6 Laptops With the Least Amount of Bloatware

Key Takeaways:

• Bloatware is pre-installed for applications on new devices.
• Chromebooks, regardless of the make, will not come with any bloatware.
• Premium line laptops like the Microsoft Surface devices or Apple MacBook will often come with minimal bloatware.

1. Google Pixelbook

With the least bloatware, Google Pixelbooks has established itself as a formidable competitor in the laptop market. In contrast to many typical laptops that come pre-loaded with various unnecessary applications, its focus on a clean user experience is maintained.

This device is powered by Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system for cloud-based apps and online browsing that eliminates the need for pre-loaded software. Some of the applications that users might consider bloatware include the following:

• Google Play Music: This may be considered bloatware if you already use alternative music streaming services.
• Google Photos: This app may be unnecessary if you prefer other photo storage options.
• Google Keep: This is a useful note-taking program, although it may overlap with other note-taking apps you prefer.

You can customize your experience by installing the apps you desire from the extensive Google Play Store. A Google Pixel laptop on Amazon costs about $700; however, the price might differ depending on other specifications like RAM and storage space.

2. Apple MacBook

Despite not being utterly devoid of bloatware, Apple MacBooks do provide a very clean user experience when compared to many Windows laptops.

Apple MacBooks value a simple user interface, in contrast to certain laptops that are overloaded with unnecessary applications. They have a carefully chosen collection of pre-installed programs necessary for daily tasks, reducing the need for bloatware from third parties.

Most bloatware on this device is pre-installed from Apple apps. Some of these include:

• Apple TV, Podcasts, iTunes, and iBooks: If you mainly utilize other platforms for these services, you may view these apps as bloatware.
• Pages, Figures, Keynote: Although they are robust productivity tools, they may conflict with other suites of applications that you use instead.
• Older MacBook machines may still have iPhoto and Aperture, which Photos as picture management programs have replaced.

MacBooks also rely on the easy-to-use App Store for extra software requirements, which permits customization and eliminates unnecessary pre-loaded apps. The price for an Apple Macbook starts from $1599, but it depends on various factors like storage space, screen size, etc.

3. Razer Laptops

Razer laptops are renowned for their sleek designs and potent gaming prowess, but they may not always be the best when offering the least bloatware. However, they provide some user control over the installation procedure and steer clear of excessive third-party bloatware.

Some of the bloatware you might find on this device include the following:

• Razer Synapse: This is Razer’s main software center, which allows you to control and personalize numerous Razer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headsets. While necessary for Razer gear owners, it may be deemed bloatware by individuals who do not own Razer peripherals.
• Razer Cortex: This gaming optimization program offers a game booster, system cleanser, and driver upgrades. While useful for gamers, it may be unnecessary for non-gamers.
• Other Razer-branded utilities: Depending on the laptop model, you may discover other Razer applications for music, lighting, and other device-specific functions.

For gamers who appreciate Razer hardware and its software features, the bloatware may be a fair exchange for the enhanced gaming experience and increased customization possibilities. To get an accurate pricing list for this device, visit the official Razer Blade website.

4. Microsoft Surface Devices

Microsoft Surface devices usually fall in the middle in terms of bloatware. Compared to certain conventional Windows laptops, this portable device typically avoids having excessive bloatware pre-installed, even though they aren’t the clear leaders in this category.

Typically, they avoid the overabundance of third-party applications and even give Signature Editions a spotless Windows 11 setup. Depending on your demands, the Microsoft programs pre-installed on standard devices may or may not be bloatware. Some of the apps that users see as bloatware include:

• Office Suite: While useful for many, people who prefer other productivity suites may see this as bloatware.
• OneDrive: Like Office Suite, individuals who choose online storage alternatives may find OneDrive unnecessary.
• Your phone app: While some people will find it useful, others may not.
• Xbox Game Pass: While a gaming service, it may not be appealing to all customers.

Windows 11 offers users more control over setup, and the Microsoft Store lets you further customize your experience by installing only the applications you want. Visit the Microsoft Office site to get an idea of the various prices of this device.

5. Lenovo ThinkPad Series

The Lenovo ThinkPad series offers a more streamlined experience than many consumer-oriented laptops. Lenovo ThinkPads prioritize business functionality over a completely bloatware-free experience.

Casual users often view specific pre-installed tools for performance, security, and connectivity as bloatware, even if these tools don’t come bundled with a lot of third-party software. Some very common bloatware that comes with this device include:

• Lenovo Vantage: This program offers system information, performance optimization, and other useful features. While it may be valuable to some users, others may consider it unneeded or redundant.
• McAfee Security: Many Lenovo laptops include a McAfee antivirus trial. While antivirus protection is necessary, some users may want to utilize their personal security software.

Fortunately, there are instances when ThinkPads lets you select which Lenovo software to install during setup, and you can typically uninstall undesired apps.

If reducing bloatware is important, consider Pro models or investigate a clean installation method. Visit the Lenovo official site to learn more about the various prices of this device.

6. Dell XPS Series

While Dell XPS Series are not bloatware-free, they tend to avoid the excessive bloatware found on some consumer-oriented laptops.

Dell XPS notebooks emphasized style and performance while keeping things simple. They might have pre-installed software for updating and maintaining devices, but in the strictest sense, these wouldn’t constitute bloatware. Some common ones include:

• Dell SupportAssist: This program is intended to assist with troubleshooting and driver updates. While it can be useful, some users consider it unnecessary.
• McAfee or other antivirus software: This software frequently comes pre-installed and includes a trial period. Users usually prefer their antivirus software.

Though the quantity of pre-installed Dell software varies based on the model, region, and settings, XPS avoids unnecessary third-party bloatware. You can even select which Dell software to install during setup on certain models. Visit Dell Technologies to learn more about how much this device costs.