Top 12 Cheap Programming Laptops

There are tons of great options available for programmers at any price point. From ultraportable notebooks to powerful gaming desktops, there is no shortage of choices. However, if you’re looking for a cheap laptop for coding, you may not find anything cheaper than $200. That’s right — you can pick up a brand-new Lenovo, HP, ASUS, Apple, Microsoft, and Google laptop under this range.

Here we will discuss 12 laptops that are met with requirements and specifications and affordable for programming and reasonable for your pocket;

• ASUS VivoBook 15
• Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 15.6″
• Newest HP 15.6” FHD Business Laptop
• Apple MacBook Air M1
• HP Pavilion 17.3″ FHD IPS Laptop
• Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
• Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
• Google Pixelbook Go
• Newest HP ENVY x360
• Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
• HP Laptop 17
• ASUS L510

What Should You Look For in a Cheap Programming Laptop?

If you want to save some money while buying a programming laptop, there are several things you should consider. First, make sure it has a powerful processor and memory capacity. Second, check the screen resolution and size; choose one that fits your needs.

Third, look for a laptop with a good keyboard that feels comfortable. Fourth, make sure the screen is bright and easy to see. Finally, don’t forget about the battery life. If you plan on spending most of your time coding, you’ll probably need a laptop with long battery life.

You don’t necessarily need to stick with the minimum requirements, however. You might want to upgrade the CPU or RAM if you plan to run multiple programs at once. On the other hand, you might have a program that only runs well on slower machines. In either case, make sure that the system requirements meet your needs.

For example, I recently bought a new MacBook Pro because it had a faster processor and larger memory capacity than my old Macbook Air. I didn’t even realize that the Macbook Air was running low on memory until after I upgraded.

Minimum System Requirements for Cheap Programming Laptops

A lot of people are looking to buy a cheap programming laptop. There are many options out there, but it’s important to know what you want before making a purchase. If you’re buying a cheap programming laptop, you might think that you can just pick up whatever is cheapest. But that’s not How it will work for you.

The first thing you should do is check the minimum and recommended system requirements for your chosen operating system. This way, you won’t end up with something that doesn’t work properly.

For example, Windows 10 requires a processor speed of 2GHz or greater, while macOS requires a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 or better. You should also make sure that the RAM size meets the minimum requirement. Finally, you should look into the storage space required by the operating system.

You should also take note of the screen resolution. Most cheap programming laptops come with screens that are smaller than 13 inches. While this may seem fine at first glance, you shouldn’t go too far without considering how much information you’ll be able to see on the screen.

Finally, you should look into whether or not the keyboard supports USB Type-C. Many cheap programming laptops use older keyboards that require USB 3.0 connections. These days, most laptops support USB Type-C, which makes connecting peripherals easier.

Recommend System Requirements for Cheap Programming Laptops

The best cheap programming laptops come with high-performance processors, large amounts of RAM, and fast storage drives. These laptops are ideal for programmers who spend hours writing code every day.

These laptops should have at least 8GB of RAM, a 5th or 7th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU, a display resolution of at least 1366 x 768 pixels, and a USB 3.0 port. However, if you plan to play games or watch movies on your laptop, you may want to invest in a gaming laptop instead.

While most developers prefer using a desktop PC, laptops are great for those who spend long periods in front of a screen. A laptop provides a comfortable workspace without sacrificing performance.

To keep your programming sessions productive, consider buying a laptop with a comfortable keyboard and a large display. Avoid heavy-duty keyboards, since they tend to cause wrist pain after prolonged usage.

For maximum comfort, a laptop with a 15-inch FHD display is ideal. Screen sizes between 14 and 16 inches are acceptable depending on the user’s preference. You should also consider getting a laptop with a wide viewing angle because it reduces eyestrain in a 15-inch model.

Make sure the laptop comes with a powerful processor, enough RAM, and a fast storage drive. A laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) is better than a traditional hard drive because SSDs are faster and don’t require any moving parts.

Finally, buy a laptop that supports multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS). Your coding software should automatically recognize the operating system, making switching between computers easier.

Are Low-Cost Programming Laptops a Good Investment?

Laptops are great for coding and playing games, but they may not be an excellent choice for users. Some people prefer the stability and reliability of desktops, while others enjoy the portability of laptops. You should think carefully about whether you need a low-cost programming budget laptop before making a purchase decision.

Low-cost programming laptops are available at most retailers. Many come equipped with Windows operating systems and Intel processors. These computers are usually very affordable, but they won’t last forever. After a certain number of years, they start breaking down. As a result, the price drops dramatically. If you buy a low-cost programming computer, expect to pay less initially, but you’ll end up spending more on repairs later on.

On the other hand, high-quality programming laptops are built to last. They typically cost more, but they are worth every penny. Because they are made to withstand heavy usage, you can count on them for years without needing any major repairs.

You can save thousands of dollars by investing in a high-quality programming laptop instead of a low-cost budget laptop. However, you must decide whether you need a new computer now. If you can wait a few months, you’ll probably save even more money.

ASUS VivoBook 15

This cheap programming laptop from ASUS is super affordable at only $499.99. It comes equipped with powerful processors, fast memory, and a wide variety of ports. It’s lightweight and comfortable to carry around, making it ideal for students, professionals, gamers, and anyone else who needs a portable computer.

It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, which makes it extremely versatile. It’s not only capable of running programs like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects, but it can also run apps like Microsoft Office 365, Google Chrome, and Firefox.

The ASUS VivoBook 15 also comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M GPU, which means it’s able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without slowing down. It also comes with 8GB of DDR3L 1600MHz RAM, which makes everyday multitasking capability easier.

With a large 15.6-inch screen, this backup laptop provides ample room for working on documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and more. It has a multi-touch glass surface, which allows users to easily edit photos and perform basic drawing functions.

This convertible laptop is built to last, thanks to its sturdy metal frame and aluminum casing. It also has a fingerprint-resistant coating, making it easy to clean. It even has two USB 3.0 ports, allowing users to charge devices quickly.

You’ll enjoy using this cheap laptop because it’s incredibly light, weighing less than four pounds. Its sleek shape makes it easy to transport anywhere, whether you’re traveling or taking it to school.

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 15.6″

Sometimes you may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a computer. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable computers available that won’t break the bank. One option is an inexpensive laptop. An inexpensive programming laptop is a great alternative if you’re looking to save money on a new PC.

This Acer Aspire 5 is only $299.99. It comes equipped with an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage. You can connect this fantastic budget laptop using an HDMI cable to external monitors. It also features a 13.3-inch HD LED Backlit Display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It weighs 2.2 lbs and measures 0.9 in thick. This computer is backed by a 1-year warranty. It is manufactured in Taiwan.

As a student, you might consider getting this cheap programming laptop as a backup device. You can keep a copy of your work on this machine, and you don’t have to worry about losing data if your main computer crashes.

These Acer Aspires are known to provide high performance and reliability. They come with a solid metal body and a rugged exterior. These mid-tier laptops are lightweight and portable. They are also very durable because they feature a strong aluminum casing.

These fantastic budget laptops are also well-built. They come with a plastic shell surrounding the keyboard and touchpad. The keyboard is comfortable to type on and provides accurate feedback.

You can easily carry this laptop anywhere thanks to its slim profile. It weighs less than 3.7 lb and measures 11.8 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches.

Newest HP 15.6” FHD Business Laptop

This newest HP laptop is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable laptop for programming. It has a powerful processor, strong graphics performance, and long-lasting battery life for heavy usage – making it perfect for college students and professionals.

You can use it for both work and play, and it’s a versatile device that can multitask well. It is ideal for school students and professionals who want reliability for coding and writing programs.

With a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, it has a crisp view for viewing documents and webpages. It supports touch input, so you can navigate using your finger instead of a mouse.

The HP EliteBook Folio measures 0.72 inches thin and weighs 5.2 pounds. Its 15.6-inch diagonal LED-backlit anti-glare display offers a 1680 x 1050 pixel resolution. It has a 3-year warranty and a 2-year limited hardware warranty.

It has an Intel Core i7-8550U 2.8 GHz quad-core processor, 8GB DDR3 memory, 1TB HDD, and 128GB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid state drive. It runs Microsoft Windows 10 Home OS.

Apple MacBook Air M1

This laptop is pretty amazing. It’s affordable, lightweight, durable, and comes with tons of great features. What else could you ask for?

The MacBook Air M1 is available in two colors, silver and space gray. Both come with a 13.3-inch Retina display, Intel core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD storage, 802. 11 ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0, SDXC card slot, FaceTime HD camera, and stereo speakers.

For connectivity, you’ll find a 720p webcam above the screen, while you’ll find a fingerprint sensor under the Touchpad. For security, you’ll find three thunderbolts 2 ports, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, VGA port, four USB 3. 0 ports, an audio jack, and an SD card slot.

You’ll find a weight of 5.7 lbs., which makes it very portable. There’s no optical drive included but you do get a FREE copy of Mac OS High Sierra. Overall, this is a nice dual-core laptop if you’re looking for a cheap programming laptop to be a business laptop feature.

HP Pavilion 17.3″ FHD IPS Laptop

HP Pavilion laptops are known for their excellent displays. They offer high-quality screens that are bright, colorful, and crisp. If you’re looking for a colored laptop that’s perfect for watching movies, playing games, editing photos, and doing some light programming, look no further than the HP Pavilion 17.3.

This notebook features a Full HD IPS display that provides vivid colors and deep blacks. You’ll enjoy viewing videos and images on this laptop as compared to a conventional laptop because it delivers accurate colors and sharp text. It delivers perfect color accuracy with a decent battery life in an amazing 2-in-1 laptop, which makes this product an affordable programming laptop.

The HP Pavilion 17.3 has a 17.3-inch diagonal LED-backlit display with 1920 x 1080 pixels of native resolution. This display supports 16 million colors and 178 nits brightness. It has a wide gamut of 95% DCI-P3 coverage. There’s also a built-in webcam that lets you make video calls over Skype or FaceTime.

This laptop weighs just 2 pounds and measures 0.8 inches thin. It includes a DVD burner, USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port, VGA port, Ethernet jack, headphone/microphone combo jack, and a Kensington lock slot. It also has a fingerprint reader and a 720p Webcam.

You can use this laptop to watch Blu-ray discs, play online games, edit documents, and do basic photo retouching. It runs Windows 10 Home 64-bit operating system.

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop

The Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best powerful laptops for gaming out there. It offers excellent performance and features, along with good battery life. If you are looking for a powerful gaming computer that won’t cost too much money, look no further.

This Acer laptop is designed for those who want a powerful gaming machine that will last longer and still have an affordable price range. You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank because this Acer laptop costs less than $1,200.You can choose between two different color options: Black or Silver.

Acer Nitro 5 Specs

CPU: Intel Core i7 7700HQ Processor

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics Card

RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM

Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop

The IdeaPad L340 Gaming Laptop is one of the best laptops under Rs 10,000. With a starting price of just Rs 8,999, you are getting a powerful machine packed with features. We think it is the best budget gaming laptop under Rs 10,000 today. Let us take a look at what makes this laptop tick.

Design & Display

This laptop sports a 17.3-inch Full HD display with 1920×1080 pixels resolution which makes it the cheapest 17-inch laptop. While the screen size might seem small, it packs a punch thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate. You can play games like CSGO, PUBG, GTA V, etc., without experiencing any lag.

On the front side, there is a full-size keyboard with dedicated number keys. There is no numeric keypad though. On the left side, you will find a volume rocker and power button. At the bottom, there is a USB 3.0 port, HDMI 2.0 port, Ethernet jack, headphone/microphone combo jack, and a Kensington lock slot.

Under the hood, the laptop houses an Intel Core i5 7th Gen processor paired with 8GB RAM. Storage options include 128GB SSD and 256GB SSD. If you want to upgrade, you can opt for a 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD.

Performance

This Lenovo Ideapad is a great choice if you are interested in playing video games. It comes loaded with a powerful Intel Core i7 7th Generation processor which means excellent performance metrics when compared to lower-end processors. Other specs include 8GB DDR4 memory, a fast 1TB hard drive, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, which provides you amazing performance as compared to average decent performance.

Google Pixelbook Go

This is probably the cheapest powerful laptop you can buy right now if you’re willing to spend $1,299.99. Not only does it come with great specs, but it also comes with a whopping 11 hours of battery life!

The Google Pixelbook Go has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504. Its screen is bright, clear, and vibrant. You can watch movies and TV shows comfortably due to its wide viewing angle.

And since it doesn’t require any external devices, you’ll save even MORE space.

But despite being incredibly affordable, this is still a very powerful computer. Thanks to its Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD storage, you can run multiple basic programming at once, multitask efficiently, and easily access your files.

Plus, since it uses Google Chrome OS, you can install apps directly through the web browser. So you never have to download anything.

So whether you’re a student, professional, or hobbyist, the Google Pixelbook Go is the ideal solid choice for anyone looking for a powerful, portable laptop.

Newest HP ENVY x360

This cheap programming laptop is perfect for students and professionals alike. You’ll find the HP ENVY x360 affordable and reliable. There are many great reasons to consider buying this excellent laptop.

First off, it comes with a beautiful OLED display that gives your work its shine. You won’t find another laptop with a similar display. The HP ENVY x 360 is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for traveling. Plus, you’ll enjoy long battery life thanks to the efficient processor it uses.

There’s no denying that the HP ENVY X360 is a great value, especially when compared to other average laptops with similar specs. But if you’re still not convinced, let us show you just how versatile the HP ENVYx360 is.

Great Value

With a starting price of $899, the HP ENVYX360 offers a lot of bang for your buck. Not only does it come with a powerful processor, but it also features a large SSD drive for fast file transfers and loads of memory to keep programs running smoothly.

Portable & Lightweight

With a weight of 3 pounds and dimensions of 0.74 inches wide by 10.4 inches tall by 8.7 inches deep, the HP ENVYY360 isn’t heavy nor bulky. Its small size makes it easier to carry around wherever you need to go.

Long Battery Life

Thanks to the efficient processor used inside the HP ENVY Y360, you can expect up to 9 hours of battery life. That means you can easily complete multiple tasks without worrying about having to recharge the laptop.

Beautiful Display

The HP ENVY X 360 comes equipped with a vibrant OLED display. It boasts a high contrast ratio and accurate color reproduction. Thanks to the brightness level, you can view everything even under bright sunlight.

Easy On The Eyes

If you’re tired of staring at dull computer screens day after day, it’s time to upgrade. The HP ENVYY360 features an OLED display that allows you to view everything.

Multiple Inputs

The HP ENVYY360 supports various input devices including USB, HDMI, VGA, SD Card Reader, etc. So whether you’re using a backlit keyboard, mouse, external monitor, or webcam, you can connect them directly to the laptop.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go

Surface Laptop Go is an amazing cheap programming laptop. It comes with a beautiful 13.3-inch screen, great terms of performance, and a very reasonable price tag. Plus, if you buy it now, you’ll receive a free 1-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium.

At the entry-level, the Surface Laptop goes for only USD $999.99 ($1249.99 CAD/AU$1689.99 AUD), making it one of the cheapest amazing laptops available today. However, there’s no shortage of options, either. The next closest option is Dell XPS 15 2-in-1, which starts at USD $1199.00.

Even in its kitted-up configuration, it remains unbelievably inexpensive. The absolute top-of-the-line budget model, which we tested here costs USD $1499.99 ($1799.99 CAD/AUS$2359.99 AUD), which makes it a steal compared to the price of similar conventional models.

While the base model does come with a touch screen, the optional backlit keyboard cover adds a bit of extra value. It’s worth noting that the backlit keyboard cover isn’t compatible with older versions of Windows 10, though.

If you want to save even more money, you can opt for the 128 GB variant instead of the 256 GB variant. As mentioned above, it’s still quite expensive, but it’s significantly cheaper than the 512 GB model.

You don’t have to worry about running out of space, either. There’s plenty of storage available. The base model offers up to 1 TB of external storage solution, whereas the 512 GB model offers up to 2 TB. The Surface Laptop Go runs on Windows 10 in S mode, which allows you to run legacy apps that haven’t been upgraded to support modern operating systems.

However, you should note that some programs may not work perfectly. So, if you plan on using them frequently, it’s recommended that you upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. There’s no need to worry about battery life, either. According to statistical tests, the laptop lasted for over 9 hours under normal conditions.

And, thanks to the inclusion of a USB port Type C port, you can connect external monitors and charge your phone or tablet while working on the laptop.

HP Laptop 17

This affordable HP laptop comes equipped with a 17.3- inch IPS touchscreen display, a powerful 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, 8 GB of memory, a Windows 10 Home operating system, and a 128 GB solid-state drive. The HP Laptop 17 has a starting price of only $499, which makes it one of the most affordable laptops available today.

With a sleek black finish and a minimalist design, this HP laptop looks great in any setting. And thanks to its large 17.3-inch display, you’ll enjoy watching movies, playing games, and browsing the web at high resolution.

At just $499, this HP laptop is a budget-friendly option if you’re searching for a capable laptop with extra screen space.

ASUS L510

Chromebooks are inexpensive basic laptops that are ideal for students, parents, and anyone else who needs a simple computer that doesn’t require constant maintenance. ASUS’ new L510 series offers solid value for money.

You’ll get a powerful processor, plenty of memory, and a large hard drive. You won’t get any fancy extras – there’s no touchscreen, webcam, or fingerprint reader – but you will get a rugged solid build quality and long battery life.

This fanless CPU is ranked among the mid-range mobile CPUs, which means it should be able to handle web browsing and office applications without breaking a sweat. However, gaming and multimedia editing will be a bit of a stretch.

For gamers, look towards the Asus TUF FX 505 GT-AB73, which comes with a dedicated Nvidia GTX1650 GPU.

The ASUS L510 will do just fine for office work, though you might struggle to open multiple documents at once. There’s only 4GB RAM, however, which is pretty slim.

On the plus side, you’ll get a decent keyboard and a sturdy chassis. There’s a handy number pad on the right-hand side of the keyboard. However, the backlit keyboard itself isn’t anything special; it’s got very light keys and very limited feedback.

There’s no touch screen either, which means you’re missing out on the convenience of using a stylus. Despite its limitations, this is still a well-built machine that will last years. If you want a cheap laptop that won’t break the bank, the L510 is worth checking out.

How to Choose the Best Low-Cost Laptop for Programming?

You’ll want to purchase a budget programming laptop that meets your needs. There are several aspects to consider including the display, CPU, memory, storage, and battery. The price is one of the main considerations when purchasing a laptop for programming. Generally, a programming laptop will cost between $1,000 and $2,500.

The keyboard is one of the most significant parts of a sleek laptop. You’ll be spending lots of time using the keyboard, so you’ll want a comfortable keyboard. Look out for a laptop with a numeric keypad, good travel, and softer keys.

A programming laptop should have plenty of power, a modern processor, and a large enough display to fit code and games. A good programming computer should be able to manage multiple windows without scrolling. A high-end programming laptop should have a powerful processor, such as an Intel Core i7, i9, or Ryzen 7.

GPU

You’ll want to invest in a GPU if you plan to program apps for Android or iOS devices. A great graphics card will allow you to run high-resolution games and programs without any lag. You might think that you only need a basic graphics card for running regular applications, but you’d be wrong. Games and apps require a powerful graphics card to work properly.

CPU

You’ll want to look at the CPU. Most laptops have two options – Intel Core i3 and i5 processors. The difference between the two is speed. An i5 processor runs faster than an i3, making it ideal for professional programmers. However, if you plan on doing any gaming, it might not be worth the extra cost.

Choose a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or i7 Processor. These processors run faster than the average i3 processor and are great for coding.

Memory

You’ll also want to consider RAM. While most computers come with 4GB of RAM, 8GB is recommended for coding. You might want to run demanding applications or work on some software applications, for that application speed is necessary for you, which comes from greater RAM.

Price

If you are looking for the cheapest laptop for programming, you might think that you should look no further than a Chromebook. A Chromebook is typically priced between $200-$300. While those laptops are great for web browsing and social media, they simply won’t cut it for programming.

However, if you want a simple laptop for entry-level coding, you can find a computer for less than $1,000. Some of the best deals come from refurbished laptops. These computers are usually sold at very low prices due to previous owners not wanting to pay shipping fees.

Battery

A programming laptop should have at least six to eight hours of battery life. You’ll need it during those long coding sessions.

Keyboard

Finally, look for a durable keyboard. Avoid buying a cheap keyboard that feels flimsy. Invest in a sturdy keyboard that won’t break easily under heavy usage.

Display

Another factor to consider is screen resolution. Look for a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels or greater. Some programs require a high resolution, which makes it easier to see code and test games.

Storage

Your final consideration should be storage space. There are a variety of hard drives available for purchase. The larger the drive, the longer it will last. A 500 GB drive is sufficient for most users.