Best Laptops For Qubes OS: Which Is The Most Compatible Version?

Qubes OS is a free and open-source operating system. You are free to use, modify and add the operating system. It is straightforward to use the Qubes OS, no matter what type of laptop.

However, not all laptops running this highly secure operating system can deliver the results you expect.

For you to have the best experience with an operating system that is not so popular but useful like Qubes, here is a list of highly compatible laptops that you should consider: 

#1. Acer Swift 3 Laptop - Best for Compact Design

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Important Specifications

• Screen display: 14" Full HD IPS 100% sRGB.

• Operating System: Windows 10 Home.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Octa-Core.

• Hard Disk Size: 512GB.

• Memory: 8GB.

Product's highlights

If you are looking for a laptop that can follow you on all business trips, running the Qubes operating system for good security, the Acer Swift 3 is a model worth considering for a few reasons:

Firstly, Swift 3 is one of the thinnest and lightest 14-inch laptops available today. The laptop weighs only 2.65 lbs, and is 0.63 inches thin. Combined with a battery that can last up to 11.5 hours, you can take and use your laptop anywhere.

Secondly, like a laptop that can run the best security operating system today: Qubes OS, Swift 3's security is not too bad.

The laptop uses Windows Hello fingerprint lock to help verify identity without a password. This verification method is both safe and much faster than the traditional password input method.

Acer Swift 3, in addition to being thin and light, with good security, also has many more built-in features that you will definitely like. Acer Purified Voice technology is one of them. Specifically, the laptop is equipped with two microphones integrated with noise cancellation technology when typing.

With an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Octa-Core processor and 8GB of RAM from Acer Swift, you can handle 27 Google Chrome tabs (out of 3 playing YouTube 1080p) smoothly. When performing multitasking tasks, the machine's cooling fan works but is still very quiet.

You may not have the smooth experience of playing popular games with Acer Swift 3. However, Acer brand laptops are not bad for using basic daily tasks such as editing, multimedia, and communication.

What We Like

• Compact design, high portability.

• Powerful configuration.

• Secure with Windows Hello.

• The cooling fan system runs smoothly without making any noise.

• Can connect with Alexa.

Things to Consider

• Missing memory card reader.

#2. Dell XPS7390 Laptop - Best for Multitasking

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Important Specifications

• Screen display: 13.3 inches Full HD 1920 x 1080.

• Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64bit.

• Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U.

• Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD.

• Hard Disk Size: 256 GB SSD.

Product's highlights

It is hard to find a laptop in the same price segment with more advantages than the Dell XPS 7390.

The first unique feature of the XPS 7390 is its compact design, equivalent to only an A4 sheet of paper. Users who love portability, modern neatness will surely love this Dell model.

The second bright spot that not many products with the same price have is that the touch screen is quite sensitive. If you invest in an extra stylus, tasks requiring detailed operations such as dragging colors to correct photos will certainly be completed quickly and accurately.

Not only that, but the machine's screen also has a full HD resolution for excellent display quality.

The color coverage of the device is relatively high: 100% sRGB and 67% AdobeRGB. Whether a novice or a designer, you can do multimedia work on the XPS 7390 without color problems.

If you've used Dell's previous XPS line, you'll surely love the transparent, profound, eye-catching colors that Dell 7390 offers.

In terms of configuration, the XPS 7390 is a formidable competitor when compared to 13-inch ultrabook models.

The machine uses Intel Core i5 10210U CPU and 8GB LPDDR3L RAM, too good to run the Qubes operating system. In addition, you can also rest assured to use highly configurable software with powerful hardware like the XPS 7390.

It can be that Dell has reconciled two characteristics: battery life and machine performance perfectly on the XPS 7390.

The device uses a 52Wh battery, combined with a power manager. You can use the device for 12 hours without plugging in the charger - more than enough time for a working day.

What We Like

• Touch screen.

• Compact design.

• Long battery life.

• Powerful configuration.

• Good multitasking ability.

Things to Consider

• Screen glare when working outdoors. 

#3. HP Stream 14-inch Laptop - Best for Budget

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Important Specifications

• Screen display: 14 inches.

• Operating System: Windows 10 Home.

• Processor: AMD Dual-Core A4-9120E.

• Hard Disk Size: 64GB.

• Memory: 4GB.

Product's highlights

HP Stream is the most basic laptop model, and HP Stream 14-inch is no exception.

HP Stream 14 model ($219) has a 14-inch screen, 1366x768 pixel resolution, Celeron processor, Intel HD Graphics 400 graphics.

The above parameters do not seem too impressive, even poor. However, considering the price, you will have to think again.

For less than $500, you've got a highly portable laptop that has the basic features you need in a laptop.

You get 2 USB 3.1 ports, an SD card reader, and a primary dual-core processor with a streaming laptop. That is, you can browse the Internet, stay in touch, and perform everyday tasks in a relatively safe and secure way.

In addition, HP Stream also has Bios protection technology. The laptop can automatically check the status, prevent unauthorized access, and, most importantly, protect the memory.

The security hole will probably make you rethink and consider looking for a more secure operating system like Qubes.

However, it is undeniable that Windows and Mac OS are still the leading operating systems today, compatible with most software and valuable features.

Therefore, the best solution is probably to prepare a secondary machine running the Qubes operating system to secure necessary information.

HP Stream is the laptop you should think of first when finding an extra device with a reasonable price and stable quality.

What We Like

• Cheap Price.

• Configuration is enough for basic tasks.

• Security.

• There is a backlight.

• Light.

Things to Consider

• The processor is not so powerful. 

#4. Acer Chromebook 514 - Best for Security

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Important Specifications

• Screen display: 14 Inches, 1920x1080 pixels.

• Operating System: Chrome OS.

• Processor: Intel Celeron N3350.

• Hard Disk Size: 32GB.

• Memory: 4GB.

Product's highlights

The default operating system of Chromebooks is Chrome OS. Included with this Google operating system is an impressive anti-virus protection feature.

The machine will automatically remove the virus, automatically update the system then restart within a few seconds.

Chromebooks not only satisfy users with their ability to protect the machine from malware. The product also has a series of utilities to help optimize the user experience.

Among the changes that Chromebook 514 brings, it is impossible not to mention the HDR webcam. With a standard camera webcam, you will always have sharp images with great detail.

The keyboard backlight and the versatility of the connection port are also minor changes that make a significant impact, helping to improve operation and improve your work productivity. In addition, the device also meets your all-day use needs with up to 12 hours of battery life.

When using Qubes operating system, with just one charge, you have a whole day of work, study, and entertainment with today's almost leading high-security laptop.

What We Like

• High security.

• Backlit keyboard.

• Durable metal frame.

• Battery life up to 12 hours.

• Versatile port.

Things to Consider

• Screen brightness is not high.

#5. Surface Pro 6 - Best for Creators

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• Important Specifications

• Screen display: 12.3 inches.

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro.

• Processor: Intel Core i5.

• Hard Disk Size: 256GB.

• Memory: 8GB.

Product's highlights

If you work in a creative field such as photo design, drawing, composing, you will surely be interested in the touch screen combined with the smartpen of Microsoft Surface Pro 6.

With Surface Pro 6, you'll experience natural, accurate drawing and handwriting with the help of a dual-ended smartpen with up to 4,096 touch-level points.

Surface Pro 6 also has many modes for your creative work: laptop, tablet, studio. With Microsoft laptops, you can work anywhere, anytime, in the most comfortable way.

To serve your work, the performance of the machine is commendable. The device can respond well whether you perform basic tasks or complete heavier tasks such as video and audio editing.

In addition, Surface Pro 6, although not using the Qubes operating system, also has relatively high security. The machine uses Windows Hello IR facial recognition technology - the best security method for laptops today.

With such advanced unlocking technology, combined with Qubes operating system, Surface 6 will become a secure and safe device.

What We Like

• There are two cameras front and back.

• Used as a laptop as well as a tablet.

• Battery life up to 13.5 hours.

• Powerful Intel Core i5 8th processor.

• Compact, portable.

Things to Consider

• There are no USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports. 

Qubes is not as famous as Windows or Mac OS. Therefore, information about the operating system and compatible models is still limited. 

So that you don't miss out on this top-notch security operating system, here are some things you should know:

How to install Qubes?

There are many ways to help you successfully install the Qubes operating system on your computer. In particular, the simplest and fastest way to install is to install using USB. To install the Qubes operating system, you can refer to the following video.

Source Youtube : Chris Titus Tech

How does Qubes provide security?

Qubes' security principle is partitioned security. You will store different data in different regions. If something goes wrong, a problem security area will not affect the data areas and the system as a whole.

In addition, Qubes also integrates many other exclusive security features to prevent viruses from affecting data areas.

How is Qubes different from Linux?

Qubes is more than just a fork of Linux. Qubes has its infrastructure and has a different virtual machine setup than Linux.

Can Qubes run Windows software?

You can install and run Windows on Qubes with the domain name HVN. You need to install the PV driver or enable the virtual internet to run Windows software.

While using your computer, you can download and open malicious files without knowing it.

And you certainly don't want to experience the hassle of having malware on your computer: At best, unwanted ads will annoy you. At worst, hackers will attack and steal information as well as take control of your computer.

Qubes OS is a reliable and handy operating system. More importantly, the operating system is entirely free, and you can modify it to suit you personally.

The only thing you need to prepare when choosing this secure operating system is selecting the right laptop.

And hopefully, with the list of best laptops for Qubes or above, TopReviews has completed the last step. Our suggestions have helped you easily access and use the most secure operating system today - Qubes OS.