TOP 5 Best Linux Laptops in 2023

If you’re looking for a Windows 10 or macOS substitute, the finest Linux laptops of 2022 have you covered? These days, having a computer with an open-source operating system doesn’t require purchasing a sluggish, underpowered computer or installing Linux yourself. Some of the greatest Linux laptops have the same quality construction and luxurious appearance as their Windows equivalents. Since the computer does not come with a Windows 10 license, it will also be less expensive. You are not forced to use a proprietary operating system if you use an open-source operating system.

This article will explore the finest laptops designed exclusively for the open-source operating system. Beyond Dell, no other well-known notebook manufacturers provide Linux as a default operating system for brand-new laptops. The only remaining options are other, smaller producers who may distinguish themselves with the best Linux laptops.

Additionally, even though some manufacturers lock down their devices, making Linux installation somewhat tricky, you can still install Linux on just about every laptop. There are a wide variety of Linux desktop environments and open-source Linux applications to pick from.

We selected the top five Linux laptops to compare modifications and setups, port accessibility, storage space, and screen display possibilities. Each device included has been optimized to run some top Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, for instance). This guarantees that they will run the open-source OS straight out of the box without any modifications.

The XPS 13 is still among the finest Ultrabooks available, even if it is no longer the uncontested market leader in this category (read our review of best Ultrabooks). And the Dell XPS 13 7390(opens in new tab) is one of the greatest Linux laptops available thanks to Dell’s constant Linux laptop support on a flagship machine. You may choose from various customizations for the laptop. Still, as with most current Dell goods, there aren’t many alternatives available. The base model comes with 8GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 RAM; however, for an additional $100, you may add 16GB RAM. 

Additionally, two major solid-state hard drive choices have 256GB or 512GB each. There are also two screen options, with the 4K (3,840 x 2,160) InfinityEdge touchscreen being the more costly best laptop for Linux.

Although it’s important to keep in mind that a higher-resolution screen would put greater strain on the GPU and CPU and might reduce battery life. The less expensive variant has a 13.3-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) InfinityEdge non-touch display.

For the Ubuntu version, there is just the single design option of platinum silver with the black carbon fibre palm rest, which is, to be fair, perhaps the most stylish option, even though the Dell website provides three other style options for the XPS 13 when it comes to Windows.

In comparison to regular PC laptops, Linux laptops are a specialist product. Hence their prices tend to be higher. Or will you see cheap Windows laptops alongside Linux laptops in the $200 to $500 price range?

Consider Chromebooks if you want to acquire a Linux system while saving money. The Linux kernel is used by Google’s Linux-based Chrome OS operating system. Linux distributions can operate on any Chromebooks.

Any current Chromebook can execute Linux programs with only a few clicks; graphical and terminal Linux desktop applications are supported. You may use Android applications in addition to Linux programs.

However, you may switch your Chromebook into Developer Mode and install a complete Linux environment to replace Chrome OS if you wish to have one. Canonical, for instance, provides instructions for setting up Ubuntu on a Chromebook.

However, we advise using the Linux app support included in Chrome OS for optimum compatibility and ease of use. Unlike the other laptops we suggest below, hardware manufacturers do not formally support a complete Linux environment on a Chromebook.

Regarding the precise Chromebook to purchase to run Linux, we suggest the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, our preferred Chromebook overall. Although it costs more than the average Chromebook, a Linux notebook, it is unquestionably more affordable.

At a fraction of the cost of the Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition, the Spin 713 is a superb piece of gear. Given the specifications, running Linux applications alongside Chrome OS will be a terrific experience. The hardware is top-notch and includes contemporary 11th-generation Intel Core CPUs, at least 256GB of internal storage, a screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 22561504 for even more vertical space, among other features.

It’s not only Dell that offers Linux versions of its best computers. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is a high-end ThinkPad model that may be purchased with installed Linux. This ThinkPad model comes pre-installed with Fedora or Ubuntu, but you may also install other Linux distributions if you prefer a different operating system.

This laptop is also our top choice for work, for a good reason. It is even lighter than the already-light Dell XPS 13 (2.49 pounds vs 2.64 pounds) thanks to lightweight carbon fibre and has a better build quality. The manufacturer’s testing range from mechanical stress and humidity to sand, dust, and fungus. Lenovo proudly claims that ThinkPads are tested against military-grade specifications so that they will function in harsh environments.

Of course, you also get the recognizable ThinkPad design and the vintage red “TrackPoint” nub for directing your cursor from the keyboard. This laptop is for you if you like the nub and the sleek black design.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a fully customized notebook via Lenovo’s website, just like the XPS 13. You may pick a touchscreen or a resolution higher than 4K and alter the system’s default CPU, RAM, and storage.

However, this “thin and light” device only has Intel-integrated graphics, just like the Dell XPS 13. You may modify the ThinkPad to have more powerful discrete graphics for gaming or GPU computing activities, but it will cost more. Alternatively, you might get a gaming laptop running Linux.

Beyond open source, Purism is designed to put you in control as a user. The laptop includes physical kill switches that disconnect the included camera, mic, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth when you flip them. Hackers gaining access to your webcam and mic is a real fear, and a physical kill switch helps to protect you against it. The Librem 14 also has a BIOS write protection switch on its motherboard, preventing potential malicious software from installing updates without physically changing a switch’s position. Features like PureBoot and the Librem Key help ensure that only trusted software boots on your computer and protect your laptop’s encrypted files with a physical security key.

Beyond open source, Purism is intended to give you, the user, power. The laptop has physical kill switches that, when flipped, turn off the built-in microphone, camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. A physical kill button can aid in defending you against the actual worry of hackers obtaining access to your webcam and microphone.

On its motherboard, the Librem 14 also contains a BIOS write protection switch that stops possible malicious software from updating itself without actually moving a button. PureBoot and the Librem Key are features that enable you to ensure that only trusted software launches on your computer and to secure the encrypted data on your laptop physically.

Despite this, you still receive a reliable 14-inch laptop with an Intel Core i7 CPU. Not a significant problem in terms of performance, but for the price, it does hurt not to receive the most recent hardware. However, notice that this is a 10th-generation Intel Core CPU rather than an 11th-generation Intel Core CPU for compatibility with the open-source BIOS. You may change the RAM, storage, and other characteristics during purchasing. Finally, Purism guarantees a battery life of 9 hours and 48 minutes under light use.

Be aware that the Librem 14 costs more than many other laptops on this list. Purism undoubtedly put in a lot of extra effort to deliver these fantastic features because it’s a premium product.

The laptop model Lenovo Flex 5 constantly motivates me to work creatively. Due to the 360-degree hinge that supports a wide range of settings in this device. We like tablet mode over the others. We have the freedom to be creative whenever and wherever we want when using this mode in conjunction with the supplied stylus.

We also like the product’s full support for connection ports, which is another benefit. Your job will undoubtedly be aided by the four-in-one card reader, USB-C, HDMI, and USB-A connectors. This lightweight laptop computer has a mobile AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU and Radeon graphics, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and 256GB of NVMe SSD storage.

Clear the clutter. The IPS FHD (1920 x 1080) display on the Flex 5 14 touchscreen laptop boasts a small bezel on four sides for increased viewing space and reduced distraction. This a cheap Linux laptop for programming

This Windows laptop features a 3600 hinge that allows you to use it in laptop mode for regular computing, tent mode for sharing, stand mode for binge-watching your favourite streaming shows or tablet mode for simple interaction. It is designed to keep your ideas flowing wherever you are.

Your privacy is enhanced by the webcam’s actual shutter, which enables you to block off unwanted scrutiny.

What to Look for in the best Linux Laptop?

When looking for the best cheap laptop for Linux, there are a few key factors to remember. First, you’ll want to ensure that the laptop has good Linux compatibility. This means it should have drivers for the most popular Linux distributions. Many newer laptops come with this support, but if you’re buying an older model, check before buying the best laptop for Linux.

Second, you’ll want to think about the hardware you need. If you’re a programmer or power user, you’ll likely need a laptop with a powerful processor and plenty of RAM. However, if you just want to use Linux for basic tasks, you can get away with a less powerful machine.

How to choose the best Linux laptop for you?

If you’ve decided you want a Linux laptop, you probably did so because you want the flexibility that an open-source, cost-free operating system offers and the freedom and privacy that accompany it.

They may be more secure than other operating systems, which is another possible explanation. Due to its popularity, malware frequently targets Windows 10, for example.

Whatever your motivations, the most crucial factor to consider when looking for the finest Linux laptops is how technically adept you are and how familiar you are with a Linux system. This is in addition to your budget.

Ubuntu and Mint are two Linux variations that are great for novices, although Linux has a bit of a reputation for being challenging and sophisticated. Consider purchasing a laptop with Linux installed if you are somewhat new to the Linux community because it will make getting started much more superficial.

Although Linux-based computers aren’t as readily available as Windows and macOS, niche laptop manufacturers are joining in and providing computers with Linux installed. Even one of the major laptop manufacturers, Dell, gives devices with installed Linux.

How do we test the top Linux laptops?

Five of the best alternatives on the market have been examined in our analysis of the best Linux laptops.

One benefit of the open-source Linux operating system is its great customizability. We noticed precisely how many configuration choices were available for each laptop throughout our testing.

In a similar vein, we considered the cost of upgrades in addition to the initial purchase price of each laptop. Such as adding more gigabytes of RAM, as an example.

Linux users frequently mention privacy as a significant concern. Therefore we made a note of any extra features that addressed this issue.

Conclusion:

 So we hope that you’ve decided to switch to Linux. Great! This powerful open-source operating system is perfect for laptops, and there are many reasons to switch. Linux is less prone to virtual attacks and viruses, more customizable, and completely free. We’ve looked at some of the best laptops on the market that are perfect for running a Linux-based operating system.