Users who prefer to run Linux should consider an Ubuntu tablet. The BQ Aquaris M10 is the only device that ships with Ubuntu. We rank this model in addition to other tablets and convertible tablet-laptop devices capable of running Ubuntu.
Product FAQs
What is an Ubuntu tablet?
Ubuntu tablets are capable of running the Ubuntu Linux distribution.
What do Ubuntu tablets do?
Ubuntu is an open-source alternative to major operating systems.
How do Ubuntu tablets work?
Independent developers fine-tune touch support for tablet and convertible devices that run Linux.
Where can you buy an Ubuntu tablet?
Purchase a pre-loaded tablet from BQ or an authorized seller. You can also purchase certain Android or Windows tablets and install Ubuntu.
How We Reviewed
The top tablets in our ranking have Ubuntu pre-installed or communities of developers and users to support installations. Other tablets on this list are capable of running this distribution.
Top 10 Ubuntu Tablets
BQ Aquaris M10 FHD Ubuntu Black
The BQ M10 FHD is the only tablet with Ubuntu pre-installed. This European tablet is powered by a 1.3GHz MediaTek quad-core MT8163 with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage space. The M10 features a Micro-HDMI, micro-USB OTG, MicroSD, and 3.5mm headphone jack. This tablet is also capable of being converted into a portable PC.
Pros
- Only native Ubuntu tablet available for sale
- Bright and vivid display
Cons
- Applications are not touch optimized
Google Nexus 10
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The Nexus 10 has a 10.1″ screen and runs on a dual-core A15 processor with either 16GB or 32GB of storage and 2GB of memory. This slightly older Android tablet manufactured by Samsung was slated to support Ubuntu Touch and is now supported as a legacy device by UBports and the larger Ubuntu developer community.
Pros
- Ubuntu Touch development community support
- Better performance than Ubuntu native model
- List Element
Cons
- Older tablet model
- List Element
- List Element
Microsoft Surface Pro 12.3
[amazon box=”B0728HL65D”]
The Microsoft Surface Pro is available with many options, including an Intel m3, i5, or i7 processor with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM and a hard drive between 128GB and 1TB. Users report that the Surface Pro works with Ubuntu, and a developer community comes up with fixes for known issues.
Pros
- Older tablet model
- Relatively stable with Ubuntu
Cons
- More expensive than some Ubuntu-compatible tablets
Acer 11.6 Convertible Touch Screen Chromebook
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This 11.6″ Chromebook is an affordable convertible option with a 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3150 dual-core processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC flash memory. This model comes with Google Chrome OS and can sustain up to 10 hours of battery life. Regardless of the operating system, Chromebooks are designed for surfing the web.
Pros
- Relatively straightforward Ubuntu installation
- Affordable price
Cons
- Users tend to experience driver issues
Dell Inspiron 11.6 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
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The Inspiron 2-in-1 convertible tablet and laptop has a 1.6GHz quad-core Intel Pentium N3710, 4 GB of Single Channel DDR3L RAM, and a 500 GB hard drive. An Ubuntu installation is available out of the box on some Dell models. Users still experience difficulties with limited touch functionality.
Pros
- May be available with Ubuntu pre-installed
- Convertible tablet and laptop
Cons
- Limited touch functionality in Ubuntu
Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop PC
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The Lenovo Flex 5 is a 14″ convertible tablet and laptop that runs on an Intel Core i5-8250 processor with 8GB DDR4 RAM. The Flex 5 ships with Windows 10 pre-loaded, but a number of users have successfully installed Ubuntu as a dual-boot or replacement operating system.
Pros
- Battery life up to 10 hours, may be less running Linux
- Some users have successfully installed Ubuntu
Cons
- Most users encounter driver issues resulting in limited functionality
ASUS Transformer Book Chi 12.5-Inch
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The ASUS Transformer Book Chi is distinguished by its detachable design. This convertible tablet and laptop has an Intel Core M processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a micro-USB port. Connect a USB hub to load an Ubuntu disk image. Touch support is not guaranteed and you may need to work out driver and firmware issues.
Pros
- Convertible laptop and tablet with detachable touch screen
- Thinner than 0.3″ (7.62 mm)
Cons
- Not all features may function
HP X360 15.6 Full HD 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
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The HP X360 has a 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-7200U processor, and 8GB of DDR4 SDRAM. The X360 ranks as a potential Ubuntu tablet because it has standard USB ports and is a convertible tablet and laptop capable of supporting this operating system. HP’s warranty only covers usage of the device with the native operating system, which is Windows 10.
Pros
- Fully-featured convertible tablet and laptop with large screen
- One USB 3.1 Type-C and two USB 3.1 ports
Cons
- Driver support for stylus pen input not available for Linux
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 9.7
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The Galaxy Tab S3 9.7″ runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM. This model is several generations later than the Samsung-manufactured Nexus 10, but is also less Linux-friendly. The battery life ranges between 7 and 12 hours and may be significantly less when running Ubuntu.
Pros
- Newer Samsung model than Nexus 10
- Option to add keyboard functionality
Cons
- Features such as S pen or keyboard add-on may not function properly with Ubuntu
Microsoft Surface Book 2
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The Surface Book 2 is a customizable convertible tablet and laptop. Select a 13.5″ or 15″ screen, Intel i5 or i7 processor, a hard drive with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage space, and either 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM. This model comes with a keyboard. Dual-boot this device or set up Ubuntu as the primary operating system.
Pros
- Detachable screen with keyboard included
- Powerful processing capability
Cons
- Costs more than most other models
The Verdict
Obtain maximum functionality straight out of the box by purchasing the BQ Aquaris M10 FHD Ubuntu Black. This model achieved a top ranking because of the native Linux operating system. Consider another Ubuntu tablet if you are willing to perform the installation.
