The buyer question · week of Nov 2 – 8

Best Laptops for Programming Ranking

Picked by AI, checked by people.

The weekly chart ?

The top 20 products brands right now.

Product chart

Current race ?

This week ?

New #1: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14 Aura Edition), up from #2.

#1 in 1 of the last 25 weeks

2 debuts2 backbiggest climb 294 out

All 30 moves ↓

Tap a card for each AI’s place and the monthly check.

#ProductPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1up 1 place since last weekThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14 Aura Edition)LenovoNew #1not checkedAlso #1 Best Laptops for Work · #2 LaptopsLast week #2 · 13 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#2
    6. Perplexity#8

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #1 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Watch · YouTube ?

    I Tried the Slick New ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14. It's Lenovo’s Most Repairable Ultraportable YetYouTube: 70.4K views · Jan 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14 Aura Edition)
  2. #2down 1 place since last weekXPS 14 (2026)DellAlso #2 Best Laptops for Work · #3 Laptops · +1Last week #1 · 16 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#14
    2. Claude#13
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#3
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #2 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.686 ratings · Jul 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.2/5read from 4 videos · Oct 2026 ? 123
    • Press8/9outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 9 publications

    Publication details not saved for this check

    Watch · YouTube and TikTok ?

    Is Dell’s Best XPS Enough? - XPS 14 2026 ReviewYouTube: Zip Tie Tech · 158K views · Jul 2026

    2 TikTok clips · 177K views

    167K10K

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Dell XPS 14 (2026)
  3. #3same place as last weekXPS 16 (2026)DellAlso #5 Best Laptops for Work · #9 LaptopsLast week #3 · 14 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#13
    2. Claude#14
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #3 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.1167 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Press6/8outlets recommend · 1 with more cons than pros · Sep 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 8 publications
    • Tom's HardwareRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • PCMagRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • HotHardwareRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • TechRadarRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • ZDNETRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • engadget.comRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • PCWorldMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • CNETMore cons than pros · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    Dell XPS 16 (2026) - Return to Glory?YouTube: Andrew Marc David · 227K views · Feb 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Dell XPS 16 (2026)
  4. #4up 2 places since last weekMacBook Air 15-inch (M5)AppleMonthly check: Passes the checkAlso #2 Best Laptops for Students · #4 Laptops · +1Last week #6 · 17 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#3
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#9
    6. Perplexity#4

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #4 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Passes the check · buyers and the press rate it highly ?
    • Buyers’ rating4.91,989 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Press4/4outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Oct 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 4 publications
    • MashableRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • PCMagRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Ars TechnicaRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • NotebookcheckRecommends · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · TikTok ?

    1 TikTok clip · 794 views

    794

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)
  5. #5up 8 places since last weekMacBook Pro 16-inch M5 MaxAppleLast week #13 · 17 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#2
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#3

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #5 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.8408 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Press6/6outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 6 publications
    • PCMagRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • EngadgetRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • MacworldRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • CNETRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • PetaPixelRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Tom's HardwareRecommends · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    The new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 MaxYouTube: Apple · 1.7M views · Mar 2026
    Search Google for Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Max
  6. #6down 1 place since last weekThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13LenovoAlso #12 Laptops · #13 Best Laptops for WorkLast week #5 · 17 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#6
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #6 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.4939 ratings · Jun 2026
    • Press4/6outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 6 publications
    • ZDNETRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • Ultrabookreview.comRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • NotebookcheckMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • CNETMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • TechRadarRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • ForbesRecommends · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13: The Laptop You Want, But Can't AffordYouTube: Just Josh · 245K views · Feb 2025

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13
  7. #7same place as last weekThinkPad P1 Gen 9Lenovonot checkedLast week #7 · 6 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#6

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #7 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 9
  8. #8up 2 places since last weekMacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro)AppleAlso #12 Best Laptops for Work · #14 LaptopsLast week #10 · 16 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#1
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#20
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #8 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.71,932 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos3.5/5read from 2 videos · Jul 2026 ? 12
    • Press1/3outlets recommend · 1 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 3 publications
    • AppleInsiderRecommends · Date not savedOriginal
    • NotebookcheckMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Ars TechnicaMore cons than pros · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube and TikTok ?

    M5 MacBook Pro First Review - This… or an M4 MacBook Air?YouTube: The Tech Chap · 464K views · Oct 2025

    1 TikTok clip · 752K views

    752K

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro)
  9. #9down 5 places since last weekROG Zephyrus G16 (2026)ASUSAlso #4 Best Gaming Laptops · #7 LaptopsLast week #4 · 15 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#8
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#11
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #9 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.6206 ratings · Jul 2026
    • Press1/3outlets recommend · 0 with more cons than pros · Jul 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 3 publications
    • Tom's GuideMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • Ultrabookreview.comMixed · Date not savedOriginal
    • The VergeRecommends · Date not savedOriginal

    Watch · YouTube ?

    I Might Ditch My MacBook Pro | 2 Months With the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026)YouTube: Terren Rule · 41.5K views · Jul 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026)
  10. #10up 5 places since last weekMacBook Air 13-inch with M5AppleMonthly check: Passes the checkAlso #1 Laptops · #1 Best Laptops for Students · +1Last week #15 · 17 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#4
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexity#5

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #10 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Passes the check · buyers and video reviews rate it highly ?
    • Buyers’ rating4.93,818 ratings · Oct 2026
    • Score read from review videos4.3/5read from 2 videos · Oct 2026 ? 12
    • Owners’ threads: widespread, serious failures0serious failures · 9 threads read · Oct 2026
    • Press6/9outlets recommend · 1 with more cons than pros · Sep 2026
    Evidence
    Check evidence
    Frozen October 29, 2026
    Press · 9 publications

    Publication details not saved for this check

    Owners

    9 threads read · 0 serious failure themes

    Watch · YouTube ?

    M5 MacBook Air After 5 Months: Still Worth $1,300?YouTube: Adam Talks Tech · 77.9K views · Sep 2026

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M5
  11. #11up 3 places since last weekBlade 16 (2026)Razernot checkedAlso #2 Best Gaming Laptops · #5 LaptopsLast week #14 · 14 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#19
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#15
    6. Perplexity#29

    named by 3/6

    The card’s #11 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Razer Blade 16 (2026)
  12. #12up 4 places since last weekThinkPad P1 Gen 8LenovoLast week #16 · 13 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#7
    2. Claude#7
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #12 is the 4-week average.

    People · October 2026 check ?

    • Buyers’ rating4.261 ratings · Aug 2026
    Search Google for Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8
  13. #13up 9 places since last weekThinkPad T14s Gen 6LenovoRe-entrynot checkedLast week #22 · 6 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#8
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #13 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
  14. #14down 3 places since last weekPrestige 16 AI EvoMSInot checkedLast week #11 · 10 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#18
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #14 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
  15. #15up 2 places since last weekPrecision 5690Dellnot checkedLast week #17 · 9 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#15
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#19
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #15 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Dell Precision 5690
  16. #16up 15 places since last weekLaptop 16FrameworkRe-entrynot checkedLast week #31 · 7 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#15
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Grok#7
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #16 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Framework Laptop 16
  17. #17up 15 places since last weekMacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)AppleDebutnot checkedAlso #9 Best Laptops for Students · #9 Best Laptops for Work · +1Last week #32 · 1 week in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claude#5
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    The card’s #17 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
  18. #18down 10 places since last weekMacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro, 2026)Applenot checkedAlso #6 Best Laptops for Work · #15 LaptopsLast week #8 · 5 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    The card’s #18 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Also in the top 20 of ?

    Search Google for Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro, 2026)
  19. #19up 29 places since last weekThinkPad T14 Gen 6LenovoDebutBiggest climbnot checkedLast week #48 · 1 week in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#8
    2. Claude#9
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 2/6

    The card’s #19 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 6
  20. #20down 11 places since last weekMacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max, 2026)Applenot checkedLast week #9 · 6 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    The card’s #20 is the 4-week average.

    Not in the October 2026 check ?

    Search Google for Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max, 2026)

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

Show places 21–100Hide places 21–100
  1. #21Zenbook S 16 (2026)ASUS · last wk #19 2 wks in top 20
  2. #22ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 (AMD)Lenovo · last wk #41 0 wks in top 20
  3. #23ProArt P16ASUS · last wk #40 0 wks in top 20
  4. #24ThinkPad T14 Gen 7Lenovo · last wk #12 2 wks in top 20
  5. #25Laptop 16 (2026)Framework · last wk #21 3 wks in top 20
  6. #2616-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)Apple · last wk #23 0 wks in top 20
  7. #27MacBook Pro (14-inch or 16-inch, M5 Pro / M5 Max)Apple · last wk #24 0 wks in top 20
  8. #2814-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro)Apple · last wk #26 0 wks in top 20
  9. #29ZBook Fury 16 G12HP · last wk #25 0 wks in top 20
  10. #30Latitude 7450Dell · last wk #63 0 wks in top 20
  11. #3116-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max)Apple · last wk #28 0 wks in top 20
  12. #32ThinkPad T14s Gen 7Lenovo · last wk #33 0 wks in top 20
  13. #3314-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max)Apple · last wk #29 0 wks in top 20
  14. #34ZBook Power G11HP · last wk #49 0 wks in top 20
  15. #35EliteBook 1040 G11HP · last wk #51 0 wks in top 20
  16. #36Pro Max 16 PlusDell · last wk #69 0 wks in top 20
  17. #3715-inch MacBook Air (M5)Apple · last wk #30 0 wks in top 20
  18. #3813-inch MacBook Air (M5)Apple · last wk #34 0 wks in top 20
  19. #39ThinkPad P16 Gen 3Lenovo · last wk #58 1 wk in top 20
  20. #40XPS 14 (2026, Core Ultra X7 358H)Dell · last wk #35 0 wks in top 20
  21. #41ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 (Intel)Lenovo · last wk #60 0 wks in top 20
  22. #42XPS 13 (2026)Dell · last wk #36 1 wk in top 20Passes the check
  23. #43ThinkPad T14 Gen 5Lenovo · last wk #37 0 wks in top 20
  24. #44Surface Laptop 8Microsoft · last wk #18 10 wks in top 20
  25. #45MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Pro)Apple · last wk #86 3 wks in top 20
  26. #46ThinkPad P16 Gen 4Lenovo · last wk #27 1 wk in top 20
  27. #47ZBook Fury G1i 16HP · last wk #54 0 wks in top 20
  28. #48MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max, 2026)Apple · last wk #84 0 wks in top 20
  29. #49ThinkPad P14s Gen 7Lenovo · last wk #42 0 wks in top 20
  30. #50MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro, 2026)Apple · last wk #89 0 wks in top 20
  31. #51ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026)ASUS · last wk #43 0 wks in top 20
  32. #52ThinkPad P1 Gen 7Lenovo · last wk — 6 wks in top 20
  33. #53Galaxy Book5 Pro 360Samsung · last wk #39 1 wk in top 20
  34. #54MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 2026)Apple · last wk #38 4 wks in top 20
  35. #55Legion Pro 7i Gen 10Lenovo · last wk #44 2 wks in top 20
  36. #56MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)Apple · last wk #45 8 wks in top 20Passes the check
  37. #57ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12Lenovo · last wk — 5 wks in top 20
  38. #58EliteBook X G1a 14HP · last wk #46 0 wks in top 20
  39. #59Pro Max 16 Plus (2026)Dell · last wk #52 0 wks in top 20
  40. #60Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15-inchMicrosoft · last wk #53 0 wks in top 20
  41. #61ProArt P16 (2026)ASUS · last wk #20 6 wks in top 20
  42. #62XPS 16 (9640)Dell · last wk — 1 wk in top 20
  43. #63XPS 14 (9440)Dell · last wk — 3 wks in top 20
  44. #64ThinkPad P14s Gen 6Lenovo · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  45. #65Swift 14 AI (2026)Acer · last wk #50 0 wks in top 20
  46. #66Laptop 13Framework · last wk #56 0 wks in top 20
  47. #67ZBook Studio G12HP · last wk #59 0 wks in top 20
  48. #68EliteBook X G2i 14HP · last wk #61 0 wks in top 20
  49. #69EliteBook X G2iHP · last wk #55 0 wks in top 20
  50. #7016-inch MacBook Pro with M5 ProApple · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  51. #71MacBook Pro 14 / 16 (M4 Pro / Max)Apple · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  52. #72MacBook Pro 16-inch (2026, M5 Max)Apple · last wk #64 0 wks in top 20
  53. #7314-inch MacBook Pro with M5 ProApple · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  54. #74MacBook Pro 14-inch (M6)Apple · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  55. #75ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 / Gen 14 Aura EditionLenovo · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  56. #76MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)Apple · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  57. #77Spectre x360 14 (2026)HP · last wk — 9 wks in top 20
  58. #78MacBook Pro (M4 / M5 Series)Apple · last wk #65 0 wks in top 20
  59. #79MacBook Pro 14-inch (2026, M5 Pro)Apple · last wk #67 0 wks in top 20
  60. #80MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Max, 2026)Apple · last wk #68 0 wks in top 20
  61. #8116-inch MacBook Pro with M5 MaxApple · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  62. #82MacBook Air 13 / 15 (M4)Apple · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  63. #83Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2)Framework · last wk #77 0 wks in top 20
  64. #84MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro / M5 Max, 2026)Apple · last wk #75 0 wks in top 20
  65. #85Laptop 13 (2026)Framework · last wk #57 0 wks in top 20
  66. #86MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max)Apple · last wk #83 0 wks in top 20
  67. #87MacBook Pro 16 M5 ProApple · last wk #85 2 wks in top 20
  68. #88MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Pro / M5 Max, 2026)Apple · last wk #81 3 wks in top 20
  69. #89Surface Laptop 7th EditionMicrosoft · last wk — 1 wk in top 20
  70. #90ZBook Ultra G1aHP · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  71. #91ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 15Lenovo · last wk #87 4 wks in top 20
  72. #92MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)Apple · last wk #88 0 wks in top 20
  73. #93MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Pro/Max)Apple · last wk #90 0 wks in top 20
  74. #94ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura EditionLenovo · last wk — 4 wks in top 20
  75. #95OmniBook Ultra 14HP · last wk #92 0 wks in top 20
  76. #96Lemur ProSystem76 · last wk — 0 wks in top 20
  77. #97MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)Apple · last wk #94 4 wks in top 20
  78. #98Zephyrus G16ASUS ROG · last wk #93 0 wks in top 20
  79. #99MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)Apple · last wk #95 4 wks in top 20Passes the check
  80. #100XPS 16 9650Dell · last wk #98 0 wks in top 20

Brand chart

Current race ?

This week ?

Apple holds #1.

#1 in 25 of the last 25 weeks

1 out

All 6 moves ↓

Tap a card for its products here, its price tier and other charts.

#BrandPlace by weekLast weekWeeks in top 20Top-20 weeks
  1. #1same place as last weekAppleModels here: #4 MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) · #5 MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Max · +36Last week #1 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Apple products here ?

    38 products in the top 100 · 7 in the top 20

    1. #4 MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)Passes the check: buyers 4.9★ · press 4/4
    2. #5 MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 MaxBuyers’ rating 4.8 · 408 ratings · Oct 2026
    3. #8 MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro)Buyers’ rating 4.7 · 1.9K ratings · Oct 2026
    4. #10 MacBook Air 13-inch with M5Passes the check: buyers 4.9★ · video reviews 4.3/5
    5. #17 MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)not checked

    Where Apple is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Apple laptops for programming
  2. #2same place as last weekLenovoModels here: #1 ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14 Aura Edition) · #6 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 · +19Last week #2 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Lenovo products here ?

    21 products in the top 100 · 6 in the top 20

    1. #1 ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14 Aura Edition)not checked
    2. #6 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13Buyers’ rating 4.4 · 939 ratings · Jun 2026
    3. #7 ThinkPad P1 Gen 9not checked
    4. #12 ThinkPad P1 Gen 8Buyers’ rating 4.2 · 61 ratings · Aug 2026
    5. #13 ThinkPad T14s Gen 6not checked

    Where Lenovo is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Lenovo laptops for programming
  3. #3same place as last weekDellModels here: #2 XPS 14 (2026) · #3 XPS 16 (2026) · +9Last week #3 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Dell products here ?

    11 products in the top 100 · 3 in the top 20

    1. #2 XPS 14 (2026)Buyers’ rating 4.6 · 86 ratings · Jul 2026
    2. #3 XPS 16 (2026)Buyers’ rating 4.1 · 167 ratings · Oct 2026
    3. #15 Precision 5690not checked
    4. #30 Latitude 7450below the top 20
    5. #36 Pro Max 16 Plusbelow the top 20

    Where Dell is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Dell laptops for programming
  4. #4up 2 places since last weekFrameworkModels here: #16 Laptop 16 · #25 Laptop 16 (2026) · +3Last week #6 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Framework products here ?

    5 products in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #16 Laptop 16not checked
    2. #25 Laptop 16 (2026)below the top 20
    3. #66 Laptop 13below the top 20
    4. #83 Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2)below the top 20
    5. #85 Laptop 13 (2026)below the top 20

    Where Framework is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Framework laptops for programming
  5. #5same place as last weekHPModels here: #29 ZBook Fury 16 G12 · #34 ZBook Power G11 · +9Last week #5 · 25 weeks in top 20

    HP products here ?

    11 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #29 ZBook Fury 16 G12below the top 20
    2. #34 ZBook Power G11below the top 20
    3. #35 EliteBook 1040 G11below the top 20
    4. #47 ZBook Fury G1i 16below the top 20
    5. #58 EliteBook X G1a 14below the top 20

    Where HP is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for HP laptops for programming
  6. #6down 2 places since last weekASUSModels here: #9 ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) · #21 Zenbook S 16 (2026) · +3Last week #4 · 25 weeks in top 20

    ASUS products here ?

    5 products in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #9 ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026)Buyers’ rating 4.6 · 206 ratings · Jul 2026
    2. #21 Zenbook S 16 (2026)below the top 20
    3. #23 ProArt P16below the top 20
    4. #51 ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026)below the top 20
    5. #61 ProArt P16 (2026)below the top 20

    Where ASUS is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for ASUS laptops for programming
  7. #7same place as last weekMicrosoftModels here: #44 Surface Laptop 8 · #60 Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15-inch · +1Last week #7 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Microsoft products here ?

    3 products in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #44 Surface Laptop 8below the top 20
    2. #60 Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15-inchbelow the top 20
    3. #89 Surface Laptop 7th Editionbelow the top 20

    Where Microsoft is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Microsoft laptops for programming
  8. #8same place as last weekMSIModels here: #14 Prestige 16 AI EvoLast week #8 · 25 weeks in top 20

    MSI products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #14 Prestige 16 AI Evonot checked

    Where MSI is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for MSI laptops for programming
  9. #9same place as last weekAcerModels here: #65 Swift 14 AI (2026)Last week #9 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Acer products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #65 Swift 14 AI (2026)below the top 20

    Where Acer is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Acer laptops for programming
  10. #10same place as last weekRazerModels here: #11 Blade 16 (2026)Last week #10 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Razer products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 1 in the top 20

    1. #11 Blade 16 (2026)not checked

    Where Razer is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Razer laptops for programming
  11. #11up 1 place since last weekSystem76Models here: #96 Lemur ProLast week #12 · 24 weeks in top 20

    System76 products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #96 Lemur Probelow the top 20

    Where System76 is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for System76 laptops for programming
  12. #12down 1 place since last weekSamsungModels here: #53 Galaxy Book5 Pro 360Last week #11 · 25 weeks in top 20

    Samsung products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #53 Galaxy Book5 Pro 360below the top 20

    Where Samsung is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Samsung laptops for programming
  13. #13same place as last weekASUS ROGModels here: #98 Zephyrus G16Last week #13 · 7 weeks in top 20

    ASUS ROG products here ?

    1 product in the top 100 · 0 in the top 20

    1. #98 Zephyrus G16below the top 20

    Where ASUS ROG is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for ASUS ROG laptops for programming
  14. #14same place as last weekLGAlso #1 Home, Kitchen & Appliances · #1 TVs & Home Theater · +4Last week #14 · 25 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPT#30
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #14 is the 4-week average.

    Where LG is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for LG laptops for programming
  15. #15up 1 place since last weekGigabyteAlso #7 Best Gaming Monitors · #8 Best Gaming Laptops · +4Last week #16 · 25 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemini#20
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 1/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #15 is the 4-week average.

    Where Gigabyte is strong · top 20 ?

    Search Google for Gigabyte laptops for programming
  16. #16down 1 place since last weekTUXEDOLast week #15 · 15 weeks in top 20

    AI places · this week ?

    1. GPTnot named
    2. Claudenot named
    3. Gemininot named
    4. AI Modenot named
    5. Groknot named
    6. Perplexitynot named

    named by 0/6

    Where each AI put its first product. The card’s #16 is the 4-week average.

    Search Google for TUXEDO laptops for programming

Dropped out of the top 20 ?

  • Google was #17, now below #100 17 weeks in the top 20

The monthly check covers products; a brand is marked “Passes the check” only when its products here pass. See the product check → ?

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10, in its own answer this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartProductChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14 Aura Edition)2, well above the others8, well below the others2/6
#2XPS 14 (2026)14133, well above the others3/6
#3XPS 16 (2026)13142/6
#4MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)39, well below the others43/6
#5MacBook Pro 16-inch M5 Max232/6
#6ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 1361/6
#7ThinkPad P1 Gen 961/6
#8MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5 Pro)1, well above the others20, well below the others2/6
#9ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026)8112/6
#10MacBook Air 13-inch with M5452/6

Further down: Grok and Perplexity’s #1 MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Pro) (#45 on this chart)Gemini’s #1 MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max, 2026) (#48 on this chart)ChatGPT’s #1 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro (#70 on this chart)AI Mode’s #1 MacBook Pro 14 / 16 (M4 Pro / Max) (#71 on this chart)

The AI panel ?

Where the AIs disagree.

Each AI’s place for the top 10 brands: where it put the brand’s highest-placed product this week. Rows in chart order; an empty cell: not named this week.well above the other AIs well below not named this week ?
Place on this chartBrandChatGPTClaudeGeminiAI ModeGrokPerplexityNamed by
#1Apple1111116/6
#2Lenovo7642266/6
#3Dell11136395/6
#4Framework18, well below the others26, well below the others157, well above the others7, well above the others5/6
#5HP1518, well below the others11, well above the others5, well above the others175/6
#6ASUS20, well below the others21, well below the others8, well above the others4, well above the others145/6
#7Microsoft2528, well below the others10, well above the others6, well above the others28, well below the others5/6
#8MSI28, well below the others1812, well above the others3/6
#9Acer231714274/6
#10Razer272919, well above the others15, well above the others295/6

The monthly check · October 2026 ?

Where people agree with AI.

The check has not reached most of this chart’s top 20 yet.

  1. Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5)Passes the checkAI saysChart place#4named by 3 of 6People sayBuyers4.9/51,989 ratingsPress4 of 4outlets recommend it
  2. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M5Passes the checkAI saysChart place#10named by 2 of 6People sayBuyers4.9/53,818 ratingsVideo reviews4.3/52 videos12Press6 of 9outlets recommend it

See all checked products in the chart ↓ ?

Reviews by people · YouTube and TikTok ?

The reviews behind the chart.

41 review videos · one shown per product

4 more reviewsFewer reviews

Short clips TikTok

4 clips · 929K views

1 more clip0 more clipsFewer clips

The data behind this chart ?

What this ranking stands on.

From the AI panel 140 AI answers over 28 weeks from 6 assistants

From people

  • Buyer ratings26,289
  • Review videos78
  • Owner threads22
  • Press outlets36
  • Recall checks39

Before you buy

Questions buyers ask.

  • Who is #1 for “Best Laptops for Programming”, and for how long?

    Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14 Aura Edition) is the #1 product this week, and has been #1 for 1 of the last 25 weeks. Apple is the #1 brand, #1 for 25 of those weeks.

  • What changed on this chart in the last four weeks?

    6 of the top 20 products were not in the top 20 four weeks ago. The #1 then was Dell XPS 14 (2026); it is #2 now. Among brands, no new name joined the top 20.

Data as of November 2 ?

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New #1s, debuts and the picks that fail the check, from every chart. We will write only when there is news.