Best Linux Compatible Laptops

For enthusiasts, developers, and professionals who prefer the Linux operating system, choosing a Linux-compatible laptop is a pivotal decision. Here are five Linux-compatible laptops that I evaluated in my recent quest for a new Linux laptop. Each is evaluated across five key areas: Linux compatibility, performance, battery life, build quality and design, and price and value—on a scale of 1 to 5 stars—helping you make an informed choice for your Linux needs.

Note: I am not affiliated in any way with any of these laptop manufacturers and receive no compensation for this review.

In This Article

Linux compatible: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Battery Life: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Build Quality and Design: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price and Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Dell Latitude 7350 is a modern business-class laptop that stands out for its official Ubuntu certification, making it a top choice for Linux users who want seamless compatibility and enterprise-grade reliability. Designed for professionals, developers, and IT specialists. This listing replaces the previously recommended Dell XPS 13 Plus Developer Edition.

Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (configurations may vary), delivering robust performance for demanding workloads. It supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, and offers fast storage options with up to 2TB NVMe SSDs. The laptop features a 13.3-inch FHD+ display with slim bezels.

Update: More than 2 years later I can still recommend the T14s Gen 3 over the Gen 4 and Gen 5. However, performance is aging a bit, so also consider the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 [PDF].

Linux compatible: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Battery Life: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Build Quality and Design: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price and Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overview: I purchased this laptop as an open-box item on eBay. The ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 AMD is a powerhouse, especially with its AMD Ryzen processors. Known for its legendary build quality and Linux compatibility, it’s a top pick for professionals seeking a high-performance laptop. The fingerprint reader and Bluetooth can take extra work to get working seamlessly.

Here’s an excerpt from my review: “The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 AMD stands as a formidable business laptop. Its robust build quality, combined with the lightweight yet durable materials, makes it a reliable choice for professionals on the go. The 1080p 16:10 aspect ratio display provides a visually pleasing and practical experience, and with 400 Nits max brightness, it survives in well-lit and outdoor environments. The keyboard and TrackPoint continue to uphold the ThinkPad legacy, offering comfort and precision for extensive typing and navigation tasks. The AMD Ryzen 7 6850U processor, coupled with Radeon 680M graphics, packs a punch in handling demanding tasks and multitasking, without compromising on battery life. The simple yet efficient cooling system and quiet fan operation further underscore the laptop’s suitability for professional settings.”

~~Linux compatible: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~~
~~Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~~
~~Battery Life: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~~
~~Build Quality and Design: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~~
~~Price and Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~~

Overview: The Purism Librem 14 focuses on security and privacy, with hardware kill switches and PureOS. It’s a go-to for those who prioritize these aspects in a Linux environment. As per the screen aspect ratio, it’s 16:9. I wrote about this recently. This screen size results in less vertical screen space. Look at the empty black space below the screen where a 16:10 display could have easily used that real estate.

The Purism Librem 14 is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10710U processor. It offers up to 64GB DDR4 memory and 2TB NVMe storage. The laptop’s key highlight is its emphasis on privacy, with hardware kill switches for camera, microphone, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. It also features the PureBoot and Librem Key integration for secure booting. Its physical design is sleek, with a focus on portability. The Librem 14 is ideal for users prioritizing security, freedom, and high performance in a Linux environment.

Linux compatible: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Battery Life: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Build Quality and Design: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price and Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overview: The Framework 13 AMD Ryzen laptop is a promising newcomer in the realm of Linux-compatible laptops. It stands out for its modular design, allowing users to upgrade and customize components easily. Its commitment to sustainability and right-to-repair principles makes it a unique offering in the market. This laptop is a great choice for those who value customization and future-proofing their technology.

This 13″ work laptop comes with a 3:2 aspect ratio display screen, which is outstanding vertical real estate for work and productivity like coding and Linux terminal. ~~The laptop needs a few more years for a full rating on build quality.~~ That said, the unit I tested seems like it should last a couple of years without major issues. Update: Added a star to “Build Quality and Design”.

Linux compatible: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Battery Life: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Build Quality and Design: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price and Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Designed for Linux enthusiasts, the latest System76 Lemur Pro pairs Intel Core Ultra processors with System76 Open Firmware and ships with Pop!_OS or Ubuntu. The 73 Wh battery delivers up to 14 hours of real-world use, all in a 2.2-lb chassis.

The Lemur Pro remains ultralight yet configurable: up to 56 GB of DDR5-5600 and two PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots for as much as 8 TB total. Its 14-inch matte IPS display moves to a 1920 × 1200 (16∶10) ratio, giving more vertical workspace than the older 16∶9 panel. Ports include Thunderbolt 4 with Power Delivery, a second USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI 2.1, a microSD reader, and a combo audio jack. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 handle wireless duties.

Summary of these Linux compatible laptops

It’s essential to emphasize that the laptops listed here are not ranked in any order. Instead, each one represents a strong, all-around choice for different needs and preferences within the Linux community. From the versatile Lenovo ThinkPad T14s, to the innovative Framework 13 AMD Laptop, each model brings something unique to the table.

These laptops have been selected for their comprehensive strengths and compatibility with Linux.

Conclusion

The choice of a laptop is about personal preference and specific use cases. As Linux continues to evolve and grow in popularity, the range of compatible hardware expands, offering more choices than ever before. The laptops highlighted here stand out in 2023 and 2024 for their performance, design, and Linux compatibility, making them excellent choices for anyone in the market for a Linux-compatible laptop.

Let’s expand on this list and discuss further: