Find the best laptop for developers in 2026

A good laptop for software development would feature several important characteristics:

  1. RAM - at least 16GB for demanding IDEs, containers and virtual machines
  2. Powerful CPU - compiling large projects require lots of resources
  3. High-quality screen and keyboard
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Best Laptops under €2,000 for programming and development

Best Pick

MSI Venture 16" VENA16A2043 Solid Gray 2025

63.9 Developers Score
16"AMD Ryzen 9 27032GB RAM2048GB SSDAMD Radeon Graphics
Why we recommend this

The AMD Ryzen 9 270 8-core processor paired with 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 2TB SSD handles heavy multitasking and AI workloads smoothly, while the 16-inch 1080p touchscreen with 60Hz refresh adds everyday usability. The discrete AMD Radeon Graphics with 48GB VRAM supports light gaming and multimedia, and the 1.90kg build keeps it portable for a 16-inch laptop. Best for professionals running local LLM tasks or creators needing a large touch display and ample storage without prioritizing battery life or compactness.

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Price €1,978
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MSI Venture 16" VENA16A2043 Solid Gray 2025 laptop

Premium Laptops for programming and development

Best Pick

MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI Cosmo Gray 2025

79.7 Developers Score
18"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX32GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX with 24 cores and 32GB DDR5 RAM powers demanding games and creative workloads, paired with an RTX 5070 8GB GPU for ray tracing and high frame rates. The 18-inch QHD+ IPS display at 240Hz with 100% DCI-P3 delivers smooth, color-accurate visuals, while the 90Wh battery and 5.96kg build prioritize desktop-level performance over portability. Best for gamers and video editors who need a large, fast screen and top-tier components, and who don't mind the heavy weight.

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Price €3,325
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MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI Cosmo Gray 2025 laptop

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 13.3" Gen 6 Black 2025

66.1 Developers Score
13.3"Intel Core Ultra 7 255U16GB RAM512GB SSDIntel Graphics
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 0.96kg, this ultraportable combines a 12-core Intel Core Ultra 7 255U with a 400-nit, 100% sRGB 13.3-inch display. It stands out with a practical port array—Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and USB-A—rare in its weight class. Ideal for business travelers who need a featherweight laptop with full-sized ports for instant desktop setups.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X13 13.3" Gen 6 Black 2025 laptop
Price €2,399
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