Pure Power:
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8
Staff Pick
Lenovo is targeting the enterprise power user who wants Linux with this powerhouse. The Windows version is already one of the best laptops overall, so why not get the best but with Linux? With a 10th-gen Intel Core i5, up to 16GB of RAM, up to a 1TB SSD, and Fedora 32, this is a developer’s dream machine. The 1080p display is its only drawback.
From $2,220 at Lenovo
A budget option:
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Chrome OS is Linux, and you can now run any Linux application natively on Intel Chromebooks, provided they’re powerful enough. Lenovo’s Chromebook Flex 5 is plenty powerful enough for everyday use and most Linux apps, and the price hits the sweet spot.
Upgrade Pick:
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6
For those looking for an upgrade over the X1 Carbon, Lenovo has the answer with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6. This means you’ll get a versatile 14-inch display that can be folded back, but also works with Lenovo’s ThinkPad Pen Pro. In terms of power, Lenovo is making use of Intel’s latest 11th-gen chipsets, while allowing you to configure the rest of the laptop to suit your needs.
From $2,489 at Lenovo
One sexy beast:
New Dell XPS 13 Developers Edition
The Dell XPS 13 9310 is already a contender for one of the best laptops. Those wanting Ubuntu instead of Windows can enjoy the XPS 13 Developers Edition. It’s also filled with top of the line specs like a 13-inch FHD+ or 4K display, an Intel i5 CPU, and up to a 2TB SSD. There’s nothing this laptop can’t handle.
From $1059 at Dell
Complete security:
Purism Librem 14
Purism set out to build the most secure laptop ever, and the result is the Librem 14. Every hardware chip was not only chosen for Linux compatibility but with privacy in mind by using PureOS — software that starts at the bootloader and is built line-by-line to keep you secure. Plus, the Librem 14 is one of the few Linux laptops capable of providing 4K output to dual displays, in addition to the built-in screen.
From $1,570 at Purism
For the creators:
System 76 Gazelle
Most high-end Linux laptops offer fast processors and plenty of RAM, but System 76 adds NVIDIA’S latest graphics cards paired with either the new 11th-gen i5 or i7 processors. Play games in ultra high settings or develop them with power and style while making sure you have enough plenty of ports and storage to get everything done.
From $1,499 at System 76
All the I/O:
Juno Computers Neptune 15″ V2
The Neptune 15″ V2 from Juno Computers features a smooth 15.6-inch display with a 240Hz refresh rate, is powered by Intel’s 10th-gen Comet Lake chipsets, and can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM. You can configure the Neptune V2 with one of NVIDIA’s latest 30-series graphics cards, and there are plenty of ports to choose from, along with dual m.2 SSD slots.
From $1,755 at Juno Computers
Getting started:
Juno Computers Nyx 14″ V2
The Juno Computers Nyx V2 laptop is an ideal starter laptop for that young developer, but can be configured to something with a bit more power. It makes use of Intel’s 10th-gen processors, comes pre-installed with Ubuntu, and can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM.
From $789 at Juno Computers
Ultra-sleek design:
Star Labs StarBook
One of the best aspects of opting for a Linux laptop is that just about every feature on the spec-sheet is configurable. But along with spec’ing out your new Linux laptop, the Star Labs StarBook is one of the sleekest looking laptops out there. The only potential hiccup you may come across is that you cannot upgrade the graphics and are limited to the integrated Intel Iris Xe onboard graphics.
From $929 at Star Labs
