As soon as solely a favourite amongst coding and programming professionals and area of interest hobbyists, Linux has been steadily rising in recognition over time. Because it’s open source, there are many totally different Linux distributions out there so that you can take a look at and see what’s greatest to your talent stage and desires.Â
Linux may even be used to give an old laptop or desktop new life as a studying software for beginner programmers. Whereas Mac customers have some catching as much as do when it comes to distro assist, there are many Home windows-based laptops with comparable efficiency and battery life that may additionally run Linux.
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What’s the greatest Linux laptop computer proper now?
Shopping for any laptop computer will be daunting, not to mention one for an working system you is probably not acquainted with. ZDNET consultants went hands-on with Linux-capable laptops from Lenovo, Dell and extra to check user-friendliness, efficiency, and battery life.Â
Our choose for the most effective Linux laptop computer total is the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 AMDÂ resulting from its affordability and customization choices. When you’re searching for one thing extra beginner-friendly or a Linux-capable Mac different, preserve studying under to study extra about our picks for the most effective Linux laptops.Â
Additionally:Â These are the absolute best Linux distros for programming
The very best Linux laptops of 2025
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Why we prefer it: With twin assist for Linux and Home windows, customers can simply swap between working methods for work and private initiatives. The ThinkPad T14s is constructed with as much as an Intel Core Extremely 7 processor, with 32GB of RAM, as much as 1TB of storage, and built-in Intel Arc graphics to deal with all the pieces from digital conferences to informal gaming.
Who it is for: A 12-hour battery life makes the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s a fantastic possibility for each college students and professionals who want a laptop computer that has sufficient juice to get by means of a protracted day. With quick charging capabilities, you may rise up to 70% battery with simply an hour of charging time. The 14-inch show is ideal for streaming, working in paperwork, and digital conferences or courses.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The ThinkPad T14s is simply able to 1920 x 1200 decision, which is greater than sufficient for typical residence, workplace, or classroom use. When you’re a inventive skilled who wants 1440p or 4K decision for initiatives, there are different Linux-capable choices from each Lenovo and different manufacturers.
Assessment: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 AMD
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 AMD specs – CPU: Intel Core Extremely 7 268V | GPU: Built-in Intel Arc Graphics 140V | RAM: 32GB | Storage: As much as 1TB SSD | Show measurement: 14 inches | Show kind: IPS | Decision: 1920 x 1200 | Battery life: 12 hours Â
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Why we prefer it: Dell permits you to create virtually any configuration you want for the XPS 13. It is bought as much as 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD storage drive, and the selection between a Snapdragon X Plus or Elite CPU for loads of energy and efficiency for working in Linux or Home windows.Â
Who it is for: With each LCD and OLED show choices with as much as 3K decision, the Dell XPS 13 is a superb possibility for college kids, inventive professionals, and workplace employees. It additionally has a 17-hour battery life to final all day.Â
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the Dell XPS 13 is lots highly effective as-is, it does not have an possibility for a discrete graphics card. With no devoted GPU, the Dell XPS 13 cannot deal with greater than probably the most informal of recreation titles and possibly will not be capable to deal with intense inventive applications like Blender.
Assessment: Dell XPS 13 (2024)Â
Dell XPS 13 (2024) tech specs – CPU:Â Snapdragon X Plus or Elite |Â GPU:Â Qualcomm Adreno built-in GPUÂ |Â RAM:Â As much as 32GB |Â Storage:Â As much as 1TB SSD |Â Show measurement:Â 13.4 inches |Â Show kind:Â LCD or OLED |Â Decision:Â As much as 3.5K |Â Battery life:Â 17 hours
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Why we prefer it: When you want an AMD-based laptop computer over Intel, the Acer Swift Edge is a superb possibility for anybody trying to begin studying Linux. It is constructed with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD storage drive, and built-in AMD Radeon graphics for inventive work and informal gaming.
Who it is for: The 3K decision show makes use of an OLED panel for enhanced distinction, detailing, and higher coloration accuracy, making it a fantastic possibility for inventive professionals who work with digital graphics or video. It additionally works with DTS audio processing for wealthy, full sound with out a headset or exterior audio system.
Who ought to look elsewhere: With a battery life that tops out at about seven hours, cellular professionals and college students might have to discover a totally different Linux-based laptop computer to get by means of a typical day. It additionally has just one SSD slot, so you will have to switch your total storage drive if you wish to improve your laptop computer.
Assessment: Acer Swift EdgeÂ
Acer Swift Edge 16 specs – CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | GPU: AMD Radeon built-in graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Show measurement: 16 inches | Show kind: OLED | Decision: 3200 x 2000 | Battery life: 7 hours Â
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Why we prefer it: With a 16-inch OLED show able to 4K decision and a 60Hz refresh fee, the Asus ProArt P16 is a superb different for inventive professionals searching for a Linux-capable laptop computer that is simply as highly effective and versatile as a MacBook.Â
Who it is for: Together with a 4K OLED show, the ProArt P16 encompasses a devoted Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card for much more processing energy whereas working with 3D fashions, animation, and video processing. You may also select between configurations constructed with both 32 or 64GB of RAM for all the facility and efficiency you want for rendering completed inventive initiatives and multitasking in intensive applications.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Asus ProArt P16 is a superb MacBook different when it comes to energy and efficiency, however its worth level matches its premium construct. Artistic professionals, college students, and hobbyist programmers have loads of choices in the marketplace for extra reasonably priced Linux-capable laptops.
Assessment: Asus ProArt P16
Asus ProArt P16 specs – CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 300 sequence | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Show measurement: 16 inches | Show kind: OLED | Decision: 4K | Battery life: 10 hours Â
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Why we prefer it: The Microsoft Floor Laptop computer has a really spectacular 22-hour battery life, which helps you to work virtually two days within the workplace or classroom earlier than that you must take into consideration plugging in. It additionally has each 13.5- and 15-inch show choices for cellular professionals or anybody who has a smaller work desk.
Who it is for: With highly effective configurations that includes as much as 64GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and both a Snapdragon X plus or X Elite processor, you’ll deal with all the pieces from programming workout routines to digital courses and even some inventive work. The improved Snapdragon processor additionally offers you higher efficiency whereas multitasking in highly effective applications like Blender and Adobe Artistic Suite.
Who ought to look elsewhere: A robust configuration additionally comes with a excessive worth. With no devoted graphics card, the Home windows Floor Laptop computer won’t be capable to deal with intense inventive applications for animation or recreation growth.
Assessment: Microsoft Surface Laptop
Microsoft Floor Laptop computer (2024) specs – CPU: Snapdragon X Plus, Snapdragon X Elite | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno built-in GPU | RAM: As much as 64GB | Storage: As much as 1TB SSD | Show measurement: 13.8 or 15 inches | Show kind: LCD | Decision: 2304 x 1536 | Battery life: 22 hours
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My selection for the most effective Linux laptop computer is the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 AMD. Lenovo is not any stranger to providing Linux assist for his or her laptops and desktops, and the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 takes the cake. It additionally presents a number of configuration choices to assist tailor the laptop computer to your particular work, studying, or hobbyist programmer/coder wants. It additionally has a extra reasonably priced worth than another choices in the marketplace, retailing for about $1,500. This makes it a fantastic possibility for inexperienced persons and hobbyists who won’t need to drop some huge cash on one thing they might not use a lot.
Greatest Linux laptop computer | Worth | Processor/graphics | Battery life |
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel | $1,279 | Intel Core Extremely 7/Intel Arc 140V | 12 hours |
Dell XPS 13 (2024) | $1,120 | Snapdragon X Plus or Elite/Qualcomm Adreno | 17 hours |
Acer Swift Edge 16 | $987 | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U/AMD Radeon built-in graphics | 7 hours |
Asus ProArt P16 | $2,000 | AMD Ryzen AI 300 sequence/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 | 10 hours |
Microsoft Floor Laptop computer (2024) | $1,300 | Snapdragon X Plus or Elite/Qualcomm Adreno | 22 hours |
*MSRP at time of writing. Please observe that precise retail pricing might differ relying on the vendor in addition to out there offers and promotions.
It is determined by how a lot expertise you will have utilizing the Linux working system. When you’re simply beginning out, you will need to go for a laptop computer with lower-end parts and configurations in addition to a lower cost. By choosing much less subtle, cheaper laptops, you may reduce your enamel on Linux with out shedding a ton of cash if it seems to not be your cup of tea.Â
Nonetheless, in case you’re operating with extra skilled Linux crowds, you could need to contemplate laptops with extra highly effective processors and graphics playing cards that will help you create applications or work with Linux supply code.
Purchase this greatest Linux laptop computer… | When you want… |
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel | A well-rounded laptop computer for working in Linux. Lenovo presents full Linux assist for the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel in addition to customization choices. |
Dell XPS 13 (2024) | A extremely configurable Linux Laptop computer. The Dell XPS 13 presents a number of configuration choices to tailor the laptop computer to your particular work wants. |
Acer Swift Edge 16 | A Linux laptop computer with an unbelievable show. The Acer Swift Edge 16 is constructed with an OLED panel for enhanced coloration and distinction in addition to as much as 3.2K decision. |
Asus ProArt P16 | A laptop computer for inventive professionals searching for one thing on the identical stage as a MacBook Professional, however with dependable Linux OS assist. |
Microsoft Floor Laptop computer (2024) | A Linux laptop computer with a protracted battery life. The refreshed Microsoft Floor Laptop computer presents as much as 22 hours of use on a full cost. |
What makes a machine worthy of belonging to the most effective Linux laptop computer listing? Clearly, it has to work with Linux and never require the person to do any of the work to make that occur. Past that, listed here are the important thing options we thought of when finishing hands-on testing to compile this listing:
- Efficiency:Â I included laptops with present or last-generation parts. This ensures that you’re going to get the most effective efficiency out of your new Linux laptop computer.
- Design:Â Not all laptops are designed the identical method. I selected laptops with each eye-catching, gamer-inspired designs in addition to laptops that may match proper in a standard workplace setting.
- Value: Since Linux can run on nearly any laptop computer so long as the {hardware} is supported, you may select an older or used mannequin to load the working system onto. This implies it can save you cash on upgrades, particularly in case you’re simply beginning out studying Linux.
- Open-source assist:Â Linux is an open-source working system. You could find tons of on-line communities devoted to studying Linux, tweaking supply code, and reporting points.
Whereas we had been researching and testing every Linux-compatible laptop computer on this listing, we saved these standards in thoughts:
- Model integrity: It might be tempting to spring for that ultra-cheap, unfamiliar model, however what you will save, you will find yourself paying for later, making an attempt to take care of shady customer support or changing failing elements. Every laptop computer on this listing has been chosen from respected manufacturers with sturdy return and alternate insurance policies in addition to glorious customer support.
- Twin boot: Many Linux fanatics may want or need to run a secondary working system like Home windows or macOS on their pc for finishing sure duties. Every laptop computer we have chosen has been verified to have the ability to run at the least one different working system except for Linux.
- Configurability: No two customers could have the very same wants when utilizing a Linux laptop computer. Every mannequin chosen for our listing has been verified to permit customers to drop in new parts, develop reminiscence, and add storage drives.
Newest information on Linux laptops
Linux is an extremely versatile, open-source working system that can be utilized on nearly any PC configuration, even very outdated laptops and desktops. This lets you lengthen the lifetime of your gadgets. Being an open-source working system, there are dozens of variations out there that may be tweaked and tailor-made to fit your wants.Â
The most recent Linux kernel is Linux 6.14.5, which was launched on April 20 and added assist for Microsoft Copilot AI, handheld gadgets just like the Steam Deck, and Intel Arc B graphics playing cards.
Linux is an open-source working system, created by Linus Torvalds, that isn’t solely fitted to desktops and laptops, however for enterprise-grade servers, container deployments, the cloud, and rather more. Linux is on the market as a distribution and will be downloaded and put in without cost on as many machines as you want.
This can be a little bit of an advanced reply.
Sure, you may run Linux working methods on MacBooks, Mac Minis, and Mac desktops. However there is a catch: you need to go for an older mannequin that makes use of an Intel Core processor as an alternative of Apple’s personal M1 or M2 chips. Apple’s silicon chips are beginning to see Linux hobbyists and professionals alike construct assist, however on the time of writing, the one dependable approach to get Linux to run on an M1/M2 Mac is to make use of a virtual machine which is a sort of emulation program.
The most important hurdles you will should face when utilizing Linux over Home windows or MacOS are the training curve and normal lack of assist from brand-name software program firms. Since Linux is an open-source working system, there is not a single, unified version like there’s for Home windows 11 or macOS Catalina. Which means that it is rather more troublesome to program functions like video games, video gamers, and even climate apps to work constantly throughout all variations of Linux. Completely different variations additionally imply that simply since you’re acquainted with Ubuntu, that does not imply your experience might be of any use on a machine that runs a unique Linux dispo.
Additionally: Windows, Mac, or Linux? We compare the pros and cons of these computing platforms
When speaking about programming and coding, you could come throughout the time period “open supply.” This simply implies that the unique code for a program like Linux or VLC Media Participant, is freely out there to the general public for downloading, distribution, and modifying. Â
Linux is widespread with programmers since it’s open supply, which implies that it is simple to try to make your individual modifications or command lists. Or you may work along with the Linux neighborhood to resolve frequent bug points or create new assist applications for {hardware} like Apple’s M3 Silicon Chips.Â
The beauty of Linux is that it’s an open-source working system. Which suggests there are a variety of totally different variations on the market on boards and in addition the Web Archive. And since there are such a lot of totally different launch variations, newcomers wanting to economize on their first devoted or dual-boot Linux machine can choose up a classic pc at a thrift retailer, property sale, or different secondhand retailer and sure discover an working system model that can run with it.
A thread on the Linux Mint Forums is stuffed with customers who had been in a position to make use of numerous variations of Linux Mint in addition to Pet (a model of Linux designed to be run from a flash drive, making it nice for hobbyists who restore classic tech) and Ubuntu on Home windows Vista and Home windows 98 computer systems (which intrepid tech hunters could possibly discover for a discount at a thrift retailer or secondhand on-line). And Tech Tangents on YouTube, a channel devoted to restoring and archiving retro pc {hardware} and software program, was capable of revive a TeleVideo 950 terminal that was initially launched in 1980 and use a model of Linux on it.Â
Newest updates
- September 2025: Up to date the article to align with ZDNET’s newest styleguide. Up to date shopping for hyperlinks and retail costs.
- ZDNET was capable of take a look at the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 AMD, Dell XPS 13 (2024), Acer Swift Edge, Asus ProArt 16, and the Microsoft Floor Laptop computer (2024). Whereas we primarily centered on every laptop computer’s capabilities as a Home windows machine, we additionally completely vetted every mannequin’s means to efficiently run numerous Linux distros.
Extra Linux laptops we examined
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Whereas Linux assist for Apple’s Silicon processors is not as sturdy as it’s for Home windows-based computer systems, fanatics have created a number of compatibility modules. The MacBook Professional with the M3 Max chip offers skilled programmers the prospect to be on the slicing fringe of neighborhood assist.
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This laptop computer was tailored for Linux, and presents a powerful 3K decision that is excellent for all the pieces from gaming and graphic design to photograph enhancing and video manufacturing.
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For extra, take a look at our favourite Linux distros for beginners, gaming, and home office desktops.
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