The Best Debian AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Debian

Debian is described as 'The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian' and is a leading Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Debian for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Debian alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Debian are Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Fedora and Manjaro Linux.

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Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1170 likes

    Linux distribution focused on desktop use, with unique menus, media codecs, browser plugins, and DVD support pre-installed; offers easy package management, compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, and a Debian-based alternative for consistency and reliability.

    184 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
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    2
    Linux Mint vs Debian Comments
    alexandredarochacelestino
    Positive
    5

    User friendly interface, pack of apps. Pre configured with java and flash.

    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    Not much an alternative, but alongside with Manjaro it's fairly, useful, sleek and intuitive to use from everyone coming from macOS or Windows. I think Debian it's more powerful, but it has it's learning curve.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2369 likes

    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    167 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    1
    Ubuntu vs Debian Comments
    LindsayBinsThompson
    Positive
    -23

    Ubuntu is best alternative by their quality OS

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  4. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     784 likes

    Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking.

    200 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    3
    Arch Linux vs Debian Comments
    Kelson V
    Positive
    0

    Usually more current than Debian, but also more of a pain to set up a new system, and doesn't run on as many architectures.

    OAKSIF0
    Positive
    -3

    If you want something stable and more customizable with support and a better package managing system Arch Linux is for you. You can even use debtap to convert Debian packages to an Arch Package, there are other 3rd party programs that can do that too.

    Guest
    Positive
    -7

    Also light and configurable, ArchLinux is a much more up to date, and stays that way all the time. Its package manager is also much faster and easier to use.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is MinimalisticDebian is not according to our users
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  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     600 likes

    Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

    183 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
  7. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     329 likes

    Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting...

    180 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
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    1
    Manjaro Linux vs Debian Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Arch based and drivers supports

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Security-focusedDebian is not according to our users
  10. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     143 likes

    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and privacy-focused updates.

    186 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
  13. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     266 likes

    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    193 FreeBSD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
     
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    1
    FreeBSD vs Debian Comments
    OAKSIF0
    Positive
    2

    Very stable and secure like Debian, but not Linux its BSD based. FreeBSD has been used as a base system for secure computing environments.

    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  14. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     99 likes

    Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

    176 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
  15. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     39 likes

    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    72 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
     
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