price of the HP 14-dk1025wm is one of its primary selling features. It’s one of the most reasonably priced laptops available, making it a perfect choice for students or beginning programmers. Also, the laptop is small and light, and it has a battery life of up to 7 hours on a single charge.
13. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
An affordable programming laptop featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. A backlit keyboard and a 15.6-inch full HD display are also included.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3’s value for money is among its key selling factors. Programmers who need to work with enormous datasets or difficult programmes will find it to be one of the cheapest laptops on the market with plenty of storage and RAM. Moreover, the laptop is thin and light, and it has a battery life of up to 7.5 hours on a single charge.
14. Lenovo V15
The Lenovo V15 is a cost-effective laptop for programmers that has a 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and an AMD Ryzen 3 processor. The laptop’s 15.6-inch screen has a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution, making it ideal for coding. It also has a backlit keyboard, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
The laptop is dependable and was created with professionals’ needs in mind, making it an excellent option for developers and programmers on a tight budget.
15. Acer Chromebook Spin 311
An inexpensive laptop for programming, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4GB of Memory, and a 32GB eMMC. A backlit keyboard and an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen are also included.
The adaptability of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is one of its key selling factors. Programmers who frequently need to transition between multiple modes of operation will find this 2-in-1 laptop to be a perfect choice because it can be used as either a tablet or a laptop. The laptop is extremely small and light, and it has a battery that can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. It also uses the Chrome OS operating system, making it simple to operate and with low upkeep.
16. Dell Latitude 3410
The Dell Latitude 3410 is a capable and reasonably priced laptop for programmers that has a 256GB SSD, 8GB of Memory, and an Intel Core i5-10210U processor. A backlit keyboard, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer are also included on its 14-inch display, which has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, making it ideal for coding.
If you’re looking for a laptop that can keep up with the demands of programming without breaking the bank, this option is worth considering. Its design was tailored to meet the needs of professionals, making it a dependable choice for developers and programmers alike.
17. ASUS ZenBook 13
A slim and portable laptop like the ASUS ZenBook 13 is ideal for programmers who need to work on the road. The laptop is quick and effective because to its Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD. Its 13.3-inch screen’s 1920 x 1080-pixel quality makes it ideal for coding, and for further security, a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint sensor are included. The laptop’s lengthy battery life—up to 14 hours—makes it ideal for anyone who need to work long hours without being concerned about running out of power.
18. HP ProBook 445 G7
A powerful laptop for programmers, the HP ProBook 445 G7 features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The 14-inch screen has a 1920 x 1080-pixel quality, making it ideal for coding. It also has a backlit keyboard, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
This laptop is an excellent option for developers and programmers who require a reliable machine at an affordable price. Its features were crafted specifically with professionals in mind, making it an ideal choice for those on a tight budget.
19. Acer TravelMate P2
Programmers can choose the inexpensive Acer TravelMate P2 laptop, which has an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of Memory, and a 256GB SSD. A backlit keyboard, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer are also included on its 14-inch display, which has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, making it ideal for coding.
For developers and programmers in need of a reliable and cost-effective laptop, this model is a top contender. Its design caters specifically to the demands of professionals, ensuring that it’s a practical choice for those on a tight budget.
20. Dell Vostro 3590
Programmers can choose the Dell Vostro 3590, a cost-effective laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The laptop’s 15.6-inch screen has a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution, making it ideal for coding. It also has a backlit keyboard, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
When it comes to a dependable laptop on a tight budget, look no further than this option. It was designed specifically with the needs of professionals in mind, making it an excellent choice for developers and programmers alike.
Questions and Answers (FAQs) about Budget Laptops for Programmers
Can a Budget laptop run programming software?
Yes, a lot of cheap laptops can run programming software. To ensure smooth performance, you should seek out a laptop with a strong processor and enough RAM.
What amount of RAM must a laptop have in order to programs?
A laptop for programming should have at least 8 GB of RAM.
Is SSD storage required for programming on a laptop?
SSD storage is highly advised for faster boot times and file access, even though it is not required.
What size laptop display would be ideal for programming?
A laptop for programming should have a screen size of at least 14 inches and a resolution of at least 1377 by 768 pixels.
Can Budget laptops offer long battery life?
Many inexpensive laptops are built to have long-lasting batteries. A laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours is ideal.
Can I program and build software on a low-cost laptop?
Absolutely, you can use a cheap laptop for programming and software development as long as it satisfies the minimal standards for a hassle-free experience. Nonetheless, keep in mind that better laptops can perform and last longer when performing more demanding programming tasks.
Can you program on a Chromebook?
Due to their low storage and processing capabilities, Chromebooks are not advised for programming. The Chrome OS does not support the majority of programming tools and software, which can restrict the kind of applications that can be used.
Is purchasing a refurbished laptop for programming preferable?
A used laptop can be an affordable alternative, but it’s crucial to make sure it’s in good working order and has a warranty. Refurbished laptops might not be the best choice for programming because they might have outdated components or insufficient storage.
Can a cheap laptop run programming emulators and virtual machines?
Depending on the laptop’s specifications, virtual machines and emulators for programming can run on a low-cost laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card. For larger or more sophisticated virtual environments, it might not be the best solution.
Do touchscreens have to be used when programming?
Although they are not required, touchscreens can be useful for some programming activities, such as testing mobile applications. But, touchscreens can also increase the price of a laptop, so it’s crucial to think about if they’re an essential feature for your particular programming requirements.
Can a cheap laptop handle many programming monitors?
It relies on the graphics card and ports offered by the laptop. Some inexpensive laptops might lack the connections or graphics card needed to support multiple displays, while others might be able to do so but still fall short of a higher-end laptop in terms of performance. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to evaluate the laptop’s characteristics and compatibility with external monitors.
Is laptop battery life crucial for programmers?
Undoubtedly, a programming laptop’s battery life is crucial, especially if you intend to work remotely or on the go. To ensure that your laptop can survive a whole workday without needing to be charged, look for one with a battery life of at least 6 to 8 hours.
Can you create games on a low-cost laptop?
Although a cheap laptop can be used for game creation, it might not have the finest performance or graphics options for more difficult jobs. For game production, a laptop with a dedicated graphics card and more powerful processor could be preferable.
Should I put more of a priority on a portable laptop for programming?
Even though a lightweight laptop can be useful for portability and travel, it shouldn’t be the top consideration when picking a laptop for programming. Performance and specifications are more crucial considerations because they may result in a better programming experience over time with a laptop that is heavier and has superior components.
Conclusion
Here are our top picks for the best budget laptops for programmers in 2023. These laptops are dependable, affordable, and powerful enough to handle most programming tasks. This list has a laptop for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a web or software developer.
When choosing a low-cost laptop for programming, it is critical to consider the specifications that are most important for programming work. A solid-state drive, a fast processor, and plenty of RAM are required for efficient coding. Long coding sessions necessitate a comfortable keyboard and a clear display.
We hope that this list will help you find the best programming laptop on a budget. Remember that a high-quality laptop does not have to be costly. This list contains a powerful and dependable laptop that is within your price range.
