We might earn a commission on purchases made through links.
Contemporary laptops have increased in capability and can last a full workday provided you’re not engaging in processor-demanding and battery-draining tasks such as video editing or gaming. Although companies have been tackling these two challenges in recent years, users have also noted a decrease in modularity as more firms adopt Apple’s approach of soldering critical elements to the motherboard, including RAM and SSDs.
In response to this trend, Framework was established in 2020. It assembled specialists from renowned brands in the field like Apple and Lenovo, aiming to develop laptops that are modular and repairable. Framework’s inaugural laptop debuted in 2021, successfully fulfilling the commitment to modularity and upgradability. The company has introduced several models since then, with the 2025 Framework Laptop 16 enabling upgrades to the mainboard, memory, storage, graphics card, and allows swapping of various other components.
The idea of modular and repairable laptops is indeed commendable and very much appreciated, potentially representing the future, especially in an industry that consistently opposes user repairs and upgrades through soldered parts. However, before the market can see modular laptops become a norm, there is still one final obstacle to overcome: cost. To be frank, modular laptops tend to be pricier compared to the typical single-build laptops.
Laptop modularity comes at a premium
Framework is undoubtedly the frontrunner in modular laptops, and its partnership with Nvidia and AMD to provide upgradeable GPUs in the second-generation Framework Laptop 16 was a significant achievement in the sector. However, to acquire one of the modular alternatives from the brand, you should be prepared to invest a bit more compared to a similar single-build laptop from other brands. For instance, consider the Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop and see how it compares to the Framework Laptop 16 Performance Pro model.
The Framework is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, 16 GB of memory, and 512 GB of storage. The Acer Nitro 16 features the same CPU and memory configuration; however, it boosts the storage capacity to 1 TB. The Acer Nitro 16 is priced at $1,179, while the Framework will cost you $1,649 (after a 6% discount). That’s a difference of $470 compared to the Acer, for half the storage. For the 2025 version of Framework Laptop 16 utilizing AMD’s AI 300 Strix Point series chips, pricing begins at $1,799 for a model with a Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB storage.
The Dell 16 Laptop features the same chip, double the memory and storage, and is available for just $858 on Amazon. Modular laptops also start at a significantly higher price point than traditional laptops. Yes, you may find lower initial prices on Framework’s site starting around $549, but that’s for the DIY models, which provide a basic laptop without a processor, memory, storage, or power adapter.