The Best Laptops for Privacy: Security Meets Performance

The best laptops for privacy do more than just perform—they protect. Your laptop holds everything from passwords and banking details to private messages and location data. But if it’s not designed for security, that information can be tracked, sold, or even hacked.

Many mainstream laptops come loaded with hidden trackers, weak security settings, and built-in vulnerabilities that put your data at risk. If you want true control over your digital privacy, choosing the right laptop isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.

Why Privacy Matters When Choosing a Laptop

Think about how much time you spend on your laptop—streaming, shopping, working, and chatting. Every click, search, and login leaves a digital footprint that companies and cybercriminals are eager to track. The right laptop helps you stay anonymous, blocks unwanted tracking, and protects you from cyber threats.

The Risks of Using Unsecured Devices

An unsecured laptop isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a privacy nightmare. Without strong security features, your personal data becomes an easy target for tracking, hacking, and theft. Here’s what’s at stake:

Your activity is being tracked: Many laptops come with built-in software that monitors your usage, collecting data on what you search, where you go, and even how you type.

Malware and spyware can invade your system: Weak security settings and pre-installed programs can create hidden entry points for hackers, allowing them to steal files, monitor your screen, or log your keystrokes.

Identity theft is a real threat: Laptops without strong encryption leave passwords, credit card details, and personal data vulnerable to cybercriminals who can exploit weak security to drain accounts or impersonate you online.

Hackers can take full control: Without proper security protections, bad actors can remotely activate your webcam, microphone, or even lock you out of your own device—turning your laptop into a tool for spying.

Big Tech profits off your data: Some laptop manufacturers have been caught sharing user data with third parties, turning your private information into a commodity.

If your laptop isn’t built with privacy in mind, your data isn’t truly yours. Investing in a privacy-focused laptop is the best way to take control of your digital security.

What to Look for in a Privacy-Focused Laptop

A secure laptop isn’t just about speed or specs—it’s about keeping your information safe from trackers, hackers, and data breaches. Knowing what to look for when purchasing a laptop can mean the difference between protection and exposure.

Secure Operating System

Your OS controls your privacy, and not all systems are created equal. Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS collect user data by default, but privacy settings can be adjusted. If you want multiple layers of security, Linux-based options like Qubes OS, Tails, and PureOS offer better privacy through virtualization and system isolation. Doing a clean install of an open-source OS removes pre-installed trackers, ensuring that your device isn’t logging your every move.

Hardware Security Features

Facial recognition technology and two-factor authentication add extra layers of protection when logging in. Some devices, like those from Lenovo and HP, include camera shutters to physically block the webcam, preventing unauthorized access. A power button with an integrated biometric scanner provides an added layer of security while making logins seamless.

If your laptop gets lost or stolen, encryption tools like BitLocker (Windows) and LUKS (Linux) ensure that no one can access your files. Keeping an external hard drive for backup is also a smart move to prevent data loss from cyberattacks or hardware failures.

Privacy-Focused Software

Instead of built-in apps, use an open-source media player like VLC and secure browsers like Brave or Firefox, which limit tracking better than Google Chrome.

Privacy-focused smaller companies develop better alternatives to Big Tech services, offering more control over your data. Using a VPN encrypts your internet connection, while firewalls and antivirus software provide additional network protection against cyber threats.

Build Quality & Transparency

Some laptop manufacturers have been caught installing hidden tracking software in their firmware. Companies like Purism and System76 design laptops with open-source firmware, ensuring transparency and better developer control.

Choosing a laptop with upgradable components—such as storage, RAM, and even the monitor—extends its lifespan and gives you more control over security. A durable, tamper-resistant build also protects against hardware vulnerabilities, keeping your laptop safe from unauthorized modifications.

Best Laptops for Privacy: Top Picks and Key Security Features

The best laptop options combine secure operating systems, strong encryption, and advanced hardware protections to keep your data safe.

Here’s a look at the top privacy-focused laptops and what makes them stand out.

Librem 14 – Best for Open-Source Security

The Librem 14 is designed for users who prioritize security and transparency. Unlike mainstream laptops, it eliminates proprietary software and tracking, offering a fully open-source experience. It provides both durability and privacy-focused features that give users full control over their security settings.

Display & Build: 14” matte display for reduced glare; durable aluminum chassis for a premium, sturdy feel.

Processor & Memory: Intel Core i7-10710U, up to 64GB RAM

Operating System: PureOS (Linux)

Price Range: $1,399 - $2,000

Security Features:

• Hardware kill switches for microphone, webcam, and Wi-Fi, physically cutting power to these components to prevent hacking.
• Open-source firmware ensures transparency, eliminating the risk of hidden backdoors.
• No Intel Management Engine, reducing firmware vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Potential Drawbacks: High price, limited availability in retail stores.

Dell XPS 13 Plus – Best for Windows Security

The Dell XPS 13 Plus is a sleek and modern Windows laptop with strong security and performance features. Designed for professionals and everyday users, it combines a minimalist design with high-end internals for a premium computing experience.

Display & Build: 13.4” OLED touchscreen with stunning visuals; lightweight aluminum design for portability and durability.

Processor & Memory: Intel Core i7-1280P, up to 32GB RAM

Operating System: Windows 11

Price Range: $1,200 - $2,000

Security Features:

• TPM 2.0 chip encrypts sensitive data and secures authentication processes.
• Windows Hello facial recognition for biometric login, reducing reliance on passwords.
• Optional PrivacyGuard screen limits screen visibility from side angles, preventing shoulder surfing.

Potential Drawbacks: Limited port selection, higher configurations can be expensive.

Apple MacBook Pro (M3) – Best for macOS Privacy

The MacBook Pro (M3) is a high-performance laptop that integrates Apple’s security-focused ecosystem with industry-leading performance. It offers privacy-conscious users advanced protections through hardware-based encryption and secure system architecture.

Display & Build: 14.2” Liquid Retina XDR display with extreme contrast and high brightness; aluminum unibody design for durability.

Processor & Memory: Apple M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified memory

Operating System: macOS

Price Range: $1,499+

Security Features:

• T2 security chip encrypts storage and secures the boot process, preventing unauthorized modifications.
• App sandboxing isolates applications to prevent malware from spreading.
• Private Relay encrypts internet traffic, masking browsing activity from websites and ISPs.

Potential Drawbacks: Limited upgradability, high price point.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 11) – Best for Enterprise Security

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 11) is a business-class laptop designed with enterprise-grade security and a rugged, lightweight build. It is ideal for professionals who handle sensitive data and require top-tier security protections.

Display & Build: 14” anti-glare display with PrivacyGuard option for reducing visibility from side angles; carbon fiber and magnesium alloy chassis for lightweight durability.

Processor & Memory: Intel Core i7-1355U, up to 32GB RAM

Operating System: Windows 11

Price Range: Starting at $1,601.55

Security Features:

• ThinkShield security suite, including AI-based threat detection and endpoint protection.
• PrivacyGuard screen prevents unauthorized users from viewing your display.
• Self-healing BIOS restores the system if tampered with by malware or cyberattacks.

Potential Drawbacks: Premium price, some configurations may be hard to find.

Framework Laptop – Best for Customization & Privacy

The Framework Laptop is one of the most repairable and customizable laptops available, designed for users who want full control over their hardware and software. Its modular design allows for easy upgrades and enhanced security.

Display & Build: 13.5” high-resolution screen with modular, fully repairable chassis, allowing users to swap out ports, RAM, and storage.

Processor & Memory: Intel Core i7-1165G7, up to 64GB RAM

Operating System: Various Linux distributions or Windows

Price Range: $899 - $2,000

Security Features:

• Open-source firmware ensures transparency, eliminating hidden tracking.
• No pre-installed spyware or bloatware, meaning you get full control over what runs on your device.
• Compatible with security-focused Linux distributions, offering enhanced privacy options.

Potential Drawbacks: Design may not appeal to all users, availability varies by region.

Additional Security Measures for Privacy-Conscious Users

Even with a privacy-focused laptop, your data is still at risk if you don’t take additional steps to protect it. By implementing a few key security measures, you can enhance your privacy and minimize exposure to cyber threats.

Use a Privacy-Focused Operating System

Your operating system is one of the biggest factors in data security. Mainstream systems like Windows and macOS collect user data by default, even when privacy settings are adjusted. Switching to a privacy-focused OS reduces tracking and strengthens system security. Qubes OS isolates applications in virtualized “qubes,” preventing malware from spreading. Tails OS runs from a USB drive and leaves no trace of activity after shutdown, making it ideal for anonymous browsing. PureOS offers a more user-friendly Linux experience without data collection or tracking.

Install a VPN and Secure Browser

Your internet activity is constantly monitored by ISPs, advertisers, and third parties. A VPN encrypts your connection, masking your IP address and preventing tracking. VPNs like Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and IVPN operate on strict no-log policies, keeping your data private.

Pairing a VPN with a secure browser further reduces tracking. Tor Browser routes traffic through multiple encrypted relays, making it nearly impossible to trace. Brave blocks trackers and invasive ads by default while maintaining fast performance. LibreWolf is a hardened version of Firefox with telemetry and tracking disabled. Google Chrome should be avoided due to its extensive data collection policies.

Encrypt Your Data (Local & Cloud Storage)

Encryption ensures that even if your laptop is stolen, hacked, or compromised, your files remain unreadable to unauthorized users. Local storage encryption tools like Veracrypt provide strong, open-source encryption for individual files or entire drives. Linux users can rely on LUKS for full-disk encryption, while Windows users have BitLocker, though it is closed-source and tied to Microsoft.

For cloud storage, end-to-end encryption prevents service providers from accessing your files. Sync.com and Tresorit offer secure cloud storage with automatic encryption, while Cryptomator encrypts files before they are uploaded to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

Remove Pre-Installed Software & Bloatware

Most mainstream laptops come with pre-installed software that collects data in the background. This software often sends usage statistics to manufacturers, advertisers, or third-party services. Removing bloatware improves security by eliminating unnecessary tracking.

A clean OS install is the best way to remove factory-installed software and start with a privacy-focused setup. Privacy tools like O&O ShutUp10++ for Windows disable telemetry and tracking features that can’t be removed manually. Regularly reviewing app permissions also helps prevent unnecessary access to your microphone, webcam, and location data.

Final Thoughts

Even the best laptops for privacy require additional steps to keep your data safe. Using a secure OS, VPN, encrypted storage, and privacy-focused software helps ensure your information stays out of the wrong hands. With the right security measures, you take full control of your digital privacy.