16 Best Laptops for Linux 2024 (for Ubuntu & Other Linuxes) – HP, Dell, Acer

Linux is not the most popular OS available, but it is the operating system many consumers, business people, and developers love and use. It certainly does not have the backing of other big systems have, but nevertheless, it is very capable and even free.

It is open-source and readily available on the internet at free of cost, making it a step forward from the Windows operating system. High-end developers can easily customize it to meet their individual requirements, which is impossible in other operating systems. That’s the reason multiple versions of Linux have been updated to date.

Some laptops come with a pre-installed Linux OS, but you have limited options. The majority of major computer manufacturers just do not build laptops with or for Linux, but there is plenty of room for smaller companies to fill in the void and make good products.

Top Linux Laptops You Shouldn’t Miss

This article is all about the best Linux laptops in the 2024 market. The one thing that pops up in my mind while hunting for the best performing Linux laptop is the “Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition” Linux support. It ensures the compatibility of your computer with Linux.

The top-notch manufacturers producing high-end gaming and developing oriented Linux laptops are Lenovo, ASUS, Dell, and HP. Following is the list and details of the 20 best laptops under this category:

1. Best Overall – Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition

Dell XPS 13 is widely considered as one of the best laptops available. The fact that it is also available with Linux makes it even better and more useful. The XPS 13 is another touchscreen and trendy laptop manufactured by a top laptop producing company “Dell.”

It is a powerful yet handy laptop equipped with Ar technology, also called anti-reflective technology, a thin film to reduce the reflection of light or improve vision. This laptop is specifically designed for content creators, video editors, multimedia whizzes, or engineers.

Therefore, those who want a stylish, powerful, and lightweight laptop with this OS should pay close attention. Regarding the specs, the Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition offers a lot of power.

The base model has an 8^th gen Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. This is powerful enough for Ubuntu 18.04 that is already installed when you buy it.

The computer can also be customized to carry an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The base has a 13.3-inch display has a 1920 x 1080 resolution, but it is upgradable to 4K. This laptop only weighs 2.67lbs.

You can get a 13.3 inches full FHD display that offers 1920 x 1080 resolution. The infinity-edge touch display is smooth on the finger and works perfectly. I really like the LED display on this laptop, which is quite the latest and better than LCD, in terms of colors and brightness level. There are multiple ports on the sides or edges, including USB 3.0, card reader, USB type C, HDMI, and more.

The laptop comes up with 8 GB RAM with DDR 3, which is pocket-friendly but not the latest. It is not recommended for high-end gamers; however, it works really well and perfects in this price range. The SSD card is also installed on this laptop, improving the overall performance level, startup score, and speed. Moreover, you get the connectivity options like Wifi, Bluetooth, USB, etc.

The Dell XP is briefly a trustworthy option on this list. The best thing about this gadget is the full widescreen touch display; It functions fast and smoothly.

2. Best Macbook for Linux – 2018 MacBook Air

If a laptop does not have the Linux OS pre-installed, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot install it on the machine yourself. MacBooks are loved and praised for their great design and powerful hardware.

There are also tons of guides in existence telling you how to install Linux OS on your MacBook. Caution, however, as this is something we only recommend those who know what they are ding to try this.

If you are interested, the new 2018 MacBook Air is a good choice, beautifully designed with powerful enough hardware. The basic model of the new MacBook Air 2018 runs on an Intel Core i5 processor, has 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.

These can be expanded to 16GB of RAM and 1.5TB of storage. Apple uses modern ports for their laptop as well, and you have two USB-C ports and a headphone jack present.

As you probably guess, the model is nice and light, 0.61 inches thick and it weighs 2.75lbs.

If you run into any problems and require Mac Support go here.

3. Best Windows Laptop for Linux – Lenovo ThinkPad E570

As we mentioned above, you do not require a laptop with Linux pre-installed to run it. As with the MacBook, you can get a Windows laptop and install Linux on it on your own, but we again recommend that you only do it if you know-how.

For this tech operation, we recommend that you purchase the Lenovo ThinkPad E570, because this line of laptops is famous for working pretty well with Linux, and they are built sturdy and durable.

Lenovo ThinkPad E570 has an Intel Core i5 processor at its heart. Other components are 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, more than enough power to run Linux.

The display is 15.7 inches, and although somewhat bulky at one inch thick and over five pounds, it is an excellent choice for a Windows laptop turned to a Linux.

As you can see, there are a lot of options for Linux OS on a laptop. We hope this helped you in making a decision, and that you will get yourself a quality machine to help you with your work.

We have has curated a list of the best devices to run such programs/games. Read more at Tech Consumer Guide.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Laptop

The first recommendation on this list is ThinkPad X1 by a very known laptop manufacturing brand called Lenovo. The ThinkPad is different from ordinary laptops in terms of performance. Other laptops may have nicer looks, but ThinkPad is specifically faster in action and is designed for high-end development or gaming. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is best suited for office work because of its portability.

This carbon ThinkPad is a rarely found device that supports quick charging and good battery backup of up to 18 hours, as normal laptops do not support that. It offers a 1920 x 1080 HD full display, which is a touchscreen.

The laptop also features a fingerprint sensor for quick and fancy power on. On the above side of the screen, you can also see an integrated webcam. It is perfect for video calling, meetings, or lectures because of the built-in microphone.

A minimalist processor could support Linux operating systems, though it is good to have the latest one for better performance. This laptop comes with a 10th generation hexacore i7, which increases the performance level up to 50%. It is equipped with a 512 GB SSD card that is expensive and better than HDD and gives quick start-up and improved performance.

In short, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is an expensive laptop. It offers great build quality, including SSD, which is combined with perfect RAM. It is an ideal choice for gamers and developers.

5. New Dell XPS 15 9500

The Dell XPS 15 9500 is an updated and latest laptop manufactured by Dell. If you are looking for a Linux laptop with a perfect touchscreen display, then you should consider this product. It comes in two variants: one with 15 inches display and the other with 17 inches display.

The screen is integrated with eye-safe technology, which reduces the blue light, and has gorilla glass 6, preventing damage.

This laptop is a long-lasting option in today’s market, not just because of its superlative and protective display but also because of its metal construction.

The metal material is always preferred over plastic because of resistance, stability, and durability. The keyboard touchpad is 62% larger in size than other laptops, providing convenience and ease.

Additionally, this laptop is installed with an Intel corei7 processor, and 1 TB SSD (1000 GB) is supreme. I must say that this laptop is ideal for gaming or programming because of its processor. It is engaged with multiple connectivity options, necessary ports, and good memory space, making it a perfect laptop device.

Over and above that, this new Dell laptop carries a slim design. It features fast fingerprint login like cell phones and works like a beast. If you are searching for the fastest ad portable laptop, then seek this one!

6. Lambda Tensorbook

Anything wouldn’t be nicer than a powerful and best-performing laptop for mobile deep learning, machine learning, and is available at an affordable price! It comes with high-end computing power and extreme compatibility. It is perfect for both operating systems. You can run it with MS windows as well as with Linux Ubuntu. However, I preferred Linux Ubuntu because it is user-friendly, open-source, and fast performing.

The best machine learning device offers a 10th generation core i7 processor by Intel which provides eight cores and a 5.1 Hz turbo clock.

The clock rate of the processor matters as it refers to the frequency at which the processing unit generates pulses to synchronize different operations. Moreover, it has super GBU and 8 GB VRAM, which is effective for deep learning.

Apparently, this product looks astonishing and displays a wide 15.6 inches screen. It is available in grayish color with a full-screen HD display. The device also has built-in features like an integrated webcam, built-in microphone, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.

Comprehensively, Lambda Tensorbook is not a popular option in the market. I categorized it because of its premium building and exceptional built-in specifications. It is great value for money.

7. ASUS ZenBook Flip 14

Here comes the trendy ASUS ZenBook flip 14, which is famous for its flipbook design. It comes with a 14 inches wide full HD display that gets folded onto the back and becomes like an iPad or tablet. The convertible display is smooth on touch and enables you to watch movies or your favorite shows comfortably.

I will really like to appreciate the metallic body of this ZenBook that adds an element of sturdiness and durability.

It has pre-installed Windows 10 that functions phenomenally. However, you can easily download the ISO file of Ubuntu from the internet source and follow a dual-booting feature that helps you to run Linux and Windows operating systems side-by-side. If you’re not into this, then simply delete windows and install Ubuntu files.

It has 8th generation Intel Core i5 which is not the latest but functions substantially because it is supported by 256 GB SSD and 8GB RAM. The processing unit has up to a 3.9 GHz clock rate that performs operations effortlessly. You can also get multiple ports on the edges, including HDMI, USB, Card Reader, and more.

Inclusively, ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 is a trendy product because of its foldable design. It is made up of durable metal material that adds sturdiness and stability to it. Also, it does not compromise on specifications; it is rich in features and works phenomenally.

8. HP 17 Business Laptop

The HP 17 business laptop is a tailor-made machine that supports Linux OS. The best thing about this gadget is the battery timing. You can use it straight for more than 10 hours without any hindrance. Apparently, it is equipped with the anti-glare 17.3 inches full HD screen, which is large enough. The keyboard also needs appreciation because of the separate number pad, elongated touchpad, and back-lit feature.

Don’t let the name fool you! Because the HP 17 is not limited to business use only. You can do gaming, developing, programming, or more using this superlative model. It features 8 GB RA, with DDR4, an upgraded version of DDR3, and faster speed and costlier.

It has a core i5 processor by Intel coupled with a clock frequency of 3.9 GHz. Overall, the functioning is quick and smooth.

Another thing that stands this laptop a way forward from its market competitors is the built-in specifications. It is integrated with a premium quality (720 p) webcam, speakers, microphone, and more. The devices also offer connectivity options like Wifi and Bluetooth.

Altogether, HP17 is a large screen laptop device that is flooded with integrated specs. It has a webcam, speakers, microphone, card reader, and much more. The processing unit also synchronizes the task in the less possible time.

9. HP Zbook Studio G5 Workstation

Obsessed with MacBook Pro but don’t have enough budget? Here you go with the HP Zbook that looks similar to Apple’s MacBook pro. It is a Linux Mint-powered budget laptop that performs appreciably. I really like its skinny layout, which is quite trendy these days. It is a portable, lightweight, and tremendously working laptop, an ideal choice for creative professionals.

In the context of processing, it is the latest unit you can get in this price range. The HP Zbook has a core i7 processor by Intel which is way better than the core i5 as it uses turbo boost and can achieve greater clock rates.

This laptop has a processing unit with a clock frequency of up to 4.1 GHz, which is profound. It has 16 GB RAM and 256 GB memory, with DDR 4, a deadly combination, especially for gamers!

Furthermore, you will get the 720 p webcam along with a microphone that allows you to do video calls or attend meetings conveniently. It is equipped with both wireless connectivities: Wifi and Bluetooth (5.0 version). It has one HDMI port, USB ports (3.0, type C), and card reader in wired connectivity.

Predominantly, Hp Zbook is the best option for multitasking. It displays optimal brightness and protective visuals. The durable and efficient ports and connectors make it a great option.

10. Lenovo Think book 14s Premium Business Ultrabook

The Lenovo Think book 14s is a premium laptop that comes with remarkable potential. It works faster and smarter and offers a speedy response to every action. It is a business ultrabook that is equipped with high-end processing. Besides work, you can use it for gaming purposes because of its considerable memory and processor. In short, it works more like a cell phone.

The Lenovo think book features Intel core i7 processor with up to 3.9 GHz clock frequency. The i7 processor is the latest, fast performing, and expensive. The unit has a 256 GB SSD that supports gaming and heavy software. The memory is coupled with 16GB DDR4 RAM. In short, the whole combination is the latest and perfect for developing, programming, gaming, or high-end processing.

I really like the backlit keyboard and overall layout of this portable laptop. It consists of aluminum material that is very durable and resistive. On the edges, there are different ports for connectivity options.

However, it is compatible with Bluetooth devices. If you are looking for the best portable Linux laptop, you should consider this top-notch lightweight Think book by Lenovo.

Mainly, Lenovo Think book 14 s is loaded with dominant specs. It is constructed with reliable aluminum material. I really like the glossy, lightweight, and portable layout of this convenient laptop.

11. Lenovo Business S340 Laptop

Here comes another business laptop model by Lenovo. Why considering LENOVO laptops? I prefer Lenovo because their products are pocket-friendly, durable, and great in working.

The S340 is an all-rounder gadget preloaded with the Linux operating system; it is best suited for everyday use like office, university, or at home.

In the context of specifications, this reliable laptop is an extraordinary device. It has an Intel Core i7 processor coupled with an 8M cache and 3.90 clock frequency.

The computer works effectively, and you will not have to face any hanging or slow-working issues because of 2 TB SSD and 20 GB DDR4 SDRAM. It is a superlative, extremely fast working, and efficient laptop that responds to your commands in seconds.

Now let’s talk about the design! This Linux laptop has 15.6 inches wide HD display screen integrated with an anti-glare display that shields your sight by reducing the blue light. Above the screen, there is a built-in webcam (720 p) with a privacy shutter. Moreover, it has a microphone and good quality stereo speakers. As a whole, it is a complete package device that best describes the value for money!

The Lenovo S 340 model is a great functioning device equipped with multiple ports and integrated graphics. The display is quite amazing and offers anti-glare features. All in all, it is a package laptop that has covered each category on balance.

12. Acer Aspire E 15

Last on this list is Acer Aspire E 15! It is a slim and trendy laptop device with 15.6 inches large HD 1920 x 1080 display. It is a LED screen that depicts colorful visuals with optimal brightness. The Linux system is not preinstalled on this computer, but you can easily download files via any internet source. However, it is suggested to install Linux Ubuntu files from the official website.

It has the 8th generation Intel core i3 processor with 2.2 GHz to 3.2 GHz clock frequency. This processor is not too good but average and works for normal routine processing. However, it is budget-friendly. It is joined with 1 Tb HDD and 6 GB (dual channel) memory. In my opinion, the E15 is not a gaming laptop but an appropriate choice for students or workers.

Besides, the battery life of this device makes it better than its market companions. It has 13.5 hours of battery backup that is enough for straight working. It is compatible with USB wired connectivity and Bluetooth or wifi wireless connectivity.

IIn general, Acer Aspire E 15 is a cost-effective laptop that is not recommended for heavy software or development. It is a good option for college or university students to submit their assignments. It functions great on Linux systems.

13. Best Budget – Pinebook 64

This is not the most powerful device available, but with a price like this, it is a great choice for those who wish to try their luck with Linux OS. This machine runs on a quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor and has 2GB of RAM. It also has 16GB of flash storage.

When it comes to connectivity, there are two USB 2.0 ports, a MicroSD card slot, a digital video port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The display is 11.6 inches, upgradable to 14 inches, while the resolution is 1366 x 768. The laptop is pretty thin and light, 0.47 inches and either 2.30lbs or 2.78lbs, depending on the size.

14. Best for Power – System76 Serval WS

If you need a Linux laptop that is the most powerful out there, the System76 Serval WS is the one for you.

Unlike the rest of the options currently available, this laptop has a desktop class Core i7 and i9 processor options, which are insanely more powerful than laptop class i7 chips in the rest of these computers.

Moreover, the Serval WS also has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 series graphics card, which means this laptop for graphics-based computing than desktops are.

The base model has a 15.6-inch display and a 1080p resolution. The graphics card is GTX1060 GPU, while the processor unit is an Intel Core i7-8700. For speed, 8GB of RAM is available, while a 250GB SSD is reserved for your storage.

The computer can be customized and upgraded as well.

The best model comes equipped with a 17.3 inch, 4K matte display, while the inside components are GTX 1080 GPU, Intel Core i9-9900K processor, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB hard drive.

The default is also System76 Pop! OS Linux builds, but you can opt for Ubuntu 18.04 instead if you want to.

The only potential downside to this beast of a computer is a high price and a bulkier build. The weight is 7.5lbs for the 15-inch version and a 9.2lbs for the 17-inch version. But if you want and need power, the extra weight is unavoidable with laptops.

15. Best for Security – Purism Librem 13

Security is a bigger concern in the tech world every day it seems, and although much more malware and viruses are available with Windows, Linux is also a target for them.

This is exactly where the Purism Librem 13 comes in, because this laptop is specifically designed to protect the files you have from them. It features two hardware kill switches. They turn off the microphone, camera, wireless and Bluetooth options.

The laptop also has the PureOS, which is Purism’s version of Linux that focuses most on security. Spec-wise, the Librem 13 comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 4TB of storage.

The base model only has a 120GB SSD. The display of this security laptop is 13.3 inches, and it has two USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port, and one SD card slot. It is very thin and light, only 0.7 inches t and 2.2lbs. Therefore, it is a great option for those who travel a lot and must carry their work with them.

16. Best for Customization – ZaReason UltraLap 6440

ZaReason is famous for their Linux server equipment. However, they also build consumer products as well, like this ZaReason UltraLap 6440. Their laptop is a perfect choice for people who want or need to have the option to customize their laptop. This one offers them this ability as they can choose the hardware options, as well as the Linux system that will be pre-installed on their device.

This is great news for customers who do not just need Ubuntu, the popular version of Linux. When it comes to hardware specifications, it is what you would expect from a top-tier laptop. The base model has an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 120GB SSD. Of course, since it can be customized, it can include an Intel Core i7 CPU, a maximum of 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of hard drive storage.

You can also fit in the second hard drive and get a total of 4TB of storage. Ports that it has are one USB-C port, two USB 2.0 ports, and an SD card reader. It is not a lightweight machine, nor is it too heavy. It is 0.87 inches thick and it weighs 3.6lbs.

Buying Guide

Build Quality

When buying a laptop, the most important thing to look at is the build quality. A good build quality means a longer life. The panels and the quality of plastic used inside the laptop and on the laptop’s outer surface define the build quality. Moreover, the hinge connecting the main part of the laptop with the screen should be of good quality. It should be able to bear strong impacts to save the laptop from getting damaged. Usually, laptops made up of metal are more reliable than plastic ones.

RAM

RAM or Random Access Memory is also an important factor to be kept in mind while purchasing a laptop. The higher the RAM, the higher will be the processing speed of the laptop. Higher RAM saves the laptop from getting slow or hanged. A portion of RAM can also be dedicated to video cards which can enhance graphic processing.

Processor

A processor is the main component of the motherboard in a laptop. The function of the processor is to receive inputs and provide outputs. Modern processors can do trillions of calculations in a second. A good processor in a laptop means speedy calculations leading towards speedy performance. If you are a gamer in love with Linux, a good processor is crucial when playing games on this system.

SSD

SSD or Solid State Drive has been a great invention in the history of computers. It is an alternative to the Hard Disk Drives used in computers and laptops for very long. The Hard disk drives require more power to start as compared to SSD.

Price or Affordability

You have to set a budget before buying a laptop. After setting the budget, you can look for different options which lie under your budget. You need to set your preferences first before buying the laptop. If you have a limited budget, you’ll have to sacrifice either the build quality or the laptop’s specifications. If you don’t want to sacrifice either of the things, you need to increase your budget.

Warranty

Usually, Linux operating systems are more durable and reliable. Still, you need to check if the machine you’re going to buy has a software and hardware warranty. A longer warranty means you can use your machine for a longer period of time with peace of mind and without the fear of it breaking down. All the good companies provide at least 1 year of hardware warranty.

FAQs

img source: windows.net

Can any laptop run Linux?

In today’s market, you get options with integrated Linux OS by manufacturers including Dell, Lenovo, HP, and others. However, if not pre-installed, then you can easily download the system from internet sources. The Linux-compatible systems are highly recommended.

Will Linux make my laptop faster?

In the world of technology and computers, the advanced is always quicker and smoother than outdated ones. In this way, the Linux operating system performs actions faster than Windows OS. If you are a computer scientist, then you should consider Linux over Windows.

Are Linux laptops cheaper?

It totally depends on the laptop you’re going to purchase. The price usually depends on the interior specifications of any electronic device. You can’t judge the price based on just the operating system.

Final Words

To all the computer scientists, developers, gamers, or creators, I highly suggest Linux laptops because of their fast processing and quick start-up. It won’t waste your time and let you work effortlessly. In this article, the 10 best Linux laptops in 2024 are reviewed. Out of all those, my top three priorities are:

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Laptop for its popularity, fast actions, and integrated features.

HP 17 Business Laptop for its design, portability, and convenience.

Lenovo Business S340 Laptop for its extraordinary specifications. It is ideal for developers and gamers.

Finally, you have gone through the best Linux laptops along with the handy buying guide! Now you have to choose one which is best suited for you. Just remember your preference, budget, and convenience to make an appropriate choice!

You can also check out some other models available in today’s market:

ASUS VivoBook F512 Thin and Lightweight Laptop, 15.6” FHD WideView NanoEdge , AMD R5-3500U CPU,...

• 15.6 inch FHD 4 way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio
• Powerful AMD Quad Core Ryzen 5 3500U Processor (2M Cache, up to 3.6 GHz)
• AMD Radeon Vega 8 discrete graphics with Windows 10 Home
• 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Ergonomic backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello

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How to choose the right laptop for Linux? Watch the following video:

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