Linux, with its versatility and open-source nature, has become a preferred operating system for many tech lovers and professionals. However, laptops aren’t generally tested for Linux during the design and manufacturing process.
From compatibility with hardware drivers to system performance, choosing the right laptop for Linux ensures you save yourself from countless hours debugging the various issues that come later. This guide covers the best laptops for Linux so that there’s a suitable choice for every user, from developers to creative professionals.
Once you have selected the perfect Linux-friendly laptop, consider upgrading your setup with ahigh-quality RGB gaming keyboard. A top-notch keyboard can transform your coding or gaming sessions into a more comfortable and visually appealing experience.
Updated on June 12, 2025 by Muhib Nadeem:In this update, the Game Rant team has focused on providing more context and reasoning for the entries chosen to help you understand what pick will prove to be the best for your unique needs, both from a developer’s and a gamer’s perspective.
Game Rant’s Best Laptops for Linux
Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)
The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is a laptop that pushes the boundaries of what people can genuinely call a gaming laptop (but in a good way). Razer has no qualms about it, calling it the ultimate desktop replacement with a feature-packed offering that also comes with some of the most premium pricing on the market.
The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop stands out as the best overall choice for Linux users, offering an unmatched combination of power and portability. With its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, it delivers desktop-grade performance that is rare for a laptop. The 240Hz 2K display ensures that every frame is crisp and vibrant, enhancing the experience for both work and play.
Furthermore, its advanced hardware allows it to run virtually anything from in-game shaders to performing professional data science queries. Nvidia’s drivers and Linux don’t usually bode well, but when it comes to raw power and specs, the Razer Blade 18 is hard to beat. While it’s not as portable as one might like, it’s still a desktop equivalent that’s hard to match for the specifications it offers.
Despite its premium price, the Razer Blade 18 justifies its cost with unmatched build quality and performance. The dual 1TB SSDs and 32GB RAM mean you can perform any task, from intense gaming sessions to heavy-duty programming. This makes it the best overall laptop for Linux, boasting high-end specs, dependable performance, and a stylish design.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop comes packed with features including a Mini-LED 2K display, the best Intel laptop CPU money can buy, and plenty of storage and RAM in a neat 16-inch package that still allows you to get the performance you need versus competing 17-inch laptops.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 emerges as the best multi-purpose laptop for Linux, appealing to those who seek both high performance and versatility without compromise. It is equipped with an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, making it adept at handling a wide array of tasks, from intense gaming to demanding creative workloads and efficient multitasking.
RAID 0 ensures your data is evenly spread across multiple disks, providing high throughput with minimal latency, while ASUS’s premium build ensures the laptop lasts as long as possible. It’s on the hefty side but is still one of the lightest among its same-spec competitors.
Although its high-end specifications are a significant attraction, the laptop does have a few drawbacks, including its premium price and a design that might not suit frequent travelers. Nonetheless, for Linux enthusiasts in search of a multi-purpose laptop capable of meeting their varied computing needs, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 is undoubtedly the best choice.
Alienware x14 R1 Gaming Laptop
The Alienware X14 R1 is a super lightweight and ultra-thin gaming laptop with a clean white case. Powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 16 GB of RAM, and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H, gamers can expect decent specs despite the impressively compact packaging. Weighing just over four pounds with a thickness of only 0.6 inches, this laptop is one of the thinnest and lightest gaming-specific laptops on the market.
The Alienware x14 R1 is our pick for the best lightweight laptop for Linux, combining powerful performance with portability. Its Intel Core i7-12900HK and NVIDIA RTX 3060 provide smooth gameplay and amazing graphics, making it a top choice for gamers on the go. The small 0.6-inch frame has a vibrant 14-inch FHD display to give a true gaming experience without adding weight.
Alienware is a brand synonymous with quality and no-compromise hardware. While the luster may have faded somewhat with time, it’s still considered one of the top contenders when it comes to high-end Linux-compatible laptops. The size is modest, but the overall weight and sturdiness of the laptop are hard to challenge.
While its compact size and top-tier specs set it apart, the x14 R1’s keyboard may challenge users with larger hands. However, its build quality and amazing display make it the best lightweight laptop for Linux lovers. For a deeper dive, check out ourfull review.
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop (B12VGK-082US)
The MSI Katana 15 gaming laptop comes with a 12th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and a power RTX 4070 GPU with decent memory and storage, as well as a 144Hz IPS panel. With plenty of networking options and a price that is hard to beat when on sale, the Katana 15 happens to be the cheapest RTX 4070 gaming laptop available for purchase at the time of writing.
The MSI Katana 15 is hailed as the best mid-range laptop for Linux. That’s thanks to its latest 12th-Gen Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 4070 GPU, which are adept at handling demanding applications and gaming sessions. It features 16GB DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick boot times and ample storage for games and software.
It has a hefty GPU as its main form of attraction, while other specifications can be labeled as “good enough” for a laptop with modern needs. Sure, it can run Linux just fine, but when it comes to high-end gaming, you might have to compromise on those in-game tweaks.
While its 144Hz FHD IPS display provides immersive and dynamic visuals, a notable drawback is the battery life, which some users find insufficient for extended use without plugging in. However, the MSI Katana 15’s exceptional performance and value proposition make it the top mid-range laptop choice for Linux users, offering a balance of budget-friendly and advanced features.
MSI Titan GT77 17.3' Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090)
The MSI Titan GT77 is a laptop that covers all one’s bases when it comes to a gaming PC and then some as it pushes well north gaming PC territory in pricing. It justifies this by offering some of the best PC performance one can expect from a gaming laptop to date while throwing in one of the most impressive laptop displays for good measure.
The MSI Titan GT77 is acclaimed as the best high-end laptop for Linux, catering to users who demand the best performance without any compromises. It is equipped with a formidable Intel Core i9 processor and an RTX 4090 GPU, making it an excellent choice for both professional work and gaming. The laptop’s 17.3-inch 4K screen provides an immersive visual experience that is difficult to surpass.
So far, size has been synonymous with better performance, and the MSI Titan upholds this tradition just fine. It can do most of the heavy lifting, blurring the lines between fast and insanely fast. With its own dedicated speakers, and all the high-end shebang, it’ll be more accurate to classify it as a workstation-grade PC for beginners.
However, its exceptional specifications and large size may pose challenges for those who are constantly on the move or have limited space. Despite these considerations, the MSI Titan GT77 secures its position as the best high-end laptop for Linux, thanks to its unparalleled performance and feature set.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a large 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an efficient, but potent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia’s mid-range RTX 4060 GPU. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high 165 Hz refresh rate for fast-paced gaming. That is all topped up with a large 1TB SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory, making it an ideal desktop replacement for those looking to grab one.
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 is our top pick for a budget Linux laptop, offering seamless high-end performance at an affordable price. It boasts a large, vibrant display and powerful internals capable of handling everything from daily computing to intense gaming sessions.
While the Nitro 17 is packed with features, it’s important to note a couple of drawbacks, such as its bulky frame and the occasional software hiccup. However, these are minor when weighed against its excellent performance-to-price ratio and powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor. Ultimately, the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop checks all the boxes for the best budget laptop for those running Linux.
Finding Your Perfect Linux Laptop Match
Finding the right Linux laptop doesn’t have to be difficult. Considering factors like hardware compatibility, performance, and community support, you can choose a laptop that meets your needs and improves your Linux experience. This approach simplifies the selection process, helping you identify a device that aligns with your preferences and usage. With the ideal laptop, your engagement with Linux becomes more enjoyable and productive, allowing you to fully use the platform’s capabilities.
Experience Level
If you’re just starting out, a beginner-friendly laptop with pre-installed Linux or good community support is ideal. Look for user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu or Mint, with plenty of online tutorials and forums.
If you’re comfortable with Linux, you have more flexibility. Consider your workflow and choose specs accordingly. Power users (developers, programmers, gamers) will need high-performance laptops (Intel Core i7/AMD Ryzen 7, 16GB+ RAM, 512GB+ SSD, dedicated graphics cards like Nvidia RTX 30 series or AMD Radeon RX 6000 series).
Hardware & Performance Needs
From coding marathons to everyday tasks, matching the laptop’s specs to your specific needs ensures that your Linux machine is a steadfast companion. Whether it’s a high-end processor for development or a top-tier GPU for Linux-based gaming, the right specs make all the difference.
It’s wise to focus on the core components. Ensure your chosen laptop has hardware well-supported by Linux. Look for laptops with Intel or AMD processors, and avoid obscure chipsets that might cause driver issues. Also, ensure the Wi-Fi card and graphics card have good Linux driver support. Check online resources or forums for specific models.
Community Support
The Linux community is a valuable resource for users of all levels. Choosing a laptop with good community support gives you lots of helpful tips and tricks, making it easier to use Linux and fix any issues.
Be sure to look for popular brands. Popular brands like Dell and Lenovo offer laptops specifically designed for Linux or with good community support. These communities can be invaluable for troubleshooting and finding solutions.
FAQ
Q: Can Linux run on any laptop?
While Linux can be installed on most laptops, compatibility with hardware components like graphics and network cards is key for optimal performance.
Q: What makes a laptop good for Linux?
A good Linux laptop has compatible hardware, robust build quality, and strong community support for drivers and troubleshooting.
Q: Can I switch from Windows to Linux on my laptop?
Absolutely. You can replace Windows with Linux or set up a dual-boot system for both operating systems.
