Sustainable & Ethical Computers
Which PC, laptop and tablet brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Why are sustainable computers needed?
Computers are often considered an essential item. So many of us use our computers or laptops for work, personal admin or entertainment. The latest data from Statista shows that roughly 88% of households in the UK now own at least one computer. With more of us than ever working from home, and with much of that work being digital, owning a computer is seen by many as a basic necessity. Given the sheer size of the computer market, it is vital to ensure we are buying sustainable computers from ethical computer brands to minimise our social and environmental impact.
This article will explore the ethical issues involved in the production of PCs, laptops, and tablets, as well as the unethical activities that some computer brands are involved in.
Computer brands and their connections to conflict minerals
Most computers and tablets are made with conflict minerals. Conflict minerals come with an array of human rights issues, as they are typically sourced from countries experiencing violence and political instability, where the money from the minerals is used to fund further conflict.
See our Ethical Mobile Phones article to find out more about why conflict minerals are such a major concern in the Technology sector. You can check the conflict minerals statements of computer brands to ensure they are being transparent about where they source their materials.
Fortunately, our Ethical PCs, Laptops & Tablets Ratings Table offers you an easy way to find sustainable computers from ethical computer brands who have clear policies on conflict minerals. All you need to do is look for brands in the green section of our table and see what options they offer for sustainable computers or tablets.
As well as the use of conflict minerals, there are other human rights concerns that some computer brands are involved in. Some of the computer brands in our list have been found to have committed labour abuses. These include forced labour and even child labour. Ethical customers will want to avoid companies involved in these unethical activities when searching for sustainable computers.
Elements known as “conflict minerals” are often obtained from war-torn areas, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the income from these resources go toward sustaining violence, conflict, and human rights abuses. Other minerals have also been linked to this problem. Tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold are the key conflict minerals, also known as 3TG.
Several of these minerals are necessary for producing a variety of home devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and televisions. Due diligence and clarity regarding the possibility of conflict minerals in their supply chains are thus crucial from the businesses that sell these goods.
To find out more about how we rate brands for their conflict mineral usage and policies, visit our methodology page.
Our independent research: Computer brands and political donations
Our latest research into the PCs, Laptops, and Tablets sector has revealed some ongoing unethical activities that popular computer companies have been involved in. We have identified some of the worst examples, so you know which brands to avoid when looking for sustainable computers or tablets.
We have marked down some brands for making Political Donations to politicians or parties, primarily in the United States. At The Good Shopping Guide, we firmly believe that companies should not be influencing democracies. All companies found to be making political donations over £10,000 are marked down in our research.
Political donations are especially relevant to the technology sector, making some of the largest donations we have ever uncovered. These computer brands include Apple, Dell, HP, and Toshiba, but the worst offenders are Kindle (an Amazon subsidiary) and Microsoft. According to Open Secrets, Microsoft donated over $24 million to U.S. political parties and candidates between 2018 and 2022, whilst Amazon donated a whopping $29 million. (Another reason to avoid Mr Bezos!)
What is an ‘eco-label’ on my sustainable computer?
Once you have identified the most ethical computer brands to choose from from our Ethical PCs, Laptops & Tablets Ratings Table, you’ll need to know how to find the most sustainable computers within their product range. Here are some handy tips and tricks to finding sustainable computers.
Check whether the product carries an eco-label to ensure your next computer is made to the highest environmental standards. An eco-label certification confirms that a product has a reduced impact on the environment throughout its lifecycle.
For instance, products that are TCO certified must meet the TCO standards on several social and environmental issues, including worker’s rights, conflict minerals, durability, and recyclability. Many sustainable computers will carry eco-labels, so you can check this before you make a purchase.
The benefits of a second-hand computer
Additionally, have you considered buying a second-hand computer or refurbished computer? Much of the social and environmental impact from a computer- such as mining for conflict minerals- comes from the production and manufacturing process.
A refurbished or second-hand computer is a great option for reducing the demand for conflict minerals and increasing the lifecycle of a product. Buying a second-hand computer avoids directly financing unethical computer brands. There are many online sites, as well as local stores, that offer options for a second-hand computer at affordable prices.
If you have a PC, you may also benefit from buying second-hand computer parts, which can often be a lot cheaper than buying a brand new PC. For instance, if your monitor is broken, why not buy a second-hand computer monitor, rather than a brand new one? Some computer brands specialise in creating technology that is designed to be repaired, rather than manufacturing planned obsolescence, as many large tech brands are guilty of.
See our Ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ratings Table to compare brands
The Good Shopping Guide has ranked and rated the most popular tech brands, so that consumers can buy ethical and sustainable computers, laptops and tablets. But as well as formulating a rating for brands in each research category, we have also compiled detailed reports on every brand on our tables. Click on a brand name to read more information about brands and their ethics, their histories and their sustainability certifications and policies.
Acer, ASUS, Dynabook, LG, Avita, Venturer, Alienware, Dell, Honor, Apple, HP, Lenovo, MEDION, Fire, Kindle, Microsoft, Samsung and Huawei.
Why is it important to consider ethics and sustainability when buying computers, laptops or tablets?
Computers are essential devices used for work, education and entertainment, and most households now own at least one. Because the global computer market is so large, the environmental and social impacts of producing these devices are significant. Ethical purchasing helps reduce problems like harmful mining practices, poor labour conditions and unsustainable production methods.
What are “conflict minerals” and why are they an ethical issue in computer manufacturing?
Many electronic devices contain minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (known as “3TG”). These materials are often mined in regions experiencing conflict, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Revenue from these minerals can fund violence and human rights abuses, making transparent and responsible sourcing an important ethical consideration for technology companies.
What kinds of labour issues are sometimes linked to computer production?
The manufacturing supply chain for computers can involve serious human-rights concerns. Reports have linked some technology companies to labour abuses including forced labour, unsafe working conditions and even child labour. Ethical consumers often try to avoid brands associated with these practices and prefer companies that publish strong labour standards and transparent supply chain policies.
Why are political donations by technology companies considered an ethical concern?
Some large technology companies have donated significant sums of money to political parties or candidates. Critics argue that corporate donations can influence political decisions and undermine democratic processes. Research has identified companies such as Microsoft and Amazon as major political donors in the technology sector, leading some ethical ratings systems to mark these brands down.
What eco-labels can help consumers identify more sustainable computers?
Eco-labels are certifications that indicate a product meets certain environmental and social standards. For example, computers with TCO certification must meet requirements relating to worker rights, responsible mineral sourcing, durability and recyclability. Looking for recognised eco-labels can help buyers identify computers designed with lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
How can buying second-hand computers reduce ethical and environmental impact?
Much of the environmental damage from computers occurs during manufacturing, especially through mining and material processing. Buying refurbished or second-hand devices extends a product’s lifespan and reduces demand for new raw materials. It can also prevent working devices from becoming electronic waste while often saving consumers money compared with buying new technology.
Which computer brands tend to perform better or worse in ethical comparisons?
Ethical rating tables compare brands based on environmental policies, human rights practices and transparency. Some brands such as MSI and ASUS achieve higher ethical scores, while others including Samsung, Microsoft, Amazon’s Fire/Kindle, and Huawei rank lower due to issues such as political donations, human-rights concerns or weak environmental policies.
Is ASUS an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
ASUS sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as Environment, Animal Welfare, and conflict‑free materials, although it falls short in Human Rights and does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation. While not accredited yet, its above‑benchmark performance reflects ethical policies, and pursuing Ethical Accreditation could further show commitment to sustainable business practices.
Is AVITA an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
AVITA sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as Environmental absence of links to Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels and Armaments and strong Animal Welfare ratings, although it falls short in Code of Conduct, Eco Labels and Conflict Minerals and lacks Ethical Accreditation. While above the benchmark, applying for Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Honor an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Honor sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, excelling in aspects like Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power and Animal Welfare but underperforming in key areas such as Eco Labels and Conflict Minerals. It does not hold Ethical Accreditation and has yet to meet the minimum ethical standard. Readers can explore brands that meet the ethical benchmark on the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Venturer an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Venturer sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as absence of links to Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels and Armaments, although it falls short in Eco Labels and Conflict Minerals. It does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation. While above the benchmark, pursuing Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Acer an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Acer sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It receives strong marks for Environmental Report, Nuclear Power, Eco Labels and Conflict Minerals, but falls short in Human Rights and faces criticism in other areas. Acer does not hold Ethical Accreditation, and readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that meet the ethical benchmark.
Is LG an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
LG sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It earns positive marks in areas like Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels and Eco Labels, yet performs poorly in Human Rights and Other Criticisms and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. LG does not meet the ethical standard, and readers can refer to the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is HP an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
HP sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, achieving solid marks in Environment, Animal Welfare and Conflict Minerals but performing poorly in areas like Political Donations and Human Rights. It does not hold Ethical Accreditation, and therefore does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is Dynabook an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Dynabook sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in Environmental Report, Nuclear Power, Eco Labels and Animal Welfare, although it falls short in Human Rights and Human Rights+. It does not hold Ethical Accreditation, and therefore does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is Lenovo an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Lenovo sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It receives positive marks in areas such as Environment, Nuclear Power, Eco Labels, Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare, yet underperforms in Human Rights and Political Donations and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. Lenovo does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that meet the benchmark.
Is MEDION an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
MEDION sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, earning positive marks in areas like Environmental performance, Animal Welfare and Conflict Minerals but falling short in Human Rights, Political Donations and Other Criticisms. It does not hold Ethical Accreditation and therefore does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that meet the benchmark.
Is Apple an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Apple sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table, earning positive marks for Environment and Animal Welfare but falling short in Human Rights, Political Donations and Other Criticisms. It does not hold Ethical Accreditation and therefore does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is Alienware an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Alienware sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It earns some positive marks in areas such as Environmental Report and Nuclear Power, yet underperforms in important areas like Human Rights and Other Criticisms and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. Alienware does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is Dell an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Dell sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It receives positive marks in areas such as Environment, Nuclear Power and Eco Labels but underperforms in key areas like Human Rights and Political Donations and does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation. Dell does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is Fire an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Fire sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Nuclear Power, Eco Labels, Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare, although it falls short in Human Rights, Political Donations and Other Criticisms due to ties with Amazon’s broader ethical concerns. It does not hold Ethical Accreditation, and readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that meet the benchmark.
Is Kindle an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Kindle sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. While it earns positive marks for Environment and Nuclear Power, it performs poorly in areas like Human Rights and Other Criticisms largely due to its parent company’s wider ethical concerns. It does not hold Ethical Accreditation, and readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that meet the benchmark.
Is Samsung an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Samsung sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It earns positive marks for Environment, Nuclear Power and Eco Labels, yet underperforms in key areas like Human Rights and Political Donations and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. Samsung does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is Microsoft an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Microsoft sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It receives positive marks in areas such as Environment, Nuclear Power and Eco Labels, yet underperforms in key areas like Human Rights and Political Donations and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. Microsoft does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
Is Huawei an ethical PCs, Laptops and Tablets brand?
Huawei sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table. It receives positive marks for Environment, Nuclear Power and Eco Labels, yet underperforms in critical areas such as Human Rights and Political Donations and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. Huawei does not meet the ethical standard. Readers can consult the PCs, Laptops and Tablets Ethical Ratings Table to find brands that achieve the benchmark.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.