Best Laptops under CA$700 for programming and development

Best Pick

ASUS Vivobook 15.6" 15

44.5 Developers Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 5 7430U 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon
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ASUS L410 14" L410MA-DB02 Star Black

30.8 Developers Score
14" Intel Celeron 4GB RAM 64GB SSD Intel UHD Graphics 600
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ASUS 14" Quiet Blue

29.5 Developers Score
14" AMD Ryzen 5 4500 4GB RAM 64GB SSD Intel Iris Xe Graphics
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ASUS Chromebook Plus 14" CX34 Pearl White 2023

20.5 Developers Score
14" Intel Core i3 1215U 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
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ASUS BR Series 12.2" BR1204CGA-YS14T Grey 2026

18.5 Developers Score
12.2" Intel Processor N100 4GB RAM 128GB SSD Intel UHD Graphic
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ASUS Chromebook 14" CX1400CKA

16.8 Developers Score
14" AMD Ryzen 5 4500 8GB RAM 64GB SSD
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ASUS Chromebook Plus CX14 14" CX1405CTA-DS31-CB Rock Gray

15.4 Developers Score
14" Intel Core 3 N355 8GB RAM 128GB SSD
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Best Laptops under CA$1,500 for programming and development

Best Pick

ASUS Zenbook A14 14" UX3407QA-DS52-CA Zabriskie Beige

71.1 Developers Score
14" Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Integrated Graphics
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ASUS Vivobook 16"

69.8 Developers Score
16" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon
Why we recommend this

The AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 processor and 32GB of 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM provide strong multitasking headroom for a budget 16-inch laptop, though the 300-nit, 45% NTSC display limits color-critical work. Its 1.88kg weight and full port selection, including dual USB-C with Power Delivery and HDMI 2.1, make it a practical, portable workstation for desk and travel use. This configuration is best for students or office workers who need a large screen for documents and spreadsheets, with enough memory to handle heavy browser-based research.

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ASUS TUF 15.6" FX507VV-BH74-CB Mecha Grey

66.5 Developers Score
15.6" Intel Core i7 13620H 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
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ASUS ExpertBook 14" P5405CSA-DH54

66.3 Developers Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 5 226V 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics 130
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ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED 14" UX3405CA-DS51T-CA Ponder Blue

65.2 Developers Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 5 225H 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel® Arc™ 130T Graphics Processor
Why we recommend this

Featuring an Intel Core Ultra 5 225H chip and a 14-inch 1920x1200 OLED touchscreen with 400 nits and 100% DCI-P3, the ZenBook 14 OLED weighs just 1.28kg and packs a 75Wh battery. The integrated Arc 130T graphics handle AI tasks and light creative work, while Thunderbolt, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 7 provide modern connectivity. It's ideal for students and professionals needing a vivid, color-accurate display for everyday productivity and media consumption in a highly portable design.

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ASUS Vivobook 16 16" M1607 Quiet Blue

58 Developers Score
16" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon Graphics
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ASUS Vivobook S 14 Flip 14" TP3402VA-DS51T-CA

54.3 Developers Score
14" Intel Core i5 13420H 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD
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ASUS ExpertBook P1 14" P1403CVA-P516512-CB

51.5 Developers Score
14" Intel Core i5 13420H 16GB RAM 512GB SSD
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ASUS Vivobook 15 15.6" X1502VA-DS51-CA Quiet Blue 2022

43.7 Developers Score
15.6" Intel Core i5 13420H 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Iris Xe
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ASUS V16 16" V3607VH-BB54-CB Black

43.2 Developers Score
16" Intel Core 5 210H 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050
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ASUS TUF Gaming 16" FA607NUG-BH73-CB Mecha Grey

39.7 Developers Score
16" AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS 16GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
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Best Laptops under CA$3,000 for programming and development

Best Pick

ASUS ROG Flow 13.4" GZ302 2025

88.6 Developers Score
13.4" AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon 8060S
Why we recommend this

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with integrated Radeon 8060S graphics delivers discrete-level gaming performance in a 1.20kg chassis, paired with a 13.4-inch 180Hz 500-nit display. Its vapor chamber cooling keeps the 16-core chip cool under load, while the 2.65-pound tablet form factor and touchscreen make it a versatile travel companion. Best for creators and travelers needing a portable workstation for 4K media editing and local AI model execution, not competitive gaming.

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ASUS ROG Strix 16" G615LM-DS96 Eclipse Gray 2025

79 Developers Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU
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ASUS Vivobook S 16" S5606CA

76.6 Developers Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285H drives a vivid 16-inch 2880x1800 OLED 120Hz display with 100% DCI-P3 color, making this 1.5kg laptop a strong visual performer. Its slim, 1.5kg chassis integrates full connectivity including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7, balancing portability against practical I/O. This notebook best suits users focused on entertainment and development, from streaming HDR content to coding, where the stunning OLED screen and 32GB of RAM excel but integrated graphics preclude gaming.

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ASUS Vivobook Pro 15.6" N6506CU-DS91-CA Earl Gray

75.1 Developers Score
15.6" Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 24GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Why we recommend this

A 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285H and GeForce RTX 4050 drive a 15.6-inch 2880x1620 120Hz OLED panel with full DCI-P3 coverage, delivering sharp, color-accurate visuals. 24GB DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD offer strong multitasking headroom, while 400 nits brightness and Thunderbolt connectivity add practical versatility. Video editors and 3D artists needing accurate colors and GPU-accelerated rendering in a portable 1.80kg body will find this the best fit.

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ASUS ExpertBook P5 14"

69.6 Developers Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 7 258V 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
Why we recommend this

Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with integrated Arc Graphics and 32GB LPDDR5X memory drives a 14-inch 2560x1600 IPS display at 144Hz with 400 nits brightness and full sRGB coverage. This Copilot+ PC adds AI acceleration and a wide port set—Thunderbolt, dual USB-C, dual USB-A, and HDMI 2.1—for versatile desk setups. It suits business users and developers who prioritize a sharp, fluid screen for multitasking over gaming, given its weak 21.1/100 gaming score.

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ASUS TUF Gaming 18" A18

69.1 Developers Score
18" AMD Ryzen 7 260 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this

The Ryzen 7 260 and RTX 5060 push smooth frame rates on the 18-inch 144Hz IPS display with 100% sRGB coverage, paired with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Its rugged military-grade TUF chassis offers durability that belies the 5.02kg weight, making it a sturdy desktop replacement. This machine suits stationary gamers and streamers who prioritize a large, color-accurate screen and reliable performance over portability.

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ASUS ROG Strix G16 16" G614JV Gray 2023

68.6 Developers Score
16" Intel Core i7 13650HX 16GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Why we recommend this

The 14-core Intel Core i7-13650HX and 8GB RTX 4060 GPU drive a 16-inch 165Hz G-Sync display with Dolby Vision HDR, delivering smooth visuals for gaming and creative tasks. The professionally upgraded configuration ships with Windows 10 Pro and a 32GB USB drive, supported by a 12-month warranty. This laptop is best for desk-bound gamers and content creators who value the 165Hz G-Sync panel, accurate 100% sRGB color, and RTX 4060 graphics over portability.

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ASUS ROG Strix G15 15.6" G513IM Eclipse gray 2025

64.9 Developers Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 7 4800H 64GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Why we recommend this

An uncommon 64GB DDR4 RAM and 2TB SSD configuration supersedes typical gaming laptops, driven by an AMD Ryzen 7 4800H and RTX 3060. The 144Hz IPS panel maintains smooth motion in fast-paced titles, backed by a 90Wh battery for extended unplugged play. This rig is best for gamers and multitaskers demanding extreme memory capacity who can overlook its 4.48kg weight and limited 62.5% sRGB color.

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ASUS Zenbook S 14 14" UX5406SA-DH71T-CB Zumaia Gray 2024

64.5 Developers Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Why we recommend this

Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 256V with integrated Arc Graphics, its 14-inch 2.8K OLED 120Hz display delivers 100% DCI-P3 color and 400 nits brightness in a 1.20kg chassis backed by a 72Wh battery. Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and a touchscreen add modern I/O, while the ultralight build enhances everyday portability. This laptop suits frequent travelers and media enthusiasts prioritizing a vivid OLED panel and all-day mobility, not gaming performance.

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ASUS TUF Gaming A16 16" A16

62.1 Developers Score
16" AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
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ASUS Vivobook 15.6" Pro 15

61 Developers Score
15.6" Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 24GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX (4050 W TGP)
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 13-core processor and RTX 4050 drive a 15.6" 2.8K OLED 120Hz display with 500 nits and 100% DCI-P3 gamut for precise color work. An SD 4.0 reader, Thunderbolt 4, and Intel’s AI Boost NPU complement a 1.8kg chassis with a 75Wh battery for practical mobile creation. This laptop best serves content creators editing 4K footage who need a vivid OLED screen and GPU acceleration, but not gamers given its 50.7 gaming rating.

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ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 15.6" G533QS-DS94 Black 2022

60.4 Developers Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
Why we recommend this

Powered by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 and AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, the 15.6-inch 300Hz FHD IPS display ensures minimal motion blur in fast-paced titles. Its opto-mechanical per-key RGB keyboard provides tactile, clicky feedback rarely found in gaming laptops. This machine suits esports competitors who need 300Hz refresh rates and responsive mechanical inputs above 4K resolution.

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ASUS TUF Dash 15.6" FX517ZM-AS73 Off Black 2022

53.7 Developers Score
15.6" Intel Core i7 12650H 16GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
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ASUS TUF F16 16" FX608JMR-BS74-CB Jaeger Grey 2025

51.5 Developers Score
16" Intel Core i7 14650HX 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
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ASUS TUF 18" A18 Gaming Laptop 18”

45.7 Developers Score
18" AMD Ryzen 3 1200 24GB RAM 4096GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
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ASUS Chromebook Vibe Cx34 Flip 14" CX3401FBA-YZ762T-S Pearl White 2026

13.3 Developers Score
14" AMD Ryzen 3 1200 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Iris Xe Graphics
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Premium Laptops for programming and development

Best Pick

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 13.4" GZ302 2025

90.8 Developers Score
13.4" AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 128GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon 8060S
Why we recommend this

The AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 processor and 128GB LPDDR5X RAM enable local 70-billion-parameter LLM processing in a 1.20kg 2-in-1 with Radeon 8060S graphics. Its 13.4-inch 180Hz 2560x1600 touchscreen hits 500 nits and full DCI-P3, while Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt streamline connectivity. Ideal for AI researchers and creators needing a portable tablet workstation for generative AI and 4K editing.

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ASUS 16" Republic of Gamers Strix SCAR 16

86.4 Developers Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
Why we recommend this

The RTX 5080 with 16GB GDDR7 and a 240Hz Mini-LED display delivering 1200 nits peak brightness drive elite 1600p gaming and creator performance. Its 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity provide ample speed for large project files, though the 2.85kg chassis prioritizes cooling over portability. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and 3D artists who need maximum frame rates and color accuracy at their desk.

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ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 SCAR 16

85.9 Developers Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
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ASUS ROG Zephyrus 16" GU605CW-XS98-CB Eclipse Gray 2025

79.4 Developers Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 64GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU
Why we recommend this

An Intel Core Ultra 9 285H and RTX 5080 with 64GB LPDDR5X power this 1.95kg chassis, while the 16-inch OLED display offers 240Hz refresh and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. The 90Wh battery supports all-day use, and Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi 7, and a touchscreen expand connectivity and input options. Its 92.7/100 creator score suits photographers or video editors who need accurate color reproduction and portable performance.

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ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18" G835 Black 2025

78.8 Developers Score
18" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU
Why we recommend this

Armed with an RTX 5090 (24GB VRAM) and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, this 18-inch laptop drives a 240Hz Mini-LED display at 1200 nits, cooled by a vapor chamber. Its Mini-LED panel with over 2,000 dimming zones and 100% DCI-P3 ensures deep contrast, and the tool-less chassis eases upgrades. Best for 4K video editors and competitive gamers needing color accuracy and high refresh rates.

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ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 18" G835LR-XS96

76.6 Developers Score
18" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5070 Ti deliver top-tier frame rates, kept stable by a tri-fan vapor chamber with liquid metal cooling. Its 18-inch Mini-LED display reaches 1200 nits with 2000+ dimming zones for deep HDR contrast, while tool-free access makes RAM and SSD upgrades effortless. This desktop replacement is best for competitive gamers and creators who need a massive, color-accurate 240Hz screen and refuse to compromise on sustained peak performance.

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