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To find the best Ubuntu laptop, for the purposes of running the Linux operating system, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your setup. We recommend that you favor powerful laptops with high-grade and recently manufactured Intel processors and enough RAM to ensure you can have multiple applications, or operating systems, 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 an Ubuntu laptop, always look for plenty of RAM, efficient storage, 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 Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best Ubuntu laptop on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best laptops on the market today.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best Linux laptop for developers, thanks to a robust feature set that includes a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a speedy 512GB solid-state drive.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best Linux laptop, thanks to advanced features such as a high-grade seventh-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and 16GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM. We also appreciated the large and speedy 512GB solid-state drive, in addition to the display’s stellar 144Hz refresh rate, which shines while gaming. On the subject of gaming, this best laptop for Ubuntu includes the renowned NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. If you play only one video game, you can choose a laptop from a list selected specifically for that game, like a Sims 4 laptop.
The battery life does struggle a bit here, likely due to the advanced processor and graphics card, clocking in at around six hours per charge. Additionally, this is a slightly heavier-than-average computer, as it weighs nearly six pounds. A much lighter option is the best Windows laptop, weighing in at less than 3 pounds.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic choice for those looking for a professional laptop that can run Linux, as this model boasts a gorgeous 15.6” FHD display, a powerful Intel processor, 16GB of RAM, and a large solid-state storage drive.
The Lenovo Thinkpad is a standout model with an impressive feature set that includes an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of dedicated RAM, and a speedy and efficient 512GB solid-state drive. We also appreciated the gorgeous 15.6-inch Full HD display and the multitude of integrated ports, which includes an Ethernet port. This computer boasts a thinner-than-average design, making it easy to stuff into a backpack.
Though this is a thin laptop, it does weigh over four pounds, which could slightly impact portability. Also, the battery maxes out at nine hours, which is decent, though this is while just surfing the web. This metric decreases considerably while taxing the internal components. This is why you may want to consider purchasing the best rugged laptop that features and a stellar integrated battery that can provide more than fifteen hours of continuous use before needing to recharge.
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality laptop with a bevy of stellar features that include an NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card, a solid Intel core processor, and 8GB of dedicated RAM.
The Acer Aspire E is a great option for consumers looking for high-grade components to run Ubuntu Linux, as this laptop features a powerful eighth-generation Intel Core processor, the NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card, 8GB of dedicated RAM, and a speedy 256GB solid-state drive. We also appreciated the amazing integrated battery, which can last over twelve hours before needing a recharge. Long battery life makes it great, especially if you’re always on the go and that’s just one of the features of the best travel laptop.
Due to the advanced specs, this is a fairly expensive laptop, so take that into consideration before making a purchase. Additionally, the weight here is somewhat hefty, at well over five pounds. A slightly lighter option is the best netbook on the market that weighs just over three pounds, which is not terribly heavy.
Award: BEST STORAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with a stunningly large and efficient 1TB solid-state drive, in addition to boasting 16GB of dedicated RAM and a powerful 8th gen Intel Core i7 processor.
The Dell XPS 13 is a great option for consumers who find themselves storing a lot of personal documents and large, often 4K, media files, as this laptop ships with a whopping 1TB of solid-state storage. The specs are fantastic, thanks to an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM. We also appreciated the thin and light form factor here, as this computer weighs just 2.6 pounds.
Though the weight is indeed a huge bonus, the 13-inch display is on the smaller side, despite it offering Ultra High Definition visuals. Also, this is an extremely expensive laptop, likely due to high-end components. For less expensive options, check out the best laptops under 500 on the market today.
Award: BEST SECURITY FEATURES
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with a fingerprint reader, offering secure logins, in addition to a robust feature set that includes a powerful NVIDIA graphics card, an Intel Core i7 processor, and 8GB of dedicated RAM.
The Dell XPS 15 ensures secure and privacy-enhancing logins, due to an integrated fingerprint reader. The specs here are fantastic, with an Intel Core i7 processor, the NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card, 8GB of dedicated RAM, and a speedy 256GB solid-state storage drive. We also appreciated the high-grade lithium battery that can run for up to ten hours before needing to hit the power outlet for a recharge.
This is a fairly expensive laptop, however, likely due to the advanced features on offer. Additionally, portability may be slightly impacted here, as this computer weighs nearly five pounds. A more portable option is the best i3 laptop that has excellent specs and still features a light and thin form factor.
Award: BEST PORTABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Portable and compact design, with a slim form factor and a weight of just 2.5lb, in addition to offering 8GB of RAM and a 512GB solid-state storage drive.
The Asus ZenBook is the perfect laptop to sling in a backpack or carry bag, as it weighs just 2.5 pounds and boasts an ultra-slim form factor. The specs here are stellar, thanks to a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB solid-state storage drive. We also appreciated the durable all-aluminum battery and the long-lasting battery, which can go up to fifteen hours before needing a recharge.
The Asus ZenBook also boasts a backlit keyboard, for use in lowly lit areas of the home or outside at night. It must be noted, however, that the Full HD display that ships with this computer is on the smaller side, at just 13.3-inches wide. You may prefer the best laptop for seniors that features a large 15.6 inches full HD display.
Award: BEST EASE-OF-USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Comes with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed, eliminating many potential headaches, with 8GB of dedicated RAM and a powerful quad-core Intel i7 processor.
The System76 Gazelle Pro is the perfect choice for those who just want to buy a laptop and be done with it, as this model comes with Ubuntu Linux version 14.04.3 pre-installed, so you won’t have to go through the installation procedure. The specs are decent, with a powerful Intel quad-core i7 processor and 8GB of dedicated RAM. We also appreciated the gorgeous 15-inch Full HD display.
Though most of the specs are up to snuff here, this laptop does not ship with a solid-state drive, merely a 500GB HDD. Additionally, this computer is on the heavier side, coming in at around 5.5 pounds. Have a look at the best laptop brands to determine the best model for your needs.
Award: BEST DURABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredibly durable design, with an all-aluminum metal exterior and a display that has been encased in Corning Gorilla Glass, in addition to offering a Full HD touch display.
The Asus Chromebook Flip is a great option for consumers worried about the longevity of their Ubuntu laptops, as this model is built to last, with an all-aluminum metal exterior and a display that has been covered in nigh-unbreakable Corning Gorilla Glass. On the topic of the display, it boasts a Full HD resolution and comes with touch capabilities, allowing for a tablet-like experience. We also appreciated the light and thin form factor, as this computer weighs just 2.65 pounds.
Though the battery life is fantastic, allowing for ten hours of use per charge, the dedicated RAM is on the lower end, at just 4GB. Also, there is not much integrated storage here, as this laptop ships with just a 32GB eMMc flash drive. Compare that with the best 2-in-1 laptop that boasts 12GB of RAM and a speedy 512GB solid-state drive.
Award: BEST VALUE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Great option for consumers looking for a powerful laptop at a fraction of the cost, as this model features a long-lasting lithium battery and a Full HD touch display, allowing for a tablet-like experience.
The Acer Chromebook 15 comes in at a value-friendly price while offering a robust and excellent feature set that includes a powerful Intel processor and 32GB of eMMc flash storage. The 15.6-inch Full HD display is touch-enabled, allowing access to tablet-based applications and games. We also appreciated the upward-facing stereo speakers, which provide great audio while watching movies and TV shows.
Though the CPU is decent, this laptop does only ship with 4GB of dedicated RAM, which could impact multitasking. Additionally, this is a heavier-than-average Chromebook, clocking in at nearly five pounds. For lighter options, have a look at the best laptops for students.
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly laptop for Linux with some surprisingly robust features, including an Intel dual-core processor, a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, and a light and compact form factor, weighing around 2.5lb.
The HP Chromebook comes in at a budget-conscious price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as a relatively powerful Intel Celeron dual-core processor and a fantastic lithium battery that can go for a maximum of 12 hours before needing a recharge. We also appreciated the light and compact form factor, as this laptop weighs just 2.5 pounds and can easily slide into any backpack or carry bag.
Though many of the specs on this laptop for Linux are on point, this laptop only ships with 4GB of dedicated RAM, which could impact multitasking. Though this Linux laptop is cheap, the storage here is paltry, with just 16GB of eMMc flash storage available. Compare that to the best touch screen laptop that offers a speedy 512GB solid-state drive, making this a great gaming laptop.
To help narrow down to the above list, we thoroughly researched a multitude of top laptops to ensure that they could easily function with Ubuntu Linux as their primary operating system, either as the sole OS or as part of a dual-boot system. To that end, we preferred computers with powerful processors and plenty of dedicated RAM for multitasking.
Other specs we took into consideration include storage, as we tended to prefer laptops with large and speedy solid-state storage drives, for the purposes of holding on to personal documents and large media files. We also liked computers with large and gorgeous displays with wide viewing angles, of at least Full HD resolution, with bonus points awarded to models with touch displays, allowing for a level of tablet-like functionality.
We admired computers with fantastic integrated batteries that could allow the laptop to run all day before needing a recharge, making the above laptops excel in the portability department. Finally, we liked laptops with a bevy of additional features, such as fingerprint readers, for a secure login, and backlit keyboards.
