Laptops are a necessity for most of us, whether it’s for work, school, or binge-watching nature documentaries (just me?). But have you ever thought about how sustainable your laptop is?
Most mainstream laptops are designed to be hard to repair, difficult to upgrade, and quick to replace, leading to massive amounts of e-waste. Not to mention, their production often relies on non-renewable resources, toxic chemicals, and unethical labor practices.
Soo, what’s the good news? Some brands are out there doing things a little differently. If you’re looking for a laptop that lasts longer, is easier to repair, and has a lower environmental footprint, here are five of the most sustainable laptops on the market today.
1. Framework Laptop – The Most Repairable & Upgradable Laptop
If you’re serious about sustainability, the Framework Laptop is hands-down the best choice.
🌲 Fully modular design – Every part of the laptop, from the battery to the keyboard, can be swapped out or upgraded.
🌲 Made with recycled materials – The chassis is 50% recycled aluminum, and plastic components are 30% post-consumer recycled.
🌲 Minimal e-waste – Instead of replacing your whole laptop when something breaks, you can just replace the broken part!
Price: Starts at around €900/$999 for the DIY edition (without an OS) and can go over €1,500 for pre-built versions. While pricey, its repairability saves money in the long run.
Best for: People who want a future-proof, repairable laptop that won’t become obsolete in a few years.
🌍 Available worldwide – Ships to North America, Europe, Australia, and more.
2. Dell Latitude 5000 Series – Mainstream Brand with a Sustainability Focus
Dell has been stepping up its sustainability game, and the Latitude 5000 series is a great example of that.
🌲 Uses bio-based and recycled materials – Includes reclaimed carbon fiber, ocean-bound plastics, and tree-based bioplastics in its design.
🌲 Meets strict environmental certifications – EPEAT Gold & ENERGY STAR® certified.
🌲 Long-lasting and business-grade durability – Built to handle years of use.
Price: Prices vary depending on the configuration but generally range from €1,000–€1,500 / $1,000–$1,600. A solid mid-range option for business users.
Best for: Those who want an eco-friendly laptop from a major, well-known brand.
🌍 Available worldwide – Dell ships to North America, Europe, and most global regions.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad L Series – Durable & Made with Recycled Materials
Lenovo’s ThinkPad L Series balances durability, performance, and sustainability.
🌲 Post-consumer recycled materials – Uses aluminum and plastic from recycled sources.
🌲 Built to last – Known for being rugged and long-lasting.
🌲 Some repairability – Some models allow for battery and RAM replacements, extending the laptop’s life.
Learn more here in Lenovo’s press release.
Price: Typically priced between €700–€1,300 / $750–$1,400, making it a good balance of affordability and durability.
Best for: Students and professionals who need a laptop that lasts but want a more eco-conscious option.
🌍 Available worldwide – Lenovo is widely available across Europe, North America, and other global markets.
4. ASUS ExpertBook B9 – Ultra-Light & Eco-Friendly
For those who need a lightweight, high-performance laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook B9 is a solid sustainable choice.
🌲 Made with recycled magnesium-lithium alloy, reducing material waste.
🌲 Super energy-efficient – Meets ENERGY STAR® requirements for low power consumption.
🌲 Military-grade durability – Designed to last through years of use.
Price: A premium ultrabook with prices starting at €1,400 / $1,500, making it best for professionals who need a lightweight, high-performance laptop.
Best for: People looking for a lightweight, professional laptop with a lower environmental impact.
🌍 Available mostly in North America & Asia, but some European retailers carry it.
5. Acer Aspire Vero – Affordable & Made with Recycled Plastic
If you’re on a budget but still want a sustainable laptop, the Acer Aspire Vero is a fantastic option.
🌲 30% post-consumer recycled plastic used in its chassis.
🌲 Designed for repairability – Easy to disassemble, upgrade, and fix.
🌲 Lower power consumption – Features energy-efficient processors.
Price: One of the most affordable sustainable laptops, starting at €600–€800 / $700–$900, making it a great budget-friendly eco-conscious choice.
Best for: Those who want an affordable laptop that still prioritizes sustainability.
🌍 Available worldwide – Available in most markets, including Europe and North America.
In Summary:
Best Overall Sustainability: Framework Laptop
If you want the most eco-friendly option, the Framework Laptop is the clear winner. It’s fully modular, so instead of replacing the whole laptop, you can just upgrade or repair individual parts – saving both money and resources in the long run. The higher upfront cost is worth it if you’re looking for a long-term investment.
Best for Mid-Range Budgets: Dell Latitude 5000 & Lenovo ThinkPad L
Both Dell Latitude 5000 and Lenovo ThinkPad L Series balance performance, repairability, and sustainability. They’re widely available, use recycled materials, and are durable enough to last several years. If you want a laptop that’s eco-conscious but still from a major brand, these are great choices.
Best for Professionals: ASUS ExpertBook B9
If you travel a lot and are looking for an ultra-light, premium laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook B9 is a good option. It’s made with recycled magnesium-lithium alloy, is energy-efficient, and has a long battery life. However, it’s not as repairable as the Framework Laptop, so you’ll need to take extra care of it.
Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Acer Aspire Vero
If you want a sustainable laptop without breaking the bank, the Acer Aspire Vero is the way to go. It uses 30% post-consumer recycled plastic, is easily upgradeable, and offers solid performance for everyday tasks. While it may not be as powerful as high-end models, it’s the best eco-conscious option for budget shoppers.
Choose a Laptop That Lasts
Sustainability in tech isn’t just about materials and energy efficiency – it’s also about repairability, longevity, and reducing e-waste. The Framework Laptop leads the way in modularity, while Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer are improving their sustainability efforts with recycled materials and better energy efficiency.
But remember: buying used instead of new is one of the most sustainable things you can do. There are plenty of high-quality refurbished laptops out there that work just as well – often for a fraction of the price. I bought mine through Refurbed, and it’s been perfect. Other great platforms to check out include Back Market, Swappa, and eBay Refurbished.
So what’s the best thing you can do? Choose a laptop that will last as long as possible, maintain it well, and, when it’s time, recycle or repurpose it responsibly.