While Windows and Mac OS have a huge variety of usage, some users find the most value in the Linux operating system. Linux is rarely used for gaming, but many programmers prefer to use it since it offers many open source tools.
With improved privacy and advanced customizations, Linux is recommended for more experienced users. Like any other operating system, it works best on a high-quality laptop with enough performance to get the job done.
Top Linux Laptops
1. Asus Chromebook Flip C434
Chromebook Flip C434 offers a decent configuration for any new Linux user.
This is a 2-in-1 laptop, so it is possible to use it as a tablet by folding the hinge all the way down. It also comes with a FULL HD display and ultra-narrow bezels, which is really nice for a budget laptop.
With the Intel M3-8100Y and 8 gigs of RAM, you won’t have any problem running basic Linux applications. Although this product comes with good performance, you might want to upgrade your components for heavier use.
Suppose you plan to run basic Linux applications. In that case, you can expect about 10 hours of battery life, which is quite sufficient for everyday use.
This product is a great option for beginners that want to get familiar with the Linux operating system.
Specifications:
2. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
Gaming, video editing, photography, this product can handle every high-performance request, which is more than you might need for Linux applications.
ScreenPad Plus feature allows you to launch any application on the second screen, so it is convenient for multitasking. Both screens use 4k display resolution, with a touchscreen available. Also, this product comes with a Stylus, which is ideal for quick notes or design.
Intel i7-9750H paired with RTX 2060 provide outstanding performance even for more advanced Linux users.
Considering how much power these components drain, you will only get about 5 hours of regular use.
Altogether, this is a premium laptop for users that need to perform demanding tasks.
Specifications
3. Asus VivoBook S
Here we have a thin, light and very portable laptop for everyday use.
It comes with a FULL HD display with narrow bezels and high view angles. Also, you get very accurate colors, which is why this laptop is known for its pleasant view.
For most Linux applications, the Intel i7-8550U will do the job. It comes with 8 gigs of RAM, but you should consider upgrading to 16 gigs.
Basically, if you plan to enable multiple operating systems, it won’t be a problem in terms of performance.
This laptop provides about 4-5 hours of battery life for casual use.
Linux users mostly prefer higher security and this product offers more security with a fingerprint reader.
Specifications
4. Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition
XPS 13 is considered to be one of the best choices to run the Linux operating system.
It comes with a FULL HD display and lightweight design.
This laptop offers many preorder choices such as CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. The standard setup with the Intel i7-1185G7 and 16 gigs of RAM provides smooth usage for most Linux applications.
The best thing about this product is that it is available with preinstalled Linux. Even though Linux is an open-source operating system, it proves the value of this laptop.
Another great thing is the battery life, which lasts for 10 hours or regular usage.
All things considered, this is a great option for Linux users.
Specifications
5. Lenovo T490
This laptop has a very high build quality. It offers a lot of versatility for beginners as well as the more advanced users.
It includes a standard FULL HD display, but it comes with 500 brightness nits. Performances are decent with the Intel i5-8265U and 16 gigs of RAM. Still, the dedicated GPU GeForce MX250 provides a great user experience for every Linux application.
Battery life might be the best thing on this laptop since some users claim it goes about 15 hours of basic usage.
If you need a durable and reliable laptop, this might be the best option within the mid-range laptops for Linux.
Specifications
6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
ThinkPad X1 Cabon is a well-known product of proven quality. Many users like that Lenovo offers Windows version and Linux version preinstalled.
This laptop is made out of carbon and glass fibers. Even though it is very light, it is a durable and robust product.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with a FULL HD display and uses Intel i7-10510U with 16 gigs of RAM for superior performance.
This product includes a fingerprint sensor and sliding cover for a webcam, which adds to user security.
Heavy use will get you about 10 hours of battery life, but a common use will get you up to 16 hours without charging.
Professional users will get the most benefit from this product for Linux or any other operating system.
Specifications
7. Asus Zenbook 13
If you need a premium-designed laptop for Linux, the Zenbook 13 might be the perfect option for you.
This laptop has military-grade durability, which means it is one of the most reliable laptops on the market. Also, it offers a high performance, featuring Intel i7-8565U with 16 gigs of RAM.
Aside from the FULL HD display, it comes with very wide viewing angles, accurate colors and ultra-thin bezels.
Zenbook 13 features a number pad, which turns the touchpad into a numeric keyboard for quick data entry. For most users, 10-11 hours of battery life will be sufficient for everyday use.
Overall, this is a well-rounded product that can cover every task you might have on the Linux operating system.
Specifications
8. Acer Swift 3
Swift 3 might be the best choice for those who don’t have time for research and need a reliable product as soon as possible.
This is a highly rated and affordable laptop you can use for Windows or Linux, depending on the needs and preferences.
While this laptop comes with a standard FULL HD IPS display, it is very thin and light due to a high-quality aluminum build. This laptop includes AMD Ryzen 7 4700U with 8 gigs of RAM, but it is recommended to upgrade to 16 gigs.
The battery life is better than most budget laptops since you get about 10 hours with solid performance.
If you need a well-rounded, budget laptop for Linux applications, this product will do just fine.
Specifications
Buyers Guide While Buying A Laptop For Linux
Components budget
If you plan to use a Linux operating system, you need to know the best investment. While an expensive GPU is useful for gaming, working in Linux applications does not require a powerful GPU in most cases. The best thing is to invest most of the budget in the CPU and try to get at least 8 gigs of RAM. After you have a decent performance, you can go for more storage or GPU power.
Virtual machine
Before you decide to fully commit to Linux, you can try it within the virtual machine if you are a Windows user. The virtual machine will emulate your pc performance on the specific operating system. Suppose you want to buy a particular laptop for Linux. In that case, it will be helpful to learn about the system before purchasing a new laptop.
The Chromebook option
While using the Chrome OS, you can get an experience similar to Linux but with another interface. It is possible to have both operating systems on your Chromebook. Chromebook laptops are significantly cheaper than most popular laptops for Linux. Still, it offers performances just for web browsing or similar activity. For more demanding tasks, you will need to buy a laptop with more advanced performances.
Battery life
No matter which operating system you use, it is always good to invest in good battery life. In this case, it is quite simply the longer battery life is better in every case. You should try to find a laptop that can provide at least 6-8 hours of regular use without charging. Even though Linux is a well-optimized operating system, your battery will drain very fast under heavy loads and multitasking.
Conclusion
To use Linux applications properly, you need to get a specific laptop depending on your needs and requests. Inexperienced users should go for a well-known brand with preinstalled Linux. Even though Linux is open-source, it has a strong community and advanced support for every problem users might have. No matter which operating system you use, a high-quality laptop will definitely make a difference for every job.
FAQ
Is Linux better for privacy?
Linux is a safer option than Windows because Windows has more users, so it is more vulnerable to attacks. Most Linux users claim that it is easy to avoid unwanted content with a good web browser that offers more network traffic control. Even after the perfect security setup, every operating system is vulnerable to some kind of malware. Linux is a good choice for privacy and information management.
Which is the best laptop for Linux?
There is no perfect laptop for any operating system. The operating system is a personal preference depending mostly on the user’s needs. If you decide to use Linux, then you should get familiar with Linux applications that you want to use. You should always get a laptop with enough performance to run your daily tasks without any problem. Sometimes it is best to buy a laptop with preinstalled Linux, so you don’t have to do it yourself, even though it is not difficult. The best thing to do is to go for a well-known brand with high-quality components.
Should I use Ubuntu on my laptop before Linux?
New Linux users might have difficulty if they only have experience with an operating system like Windows. The most important thing is to learn basic package management commands. Linux commands are executed within the terminal, so it will be easier for a new user to start with Ubuntu first. After some time, it gets very simple. It just takes some time and practice.
What should I look for if I plan to do a lot of programming on a Linux laptop?
If you plan to do a lot of programming, you should get a high-quality display with good viewing angles. Still, you don’t really need very high color accuracy. Also, good battery life will always be convenient for any job. Aside from decent hardware, you must get a laptop with a comfortable keyboard since you will use it a lot.
If these weren’t enough, check out at these Linux laptops from Amazon also:
