10 Best Chromebooks for Linux

Updated: Feb 20, 2024 4:16 PM
best chromebook linux featured image that shows the top three best chromebook models

To find the best Chromebook for Linux, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your home computing setup, ensuring that the laptop you choose can sufficiently run the Linux operating system. We recommend that you favor Chromebook laptops with high-grade processors and enough RAM to ensure you can have multiple applications running at the same time. Make sure to also consider the form factor, as a light and thin laptop will be better for portability and transport. When buying a Chromebook for Linux, always look for a powerful processor, the ability to boot using the Linux operating system, and a long-lasting battery.

After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Lenovo Yoga C630 is the best Chromebook for Linux on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more.

Top 10 Best Chromebook for Linux

 #1  Lenovo Yoga C630 Chromebook for Linux

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Best Chromebook for installing Linux, thanks to a suite of high-end features, including a long-lasting lithium-ion battery and an eighth-generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor.

Pros
  • Battery lasts more than 10 hours
  • 8th gen Intel Quad-core processor
  • 128GB of eMMC solid-state storage
Cons
  • Speakers on weaker side

The Lenovo Yoga C630 is a great choice if you are buying a Chromebook for Linux, as it features robust specifications that excel with the operating system. These specs include a powerful eighth-generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 128GB SSD, in addition to also including a 128GB MicroSD card. We also appreciated that the integrated lithium-ion battery allows for plenty of use before needing a recharge, around ten hours.

Though this is the best laptop for Linux, the built-in speakers are on the weaker side, which could impact enjoyment as you use the best Chromebook Linux apps to stream movies or play games.

 #2  Asus Flip C302 Chromebook for Linux

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredibly efficient hybrid 2-in-1 design with a display that rotates a full 360-degrees and plenty of Linux-friendly specs, including the Intel Core M3 processor.

Pros
  • Hybrid design fully rotates
  • 64GB of flash storage
  • Durable all-metal body
Cons
  • Display on smaller side, at 12.5”
  • 4GB of RAM

The Asus Flip C302 is a powerful 2-in-1 convertible laptop that doubles as a tablet, with some specifications that are well-suited to run the Linux operating system, including the inclusion of the powerful Intel Core M3 processor and 64GB of solid-state storage. We also appreciated the durable all-metal body, which should help it survive an accident or two, and the light form factor, as it weighs just over 2.5 pounds.

This is an extremely light laptop, but this does come at the expense of screen-size, as this laptop’s display is only 12.5-inches wide. Also, it only comes with 4GB of RAM, which could be an issue with some of the more intensive Linux-based applications.

 #3  Google Pixelbook Chromebook for Linux

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality laptop with a robust feature set that includes a powerful 7th gen Intel Core processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and 128GB of solid-state storage, all of which well-suited for Linux.

Pros
  • Thin and lightweight design
  • Fast-charging battery
  • 7th gen Intel Core processor
Cons
  • Somewhat expensive
  • Touch-display is fairly small

The Google Pixelbook is the best Chromebook for Kali Linux, and all other Linux variants, thanks to an extremely advanced feature set that includes a powerful seventh-generation Intel Core processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and 128GB of solid-state storage. We also appreciated the fast-charging battery, which allows for two hours of use with just 15 minutes of charging, and the thin and lightweight design.

Though the thin and lightweight design is fantastic, as it weighs just 2.5 pounds, the touch display is on the smaller side, at just 12.3-inches wide. Additionally, this is an expensive Chromebook, likely due to the advanced feature set.

 #4  Samsung Chromebook Pro for Linux

Award: BEST 2-IN-1 DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredibly efficient 2-in-1 design, with a rotating touch-display and shipping with a high-grade stylus, in addition to offering a powerful Intel Core processor and a spill-resistant keyboard.

Pros
  • Speedy Intel Core M3 processor
  • Incredibly light, at 2.3lb
  • Spill-resistant keyboard
Cons
  • Display on smaller side, at 12.3”
  • 4GB of RAM

The Samsung Chromebook Pro can easily run Linux and Linux-derived applications, thanks to the powerful and speedy Intel Core M3 processor. This is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop design, meaning it can easily transition from a Chromebook to a tablet, and ships with a highly usable capacitive stylus. We also appreciated the light form factor, weighing just 2.3 pounds, and the spill-resistant keyboard.

Though the touch-display is handy, it is on the smaller side, clocking in at just 12.3-inches wide. Also, this Chromebook only includes 4GB of RAM, which is on the lower side and could impact multitasking performance.

 #5  Acer Spin 13 Chromebook for Linux

Award: BEST DURABILITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredibly durable laptop that is built-to-last, with an all-aluminum chassis and Corning Gorilla Glass surrounding the display, in addition to offering a bevy of high-end specs.

Pros
  • 10-hour battery life
  • 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD
  • 10-point multi-touch display
Cons
  • On the expensive side

The Acer Spin 13 is extremely durable and should be able to survive an accidental drop or two, thanks to an all-aluminum chassis and Corning Gorilla Glass surrounding the 13.5-inch display. This screen is a 10-point multi-touch display, making this Chromebook shine as a tablet, and the integrated lithium battery allows for more than ten hours of use per charge. We also appreciated the specs on offer, including an Intel Core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a large and speedy 128GB solid-state drive.

The advanced specifications here, along with the superior durability, do cause this laptop to cost more than many competitors, so that is something to consider if you are thinking of making a purchase.

 #6  Acer 715 Chromebook for Linux

Award: BEST AESTHETICS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Features an elegant all-aluminum chassis and plenty of high-end specifications, including an 8th gen Intel Core processor and 8GB of RAM, for multitasking and for running advanced Linux applications.

Pros
  • Backlit keyboard
  • 8GB of RAM and 64GB SSD
  • Power 8th gen Intel Core processor
Cons
  • Power 8th gen Intel Core processor

The Acer 715 offers an aesthetically pleasing way to get a Linux desktop on a Chromebook, thanks to a durable and stunning all-aluminum chassis. The specs here are on point, with a powerful 8th generation Intel Core processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of solid-state storage. The backlit keyboard is also exceptionally useful, allowing for use in lowly lit areas of the home or even outside.

Though the 15.6-inch Full HD display is gorgeous, it is not touch-enabled, so this laptop cannot double as a tablet. Also, this is a relatively heavy Chromebook, clocking in at just over six pounds.

 #7  Asus Flip C434 Chromebook for Linux

Award: BEST IMMERSION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Features a 14” display with an incredibly slim bezel, for the purposes of immersion, with an Intel Core M3-8100Y processor and a 64GB eMMc solid-state drive.

Pros
  • Lightweight and durable aluminum design
  • Intel Core m3-8100Y can overclock to 3.4GHz
  • 64GB eMMc storage
Cons
  • 4GB of RAM

The Asus Flip C434 allows for an incredibly immersive experience while gaming or working with creative apps, thanks to the relatively large 14-inch touch display and edge-to-edge ultra-slim bezels. The specs here are on point, with an Intel Core m3-8100Y that can overclock to 3.4GHz and 64GB of eMMc solid-state storage. We also appreciated the durable all-metal chassis and the light form factor, as this laptop weighs just over three pounds.

Though most of the specs should make short work out of nearly any Linux-based app, the 4GB of RAM could impact performance somewhat, particularly while multitasking. All-in-all, however, this is a great laptop for Linux users as it supports the Google Crostini initiative with Linux supported in a container.

 #8  Acer 14 Chromebook for Linux

Award: BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-conscious Chromebook with a feature set that can easily handle the Linux OS, with a powerful Intel Celeron N3160 processor and a long-lasting lithium-ion battery.

Pros
  • Up to 12 hours of battery life
  • Powerful Intel Celeron N3160 processor
  • Durable aluminum chassis
Cons
  • 4GB of RAM, but can be upgraded
  • FHD display, but not multi-touch

The Acer Chromebook 14 comes in at a value-friendly price while offering an incredibly robust feature set that includes a powerful and efficient Intel Celeron N3160 battery and a lithium-ion battery that allows for up to 12 hours of use on a single charge. We also appreciated the durable all-aluminum chassis and the multitude of ports and connections available, including USB 3.0 and HDMI.

Though the processor is certainly up to snuff, this laptop only ships with 4GB of RAM, though this can be upgraded to 8GB if so desired. Also, the Full HD 1920 x 1080 display is gorgeous, but it is not touch-enabled, disallowing this computer from doubling as a tablet.

 #9  Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook for Linux

Award: BEST PORTABLE DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Highly portable design that can easily be stowed away in a backpack or carry bag, with a light form factor, just 3lb, and an 11.6” display that doesn’t take up much room.

Pros
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Integrated Google Assistant
  • Built-in HD camera with 2 mics
Cons
  • 4GB of RAM
  • Just 16GB of eMMc storage

The Dell Inspiron 11 is an eminently portable and compact laptop, weighing just 3 pounds and including an 11.6-inch display that makes it easy to stow the whole thing in a backpack or carry bag. The specs are decent, with an Intel Celeron N3060 dual-core processor and a lithium-ion battery that allows for more than ten hours of use on a single charge. We also appreciated the built-in HD webcam, complete with a pair of stereo microphones.

Though many of the specs here are fairly robust, this Chromebook does ship with just 4GB of RAM, which is on the lower side. Additionally, the storage is minimal, coming with just a 16GB eMMc solid-state drive. It must also be noted that the display is not touch-enabled.

 #10  Samsung XE350XBA-K01US Chromebook for Linux

We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly laptop with plenty of high-end features, including integrated Google Assistant functionality, for issuing voice commands, and the speedy and efficient Intel Celeron N4000 processor.

Pros
  • Integrated Google Assistant
  • Large 15.6” FHD display
  • Intel Celeron N4000 processor
Cons
  • Display is not touch-enabled
  • 4GB of RAM

The Samsung XE350XBA-K01US, otherwise known as the Samsung Chromebook 4+, comes in at a budget-conscious price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as the efficient Intel Celeron N4000 processor. We also appreciated the fact that this laptop comes fully integrated with Google Assistant, for issuing voice commands, and that the display is on the larger side, at 15.6-inches wide.

Though the display is certainly large and packs a high resolution, it is not touch-enabled so this laptop cannot do double duty as a tablet. Also, this laptop ships with just 4GB of RAM installed, which could impact certain consumers. However, we still think it’s the best Chromebook for seniors on our list who may not need as much RAM.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we took great pains to ensure that these laptops allowed for Linux to be installed as the boot-up operating system or that it could be installed via a separate container, such as what is found with the Google Crostini platform, which allows for a variety of operating systems to run independently of the Chrome OS.

No matter which way Linux is accessed, we wanted to make sure that the specs were up to snuff. To that end, we liked Chromebooks with powerful processors, plenty of RAM, at least 4GB, and large solid-state storage drives for the purposes of storing personal documents, movies, and applications.

We also liked laptops with large and gorgeous Full HD displays. Bonus points were awarded if these displays offered multi-touch functionality and if they allowed for full rotation, which effectively turns a laptop into a tablet and vice versa. Finally, we liked computers with long-lasting lithium batteries that could get at least eight hours of use before needing to hit a power outlet for a recharge.

Chromebook for Linux Buying Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Laptop Specs In order to adequately run Linux, either as a boot-up operating system or in a separate container, you will need to make sure that your laptop’s specifications are up to snuff. Look for Chromebooks with high-grade specifications, such as powerful processors often manufactured by Intel. You’ll also want to make sure that there is plenty of RAM, as much as 16 GB, especially if you are running Linux in a separate container, and that the laptop comes with solid-state storage, especially for the boot drive.
  2. DisplayLike any laptop, you are going to want a functional and aesthetically pleasing display with a wide viewing angle. Look for screens that are on the larger-side, unless portability is of paramount importance and those that are at least Full HD. You may also like a display with multi-touch functionality and full rotation. These design choices allow a Chromebook to also operate as a highly capable tablet, for the purposes of engaging with Google Play apps and games.
  3. Additional Features Modern Chromebooks come filled with additional features and functionality, in addition to the ability to adequately run Linux. Look for laptops with plenty of ports, including USB 3.0 and HDMI, and those with high-quality webcams, for conducting Zoom meetings and the like. If your chosen laptop features a convertible tablet design, make sure it also comes with a capacitive stylus. A laptop with long battery life and an affordable price tag compared to other Chromebooks should also be considered.

10 Best Chromebooks for Linux Questions (FAQ)

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Learn More About Computers