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Feb 24, 2025

5 Mini PCs You Can Buy With Linux Preinstalled

Ready to ditch the setup headaches and jump straight into Linux? With a mini PC that has Linux preinstalled, you can skip the technical fuss and start exploring right away. Think of a mini PC as a

Ready to ditch the setup headaches and jump straight into Linux? With a mini PC that has Linux preinstalled, you can skip the technical fuss and start exploring right away.

Think of a mini PC as a desktop computer that's been shrunk down to about the size of a thick book. Despite their small size, they pack enough power for everyday computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and media streaming.

Whether you're a newbie or a pro, these five mini PCs with Linux preinstalled will have you up and running in no time.

We haven't reviewed all of these products ourselves, so do your due diligence in shopping. Read independent reviews and research manufacturer warranty and return policies before making a purchase.

System76's Meerkat is a tiny powerhouse, built specifically for Linux, that comes with your choice of two Linux distributions (often called "distros"—different versions of Linux with their own unique features): Pop!_OS or Ubuntu. Pop!_OS is System76's own version of Linux, designed to be beginner-friendly.

The Meerkat offers impressive performance in a compact package, backed by System76's excellent customer support. However, it's on the pricier side, with a starting price of $799.

If privacy is your priority, the Librem Mini has you covered with its robust security features. It runs PureOS, a security-focused version of Linux, and comes with physical kill switches for your camera, microphone, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. These switches act like master power buttons for each component.

While the privacy features shine, the Intel Core i7-10510U processor (the computer's brain that handles all calculations and tasks) is showing its age, and the integrated graphics (built-in hardware for handling visual tasks) aren't great for anything beyond basic use.

PureOS is also quite strict about only using open-source software (programs whose code is freely available for anyone to view and modify), which might limit your options.

A physical kill switch puts a hard barrier between your hardware and hackers.

The TUXEDO Nano Pro GEN 13 comes with modern AMD Ryzen processors and plenty of room for expansion. You can add up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM. DDR5 is the newest generation of RAM (Random Access Memory) technology that's faster and more energy-efficient than previous generations. It also has two M.2 slots for SSD storage.

The main drawback? It's not exactly budget-friendly, and since TUXEDO is based in Germany, shipping times to other countries can test your patience.

TUXEDO Computers has also developed its own Linux distro, TUXEDO_OS, a modified version of Ubuntu, to provide an operating system (OS) specifically optimized for its hardware. It features a customized Linux kernel (the core part of the OS that controls how hardware and software interact) designed to improve performance, power efficiency, and compatibility on their machines. This makes it a great choice if you want to have the most optimized experience on their hardware, knowing that your OS was made for your machine.

However, if you prefer a more widely supported Linux distro with a larger community and broader software compatibility, sticking with standard Ubuntu or another mainstream distro might be a better option.

The Beelink Mini S12 Pro proves you don't need to break the bank for a capable Linux mini PC. It features an Intel Alder Lake N100 processor with 16GB of RAM and 500GB of storage on an SSD.

One nice feature is its ability to drive two 4K displays (ultra high-resolution screens) at the same time, perfect for multitasking or entertainment. To keep things cool, it uses a combination of a quiet fan and a heat pipe system (think of it like a tiny radiator that moves heat away from sensitive components). The whole thing measures just 115x102x39mm—about the size of a small book, and weighs only 280g, making it perfect for tight spaces.

A mini PC could save you money and provide a more productive environment compared to a laptop.

Being a lesser-known brand comes with some trade-offs though. Linux support isn't as polished as with more established names, and some users have reported Wi-Fi issues that require extra setup to resolve. While the build quality is decent, it reportedly doesn't quite match the premium feel of pricier options.

The BOSGAME E2 strikes a solid balance between features and affordability. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processor and comes with 16GB of RAM, paired with a 512GB NVMe SSD (a type of SSD that connects directly to the motherboard for even faster speeds). You can also connect up to three displays using its HDMI and USB-C ports. On top of that, it supports Wi-Fi 6E, giving you access to the 6 GHz band for faster speeds and less interference compared to older standards. It isn't as cutting-edge as Wi-Fi 7, but it's still new enough to future-proof you for a while.

However, the processor is a few generations old, meaning it might struggle with the most demanding tasks. Similar to some of the other mini PCs on this list, the BOSGAME E2 is a lesser-known brand, which means it also suffers from weaker customer support compared to more established names like System76. Additionally, its cooling fan can get quite noisy under heavy loads.

Choosing a Linux mini PC? Prioritize your needs. Love the compact size but unsure whether to choose a mini PC or a laptop? Find out which is right for you here. Also, consider which included Linux distro is right for you—Ubuntu suits beginners, while others may require more expertise,

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

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Unless you live in a tent made for two people.

Why would you entertain such a small form?

Not for me.

Never been on my schedule.

Most home's have wasted space.

Fill it with your chosen possessions including knowledge.

Stop relying upon the Internet to meet your needs because one day it will be like social media applications, unbearable.

AtopNuc Mini PC, AMD A9-9400 RADEON R5, 8GB ram, 128GB SSD came with Ubuntu installed from Amazon for $89.99 about a year ago. I have since upgraded the RAM to 16 GB and added 500 GB SSD, and installed Debian Trixie.

It is good little computer; a little slow though. I bought it out of curiosity. Have not been disappointed.

Amazon lists it as out-of-stock.

Probably best off just looking at any mini PC that matches your needs. They will pretty much all work on a current distro at this point with minimal issues. You can nuke the windows install, which is mostly what I've done for them.

I've been pretty happy with Beelink and MinisForum. That said, the Chinese brands don't have the best ongoing support or updates, but they work and have good value.

Any current Ubuntu respin or Fedora should work fine. You might need to connect with wired Ethernet or a USB adapter to configure the driver for wireless/Bluetooth, just like with laptops.

I'd also go for AMD based options if you want something more capable than an N100/150 box. There are higher Intel options but they tend to not be as good at any price point.

Why would someone need Linux pre installed on their new computer?

I find the layout and post pretty much crap. Put the specs in a list instead of randomly putting this in the post.

There are way more options. Do a comparison, benefits of 1 over the other etc. Specifications on each part. How many lan ports and speeds etc... this is lacking. I could write this and probably do a better job even if English isn't even my 2nd or 3rd language.

You're not getting the most out of your Mini PC without a little Linux.

They might not be great.

Give your graphics card a PCIe sidekick!

If you've upgraded beyond your old PC, don't throw it away. Repurpose it for something fun.

Hopefully the final push that makes you go open source.

Sorry Ubuntu! It’s not you, it’s me!