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.
Top 10 Ubuntu Laptops
#1 Acer Predator Helios 300 Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Plenty of RAM for multitasking
- Great for gaming, with 144Hz refresh rate
- 512GB SSD
- Battery life on weaker side
- Weighs nearly 6lb
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.
#2 Lenovo Thinkpad Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Gorgeous FHD display
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB of RAM
- Thin, but over 4lb
- Battery life on lower side.
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.
#3 Acer Aspire E Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Powerful NVIDIA graphics card
- 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD
- Battery lasts over 12 hours per charge
- Somewhat expensive
- Weighs over 5lb
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.
#4 Dell XPS 13 Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Weighs under 3lb
- 8th gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- 16GB of RAM
- UHD display is gorgeous, but just 13”
- Extremely expensive
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.
#5 Dell XPS 15 Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Powerful graphics card
- 8GB of RAM and speedy SSD
- Intel Core i7 processor
- Fairly expensive
- Weighs nearly 5lb
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.
#6 Asus ZenBook Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Battery lasts up to 15 hours
- 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD
- Backlit keyboard for night use
- Full HD display on smaller side
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.
#7 System76 Gazelle Pro Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Powerful Intel CPU
- 8GB of DDR3 RAM
- Gorgeous 15” FHD display
- No SDD
- Weighs nearly 5.5lb
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.
#8 Asus Chromebook Flip Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Battery lasts up to 10 hours
- Full HD touchscreen with 360-degree hinge
- Weighs just 2.65lb
- 4GB of RAM
- Not much integrated storage
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.
#9 Acer Chromebook 15 Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- 12 hours of battery life
- 15.6” Full HD touch display
- Upward-facing speakers for great audio
- 4GB of RAM
- Nearly 5lb
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.
#10 HP Chromebook Ubuntu Laptop
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.
- Intel dual-core processor
- Extremely light and compact
- 12 hours of battery life
- 4GB of RAM
- 16GB of eMMc flash storage
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.
How We Decided
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.
Best Ubuntu Laptop Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Specs
Specs are extremely important when it comes to any laptop, no matter what operating system they are running. With that in mind, look for a computer with a powerful processor manufactured by industry leader Intel, such as the Intel Core i5 or i7. You’ll also want to make sure your preferred laptop ships with plenty of dedicated RAM, for the purposes of multitasking, and a good amount of storage in the form of a solid-state drive. Or if you prefer gaming in different ways, a slightly different concept from multitasking, consider a convertible laptop, where you can have fun with laptop and tablet gaming 2 in 1. - Display
The display is what you’ll be staring into every time you open up one of these laptops for Linux, so you’ll want to make sure it is of excellent quality. Look for computers with large displays with wide viewing angles of at least Full HD resolution. You may want to ensure you get a display of 15-inches wide or more, though that does cut down on portability somewhat. Also, modern laptops can include touch displays, allowing for some tablet-like functionality. - Additional Features
In addition to being able to easily install and run the Linux operating system, there are other features that modern laptops typically include. Look for computers with an integrated fingerprint reader, for a secure login, and those with a backlit keyboard, for the purposes of using in lowly lit areas of the home or outdoors at night. You’ll also want to make sure the laptop you are about to purchase features plenty of ports, including USB 3.0, USB C, HDMI, and more.
