7 Best Laptops for Running Tails In 2021 (Complete Buying Guide)

Are you sick of being tracked and targeted by advertisements whenever you browse the internet? Ensuring privacy has become essential in 2021, yet it is challenging to do so. However, a laptop with Tails OS can help you with it. If you are looking for it, then you are at the right place.

Annoying advertisements and tension of being traced are increasing every day. Where technology has been blessing humanity on one side, it’s creating complexities on the other side as well. In 2021, the ratio of cybercrimes has hiked immensely. Hence, many users wish to leave no trace of their online activity to avoid any mishap.

In these critical times, the “Tails Operating System” is a valuable source to protect your privacy. Also, you don’t have to be a paranoid cyber professional or any activist concerned about privacy. Instead, you can be anyone worried about being tracked by hackers or annoyed by advertisements.

A Tails OS can help you equally in either way. All you have to do is to buy a laptop that is competent enough to run Tails OS smoothly and lag-free. Therefore, to help you with the best experience, I have compiled a list of the seven best laptops from renowned brands. Check them out in the coming discussion.

Buying Guide

Before you get your hands on the list, it’s in your best opinion to learn about the compatibility requirements of Tails OS. You don’t have to buy an expensive or future-proof hardware specs laptop; instead, it can be run on any system built in the last decade. However, it would be best if you took care of the following aspects to run Tails OS smoothly.

CPU:

A CPU is an important spec to check when it comes to run an operating system. Tails OS can be run efficiently on a system with a quad-core processor. However, it is better to go for a 10th generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processor for smooth functioning.

RAM:

The tail can work fine on 2GB or 4GB RAM; however, if possible, go for 8GB or above. While running Tails, heavy applications, or handling intense multitasking, more RAM fits better.

Storage:

You don’t have to go for a large storage option because Tails OS runs on a USB drive covering 8GB of space. Hence, choose a fast USB 3.0 drive with at least 16 GB of space.

Recommended System Requirements:

Processor 9th Gen Intel Core i9
RAM 8GB
Storage 256GB
Graphics Integrated Intel UHD G1
Display 15.6-Inch FHD IPS
Battery Up to 8 Hours

7 Best Laptops For Running Tails

Acer Aspire E15 Laptop
ASUS VivoBook Thin
HP 2019
Apple MacBook Air
Dell Inspiron 3000
Lenovo Flex 11
ASUS Chromebook Flip C436

1. Acer Aspire E15 Laptop:

We have Acer as our top choice on the list. Aspire series is known for providing the optimal experience. The model E15 is just what you need to run the Tails OS. It has everything, fortunately, to provide smooth functioning.

It comes with a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with 1920 x 1080 p resolution. It comes with an Intel Core i5 processor with 8 GB RAM for installing and running Tails smoothly. Similarly, it offers 256 GB SSD ample storage capacity.

To help you with graphics-intensive tasks, it comes with an NVIDIA MX150 GPU. The fast drivers allow you to share files equally. It has jaw-dropping battery backup i-e up to 15 hours. However, it is slightly bulky at 5.5 pounds, making it difficult to carry.

Pros
  • Elegant design
  • Sturdy structure
  • Powerful processor
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Heavyweight

2. ASUS VivoBook Thin:

As the name suggests, VivoBook Thin is amongst the most portable laptops across the globe. It comes with a powerful hardware configuration that can handle Tails OS smoothly. The features are fantastic as well. Let us check them out.

The display comes with a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a thin bezel providing a broad view. It also increases the screen-to-body ratio, which gives an excellent idea. We have a robust 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 3.4 GHz clock frequency at its heart.

You get 8GB DDR4 RAM with dual storage capacity, i-e, 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD, making your system fast and responsive like never before.

Aesthetically, it has a very sleek and thin appearance making it the perfect traveling buddy. If you are always on the go, this one is for you.

Pros
  • Sleek and thing
  • Portable
  • Powerful processor
  • Dual storage
Cons
  • Pin style charger

3. HP 2019:

Here we have another affordable yet precise option. HP 2019 is a laptop loaded with stunning features. It comes with a dedicated hardware configuration that will install and run your Tails OS smoothly. Let’s find out what else do we got in it,

To begin with, it comes with a 14-inch thin-bezel display with 1366 x 768 HD resolution, providing vividly crisp and vibrant colors with a glossy touch.

We have an excellent 8th Gen Intel Core i3 processor with high bandwidth DDR4 8GB RAM making the system efficient against intense functioning and multitasking.

You get 128GB HDD space, and you won’t be able to upgrade it yet. It is sufficient for running Tails. Aesthetically, it’s a fashion statement with a stunning look and backlit keyboard, making a perfect choice for you.

However, the battery life is ordinary up to 5 hours, so you might need to charge it occasionally.

Pros
  • Excellent performance
  • Stunning appearance
  • Keyboard backlit
Cons
  • Average battery life
  • Ordinary graphics

4. Apple MacBook Air:

When it comes to privacy, nothing can beat Apple. MacBook Air is an appropriate choice for privacy matters. Usually, it’s complex to use a USB-based OS, but if privacy is your main concern, then MacBook Air is a customer-friendly choice.

It comes with a 13.3-inch display with retina technology providing the most accurate display to you. And the retina technology will prevent your eyes from straining.

It comes with a unique customized M1 processor with a 3.2 GHz clock frequency to help you install and run Tails OS smoothly. MacBook Air offers an 8GB DDR4 Ram with 256GB SSD capacity to help you do intense multitasking simultaneously.

Aesthetically, Apple is an unmatchable brand. It has a very classy and premium look which makes it a bit over the budget. The aluminum finish texture makes it a superior computer. Moreover, it weighs mere 2.8 pounds, making it convenient to carry around.

Pros
  • Gorgeous design
  • Superb hardware configuration
  • Compact
  • Sleek and thin
Cons
  • Expensive

5. Dell Inspiron 3000:

Dell Inspiron 3000 is an ancient-based model with comparatively low-end features. However, it is enough to run Tails OS. If you are seeking privacy on a budget, then you should check out this model. It undoubtedly not the best, but it is enough to run Tails smoothly.

To begin with, it comes with a 15.6 HD resolution. You might not get the ultimate screen experience in a budget laptop. However, for browsing and sending secure emails via Tails, this resolution is quiet.

At its heart, it comes with an ancient dual-core Celeron N4000 processor with a 1.8Ghz clock frequency. This processor is nearly 40%-50% slower than Core i3 chips. However, it is enough to run Tails efficiently.

Similarly, we have 8th Gen UHD graphics that deliver relatively low pictures and are unsuitable for executing graphic-intensive tasks. Still, it is ideal for browsing with Tails.

You get 4GB RAM with 128 GB SSD capacity, which is relatively low to run heavy applications. However, it is pretty enough for running Tails OS. It will be in your best opinion if you can manage to upgrade it up to 8 GB at least.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Suitable for a budget option
  • Large display
  • Solid and sturdy
  • Sleek display
Cons
  • Low RAM
  • Outdated CPU

6. Lenovo Flex 11:

Lenovo Flex 11 comes with decent features that are enough to install and run Trails OS smoothly. Its reliable and portable laptop featured all essential elements. If you are low on budget and looking for a computer with basic features, this one is for you.

To begin with, it comes with an 11-inch HD display with a decent resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, enough for browsing, working, and sending emails. However, you cannot expect a quality image like the above-stated laptops.

It comes with Intel Premium Silver 5000 processor, which provides exceptional performance while operating Tails. It ensures smooth functioning and prevents the system from crashing. However, it comes with a low storage capacity of 64GB SSD, which is a significant drawback for some users.

It’s a compact and light laptop weighing 2.7 pounds and gives an average battery backup of up to 5-6 hours. Overall, it’s a good laptop embedded with all essential features. It is affordable, flexible, and durable. However, check out others if you are looking for more.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Decent hardware configuration
  • Affordable
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • Low storage space
  • Not for professionals

7. ASUS Chromebook Flip C436:

Here is the last pick of today. ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 is for those who are looking for more. If you want to get something beyond Tails, then you should consider this laptop. It’s an affordable option featured with a high-end hardware configuration. Let us check them out.

It comes with a 14-inch HD IPS display with nano-edge bezels providing a high screen-to-body ratio. It gives a 1920 x 1080 p, which delivers a vividly crystal image with vibrant colors.

We have a robust Intel Core i3 processor with Turbo speed up to 4.1 GHz, which delivers exceptional responsive performance. Along with that, it is featured with 8GB DDR4 RAM, which not only maintains smooth functioning but also handles your intense multitasking efficiently.

Aesthetically, it has a very appealing appearance. It comes with light chassis with a silver texture giving it an alluring look. You can also flip it to 360-degree in a standing position to watch live streams or movies. This makes it equally suitable for entertaining purposes.

Overall, it’s a good laptop with high-end features at an affordable price.

Pros
  • Good performance
  • Fingerprint scanner
  • Robust processor
Cons
  • Battery life

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Gaming Laptop Good For Tails?

Gaming laptops tend to have diverse compatibilities. Tails might have a compatibility issue with NVIDIA, which is a renowned gaming GPU. So, make sure you have the relevant hardware configuration to avoid mishaps.

Can You Run Tails On Chromebook?

Tails is a helpful operating system if you want to stay anonymous from online activities. Chromebooks have appropriate hardware configuration, which can ensure maximum privacy. Hence, yes, Chromebooks can run Tails effectively.

What USB Work With Tails?

For Tails, you don’t have to worry about the SSD space because it can be saved in an external USB drive. Hence, a USB 3.0 with 16 GB space will work fine for Tails.

How Do Tails Work?

Tails are usually stored in external devices. Hence they work by booting your laptop off external devices like USB, DVD, or SD-card.

How Much RAM Do I Need For Tails?

Tails can be run on a minimum of 4 GB RAM; however, it is better to have a RAM of at least 8GB or beyond for future intense functioning.

Final Words:

Ensuring privacy is not that complex as you might be expected. Tails have been a great resource to hide your activity from moderators. Now you can stay anonymous and browse as much as you want. The laptops mentioned above can help you install and run Tails smoothly.

All of them are equally productive in performance; however, you may select one of them based on your additional requirements. I hope this article would have been helpful for you.

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