Finding the perfect laptop for Linux can be tricky. Not all hardware is fully compatible, and installing it yourself can feel like a difficult task, especially if you’re new to it.
If you’re unsure about hardware compatibility, the official Ubuntu Certified Hardware List is a great resource to check supported devices.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a developer, a student, or just someone who wants a hassle-free experience, this guide highlights the best Linux-compatible laptops in 2025, with options that are Linux-friendly out of the box.
Feel free to contact us or leave a comment below if you have any questions or want to tell us your favorite laptops.
Best Laptops for Linux
HP 17″ Business Laptop (Ultra 7, 64GB RAM)
Who It’s For: Power users, developers, and professionals who need massive memory and storage for virtualization, coding, and heavy multitasking.
Key Features:
- 17.3″ HD+ Touchscreen Display
- Intel Ultra 7 255U Processor with AI Boost
- Massive 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB PCIe SSD Storage
- Windows 11 Pro Pre-installed (Easy to replace with Linux)
Why We Recommend It:
This HP is an absolute powerhouse. The combination of a modern Intel Ultra 7 CPU, a staggering 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD makes it one of the most capable machines for running Linux. It’s perfect for developers who need to run multiple containers, VMs, and applications simultaneously without a hitch.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (Snapdragon X Elite)
Who It’s For: Business professionals and frequent travelers who need premium build quality, exceptional battery life, and top-tier performance.
Key Features:
- 14″ WUXGA IPS Display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Processor
- 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD Storage
- Wi-Fi 7 Support
Why We Recommend It:
The ThinkPad T-series is legendary for its Linux compatibility and military-grade durability. This 2024 model with the Snapdragon X Elite chipset promises revolutionary battery life and fanless, silent operation, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go professionals who rely on Linux.
Dell XPS 13 9345 (Snapdragon X Elite, 2025)
Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a premium, MacBook-quality alternative with a sleek design, stunning display, and all-day battery life.
Key Features:
- 13.4″ FHD+ 120Hz Display
- Qualcomm 12-Core Snapdragon X Elite Processor
- 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD Storage
- Up to 27 hours of battery life
- Wi-Fi 7 Support
Why We Recommend It:
The Dell XPS 13 has long been a benchmark for ultrabooks. This 2025 iteration with the Snapdragon X Elite is a fantastic fit for MacBook users switching to Linux. It offers a brilliant 120Hz display, a sleek, minimalist design, and potentially multi-day battery life, all in a incredibly thin and light chassis.
15.6″ Laptop Notebook (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious beginners and students who need a simple, affordable machine for web browsing, document editing, and learning Linux.
Key Features:
- 15.6″ Full HD Display
- Intel Processor N95
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB NVMe SSD Storage
- Fingerprint Reader
- Windows 11 Pro Pre-installed
Why We Recommend It:
You can’t beat the value. This laptop packs essential modern features like a 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM into a very affordable package. It’s more than capable of handling everyday computing tasks and provides a perfect, low-risk hardware platform for installing and learning Linux.
Dell 15 Laptop (Intel i5, 16GB RAM)
Who It’s For: Students and families looking for a reliable, all-purpose laptop for everyday use, study, and light productivity.
Key Features:
- 15.6″ FHD 120Hz Display
- Intel Core i5-1334U Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB PCIe SSD Storage
- Windows 11 Home Pre-installed
Why We Recommend It:
This Dell 15 laptop strikes a great balance between performance and price. The 12th-gen i5 processor and 16GB of RAM provide smooth performance for daily tasks, while the 120Hz display is a nice bonus for smoother scrolling. It’s a dependable workhorse that will run Linux effortlessly.
Lenovo 15.6″ IdeaPad (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
Who It’s For: Home users and students who need strong performance and plenty of storage for multimedia and projects without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- 15.6″ Full HD Display
- Intel Core Processor
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD Storage
- Numeric Keypad
- Wi-Fi 6
Why We Recommend It:
This Lenovo IdeaPad offers surprisingly high specs for its price point. The 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD are features often found on much more expensive machines, making it an incredible value for anyone who needs robust performance for programming, design, or multitasking on Linux.
Microsoft Surface Laptop (Snapdragon X Plus, 2024)
Who It’s For: Design-conscious users and professionals seeking a premium, MacBook-like experience with exceptional build quality and a best-in-class touchscreen.
Key Features:
- 13.8″ Touchscreen Display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (10-core)
- 16GB or 32GB RAM Options
- SSD Storage Options
- Thin, light, and premium aluminum build
Why We Recommend It:
The Surface Laptop is renowned for its impeccable design and superb touchscreen display. This new model with a Snapdragon processor is a great fit for MacBook users exploring Linux, offering a similar ethos of hardware-software integration, a sleek aesthetic, and potentially fantastic battery life.
Dell Inspiron 15 (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
Who It’s For: The all-around user who needs a versatile machine for work, study, and entertainment with reliable Linux compatibility.
Key Features:
- 15.6″ Full HD IPS Touchscreen Display
- Intel Core i5-1155G7 Processor
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD Storage
- Numeric Keypad
- Windows 11 Pro Pre-installed
Why We Recommend It:
This Dell Inspiron is a solid, well-rounded performer. The combination of a touchscreen, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD makes it highly versatile. It’s powerful enough for serious work, yet practical for everyday use, and it’s known to work very well with various Linux distributions.
Quickly Compares
| Laptop | Best For | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| HP 17″ Business | Power Users & Developers | 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, Ultra 7 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s | Business Professionals | Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, Wi-Fi 7 |
| Dell XPS 13 | MacBook Alternative | Snapdragon X Elite, 120Hz Display, 27h Battery |
| 15.6″ Value Laptop | Budget Beginners | 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Low Cost |
| Dell 15 Laptop | Students & Everyday Use | Intel i5, 16GB RAM, 120Hz Display |
| Lenovo IdeaPad | Home & Student Use | 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Great Value |
| Microsoft Surface | MacBook Alternative | Premium Design, Touchscreen, Snapdragon X |
| Dell Inspiron 15 | The All-Rounder | 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Touchscreen |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of buying a laptop pre-tested for Linux?
- Hassle-free setup with pre-configured drivers.
- Full hardware compatibility out of the box (Wi-Fi, suspend/resume, etc.).
- Often comes with long-term support (LTS) versions of Ubuntu.
Can I replace Windows with Linux on these laptops?
Yes, absolutely. All laptops on this list have hardware that is known to be compatible with Linux. You can create a bootable USB drive and install your preferred distribution, replacing Windows or setting up a dual-boot environment. Always remember to back up your data first.
Are these laptops good for development?
Yes, especially the models with higher RAM (32GB+), like the HP 17″ Business, Lenovo ThinkPad, and Dell XPS 13. Linux is the preferred OS for many developers due to its native command-line environment, package managers, and strong support for programming languages and tools.
Is Linux better for older or budget laptops?
Yes. Linux distributions like Xubuntu or Lubuntu are famously lightweight and can breathe new life into older hardware. However, even standard Ubuntu will run smoothly on modern budget laptops like the ones featured here, thanks to their capable SSDs and sufficient RAM.
We also have a list of specific Ubuntu Laptops to buy.
