Best Laptops for Linux in 2024 – Expert Recommendations!

With each passing year, the Linux community is growing stronger and the demand for laptops that can run this versatile OS is continuing to increase.

However, many people are still unaware of this OS or its uses and requirements. Not every Windows laptop is a good Linux laptop.

So, if you are in the market for a device that can handle not only the technical requirements of Linux but also has the capability to elevate your overall computing experience, you have come to just the right place.

In this guide, we will be exploring some of the best laptops for Linux in 2024. Our top picks include a selection of top-rated and best-selling devices that offer seamless compatibility and exceptional performance.

Regardless of whether you are a seasoned Linux user or a beginner stepping into this world, these expert recommendations are designed to meet your diverse needs and budget.

Top 8 Best Laptops for Linux Reviewed in 2024

Here’s a quick look at our top recommendations in 2024.

Looking for a Windows laptop instead? Check out our guide to the best Windows laptops in 2024.

Now, without any further ado, let’s dive into the detailed reviews of these amazing laptops that we have tested and reviewed just for you.

1. MSI Stealth 17 Studio – Best MSI Laptop for Linux

If you are looking for the best Linux usage experience on a laptop, then you cannot go wrong with the MSI Stealth 17 Studio laptop.

I would call it the best gaming laptop for Linux which comes with versatile functionality, high-end features, and stunning performance capabilities.

The laptop is powered by a 13^th Gen Intel Core i9 Processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Graphics, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB NVMe SSD storage – which can be considered ideal specs for a diverse range of applications.

In 2024, regardless of how you want to use the laptop, with these specs everything is within your reach. The laptop provides you with extreme performance potential and can handle any task that you throw at it.

Adding to this, the laptop also has an incredible GPU, which allows you to play even the most advanced games and get the smoothest gameplay experience.

One of the standout features is the lightning-fast 240Hz QHD display that comes in a massive 17.3-inch size. Hence, you can enjoy immersive visuals and experience graphics like never before.

Moreover, the laptop also provides extensive connectivity options and features some of the latest connectivity ports including Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort support along with the latest wireless connectivity options.

Final Remarks

All in all, the laptop is an excellent choice for both students and professionals who are looking for the ideal laptop for running Linux. With this laptop, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

 

2. Acer Chromebook Spin 714 – Best Budget Laptop for Linux

If budget is a constraint and you are looking for an affordable laptop that you can run Linux OS on, then you will find the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 quite suitable for your needs.

This is one of the affordable and reliable laptops that comes with touchscreen functionality and provides you with a wide range of attractive features.

It is powered by a 12^th Gen Intel Core i5 Deca-Core Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics Co-Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM, and 1 TB SSD Storage – a spec that meets the recommended requirements for Linux OS and provides smooth performance.

In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the laptop comes in a fully convertible design, which makes it an attractive choice for those who are looking for the best convertible laptop for Linux.

The touchscreen functionality enhances the workflow and overall productivity of the laptop. You can convert the laptop into a tablet and use the Acer Stylus touch pen that is also included with the laptop.

Adding to this, the laptop comes in a compact design, which makes it lightweight and portable. You can easily carry the laptop anywhere you want without feeling any budget, which makes it perfect for performance on the go.

Moreover, the laptop features the latest wireless connectivity options featuring the Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Moreover, it also features the latest USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support.

Final Remarks

The laptop provides the perfect combination of performance and affordability. The touchscreen functionality and convertible design are just a bonus that adds to the overall value of the laptop.

Also Read: Best Laptops for Cricut in 2024

 

3. Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2 – Best Lenovo Laptop for Linux

Professionals who are not looking for anything fancy and need a classic laptop that comes in a simple design and offers reliable performance for Linux OS should definitely check out the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2.

This laptop is ideal for business professionals because of its sleek look and professional design. It is equipped with high-performance components that ensure that the laptop provides lasting performance.

It is powered by an 11^th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, Intel Iris Xe Integrated Graphics Co-Processor, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 512 GB SSD Storage – specs that provide reliable performance when it comes to diverse requirements for Linux applications.

With its Quad-Core processor, which features Turbo Boost technology, the laptop is capable of handling intense performance tasks and provides higher power when required.

Adding to this, the laptop is equipped with superfast memory and storage that add to the overall performance and make it one of the best laptops for Linux in 2024.

The laptop comes in a compact & lightweight design, which makes it an attractive choice for users who are always on the move.

Moreover, the laptop also features advanced connectivity options and the latest ports along with an SD card slot for convenience.

Additionally, it comes with Windows 11 Professional pre-installed which provides you access to all the latest features. Furthermore, the laptop has military-grade durability that ensures lasting performance.

Final Remarks

In summary, this laptop is an ideal choice for office professionals who are looking for fast and efficient performance to meet with diverse needs of the Linux OS.

 

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Linux

Creators and artists who prefer Linux over Windows OS and are looking for the ideal laptop for their needs should definitely consider getting the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2.

It is the latest model of the series that comes with all the modern features and extreme performance potential.

The laptop is powered by a 13^th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Graphics, 64 GB DDR5 RAM, and 2 TB SSD Storage – which can be considered the best laptop specs for Linux in 2024.

I would highly recommend this laptop for creators, who can truly unleash the true potential of this laptop. The laptop can turn into a creative canvas that will provide you with limitless creative possibilities.

Adding to this, the laptop has extreme performance potential as it is equipped with the latest-gen specs and features. Being powered by an incredibly powerful processor and GPU, this laptop can handle even the most intensive tasks.

Since it is designed for creators, it comes with a Surface Slim Pen compatibility, which is stored under the keyboard and always remains charged.

Moreover, the laptop comes with high-capacity RAM and massive storage, which add to the overall performance and make this laptop ready for versatile use.

Final Remarks

Considering all the factors, the laptop is an ideal choice for professional artists, creators, designers, and architects who prefer using Linux and are in need of a laptop that can handle both their creative needs and intensive performance.

Also Read: Best Laptops for Coding

 

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 – Best Portable Laptop for Linux

If you are going to be working on performance-intensive tasks and are looking for a workstation laptop that can rival the performance of a desktop system, then I have something perfect for you.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is one of the professional-series laptops that is designed with performance in mind. These laptops can handle demanding performance and are built for lasting usage.

It is powered by a 12^th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics Co-Processor, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 1 TB SSD Storage – specs that not only meet but rather exceed the requirements for Linux OS.

With this laptop, you will experience smooth performance and will be able to do any task you want without worrying about the sturdiness or durability of the laptop. No matter how long the laptop remains turned on, it won’t slow down.

In addition to its highly powerful CPU, the laptop is equipped with high-capacity RAM and large storage, which can be further upgraded to boost the performance even further.

Moreover, the laptop comes in a compact design, which packs monstrous performance and allows you to carry the laptop anywhere you go. Hence, you can work while on the move.

The laptop comes with an impressive display that consumes less power while providing higher brightness, which makes the laptop ideal for outdoor usage.

Final Remarks

An excellent choice for professionals who are seeking high-end performance in a portable design. The laptop has incredible potential and is considered one of the best choices when it comes to performance and portability.

 

6. Dell XPS 13 Plus – Best 13 Inch Laptop for Linux

If style is one of your primary concerns and you are looking for a laptop that is both incredibly powerful and stunningly stylish, then there is honestly only 1 option. The Dell XPS series.

Although a little expensive, the laptop is truly worth every cent of the money. It comes with incredibly powerful specs and features and has a masterfully crafted body.

The laptop is powered by a 12^th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics Co-Processor, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB PCIe SSD Storage – specs that are as premium as the laptop itself.

Aside from the amazingly attractive design, the laptop comes with an incredibly powerful processor that provides double the power in a portable and lightweight body.

The laptop is only 0.6 inches thin and weighs 2.71 pounds. It comes with a long-lasting battery life that offers more power and even charges up to 80% in less than 1 hour. Hence, the laptop features ultimate portability.

Adding to this, one of the standout features of this laptop is the Zero-Lattice keyboard that stretches from one edge to the other and provides the laptop with a unique look. The keyboard provides one of the smoothest typing experiences.

The laptop comes with touchscreen functionality and can be termed as one of the best touchscreen laptops for Linux in 2024.

Moreover, both in terms of visuals and sound, the laptop provides impressive performance. It has amazingly immersive visual capabilities and is equipped with quad speakers for superior sound quality.

Final Remarks

One of the most premium choices on the list that comes with best-in-class performance and functionality. With its stylish design and unique features, the laptop stands out and is considered one of the most attractive options among all the laptops.

Also Read: Best Gaming Laptops Under $400

 

7. Dell XPS 15 9530 – Best Dell Laptop for Linux

Another laptop of the same series which is quite prominent because of its performance capabilities is the Dell XPS 15 9530.

This is one of the most powerful laptops of 2024 that comes with the latest-gen specs and features and offers ultimate performance potential.

It is powered by a 13^th Gen Intel Core i7 H Series Processor, Intel Arc 370M Dedicated Graphics, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and 1 TB SSD Storage – specs that are amazingly powerful and provide stunning performance capabilities to the laptop.

The laptop is designed for business professionals and provides versatile functionality. You can connect it with 4 monitors via Thunderbolt 4 USB-Type C connectivity ports.

Adding to this, the laptop comes with an extremely powerful processor that makes multitasking a breeze. With its advanced specs, it won’t slow down no matter how intensive tasks you run on it.

The display of this laptop is also impressive, as it provides superior resolution and higher color accuracy. Moreover, with higher brightness capabilities, the laptop becomes an ideal choice for outdoor use.

Moreover, the laptop comes with dedicated graphical memory that features 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM by Intel, which provides amazing graphical performance for demanding tasks.

Additionally, the laptop also features the latest connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.

Final Remarks

All in all, the laptop offers exceptional performance capabilities and comes with amazing features. A highly recommended choice for business professionals who are seeking the best laptop for Linux in 2024.

 

8. Acer Swift Edge 16 – Best Ultra-Slim Laptop for Linux

If you are looking for a large display with Ultra-HD resolution for Linux, then the Acer Swift Edge 16 can be termed as the ideal choice for your specific needs.

This extremely slim laptop comes with powerful specs, amazing display capabilities, and advanced features that make it an ideal choice for creators as well as professionals in other industries.

It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U Processor, Radeon 6800 Graphics Co-Processor, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, and 2 TB SSD Storage – specs that not only meet but rather exceed the requirements for Linux OS.

One of the standout features of this laptop is the display capabilities. It comes with an OLED display that provides 4K Ultra-HD resolution for ultimate clarity, true-to-life colors, and ultra-high contrast ratio.

The display is also Eye Safe certified and provides a comfortable viewing experience for prolonged exposure. Hence, it is also known as the best 4K laptop for Linux in 2024.

Adding to this, the laptop comes in a thin and lightweight design, which adds to its overall portability and allows you to work on the move.

Moreover, the laptop comes with the fastest Wi-Fi chipset known as Wi-Fi 7, which provides the most reliable connection with no risk of interruptions in the connectivity.

Final Remarks

An excellent choice for Linux users who are looking for 4K resolution in a portable laptop. The laptop comes with impressive performance potential and provides surprisingly great display capabilities.

Also Read: Best Laptops Under $600

 

How to Select the Best Laptop for Linux in 2024: Buyer’s Guide

Finding the ideal laptop for Linux OS can be a difficult task but certainly not an impossible one. With the right guide, you can find the ideal option for your needs and budget in no time.

Hence, to help you out, I will be discussing some quick buying tips that will help you select the best laptop for Linux in 2024. Let’s get right to it:

Power & Performance

First of all, you will need a powerful processor. A processor is a significant resource and with Linux, you can tap into its full potential. That is the reason that all supercomputers run on Linux.

Hence, if you go with a powerful processor, you will be able to tap into its true power, which is not something you can do with Windows OS.

As for GPU, you don’t need it specifically for Linux, but obviously you will be running some applications on Linux. If you are going to be running applications that require graphical performance, like creative software or games, then you need GPU.

Hence, you should only go with a dedicated GPU if you specifically need it, otherwise integrated GPU will be enough.

Memory & Storage

Memory and storage are also crucial components of your laptop. Linux requires 2 GB of RAM and 2 GB of storage space for itself.

Hence, anything else that you are planning to install on Linux will take additional memory. I would recommend going with at least 16 GB DDR4 RAM or higher for high performance.

I would also recommend going with DDR5 memory and Gen 4 storage if possible. This will provide better futureproofing to the laptop.

Make sure that the laptop comes with additional slots for both memory and storage expansion. With expansion slots, you can upgrade the performance of your system when required.

Display Aspect

Display is a significant factor for a laptop which also has to be considered in the case of Linux OS. The display size remains a personal preference and you can choose the one you feel comfortable with.

Same for touchscreen functionality. If you want your laptop to be touchscreen, there are plenty of options available that come with this feature.

I would recommend focusing more on two aspects, display resolution and brightness. Laptops that offer higher resolution are easier on the eyes and offer an immersive viewing experience.

Portability & Battery Life

Last but not least, you should also give proper attention to the portability factor. If you are going to be working on the move or traveling a lot, then you need a laptop that comes in a thin, compact, and lightweight design.

This will allow you to travel easily without feeling your laptop is a burden and get the performance on the go.

Adding to this, battery life is a factor that goes directly with portability. You should focus on battery life more if you are looking for a portable laptop because portability will be useless without a good battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best Linux laptop?

If I were to recommend one, I would definitely ask you to go with MSI Stealth Studio 17. The laptop offers the best value for your money and provides you with the most powerful specs and features in 2024.

2. Does Linux get slower over time like Windows?

Not necessarily. Slowing down is a phenomenon that depends on a lot of factors and cannot just be blamed on the OS. If you are not being careful with your laptop and increasing the workload, then it will eventually slow down.

3. Which laptop brand has the best Linux support?

The compatibility with Linux depends on several factors like processor, memory, storage, and other performance components. One brand cannot be ranked above others for best Linux support.

4. Do laptops come with Linux?

Yes, there are some custom laptops that come with Linux pre-installed but that too is on demand. Most laptops that are generally available in the market come with Windows OS and you will have to download and install Linux manually.

5. Are there disadvantages to running Linux instead of Windows or MacOS?

Linux, like every other OS, comes with its own set of pros and cons. Yes, there are some disadvantages like you will have to go through a learning curve to be able to use Linux, there will be software compatibility issues and also it’s not a standardized OS.

Wrapping Up!

Summing it all up, there are many laptops out there that can be termed as good enough for Linux but only a handful of them will prove to be the best.

We have explored and discussed some of the most suitable options in the market that can be termed the best laptops for Linux in 2024.

If I were to pick one, I would definitely recommend you to go with our top pick. The MSI Stealth Studio 17 comes with some of the most advanced specs and features and is without a doubt deserving of the top spot. The laptop offers the best value for money.

I hope the guide helps you find the ideal option for your specific needs and budget. Good Luck!