Best Laptops for Programming Under $1000

You don't need a $2000 MacBook to code productively. Under $1000, you can get laptops with 16GB RAM, fast NVMe storage, and comfortable keyboards that handle IDEs, containers, and dozens of browser tabs.

Updated: January 28, 2026

1

Dell

Precision 3540 Mobile Workstation - i5-8365U / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD

★★★★★ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

$225

32GB RAM 1TB SSD 15.6" Intel i5-8365U

A refurbished Dell Precision 3540, this model is an entry-level workstation focused on CPU tasks and multitasking rather than graphics performance. It uses a power-efficient Core i5 'U' series processor and relies on integrated graphics. However, it is equipped with a very generous 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. This makes it an excellent choice for software developers, data analysts, or business users who run many applications simultaneously but don't have graphically intensive workloads. It is not suitable for CAD or video editing.

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2

HP

EliteBook 830 G6 13.3" Business Laptop - i7-8665U / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD

★★★★★ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

$330

16GB RAM 512GB SSD 13.3" Intel i7-8665U

A compact and reliable 13.3-inch business laptop designed for mobile professionals. The 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM provide solid performance for everyday productivity, multitasking, and office applications. Its 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick access to files. The lightweight chassis and professional silver finish make it an excellent choice for travel and corporate environments. Lacks a dedicated GPU, making it unsuitable for intensive graphics work or modern gaming.

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3

HP

OmniBook X Flip 16" 2-in-1 Laptop - Ryzen AI 5 / 16GB / 512GB / Silver

★★★★★ 4.7/5 (669 reviews)

$569

16GB RAM 512GB SSD 16" AMD 340 Dedicated GPU

This AMD-powered 2-in-1 offers a great balance of performance and efficiency. The Ryzen AI 5 processor with its powerful NPU excels at AI-accelerated tasks and provides snappy responsiveness for everyday productivity and content creation. Paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's a capable machine for most users. The large 16-inch 2K touchscreen and flexible design make it an excellent choice for both work and entertainment, with the added benefit of AMD's strong integrated graphics.

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4

NIMO

15.6" Gaming Laptop (Ryzen 7 6800H) - 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD / Rose Gold

★★★★★ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)

$600

16GB RAM 1TB SSD 15.6" AMD 6800H Dedicated GPU

A powerful mid-range laptop for gaming and content creation. The AMD Ryzen 7 6800H is an 8-core, 16-thread powerhouse, and its integrated Radeon 680M graphics are among the best available, capable of running many modern games at 1080p low-medium settings. Combined with 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, this machine offers excellent performance for CPU-heavy tasks like video editing, compiling code, and of course, gaming. A great option for those who want strong performance without a costly dedicated GPU.

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5

Microsoft

Surface Laptop (13-inch, 2025) - 16GB / 256GB Platinum

★★★★★ 4.8/5 (166 reviews)

$694

16GB RAM 256GB SSD 13"

This 13-inch Surface Laptop is a more affordable Copilot+ PC, featuring an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It's designed for users who want the core benefits of the new ARM-based platform—namely incredible battery life and silent operation—in a compact and stylish package. The 60Hz FHD+ screen is a step down from the 7th Edition models but is still a high-quality touch display. This laptop is an excellent choice for students, writers, and anyone needing a reliable, long-lasting machine for everyday computing tasks.

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6

Lenovo

Yoga 7i 16 2-in-1 Laptop (2024) - Ultra 7 155U / 16GB / 1TB

★★★★★ 4.7/5 (3053 reviews)

$748

16GB RAM 1TB SSD 16" Intel 155U

The most popular configuration, this model pairs the capable Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor with a spacious 1TB SSD, making it an excellent choice for users who handle large files, such as photographers, programmers, or business professionals. The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking across many applications. It maintains the premium 2-in-1 build, large touchscreen, and comfortable keyboard, offering a complete package for high-end productivity, albeit with limited portability due to its size and weight.

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7

Lenovo

IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" Laptop (AMD Ryzen 5000) - Ryzen 7 5825U / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD

★★★★★ 4.8/5 (1396 reviews)

$750

16GB RAM 512GB SSD 15.6" AMD 5825U Dedicated GPU

A performance-oriented variant featuring the powerful 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor. This model excels at multitasking and can handle more demanding applications like photo editing or light video work. The 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD provide a responsive user experience. The addition of a touchscreen adds versatility for navigation and creative input. It's an excellent choice for users needing strong CPU performance in a mainstream laptop.

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8

HP

15.6" Laptop (Intel Core i7-1255U) - 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD / FHD

$779

32GB RAM 512GB SSD 15.6" Intel i7-1255U

A high-performance productivity laptop featuring a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U processor. This variant is equipped with a massive 32GB of RAM, making it ideal for extreme multitasking, virtual machines, and demanding applications. The 512GB SSD provides fast storage, and the Full HD display offers a crisp workspace. This is a machine for power users who need significant memory and processing power for tasks like software development or data analysis.

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