The Framework Laptop 13 Pro fixes many of the problems we had with earlier Framework models. It looks more premium, feels better built, has a haptic trackpad, improved speakers, a brighter touchscreen, and more efficient processor options.
It also retains everything that makes Framework unique. The laptop is highly repairable, almost completely upgradeable, supports both Windows and Linux, and offers unmatched modular ports. Its fast LPCAMM2 memory is upgradeable too.
Unfortunately, the same fundamental compromises remain. The laptop is heavier than most 13-inch competitors, its single-fan cooling system limits performance, and recent price increases make it difficult to recommend to mainstream buyers.
This is easily the best Framework laptop so far. It is also still a premium product for people who genuinely value repairability and modularity.
A More Premium Chassis
The new black finish gives the Framework 13 Pro a more modern look than the older silver model. It collects fingerprints, but the keyboard deck and lid have less flex, helping the laptop feel more appropriate for its price.
The laptop is still relatively bulky for its 13.5-inch display when compared to the 13.4-inch Dell XPS 13, and the front edge can feel sharp when using it without proper arm support.
The black finish does help the modular ports blend into the chassis more naturally. Buyers can also customize the keyboard, including options with orange and grey accent keys that better suit the Framework’s enthusiast-focused identity.
Comfortable Keyboard and Excellent Haptic Trackpad
Framework’s keyboard remains one of the better options in this category. Its 1.5 mm of key travel provides more movement than the keyboards on laptops such as the XPS 13, MacBook, or ThinkPad X9.
The key press is quiet, the layout is conventional, and buyers can retain a right Control key rather than replacing it with a Copilot key.
The new haptic trackpad is a major upgrade. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and we did not experience palm-rejection problems during testing. Its click feels soft by default, but the intensity can be adjusted in Windows settings.
A Bright, High-Resolution Touchscreen
The 13.5-inch IPS display has a resolution of 2880 x 1920, a productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz variable refresh rate.
This year, Framework has increased the brightness and added touchscreen support. The high resolution and tall aspect ratio make the display particularly useful for programming, spreadsheets, and document work, while the matte coating reduces reflections.
The main downside is a visible screen-door effect. When looking closely at white content, coloured pixels can be seen through the touchscreen layer.
Apart from that, this is an excellent productivity display and one of the strongest reasons to consider the Framework 13 Pro.
The Best Port Selection in the Industry
Framework continues to offer the most flexible port system available on a laptop.
There are four hot-swappable expansion slots, with options including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, full-sized or microSD card readers, and 10Gb Ethernet. The headphone jack remains built into the laptop, so it does not use an expansion slot.
All four slots support up to Thunderbolt 4 speeds and 140-watt USB-C charging. Thunderbolt 5 is missing, but the flexibility still gives the Framework a major advantage over every other 13-inch laptop.
Configuration Options
For most buyers, the lower-tier Intel Core Ultra 5 model with 16GB of memory is likely the best value. The pre-built version costs around $1,600 while retaining the premium chassis, display, ports, and trackpad.
The AMD Ryzen 7 configuration offers more CPU performance but costs around $2,300 and delivers worse battery life.
The Intel X7 combines stronger performance with excellent efficiency, but at around $2,900 it becomes a very expensive 13-inch laptop. Choosing 16GB rather than 32GB of memory reduces the cost, and the memory can be upgraded later.
That is one of Framework’s biggest advantages. Buyers do not need to overpay for memory on day one.
The Intel X7 processor provides a meaningful improvement over last year’s AMD Framework.
Common Performance Tasks - Geekbench 6
In Geekbench multi-core, it was around 16% faster than the Ryzen 7 model. In Cinebench, the improvement increased to approximately 27%.
Max CPU Performance - Cinebench 2026 Single Run
Those are solid gains, but the Framework does not get the full performance available from the chip.
The processor sustains around 30 watts, averaging closer to 35 watts when short boosts are included. A laptop such as the ThinkPad X9 15p feeds the same processor approximately 15 watts more and performs significantly better.
The HP OmniBook Ultra has the opposite problem. It does not provide enough power to its higher-tier X9 processor, so it performs only slightly better than the Framework’s X7.
The Framework’s limitation comes partly from its modular design. It continues to use a single-fan cooling system, while competitors such as the ThinkPad use more capable dual-fan solutions. As a result the internal temperatures are higher and delivers less performance than the hardware could otherwise deliver.
Heat and Fan Noise
Under a sustained intensive workload, the Framework becomes very warm on both the keyboard deck and underside. It can become too hot to use comfortably on your lap.
Hottest Surface Temperatures while running Cinebench 2026
This has been true of several recent Framework 13 configurations.
The positive is that the Intel model is quieter than many competitors. Framework appears to prioritize lower fan noise rather than aggressively cooling the processor.
We tested the Framework Control application and manually increased the fan speed. The laptop became much louder but only slightly cooler, and performance did not improve. That suggests the physical cooling system, rather than the default fan curve, is the main limitation.
Fan Noise - Cinebench 2026 10 Minute Run in Each Power Mode
During normal use, the experience is much better. While handling office work and occasional Premiere Pro video reviews, the laptop remained almost silent and only mildly warm.
The Intel model also feels cooler than the AMD configuration during everyday tasks, reinforcing the efficiency advantage of the newer processor.
Integrated Graphics and Gaming
The Intel X7 model uses the powerful B390 integrated GPU and performs significantly better than the previous AMD Framework.
However, it still trails laptops using similar Intel graphics. The Framework and HP OmniBook Ultra draw roughly the same amount of power during gaming, but the OmniBook consistently performs better. This may be caused by how each laptop distributes power between the CPU and integrated GPU.
Cyberpunk 2077 on The Framework Laptop 13 Pro vs HP OmniBook Ultra 14.
Gaming laptops available at a similar price are in another class entirely. A laptop with an RTX 5060 can deliver more than twice the graphics performance, and we have even seen RTX 5080 models fall into the Framework’s price range.
Cyberpunk 2077 High Settings - Upscaling & Frame Gen Off.
In Cyberpunk, the Framework produced barely playable frame rates. More demanding games such as Forza also struggled, even at reduced resolutions. This laptop is suitable for lighter games and older titles at lower settings. It should not be purchased primarily for gaming.
Not the Best Choice for Creators
he Framework 13 Pro is also difficult to recommend for demanding creative work.
Its small screen and limited sustained performance hold it back in video editing, and even a MacBook Air performed better in our Premiere Pro and Photoshop tests.
The Framework can still handle lighter projects, but creators spending this much money can find substantially better performance elsewhere.
Excellent Battery Life
Battery life is one of the biggest improvements to the Framework 13 Pro. Framework claims up to 20 hours of streaming, 17 hours of active web use, and 11 hours of video conferencing. Manufacturer claims are often optimistic, but this laptop came closer than expected.
Battery Rundown Test - Office Tasks.
In our office workload test at 300 nits, the Framework lasted approximately 15.5 hours. That is an excellent result.
The battery is around 10Wh larger than before, but the efficiency of Intel’s Series 3 processors is likely doing most of the work. The display’s variable refresh rate, which can fall as low as 30Hz, also helps.
We accidentally tested the laptop once in its highest performance mode, and it still lasted around 13 hours.
Performance on battery also remains strong, with only limited throttling. The ThinkPad still performs better, but the Framework no longer forces buyers to choose between respectable performance and long battery life.
Better Speakers, Average Webcam
The redesigned side-firing speakers are louder and clearer than those in previous Framework models. They still do not match the best premium laptops, but they are now good enough that most buyers are unlikely to complain.
The 1080p webcam is less impressive. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting but below what we expect at this price.
There is no infrared camera for Windows Hello, although the power button includes a fingerprint reader.
Linux Support
We completed a full installation of Ubuntu 26.04 and followed Framework’s setup instructions.
Most hardware worked correctly, including the touchscreen, haptic trackpad, keyboard backlight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness controls.
The main problem occurred when recording video with the webcam. The camera application crashed and displayed several driver-related errors.
Framework remains one of the strongest laptop companies for Linux support, but even an Ubuntu-certified device may still require troubleshooting.
Conclusion
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is the best Framework laptop we have reviewed.
It looks more premium, feels better built, has an excellent haptic trackpad, a brighter touchscreen, improved speakers, strong battery life, and more efficient processors. It also retains the repairability, upgradeability, modular ports, and Linux support that make Framework unique.
Unfortunately, it is still not a mainstream recommendation.
The laptop is expensive, relatively bulky, and limited by its single-fan cooling system. CPU and graphics performance fall behind competing laptops using similar hardware, while recent price increases have pushed the higher-end configurations into luxury territory.
For buyers who simply want a premium Intel laptop, the HP OmniBook Ultra costs less and performs similarly. The ThinkPad X9 15p offers better performance, a larger screen, and cooler surface temperatures. The MacBook Pro 14 delivers substantially better performance, especially at the price of the X7 Framework.
The Framework only makes sense when its unique benefits matter to you.
For buyers who want to repair, upgrade, customise, and keep their laptop for years, the Framework 13 Pro remains compelling. We would choose the DIY model with 16GB of memory and upgrade it later rather than paying for an expensive 32GB configuration.
It is a fantastic and genuinely innovative laptop. It is just not for everyone.
Pros
- Ubuntu (Linux), Windows, and no pre-installed OS, are all supported out of the box.
- Fully upgradeable, with fast LPCAMM2 memory modules
- Super bright, high-resolution IPS matte touch display. 13.5" with 3:2 ratio for great visibility
- Modular port selection with Framework's Expansion Card system up to Thunderbolt 4 speeds.
- Comfortable keyboard
- Has a haptic touchpad
- Larger battery, good battery life
Cons
- Still only has one fan for cooling while many competitors have two (will need to be tested).
- Costs more than similar laptops with the same specs due to its modularity.
- Gets very warm in super intensive tasks, but only slightly warm otherwise.
