Linux laptops are the perfect alternatives to macOS and Windows-powered laptops.
Technically, you can turn any laptop of your choice into a Linux machine by choosing to install any Linux distribution available.
But, here, our focus will be on the laptops that offer Linux out-of-the-box, ensuring the best compatibility and support no matter what kind of budget you have.
Linux Laptops by Popular Brands
It is often the best choice for a consumer to opt for a Linux laptop built by a popular manufacturer.
You do not have to worry about the after-sales, warranty extensions, and service repairs.
Dell and Lenovo are usually the ones who provide laptops with Linux pre-installed.
Do note that everything is subject to availability depending on the country/region.
*Pricing mentioned in this article is converted to USD for easy comparison, excluding shipping and other extras.
1. Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon (Gen 8 / Gen 9)
Pricing: Starts at $1535
The entire Thinkpad series by Lenovo is a popular choice among Linux users. It is built to last and offers good compatibility
However, it stays on the expensive side.
You will have three choices to go with depending on what you go for. If you are customizing a Gen 9 Thinkpad laptop, you will have Ubuntu 20.04 and Fedora 33 as your options to have installed.
For Gen 8 models, it seems that Fedora 33 is off the table, and it is Fedora 32 instead, along with Ubuntu 20.04.
All the variants are powered by Intel chipsets, 10th gen for Gen 8 and 11th gen for Gen 9.
Most of the other specifications remain similar with a 14-inch display (FHD, WQHD, and UHD options available), up to 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, fingerprint reader, and Wi-Fi 6 support.
2. Dell XPS 13 Developers Edition
Pricing: Starts at $1059
Dell XPS series is an impressive laptop lineup to consider running Linux.
It has been tailored to run Linux (Ubuntu 20.04) with developers in mind.
You get a 13.4-inch display (FHD and UHD options available), 11th gen i5/i7 processor, up to 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD, fingerprint reader, and Wi-FI 6 support.
Laptops by Linux-only Manufacturers
If you do not want mainstream options but some unique choices to support Linux-only manufacturers in the process, there are a couple of them that you can consider.
1. System76 Gazelle
Pricing: Starts at $1499
System76’s laptop will come baked in with their Pop!_OS operating system which is based on Ubuntu but provides a hassle-free out-of-the-box experience.
It is safe to assume that System76 is like the Apple of Linux laptops who try their best to optimize Pop!_OS for their hardware offered.
They have total control over the software and hardware, so that should be some exciting product integration for end consumers.
Along with impressive essentials like 144 Hz 16.5-inch display, i7 11th gen processor, up to 8 TB NVMe SSD support—you also get an RTX 3050 GPU which should enable you to tackle a variety of demanding tasks on your laptop.
While there are some other laptops by System76, it was not available at the time of writing this. So, feel free to check out the official store page and order a customized configuration.
2. Purism Laptop
Pricing: Starts at $1599
A laptop by Purism can be an option if you are a security-conscious user.
Librem 14 is one of their latest laptops that comes baked in with PureOS (also built by them).
While it may not offer the latest generation processors, you should be fine with the i7 10th Gen chip on board.
It supports up to 64 GB of RAM and features hardware kill switches to disable the webcam, headphone jack, Bluetooth, or wireless audio
3. TUXEDO Aura 15
Pricing: Starts at $899
If you want an AMD-powered laptop (with its last-gen processor Ryzen 7 4700U), Aura 15 by TUXEDO Computers is a great pick.
The key specifications include a Full HD display, up to 64 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6 support, and an LTE module.
It comes with either Ubuntu or TUXEDO OS (based on Ubuntu Budgie) as per your customization.
4. TUXEDO Stellaris 15
Pricing: Starts at $2160
If you are looking for the latest and greatest powerhouse with options to get RTX 3080 on board, this should be a fantastic option.
It offers the latest Intel/Ryzen processor with the configuration choices and features a 3K-res display with a 165 Hz refresh rate.
Definitely not something that you would find convenient to travel with, but if you need the computing power, you can choose to go with it.
5. Slimbook Pro X
Pricing: Starts at $1105
Slimbook focuses on lighter Laptop models that you can conveniently travel with.
It gives you the option to choose from a variety of distributions that include Ubuntu (GNOME, KDE, MATE), KDE Neon, Manjaro, and Fedora.
You get most of the essential specifications that include up to 2 TB SSD support, 64 GB of RAM, Full HD IPS display, and more.
While you get options for Intel and Ryzen (last-gen processors) coupled with Nvidia and Vega graphics respectively, only Ryzen was available in stock at the time of writing this.
6. Slimbook Essential
Pricing: Starts at $646
An impressive option for a budget-friendly Linux laptop.
It offers both Ryzen and Intel variants (last-gen) to choose from. You should get the basic specifications that include up to 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD support, minus a great screen and dedicated graphics onboard.
7. Jupiter 14 Pro by Juno Computers
Pricing: Starts at $1199
Featuring the 11th gen Intel processors, Jupiter 14 by Juno Computers is a sweet deal with NVIDIA GTX 1650 on board.
It comes baked in with Ubuntu 20.04 with no other options to choose from.
The base configuration includes 16 GB RAM, which could make the value offering slightly better compared to some others.
You will find the ability to choose your region on their website (UK/Europe or US/Canada), make sure to utilize that.
Honorable Mention: PineBook Pro
PineBook Pro is an ARM-based laptop (with Manjaro ARM edition) that is budget-friendly and should work fine for a lot of basic tasks on Linux.
It is out of stock (until further notice) at the time of writing this. However, you might want to check that for yourself when you read this.
Wrapping Up
If you do not like the choices presented here, you may check out other places from where you can by Linux laptops. Depending on your budget, pick what you feel is best for you.
After all, everything comes with Linux baked in. Some give you the ability to choose from multiple distros but most of them stick to Ubuntu pre-installed.
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