The Ultimate Guide to the Best Linux Tablets and OS Choices

Bored with Android and iOS’s limits? Linux tablets are gaining popularity by 2025 as users desire more control, security, and flexibility. Linux tablets offer an experience that standard devices cannot beat for developers, privacy-conscious professionals, and open-source software fans.

Here’s how to choose the best Linux tablets and OS. Get the best Linux tablet by researching leading devices, operating systems, and performance.

What Is a Linux Tablet?

Linux tablets provide preinstalled Linux operating systems or allow you to install one. Contrary to proprietary systems, Linux’s source code is open-source and can be seen, altered, and shared. Opening up the gadget gives users more power, privacy, and customisation options.

Like the Librem 11 or Sunboo I87J, most Linux tablets are x86 or ARM-based. ARM devices are cheaper and have longer battery lives than x86 PCs, which are better at desktop Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Debian.

Linux Tablet: Why Choose it?

Android and iPadOS dominate consumer tablets. Although great for many, they have drawbacks:

Closed Ecosystems: App marketplaces and services limit your software possibilities.
Privacy Issues: Commercial operating systems collect a lot of data, which worry some individuals.
Lost Control: System access and customisation are often limited.
Plans for obsolescence: Hardware replacements are needed when software updates halt.

Linux is good for tablets. The topic is:
Superior Customization: Customize your system, including routines and the desktop.
Open Source Freedom: Enjoy transparency, a vibrant community, and no vendor lock-in.
Security & Privacy: Linux is known for its security and privacy-focused community.
Extended lifespan: Modern Linux distributions may run on older hardware.
Genuine Productivity: Linux tablets can accomplish many tasks like laptops due to their substantial desktop-grade software.

The Best Linux Tablet: Which hardware to choose

While software is important, hardware greatly affects your Linux tablet experience. What’s the best Linux tablet? Take into account:

ARM vs. x86: Most tablets are ARM-based, hence Manjaro ARM, Ubuntu Touch, and PostmarketOS can run on them. For convertibles or earlier Windows tablets with x86 processors, desktop Linux distributions may be possible. For optimal compatibility, mobile Linux OSes employ ARM, while x86 supports regular Linux better.
Open Hardware:Your experience will be smoother with devices with open hardware (drivers are easily accessible or open-source).
Screen size and resolution: Choose what you need. Higher resolutions are great, but make sure the OS can scale.
Storage & RAM: 64GB storage and 4GB RAM (8GB+ is optimal) are best for comfort.
Battery life: Linux distributions vary in power efficiency, but hardware must provide a reasonable battery life.
Peripherals: Cameras, USB ports, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi should work (especially USB-C with the display out for convergence).

Limitations and Benefits of Linux Tablets

Benefits:

The open-source software is one of the main benefits of Linux tablets. Without any limitations from the manufacturer, users are free to alter the interface, add or delete apps, and manage updates.

In comparison to bulky proprietary systems, Linux distributions typically offer faster performance and better battery life due to their lightweight nature. This makes them ideal for both rigorous industrial activities and daily users.

Linux tablets also get rid of telemetry and advertisements. They put user privacy first, steer clear of forced updates, and frequently have communities that provide security patches and long-term maintenance.

Limitations:

Hardware compatibility is a problem for Linux tablets, notwithstanding their advantages. Linux was not considered in the design of many off-the-shelf tablets, which leads to unsupported components like cameras and fingerprint sensors or missing drivers.

A further drawback is the narrower ecosystem of apps. It’s possible that popular entertainment apps or games are unavailable or require workarounds like emulators or web-based versions, even when there are necessary productivity and development tools available.

Finally, those who are not technically savvy might not be able to use Linux tablets. Tasks like as installing packages, flashing firmware, and adjusting system settings may be too much for people who are unfamiliar with open-source environments.

How Can You Set Up Linux on a Tablet Without a PC?

Installing certain Linux distributions via an SD card or OTA updates is possible, particularly if your tablet has an open bootloader. You can avoid requiring a PC by using tools like JumpDrive or postmarketOS scripts, but technical expertise is necessary.

A rudimentary Linux system is first booted from an SD card for some devices, and then the whole OS is downloaded and flashed over Wi-Fi. Despite its potential effectiveness, this approach is rarely widely used and may be unreliable for inexperienced users.

You can also directly side-load Linux images if your tablet has USB OTG connectivity and a compatible recovery environment, such as TWRP. But remember that support differs greatly from model to model.

What is the best tablet for Linux?

The best tablet for Linux depends on what you need. Some of the best options are the Juno Tab for powerful, developer-focused performance, the Librem 11 for privacy-conscious users, the PineTab2 for an affordable and open-source option, and the StarLite for a modular, versatile device. The System76 Juno is another good choice because it supports Ubuntu and Fedora well for developers. You could also modify a Microsoft Surface Pro or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet to get a powerful hybrid experience, but these often need some troubleshooting.

FAQ