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- Best Framework Laptops at a Glance
- Framework Laptop 13 AMD
- Framework Laptop 13 Intel
- Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition
- Framework Laptop 16
- Framework Laptop 16 With Graphics Module
- Framework Laptop 13 Budget Build
- Why Framework Laptops Are Different
- Framework Laptop 13 vs Laptop 16
- Framework vs Traditional Ultrabooks
- Framework vs Gaming Laptop
- Framework Laptop for Linux
- Is Framework Worth the Price?
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Framework laptops stand out because they are designed around repairability, upgradeability, and modular hardware rather than the sealed construction common in modern notebooks. Owners can replace memory, storage, ports, batteries, keyboards, displays, and even major internal components on supported models. That makes Framework especially appealing to developers, students, professionals, and enthusiasts who want to keep one laptop platform useful for years instead of replacing the entire machine after one component becomes outdated.
Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best framework laptops is the Framework Configuration — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Best Framework Laptops at a Glance
| Framework Configuration | Best For | Size Class | Main Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framework Laptop 13 AMD | Overall use | Compact | Performance and efficiency |
| Framework Laptop 13 Intel | Business and productivity | Compact | Intel ecosystem |
| Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition | Enthusiasts | Compact | Maximum customization |
| Framework Laptop 16 | Power users | Large | Modular high-performance design |
| Framework Laptop 16 With Graphics Module | Gaming and creation | Large | Upgradeable dedicated graphics |
| Framework Laptop 13 Budget Build | Students and Linux users | Compact | Lower-cost entry |
Framework Laptop 13 AMD
Best For: Overall use
The Framework Laptop 13 with an AMD processor is one of the strongest choices for users who want a compact notebook with solid everyday performance and excellent long-term serviceability.
Its biggest advantage is not simply processor speed. The entire system is designed so that important parts can be accessed and replaced without specialized repair equipment. Memory and storage upgrades are straightforward on compatible configurations, while Framework’s modular Expansion Card system lets users choose which external ports they want to carry.
AMD-based versions are particularly attractive for users who want strong integrated graphics alongside good processor performance. Integrated graphics can handle normal creative software, high-resolution video playback, light gaming, and general GPU-accelerated workloads without requiring dedicated graphics hardware.
Battery efficiency is another important consideration in a thin laptop. A balanced processor can provide enough performance for programming, office work, browsing, and creative applications while avoiding the power demands of a large gaming notebook.
The 13-inch class also makes the system easy to travel with. It is much more suitable for commuting, school, and business trips than a desktop-replacement machine.
Key Features
- Compact 13-inch-class chassis
- AMD processor options
- Upgradeable memory on compatible configurations
- Replaceable NVMe storage
- Modular Expansion Card ports
- Replaceable battery
- Replaceable keyboard and input components
- Repair-friendly internal design
- High-resolution display options
- Linux-friendly hardware approach
What Makes It Different
Most thin notebooks sacrifice repairability for compact construction. Framework attempts to preserve both portability and user-accessible hardware.
Pros
- Strong overall performance
- Good integrated graphics
- Excellent repairability
- Upgradeable storage and memory
- Modular ports
- Easy to carry
- Long-term ownership potential
Cons
- Costs more than some mass-market laptops
- Modular accessories add expense
- Not intended for high-end gaming
- Availability of exact configurations can vary
Use Case: Programming, office work, school, Linux, light content creation, and everyday productivity.
Who It’s For: Users who want the best balance between portability, performance, and long-term upgradeability.
Framework Laptop 13 Intel
Best For: Business and productivity
The Intel version of Framework Laptop 13 is a strong alternative for users who prefer Intel-based platforms for business software, development tools, specific hardware compatibility, or corporate environments.
Its main appeal remains Framework’s modular design. Instead of replacing the whole computer because a port becomes outdated or a component fails, owners can replace individual parts.
The Expansion Card system is particularly useful for professionals. A user can configure the laptop with combinations of USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, storage modules, or other supported connections depending on the day’s requirements.
That means a consultant traveling with a projector setup can carry HDMI, while a developer may prefer multiple USB-C ports. The laptop chassis does not permanently lock the user into one port arrangement.
Intel configurations are also suitable for common office software, development environments, browser-heavy workflows, virtual meetings, and multi-monitor setups.
Key Features
- Intel processor options
- Modular external ports
- Replaceable storage
- Upgradeable memory on supported versions
- Serviceable battery
- Replaceable keyboard
- Repairable internal components
- Compact form factor
- External display support
- Business-friendly design
What Makes It Different
The Intel Framework Laptop 13 combines a familiar processor platform with unusually high hardware flexibility for a thin business notebook.
Pros
- Excellent productivity performance
- Modular ports
- Strong repairability
- Easy SSD upgrades
- Good for business travel
- Suitable for development
- Clean professional design
Cons
- Not a dedicated gaming machine
- Port modules must be purchased separately
- Premium pricing compared with basic business laptops
Use Case: Business applications, coding, office work, remote work, presentations, and travel.
Who It’s For: Professionals who want a compact Intel notebook without giving up upgradeability.
Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition
Best For: Enthusiasts and custom builders
Framework’s DIY Edition is one of the most distinctive options in the laptop market because it allows buyers to configure more of the system themselves.
Instead of receiving every component fully installed, users can select compatible memory, storage, operating system, Expansion Cards, and other components according to their needs.
This approach can be particularly attractive to experienced PC builders. Someone who already owns an NVMe SSD or compatible memory can potentially reuse those parts rather than paying for another set.
The DIY process also teaches users how the laptop is assembled. That familiarity becomes useful later when replacing a battery, upgrading storage, swapping an input component, or performing maintenance.
Framework provides a design philosophy closer to desktop PC ownership than conventional notebook ownership. Rather than treating the laptop as a sealed appliance, it encourages the user to understand and maintain the machine.
Key Features
- User-installed components
- Flexible RAM choices
- Flexible NVMe storage choices
- Operating-system flexibility
- Expansion Card selection
- Replaceable internal hardware
- Repair-friendly construction
- Modular input and port components
- Upgradeable platform design
What Makes It Different
The DIY Edition gives buyers direct control over configuration instead of forcing them to accept a fixed manufacturer bundle.
Pros
- Maximum customization
- Can reuse compatible components
- Excellent for PC enthusiasts
- Easy future servicing
- Flexible operating-system choices
- Encourages long-term upgrades
- Less unnecessary bundled hardware
Cons
- Requires basic technical confidence
- User must install some components
- Compatibility must be checked carefully
- Not as convenient as a fully assembled laptop
Use Case: Linux systems, custom builds, enthusiast PCs, development, and technical education.
Who It’s For: Users comfortable installing hardware who want maximum control over their laptop configuration.
Framework Laptop 16
Best For: Power users
Framework Laptop 16 expands the company’s repairable philosophy into a larger performance-oriented notebook.
The larger chassis creates space for stronger processors, more cooling, a larger display, and a more flexible input system. It is designed for users who need significantly more screen area and performance than a compact ultrabook provides.
One of its standout ideas is modularity around the keyboard deck. Instead of permanently fixing a single keyboard layout into the chassis, the input area can support different modules and arrangements depending on supported hardware.
This is especially useful for users who want a numeric keypad, alternative keyboard layouts, or other input modules.
The larger chassis also makes the machine more suitable for development environments, video editing, engineering applications, and other workloads where a bigger screen and stronger cooling are useful.
Key Features
- Large 16-inch-class display
- High-performance processor options
- Modular Expansion Bay
- Modular input system
- Replaceable storage
- Upgradeable memory on supported configurations
- Expansion Card ports
- Serviceable battery
- Larger cooling system
- Repair-focused construction
What Makes It Different
Framework Laptop 16 applies desktop-like modular thinking to a large performance notebook rather than limiting repairability to lightweight productivity machines.
Pros
- Large display
- Strong performance
- Highly modular design
- Configurable keyboard deck
- Upgradeable storage and memory
- Better cooling potential
- Suitable for serious workloads
Cons
- Larger and heavier
- More expensive than Laptop 13
- Modular ecosystem adds complexity
- Less convenient for daily commuting
Use Case: Software development, editing, engineering, multitasking, professional workloads, and desktop replacement.
Who It’s For: Power users who want a high-performance laptop without losing repairability.
Framework Laptop 16 With Graphics Module
Best For: Gaming and creator workloads
One of the most interesting aspects of Framework Laptop 16 is the Expansion Bay system, which allows supported graphics hardware to be installed as a modular component.
Traditional gaming laptops typically solder the GPU directly to the motherboard. Once that graphics processor becomes outdated, upgrading usually means replacing the entire laptop.
Framework’s modular approach attempts to separate the graphics subsystem from the rest of the machine. This creates the possibility of upgrading or replacing the graphics hardware without discarding the whole notebook, assuming compatible modules are available.
For gaming, dedicated graphics provide much more performance than integrated graphics in demanding titles. Video editing, 3D rendering, GPU compute, and certain AI applications can also benefit substantially.
The larger cooling system helps manage the additional heat generated by dedicated graphics.
This setup is still less flexible than a desktop PC because laptop power and thermal limits remain significant. However, it provides a level of GPU serviceability rarely found in notebooks.
Key Features
- Modular dedicated graphics support
- Expansion Bay system
- Large display
- High-performance CPU options
- Upgradeable storage
- Upgradeable memory
- Modular ports
- Replaceable internal components
- Gaming and creator capability
- Serviceable cooling system
What Makes It Different
The replaceable graphics concept addresses one of the biggest weaknesses of conventional gaming laptops: the inability to upgrade the GPU.
Pros
- Dedicated graphics performance
- Upgrade-oriented GPU design
- Strong creator capability
- Better gaming performance
- Repairable platform
- Large display
- Flexible configuration
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than standard laptops
- GPU availability depends on Framework’s module ecosystem
- Not as upgradeable as a desktop graphics card platform
- Higher power consumption
Use Case: Gaming, Blender, video editing, 3D work, GPU computing, and professional creation.
Who It’s For: Users who need dedicated graphics but want more long-term hardware flexibility than conventional gaming laptops provide.
Framework Laptop 13 Budget Build
Best For: Students and Linux users
A lower-cost Framework Laptop 13 configuration can be particularly attractive for technically inclined students and Linux users.
Instead of selecting the most expensive CPU, maximum memory, and largest SSD, buyers can start with a more modest configuration and upgrade components later.
This approach changes how laptop budgeting works. With most notebooks, buying a low-memory or low-storage version can become a permanent limitation. With an upgradeable platform, users can add capacity as their requirements grow.
A student may begin with enough memory and storage for documents, web development, and coursework, then add more RAM or a larger SSD when advanced projects require it.
Linux users also benefit from the open hardware philosophy. Framework has attracted interest among developers because replaceable components and standard storage make experimentation easier than on many sealed laptops.
Key Features
- Lower-tier processor configuration
- User-selectable RAM
- User-selectable SSD
- Linux compatibility
- Modular ports
- Replaceable battery
- Serviceable keyboard
- Upgradeable platform
- Lightweight chassis
What Makes It Different
Instead of paying for every high-end component upfront, the user can treat the laptop as a platform that grows over time.
Pros
- Lower entry cost
- Easy future upgrades
- Good for Linux
- Portable
- Repair-friendly
- Suitable for students
- Reduces need for premature replacement
Cons
- Initial performance may be modest
- Accessories add cost
- Still more expensive than some basic student laptops
Use Case: University, coding, Linux, coursework, web development, and lightweight productivity.
Who It’s For: Students and technical users who want a laptop they can improve gradually.
Why Framework Laptops Are Different
Replaceable Mainboard
One of Framework’s most unusual features is the ability to replace the mainboard on supported models.
In conventional laptops, upgrading the processor generally means buying a new computer because the CPU is integrated into the motherboard.
Framework’s platform allows owners to replace the board with a compatible newer version.
The old mainboard may also potentially be reused for another project instead of immediately becoming electronic waste.
Modular Expansion Cards
Instead of permanently installing every port, Framework uses replaceable Expansion Cards.
Depending on the model and available modules, users can configure combinations such as:
- USB-C
- USB-A
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- MicroSD
- Additional storage
This is useful because port requirements change over time.
Replaceable Battery
Laptop batteries wear over years of charging.
On many thin notebooks, battery replacement requires significant disassembly or manufacturer service.
Framework designs the battery as a serviceable component, making long-term ownership more practical.
Replaceable Keyboard and Input Components
Keyboard failures can make an otherwise functional laptop frustrating to use.
Framework provides replaceable input components so a damaged keyboard does not necessarily require replacing the entire upper chassis.
Laptop 16 expands this concept further with modular input sections.
Standard Storage
Framework laptops use standard NVMe storage rather than proprietary soldered SSD systems.
This provides several advantages:
- Easier capacity upgrades
- More storage choices
- Easier replacement
- Potential component reuse
- Better long-term flexibility
Framework Laptop 13 vs Laptop 16
Framework Laptop 13 is best when portability matters.
It is compact, easier to carry, and suitable for business, school, and programming.
Framework Laptop 16 is designed for more demanding users.
It provides:
- Larger screen
- More cooling capacity
- Modular graphics capability
- Flexible input modules
- Higher performance potential
Choose Laptop 13 for mobility.
Choose Laptop 16 for performance and modular expansion.
Framework vs Traditional Ultrabooks
Traditional ultrabooks often prioritize thinness and simplicity.
This can lead to:
- Soldered memory
- Difficult battery replacement
- Fixed ports
- Limited storage upgrades
- Integrated keyboards
Framework sacrifices some of that appliance-like simplicity to make the system serviceable.
For users who replace laptops every few years anyway, this may not matter.
For users who want to keep hardware much longer, repairability becomes valuable.
Framework vs Gaming Laptop
A traditional gaming laptop can provide powerful graphics, but major components are usually fixed.
Framework Laptop 16 offers a more modular approach.
However, users should understand that modularity does not automatically make it faster.
A conventional high-end gaming notebook may offer excellent performance and a broader range of GPU configurations.
Framework is more attractive to buyers who value upgrade potential and repairability alongside performance.
Framework Laptop for Linux
Framework laptops are particularly appealing to Linux enthusiasts because the hardware design aligns well with users who like controlling their own operating environment.
A DIY configuration can be purchased without paying for an operating system the user does not need.
Standard storage and replaceable components also make testing different Linux distributions easier.
Developers should still verify support for specific features such as fingerprint readers, suspend behavior, wireless hardware, and newer processors before choosing a distribution.
Is Framework Worth the Price?
Framework laptops are not always the cheapest computers with equivalent processor specifications.
Part of the price pays for:
- Modular construction
- Replaceable parts
- Repair documentation
- Expansion hardware
- Long-term upgrade potential
The value therefore depends on ownership style.
A user who replaces their laptop every two years may not benefit much.
A user who keeps hardware for five years or longer and performs upgrades may find the platform much more compelling.
FAQ
Are Framework Laptops Good?
Yes, especially for users who value repairability, upgradeability, and modular hardware. Performance depends on the processor and configuration selected.
Can You Upgrade the CPU in a Framework Laptop?
The processor is generally part of the mainboard, so it is not replaced by itself. Instead, supported Framework models allow the entire mainboard to be replaced with a compatible newer board.
Can You Upgrade RAM in Framework Laptops?
Many Framework configurations are designed with upgradeable memory. Exact memory architecture depends on the specific generation, so compatibility should be checked before purchasing modules.
Can You Upgrade the SSD?
Yes. Framework laptops use replaceable NVMe storage, making storage upgrades significantly easier than on laptops with soldered SSDs.
Are Framework Laptops Good for Gaming?
Framework Laptop 13 is best suited to light gaming with integrated graphics. Framework Laptop 16 can support dedicated graphics through its modular Expansion Bay, making it much more suitable for serious gaming.
Is Framework Laptop 13 or 16 Better?
Laptop 13 is better for portability, school, office work, and travel. Laptop 16 is better for gaming, creator applications, large-screen productivity, and users who want more modular expansion.
Conclusion
The best Framework laptops are defined less by one benchmark and more by how long they can remain useful. Framework Laptop 13 AMD offers the strongest all-around balance, the Intel version suits business users, DIY Edition provides maximum customization, Laptop 16 targets power users, the graphics-module configuration adds gaming capability, and a lower-cost Laptop 13 build gives students and Linux users an upgradeable platform they can improve over time.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Framework Configuration.
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