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Are you software enginer, searching for the best Mac laptop for programming? If so, you are at the right spot. Here, we have compiled the list of the best Mac laptops that can handle programming. We have selected the 7 best Mac laptops suitable for programmers, with the ✅2020 Apple MacBook Pro as our overall best pick.
So, if you are an app developer looking for a good-enough Mac laptop for programming, worry less; this guide will help you get the best.
Now, the question is, how do you know an excellent Mac laptop for programming?
Keep reading to learn more.
But before that, check the comparison table below to know our top products.
Comparison Table For The Best Mac Laptop For Programming
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Product Name Product Image Specifications 2020 Apple MacBook Pro 
Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop 
Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OSApple MacBook Pro MGXA2LL/A 
Processor: Quad-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
Display: 15.4-Inch
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 265 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS XApple MacBook Pro 15in Laptop 
Processor: Intel Core i7
Display: 15.4-Inch
RAM: 16 GB DDR3
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS 10.14 MojaveApple MacBook Pro 
Processor: Intel core i7
Display: 15.4-Inch
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR3
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Operating System: MacOS 10.13 High SierraApple MacBook Pro 
Processor: Intel Core i7-4870HQ
Display: 15.4-Inch
RAM: 16 GB DDR3L
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS XApple MacBook Air MF068LL/A 
Processor: Intel Core i7-2600
Display: 13.3-Inch
RAM: 8 GB LPDDR3
Storage: 500 GB SSD
Operating System: Mac OS X
Essential Feature To Consider When Buying The Best Mac Laptop For Programming
Generally, programming is a high-end task that requires an efficient laptop.
And Apple laptops have gained popularity among developers alongside other laptop brands in recent years.
This is because they come with an efficient OS and impressive specs on which most servers and file systems are built.
These specs include a beautiful display, efficient CPU, strong graphics card, large RAM size, ample storage space, and long-lasting battery life.
Display
As a programmer, one thing you should desire to have is a laptop with a large display decent enough to work from anywhere.
A laptop with a large screen display will let you see every detail on the screen, unlike in smaller displays.
Also, you can freely run different programs on the screen simultaneously.
So we suggest you opt for a laptop with at least a screen size of 14-17-inch.
Regarding the resolution, most Apple laptops have excellent screen resolution and other display features that produce good picture quality.
For a proper workflow in your coding job, do not go for a display below FHD resolution.
So our basic recommendation for a screen is a 14inch FHD laptop.
Processor and Graphics
Since we are talking about programming, the processor and graphics are also important factors you must consider when buying your preferred laptop.
First, consider the processor you’ll need, Apple Silicon or Intel.
We have M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra for Apple Silicon.
Note that there’s no difference between the above-listed Chips; the M1 and M1 Max performance cores run at 3.2 GHz, and the efficiency core runs at 2.6 GHz.
On the other hand, the Intel options fall between Core i5-i7 processors; these processors are sufficient to run programming software.
So when you are on the market for the best laptop for programming, focus on getting a powerful processor.
In addition, a powerful integrated graphics card will do.
RAM and Storage
As a programmer, there are many factors you need to consider when choosing a RAM size for your laptop.
These factors include the applications you need and your developing tools.
Secondly, you must consider if you want to run multiple apps simultaneously on your computer.
These factors determine how much RAM you’ll need.
In our opinion, you can settle for a minimum of 8 GB RAM.
However, a 16 GB RAM will do a better job.
Also, consider its storage space and hard drive option.
Some programming software and applications are usually heavy files that need ample storage space to avoid lagging.
We suggest at least 256 GB SSD storage capacity so you can work and access all your files without a lagging system.
Keyboard and Battery Life
As a programmer, you need a comfortable keyboard with impressive key travel since your job deal with letters and symbols.
First, you will need an Ego-lift hinge keyboard for a comfortable typing position.
Also, consider a laptop with a backlit feature for easy inputting in areas with a low light setting.
Others
Battery life: To stay connected throughout your programming sessions, we recommend a laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life.
Connectivity: You should consider a laptop with adequate port selection for extensive connectivity.
Most of the ports you would like to see in Apple laptops include Thunderbolts, USB, HDMI, and headphones/Mic.
Also, you will find Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
Review in detail.
Our 7 Best Mac Laptop For Programming
Pls, note that most of the laptops featured in this review are renewed.
These are preowned laptops, repackaged by the manufacturers to perform as though they are new.
2020 Apple MacBook Pro
The 2020 Apple MacBook Pro comes first on the list of the best Mac laptops for programming.
It is a portable, high-performance laptop with an adorable look.
Design Features
The portability of this device is an added advantage as it weighs 3 pounds and measures 13.41 x 11.97 x 0.61 inches.
This MacBook has the same chassis and body build as other Apple laptops.
It looks modern and sharp in its space gray aluminum chassis.
The laptop carries an Apple logo on the back of the lid.
In the middle of the top bezels sits a webcam for smooth video conferencing with colleagues and friends.
Also, the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity keeps the laptop going by allowing multiple devices to be connected under one network.
More so, it has Thunderbolt/USB 4 that enables data transfer, charging, and video output through a single port.
Furthermore, it features incredible display features that allow you to view your program works from all angles.
It has a 13.3-inch brilliant display with an IPS panel and a native resolution of 256 x 1600 pixels.
This will offer plenty of rooms to accommodate all your windows in case you are the type that likes opening several tabs while working.
Also, you’ll get clearer visuals and beautiful image output without any blur.
Finally, it comes in handy with a Thermal Active Cooling system that keeps the system cool anytime it’s working under a high-intensive workload.
Performance
For productivity, the laptop uses the Apple M1 chip, which has an 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores, and a 16-core Neural Engine.
It also features an Apple 8-core GPU, 8 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage capacity for the smooth and snappy running of tasks.
Finally, it has up to 20 hours of battery life to keep you connected throughout your programming sessions.
Pros
- It has incredible battery life.
- The display is easy on the eye.
- Powerhouse processor.
Cons
- It is relatively expensive.
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2. 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
The second on the merit list of the best Mac laptop for programming is the 2022 Apple MacBook Air.
This is one of the most affordable programming Mac laptops you can buy now.
Design Features
The laptop is powerfully built to run all coding programs with an impressive 13-inch Retina display.
The display is stunning enough to make images look crisp and sharp when you view it.
Furthermore, it has a precision keyboard featuring an excellent key travel distance and a Scissor mechanism to deliver the best typing experience.
Plus, a Force Touch trackpad makes it easy to swipe, pinch, and zoom.
Just like the above-featured laptop, this also comes with a Touch ID bringing security to you using the fingerprint sensor available.
Performance
Performance-wise, the laptop compiles codes quickly with the Apple Apple M1 chip having 8-core with 4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores, and 16-core Neural Engine.
Not only that, but it also comes embedded with up to 8-core Apple GPU.
Likewise, it features 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD Flash Memory Solid State for the hard drive.
Finally, it is lightweight at 2.8 pounds and measures 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches.
Pros
- It has a good size weight.
- Precision keyboard with backlit.
- Responsive trackpad.
Cons
- The Face camera has some blur.
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3. Apple MacBook Pro MGXA2LL/A
Although the laptop does not come with the Apple Silicon Chip, it still delivers perfectly with its Intel processor.
Design Features
It is covered with an aluminum silver chassis, sporting an Apple logo on the back lid.
Also, it comes with a 15-inch Retina display with a FaceTime HD camera on the top of the lid to help you stay connected with the world via video calls.
The HD camera has dual mics, which deliver crisp and audible sound void of noise.
More so, working and typing in the dark wouldn’t be a problem because the keyboard is spacious enough with its backlit feature.
A good array of ports and 8 hours of battery life are included on the laptop for easy connectivity and a long working session.
Performance
Furthermore, the MGXA2LL/A delivers its work within the allocated time frame with the Intel Core i7 4770HQ processor.
In addition, it has four independent processor cores on a single silicon chip with a 6 MB shared level 3 cache memory.
On the other hand, the graphics are Intel Iris 5200 Pro integrated.
The 256 GB SSD Flash Memory Solid State for the hard drive and an 8 GB DDR3L RAM for better processor performance.
It is slightly heavy at 4.46 pounds and measures 9.73 x 14.13 x 0.71 inches.
Pros
- The 8 hours of battery life is impressive.
- Mac OS X.
- Good connectivity ports.
Cons
- Slightly heavy at 4.46 pounds.
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4. Apple MacBook Pro 15in Laptop
This is also one of the renewed laptops.
It has the required features that allow you to complete your tasks without a fault.
Design Features
The laptop combines the webcam on the top of the lid with its dual mics to offer quality sounds and visuals.
That isn’t all.
It comes top-notch with a fantastic display at 2880 x 1800 resolution and a screen size of 15.4-inch.
The connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, an HDMI port, an audio in/out port, and an SDXC card slot.
Finally, it is attractive in a silver aluminum body.
Performance
For computation exercises, it uses Intel Core i7 at a memory size of up to 2.3 GHz.
The NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M has 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory and an integrated Intel Iris 5200 Pro graphics processor.
Likewise, it uses 16 GB DDR3 RAM and 512 GB SSD for the hard drive.
Overall, the laptop provides you with enough processing power for essential and high-end functions.
Pros
- The graphics come dedicated.
- Enough 16 GB DDR3 RAM.
- 512 GB SSD for the hard drive.
Cons
- Slightly heavy at 4.46 pounds.
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5. Apple MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro is the fifth contender on the list of the best Mac laptops for programming.
Design Features
The MLH32LL/A doesn’t come with the usual Apple MacBook look.
It has a compact and subtle look covered with a space gray.
It is a 15.4-inch display laptop with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
The webcam on top of the display can cater to your video chat without compromise.
Its two speakers are placed side by side to deliver exclusive audio output.
Performance
The laptop is a powerhouse with an Intel Core i7 6700HQ processor and Intel HD Graphics 530.
Additionally, it delivers impressive multitasking performance with 16 GB LPDDR3 RAM.
Additionally, this laptop offers 512 GB SSD storage capacity giving you enough space to save personal and official documents.
Lastly, it works with Mac 10.13 High Sierra Operating System.
Pros
- MacOS 10.13 High Sierra.
- It has a great screen display.
- Good keyboard with an attractive design.
Cons
- Average battery life.
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6. Apple MacBook Pro
This is another MacBook Pro, however, in a different configuration.
It is also a renewed laptop repackaged to work as though its new.
Design Features
Like other MacBook laptops, this is built with aluminum chassis, painted silver.
The 15.4-inch screen display has a LED-backlit with an IPS and a Native resolution of 288 x 1800 pixels.
With this, you won’t find it difficult to view the screen from any angle
It also delivers the best visual output with less clutter.
Furthermore, the laptop packs incredible features on its chassis, adding slightly to its weight, making it a little bit challenging to move around.
It weighs 4.49 pounds and measures 14.13 x 9.73 x 0.71 inches.
On the whole, it offers up to 9 hours of battery life.
Performance
To process all your programming functions, the MacBook Pro comes with an Intel Core i7-4870HQ processor and AMD Radeon R9 M370X Graphics which has 2GB GDDR of dedicated VRAM.
In addition, it comes in handy with 16 GB DDR3L RAM for quick and effortless multitasking.
Finally, it bags a 512 GB SSD storage option for seamless performance.
Pros
- Dedicated GPU option.
- 2880 x 1800 Native Resolution.
- Good AMD processor.
Cons
- It’s heavy to carry around.
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7. Apple MacBook Air MF068LL/A
Apple MacBook Air is again on our list of the best Mac laptops for programming.
Hence, it is the last to be featured in this review.
Design Features
It offers visuals in a 13.3-inch Widescreen TFT LED-Backlit Display with 1440 x 900-pixel native resolution.
The portability is an added advantage because you can work and program anywhere.
As a result, it weighs 2.96 pounds and measures 18 x 15 x 4 inches.
Also, if you are looking forward to an affordable and efficient MacBook for programming work, this will be a good choice.
Performance
Furthermore, the CPU processes all programming functions with an Intel Core i7-2600 processor.
Supporting the processor is Intel HD Graphics 5000.
Also, there’s 500 GB SSD Flash Memory Solid State for the hard drive and 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM.
Finally, with all these features combined, you’ll enjoy hitch-free programming without interruption.
Pros
- The laptop is fast in boot up.
- Strong multitasking power.
- Good browsing speed.
Cons
- The webcam is not impressive.
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Conclusion On The Best Mac Laptop For Programming
To wrap it up, we believe you’ll find one or two that can solve your needs.
All contain distinctive features that can help you succeed in your programming works.
However, we covered different price tags of laptops so you won’t be left behind when it comes to price, including our overall best pick, the ✅2020 Apple MacBook Pro.
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