Installing a Linux distro is a great way to get the full experience out of a Chromebook. While some users are quite satisfied with the default user interface and app compatibility of Chrome OS, many prefer to install their favorite Linux distros on the hardware.
As you may already know, there is an absence of many mainstream apps on Chome OS. Linux has a growing repository of open-source apps that are better than many proprietary counterparts or at least provide the same level of functionality. Chromebooks offer decent hardware for running Linux distros, and some of them are better suited for the purpose than others.
In this article, we have researched the current market and listed the best Chromebooks that you can purchase and install a Linux distro on. The list is not arranged according to a specific order, and almost all the listed options are great for the purpose of running Linux distros. Without further ado, let’s take a look at them.
Contents
The 5 Best Chromebooks for Linux
ASUS C302CA-DHM4
Asus releases some of the most competitively priced and feature-rich laptops on the market. The Asus C302CA-DHM4 is no exception and is a great Chromebook that you can choose to run Linux on. The build quality is great, and this Chromebook weighs in at just about 2.65 pounds.
Coming to performance, this Chromebook sports an Intel Core M3-6Y30 processor and 4 Gigabytes of RAM, which can be upgraded by the user. Also, there is 64 GB of internal storage, which is more than what most Chromebooks offer in this range.
This Chromebook is also well equipped on the connectivity side. You get micro SD expansion, one USB 3.1 (Type-C) port. With more and more devices adopting the USB 3.1 standard, it should be easy to get enough connectivity with an additional adapter, in case you need it. The battery can last for 10 hours on a single charge.
Get it here: ASUS C302CA-DHM4
Acer Chromebook 14
When it comes to Chromebooks, Acer is one of the dominating names on the market. This Chromebook offers quite a few features that you won’t find on similar alternatives and is perfect for running Linux distros.
You get an FHD resolution IPS display with good viewing angles. The body is made out of aluminum, which gives it a professional finish. Coming to performance, this laptop is equipped with Intel Celeron N3160, which should be enough to run most Linux distros smoothly. There is a single module of 4 GB RAM, and 32 GB of internal storage to use.
The connectivity features on this laptop are quite good, and you get two USB 3.0 ports with an additional HDMI port. With this Chromebook, you also get a headphone jack, which is missing in some other alternatives on this list. The webcam also comes at a resolution of 720p. Also, the battery is rated to last at least about 12 hours.
Get it here: Acer Chromebook 14
Acer Chromebook R13
Another great option from Acer would be the Chromebook R13. This is a more toned-down version of the previous entry on this list, and you get a 360-degree hinge that allows the laptop to be folded into various different positions. It weighs 3.28 pounds and provides a rated battery life of about 12 hours.
The performance of this laptop is also well suited for running Linux distros. It sports a quad-core MediaTek MT8173C Core Pilot ARM processor and 4 GB of internal RAM, which can be upgraded at a later point in time. The integrated graphics module is also powerful enough to run basic 3D workloads.
The connectivity of this Chromebook is also enough for most users. There is a USB 3.0 port and one USB 3.1 (Type-C) port for expanded connectivity, which other alternatives don’t offer in this price range. There is also an HDMI port for connecting additional displays.
Get it here: Acer Chromebook R13
Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C12-K02US
Samsung’s entry into the Chromebook lineup has been quite well received by most users. This laptop is a worthy contender for Linux distro installation, and the small but sharp display should be perfect for the purpose.
This Chromebook sports an all-plastic body but is quite sturdy for everyday usage. The performance is good for running most Linux distros and should provide about 11 hours of usage on a single charge. You get an Intel Celeron N3050 processor, with 4 Gigabytes of preinstalled RAM.
There are also some unique features like spill-resistant keyboards, additional HDMI ports, and also a well-built webcam and headphone jack. Overall, you can’t go wrong with this Chromebook for the purpose of installing Linux distros on it.
Get it here: Samsung Chromebook 3 XE500C12-K02US
Samsung Chromebook Plus XE513C24-K01US
Samsung’s Chromebook series was one of the first to be released to the mass market and was critically acclaimed when it came out. This is one of the Chromebooks that offers a great build quality including a 360-degree hinge to position the display to your convenience.
Also, the screen comes at a higher resolution and quality than most of the other options on this list. This Chromebook sports a QHD resolution at 400 nits of peak brightness. The color accuracy is also on par with much more premium alternatives.
On the performance side, you get an OP1 ARM processor, which should be enough to run most Linux distros. Also, this Chromebook comes with 4 GB of RAM preinstalled which can be upgraded at a later point.
Get it here: Samsung Chromebook Plus XE513C24-K01US
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the best Chromebooks for installing a Linux distro. These are quite powerful laptops for day-to-day usage, and their full potential is brought out when Linux distros are installed on them. We hope that the list of specs and the overall features of the listed Chromebooks should enable you to choose the one that suits your purpose the best.
